Eat Cake!

Good Afternoon Everyone!
Normally, I like to post to my blog early in the morning...when my thoughts are clear and I know what I want to say. But since Verizon had a major equipment malfunction, we've been without our DSL for the past 19 hours, I was unable to get to blogger and post.

But now that Verizon has repaired its equipment, let hope there isn't any more outages. I was going crazy not being able to get onto the net to even check my mail. It was quite frustrating! But we're good to go!

I wanted to share with you a layout I did earlier this year. Its funny, I just shared a couple of days ago, the twins 2nd birthday layouts. And here I am today, sharing their father's 2nd birthday layout.

Back when Kevin was turning 2 years old, he was so in love with Winnie the Pooh. He would try to sing, Winnie the Pooh song but all he would sing would be "Winnie the Pooh, Winnie the Pooh, Winnie the Pooh!" It was so cute!! AND whenever he saw the Disney Castle and Tinkerbell with her wand...he'd come running, yelling, "Pooh, Pooh, Pooh!!!" And he would blop himself down in front of the television expecting to watch Winnie the Pooh.

This is a very simple layout, which is not what I normally do. But the papers, I think, take care of the "busy" feel to the layout. The "Eat Cake" paper came from Creative Imaginations. The larger matted bracket square is Sunflower and Goldrush from Close To My Heart. I made my own Glimmer Mist with Goldrush reinker and "Create-A-Shade" paint from CTMH and liquid hairspray. I selected this paper and colors because they matched so well with the Winnie the Pooh images I had in my stash. The border down at the bottom of the page, I used CTMH's Hydrangea (retired) cardstock and Martha Stewart's punch. The small bracket square in the lower right corner of the layout, I cut out with my cutter and I used Suzy Zoo stickers.

Let's hope that Verizon had permanently fixed their problem. With fingers crossed, and a big big wish, I hope to be back in the morning and post another layout I've completed lately.

So stay tuned...

Thanks for stopping by!

Until next time...

Happy Scrappin'!

Hugs,

Leanne

Paris at Night

Good Tuesday Morning to you all!

I know I haven't been posting like I should, but this week, I am going to try to catch up with all the layouts I have completed. The pictures on these layouts are from our Paris trip in '93. I am a little over halfway through with the Paris album.

You know once I find a sketch that I really really like, its like everything else just falls into place. The pictures, the sketch, the embellishments just seem to pop up out of nowhere and they say, "Use us!! We'll work for that layout!" If I force myself to use pictures I am unsure about, or even the sketch, the layout will show it. Its a feeling, I can't force. So, I just go with it and let that feeling guide me.





This is the case for these layouts. Once I found the sketch at my friend's Susan's blog, I just knew I wanted to scrap these pictures with this sketch and with this paper pack. The papers are Close To My Heart's "Wings" paper pack. Along with most of the flowers and pleated ribbon. I used Martha Stewart's "Punch Around The Page" punch for the border. I cut my title out with my cutter and made it "faux chipboard" I also sprayed it with some liquid glass and hair spray to give it a glossy finish to it. Then I finished out the title with some bling. I also added some "Say it with Crystals" flourishes to highlight all the shimmering lights of Paris.



Thanks for stopping by.

Until next time...



Happy Scrappin'!!



Hugs,

Leanne

Where's the light?

Happy Monday Morning to you all!

Just when I thought I was just about all caught up on the layouts I had sitting in my "to do" file, I started a bunch more. But because I needed one thing or another, I've put them on the back burner till I can get the necessary supplies. I have though finished up or will finish up this week a few more layouts.

This month's workshop was last Tuesday over at the Pizza Factory. We worked with Close To My Heart's "Fanfare" Workshop on the Go kit. It was so good to spend the evening with friends and work on layouts together.

Since I had more pictures than what the instructional brochure called for, I chose to use a different sketch. The sketch I used is from Allison Davis' weekly sketches. I love the big cupcake on the left page and chose to do some hidden journaling. Its from My Scrap Chick weekly Freebie Friday website. The other embellishments I used are from Suzy Zoo, such as the balloons and the title and the little duckie at the right page. I also used my 2" scalloped circle punch from CTMH along with the buttons. The number 2 on the right page is also from CTMH but it has since been retired. The birthday boy little tag is from a digital scrapbook kit and I converted it to a cut file. The ribbons I used came from my stash.

Thanks for stopping by and permitting me to share my layouts with you. I still have lots more to share. So, stay tuned.

Until next time,
Happy Scrapping!!
Hugs,

Leanne

Bliss

Update January 1, 2012
I noticed this in my blogger files, set as a "draft."  I thought for sure I had posted this way back in May.  This was the beginning of the hard times we spent this past year.  I apologize for posting this sooner.  I hope you enjoy reading this and enjoy my artwork I have attach to this post.  Leanne

*****************************************************************
Greetings from the oh so messy Rubber Room!
How was your day on Saturday? Were you able to do any scrapping? I woke up Saturday morning all excited and rearing to go. I knew I had a lot planned for the day and I wanted to get to it. Not only was it National Scrapbook Day, but here in our small little town of California City, we celebrate each year, the desert tortoise. The day/weekend is full of family fun. We start of with a parade down our main boulevard with lots and lots of floats. This year, Deborah walked in the parade with her Brownie Girl Scouts. And the twin, Jaden and Benny, accompanied with their dad, Kevin, walked in the parade with their preschool. Unfortunately, Matty didn't get to walk in the parade, but he hung out on the curb with his dad and watch the parade.

They had a lot of fun walking in the parade. Meanwhile, back at the homestead, I was gearing up for some heavy duty scrapping time. My plan was to complete a two page layout, that I had started a few weeks previously. And to complete another two page layout, that I started before I started the other. Plans never go according to schedule. But, the good news is...I did complete one of my two page layouts and even added another page for this particular album. So without further ado...

These are the layouts I did for my monthly workshop. Unfortunately, they weren't completed at the time of the workshop, but I did manage to work on some of it at the workshop and finished the pages last weekend. I was going to use these papers with CTMH's "Silhouette" papers, and continue with my wedding pictures, but decided instead, I would start on my daughter Kelli's wedding album. The papers are from CTMH's "Bliss" paper pack in addition to CTMH's "Spring Iris" cardstock. Most of the flowers through the layout are handmade. The tiny button flowers are actual buttons from CTMH and I just set one of CTMH's "Sparkles" gem in the center.


So, now that I'd completed, two pages of her album, I thought I would do her introductory page to her album.



I love the picture of the hands, showing the wedding bands, and the flowers. It sets the "ambiance" of the album. Don't you think? I had a lot of fun with this page. Let me tell you what I did: The birdcage...I cut out 5 of them, using my Wishblade. It gives the cage more dimension than just a single cutout cage. The flowers and the lace...well, the lace was a stark white and it clashed with the other colors, so I combined Colonial re-inker, alcohol, and hairspray along with a tad bit of glitter, into a jar and then added my lace and shock. Then I laid the lace out to dry, moving them periodically so that the paint wouldn't pool in certain spots. When it was completely dry I was able to make the flowers and then attach them to the layout. The two blue paper flowers I sprayed with my homemade glimmer mist. Nothing like getting your hands dirty with a little bit of ink! I also want to mention about the flowers...if you look at the photos of Kelli, you'll see she has some tiny little flowers in her hair. I used those flowers as well on the layout. It was the color of the flowers to select a complimentary color to the neutral colors of patterned paper.


So, this is what I was able to accomplish for National Scrapbook Day 2011.


I noticed in my files some layouts I haven't shared yet. So, stay tuned, and in the next few days, I'll share with you more of the pages I've completed lately.


Thanks for stopping by.
Until next time,
Hugs,
Leanne

Giveaway Time

Hi there!
I thought I would post this in case any of you are interested. Melissa at Creating from the Heart posted this giveaway on her blog this morning:

Melissa writes: "It's that time again! Time to give something away!! This time here's what's up for grabs!

A Martha Stewart All Around The Page punch!

And a $100 gift card...yes I said 100 hundred dollars...to Michael's Arts and Crafts!"



This is open to everyone. All you have to do is 1) leave a comment on Melissa's blog (click here) 2) leave a link on your blog to my giveaway and for an extra chance...become a friend(follower) of Melissa's blog.

This will stay open until May 30th, Memorial Day here in the States. After that, Melissa will randomly pick a winner and post it within a day or two.

So, check it out and Good Luck!

Hugs,

Leanne

Sorry for the Interruption

Wouldn't you know it? No sooner than I try to post my layouts here and the fun the grandkids had last weekend, blogger goes on the "fritz"! I didn't do it! Seriously...there had to be some major upset in the Blogger corporate offices. I can only imagine, seeing all the techno geeks, scurrying around trying to figure out what happened and trying to fix it. Thanks goodness there were no telephones numbers posted anywhere. Remember those days..."If you need further assistance, call 1-800-XXX-XXXX." Ok, Ok...its too early in the AM to make the wheels start turning. I've only had one cup of caffeine. So, anyhow, if you weren't able to access my new post from Thursday, check it out below and if you like what you see, feel free to leave a comment.

Thanks for stopping by...
Let's talk soon.

Hugs,
Leanne

Bliss

Greetings from the oh so messy Rubber Room!
How was your day on Saturday? Were you able to do any scrapping? I woke up Saturday morning all excited and rearing to go. I knew I had a lot planned for the day and I wanted to get to it. Not only was it National Scrapbook Day, but here in our small little town of California City, we celebrate each year, the desert tortoise. The day/weekend is full of family fun. We start of with a parade down our main boulevard with lots and lots of floats. This year, Deborah walked in the parade with her Brownie Girl Scouts. And the twin, Jaden and Benny, accompanied with their dad, Kevin, walked in the parade with their preschool. Unfortunately, Matty didn't get to walk in the parade, but he hung out on the curb with his dad and watch the parade.

They had a lot of fun walking in the parade. Meanwhile, back at the homestead, I was gearing up for some heavy duty scrapping time. My plan was to complete a two page layout, that I had started a few weeks previously. And to complete another two page layout, that I started before I started the other. Plans never go according to schedule. But, the good news is...I did complete one of my two page layouts and even added another page for this particular album. So without further ado...

These are the layouts I did for my monthly workshop. Unfortunately, they weren't completed at the time of the workshop, but I did manage to work on some of it at the workshop and finished the pages last weekend. I was going to use these papers with CTMH's "Silhouette" papers, and continue with my wedding pictures, but decided instead, I would start on my daughter Kelli's wedding album. The papers are from CTMH's "Bliss" paper pack in addition to CTMH's "Spring Iris" cardstock. Most of the flowers through the layout are handmade. The tiny button flowers are actual buttons from CTMH and I just set one of CTMH's "Sparkles" gem in the center.

So, now that I'd completed, two pages of her album, I thought I would do her introductory page to her album.

I love the picture of the hands, showing the wedding bands, and the flowers. It sets the "ambiance" of the album. Don't you think? I had a lot of fun with this page. Let me tell you what I did: The birdcage...I cut out 5 of them, using my Wishblade. It gives the cage more dimension than just a single cutout cage. The flowers and the lace...well, the lace was a stark white and it clashed with the other colors, so I combined Colonial re-inker, alcohol, and hairspray along with a tad bit of glitter, into a jar and then added my lace and shock. Then I laid the lace out to dry, moving them periodically so that the paint wouldn't pool in certain spots. When it was completely dry I was able to make the flowers and then attach them to the layout. The two blue paper flowers I sprayed with my homemade glimmer mist. Nothing like getting your hands dirty with a little bit of ink! I also want to mention about the flowers...if you look at the photos of Kelli, you'll see she has some tiny little flowers in her hair. I used those flowers as well on the layout. It was the color of the flowers to select a complimentary color to the neutral colors of patterned paper.

So, this is what I was able to accomplish for National Scrapbook Day 2011.

I noticed in my files some layouts I haven't shared yet. So, stay tuned, and in the next few days, I'll share with you more of the pages I've completed lately.

Thanks for stopping by.

Until next time,

Hugs,

Leanne

National Scrapbook Day

Happy NSD to you all!
I hope you enjoy your day, just scrapping away! I, too, plan on spending my day scrapping. I'll be back in the next day or so to share with you what I've accomplished. I plan on finishing up a couple of layouts I've been working on. And perhaps move on to a couple of new pages.

So stay tuned.

Happy Scrapping everyone!

Hugs,
Leanne

Scrapbooking - The Next Generation

Oh my, where has the time gone to? I know I haven't posted in a while, but I didn't realize how long a while its been. I got sick in February and it seems to take forever to recover. I guess that is what happens when you reach my age. Also, there are a lot of changes going on here on the homefront, that has me kinda spinning my wheels. I hate change...I try to roll with it, but that doesn't always work. Just know, that as things changes, I try to keep the positive aspect in the forefront and not dwell on the negative.

Anyhow, what I have to share today is something so precious to me. I started teaching my granddaughter Deborah to stamp when she was about 3 years old. She loved to stamped. But that is all she would do. Just stamp images (good and bad) on a blank piece of cardstock. But this past weekend, she came to spend the day with me and she asked if we could do a scrapbook page. So, I handed my how to book, "Reflections" and asked her to pick out a layout that she would like to do. I was going to have her do the whole layout by herself (with a little bit of guidance from her Gamma). So, she found the layout she wanted to do. I asked her what pictures she wanted to scrapbook. That was too broad a question for her. But she definitely wanted to an "All About Me" page. So, I asked her what age would she like to scrap, which she said, "Gamma, I think the age of 4 would be perfect."

This is when you're thankful you took the time to organize all those photos. I have all my photos broken down by year, then month, then activity. So, Deborah and I took some time going through each month looking at all the pictures and the fun things we did back then. I think she enjoyed this part the best. We laughed at all the antics she and her brother Matthew did during that time. The pictures brought back some happy memories for her. That my friends, is what scrapbooking is all about!!!

Once the pictures were selected, I gave her free reign to select any papers she wanted to work with. But before she started pulling paper packs out, I asked her, what colors should she be looking for. Deborah is one smart cookie, let me tell you. Her reply was, "Since my shirt is pink, I need to find some pink paper, and there is some brown on my shirt as well, so I'll need some brown paper too. Oh and Gamma, I love flowers so I need to look for some papers with flowers on it." So as Deborah started pulling paper packs from my stash, I set up my photo-editing program on the computer. I printed out some "rough" 3"x4" pictures so we could see exactly how the pictures would go with the papers.

Deborah pulled 6 paper packs and we went through each one and she decided if she liked it or not. It was all a process of elimination at this point. Till it came down to two paper packs, "More To Adore" and "Life's Delight". She selected "Life's Delight".

What a learning experience this was for Deborah! She learned how to coordinate colors, which is really easy when working with Close To My Heart products. She learned how to "dummy up" a page before attaching anything to the page. She learned how to read a ruler, and how to use a cutter and how to read the measurements on the cutter. She learned how to distress the edges of the cardstock with ink. She decided on the picture placement of all the photos.

It was a fun filled day for both of us. And I so look forward to doing some more scrapbooking with my new found partner, Deborah!!

Thanks for letting me share.

Until next time...

Happy Scrappin'!

Leanne

Final Page

Yup, that's right! This is the final page for my grandson's first year album. Now, I'm not one who can scrap in order, but when I noticed I had but a couple more pages to finish off Matthew's first year album, I was ecstatic! All I could think about was completing those final pages. I shared with you last week the final two pager needed for his album. You can scroll down and see. And today, this is the final page. Now, I can move on and work on his second year album and probably more of the other albums as well. If you would like to see all of Matty's pages, click here.

I had so much fun working on this layout. If you're wondering about the title, "Emejota," there is a cute story behind it. Matthew's mother (Kelli) started calling him "MJ" (short for Matthew James), but after a while, Matthew (like most little kids) started to ignore his mother. Out of complete frustration, Kelli one day, blurted out "Emejota" and that got Matthew's attention real fast. For those of you aren't fluent in Spanish (like me, I had to ask why) Emejota are the initials for MJ. That nickname has lasted till recently, when Matthew started in school.

The papers I used came from a previous Close To My Heart's Heart of Winter special, "Days to Cherish". The CTMH colors are: Holiday Red, Heavenly Blue, Buttercup, and Sweet Leaf. The big Sweet Leaf B&T paper scalloped circle I cut out from a pattern from CTMH's "Emporium" workshop guide. I used quite of bit of chipboard on this layout except for the title. Using the font, Miami Nights", I cut out the title 5 times from cardstock and glued them together. It really gives the page more dimension. Its what I like to call "faux chipboard." The real chipboard pieces are from CTMH's Irresistibles™ Pizzazz Chipboard Die-Cuts. These die cuts are so cool!! They have a resist pattern that show through when color is applied. And the little guy on top of the red bracket rectangle is from La Petite, which I bought back in 2005 on clearance for $.94. Don't you just love finding bargains like that? I sure do. Too bad it takes me forever to use them. LOL

Well, I am off on another scrapbooking adventure. Stay tuned for my next set of layouts. I can't believe I have completed 14 pages so far this month and we still have 7 days left in the month. Looks like 2011 is off to a great start!! Thanks so much for stopping.

Until next time...

Hugs,

Leanne