“Best Big Brother”

I don’t often get stuck on a page that takes me a long time to complete.  But this page, well, I just couldn’t get it finished.  I knew what I wanted and it came together quickly, but I just couldn’t get it done.  I think it’s because it wasn’t coming together as I had planned, but this is on that I finally just made myself finish so I could move on.

And while I’m not sure I’m super happy with the design, I  LOVE the story.  It tells of how A has been fighting me to brush her hair, but one day brother decided to brush it for her.  He was so gentle and kind she wants  him to do it now.

Supplies:  American Crafts (cardstock), Echo Park (paper), Cosmo Cricket (alphas & chipboard alphas), misc (flowers, buttons and floss)

“4 is Hard”

It’s been a hard almost year for A in our house.  She’s 4, and that’s hard.  One day I was just exhausted from the four year old attitude and drama and my husband gently reminded me how hard four was for our son as well.  I’m not used to my sweet little girl being in trouble (and neither is she), but I believe it’s just par for the course of the age.  I decided it needed to be documented on a page.
I did something very unusual for me, used a number.  I rarely use numbers on my pages, and if a number is less than ten, I spell it out just like I learned in English class all those years ago.
Supplies:  Cosmo Cricket, October Afternoon, My Mind Eye (lush alphas), Basic Grey, misc flower & pearls, Martha Stewart punch

Confessions….

I think we all have items in our stash that we go to over and over and over.  Things we like for different reasons, but we like none the less. 
I must admit, I have a fondness  (ok addiction) to these little tiny letters.  They are called different things by different manufacturers, Tiny Type (Cosmo Cricket), Ledger Letters (Making Memories) and more.  But they are all small letters, in rectangle shaped stickers all the same.

I love these little things for two reasons, first the design element.  They mix with larger letters fantastically.  But secondly (this is the real confession), they’re budget friendly.  Yes, I’ll admit it, I try to get the most bang for my buck (hmmm….I wonder where that phrase originated).  And these little bad boys help me do that!  I especially love the Cosmo Cricket ones (as you can see in the above picture) because they are about $1.50 per package.  BUT I’ve gotten endless pages out of them so far, and I don’t think I’ve run out of a single “e” “o” or “y” yet.  My scrappy heart loves that!

Here's a few links:
Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type
October Afternoon Mini Market Alphas
My Little Shoebox Mini Alphabet Stickers


Be sure to enter the Sept Challenge (use two or more photos spanning a period of time) before Friday!!!

Straight Lines with the Sew Easy

There’s a nifty little tool that has been on the scrapbooking market for a bit now.  I love my little Sew Easy by We R Memory Keepers.  Seems there is a bit of a love/hate relationship with this little gizmo.  I love mine.  But you do have to use a foam mat (preferable the one by WRMK designed for use).  It will not work on a self-healing mat, so don’t even think about trying it.  Trust me, you’ll save yourself a lot of frustration.

Today, I have quick little video to share about how to get a straight line with the WRMK Sew Easy.  (Yes, this is my well loved Making Memories paper trimmer – proof that I’ve created a lot of items by the love leftovers on it LOL).

Oh – and that stitched paper you see, it’s a sneak to the next challenge to go live October 1.  But don’t forget to play in the September challenge (info on the side bar).  You have until Thursday night to link up for your chance to win!!!

“Best Buddies”

Circles are everywhere right now.  Now, I don’t know if they are a trend or not….it’s hard to place a basic geometric shape as a trend, but regardless, in the scrapbooking world, they are everywhere. 

I had this photo of my kids and their little dog.  She’s the only one who gets to come into the house during the fall and winter.  But the kids just love playing with her.  Well, I only had one photo for this page.  I’ve not done many one photo pages lately.  I used to do them all the time, but I haven’t for about 9 months (and I have no regrets).  I knew I had to do something to fill the space.

  

I used Basic Grey’s Max & Whiskers and kept it very simple for embellishments.  I repeated the circles by using buttons as my embellishments.  I tried using some of the die cuts and stickers from the coordinating line, but I like the cohesion of just the circles. 

Supplies:  Basic Grey (paper & alphas), American Crafts (cardstock), Paper Trey Ink (buttons), Fiskars (punch), circle punches, Making Memories (ledger letters),

“Artist” – Using Kids’ Art

I know I’ve shared several pages in the past using my kids’ art as a key component of a page.  Today, I have another one. 

For some silly reason (my brain doesn’t always work with the same logic as everyone else’s it seems)….I simply cannot have boxes of kids art lying around.   But I very much want to save the favorite pieces.  I know we don’t need to save everything but those symbolic pieces along the way, they should absolutely be preserved.  But not in a box is my thought.

For me, they are much safer in an album, on a shelf with the rest of my pages. It works for me, and it makes my kids so very happy when they see that I incorporated their art into my art.  It makes them feel very validated as artists I do believe.

For a long time, my daughter drew all her people with 9 fingers (sometimes 8, usually 9).  She knows how many fingers we have, so we could never make a connection, but it was always very consistent.  It just makes me smile to look at it.

Also for me, there is something powerful about the connection between a picture of them and their art.  Something about the visual of how old they were when (or about) they created the art.

Supplies:  Making Memories (Chloe’s Closet), cricut w/ SCAL, Prima flowers, misc buttons, floss, cardstock

Feeling Famous ;)

It's an exciting day in my little world here on my mountain top.......(and not excitement as in trouble!  LOL). 

This morning I had TWO exciting e-mails in my box.  The first one, I completely knew was coming.  My Guest Designer Blog Post for Craft Warehouse was live!! 

Here's a sneak peek of my project:

If you want to see it all though, you have to go to the Craft Warehouse blog and check it out!

But the other e-mail, I didn't expect, and it was happy too!  Two of my projects were being highlighted at Jillibean Soup's blog for their Soup Spotting!  I was so honored and excited to be spotlighted! 

And now, back to reality I must go.  Even the famous have to live life right?  LOL  Time to get off the computer and find places to put the 11 quarts & 27 pints of pears and 16 pints of tomato sauce I made yesterday.  My cabinets are bursting at the hinges.....hhhmmmm........off to be creative in a different way :)

Enjoy your day and be blessed!

It's that time of year!!

Forgive me for not keeping my blog more current!  It's that time of year when I spend a lot of time in the kitchen.  I've got to get right back to it, I have 20 pounds of pears waiting to be canned and probably 40 pounds of tomatoes.  And this is round 3!!! 

But I have a full pantry and freezer.  Ah.....the sweet appearance of home preserved food.

Gotta run - pics later (if my camera cooperates....)

PS - don't forget to take part in my challenge!!!!  Only about a week left!

3-Ring Album Review *UPDATED*

After much frustration about two years ago I finally made the switch to 3-ring albums.  I haven’t used a post bound album in a long time (since the first year of scrapping).  I tried using the Pioneer strap conversion kits for post bound albums but didn’t have much success.  I was using the Creative Memories strap albums which I really liked.  But they are very expensive.  That left me frustrated and searching.

Finally, I found a 3-ring album on clearance sale for $5.  I thought, what the hey….and tried it (It was a Provo Craft that is no longer available, so I’m not going to review it).

After that, I was hooked!!

For today, I am reviewing albums made by seven manufacturers.  I know there are additional ones now, but this is what I have.  (I have purchased ALL these albums with my own money.  There is absolutely no product /compensation involved here).

• We R Memory Keepers (WRMK)
• American Crafts
• American Crafts Premium
• Becky Higgins LLC
• Making Memories
• Doodlebug
• Pioneer
• Die Cuts With A View (DCWV)

So you can visualize the difference in the spine thickness, here is a couple pictures of them all together. (Yes, there are differing heights.  I could only get them to stand together this way, but I do later address what I think are noteworthy height issues).

Left to Right:  Pioneer, Doodlebug, We R Memory Keepers, Die Cuts with a View, American Crafts, Making Memories, Becky Higgins LLC
In the next picture you can see the size of the D-rings inside the albums.


I am going to begin reviewing with my least favorite first (thanks C for the help modeling and holding the ruler ;) ).

First up:  American Crafts.  While I do like a great many of American Crafts products, this is one I am not going to buy again.  This particular one is a naked cover chipboard.  I bought it with the intention to add my own covering to it.  But I was so unimpressed, I gave it to the kids and didn’t even bother.



Suggested Retail Price:  $19.99

Yes, there are different covering options, this (the Modern) being the cheapest.  However, I didn’t feel the fabric used for the covering of the more expensive ones was much of an improvement.

Pages fit in album:  Honestly, I didn’t even try.  I was so unhappy with it.  But I would guess right about 20 page protectors using the thickness my pages are.

Overall Grade:  D

One sentence:  Yes it’s cheap, but I don’t believe it makes it a value because the quality is too far lacking. Slightly above the Modern Album from American Crafts is the American Crafts Premium Album.  In my book, Premium is an exaggeration.  I’m a big fan of American Crafts for many products, but sadly, albums is not one of them.

American Crafts Premium Album
I stepped up the price point on this album hoping to like it more than the Modern Album.  Sadly, I was disappointed.

Suggested Retail:  $24.99
This album is covered in a very light weight fabric.  There is no coating on it to protect it from dirt or dirty hands.  I also really don’t like that it’s the shortest height of all the albums (see first picture above).  I don’t believe that the fabric of the covering will endure the test of time.  Also, the inside of the album is just a paper, glued in place.  I’m not convinced that quality of materials would hold up to the abuse albums receive in my house.  I’m afraid the fabric or paper would tear at the joints and I’d have to replace it.
Additionally, there is no bookplate on the outside, a design feature I really like.

Pages fit in album:  I fit about 23-25 page protectors in it. 

Overall grade: C

One sentence:  I believe that this album is a poor value for the price.

Next up: Becky Higgins LLC (makers of Project Life, P365).  I bought the album al a carte from the Project Life kit.  I’m not sure it’s still available in this style, but I believe new ones will be coming.  (I will be updating this with the new style made by WRMK when they come out)



Suggested Retail:  $12.99 Amazon.com

This album has a padded paper covering with a cloth spine.  The outside cover was fine, but what concerned me about longevity was the paper on the inside of the spine.  I don’t feel like it will hold up to the test of use.  (Update – I was quite surprised that the black tape is already coming off with the use it’s had – I’m anxiously awaiting the new albums to update this again).
There is also no book plate on the spine for easy labeling.

Pages fit in album:  If using it for a scrapbook album rather than the Project Life purpose, I fit 23 page protectors in it. 

Overall grade: C

One sentence:  Better balance of price and quality, certainly not the best, but very fair for the price. 

Pioneer Albums

Suggested Retail:     $19.99
This particular album is a faux leather.  They make several different coverings, however, I chose the faux leather.  Colors selections are much more limited than other options.  The spine is curved.   However, the feel of the faux leather is a bit rough. 

As you can see though, it is a much bigger ring. This album does have a “pocket” on the spine for labeling it as well as a photo slot on the cover.  I think my favorite thing though is the corner protectors are round so they don’t damage my shelf.

Pages fit in album:  33 page protectors

Overall grade:  B

One sentence:  Definitely the best value.  If you’re not super picky, this is a fantastic option (okay that was two)….   
 




Die Cuts With A View (DCWV)
I think these albums are newer to the market, but I can’t be sure as I’ve had a hard time finding them at retail and online.   

Suggested Retail:  $19.99
If you’re looking for affordable, this is a great option, especially when you can purchase it on sale.  I really like the slightly rounded corner protectors and the stitching. 
The negatives to me were that the shades of colors weren’t exactly to my liking, and the faux leather felt cheap.  The other negative is that the D-ring is slightly smaller.  This album doesn’t hold quite as much.
The album is also a tad shorter (which might bother some if placing it next to a WRMK album).  But the quality of assembly appears to be good.

Page Protectors Fit in Album: 20 to 23

Overall Grade:  B

One Sentence:  Great value, if you are flexible on color options, it’s might be perfect for you.

Making Memories
  Suggested Retail:   $24.99
This album is a linen covering.   There are also faux leather covers (I have the faux leather in the post bound and do really like them).  If you want a prettier, more decorated album, this one is great.  I also really like the “oil rubbed bronze” finish of the bookplate on the spine.

Pages Fit in Album: About 23 for my pages

Overall Grade:  B+

One Sentence:  If you like pretty as your main priority, this is perfectly for you.

Doodlebug Designs

These are newer to the market, so I was anxiously waiting getting my hands on one! (But of course, I had to wait until I could get them on sale….)
  The bookplate has a different shape, a bit more detail. 
Suggested Retail:  $29.99

This album has fun colors!!  If you love the bright colors of Doodlebug Designs, this is definitely for you.  In my opinion, they did the bright colors much better than WRMK did.  But the flipside of that is I really don’t like the brown they offer.  (That’s why I decided to go bright and do the aqua).  This is the tallest of all that I am reviewing, so if you plan to mix it with existing WRMK albums and the 1/8” height difference will bother you, beware. 

The inside is lined with another faux leather that feels very vinyl like.  The texture of the faux leather though is better than others on the market, but not the best.

The other thing on this album that I can’t decide if is a plus or not is that the corners don’t have a metal corner protector on them.  I really like that for the sake of my shelves (I’ve gouged my shelves quite a bit with the WRMK corners), however, I’m not sure how well the corners will handle the abuse of on and off the shelves as they are.

This album style is very classic and timeless, however I think the colors are very trendy.  I'll let you decide what you think in that regard.  But the quality will definitely last many many years, if not a lifetime.

Page Protectors Fit in Album:  25

Overall Grade:  A-  (the lack of more neutral colors as well as the feel of the leather keeps it from being higher).

One Sentence:  Definitely a good quality album, and all the more perfect if you like bright playful colors.

Finally, let’s talk about We R Memory Keepers.  This is hands down my favorite. 



Suggested Retail:  $29.99 (the highest, however, I only buy when I can get then 40% off and stock up).

This album comes in many covers.  There is a faux leather (a very good quality faux) and some different cloth options.  I prefer the faux leather for the ability to clean it when grubby little hands look at it. 

This album has both a book plate on the spine and corner protectors.  The only negative I have about this album is the corner protectors have gouged my shelf up a little bit when I’m not especially careful putting it on the shelf.

This album also has a very classy, timeless and quality look to it.  I also like the detail used on the inside as well.

As for the tactile touch of the faux leather albums, I like the feel of the WRMK the best by far.

Pages Fit in album:  25

Overall Grade:  A

One Sentence:  Definitely the album of choice for the picky or those who pride presentation and want an album to last a lifetime.

(this picture courtesy of a 6 year old photographer…LOL)….I also think the We R Memory Keepers hold the pages most securely and need the least bottom support of all albums reviewed. (however, the Pioneer held pretty securely too).

In Conclusion:
In conclusion, to find what album is best for you, you should first decide if your main priority is design or potential lifespan.  If you are most worried about design, then purchase whatever tickles your fancy.  If you are most worried about your pages being safe without having the replace the albums, I would look at the We R Memory Keepers or Doodlebug as your best option.  The difference of the two being primarily which colors you like better.  However, as I mentioned previously, if you are anal about albums together on a shelf, you will want to chose one brand and stick with it due to the varying heights.  If you want durability but are on a tight budget, you may want to look at the Die Cuts With a View.  But whatever you chose, make sure you like it as well, because that’s what matter!

Thanks for reading!!  If you have any questions, please e-mail me or comment and I’ll try to answer them.

(Note:  The one album I have not yet reviewed is the Basic Grey.  I have looked at in the stores, and honestly, I refuse to buy one unless I can buy it on sale.  The D-ring is smaller and thus would hold less as well as I don’t like the paper covering.  There is no bookplate, nor anything to protect the corners (of a paper covering).  I’m afraid it wouldn’t last.  The retail is $23.99)

Purchasing Albums:  When purchasing albums, I always prefer to buy them onsale.  I don't have a problem paying full retail for trendy supplies, but the basics, I really don't like to spend my scrappy budget on.  I wait until I can find a good sale and buy several at a time.  I always prefer to purchase at my local stores first, however because that's not always an option (even if I'm willing to pay full price, they don't always stock what I like) I often order from http://www.joann.com/ or http://www.ritzcamera.com/ when they are 40% off.

Christmas Cards – Craft Warehouse Design Team

How does it happen that I always get behind?  No matter how hard I try to be caught up, it doesn’t last!!!  oy….

Well, here are the last two cards for my recent Craft Warehouse Design Team assignment.  Lots more Jillibean Soup Christmas Eve Chowder again.

The first one is a “photo card”.

Next is a “mass produced” card.  I used a 1” circle punch to punch the circles and create the scallop.  American Crafts ribbon finishes it off.  A nice clean card, not quite traditional though.

And stay tuned….Yesterday I picked up one of the pretty new Doodlebug albums, so I plan to redo my album review this week!  Keep a watch out for that.

Christmas Card – Craft Warehouse Design Team

Well, I warned you I was going to stretch this out.  So yup, here is another card.  This part of the assignment was to do an “elaborate” card.  Something fancier (or more technique/time driven than) than you would do for mass production.  The basic idea being that if you were to make just one special card, what would you do? 

For me, I’m not super technique-ey, so that meant stitching.  I do really like hand stitching.  And I usually do it while watching tv in the evening with my husband (the few evenings a week I do).  It’s multi-tasking so I don’t feel guilty about watching tv.

hris

For the stitching pattern, I used the existing pattern of two pieces.  The printed die cut had a scallop pattern border.  I just followed that with my paper piercer creating the holes for stitching.

I did the same thing for the border.  I used the Martha Stewart Doily Lace border punch.  It has two layers of scalloped holes.  I used the inner layer and again, went over it with my paper piercer so I could puncture all the layers of the card.  I then stitched it along the pattern.

Supplies:  American Crafts, Jillibean Soup Christmas Eve Chowder, misc floss, Martha Stewart doily lace punch

Hello Fall!

I think Fall needs welcomed with a card.  I’m *hoping* that today is the last day of heat and then a lovely fall is on it’s way (although up here on my mountain, even though it’s still hot, the light has changed and Fall is coming).

This card was made for the Craft Warehouse Design Team, and features Jillibean Soup Apple Cheddar Soup paper, bity bites & soup labels, a stamp from Pebbles and American crafts cardstock as well as a Martha Stewart Doily Lace punch.  Some hand stitching for a bit extra touch.

  And dare I say it, but I’m enjoying cards!! (at least when I have time to make them elaborate).

10 years ago

10 years ago today, the world forever changed.  I’ll never forget that morning.  My husband was youth pastoring at the time and we were meeting with a before school teen leadership study group and one of the kids said as we were finishing said “did you hear they bombed the pentagon?”  Both my husband and I froze and said “no, they didn’t.  WHO?”  Then another student confirmed it and we ran upstairs to the tv to turn on the news. 

Still not knowing it was a plane and not bombs, we turned it on the tv just as the second tower fell and I thought for sure the news crews were reporting the information incorrectly.  Surely the World Trade Center didn’t just collapse.  It was the World Trade Center!  A mammoth building, a symbol of strength.  But that it did. 

We spent the next few days (and longer) listening for every detail, living in a state of solemness.  But at the same time finding an incredible sense of patriotism and love for our country, community, fellow man and God again.

Today, I saw this picture taken by my friend Heidi (a photographer in the Seattle/Tacoma area).   It made me stop for a moment today and remember what it means to be an American, and how much I do love my country and my God.

 

"Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)" by Alan Jackson
Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you in the yard with your wife and children
Or working on some stage in L.A.?
Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
Risin' against that blue sky?
Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry?
Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know?
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below?
Did you burst out in pride for the red, white and blue
And the heroes who died just doin' what they do?
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters?

[Chorus:]
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell
you the difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you teaching a class full of innocent children
Or driving down some cold interstate?
Did you feel guilty 'cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone?
Did you call up your mother and tell her you loved her?
Did you dust off that Bible at home?
Did you open your eyes, hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep?
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Or speak to some stranger on the street?
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Or go out and buy you a gun?
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watchin'
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns?
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers
Did you stand in line and give your own blood?
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love?

Design Team Part 2 “Sweet Cider”

The first part of my assignment for the Craft Warehouse design team was to create a 12x12 page.  The kit we received came with a stack of 6x6 papers, so it took some creativity, but was a great challenge.  And it fit to my linear style well.  (I suppose one could say lack of creativity on my end here – cut squares :)) – but scroll down to see more about the papers.

The corrugated buttons are cut from a sheet of corrugated kraft paper.  I cut them myself. 

Journaling:  One of the best parts of summer is Cherry Cider at Orondo Cider Works.  And sharing is best!  July 2011

Supplies:  JillibeanSoup Apple Cheddar Soup, Jillibean Soup corrugated kraft letters, Jillibean soup soup labels, Martha Stewart doily lace punch, American Crafts cardstock, brown ink, Cosmo Cricket tiny type letters

In addition to this page, I wanted to show you a little trick I learned a long time ago in a quilting class about color (no, I don’t still quilt – I’m not patient enough LOL). 

I was trying to decide what placement to use for these colors so the visual “weight” would be at the bottom.  I was pretty sure I knew, but I just wanted to double check myself. 

I took the papers to my all in one printer and I make a black and white copy.  As you can see, the brown is the heaviest, the green & orange were  in the middle and the blue was the lightest (didn’t even show up really).

I used the copy to choose my placement order. 

Anytime you’re not quite sure, it’s a super easy trick to help you out!