Hallelujah...He is risen!!!

Resurrection Day

Slowly walking to the tomb,
To see Him one last time,
We carried ointments and perfume
To anoint our Lord sublime.
With trembling steps we struggled on,
Our hearts were breaking so,
And then we saw the empty tomb,
Oh, who would stoop so low?
To rob us of one final glimpse,
And strike yet another blow?
Then He stepped out from the shadow,
With a smile upon His face,
A peaceful calm fell on us there,
In the overflow of grace!
I fell to touch His garment,
And praise His Holy Name!
My precious Savior lives today,
I will never be the same!

Copyright @1999 Thom Tapp

Scrap & Stamp Sketch Challenge: Give Thanks

A *new* challenge is up at Scrap and Stamp...it's a sketch!!! All you have to do to be eligible to win a FABBY prize is create a layout based on the sketch AND use at least one stamp. For my layout, I random stamped some leaves in the background :)

I hope y'all find some time to play along with us...remember, although we introduce a new challenge EVERY Saturday, our challenges are open for 2 weeks! Have fun and Happy Easter, everyone!!!

TLC scrapbooking kit(won at a Scrapbook Bingo..woot!)
A Summer's Wave SS (CTMH)
Olive ink (CTMH)
twill Ribbon (SU!)
pewter photo hangers and brads (CTMH)
Just Blooms paper flowers (CTMH)
button (Stickopotamus)
White Daisy CS (CTMH)

Scrap & Stamp: 2-pager

Found some time to play in my craft room this morning...YAY! I designed this LO based on a PageMaps sketch last week, but never got around to the final assembly. One of these days, I'll learn...I have 5 very naughty kittehs that LOVE to hang out on my table and bat all my little bits around *insert annoyed smiley* I had to hunt down several ricrac pieces and missing brads this morning LOL

I am submitting this one to Scrap & Stamp's 2-pager challenge. You still have one more week to play along with this one. Be sure to visit Scrap & Stamp tomorrow...my fellow DT members and I will be revealing a brand NEW challenge, a cool prize and lots of inspiration as well! Thanks for looking :~)

CAS Easter Cards

As usual I had intended to create Easter cards with a WOW factor, but time got away from me and I found myself scrambling at this late hour just to put SOMETHING together to mail out in time :( Considering I got all of them done this morning, I think they're quite nice after all :)

Here is a look at the inside:

Now I must get some shopping done for the upcoming holiday and celebration. Emmalee needs shoes yet and I havent gotten the ham or candies to fill baskets. Must visit the bunny at the mall as well...aghhh...no time to play in my scrap room I'm afraid. Although, I will definitely be back Saturday to reveal my creation for the *new* Scrap & Stamp challenge. Good afternnoon all!!!

CTMH goodies from my AWESOME upline!!!

I am a proud member of the Close to my Heart DREAM team and truly fortunate to be a first downline of FABULOUS Karen Morris :) She is such an inspiration and does so much for her team...even those of us who live across the country. I actually got to meet her AND get a pic when I attended my very first CTMH convention in Orlando FL in 2008. I felt like I was in the presence of royalty LOL She is so darn sweet :)

The last few weeks, she has been posting discussion questions so that we may share ideas and gain inspiration from each other. This is a great tool in and of itself, but in addition, Karen sends goody bags to randomly selected lucky participants. This week, I was a winner!!! I received my goodies in the mail today, and I am so THRILLED...cannot wait to play in my scrap area :) Thank you, Karen for all that you do for us...you ROCK!!!

GYSO #14: Dinner Theater 2009

I just discovered a new scrapbook challenge blog...Get Your Sketch On, aka GYSO! *happy dance* What a great sketch and the DT samples are beautiful!

I've used the last bit of my CTMH Everlasting paper :( I really like the vintage and elegant feel to these papers. The photo is DH and I just before going to see the Christmas show at the Rainbow Dinner Theater in Lancaster. Several years ago we gave my parents tix as a gift. They raved about the food and the acting, so we got season tix. The shows are all comedies and we really look forward to getting out of the house and having a good laugh :)

I wanted to try a little something different on this LO, so instead of just gluing on my beloved paper flowers that I ALWAYS use, I decided to try my hand at some rolled paper flowers. I've seen them everywhere, loved the look, but just never took the time. Here is a closer look...I think they turned out pretty well for my first attempt :~)

Other supplies used:
Opaques/pearls(CTMH)
Fiskars Apron Lace border punch
CM circle cutter
tag punch(Marvy)
silver brads (MM)
Cranberry ribbon (CTMH)
Holiday buttons (CTMH)
twill ribbon from my stash

Scrap and Stamp Saturday: Scrap a Silly Moment

Although we introduced a new challenge today, there is still another week left to play along with our 'Silly Moments' challenge at Scrap & Stamp. My fellow DT members have some amazing artwork and a few giggles to share :) We'd be so pleased to have you join us. I wasn't able to submit a LO last week as I was ill, but thankfully found some time to play today. To help me get started, I used a PageMaps sketch. I LOVE sketches like this one where I can make good use of scraps. Thanks for looking :)

Animal Cookies pp (CTMH)
Animal Cookies sticker borders (CTMH)
Sweet Love SS (CTMH)
Tulip and Black inks
Dutch Blue and White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Tulip marker (CTMH)
date stamp (Provocraft)
flower brads (MM)
felt flowers (MM)
buttons and embroidery floss from my stash
mulberry paper(Paperbilities)

Scrap and Stamp Saturday: TAGS!

It's Saturday...time for another FAB challenge from my peeps over at Scrap and Stamp! This week we are asking you to use tags on your layout and of course, use at least one stamp :) MY SSS DT members have some AWESOME artwork to inspire you PLUS we have a terrific prize up for grabs, so I hope you'll join us!

I began my layout with a sketch I found in my CTMH how-to book, Magic. My tags are put together with a brad forming a lil mini book right on my page... brilliant, right???

Here is a closer look at the tags:

I've had this "Fruit Stand" scrap kit from SEI for years and thought it was perfect to feature photos of my yearly strawberry jam making :) I can't wait till JUNE arrives to make my annual trek out to the field and make some more yummy preserves to spread on my toast...we are completely out now...Agghhh! LOL

To dress up the strawberry diecut tag, I added a bit of prisma glitter and stamped the sentiment, 'You make life sweet' from the CTMH Love of My Life SS.

Other supplies:
Flower stamp from Adorable SS used to create pattern on my yellow tag (CTMH)
Buttercup and Black inks (CTMH)
Autumn Terracotta, Sweetleaf, Crystal Blue CS (CTMH)
Just Blooms paper flowers (CTMH)
ribbon, buttons, brads, yellow CS from my stash/scraps
Fiskars Apron Lace border punch
corner rounder used to create scallop edge (CTMH)

Unscripted Sketches 100th Sketch!!!

Happy blog-iversary to Unscripted Sketches! There is still time to join the fun...hop and play along. You have until midnight tonight to comment, answer the riddle and/or link a project for a chance to win a prize from their terrific sponsor, Sparkle Creations :)

Here is my take on this week's AWESOME sketch. I used the April *freebie* over at The Creative Cottage. This shoppe has such super cute papers and kits, and all this month you can enter a project using any of their products for a chance to win your choice of TWO kits...WooHoo!!! Thank you so much for another FABULOUS Freebie, Tracy :)

Other supplies:
ricrac (CTMH)
Chocolate CS (CTMH)
buttons from my stash
Cuttlebug 'circles' embossing folder

Emmalee Turns 5!

The challenge over at Scrap and Stamp this week is 'Anything Goes'. It doesn't get any easier than that! The only requirement is to make a scrapbook page and use at least one stamp. The prize this week is an *awesome* acrylic stamp set. I hope you will play along. For my layout, I decided to start with this week's sketch from Sketchy Thursdays.



I usually take a literal approach, but this time I rotated the sketch and altered it just a bit to better accomodate my photos.



Recipe:
*all supplies are CTMH unless otherwise stated*
Life Delights pattern paper
Colonial White CS
Celebration SS
Blush, Chocolate & Liliac Mist inks
Scrabble letter stickers(EK Success)
Fiskars butterfly punch
Fiskars border punch
clear sparkles
George and Basic Shapes Cricut cartridge
vellum
sparkle brads(MM)

wish-shoe a happy day!

My Nana's birthday is coming up later this month... this card is for her. She lives in Florida in an assisted living facility, and REALLY loves the handmade cards I send. She always calls to tell me how much she appreciates them, how incredibly talented I am *blush* and that she shows 'em off to all the other residents. Grandmas are just *SWEET* like that :)

I made this card using an archived sketch at PCP and the February FREEBIE @ The Creative Cottage. There were 6 different papers and these cute lil shoe images. The sentiment is from the SU! Celebrate in Style SS-perfect for my card. If you haven't yet visited The Creative Cottage, you must! The FREEBIE for March is an adorable birthday mini set. I was honored & beyond thrilled to have the card I made using that kit featured on their blog this week...woohoo! :) Thanks for looking.



Other supplies:
White Daisy grosgrain ribbon & CS (CTMH)
black ink (CTMH)
clear sparkles (CTMH)
watercolor pencils (CTMH)
border punch (Fiskars)
flower punch (Marvy)
silver brads (CTMH)

Make A Wish, Mark!

This week's sketch over at Unscripted Sketches is PERFECT for a scrapbook LO! And the challenge from last week @ Scrap and Stamp was to use punches and at least one stamp on our page. Although we introduce a new challenge every Saturday, you always have 2 weeks to enter and win a prize. I hope y'all will check us out and play along :)

I decided to do a page of my DH's birthday, which we celebrated just last week. Our 6 yo daughter, Emmalee, had the best time helping with the planning of the party and in case anyone is wondering why a 47 year old man has a pink cake with sprinkles, that is the reason LOL Good thing my husband likes strawberry :) It was REAllY nice to have our older children present...it's a rarity these days for all 6 of us to be in one place at the same time.


















*All supplies CTMH unless otherwise stated*
"Good Times" pattern paper
Chocolate, Colonial White, Buttercup, Sweet Leaf,
Twilight CS
Doodle Alphabet SS
Typewriter Keys SS
Rustic Alphabet SS
Playful Flourishes SS
Twilight, Sweet Leaf, Chocolate inks
clear sparkles
pewter photo hangers
twill ribbon
alpha stickers (EK Success)
paper crimper
border punch (Fiskars)
Boho Blossoms punch(SU!)
3/4 " circle punch (CM)
sandpaper
cupcake paper piecing pattern by Jodi Sanford @ Scrapbooks Etc.

Reflections of You NOW

It's Saturday and you know what that means...another AWESOME challenge at Scrap & Stamp :) This week we want to see everyone's layouts with the theme, "Reflections of You NOW".

I must admit, I had a hard time with this one initially, because I am rarely in front of the camera and never the focus of my LOs. Although I usually don't do alot of journaling, this time I purposely took time to share some of my thoughts and musings with my family and friends. So here I am at 41! :~)



I sure hope y'all find some time this week to play along...my fellow DT members have some FAB artwork to share, and as always there is a prize up for grabs :)

Note: all supplies are CTMH unless otherwise stated
"Veranda" pattern paper
Creme Brulee, Garden Green, Juniper, Colonial White CS
Atomic Lowercase stamp set (for the title 'self-portrait')
Garden Green ink
Colonial White edge anchors & brads
Garden Green spiral clip
Creme Brulee grosgrain ribbon
vellum quote (JoAnn)
orangy paper flower & buttons (MM)
hemp
corner rounder(to create scallops around circle mat)
Fiskars border punch
Just Blooms paper flowers

FREEBIE @ The Creative Cottage

Taking a wee break from scrapbooking today to get some cards made. Here is a simple birthday card. It went together fairly easy using this month's FREEBIE over at The Creative Cottage. They have a terrific assortment of papers and toppers that coordinate beautifully! Unbelievably, I didn't use a sketch or a challenge to create this one *gasp*...just whipped it up on my own LOL



And here is a closer peek at the layering I did using pop dots:



Thanks for looking :)

Recipe:
pattern paper, sentiment and images (The Creative Cottage)
White Daisy CS & grosgrain ribbon (CTMH)
felt flower and button(MM)
red sparkles (CTMH)
border punch (Fiskars)
embroidery floss (DMC)

CELEBRATE!!!

Today is a total day of celebration for me...I am officially joining the Scrap & Stamp DT!!!!! *happy dance* This was my very first application, and I was absolutely THRILLED when Regina emailed to say that I was chosen as a new member of the DT. I'm not usually one to toot my own horn, but I just had to share my joy/excitement :~) I hope y'all will play along. New challenges are posted every Saturday and you have 2 weeks to create your LO using at least one stamp and have a chance to win a great prize!

As if all that weren't enough, today I am celebrating my 4 year anniversary as a CTMH consultant...woohoo!!!! Anyone who isn't familiar with our FAB products or if you just want to see what's new, check out the Spring/Summer Idea Book here.




It seems I have finally beat the ickies that have plagued me all week, and when I return from DD ballet class and an afternoon birthday party, I plan to get some scrappin' done. Have a blessed day :)

FBD Blog Hop and Rubber Stamp Release Today!

I spent the morning convalescing on my couch, so no artwork to share today :( I caught a NASTY cold/cough/flu thingie and not feeling very well. However, with my laptop,tissues and a warm beverage in hand, I was still able to hop/visit all the uber talented DT members from Fresh Brewed Designs. The NEW rubber stamps are AWESOME and the cards made with them are simply STUNNING!!! If you get the chance, take some time to visit and comment. As if the eye candy weren't enough, Heather is offering a very generous prize and there is a chance for at least one other along the way. Are u ready? The blog hop begins and ends HERE. Have fun :)

**Note: If you are one of my blogless friends(you know who you are *wink*), contact me to get details on how to get in on the fun.

2009: A Year at a Glance

The challenge this week at Scrap and Stamp was to do a "year in review" LO, using at least one stamp. They are giving away an acrylic stamp set to one lucky participant. Their challenges run for 2 weeks, so there's still time to play along. I have never done a page like this and was a bit hesitant, but I really like the end result :)

To get started, I used the February Week 2 sketch over at Scrappy Sunday.



It was intended to be a monthly calendar page, but I just changed it a smidge to accomodate my photos. Susanna was kind enough to provide a template and full instructions, so if you'd like to make your own, you can check it out here.



And, here is a closer look at the flowers I created using a scallop punch :)



Recipe:
pattern paper and CS number stickers (SEI)
Dream Big SS (CTMH)
Chocolate, Garden Green, Hollyhock, Twilight Inks
scallop punch
gem brads (MM)
flower punch (Marvy)
pink brads (MM)

Scrappy Sunday February Week 4

OMGosh, I just love the simplicity of the sketch this week @ Scrappy Sunday!



I cut 3coordinating pieces of pattern paper to compliment my photo and centered on a 12x12 CS base. Next, to make my embellies, I punched some CS and placed a couple cute kitty-themed brads in the centers. I journaled with a pen around the outside...this was a BIG deal cuz I usually use the computer since I hate my handwriting! But I decided to just get over it and try something new LOL The title was created with some alpha stickers. Lastly, I added some faux stitching around the outside edge. Et voila! FYI...there is still time to play along and have a shot at the FAB prize offered by this month's sponsor, Imaginisce.



Thanks for looking :)

Meeting Clifford

Spent some time trying to finish several layouts that I started last year, but failed to complete. This one was my daughter's visit with Clifford at the local library. I'm so happy that Emmalee shares my love of reading!!! :)



Recipe:
pattern paper purchased at a LSS
Just Blooms paper flowers (CTMH)
red sparkles (CTMH)
ribbon from my stash
Fiskars border punch
alpha beads & stamps from QVC
All Mixed Up Cricut cartridge

Splash Lagoon 2011

My daughter's cyber school offered a discounted field trip to Splash Lagoon in Erie, PA this month. Although it was over a 5 hour drive, we just couldn't resist! Our family doesn't take many vacations, so this was a very special treat!!!

For some inspiration and help getting started, I checked out the February sketches at Scrappy Sunday. There is a FAB Imaginisce kit that will go to one lucky winner. The more sketch challenges you participate in, the better your chance. If you haven't checked it out yet, you still have time.

And the challenge at Scrap & Stamp Saturday was to scrap something, ANYTHING you love, (and use a stamp) so for me that is a family vacation...LOVE,LOVE,LOVE!!! :) Thanks for looking.

Sketchy Thursdays 2/17/11

Getting this one in a little later than usual...we were so busy having a BLAST at Splash Lagoon last Thursday & Friday :) Also I taught a workshop on Sunday, so not alot of time to scrap on my own. Here is my interpretation of the awesome sketch over at Sketchy Thursdays. Thanks for looking!

Sketchy Thursdays 2/10/11

I decided to dig out some old photos to work on this week. It was so much fun looking through pictures and remembering all the great times my family has had over the years :) I started with the sketch this week at Sketchy Thursdays. It's funny how every week I get a little giddy when I realize it's Thursday and there is a new FAB sketch to work with! As I was visiting challenge sites, I came across a tutorial on paper pleating over @ Practical Scrappers and decided to give it a whirl. It's hard to see in the photo, but looks nice in person :)



Here is a closer look:



Recipe:
pattern Paper & textured CS (DCWV)
Evergreen SS (CTMH)
Olive, Indian Corn Blue, Moonstruck inks (CTMH)
ribbon & embroidery floss from my stash
metal photo clips and rub-on numbers (MM)
metal alphas (QVC)
snowflake buttons (CTMH)

Scrap & Stamp 2/5/2011

The challenge over at Scrap & Stamp this week was to create a heritage LO. This is a photo of my maternal grandmother when she was a young lady.



I decided to use the "That's Amore" papers from CTMH. They just have that old time, vintage feel I think. The stamp in the right hand corner is from the Picture This SS I received FREE at the CTMH convention last summer in DC. The verse is a stamp from The Present SS, which debuted in CTMH's 2010 Autumn Winter IB. I punched(Boho Blossoms from SU!) and layered the flowers, then secured with pewter brads. I used a Fiskars border punch to create the decorative mat accent. I hand cut the photo corners from Chocolate CS. The crochet ribbon and twisted metal clips are also CTMH. I used the edge distresser and foam tool with Chocolate ink to "antique" the journaling square. And since I don't own a sewing machione, I added stitching by hand.
TIP: To keep holes evenly spaced, use a piece of plastic canvas and poke with a needle or paper piercer.

Thanks for looking :)

Lazy Days of Summer

It's another FAB sketch over at Sketchy Thursdays! I'm working on some summer layouts to forget that I'm surrounded by cold, snow and ice :) These pics were taken on a HOT summer evening at the ballpark. Mark got skybox tix from a customer at work to see the York Revolution play. Emmalee had the best time cheering and clapping along with the other fans & of course meeting the mascot! As an added treat, there were fireworks after the game...good memories :)

*Note: all supplies are CTMH unless otherwise stated*
Lazy Days of Summer Level 2 PP & Stickease
Just Blooms paper flowers
clear sparkles
Star Dust Stickles(Ranger)
Buttons & embroidery floss from my stash

Scrappy Sunday: 2/3/11

YAY! The Scrappy Sunday challenge is back @ PCP!!!! Thank you Susanna for your wonderful sketch and beautiful sample layout :)

*Note: All supplies are CTMH unless otherwise stated*

"That's Amore" Level 2 PP
Just Blooms paper butterflies
clear sparkles (Recollections)
Typewriter SS
Love of My Life SS
Cocoa and Tulip inks
ribbon & buttons from my stash
pewter photo hanger

No ballet slippers here!

I couldn't resist snapping a shot of Em waiting to go to ballet class...in those FABULOUS light up boots that her Daddy bought for her :)

The sketch is a Scrap & Stamp design. Only requirement there is to create a page following the basic sketch AND use at least one stamp on your LO.

The pattern paper is from a DCWV Spring pack...if you go back a few posts you will see I've been using these quite a bit LOL I'm on a mission to use up my MOUNTAIN of paper before buying any new. We'll see how long that actually lasts LOL Also with all the ice/snow we've had here in the NE I am thinking SPRING!!!

OK back to supplies... for the title I used my Irresistibles alphabet stickers from CTMH. These are *awesome*...they have the dots already on them and you can use ink and a dauber to make them any color to match your project...LOVE it! I created the dimensinal flower from circles of PP, distressed the edges and put a corduoroy brad in the center. I added 3 CTMH pearls in the LH corner for balance. The large mat is punched on one side with a Fiskars boreder punch. Finally, the stamp I used is a sentiment from CTMH's Love of My Life SS. The inks,as you might have guessed, are 2 of CTMH's NEW colors that debuted in the fall...Sky and Cotton Candy.

Thanks for looking :)

Snow Queen & Sketchy Thurdays 1/24/11

It's been a looong time since I made my own background paper, but I decided to drag out one of my many snowflake SS and went to work. I random stamped different sized snowflakes using White Daisy ink. Although you can't really see in the pic, there are also teeny winter words scattered about the background. I added some clear sparkles in the centers and for some dimension, adhered some snowflake buttons. The pink CS is also sanded and I poked holes w/ paper piercer to add some faux stitching. I used two different Fiskars border punches for the strips near the bottom, tied a bit of ribbon and added a metal "LOVE" charm with some ricrac. The sentiment/journaling I stamped directly on the photos. Obviously, the sketch is from the uber talented DT @ Sketchy Thursdays. I am also submitting this one at Scrap & Stamp for their Anything Goes challenge. Thanks for looking :)

Recipe:

Bubblegum White Daisy & Citrus Leaf CS (CTMH)
Feathery Flakes and Winter Memories My Acrylix SS (CTMH)
White Daisy and Black inks (CTMH)
Ribbon buttons from my stash
Metal charm (CTMH)
White Daisy ricrac (CTMH)
PP from Spring Stack (DCWV)

Two Peas in a Pod

How cute is this image??? It is from the Romantic Vegetables digital stamp set I purchased last week from SJ's Little Musings. If you aren't yet a Musings fan, you gotta visit her blog...the stamps are absolutely darling and SJ recently had some acrylics featured on QVC. Congrats Sarah Jane!!! Of course whenever I make a card, I always check out the sketch @ Unscripted Sketches. I LOVE the versatility of this one. Thanks for the inspiration ladies! I also created a matching envie using a Coluzzle template and Fiskars border punch :)

Recipe:
PP from DCWV Spring Stack
White Daisy & Watermelon cardstock (CTMH)
Metal charms & ribbon from my stash
Stickles on the heart(hard to see in photo)
Fiskars border punches
Note: I added the sentiment using my computer