My "Happy Place"

Card Day at Linda's

2011-07-01T18:42:00.000-03:00

When I visit family in Ohio, we always have a card day at my cousin Linda's. What a great time This time, my daughter got to do it too. I am not sure how many cards we actually get done because Linda has great food and good wine. But, this time, I think everyone managed to be fairly productive, The fun part is the camaraderie and sense of family. Just lets say, a great time is always had by all.

Judy, check you the mini cards on the first page. They were printed on the Silhouette and sized to my liking. I actually stamped on them and added embellishments. I thought they were pretty cute.

Spectacular Morning.

2011-06-28T17:58:00.000-03:00

I was up early this morning and found I wasn't needed at the grand kids, so I took the long way home and was rewarded with these beautiful sites Taken at Renforth around 7:30 - 8am this morning. I have always loved the way the fob squeezes through the gap from Saint John and slides over the river like whip cream. Pretty.

2011-06-13T08:28:00.000-03:00

I will be here on saturday June 18th with Close To My Heart. I hope to see you there. Come and fill out a ticket to win some Close To My Heart products. Come and see what we are about. This is for a very good cause. Diabetes is on the uprise and research is needed to stop this. So, come on out and enjoy the displays and you will be helping support Diabetes research.

Harper's Ferry Historical site

2011-06-07T10:37:00.001-03:00

Of course, we were deep into Civil War Territory. So, we opted for a trip to Harper's Valley and John Brown country instead of a trip to Washington DC. I think we made the better choice. These are just a few of the photos we took that day. We stopped half way to our destination to get lunch and found a Fashion Bug with a huge sale going on. You know we did the dirty. Yup, bought lots of stuff and had a fabulous chicken and cranberry sandwich at McCallister's. The potatoe salad was almost as good as mine. LOL!! Kriss and I take photos of things that catch our eye, as apposed to documenting the place. It serves both purposes, but it is a lot more fun because to find corners and back yards that aren't on the tourist walk to take photos of . Thus, the photo on the top left side of the layout. Someone had stacked rocks on their rock wall and we wondered if they were somone's interprtation of Inuksuks. They were definately photo worthy. For both of us. The little photo on the top right side is from our mountain trek in the Smokey Mountains. It is Honeysuckle, Virginia style. So, done for now, but I will be playing with my Studio J some more today. I am hooked.

More Fabulous Mountains.

2011-06-07T10:30:00.000-03:00

I must say, Kriss and I had fabulous weather for this trip. On the first day, we took the National Park drive through the Smokey Mountains. What a ride. The views were just incredible. As you move down through to days post, you will see some of the incredible views. On this drive, we were amazed at the amount of Dogwood we saw. The trees were dotted everywhere we looked. These were taken in a picnic park we came across on the drive. We both took tons of photos here, and you will see more of them as I scrapbook them in Studio J. Yes That is Kriss sitting on the wall, and peaking from behind a tree. The chubby fella with the Orange striped barre ll is just one of the many road works guys we came across and he was kind enough to let us photograph him.
Kriss and I just wandered here in Virginia, taking roads not so used and found a treasure trove of photo opportunities. You will see them later.

Hello again!!!!!

2011-06-07T10:21:00.000-03:00

Well, I am back again. Life has been busy. Lots going on. In February, I became a Close To My Heart consultant. so far I am loving it, but I have a lot of work to do yet.
In May, My daughter and I took a road trip. We drove from here to Virginia and stayed in the Smokey Mountains outside of Harrisonburg Virginia. We stay for a week. Drove the roads less traveled and took some fun and fabulous photos along the way. Then moved on to Columbus Ohio, again, on the road less traveled. we went up,down and around the Shenandoah and Allegheny mountains. Beautiful! Breathtakingly beautiful. this trip was worth every driven mile. Here a a few views of those mountains.
I scrapbooked these on CTMH's Studio J digital scrapbooking program. I am hooked. These are my first attempts. so hopefully, it will get better. Learning as I go. You can actually go to the Close to My Heart website and try out Studio J for yourself. This month, you can even get a free down loadable jpeg file of hour efforts. One per customer for free. You should really give it a go. http://www.studioj.com
Or, go to my web page and access it from there. http://rastafford.myctmh.com , Just have fun with it.

Scraptacular Images Weekend on-line crop.

2011-02-05T16:57:00.002-04:00

So, this is the last weekend for the design team. You should hop on over and see what is going on. Lots of challenges and games. Here a a couple of challenges I put up for everyone's fun.

This one is to use a song title. It was supposed to be something with "Spring" in it but I didn't find any I liked or that worked for me, so I chose the Beattles "Here Comes the Sun".

This challenge on this one is to use up some of those old sticker Alphas we all have. Doesn't matter if they match, just load up the page with them. This works really well on a card too.

Close to My Heart Consultant

2011-02-05T16:51:00.000-04:00

As you my notice, I have added another link to my blog list. It is to access my new web site as a Close to My Heart consultant. I love this product and can't wait to get started. Come on over and have a look around.

Valentine's Cards.

2011-01-31T10:54:00.000-04:00

These 4 cards are my Bo Bunny reveal on the Scraptacular Images Blog and Forum for this week. The paper kits was Bo Bunny's "A Gift of Love" line. I had 3 different print pieces and 3 different colors of Bo Bunny Dot cardstock.

The cards were my version of some cards from CTMH's Card Sketch book: "Wishes". I also had a package of matching layered chipboard pieces and a package of matching Brads. The XOXO on the round card is Dear Lizzy Thickers.

These were easy to make with this paper line. What's not to like about Valentine paper. It is like Christmas Paper. It makes you happy, therefore easy to work with.

I needed to get them done quickly because I didn't get at them until late last night. Poor Jessica was getting worried I think.

Here they are:

Hope you enjoy them.

Storm Day

2011-01-27T12:35:00.000-04:00

Another storm day. At least hubby gets to use his snow blower again on this one. It didn't look like much when I got up at 6:30, but it has gotten a lot more ferocious since then. I doubt it will end up being the predicted 25cms, but it will be close. So, lazy day in my jammies catching up on things I should have done last week. What else is new. Have a couple of cards to make for a challenge on the board tomorrow, then valentine cards to do for Monday. I will post them all after they have been posted on the Scraptacular Images Blog. There is a link to this blog on the right.
I am posting a couple of layouts I did the first of this month. They were challenges for an on-line crop at Scraptacular Images. There will be another crop in February. I will post the date and a link to the forum when It is confirmed. If anyone knows anyone who enjoys crops, send them the link. The more the merrier.

The first layout was from a sketch. Grace is my great granddaughter. She is asleep in her great grandads arms on his 77th. birthday. Cute.

This layout was a challenge to use up scrap paper. It was a fun one to do. The photo is grandsons modeling this years PJ's I made for them. Basketball embroidery on the shirts is compliments of Cousin Gail in Westerville OH. Thanks Cuz. They loved it.

E-Readers

2011-01-24T17:46:00.000-04:00

Did I tell you I got an e-reader for Christmas. I love love love it. No more cramps in my hands trying to hold a book up in bed. Ha Ha Ha. It is wireless, so I can download books whenever. And. Bonus, I can borrow books from my library on it too. It is just to cool.

Am I loving it???? You bet I am.

Stampin Up club last night.

2011-01-24T17:43:00.000-04:00

These are 3 cards we all made last night at Kim Lanigan's Stampin Up club. I go once a month and play with the new things. Make a few cards. (Kim shows us lots of ways to use the products). This stamp is a new one as is the punch that compliments it. It makes a beautiful card or embellishment for just about anything. Picture it on a layout or two. I will give you a link to Kim's web page so you can see it in the new Mini Catalogue. We have a great time and lots of fun making stuff.

The flower is the nicest one, but they are all great. The background for this in is a new embossing folder from Stampin Up as well. Nice.

This one is stamped with a double stamp set then covered with crumpled tissue paper to give it a silk effect. I really liked this one too and so easy to do.

This is another new element. It is a Letterpress plate to use on the Big Shot. Ink it up with the colour of your choice and run it through the Big Shot as directed and you get a printed debossed element for your cards or scrapbook pages. Some of the girls used white ink on this and some of us used the VersaMark Watermark ink. Quite a nice effect.

Here is Kim's Web page link: www.kimlanigan.stampinup.net

Check it out or check out the Stampin Up web page.

Echo Park "Wintertime" Reveal

2011-01-22T12:54:00.000-04:00

Chillin, and Nor Easter. Both layouts are done with Echo Park's "Wintertime" paper line. All the Titles are cut on my Silhouette and enhanced with Perfect Puff. The snowflake on Chillin at the bottom right is sewn from a template cut from my Silhouette. I do love that machine. So is the icicles on the Nor Easter layout. The icicles are colored with Stampin Up water color crayons then streaked with Glittler Glue for sparkle. As were the snowflakes.

We had another snow event All night last night, and I am happy to say that the snowblower now works like a charm. The snow was dry enough for the boss to use it and it actually spit snow quite a distance. Much better the spitting out ice chunks. Hubby is a happy man.

Here are the layouts.

Nor' Easter

2011-01-13T09:34:00.000-04:00

     Well, we finally got snow. Not just a dusting, but bonafide snow. Lots and lots of snow. My hubby finally gets to use his repaired snow blower. He has had it for a few years, bought it second hand about 4 or 5 years ago. It worked great until the first really wet snow, and it didn't want to throw snow anywhere, Just pack it into icy blocks and spit it out.
     I am sure the heavy wet stuff broke whatever needed fixing, but it took him a while to find the problem. A couple of winters actually. But we haven't had a lot of snow to try it out on anyway. He finally found the problem, bought the part and fixed it 2 winters ago and their hasn't been enough snow on the ground since to try it out. That is, until yesterday and last night. There is lots now. Must be at least 25 0 30 cm. down. (10 - 12 inches). At least what is stacked up on my porch railing looks about that much.
     I will take some photos later, when he gets out to shift it and post them.
     So,this is it. I don't need to see any more of this stuff. Once is plenty. I am quite liking the Climate Change winter results around here. This kind of storm has gotten to be unusual here now. It used to be a weekly event all winter.

Design Team Double page layout Jan. 13.

2011-01-13T09:25:00.000-04:00

This is a really nice kit. Lots of pretty things to play with. Bo Bunny's "Midnight Frost", Rangers "Perfect Pearls " and a couple of cute kids. Titles and snowflakes are done on my Silhouette digital Cutter. It hasn't been working as well as it should since the software update, but I am trying to work out the kinks. It is not cutting everything as well as it should. Missing whole sections, cutting some things in the middle of the design etc. I think I will have to upload the software again, but Oh that is such a big upload.
Back the the layout. I used the Perfect Pearls all over the Denim Blue Polka Dot as a base for the collage. The snowflakes and title were also sprayed with it. Word to the wise. I cut then ran the letters and snowflakes through my Xyron sticker maker. Then I sprayed it with the Perfect Pearls. Not a good idea. Better to spray the paper before cutting. I had a really hard time getting the pieces off the sticky background. The wet had separated the papers making it super hard to handle. If you let it dry, it comes of better, but the glue is now changed because of the soaking. Took me ages to get them all off in one piece and placed on the layout.
I think the embellishments were really pretty in this kit. I combined some of the embellishments to use them. Placed the pleated navy ribbon to the back of the Crochet flower and to cover up the printing on the embellishment packaging in order to use it for journaling. Overall, I was very pleased with the design.

Merry January (Design Team Kit for January 5th.)

2011-01-05T11:29:00.002-04:00

The Second Time Around.

Gail and Bob decided to tie the knot for the second time. They were married the day before Thanksgiving by the Mayor of Westerville Ohio. The photos were the perfect choice for this kit. I used a Fiskar's double scalloped border punch then enhanced it with tiny hearts made with Liquid Pearls. Title and butterflies are cut from my Silhouette Digital cutter. Fonts are Arial and Artison.

Alison:

This photo of Gail and Bob's grandaughter Alison was perfect for this die cut page. As soon as I saw the paper, I knew this was the picture for it. Font is Alison and cut from my Silhouette. Accordian flowers are made from the Merry January paper. Button is a CTMH stamp set called "All Buttoned Up". Sewing is from A Basic Gray template. The pink flower is Prima from another kit.

These are also posted on the Scraptacular Images blog and forum.

Gail's Basketball Shirts.

2011-01-05T08:48:00.000-04:00

The boys really loved their pj's this year. Thanks to Gail and her fabulous embroidery machine. They actually got 2 pairs each. The second pair is frogs and has frogs embroidered and apliqued on them. I will post a photo of them when I catch them in them.

You can see how much they liked them. Straight on as soon as they were opened I think. They are "into" basketball, so of course, they were the first ones chosen to wear. Thanks Gail, for all your hard work. We appreciated it.

A Brand New Year

2011-01-05T08:24:00.004-04:00

     Wow, it has been a while since I have blogged. Busy busy December. I had a great time with family over the Thanksgiving Holiday. Always a fun time. Got home on Nov.30th. Started making PJ bottoms the next day. I bought all the fabric in Ohio.  Found some matching t shirts to match the younger boys fabric and my cousin Gail, embroidered with her machine to match the pants. The boys were delighted. I will post a photo of the shirts. I made 16 pair ranging from 3 yrs size to XXL. Amazingly, one pattern did them all. Started sewing with my serger and it decided enough was enough and it was time for an overhaul. Thank goodness for good friends who are in the business of doing just that. It was done in a day, and I was off and running. Thank you Saint John Sewing Center and the Pattersons for their quick service.
     Along with the sewing and knitting a sweater set for our Gracie, I had committments to the Scraptacular Images Design team. I will post all the December work, but don't count on any lengthy explanations about what it all is. Just look and enjoy. I will start the January pages commentaries again.
     Our children don't return to school until January 11th, mom and dad were back to work on Tuesday, so I am minding the boys for this week. Always a pleasure spending time with them.
    Well, following are my endevours for December and the Design Team.

These are cards made from left over from this kit.

This is the layout done from this kit. The photos are from tree trimming this year. My grandaughter usually comes to help, this year her mom, my daughter and my great grandson came to help too. It is always fun and starts the Christmas Season for my husband and I.

Next is the Kit from Little Yellow Bycycle. This is a 2 page layout with interactive elements. My friend Karyn has been doing this for at least 3 years now. Recently, Close To My Heart came up with a design book with lots and lots of interactive elements in it. Who knew? Karyn could have made a mint........ But, isn't that always the way?

The Kit.

The Layout

The interactive elements:

Apple Picking Time

2010-11-17T20:28:00.000-04:00

This was posted on the Scraptacular Blog on Friday the 12th. THe kit had a couple of pieces of Imaginesce Apple Cider print paper and some matching cardstock, and a sweet little tree stamp. Friday is double layout day, My boys had gone apple picking with mom and some friends. Heather took some great photos and I just knew they were the perfect photos for this layout. My title and the cute pumpkins with the journalling are from my Silhouette Digital Cutter. I used the stamp to make a print background for the gold mat. This paper was so nice. It was glazed and shiny and was really lovely to work with.

Amazing Lady

2010-11-17T20:21:00.001-04:00

Bo Bunny Olivia Posted on Scraptacular Blog on Nov 4th. Beautiful paper and cardstock plus a package of beautiful Prima flowers. Perfect for My Aunt's birthday photos. Double layout day so I managed to squeeze in photos of my cousin and me with the birthday lady. I fussy cut some flowers on the paper to use for a background for the Prima flowers. The tag journalling is part of an interactive page. The tags will be outside the page protector so it can be moved and read. Look for more interactive pages to come. It is the newest trend. In fact. Close To My Heart has a book out called Magic with lots and lots of layout ideas. It shows you a normal layout and how to make it interactive. Anyway, here are the photos of this one.

Here is a pretty card I made from the leftovers. The border is a Fiskar's Border punch called "TreadingWater"

Tomorrow Morning

2010-11-17T19:50:00.000-04:00

6am we are on the road for Bangor. All is set Tickets confirmed, suitcase packed. I am on my way. Got a new cell phone and I can text now. Nice qwerty keyboard makes it much easier for me. Plus it is such a simple phone to use even though it has lots on it.
Just need to make some sandwiches for the trip and that will be that. I do have a couple of Design Team kits to post and I will get than done in the next little while. After the layouts are posted, then my next post should be from Ohio. Will take some photos of the girls making cards and post them here. I am off for fresh coffee and some sandwich making.

Only one more week.

2010-11-10T19:40:00.000-04:00

   One more week and I am off to Ohio for 2 weeks. I can't wait. The break will be nice. It has been pretty busy lately. Trying to get as much done as I can before I go.   Have had a couple of meetings with the Glen Falls Community Committee. I am the Secretary. So, minutes to be done and lots of other jobs.   Hopefully we can get some flood relief here and perhaps some cleanup too. Everyone who lives in the Glen loves it here. We are almost the center of the City now. All the major shopping is within walking distance of our homes and we sit in a little oasis of greenery and wildlife. Wake up to ducks quacking and geese honking. Watch dear eat the apples off your trees in the winter. Groundhogs, skunk's, raccoons and lots of birds. What more could you want. Anyway, I think it is obvious how much we like it here.
   Library Club at the school is beginning to die down a bit. I think the teachers get very busy and forget to remind the kids to sign up for it. Only had 3 today. Next week is the last until Dec. 1st. So, maybe they will be ready to start again. It will be colder outside and I am sure some would rather stay in and be read to.
   Right now, the push is on to get myself packed and all the goodies I need to take with me. Thanks to hubby I have a nice cup of coffee by me and a couple of chocolate covered cookies. Doesn't get any better.

Last Day of Golf

2010-10-31T17:50:00.000-03:00

    Poor Hubby. Thought he was going to get his 101st game in on the last day of the season. It snowed!!!!! Not much, but enough to close the course this morning. It was the last day after all. It is a cold day and the snow trickled down for most of the morning, but it didn't amount to much.
    My friend from Maine is coming to visit tomorrow. She is only staying for a couple of days, but it will still be wonderful to see her. I wish I could get down to see her more often than I do. Actually, haven't been down her way in a couple of years.
   So, all the scrapbooking stuff that has been in my dining room for most of the summer had to be quickly moved back downstairs and you know what that makes. Yup, a big ugly mess. Now have to really get my scrappy space sorted out. What a mess.
   Our plan is to expand my space by one room. It involves removing a big closet that separates the 2 rooms and moving it to a wall instead. That will give me twice the scrappy space. Actually, crafty space. I need room for my sewing machine and one or two other spaces as well. Also plan on a small home office corner and get that out of the upstairs as well. So, hubby will have a busy winter.
    When it is done, I plan on painting it all a pale butter cream yellow. It is a basement space and I think that will brighten it up so much. I will have to take photos and keep you posted.
    No photos today. I think a new double layout goes up on the board from me on Thursday. I will post it then. It is full of yummy apples and happy kids. Think I will sit down with my coffee and enjoy some quiet time.

Ghosts & Demons & Ghouls

2010-10-28T15:56:00.000-03:00

O.K. here are the Halloween layouts for the Design Team at Scaptacular Images. The layouts went up on the Scraptacual Images blog on Wednesday. The "Little Yellow Bicycle" "Booville" paper was really fun to work with. Not to mention the Martha Stewart punch that provided that drippy looking edges. A few brads and some Flower Soft for the green Yuch on the drippy borders. Brads too. The titles and pumpkins are from my trusty Silhouette of course. Where would I be without that.

The kids in the photos are mine. Both now grown up with ghosts and ghouls of their own. Actually, my daughter has two grandchildren herself. Time flies. So here are the layouts. I hope you enjoy them.

Christmas Cards

2010-10-25T20:37:00.000-03:00

I mentioned before than my friend, Karyn and I make and exchange Christmas cards each year. It is fun and we get a nice variety of cards to send to friends and family. So far, I have done five different cards and Karyn has done three. I believe she has one or two more to come. I have another one in the works. I used the new gold Flower Soft on it and I didn't care for the result, so I will try the micro beads instead. I will post that one when it is done.

Speaking of Flower Soft, I bought a lovely deep red last Saturday from Scraptacular Images and put it in my pants pocket and forgot about it. I washed them. When I took them out of the dryer, the container lid fell out. PANIC TIME......... I didn't find any of it on the clothes or in the dryer, Couldn't figure that out until I pulled out the lint filter. There it was, all under the filter. I had to get the vacuum out to clean it up. So, no fear if left in the dryer. It doesn't color or melt onto anything. Good to know. I really wanted the red too. Now, I will have to buy another one.

Here are the cards.

Great Crop

2010-10-24T07:32:00.000-03:00

Yesterdays crop was really great. I managed to finish 24 cards. Only 2 designs, but still, lots of work. I will post mine and Karyn's cards later so you can see what we have done. I think that is just about all the Christmas cards we need for this year. Karyn has one or two more to make I think, then we are done for another year. On to other projects.
I have to work on the next kit for Scraptacular Images today. It won't be revealed until November. I am finding it difficult to work with. Not my choice, but I will get it done. I thought it was due today, but I breathed a sigh of relief when I discovered it wasn't due until next week.
It is early, so I am off to get more coffee and watch a taped show I missed last night. PBS Mystery "Wallender" with Kevin Branagh. It is not bad.

Another Crop Saturday

2010-10-23T07:09:00.000-03:00

     I can't believe I packed only my small bag for this crop. But it is only for 6 hours so needed to be well prepared in order to get anything done. So, 3 card kits ready for the embellishments and to be put together. That will finish up my Christmas cards. Then have a double layout to work on the the Design team. Sometimes , the hardest part is finding photos to go with the beautiful papers Jessica gives us. But, I found some and now need to get it done for tomorrow. Reveal isn't until early November.
     After this crop, I think I need to sort out my scrappy space. It looks like a tornado hit it and I can't find anything. Also need to try to expand the space. I haven't got any room to sew and sometimes, I need to do that too.
     Have you noticed how much colder it is getting? There is one more week left for golf and I think the boys may be pushing it a little, but then, there is dedication........................
     My trip is getting closer and closer. I think I might start packing soon. Have about 3 weeks left until I go. I can't wait. I have so much fun, and ohhhhh...... the scrappy bargains..............

Card Monday & Sat. Crop

2010-10-18T19:02:00.000-03:00

The Crop was great. Karyn and I got a bunch of cards made. Will finish up with what we need next week at Shari's crop. I was tired when we got home. Then went to babysit the boys while mom and dad went out for a while. We watched the Karate Kid remake. It was pretty good. I enjoyed it. I remember all 3 of the originals. Think Jaden Smith did a really great job. and what's not to like about Jackie Chan. I need to scan cards we did, Maybe after next weeks crop I will get them posted.

In the meantime, here are the cards I did for Card Monday at Scraptacular Images. I used We are Memory Keepers "Funfetti" It was so easy to work with. Double sided papers all. Other side had 6 x 6 blocks of prints ideal for making cards. I think the only thing extra I used was some Glossy Accents on the cutouts for the inside pop-up. The ribbon strips on both cars is cut from one of the papers. What colorfull cards for your favorite person. In fact, you may have noticed that the pop up is signed for someone. I used it for my grand daughter's 19th birthday card.

CROP TODAY

2010-10-16T06:54:00.000-03:00

     Yaaaaa. Going to an all day crop today with my friend Karyn. We plan on making a good start on our Christmas cards. Managed to get a few things cut and stamped for a quick start. Karyn and I have been doing this for a few years now.
     We both make a few of each design we come up with then share with each other. Makes for quick job and a nice selection of cards to send.
     I used my Silhouette a lot this week. It has never let me down, but last night it decided to start messing up. Cutting off the page and not where it should have been at all. I am wondering if the new software might have something to do with it. I will let them know. If it is my machine, then I will be buying another one on my next trip south. I couldn't live without it now.
     Babysitting tonight. I miss the boys now that I don't have them each week. They are growing up.
     Well, must go and get ready. Karyn picking me up.
     Our CTMH lady, Tanya Cormier is leaving the business. Another friend bites the dust. Anyone who says Scrapbook is a dying are is nuts. Most people in it find it a very time consuming enterprise. Wish I had the time to take it on.
   All for now. Will post some cars tomorrow.

2010-10-15T16:00:00.002-03:00

Well, here it is. But this post didn't work out to well.

Design Team work

2010-10-15T07:03:00.000-03:00

     I have managed to get most of the layouts done for this month. Now need to start on next months work for the Design Team. I want to get it done early before I go away. I have one more kit to do. But, I suspect I will pick up a few more kits on Saturday to do.
     I need to clean my house. It is a mess. The rug is full of tiny bits of paper. I think I will have to stop scrapping and do some cleaning this morning.   Unfortunately, I have a one track mind. Getting the kits done has been priority and everything else gets forgotten. Maybe absorbed in my work is a better choice. Housework has always been at the bottom of my "To Do" list.
     I really need to have some friends over for dinner, so that means I should do some planning for that too. Right now, I am sleepy. I got up way to early this morning and now I need to go back to sleep for a bit. I'll be back.

Working, Working, Working

2010-10-12T12:37:00.000-03:00

     Working away on layouts and cards for the Design Team reveals. Lots of lovely stuff to work with. Sometimes, finding photos to put on them is the hardest part. Digging through years of photos for just the right one.
     Finished a couple of cards yesterday, but you will have to wait until they are revealed on the web site before I put them here.
     Hasn't this weather been great? My hubby is still golfing and just might be able to finish out the month. It is cool in the mornings, but it does warm up later in the day.
     Halloween is just around the corner and I need to get out and pick up kiddie treats to give out. We have some new little ones on our street, so it will be a lot busier at the door this year.
     I am off to Ohio next month and I am already beginning to think about what I will pack to take with me. Taking a bigger suitcase this time. Last May I almost didn't get the suitcase closed. I will be there over the Thanksgiving holiday, so that means Black Friday. Hmmmmmm. Think I need some extra room.
    Time for lunch. Might post some layouts later.

Oct Bo Bunny " Learning Curve" Design Team Kit

2010-10-08T12:23:00.001-03:00

Following are the layouts and stuff I made from the fabulous Kit Jessica compiled for me. Let me know what you think They can also be seen at Scraptacular Images Forum . You will see the rest of the design teams work too. What a bunch of talented ladies.

My kit had Bo Bunny "Learning Curve" paper. Bo Bunny ribbon. I added Silhouette Title & Owl. On the second layout, I used CTMH Alphas. The card was embossed with a Quickutz embossing folders "Apples". The little tags are to put in your childs lunch with encouragements for an upcomoing exam, or luck for a test to be taken or a sporting event, or perhaps a new task. Or maybe, just to say I love you

Now I can get started on all the new goodies Jessica gave me to play with.

First kit done

2010-10-08T11:27:00.006-03:00

Finished and posted the first layouts etc from my first Design Team kits. I am excited. It will be a fun busy six months. Jessica at Scraptacular Images will keep us all busy, I am sure. Got 3 more kits yesterday and I can't wait to get started on them.

This has really kickstarted my scrapbooking again. Ideas are popping up in my head and I can already see the photos I will be using for the next 3 kits. Keep your eyes open. I will post this weeks offerings next.

My boys were here to visit for a bit last night, and I got their approval for the layouts I did with them in it. I guess they were o.k..............

I went to the golf course with hubby yesterday. Had a cancellation and he was on his own, so it was the perfect opportunity to take some photos. Love the fall leaves, but this year, they don't seem to be that good. It was very windy and chilly out of the links, but lovely non the less. Will post one. It has been a long time since we have done this. Not many days left for golf now.

A few cards.

2010-10-08T10:02:00.006-03:00

These are a few cards I have made for various occasions, challenges, and card kits I have designed. Some are lifted, some are my own. I have posted them for your enjoyment. I plan to post all the Scraptacular Design Team work I have done as it comes. Hope you enjoy what you see.

This one was made from a description from Kim Lanigan "Stampin Up" consultant. It was a fun card to do. I used it for a card challenge.

Scraplifted from Card Trends Magazine. One of 2009 issues. It is part of a shape challenge from a card design team. The "Happy Everything" sentiment sort of goes with what butterflies are.

CTMH "Wishes" card design book is he inspiration for this one. Another from the "shape" challenge.

My version

2010-09-30T11:12:00.003-03:00

This is my version of the card Jessica found.

My Time is My own

2010-08-30T16:13:00.004-03:00

My time is my own again. My boys are off to camp this week, next week school starts. They go until 3pm this year, so nanny is not needed. They are growing up. Nanny will still be around to scrapbook with and go to the Museum from time to time.
Now, nanny has a lot more time for scrapbooking and making cards. Might even try out for a design team or two. Why not.
Just need to find my scrapbook room before I do anything else. LOL. What a mess. I need more room. But, don't we all?

Wow, Long time between posts

2010-05-21T10:10:00.001-03:00

It has been quite a while between post. My intention was to get this spot working to my satisfaction and dress it up a bit, but the time just hasn't been there. I have had offers of help, so hopefully, when I get back from my trip, the offers will still be available to me.
I have tired books to help me, and help sites etc., but nothing works for me. I follow the instructions step by step and nothing happens, so need outside input.
I am off to Ohio on Monday. Plan to watch the final episode of "Dancing With the Stars" with my Aunt on Monday night. After that, it is shopping for scrappy stuff and a couple of computer toys. We shall see.
I have the boys today. No school, so need to think of something for lunch and do some more laundry. Oh the fun things in life. Mundane, but really,not that bad.

Saddly, it is over

2009-09-09T14:04:00.003-03:00

Yes, we are off to Heathrow Airport early in the morning. Time to come home. I am looking forward to my own bed, but it has been a lovely 2 weeks in the U.K. Time spent with family is always wonderful. DH and I are off to dinner tonight with our daughter here. Rose is always loads of fun and we are really looking forward to the evening.
Baby Milo has had his surgery and is recovering beautifully. Mom and dad are with him at the hospital. All the grandchildren are at their grandmothers, so we have said our goodbyes to most of the families.
We are now looking forward to chatting with the grandchildren on Skype whenever possible and perhaps plan a trip for 2010 or 11. We will be glad to be home though. I miss my scrapbooking.

Devonshire

2009-09-08T06:29:00.003-03:00

Here are a few photos of Devonshire. Beautiful place. The first three show how rugged the downs are. All my other photos of the downs were taken in the spring, so it was nice to have a different season to photograph. The first on is of a fence that has been standing for a few hundred years with just a but of repair now and then. It is made from stacked rocks. No cement and no mud. Just stacked rocks.

The second one is just a field of sheep. There are lots and lots of sheep roaming the moors along with cows and Moor Ponys.

The third picture is at Solcombe a lovely village on the mouth of the river Dart .

The fourth is taken at a place called Totnes, a town nestled in the moors. The main street is so narrow that the sidewalk narrows down to just a few inches and in some case, just the width of a brick. Would you believe a double decker bus goes up this street on a regular basis.

The last photo is of a delivery bike used in days gone by to deliver the shop keepers wares around the town. This is outside the butcher shop.

there are many many more wonderful photos of places we have visited. Scrapbooking will be the next job.

St. Fagan's and Grandkids

2009-08-30T05:57:00.002-03:00

Baby Milo and the other one is the rest of the grandchildren. Top Finn, Ailish, Niamh trying to hide and Sheamus ducking so I can see Niamh. They are all from St. Fagan's. Lovely museum and will have more photos to share on scrapbook pages later. Having a lovely time here and can't wait to see Devon again next week.

Rummer Pub in downtown Cardiff.

2009-08-30T05:41:00.002-03:00

Friday, Lovely day on our own walking around the shopping district of Cardiff. There are no cars allowed, and there are lots and lots of alley ways that are called arcades but they are full of stores up and down. Bought a few small gifts and had yummie "Bacon Butties" and a 1/2 pint of bitter. Yummmmmmm. Saturday, Down to the Bay and all the new construction down there. Also a fair. Afternoon we went to St. Fagan's and the Living Welsh Museum. Went last time I was here and wanted to see it again.

Today is Niamh's birthday. Here are a couple of photo's of Mike and I in the pub. Also a couple of St. Fagan's.

In Wales

2009-08-27T09:13:00.002-03:00

We are in Cardiff at my Stepsons. Lots of noisy children and sunshine. Have been to the latest store in town. Costco!! Who Knew? Exactly the same as one in Canada. We are off to Roman Ruins today. If the photos turn out and I can turf any one of 4 children off a computer, I will post some photos. Maybe a few of the very lively bunny in the back garden too. LOL
Right now, Sheamus and Niamh are arguing over the other computer, and Finn is waiting patiently for his turn. So, I better get off for now.

3 Weeks left

2009-08-05T21:22:00.003-03:00

Only 3 more weeks until we leave for the UK. Can't wait. Only wish we had booked 3 weeks instead of 2. Oh well, next time. Our little grandson born on the 23rd of June still doesn't have a name. It should be in the next day or 2 though. Time to make the packing list and start packing. All our other trips have involved a trip to Halifax to fly from, and this time we are in and out of Saint John. It is already so much more relaxed.
I plan on going to my family in Ohio for Yankee Thanksgiving this year too. That trip is also out of Saint John. Wonderful. Last year I left from Moncton and the year before from Portland Maine. So, again. this is such a treat. I will be taking lots of photos on both trips. So keep watching. I will be posting whenever possible from away.

CTMH Cards

2009-08-05T21:14:00.002-03:00

Well, this was fun getting all these on in order and after this part. I am sure there is an easier way to do this, but I haven't figured it out yet.

These 6 cards are made from 2 pieces of cardstock and 2 pieces of print paper plus 6 pieces os cardstock to make 12 6 x 6 card bases. They are from the new CTMH card pattern book called "Wishes" I do these by the book the first time, then change them around and turn them to personalize them more. This is a really great idea book for anyone who likes to make cards, but I especially love changing them around and using different combinations of paper to see how different you can get them.

CTMH Cards

2009-08-05T21:12:00.002-03:00

CTMH Cards.

2009-08-05T21:09:00.001-03:00

Ice Age III (3D)

2009-07-25T18:04:00.002-03:00

Movie was cute. Kids loved it. That is the main thing. Hardly anyone in the theater. 3 families actually. Boys enjoyed A & W for lunch but still insisted on popcorn, pop and candy. Of course. What was my first clue. MOVIES require goodies. Doesn't matter if you just ate. They really did get a bang out of the 3-D stuff.

Munchkins Day

2009-07-24T08:36:00.001-03:00

Have my boys today. We are going to the movies this afternoon to see Ice Age III. Lunch at A & W, their new favourite place to eat. Summer won't last forever and once school starts again I will only have them for a couple of hours twice a week. So, This is a treat for all of us. have a couple of new cards on the LCOM's site. I will post them here later this evening. I need to make some adjustments to this blog, but still looking for ways to make changes that will give me what I am looking for. I think it might be time to call in some help. LOL. I have one or two more options to try out first and see where I am then. Let you know how the boys enjoyed the movie.
Posted by Ragsie at

LCOM Card Sketch Team. Zoe's Sketch

2009-07-19T22:32:00.002-03:00

First sketch for the team. Zoe's sketch challenge. You will find the original sketch on the LCOM Forum. Here is my take on it.

Scrapbook day

2009-07-19T08:45:00.002-03:00

I am off to Karyn's today to scrapbook. Try to finish up some layouts and mini albums. I will post some of the completed work later today. Have to get my stuff packed up and ready to go or I won't get there until this afternoon. Not good.

Lee's Birthday party

2009-07-18T21:38:00.003-03:00

What a lovely birthday party. I was mostly family as Lee has a big one, and we were honoured to have been invited to the event. My husband, plays golf with him and a couple of other friends, Doug and George. They golf every day they can. With this year's weather, that isn't nearly as much as they would like.
Lee's wife and daughter's put on a beatiful dinner. Lots of salads and lobster. Hip roast of beef for the non lobster lovers. It was really great. I guess it wasn't a surprise party after all. I don't see how anyone could have kept all that planning a secret anyway.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEE!

2009-07-18T13:17:00.003-03:00

Here it is front and inside.

Birthday Card

2009-07-18T13:13:00.002-03:00

Made a Birthday Card this morning for a friend of my husbands. Actually, one of his golf partners. He is celebrating his 70th birthday today and his family is having a surprise party for him. So, after I post this it is into the shower and get gussied up for the affair.

I wonder if they actually managed to keep this a surprise? Hmmmmmm we shall see.

Here it is.

Blog challenged

2009-07-16T06:47:00.003-03:00

At least my challenge is on here and on the Card Challenge thread at LCOM Forum. Sometimes I look and look for the right button to push in order to do a task and I just don't see it. I know what i am trying to do should be simple. I guess I will have to get someone who knows what they are doing to help me out. Like my grand son. Once I see it done, I am good to go. Hopefully, by the next challenge, I will have it sorted. Wish me luck.

Roberta's Intro Challenge

2009-07-15T18:52:00.004-03:00

Her is a funky card with everything torn. Only cutting is the base. Leave the scissors in the drawer and see what you can do. Try doing a shape such as flowers, animals, trees, whatever you can come up with. Stay away from just a straight torn edge.
Looking forward to see what you come up with. Have fun with it.

LCOM Card Challenge Team

2009-07-12T20:04:00.003-03:00

Starting Monday July 13th., "Let's Capture Our Memories" is launching it's weekly Card Sketch challenges. I am pleased to have been asked to be a member of this very talented team. One of will post a challenge each week for you to do. Can't wait to get started. What I do have to do is try to keep up with this blog. LOL. I keep saying I will launch when I have some things posted, but if I don't do this now and add later, it will never get done. So here we go.

2009-05-30T22:25:00.002-03:00

This is one of the cards I designed for the June Card Club Kits with Pawson Scrapbooking. Paper used is Jillybean Soup.

I will post more later. It is late and I am just figuring this blogging thing out. Will post more tomorrow.

So Sad

2009-05-30T16:50:00.003-03:00

Pawson Scrapbooking is closing. This is so sad. I have watched this vivacious lady move form selling for a company to starting her own. It took of with a bigger bang than any of us suspected. I was there at the start.
This wonderful lady gave me and a lot of other people the opportunity to spread our wings and do things we didn't think we could. I designed cards and card kits for a monthly club and classes. I enjoyed every minute of it.
I know there are a few more ladies who feel the same way.
We will all miss Paws very much, both it's founder and the wonderful on-line community that has grown from Paws. So many of the Scrapbookers who started out with us have been published over and over again. Many have been Designers for other sites and companies. The talent that has been inspired by Paws is astounding.
We will truly miss you in the Scrapbooking world. I know everyone will go on to do creative things elsewhere, but it won't be the same. Janique, see you at the next crop.

GOODBYE PAWSON SCRAPBOOKING

2009-05-25T11:52:00.003-03:00

It has been a while hasn't it??? Well, it has been busy. Kits for the store, a few private classes, one of the twins had chicken pox, company from Maine, and the garden needs attention. Lots of things.

All the kit designers have a couple of months off for the summer now. WooHoo!! Lots of crops coming up. Card club on Sunday, Mini Crop thisFirday, and all day crop on June 6th. Love crops. Lots of people, lots of talent, lots of good food and lots of scrapping. What more could you want?

Family is busy right now. so I don't seem to be able to catch them between commitments so I guess it is time for a family dinner again. I love them. Everyone together for a few hours. It is great. The weather is getting so nice, I think a barbecue is in order.

Today, I am going to look for another book by an author I just found. I guess he has been around for a while, but I only just discovered him. I did enjoy the book , so need to go find another one. Peter James, "Dead Man's Footsteps". It is and English Detective solving an intriguing mystery that crosses the Atlantic and has ties to 9/11 in New York. It was a page turner. Also, have the boys after school today.

So, I am off to Indigo to find my book.

2009-02-16T20:01:00.002-04:00

So, we are still getting lots of snow and still more to come. My son and family went to a winter carnival this past weekend and ended up home sick with a nasty stomach flu. So much for a family weekend.

This has been a busy February. I did a 4 hour 6 X 6 album at the last mini crop I went to. Directions were in the latest Simple Scrapbooks magazine. The idea was to get you away from obsessing over every little piece you put on your page. It works. Choose 40 photos, 5 pieces of print paper, (double sided works best), 5 pieces of white cardstock for background, So, keep in mind that you could choose a colour that coordinates with print paper instead. You have so much time alloted for each step and should have a coach or a timer to keep you on schedule. Oh yes. You can choose up to 50 embellishments too. That is all you sit down with, plus scissors and glue of course and a cutter. I included a hole punch as well.

It really works. I did the album in 3 1/2 hours and I loved it. Have done another one at home since that. And guess what, I didn't pre-choose the embellishments so this one took me 5 hours because I spent to much time choosing embellishments after the fact. So, it truly does work.

I am going to try the same idea with and 8 X 8 next.

2009-02-03T18:13:00.002-04:00

Another snow storm. But, Spring keeps getting closer. I managed to finish 3 of the layouts started at last weekends crop. Still need to figure out how to post them on here. And, how I want them to look. I am so green about this stuff. But I will figure it out, eventually. I also need to put up more of the places I like to go to. It will all come about as I learn. So far, I am the only one reading this. Need to figure out how to get it out there too. Right now, I need to finish cooking supper.

2009-02-01T20:31:00.004-04:00

Had a great time yesterday at Tanya Cormier's crop. Nice group of ladies. Tanya does a great job. I managed to get the bones of at least 5 layouts done. Just need to put the finishing touches on them.
It is a miracle Karyn and I even made it there. The snow was a lot more than they said it was going to be and the roads were awful. My hubby did a fabulous job of getting us to Karyn's and then out to Rothesay for the crop. I think everyone else made it too.
Poor Karyn had to lug her bags back up her hill when we got home again. The ploughs still had not done her road. Another 40 Centimeters forcast for Tuesday. How nice. Well, at least the beautiful snow gives us loads of photo opportunities.
Mike and I are going to try to get Dave and the kids on Skype so they can see how much snow we have gotten. Tuesday afternoon probably.
Maybe I will have a better idea or any idea of how to post a few of the photos and the layouts from the crop.

2009-01-30T16:47:00.002-04:00

Just to prove how hopeless I am with this, I lost the post Idid yesterday. Yup, gone. In a nutshell, I am trying to get this blog up and running. Hopefully, I will be able to share my layouts and cards with you. Also, perhaps a few photos too. Consider this a work in progress.