Sketch #4 @ 52 Weeks 52 Sketches

I simply adore this new site, 52 Weeks 52 Sketches. The sketches are awesome and the inspiration is endless. This is the layout I made using this weeks sketch - #4.

"...with Friends"

This layout features my son, Matthew, doing his spelling homework - never a fun experience. This evening though he said it would go much faster if he had his "friends" close by to help. He was right, he was done in about 20 minutes and we had no yelling or crying - I love his friends =)

I used pattern paper from the Cosmo Cricket "Cogsmo" line, as well as the coordinating black chipboard elements. Here are a few close-up shots that show the chipboard and the 3D feel I gave some of the embellishments. What a fun and fabulous line this was to work with!




Here is the #4 Sketch if you'd like to give it a try yourself.

Keep and scrappin' and we'll chat again soon =)

-- I Can See Clearly Now --

"I can see Clearly now, the blur is gone," those were your words. Poor thing you really never stood a chance, seeing that both mommy and daddy wear glasses. I was just hoping that the inevitable could have been put off a little longer, but it was totally out of our control. Truth is you look absolutely amazing in your new spectacles and I hope you enjoy seeing all those distant object that have alluded you for a while now.

This layout features Ethan and his new specticals...


I using both the American Craft puffy alphas stickers and the Heidi Swapp ghost alphas on this layout.


I had a great time creating this layout using my January kit from Transparent Touches & Tags.

I also used the #3 sketch from 52 Sketches 52 Weeks.


Thanks for lookin'. I'll be chatting with you again real soon!

Baby It's Cold Outside!

Having lived in Virginia my entire life, I've become every accustom to winter temperatures that fluctuate great. Sadly enough, I've also become accustom to winters without snow...tear, tear! But this morning really blew me away! I woke to, well you can see by the photo, 3.1 degrees outside. That's CRAZY cold! Tempetures more commonly found in, let's say ND or upper MI, NOT Central VA. And to top it all off, we have NO - I repeat - NO snow to enjoy with these absurdly cold temps, Ugh!

Our Weather Central shows: Time of day first, Indoor temperature second and Outdoor temperature on the bottom.

New CherryArte -- finally

I'm so excited...I just received this awesome email showcasing CherryArte's new lines! They are spectacular! Plus, if the patterns don't draw you in, how's the fact that all 3 new lines are now printed on cardstock weight paper!!

Take a peek for yourself - or just click on over for a better look at the complete lines. CherryArte


They have also come out with fantastic new rub-ons to accompany their lines - yum!

I'm such a CherryArte's fan =)

Sky baby ...

I created this layout today using the #2 Sketch from "52 Sketches 52 Weeks". I love this fun new site. They feature a new sketch each week (hence the name). And if that's not enough to get you to visit, they also award weekly prizes =) Gotta love that!

For this layout I used the pattern paper found in my December #2 kit from "Transparent Touches and Tags". The pattern paper is the Cottage Collection from the new company "Scrap Within Reach" - excellent stuff!

Meet Sky, our family's newest addition --->
I really had fun using several different techniques on this layout.

Back In The Swing Of Things...

Yes!  I finally found a little bit of "mojo" and just ran with it.  This is one of my favorite photos taken of Adam and his friends right before they left for Homecoming.  It was actually taken with Brittney's new cell phone - isn't technology grand!

I used the new "Purdence" line from Crate Paper.  I purchased the entire line as an add-on to my December kit from Transparent Touches & Tags.  Several of the embellishments, ie:  date tag & chipboard "together" where found in the TTT December #2 kit.

I used several fun techniques on this layout -

1. layering, 2. paper cutting & 3. glittering.  

1.  2.

3.

It feels so good to create =)

I created this layout using the #1 sketch from

52 Weeks 52 Sketches.

When you get a chance click on over to this fun new site.

Unexpected Twist!

Our Christmas ended up being nothing like I'd expected.  Late in the evening on December 22, my hubby and I received the call that NO PARENT ever wants to get - our oldest son, Jacob - 17, had been in an accident.  He had hit an oak tree head on at approximately 45 mph.

We spent from December 22 until December 28 in the hospital.  He had to undergo reconstructive surgery on his right femur, which was broken clean through.  The impact also caused a concussion, a large laceration in his head and enumerable amounts of scraps and bruises.  

We are very lucky that this accident did not take his life.  The officer said, "I've seen lesser accidents claim victims".  I guess you could say this was our families "Christmas miracle".

Thanks so much for all the prayers, cards and emails.  They have been a great comfort to us during this difficult time.