Here is another quick layout that I finished yesterday. I used CTMH pp and Heidi Swapp Ghost Letters. I stapled the letters in place, then I covered them with crystal Stickles. I edged the pictures and mats with white paint, added a few silver snowflake brads and Voila! Simple and done!

Since I don't scrap much in the summer, I am finally trying to spend some time catching up on some much needed creating. I was inspired by this album cover that I saw in the August/September issue of Stampers' Sampler. I don't know who it was created by, but it is on pages 34-35. I pretty much scrap lifted it as is, other than changing some sizes of the squares. It was perfect for the layout I wanted to do of me and my dh for our anniversary.

Project 365

Here are a few random photos from Project 365. One of my favorites are the tomatoes waiting on the windowsill to be eaten. And the puppies, found staring out of my studio window, were quite a delight. So, how are you coming with your Project 365?

Memory Mania Fall Classes

Here are a few sneak peeks of my upcoming classes at Memory Mania. If you haven't signed up yet, there are still a few spots open in each. Remember, since these are U Pick It classes, you will be able to customize each layout to suit your own taste. I hope to see you there.

The first class is Just Me using Heidi Swapp brackets mask.

The second is Family Traditions using Tim Holtz fragments.

This last one is Gal Pals using chipboard letters and the Crop-a-dile tool.

I am trying to use my acrylic stamps more, and since I am a see it use it kind of girl, my dh came up with this neat idea for storing them for me. He bought scrap pieces of acrylic at our local hardware store for a few bucks. He cut and rounded the corners of each block. It scored very easily and just snapped on the edge of his work table. I found the mini Clip It Up online and its 9 1/2 inch height works great for storing the stamps. This weekend, I plan on filling it up and categorizing it into themes, such as backgrounds, flourishes, etc...

Technical Difficulties

Sorry for the inconvenience. I will be working on my blog look today. Stay tuned tomorrow for my acrylic stamp storage system.

I have been playing around with some inking and stamping techniques from a book called, " Artist Trading Card Workshop" by Bernie Berlin. I have had this book for a while, and whenever I am in a creative rut, I grab it and just play.

These cards are made using three different techniques. The first card is made using the Glass-like Resin technique. The second is using the Metal Tape with alcohol inks.The third is with the Emboss Resist.

Glitz Girls' Class

Last week, I took a class at my lss, with the Glitz Girl's. These are the 3 layouts that we did in class. I love how we layered the cardstock stickers and stamps. The papers had just the right amount of grunge for me. I can't wait to get my hands on some of the new papers and embellishments coming out in August.

Crate Paper Canvas

This is the canvas that I created using the same idea that I used on the card posted earlier this week. I changed the quote with one that I wrote myself. I used the same Crate Paper Lillian line and the canvas is 9x12. I sewed the papers and distressed the edges with a distressing tool and turquoise paint to help them stand out.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

After weeks of not a drop, we finally had rain for the past two days. I caught this photo as these two were looking out of the window really wanting to go out and play. How cute!

My weekend was great! Thanks for all of the birthday greetings that came via snail mail and e-mail. We grilled a ton of food and had friends over to spend the day. The cakes were delicious. I had to make dh take what was left to work today so I would stop eating it.

My dh surprised me with a Canon compact camera for my birthday. Now I need to read the manuel and get familiar with all the settings. It has a kids and pets button which is new to me. I am looking forward to trying this feature with my fur babies. I hope the quality is as good or close to the digital rebel.

Yesterday, I had time to play with some new goodies from Crate Paper. I think the collection is called Lillian, but I am not 100% sure. It is so yummy! I made a 5x7 beaded card and played around with some other projects.

I like the card so much that I think I will covert it to a canvas, but I will change the quote. I may post pictures later this week when I get it all done. (and learn the how to's of the new camera)

39 and counting

What a week this was and it is not over yet! Since I am turning 40 tomorrow, my dh and daughter dubbed this week my birthday week. I had a sweet lunch with my dd on Monday, they took me to a movie and then we enjoyed a wonderful dinner with my youngest sister and her husband on Tuesday, a pedicure with my sister and daughter on Wednesday, and then today, they took me out to lunch and then to buy a cake for tomorrow.

And to top it off, my lss moved to a bigger location this week, and it is absolutely wonderful. The best that I can describe it is by saying it is like Memory Mania meets French Quarter. I can't wait to get in there and teach next month.

I hope that everyone has a safe and Happy 4th of July weekend. And while we are celebrating, please remember our troops that are still out there fighting for our freedom. And if you can, please say a prayer for them and their families.

Happy 4th and God Bless America!!!