MME Quote Challenge - A Conspiracy!

The layout above was created for My Mind's Eye quote challenge using a phrase from U2 song lyrics, “every generation gets a chance to change the world.” I knew right away I wanted to scrapbook the photos of our kids helping with our family advent project from last year. I used papers from several MME lines - and was happy to see I still had some die-cuts and tags perfect for this layout on hand. If you want to join other conspirators who enjoy a good blog challenge - vist the MME site OR the BoBunny blog as well!!


I also worked in the heat embossing technique challenge from ACOT. I stamped "advent" with Brilliance ink in coffee bean, then used an embossing ink marker to trace over the letters and apply red powder. I hardly ever use my red embossing powder, so I may as well use it on Xmas layouts! Doing this gave me title letters a brown outline. Once all was done I could not resisting going across the center of each letter shape with Stickles. Seems once I start "stick'ling" on a project I have trouble putting the bottle down. For the word "conspiracy" I carefull hand wrote the word with a brown fine point, and traced over with a glaze pen. It's always risky business for me - trying to write a word in cursive on an almost finished project - but since it is on an MME tag, I had the opp to reject my work if I did not care for how it turned out. (LOL)


Inadinkadoo recently came out with holiday season acrylic stamps that include two sheets of images - one dedicated to the more secular approach of Santa, and the other to the birth of Jesus! I was so excited to find this set - and had my hubby stop in on the way home from work to use a 50% coupon I had. Great deal - and already getting plenty of use out of my Christian themed Christmas stamps.

Here is the journaling for this layout:
In November of 2008 we joined thousands across the country to participate in the Advent Conspiracy - people with a desire to change the world at Christmas, as the birth of Christ did on that very first Christmas morning.
We wanted to take Christmas back from commercialism, and made home-made gifts. Our family focus project was to create serving trays to sell to friends and family to raise money for orphans in Malawi, and for our church mission project. We raised $36 each for causes that were dear to our hearts.
Kyle and Abby, we hope that there will be many more Advent Conspiracies in our future Christmases. Your dad and I were happy to see your excitement in getting to paint, and proud of you for pitching in. Know that your efforts fed hungry children in distant lands, as you served as Jesus did. You may be young, but never forget that “every generation gets a chance to change the world,” and you did just that.

When I posted this project at ACOT one comment in the gallery thought my title idea was cool. Well - hey, I cannot take credit! The Advent Conspiracy is truly a global movement to take Christmas back from the commercialism and secular portrayal that now dominates the real reason for the season. To learn more visit the home site for Advent Conspiracy. You may never celebrate Christmas the same.

Ideas to Note:• Items under the tree include a cut-out of the serving trays we made, and a stamped image of the Nativity – to emphasize the purpose of Advent Conspiracy.
• Embossing powders and Stickles on the borders of the die-cut tags add “pop” to the design.
• Stitching gives a “homemade feel” and ties in with journaling.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope the Advent Conspiracy is a new idea for some of you, and that some of you will actual check out the site to learn more. I have been thinking ahead to the coming advent and what we might do as a family. I am already committed to make homemade gifts - I have three albums to make for nieces and nephews this Christmas. With that and the gifts I make for our kids, I don't feel I can commit to another homemade project to raise money for our causes. Instead, I think we will focus on volunteering - I have been wanting to ring for the Salvation Army for the past several years and have never done it. I want Abby to go along with me. She and I love to sing around the house, so I am hoping she will have the courage to sing with me in public. Of course, we would probably receive great donations if only she sang... We will have to see what she says, but who can resist putting a few coins in the kettle when they see her bright and dimpled smile?

However, if any of you are looking for a unique gift idea - check out my Praise Photography slide show. I also have more photos on Facebook. Some of you know I love to photograph nature, and often scripture verses pop into my head to go with the photo. If you love, or know someone who enjoys, sunflowers, butterflies, fall landscapes and floral macro shots - consider the unique gift of photography. Perhaps a special person has shared with you their favorite scripture verse and you would like to offer them a visual to go with. If you are interested in an 8x10 photo print matted in soft white, I would be happy to take orders. I can customize with a quote or scripture if you would like as well. $15 for plain, $20 for customized - and at least $5 would go towards supporting orphanages that we have heart connections to in Africa and Haiti. 5x7s also available. Mailing the photos to your home would be additional.

Advent and the season Christmas are not that far off. I have been working on Christmas gifts and will be sharing more ideas with you soon.

Would love to share, but....

Blogger seems to be having a technical difficulty - when I go to click on the photo upload button it is faded out...can't seem to share any pictures with you. Bummer! Anyone else having a problem?

I finished a couple of MME layouts - one is for the quote challenge due today. I guess I will share it at a later date, and submit my challenge the old fashioned email way, which I am happy to say, is working again. For now, at least.

I finished The Shack yesterday - looking for a GREAT book to read? It's about a man who suffers a tragic loss, how he copes with it, or should I say - doesn't, and how he finally is able to heal. If you, or someone you know is going through, or has, a personal struggle - I have to tell ya - this is a MUST read!! I can't wait to share my copy with one of the gals in my Thursday night group this evening! Have a great day!

Scrapping Photos in a Series - FAST!

In between deadlines I like to catch up with photos I have had a urge to scrap. I must have at least 4 layouts-to-be set aside on my workspace. These usually consist of photos, papers, die-cuts and anythng else that I intended to go with certain photos.

I was thrilled to see Juliana Michaels sketch for ACOT's September challenge. Love the little circle elements - right up my alley. I followed the sketch pretty closely, which is a rarity for me. Doing this also made the layout come together fast - probably took me 30 minutes.

I had trouble finding alpha stamps to fit my words into the title -seems I am missing my L's from my Julie Geiger stamp set. To remedy the situation I inked a number one - positioned upside down, and also used a bracket (being careful not to ink the top bar).

At times we will lose letters to our alpha stamps - IMPROVISE. Either mix and match fonts from other sets, or get creative with what is remaining in the set.

I used My Mind's Eye papers and a die-cut to make this layout come together very quickly, and used old alpha stickers deep in my sticker stash drawer - from Imaginisce. It felt good to use old letter stickers! A bling frame by Heidi Swapp helps create a focal point, as otherwise three similar photos would make one wonder where to look first. (LOL)

Juliana's sketch challenge is taking place throughout the month of September at ACOT. You can use my layout as a base if you would like - it truly does follow it almost to the letter. Post your project in the ACOT gallery for a chance to earn some points. Don't be afraid to follow a sketch closely if it really works with photos on hand - it totally speeds up the creative process!

Quick & Easy Candle Wrap with BoBunny

Cinnamon Candle Wrap
Enhance a fall candle with a pretty candle wrap. Velcro closure makes this wrap easy to transfer to a new candle when needed.


BoBunny Products used:
Kitchen Spice Ginger Paper, Decaf Double Dot Cardstock, 5/8” Harvest Ribbon
Other: Glimmer Mist by Tattering Angels, Colorbox chalk ink, Jute, cinnamon sticks, Velcro dots, DMC floss, thread

How To:
1. Cut 1” strip of patterned paper, cut two of Decaf Double Dot cardstock. Use border punch on Double Dot to add decorative edge. Sew Decaf border to patterned paper lengthwise, ink edges. Spritz with Glimmer Mist in Terra Cotta.
2. Wrap around candle, overlapping 1”, cut off excess. Position Velcro dot on one piece with other matching Velcro piece attached. Press overlap together so that the sticky side of matching Velcro dot adheres to paper to create working closure.
3. If desired, punch holes and thread jute through patterned paper as shown. Wrap cinnamon sticks with jute and tie knot to secure. Add ribbon bow, with button in center.

I hope you have enjoyed the three day blog series on how to create the projects seen in BoBunny Kitchen Spice Gift Ensemble. Stay tuned to the BoBunny blog, and here, for more fun projects using the fab products by a favorite scrapbooking manufacturer! Be sure to subscribe to the BoBunny blog, and mine!, to ensure that you will not miss out on new projects! Thanks for coming by, and always - enjoy the creative journey!

BoBunny Kitchen Spice Oven Mitt Envelope

Kitchen Spice Oven Mitt Envelope and Recipe Cards

This project provides a unique presentation in offering family favorite recipes as a gift – great for a new bride, house-warming gift, or sharing your favorite recipes with friends and family. BoBunny recipe cards are two-sided – be sure to share the history of the recipe or why it is a favorite for an extra personal touch.

BoBunny products used:
Kitchen Spice Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Decaf Double Dot cardstock, Recipe Card Cut Outs, Button, Harvest 3/8” ribbon,; Gypsy Heart & Homey Cardstock Sticker
Other: DMC floss, thread, Colorbox chalk ink, Sakura Souffle pen

How to:
1. Create an oven mitt pattern large enough to contain recipe cards, or download image available below this post. Use pattern piece to cut shape from Kitchen Spice Cinnamon and Nutmeg papers. If planning to sew, it is important to attach embellishments prior to stitching mitt shapes together.


2. To create home medallion – place sticker from Gypsy onto Decaf Double Dot Cardstock, cut circle shape allowing space for writing. Use Souffle or other pen to write “Recipes from our kitchen to your kitchen”. Stitch or adhere to Cinnamon mitt. Adhere “Favorites” from Kitchen Spice cut outs.


3. Cut tab closure from scrap piece of Cinnamon, approx. 2” x ¾” – trimming one end to a point. Stitch to the center of “mitt opening” on Nutmeg mitt shape. Note that lace cuff will cover tab stitching. Faux stitch on tab working closure if desired.



4. Also on Nutmeg paper stitch piece of ribbon to corner opposite thumb.
5. Stitch two mitt shapes together, allowing 1/8” seam. If desired use micro tip scissors to fringe, cutting in to seam line. Ink edges, distress.
6. To create lace cuff trim 12” x ¾” strip from Ginger patterned paper. Trim same of Decaf Double Dot cardstock, use border punch on cardstock.
7. Stitch two strips together, or adhere. Stitch along top edge of Ginger if desired– solely for looks.
8. Wrap cuff around open end of mitt, overlapping approx. ¾” – trim off excess. Adhere.
9. Thread floss through button and tie into a bow, adhere to tab. Add Velcro dot sticker to underside of tab, along with matching piece to line up onto mitt cuff.
10. Use computer or hand-write recipes onto cards, tuck inside envelope and secure closure.


Thanks for checking out my oven mitt envelope! I was finishing up the easel and recipe cards when I had a "eureka!" moment to create the mitt. I considered making a wrap to hold the cards together for gift presentation, but then the mitt idea popped into my head and it was a whole lot more fun, IMO! (LOL)

Tomorrow's project will be the third in this series - tips on creating a cinnamon candle wrap. I do hope you come by again!

Downloadable Mitt Pattern

If you would like a pattern for the oven mitt used in the above project, please click on this image, and it will take you to PhotoBucket. Click on that image to zoom and view image full size, and print.

Spice Up Kitchen Decor with BoBunny!

I had so much fun playing with BoBunny's Kitchen Spice collection! The mojo did not stop with the first project idea, it evolved into three projects! Above is my Kitchen Spice ensemble, which includes a recipe card easel, recipe cards in a fun oven mitt shaped envelope, and an embellished cinnamon candle.

Today I will show you how to make the recipe card easel, and there will be successive posts on Tuesday and Wednesday offering directions for the remaining two projects. You can make all three or pair up two, or even create just one - for a wonderful gift, whether it be for a bridal shower, Christmas, or a special one's birthday. Perhaps you love to cook and try new recipes, and would love this recipe card holder for your own kitchen!

Kitchen Spice Recipe Card Easel
BoBunny Supplies used:
Kitchen Spice Cloves, Allspice, Kitchen Spice, Cinnamon, Sesame papers, Chiffon and Chocolate Dot Double Cardstock; Kitchen Spice recipe card cutouts, Lovin’ from the Oven cardstock stickers, Kitchen Spice flowers, Combo Stickers, Buttons and Bling, What U Got Cookin’ acrylic stamp, Sunburst stamp, Bohemian Borders rub-on

Other:Magistical Memories 12” easel, Making Memories Bookplates, alpha stamps by Close to My Heart, hinges and brads, home décor ribbon, Basic Grey aqua pearl stickers, Krylon copper spray paint, Staz-on and Brilliance Coffee Ink Pad by Tsukineko, Berol colored pencils, LePlume markers, coffee filter, copper wire, cinnamon sticks, small wooden spoon

Prep: Magistical Memories chipboard easel, as well as metal accents, used were spray painted with Krylon copper paint. Pewter hinges, yellow bookplates, and antique gold medium brads, which are never used, were given a fresh coat of copper paint to add warmth to this project. Placed gold brads in piece of foam from Bodacious Brads packaging to facilitate painting.



How To:
1. Apply Kitchen Spice paper to entire top section of easel. Stitch or adhere in place – distress edges if desired to allow the copper painted chipboard to show from underneath.


2. Use border punches to create decorative edges and apply to easel legs, starting with bottom piece as shown and working towards the top.
3. Punch decorate border along one long edge of Kitchen Spice paper and attach along bottom of easel, dotted side up, overlapping onto legs. Adhere or stitch in place.
4. Trim 5x7” piece from Cloves paper, add decorative edge and position on easel as shown to serve as frame for recipe cards.
5. Trim 2.5x9” piece from Allspice stripe and position on right side, centering over right leg of easel. Adhere or stitch in place.
6. Stamp “What U Got Cookin?” stamp onto ivory side of Allspice paper. Cut out circle, distress and ink edges. Add mini brads over dots in stamp image design.


7. Layer flowers as shown. Include stamped image of large flower from “Sunburst” stamp set if desired. For this project I stamped onto a coffee filter for a pretty paper layer. Add button threaded with floss to center. Position in center of stamped image.

8. Mat apron and oven mitt stickers onto Chocolate Dot cardstock. Trip apron leaving mat edge –distress. Adhere as shown. Trim oven mitts close to edge of mitt design, using paper piercer add small hole to one mitt loop. Set aside.
9. Mat floral design sticker from Combo Sticker sheet on ivory solid of Allspice paper. Cut out, distress and ink edges – position as shown, overlapping recipe card mat and striped paper.
10. Cut out recipe “category” words from Cut-Outs sheet, mat on Chocolate dot and position as shown.
11. Using solid blue side of Cinnamon patterned paper, stamp words “recipes” and “yum” in orange, trim to fit inside bookplates. Use bits of Bohemian Borders rub-ons if desired.


12. Magistical Memories Scrap Easels can be secured using ribbons tied through holes provided at the top. However, for this project designer chose to carry on copper theme and used 4 small hinges along the top to secure front and back easels together. If planning to use hinges, it is recommended to attach at this point prior to adding bulky items to project.


13. Add small wooden spoon to project. Note – two small holes were punched on either side of spoon at base of spoon head, and copper craft wire was used to secure spoon copper wire, attach oven mitt sticker design to hang from center of bow.


14. Use strong glue, such as KI Memorie GLOO to position cinnamon sticks to base of Cloves mat as shown. If desired, cover seam of 2 smaller sticks with matted sticker.
15. Embellish project with buttons, pearls and copper brads as desired.

Note: offer this project as a gift with favorite recipes printed, or hand-written, on the Kitchen Spice Recipe Card Cut Outs for a personalized gift. Place recipe cards in oven mitt shaped envelope for a clever gift wrapping idea.

It is my hope that these instructions will inspire you to create your own recipe easel with Magistical Memories easels and BoBunny's Spice Kitchen. Follow the hot links in this post to find the product used, and stay tuned tomorrow for the oven mitt envelope instructions.

Summer's End

Just a few more days and fall will officially begin. I belong to a photography group at our church - made up of amateurs like myself, and professionals willing to share their knowledge. It's a great thing!

Each month we have an assignment revolving around a theme or technique. The latest was to photograph "summer's end". I love this photo of Abby on the last day before school. We visited the beach at Governor Dodge State Park. Being the cold summer it was, I was not surprised to find a vacant beach. The water was cold, but the sun was shining enough to warm the sand and make it pleasurable to bare your feet and let your toes dig in!

A friend commented how "BIG" Abby's feet look in this photo. Well,I measured our shortcake and it seems she grew 1.5" since the last day of school! She had to have a growth spurt some time in her life! (LOL)

I look forward to scrapping this photo...not sure whether to use a quote or just what angle I may approach the layout. If you have a favorite quote that you feel might go well with this photo I would love to see it in a comment below.
Ordinarily I might say, "email me" - but alas my email is DEAD. The .pst file is corrupt - which pretty much means it is a goner. That would be my entire inbox...all my saved "layout submissions" which I kept in a folder for ease in resubmitting, all my important scrapbooking contacts, contract emails, and even some recent emails with photo attachments. So yes, sis, if you are reading this at some point I will need a resend!

Tonight I am finalizing our new computer build. I found the specs on our current PC, and although we have been grumbling about it for the past 18 months - this computer is 8 years old!!! How many last that long? I looked up the processor and it is an Intel, so it leaves no doubt in my mind that we are going with an Intel processor once again. Kudos to Intel!

Until the new PC arrives and everything is installed (I would guess a month out?) I have no email, although Jesse is trying to come up with something temporary. I will be able to access through our providers home page - but won't be able to submit any projects using attachments, sadly enough. So hey, if you need a response from me on something - better call me!!

Christmas in September with BoBunny

Santa’s Surprise CD Tin


BoBunny Supplies Used:
For Tin:
CD Tin
Papers: Tis The Season, St. Nick Holly Berry, St. Nick Noel
Santa Dear Acrylic Stamp
Evergreen Double Dot Ribbon
3 gold bells
Gold floss and rivet

For Santa’s Surprise Card

Papers: St. Nick Sugar Plum, St. Nick Stocking, St. Nick Toyland, Tis the Season (scallop circle)
Time of Wonder Cardstock Sticker
Tis The Season Combo Sticker (under button)
Wild Berry Double Dot Ribbon

Other Supplies Used:
Bells : Darice
Floss: DMC Gold Lame
Glitter: Red Stickles by Ranger Industries
Distress Ink: Colorbox and Ranger
Paint Marker: Krylon (gold)
Circle Scallop Punch: EK Success
Colored Pencils: Berol
Thread: Coats & Clark
Velcro circle self-adhesive fastener

How to:
1. Spray paint CD tin with red Krylon paint.
2. Stamp “Santa Dear” on ivory patterned paper with black ink and color in as desired.
3. Cut stripe and holly paper and position as shown.
4. Criss cross Evergreen Double Dot paper to make the tin look like it is gift wrapped.
5. Use Croc-o-dile to punch hole in center of ribbon “intersection” and add rivet.
6. String bells on gold floss and hang - threading floss through riveted hole and securing on inside of tin cover.

Card How-To:
1. Cut Sugar Plum cardstock to 11 3/8" x 4.5". Score at 4 5/8", 9 1/4", 9 3/4".


2. Use border punch to make red strip and attach by sewing, or using adhesive.
3. Use 3” circle scallop punch to make shape in ivory patterned paper. Ink edges. If desired, punch holes in each scallop, back with red cardstock and fill in with red Stickles.


4. Cut Santa design from patterned paper and add to circle shape with foam adhesive for extra dimension.
5. Use small circle punch to cut striped paper. Place snowflake sticker in center. Position clear button on top and adhere. Make holes in paper through button holes with paper piercer.
6. String a bell onto gold lame’ floss and thread to back of button, tie off. Adhere button grouping to center of top flap.
7. Under flap position Velcro circle stickers to keep flap closed.
8. If desired, punch holes in card top, add rivets, and thread ribbon through to hang ornament inside card.

Tool Time with BoB Grease Monkey

Toolin' Around Time - when my hubby gets a breather, and it is not very often, he really enjoys spending time in his woodworking shop. I guess we both have creative spirits- he enjoys making things with wood, and I enjoy creating with paper and all that fun stuff. We're both a bit on the messy side, as well, when we create - both focused so much on our projects that we never quite get things put away, so our work spaces are never as organized as we would like. Or if we do organize, it never seems to last long.

For our long Labor Day weekend we visited Jesse's sister and our little Godson, Jed, back in Wisconsin from Pennsylvania. We had a nice visit on Saturday - Jed is getting so big! Sunday we went to my folks place, as well as my brother Paul, to visit and have an early birthday gathering for my dad. A little bit here and there, in between loads of laundry, I managed to scrap a little. Jesse actually woodworked quite a bit - and I am anxious to see how he is doing with the organizer he is making me, but I have been sworn off limits to the shed.

I finished one assignment for BoBunny, and while I was working on it my eyes kept darting to a photo, papers and Magistical Memories chipboard I had had set aside before being welcomed on the team. Late Sunday night I decided to take a break and put my simple one pager together. A few simple cuts in this BoBunny Grease Monkey paper allowed me to tuck my photo in. You can't see it, but underneath the photo is a circle cut out where I cut out the gear that is attached to the Magistical Memories gear. When I am creating, I always assess what is underneath a large piece of paper or photo, and if I can cut out a pattern or shape to be used on another project or elsewhere on the very same layout, I do. Call me frugal, but who doesn't want to stretch their dollar a bit these days?



The Magistical Memories hammer really makes this layout. I covered the hammer handle with BoBunny green paper that had a sporadic grid design, and used the lines as a guide for my journaling. The hammer head was painted with a base coat of black acrylic, a crackle medium was applied, and then I topped it with a metallic silver paint. I used the bit of leftover paint to "smear" onto the gear shape, allowing raw chipboard to mingle with black and silver for a distressed look.


I know many of my friends reading this blog scrapbook. So while you are doing that - what does your other half do, providing you have one. (Or hey, what does your cat do - paw for attention!) (LOL) Do they have their own hobby, watch football, go fishing? I think it works out well when a couple both have hobby that allows each to be doing, and not feeling guilty about neglecting the other. Have you created a page to tell others of your hobbies? Maybe you have a shared interest, maybe you each go it alone -whichever, hobbies are a part of who we are. Be sure to preserve those memories as well.

I look forward to the reveal for a rare 2 pager coming up using BoBunny's Gypsy line - MAN that paper is GORGEOUS!! My family doesn't seem to mind me talking about Bobunny (yet)... Saturday I was excited about something...don't recall what it was exactly, but Abby says, "What is it mom - the Bunny again?"

Too funny - BoBunny is now The Bunny around here...and if any of you are Vegi Tale fans Abby and I tend to be singing "The Bunny, the bunny, oooh I ate the bunny..." song quite a bit as of late! :dancer:

Spice Up and Altered Tin with Bo Bunny!

Altered Mini Tin Featuring Top Pocket

Totally functional, this pretty little 2x3x5/8” altered tin is perfect accessory in your purse to carry candy or pills, and with a photo cropped and tucked into the inside top lid, it even works as a mini “brag book”! I thought I would share a step by step on how I made this little project, which can be applied to an Altoid tin or any other little tin storage container. I actually found this tin under a park picnic table. It was an empty one of these:


To create this little project, gather these supplies:
BoBunny Products
BoBunny Kitchen Spice papers in Allspice, Cloves, and Nutmeg
BoBunny Kitchen Spice Candy Jewel (as well as cut out stems from chipboard packaging)
BoBunny Time With Grandma Cardstock Sticker (tag)
BoBunny Double Dot cardstock in Wild Berry
BoBunny Double Dot ribbon in Cranberry
Other:
3x2 tin or other small tin
Krylon copper spray paint
220 grit sandpaper
Fiskars corner border punch (lace & lattice)
inks: Colorbox brown, AAM chocolate, Staz-On by Tsukineko in teal
Acrylic Stamp: “how sweet” sentiment (unknown)
Marker: Sharpie fine point in brown
Adhesives: Mod Podge and Zip Dry paper glue

How To:
1. If tin has embossed letters use a mallet, or in my case, the rounded end of my Making Memories hammer, with a mouse pad under the tin, to pound and “flatten” out the raised letters. The letters will not disappear, but they will be less distinct, which will make adhering paper easier to do.

2. Use 200 grit sandpaper to sand painted tin, top and bottom. Wash thoroughly and let dry.

3. In a well ventilated area, use Krylon Copper Spray paint to coat top and bottom sections of tin. Follow directions on can and allow to dry thoroughly.

4. Using top lid as a template, trace around edge of lid onto Cloves floral paper. Cut out, ink edges, and use Mod Podge to adhere to lid top. Note: positioning and sizing paper for lid top prior to gluing helps determine if more paper needs to be trimmed off along edges. Note 2: With a generous coat of mod podge on top of lid cover, apply Cloves paper, working paper into crevices created by the embossed lettering.


5. Cut scant ¼”x12” strip of Nutmeg paper, ink edges, and apply as a band around the sides using Mod podge. Overlap as needed.

6. Use Ranger distress ink on covered lid, allowing ink to emphasize the bumps and slight folds caused by the uneven surface. This will give the tin an aged, vintage look. Continue on paper band and sides of tin. Add gem sticker to center of flower on Nutmeg patterned paper if desired.

7. Again, using lid as a template, cut lid shape out of Allspice paper. Trim 1/2 away. If desired, use border punch to add a decorative edge. With cream patterned side facing up, fold down top portion as shown.

8. Stamp sentiment on Nutmeg paper (blue dot side). Cut out strip and position onto Allspice paper as shown.
9. Use strong glue, such as Zip Dry to adhere pocket along edges.
10. Use micro-tip scissors to cut two leafy stems from Kitchen Spice Candy Jewel collection. If desired, spray with Glimmer mist. Add two tiny flowers with glue dots to the stems and tuck into pocket.


11. To make tag adhere heart design from “with Grandma” sticker sheet to Wild Berry Double Dot cardstock. Trim around edges, and attach 4” piece of Cranberry Double Dot ribbon. Write message on back side of tag and tuck into pocket if desired.

12. Fill with a treat or other small gift for recipient. If desired, trim a wallet sized photo to fit on inside of tin lid, using glue dots to hold in place.


Party Favor! This pretty tin would make a great party favor, or wedding favor filled with M&Ms in the wedding party colors. Using a computer, the backside of the cardstock in which the tag sticker is mounted on could read, "Thank you for sharing our special day."

However, if you are not planning a party this pretty tin adds style to any purse, or give it as a gift filled with sweet treats to someone in need of a smile.

It's Brisk - Fall is in the Air!

Does your family have any back to school traditions? For the past 3-4 years Jesse and I always take off from work on the last day before school begins. Since we've never taken a summer vacation with the kids, it is the least we can do before the break is officially over. We take a day trip, and get back in to town in time to take the school supplies over, meet the teacher, and of course get a photo.

This past Monday we went to Governor Dodge State Park. I have not been there since I was a kid myself, and a group of us were riding our horses. There are places you cannot go on horseback, such as the trail along the edge of the creek and Stephen Falls. It is a spectacular spot!

We took Kyle's friend Jordan along, who had never really gone on a nature hike before. He was so amazed by the pretty wildflowers being worked hard by the bees, the small wildlife, was appreciative just to be out enjoying the natural beauty of the world. At long last - God blessed me (and all of us!) with my first sighting of a Pileated Woodpecker. This bird is the size of a crow, and although a ways off on a snag, the binoculars helped define the red on his head and black and white bars on his back. Ah yes... memories of Woody Woodpecker cartoons now dance in my head! (LOL)
We also saw a red fox along side the road heading home - about 3 in the afternoon. His coat looked healthy so perhaps a younger kit that has not yet figured out the more safe times of the day to venture out of hiding. It sure was beautiful, and fortunatey all the kids were able to see it. Kyle and Jordan did some climbing along the rocks, they made us a bit nervous...we made them come down as we had no cell and sure were remote. However, there was one larger rock that was easy enough access - Jesse had to really reach to put Abby up there between the boys - but they managed and I took a shot of the three of them. Speaking of threes...I told Jordan's mom we may borrow him for all our trips - our backseat has not been so peaceful in four years! What a most pleasant day!


The creek that the falls run into had quite a few frogs hiding in its bottom. The poor things...as the boys walked on rocks, rocking them under their weight - frogs would dart out into the water to escape-and man, was that water cold! In one section the cliff overhangs quite deeply and forms a cavern. Jordan found a frog that was so cold he was able to catch it. I love frogs - personally, I think they are cute. This has the BoBunny U Bug Me line written all over it! Looking forward to scrapbooking my photos.

And then we proceed to 9/1/2009 - the first day of school. Kyle is walking to school since the middle school is closer to home. He and a friend meet up along the way.

This is my best photo of Kyle on the first day of school. He did appease me and quickly looked over his shoulder as he walked down the road - but that shot is blurry - no wonder, as I was trying to walk and shoot at the same time to get closer as he was in a hurry. Oh well...6th grade boys, hoods up, backs to me... I believe that from now on getting nice facial shots of our son is going to be more and more challenging.

Abby however...

She was quite happy to pose in her new top, vest and scarf ensemble for the first day of school. I managed quite a few photos and took her pic by the school sign (after school hours) so we can watch her grow through the years.

It's been a fun couple of days. Monday I took 305 photos, and even with an uncooperative son, managed 136 on the first day of school. Many are blurry of course, and getting trashed right away.

Now that the kids are off to school it is time to dig out my gloves. I rode my bike to work and almost froze my hands - it's a brisk 42-45 degrees here in the morning. In the past I could always count on summer clothes working for the first couple of weeks in September, but not this year! I have 6 pr. pants to hem for Abby and Kyle seems to be avoiding his new jeans. Tomorrow I am forcing him to wear them - as the comfy flannel lined sport pants he has worn the past two days are in dire need of washing. Tonight, however, is Jesse's birthday, and washing clothes is not on my to do list.

Fall is here - I love this time of year. BoBunny's new Gypsy line is especially going to be perfect for so many of my fall photos. I love scrapbooking the memories made during this season. Enjoy your creative journey!