Oh happy day!

Hi friends,
I am here with some very exciting news today. Heidi Sonboul of GCD Studios was given the opportunity to create her own line for GCD Studios. This line will be availabe at CHA in January. GCD Studios has just released a sneak peek of the new line and they have allowed me to share it with you. So here it is....





The full reveal of the line will be available for viewing on January 6th. So what do you think of the line? I can't wait to share the full reveal with you. I love those chevron stripes!

music for the soul

so, I had a chance to play with paper over the Christmas break (before, the kids and I got sick). I am still laid up in bed so I am just sharing some earlier projects that I made.

Music for the soul:


I just recently fell in love with all the wooden alphabets made by Pink Paislee

I used the daily junque wood alphabet on my layout

and misted them with Mister Huey's Calico White from Studio Calico.

I really love how they look all inked up.



Here is another recent layout that I would like to share with you:

Random Facts about Matt:


I used papers from Amy Tangerine and Studio Calico on my layout and more Mister Huey's spray with the new mistables mask from Pink Paislee. I am in love with this mask.

Here is a shot up close:

I also used the round 20 button studio from Epiphany Crafts to make the acrylic buttons.

Thanks for stopping by!

CHA sneak peek

Hi friends,
I hope that you enjoyed a nice Holiday with your family. We are still recovering from all the Christmas fun in our house. Unfortunately Kalee and I both came down with the flu and I pulled a muscle in my neck, so I haven't been able to do much for the last few days. I am hoping to recover quickly because I really want to start playing with the new lines from Ruby Rock-it that are debuting at CHA.

Ruby Rock-it has shared a sneak peek with me and they have given me permission to share it on my blog. Are you ready? This is a different line than the one that I shared last week. This one is just screaming for me to hurry up and play with it.......



The patterns on this line are so rich and fun, and even better in person. Can't wait till you all get to see the full reveal. If you are going to CHA, be sure to stop by the Ruby Rock-it booth to see all the new lines.

Christmas morn

I always get all giddy on Christmas morning to see the kids reactions when they come downstairs and see the tree all lit up with presents under it. It makes me want to be a kid again! I had this photo that I took of my kids with their cousins on Christmas morning. When I saw this color inspiration on the internet, I just knew that I wanted to use it on my project for GCD studios this month.



I loved the traditional Christmas colors, with a touch of blue and brown.

Since geometrical patterns are such a big trend right now I decided to create a layout using triangle shapes that I cut with my Slice.

Christmas Morn layout:


Here is a photo of the pattern close up

I used a In Stitchz circle template from Bazzill to create the large circle, and I went over a few of the circles with embroidery floss to give the layout texture.

I used the woodgrain chipboard letters from GCD Studios Great Outdoors collection
and pattern papers from their Scandia Jul collection

Thanks for stopping by! I hope this inspires you to take a photo of the kids in front of the tree this year.

quick and easy gift idea...

using Epiphany Crafts and Pink Paislee.

Hi friends,
I wanted to share with you a quick and easy gift idea that I made this month using Epiphany Crafts round 25 shape studio tool and snow day papers from Pink Paislee.

Bottlecap magnets:




these bottlecap magnets were really easy to make and make a great gift idea. I used the round 25 shape studio maker and round 25 bubblecaps along with papers from the Snow day collection (Pink Paislee), to make custom epoxies. The round 25 bubblecaps fit perfectly into standard size bottlecaps. Then I placed a small sticky magnet on the back of each bottlecap and placed them inside a metal tin.

supplies:

Epiphany Craft round 25 shape studio tool
Epiphany Craft round 25 bubblecaps
bottlecaps
Pink Paislee snow day collection papers
tinsel

debuting at CHA........

Hi friends,
I have a sneak peek for you today of a new Ruby Rock-it line that is debuting at CHA and it is beautiful.
Are you ready for this?

Drumroll please.........................



Isn't it gorgeous? I really love the colors in this collection. The full line will be at CHA in the Ruby Rock-it booth. I can't wait till we are able to show the full reveal. Can you guess the name of this collection?

Ruby rock-it Christmas traditions projects

Hi everyone, earlier this month we shared our favorite family Christmas traditions on the Ruby rock-it blog. My family's favorite Christmas tradition each year is driving up to Apple Hill to cut down our family Christmas tree. You can view my original post with all of the pictures from our trip here. After we shared our favorite traditions the design team was challenged to create 3 projects that were inspired by our tradition.

For my first project this month I created a layout using the Paper Boy collection. I took these photos of my son while we were celebrating our tradition of picking out our Christmas tree at Apple hill. They have a fishing pond there that is the perfect backdrop for photos.

and a close up

For my second tradition themed project this month, I made a Christmas card using the Bella wedding line.

Celebrate card:

I liked their embossed double sided paper so much that I chose to use both sides. The backside (white) and the gold side (front). The Bella wedding line works great for Christmas themed projects.

And for my last project, I created a card. The border strip is from the Paper Doll line and it reminded me of Christmas candy. I also thought of the cherry (from the Paper Doll tokens paper) and the sweetie pie sticker (confetti stickers). They reminded me of all the yummy sweets and pies that we buy up at Apple hill. They have pre-made pies that you can buy there and then bring home and pop in your oven. Our favorites are cherry and apple.



Thanks for allowing me to share my Ruby Rock-it Christmas traditions projects with you this month. Please stop by the Ruby rock-it blog tomorrow to see how team member Becky Olsen shares her Christmas tradition projects.

Silly & Sillier

Hi everyone!
Hope your morning is off to a great start. I have been very busy with planning for Christmas (the kids are out of school tomorrow) and planning for CHA. This is my first year that I am creating more than 1 or 2 pieces for the show. I am actually in charge of a large display for a new Embossing powder company from the UK debuting at the show. I love the creative work, but it has been keeping me very busy and unfortunately I am not able to share my creations with you until after the show. I do however have a few layouts that I recently created for a call that I can share with you.

Here we go...

Silly & Sillier layout:

I used papers from Studio Calico and October Afternoon. The mask and ink (Mister Huey's) is from Studio Calico. I had so much fun with this mask and inking up my page!


Dream layout:



I love this self portrait that my daughter took recently using my iphone. The journaling is about her dreams of having a career in the fashion industry. So, I thought that I would carry that theme by using lace, fabric (handmade yoyo's) and sequins on my page.

I used Sassafrass Lass and Glitz papers, and Amy Tangerine embellishments.
Here is a close up:


Thanks for stopping by today. What creative projects are you working on?

Cards October

Hi everyone,
Hope that you are having a great week. My Cards Magazine Designer box (issue for September) came the other day and I realized that I hadn't gotten around to posting
October's yet.
Here is a card that was in the October issue of Cards Magazine:

I heart you:

I used Fancy Pants designs It's the little things collection
and Epiphany Crafts round 14 shape studio tool, round 14 bubblecaps and yellow
vintage settings.
Thanks for stopping by! I will be back tomorrow with some new projects.

Epiphany Crafts and Pebbles

Hello friends!

We’re getting closer to Christmas and that means…time to think about the holidays and gift giving.
This week Epiphany Crafts, Pebbles and Scrapbook Adhesives have teamed up. They are giving away
some fun prizes on the Ephihany Crafts blog

I have some projects that are up on the EC blog this week that I would like to share with you.

Altered Christmas Coookie Cutters

Epiphany Crafts Supplies:
Epiphany Crafts star 25 shape studio tool, star 25 bubblecaps
Other Supplies:
Pebbles Welcome Christmas collection: trims, layered embellishments, toothpick flags,
clear stamps, dimensional stickers, Holly Jolly embossed paper, Santa’s workshop embossed paper.
other: red twine, wooden spools, glitter, cookie cutters


Merry Christmas Card



Here is a close up of the star 25 bubblecaps.
I punched a hole through them with my crop-a-dile and then attached them with jump rings.

supplies used:
Epiphany Crafts Supplies:
Epiphany Crafts: star 25 shape studio tool, star 25 bubblecaps
Other Supplies:
Pebbles Welcome Christmas collection: clear stamp, ribbon, Trim the tree paper, embossed double sided paper – no peeking,
adhesive: Scrapbook Adhesives MyStik repositionable tape
other: felt, mini clothespins

Here is your chance to win a fantastic prize from Scrapbook Adhesives, Epiphany Crafts and Pebbles! Stop by the EC blog for a chance to win this awesome prize package:

Here is the link. Good luck!

Soft Fall layout

In the month of November I love to take photos of the kids outside with fall leaves. I had photos of my kids that I took at a local park and I thought that these colors would be perfect for a soft fall layout:


I loved the creamy soft colors mixed with black. I also took inspiration from the angled ceiling, so I brought that into my layout by handcutting several angles, and adding a fun handstitched print to one of them.

Here is my layout that I created for GCD studios:



and an up close photo of the tree that I created using my Slice:


I added texture to the leaves with my Sizzix and added buttons from the Sweet Surrender collection, and candy dots from the Fun House collection. For a fun playful look.

I used papers and buttons from GCD studios Sweet Surrender collection

and papers from GCD StudiosAnimal Crackers for boys collection


and elements from the Fun House collection

The giving acorn

To help celebrate Thanksgiving this month, I thought that it would be fun to create a new tradition with my family. I decided to make a table decor project that my family could use to help share what they are thankful for.

The giving acorn:


The project is a paper acorn stuffed with leaves. Each family member takes a leaf and writes down what they are thankful for. Then we take turns reading them during dinner.

To create the acorn, I found a photo of an acorn on the internet, printed it out, and used it to make a template.

I cut two acorns out of pattern paper and glued the edges the sides and bottom together. I kept the embellishments simple, by just inking the edges and adding a swirl pattern that I fussy cut out of pattern paper, and buttons. I used my Slice to cut out different sized (and shaped) leaves.

Here is a photo of the acorn with the leaves:



I used papers from
Donna Salazar's antiquities collection
and buttons from the Sweet Surrender collection.
I hope that this project inspires you to create a new tradition with your family.

Today is worth remembering with Epiphany Crafts!

Hi everyone,
I wanted to share with you my November Design Team projects that I made for Epiphany Crafts.
First up is an album that I made using chipboard pieces from GCD studios.

Today is worth remembering album

*technique: I used my Crop a dile tool to punch holes into my EC bubblecaps, then I hung them from the album with jump rings and chains.

Here is a closeup of the detail:



I used:
Glitz: Vintage Blue collection papers, Dance in Sunshine collection paper and die cuts
Crate paper: Farm House stickers, random collection border stickers
Epiphany Crafts: round 25 shape studio tool, round 25 bubblecaps
GCD Studios: chipboard album, chipboard pieces
Tim Holtz: Hardware
We R Memory Keepers: Crop a dile tool


Next, is a fun card that I made using beautiful papers from Authentique's Free bird series - Fair weather collection.

I'm so glad we're friends card


I just love the bright vivid colors in this collection, mixed with the brown and cream flowers from Epiphany Crafts. It makes the perfect combo for Fall.

supplies:
Authentique: free bird series fair-weather papers
Epiphany Crafts: round 25 shape studio tool, round 25 bubblecaps, brown and cream felt flowers
feathers: (Craft supply)

Thanks for stopping by!

official design team call is up...

Hi everyone,
just wanted to let you know that the official DT call is up on my friend Suzy West's blog.
You are not going to want to miss this opportunity for an amazing company!

sharing this per Suzy West:

I'm going to make this easy for ya. Here's what we are looking for:

DESIGN TEAM CALL!!!!
I am looking for 20-25 design team members (some will also be company educators) to join my 2012 team. The main product is embossing powders but there are other products such as stamps.
I'm looking for happy positive designers that can create projects of all kinds: cards, layouts, and mixed media projects.

Requirements:
--each designer will commit to a 12 month term.
--Each designer will commit to creating THREE projects a month: There should be at least one layout and one card. I would like to see a variety of different book projects from each designer every so often. If you were to create a book project that would equal out to three projects for the month.
--You will create a HOW TO blog post ONCE in your 12 month term. We will assign you a date.
--You must have an active blog to promote our company and willing to share at any of your social medial groups.
--You may be asked to create for our trade shows so projects would need to be shipped. (some projects may be kept for future shows)


Benefits:
--each designer will have their bio/picture on our website.
--each designer will receive products every quarter.
--each designer will have the opportunity to DEMOnstrate at their local scrapbook, stamp, and or craft store and receive an hourly payment($ will blow your mind!) PLUS 10% commission of ALL sales. (will explain more to those that make the team--awesome plan!!)
--teaching classes at your stores will be encouraged and we will help provide you with the products that you need!!
--Payment will be given to all projects approved for the trade shows.
--All classes and demos that you create will be advertised on our blog to help spread the word!!

How to apply:
--Send your application to psajfamily@aol.com
--Include: Name, address, phone number, and email address
--Include your personal blog and a link to where we can see your work.
--Tell us about yourself and why you want to be on this team.
--Attach three of YOUR favorite projects (Please make sure the pictures are not HUGE)
--Please include a list of all the teams you are on or have been on. (You DO NOT have to have dt experience but if you have some please include)
--Please include if you have a local scrapbook/stamp/craft store that you can demo and/or teach at OR if you are a traveling teacher.


Please note: You can not be on another company team that sells embossing powder.

The call is NOW open and will remain open until November 27th. I will announce the new design team on December 1st. Those that are picked for the team....first assignment might be CHA project!

Thanks everyone!!! Looking forward to seeing your application!

Hugs,
Suzy West
Marketing Coordinator, US territory


sounds like an amazing opportunity, huh? If you have any questions, please let me know and I will do my best to answer them for you. All applications should be sent to Suzy West at: psajfamily@aol.com
thanks and good luck!

Gina

What Veterans day means to me.

In November 2009 my family taped a news special with our local tv station News 10 to help raise awareness about PTSD in the military. For those of you that don't know our story. Frank is in the National Guard. He was sent to a heavy combat zone in Afghanistan in 2005 and did not return until 2007. When he returned home, we went through a honeymoon period where everything seemed fine. But as time went on the psychological effects of war began to take a toll on him and as a result effected the whole family. (I have a link to the video, but it is not letting me upload it here. So it can be found on my FB page).

My husband took the time to seek out help for his disorder and did not let his pride get in the way. We worked together to find the right combination of doctors, counselors and meds, so that we could get the help that he needed. I am proud to say that 2 years later Frank is doing great and we are getting ready to celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary on Monday.

We know first hand what it feels like to be without him and we consider ourselves one of the lucky families to have him back.

Kalee took this photo with Daddy's army boots last night. She always gets sentimental about Veteran's day.


I recently created this layout about his deployment using papers from GCD studios and washi tapes and overlays from Hambly.


Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to take the time to hug a Vet today :)

fun with fun house...

Hi everyone,
Hope that you have been enjoying a wonderful crafty week. My week has been busy dealing with lots of legal issues resulting from the renter that destroyed our rental property. It hasn't been fun, and at times I have felt like crying and giving up but I am determined to keep my head up and pray for a good outcome. With that being said, I haven't had much time to craft this week, so I thought I would post some recent projects that I have finished using the fun house line from GCD Studios.

Doggie Mama:

The chevron print is so in right now, and I just adore this paper!

Fashionista:

When I saw these photo of my niece Sophia, I just knew that that it would work perfectly with this line.


I love the fun embellishments in the Fun House line - esp. this cute banner! You can pick up the whole Fun House collection here.

That's all for today, thanks for stopping by!

Happy Halloween and some fun news!

Hi everyone! I hope that your Halloween is off to a great start.
I have some exciting news to share. I was asked to join the Ruby Rock-it Design team!!
I am so excited about helping this new company start up and grow!

Here is a peek of the submissions that I sent in.

Girl's day layout:



Little Rascal Happy Birthday card:


Boy's adventure book:


Canvas subway art:


So what do you think? I just love their Paper doll and Paper boy collections.

Check out all the talented ladies that I will be designing with:

Sandy Ang - Singapore
Sarah Hill - Indiana
Amanda Jones - UK
Rebecca Keppel - Arizona
Gina Lideros - California
Becky Olsen - Utah
Benedicte Raphalen - France
Debbie Sherman - Wyoming
JJ Sobey - Canada
Carrie Walz - Illinois
Erin Yamabe - California
Keely Yowler - Kentucky

Congrats to my fellow teammates. I can't wait to rock it out with these girls.

Cards Magazine September

Hi friends,
I wanted to share with you a card that I made that was recently published in the September 2011 issue of Cards Magazine. This was for a Grandparents call.

Grandpa tell it like it is:


I used the For the record line by Echo Park (I just love this collection) and the round 25 shape studio tool, and bubblecap from Epiphany Crafts. TFS!

Here is a peek of it in print:
My copy has not come in the mail yet, so I took a picture of the magazine at the store. I just get so giddy (and thankful too), every time I see my work in print.

thanks for letting me share! Have a great day!

instagram crush

I think it is safe to say that I have a huge crush on Instagram. I am on it everyday, and I love how easy it is to share quick photos with your family and friends. Also, something about those cute little square photos gets me every time :)

We just had a crazy busy weekend, and rather than lugging around my Canon 7D everywhere we went I decided to just bring my iphone and take quick pics with instagram.

Saturday we went to a football game and then a fun 1970's party.


everyone there was really dressed up. My husband and I felt a little out of place since we went in tie-dye shirts. Next, time we will bring a fro and go go boots :)

Sunday my daughter had a cheer competition at Discovery Kingdom


It was such a fun day. The girls took 1st place in their cheer competition. I am so proud of them.

Monday and Tuesday we spent recovering from our long weekend. After walking around the theme park for 6 hours we caught some kind of flu bug (go figure). So Frank stayed home from work and Matt stayed home from school.
We spent most of the day on the couch with the dogs, reading. I made homemade chicken noodle soup and we played Star Wars Monopoly (the highlight of every 9year old boys day).

I recently created a layout about my love for instagram using recent photos that I took with the app.


I pieced all of the cameras together using papers from GCD studios. I also used foam squares to pop up the lens of the camera. I just love how they came out. Here is an up close shot:


Thanks for stopping by!