Glad Tidings

Wow...Can the Scrapperie/Sandi put together a kit! Check out some of the projects I created from the essentials and trimmings:

This mini book is showcased in the secret garden. You get the password when you purchase the kit and then you have access to the secret garden. There you will find the instructions to make this cute mini album

Journalling reads: Ok, Kelly is almost 5 & we still haven't made a snowman! The snow just hasn't cooperated. I thought this would be the one...it was really wet coming down. NO JOY!! We could barely make a snowball. Well, she had fun anyway! 12-07

Moxxie Love

I just finished my first project for Moxxie...and well, I love it!!! I can't wait to hang it up! Check it out -->

Another Moxxie project. My friend Cathy loaned me pictures of her daughter playing basketball...She had her tongue hanging out ala Michael Jordan...so I couldn't resist!





Journalling reads: The next Michael Jordan? Maybe, she sure has the tongue action down!!!

Got Moxxie...

...I do!!!!!!!! I still can't believe it...I have been selected to be on Moxxie's design team!!! YAHOO...Their themed product totally rocks! You can read about it on their blog: www.gotmoxxie.blogspot.com . Here are some of the layouts I created using their product...

Mad about you card

He still Loves me. Journalling reads: Janet, I love you. I am sorry and I am committed and willing to do whatever it takes for us to build the loving and supportive relationship we both want. I do not take you for granted. Marrying you was the best decision I have made in my life. Love, Mike

Sisterhood of Scrap

I've been selected as a Sister for the Sisterhood of Scrap...What an honor! They will showcase me on their blog this week --> http://www.sisterhoodofscrap.blogspot.com/ . Check it out. There will be challenges, tidbits about me, and some teaching tips.

What a week!!! I have another announcement that I can make tomorrow!!!!!!!

Rocking the Casbah!

Sandi at the Scrapperie has done it again!! Her kit Rock the Casbah ROCKS!!! It is soo fun and funky! Here are a couple of layouts I've made using the kit...

Journalling on IMAGINE reads: Can you IMAGINE what your life would be like if you always DANCE like no one is watching and always follow your DREAMS? I CAN!!!!!
Journalling reads: Normally Kelly's Daddy does NOT have patience. But every once in a while, he finds a well hidden reserve. He did here and Kelly was able to "Helpin' the Daddy" drill in some screws!






Journalling in circle reads: I find when I'm appreciative for all I have in life, instead of focusing on what I don't have...I'm at PEACE!!!!!

Journalling on strips reads: I'm thankful for...*being a stay at home mom *my generous and loving dad * my loving husband and daughter *comfort foods of diet coke and dark chocolate *being able to adopt from Russia * the boys, Murphy and Tucker * our beautiful home to name a few

21 days of Gratitude

Hey all...my gratitude challenge has started at the Scrapperie. It has been way fun to see what everyone is putting together. There are a lot of great ideas. Here are my first seven things I'm thankful for (There are a lot of supplies from the Scrapperie's Indian Summer kit on these 6x6 pages):

$1000 pumpkin

Well, I have finally finished a layout for the Scrapperie's Indian Summer kit!!! And, well, I LOVE it. It was inspired by Scrapdango's unusual shape contest....

The journalling reads:

Yep that's right, $1000 for a pumpkin. Our homeowner's association gives away pumpkins to all the kids in the subdivision. We pay approzimately $1000 in fees (actually it was $1118 this year); granted that money takes care of the pool, community center, landscaping, and common areas. It still cracks me up that they give away pumpkins and so I have named it the $1000 pumpkin!

Gratitude

Gratitude...something I should do everyday...I'm soo blessed in many areas of my life, but I tend to focus on the little details of what I need to get done. So...

Starting in November, I'm going to create a gratitude layout every day until Thanksgiving. Something small, maybe a tag or 4x6 or6x6 layout of something I have to be grateful for. Then on Thanksgiving I'll share it with my family.

Interested in joining me...Check out the Scrapperie for details. I should have the details up in the next week or so.

I'm grateful for my friends that read my blog!!!
Thanks!

New magazine blog

Ok...So with the CK scandal...I bring this topic up again. Wouldn't it be great to have a magazine (or maybe just a blog that is updated daily) about real scrapbookers creating real pages! Wouldn't it be cool to see a bunch of NEW designers hand picked by the editors of the mag/blog (no fake contests here) writing and designing about questions you have. Like:

• HELP! I have 60 photos for this event. How do I scrap this?
• HELP! I have this beautiful photo...but the background is awful...Can it be fixed?
• How do I use this latest tool? Is it worth the cost?
• Etc...

So, leave a comment with a question, suggestion, or whatever. I want to hear from you. I'm thinking of just running with this!!! But, I'm an engineer by training, not a writer -- So I'll need help. Let me know what you think and if you are in!!

Scrapperie -- Social Butterfly

I had a blast designing for the Scrapperie. The kit is incredible! I created 3 one page layouts, 2 cards and a KELLY mini book. PLUS...I have enought paper and embellishments for at least 3 more 2 page layouts!!! Incredible! I have to say this layout is my favorite:

Journalling reads:

Mom: I love you, Baby

Kelly: I'm not a baby, I'm 4!

Mom: Well, you'll always be my Baby, Punkin, and Honey!

Kelly: Just don't call me Baby...I'm 4!

Mom: Ok, I'll try.

2 days later, Kelly: Mom, you can still call me Baby!

To see my other Social Butterfly creations, check out the gallerie at the Scrapperie: http://www.scrapperie.com/gallerie/showgallery.php?cat=518 My MB name is jscraps4u

ScrapPink layouts

Scrap Pink...What an incredible event. I had soo much fun! Here are the layouts I got done. I know not many, but I didn't go to get a lot done. I went to support the cause and socialize with my scrappy friends because this crop is most likely the last one I do. We will be moving soon (hopefully...keep your fingers crossed). I will miss everyone!

Here is a picture of the loot I won! I made a $100 dollar donation which converted into raffle tickets! It was a lot of fun. The store collected over $2500 for the breast cancer fund!

Fall Flourish has ended...

...and I'm a little sad its over. Man was it fun! I had never participated in a cyber crop before and didn't know what to expect. Games, challenges, and just plain fun! I got 8 layouts and 2 cards done, participated in games, and bingo!! One lady got 44 layouts done -- Wow! Anyway, I highly recommend participating in a cyber crop! Here is what I got done:

Fall Flourish Starts tonight!!!

I'm sooo excited!!! Scrapperie's Fall Flourish cyper crop starts tonight! You just have to come and check it out -- www.scrapperie.com click on the forum. Tonight the crop kicks off (7 pm) with bingo, 5 challenges, and I think one more game. I'm hosting at least 8 challenges through out the week...maybe more and maybe a class! Here is a taste of my challenges:

• No photo, no problem
• Stitch it up
• Addicted?
• Make your own transparency
• Scrap your favorites
• Top 10

Also, you won't want to miss my game -- Suduko Scrapperie style!

I hope you'll come and play with me!

Labor of love

I just finished this layout and I think it has made my favorites list! I love the little gems, hand made transparency and the stamping on the ghost letters. The journalling reads:

You are my angel

Becuase you remind me daily

to communicate clearly

to be patient

to love

to play

to be grateful because you help me be a better me

I love you, my angel!

Scrapdango Contest

August Spice kit contest -- prize is guest DT for a month!

Sugar kit contest:

Why did I start blogging

This is a great question! I originally started this "blog" as a scrapbook gallerie. I started applying to dt and pub calls and needed a central place to post my stuff. I also thought it would be a great way to share my scrapbook pages with my friends and family.

But, I have been converted. Colleen of the Scrapperie always asks these great questions to "blog" about. So, now I'm hooked!

Scrapperie happenings -- Challenge/Sale/Fall Fest

I'm soo excited to be apart of the Scrapperie Tres Chic Girls!! In honor of this selection, I am sponsoring a challenge!!! Anyone can enter! All you have to do is create a LO about your scrapbook addiction (since that is how I got here!) The layout must be done using a Scrapperie kit (overstock or monthly -- at least 90% of the LO) and submitted by September 30th midnight central time. Everyone who enters will go into a drawing. The winner will be announced on October 1st and will receive something from my stash.

Don't have a Scrapperie kit...no problem! There is a hugh Labor day sale going on:

Spend at least $20 and save 10% (use code LD1 during checkout)
Spend at least $40 and save 20% (use code LD2 during checkout)
Spend at least $60 and save 30% (use code LD3 during checkout)
Spend $100 or more and not only receive a 30% discount, but you'll receive an EXTRA Overstock kit in your order! (use code LD3 during checkout)
Check out the Boutique!

Is that not awesome or what!?!?!?

Also, the Scrapperie is having a week long cyber crop September 12th through the 19th! (Check out the blinkie) There will be tons of games and prizes. What a great way to fall back to scrapping!

So check out the Scrapperie: http://scrapperie.com/forums/index.php?

How did I start and Summer Memmories

Colleen of the Scrapperie comes up with some great blog challenges: How did I start scrapbooking & My favorite summer memory. I love these!

In my profile I briefly discuss "How I started". It really did revolve around my grandmother's photos. I'm so glad I did it. I don't think I'll ever forget the look of joy on her face when I gave it to her! My second motivator was throwing away tons of my photos that I took in my childhood/college/and early adulthood. I had no clue what a bunch of these pictures were anymore -- where I had taken them, who was in them, or why? Here are my first layouts (I have removed them to avoid confusion...sorry)-- 12x15 argh!!! And the adhesive I used didn't stay. I need to go through the album and re-adhere.


My favorite summer memory -- I can't believe summer is almost over and how busy we have been! Kelly's first dance recital in June. She was so cute and who knew that she would love it as much as she did. Swimming lessons -- Kelly is just about swimming on her own now -- I totally can't believe this. She LOVES the water and she's just the cutest little fish! Then there is Mike's family reunion. Kelly got to go to the beach -- she's been asking about that all summer -- and play with her cousins! Kane County fair, Fairy Festival, Mike's company picnic, plus traveling back and forth from/to Muscatine. As I sit and reflect, I can't believe how busy we have been -- NO WONDER I'M SO TIRED!!! :-)

YAHOOOO!!!!

I think I'm still in shock. Back in July I decided to take my "craft" to another level -- join a design team and get published. Well, I have just been selected for the Scrapperie's Tres Chic girls. I'm on a design team! And not just any design team -- this site/kits is/are AWESOME!!!! I found it on the pub calls list and I'm so glad I did. I can't wait for the first kit to start playing. I've got some projects to finish up first...I need to get hot!

Also...I WON another contest at scrapdango. It was a scraplift contest for their scenic route kit. I totally loved my entry, but there were soooo many beautiful ones! I thought for sure someone else would get it. WOW!!! Here is the entry...So very blessed: http://jpaluga.blogspot.com/2007_07_01_archive.html

Scrapperie Blog challenge: What's on my most used table/counter and what does that say about me. Clutter and more clutter! I wish I could just put things away ASAP...dishes, mail, papers, my daughters toys, etc....But I always seem to get distracted or I'd rather be doing something else -- especially scrapping. What does this all say about me? I'm not really sure...I know cleaning/picking up is just not a priority for me. I make sure things are clean enough...just not sparkling all the time.

Water and more water...

...I'm so sick of water!!! We've had so much rain lately...argh! Now, we lost power for 3 hours last night and our basement flooded -- YUK, everything not in a plastic tote is soaked. So my weekend will be spent cleaning the basement. Thank goodness it's not finished! PHEW! But still, there is a lot of work to do and I am soo procastinating right now! :-)

Scrapperie blog challenge: What do I do to keep myself organized with my scrapping and in life in general? Hmmm...good question. I think I need to do a better job with this. I'm reorging my scrap room which should help with my scrapping. I also need to throw away all calendars but one and then actually use it. I'm guilty of keeping track of stuff in my head and that's just not working anymore! :-)

Scrap mags

Ok...after another storm rolled through at 3:30 am and many thoughts running through my head...I decided to give up falling back to sleep and blog...eek...what am I thinking! :-)

1. Reorganizing my scrap room -- it needed to be done. My stash has grown exponentially lately and everything is everywhere. I'm all about working with the mess, yet it has become a distraction and a creative kill joy. So, I called a friend (a self proclaimed organization guru) and we are in the process of emptying every drawer/shelf/storage system I currently have. I'm glad to start the process, yet timing could be better -- I have an all day crop on Saturday that I have no idea how I'm going to prepare for it.

2. Scrapbook magazines -- Last night I joined a very fun chat were some venting took place -- mostly about the new MMM. It made me realize how little I know about the actually publishing part of scrapbooking. I love the magazines and hate them all at the same time. I love seeing the ideas, different new supplies/papers/embellishments, and what the designers do with them. Yet sometimes I really HATE how artsy they have gotten...one picture, one page layouts. Layouts that look like they took days to create. (And yes, I call BS on those designers that say they can do it in an hour!) Does your average scrapper really scrap this way? And yet...I find myself scrapping this way for submissions and design team calls. My albums aren't like this. A majority of pages are 2 page layouts -- or one page with multiple photos. Yet, I find myself wanting to take my craft to the next level, but does it need to look like designs in the mags?

3. So I wonder, what would it take to put out a magazine for the Joe-Average scrapper? We could have monthly columns: multiple photo layouts, 2 page layouts, tool review, etc...All designed by fresh faces with the average scrapbooker in mind. What would we call it, what other columns would there be...??? Thoughts anyone???

Piggy tales is done!!!

I have finally finished my projects for the Piggy Tales design team call and am about to email them off. I have to say I'm a little proud of myself. They turned out pretty good!!! (see Piggy Tales post below) Now to shrink them to 100K. I hope photobucket can help with that.

Wish me luck!! I'm 0-3 for kit club design teams, although that may be a matter of finding a club that matches my style. Although, I'm not really sure what my style is! :-) It's soo competitive out there!

To blog or not to blog

Hey all....I'm not sure I get this blog thing. I know, you say: "You have one". And this is true. I started it as a way to share my layouts with friends and family and it has sort of morphed into a scrapbook resume. Which is all good!!

But to "blog" about something, hoping that someone will read it and maybe leave a comment...I don't know. It seems way to random. To me, I guess if I want to say something and be heard about it...I say it directly to the person or persons. Yet, I can see the value of the blog to help people/families/etc to stay connected. It is a great way to reach a bunch of people.

So here I am: To blog or not to blog? That is the question!

Piggy Tales

OK...I know altering a sketchbook isn't all that unique, but Hansel was calling!

Ok...this is the first layout I've done specifically for a pub call...actually it's for two. Back to scrappin'!