Altered Prima Jar and Anniversary Card

Happy New Years Eve, everyone! Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This morning, I've made this pretty anniversary card. I was inspired by the sketch over at the Stamp Something Blog. If you've never checked out the Stamp Something sketches, I would highly recommend it. They are very original sketches, with a lot of room for individuality. Making the most of my scraps, I also altered an empty Prima jar. I hope to fill it with silver wrapped kisses before Valentine's Day. These projects were made completely with items made from my "stash." I've hoarded so many supplies over the past five years. I'm committed to using my stash over the next twelve months.

Card Supplies: Patterned Paper and DieCut (K&Company), Jewels (Darice), Heart Brad (Making Memories), Flower (Prima), Frosted Lace Stickles (Ranger). Tools include: Cropadile, Scallop Punch and 1 3/8 " Circle Punch (Stampin' Up).

Jar Supplies: Bottle (Prima), Satin Flowers and Ribbon (Offray Ribbon), Vellum Quote (Creative Memories), Patterened Paper (K & Company), Circle Punch (Stampin' Up), Stamp (Stampin' Up).

I'd love to read your comments!

Altered Notebook for Gift Lists

It seems that I can't remember anything anymore unless I write it down. Finding myself surrounded by post-it notes and list pads, I've come to realize that my sanity depends on the art of good list keeping. In an effort to keep a list of gifts that I'm considering and/or already purchased for family and friends, I altered this little notebook. I found the notebook at Dollar General for just $1 and used scraps from my Christmas cards and a few embellishments to turn it into a "Gift Lists" book. It's the perfect size to keep in my purse. I love how it turned out.
On a completely unrelated note, this will be the last picture on my blog to include that ugly time/date stamp! I finally figured out how to take it off tonight.

Thanks for stopping by my blog! If you'd like to follow my blog, please see the link on the right.

Supplies Include: Assorted Offray Ribbon, Making Memories Leather Flower, Button, and Rub Ons, Darice Bling, K&Company Paper (Red), and American Crafts Paper (White with Green dots)

A Sensational Scrappy Christmas

For Christmas, my wonderfully generous Hubby took me on a shopping spree at Crafts2000 in Parkersburg, WV. We walked in, and he said, "Pick out whatever you want." I was so excited! An hour later, I had picked out three Changito Monkey stamps, Patterned Paper, Gamsol, Chalk Ink, Stickles, glue dots, embossing powder, primas, glitter pens, metallic gel pens, and a bunch of other awesome stuff. Brian shot this pic of me at the store.

My mom and dad got me a MIMI Rolling Scrapbook Tote in pink and chocolate. I've been wanting this item FOREVER. So excited! You can see a picture of the tote here.

I also got a new stamp set from Clear Dollar Stamps. It is different from any other hunting themed set I've ever seen. Usually, a hunting set only features a deer, a tree, and maybe a gun toting hunter. This set is perfect for making cards for the men in my life because it has a bow and arrow, tree stand, hunting blind, and really cute sentiments. You can see the set here.


Of course, Christmas isn't about gifts. It's about spending time with family and friends and being thankful for all that we have. Brian and I had a very blessed Christmas and hope that all of you did, too!

Not a Creature Was Stirring, Not Even a Moose!

Finally, a card! I was inspired by the sketch over at Friday's Sketchers (you can find the link on the right). I used a Boyd's Bear Stamp Set that I bought, MIB, at a yard sale this summer. The sentiment on the inside of the card says, "Not a creature was stirring, not even a moose." The papers and ribbon are Big Lots finds.
I know this post is short, but I need to start dinner. We are having breakfast for dinner, tonight. Hashbrowns, Sausage, and Eggs. YUM!

Merry Christmoose,

HappyScrappers January Invitation

Hello, HappyScrappers!

Do you miss getting together and crafting together? I sure do! However, the holidays are a time filled with family events so we took a break during the months of November and December.

Happy Scrappers will be celebrating it's FOURTH anniversary in January 2009. It's hard to believe we've been scrappin' together for that long. I always look forward to our meetings and I'm blessed by the time we spend together. In honor of our HappyScrapper birthday, our theme for our next meeting will be "Birthday Bash" as that has been our theme every January. Details are included below about our January meeting. PLEASE RSVP.

Meeting Date: Saturday, January 10, 2008 (10:00 - ??)
Where: Becky's House, of course
Why: Because we love to scrap/stamp/make cards and we're going to celebrate four years of HappyScrappers!
Theme: Birthday Bash
What to Bring: Your supplies and something to share for lunch. I plan to make a huge pot of yummy chili. YOU DO NOT NEED TO BRING A DOOR PRIZE. We have leftover prizes from our last meeting, and I'd like to clean out my prize stash.

I've had time to think up some NEW games and work on new projects to share.Would you like to demo a project, card, page, technique, or layout? Just let me know. It's great fun to learn from each other.

Please RSVP no later than January 3, 2008. You are receiving this invitation because you are considered a "seated member" of HappyScrappers. We currently have more than 15 people on a secondary list. If fewer than 9 seated members are able to attend, I am able to extend an invitation to someone on the secondary list. By RSVPing by the required date (Jan.3), I am able to give others plenty of notice.

The following members have already RSVPed:
YES: Dawn, Jessica, Bethany, OtherBecky, Shannon, Meme, Myself, Bethany's Mom
NO: Ms.Joyce, Michele, Courtney
WAITING TO HEAR FROM: Carrie, Veronica

Blog Candy Alert

Jennifer is giving away a $20 Gift Certificate on her blog at:
http://glitterinmyhair.blogspot.com/2008/12/oh-yes-i-said-blog-candy.html

Where Have I Been? What Have I Been Doing?

The Ballerina Tree in my Sitting Room

The Strawberry Shortcake Tree

The vintage Santa Tree

The HUGE tree in the living room.

All of my trees look SO much better in real life. It's very difficult to take a decent picture with my digital camera and capture how pretty they are. I tried to take this one with the lights on.

(The picture is of me with my Uncle Lawrence. I really consider him my grandfather, more than an uncle.)

Let's see... I traveled to Parkersburg to see my family. That was a great time. I miss my family so much and it was really cool to hang out with them. My mother, sister, and myself made our annual bargain hunting pilgrimage on Black Friday. At Ollie's, I scored a TON of K&Company embellishments for $1 per pack. I also went to the Crafts2000 store. Do you live near a Crafts2000? It's a fantasticly huge crafts store with incredibly great prices. I can't post about what I purchased there because most of my purchases were Christmas gifts. ;)

..... which brings me to the next thing that's been keeping me busy. The Christmas holiday seemed to creep up on me this year. Last weekend, I found myself doing everything that I would normallys spend two to three weeks doing. I cleaned the entire house, decorated, went shopping, attended two holiday parties, wrapped gifts, put up four Christmas trees (yes, I'm nuts!), and hosted a big dinner party at my house. ALL OF THAT IN ONE WEEKEND. Whew.

..... Then there is work. For anyone who is reading and doesn't know, I'm a middle school teacher. I have been staying after school until 4 or 5 p.m. every night just to get everything finished. I'm teaching a new program this year, and although I love it, it's kickin' my booty. So, by the time I come home, change clothes, make dinner, do a load of laundry, wash the dishes, read the mail, and return my phone messages, it's time to go to bed.

This week, my church held an indoor rummage sale to benefit missions. It was a great success and I volunteered to help all three evenings (4:30-8:30 p.m.). Although I had a great time, I think I over extended myself just a bit *hee hee*

I haven't made a card or scrapbook page in over a month.

Now, I'm not whining about it. My life has just been full of other things lately. There are times when I have to put papercrafting to the side and focus on other aspects of my life wholeheartedly. My cardstock and ribbon will be waiting for me when I'm willing and able. :)

In fact, I've spent a lot of time reading The Bible, memorizing scriptures, praying, writing in my prayer journal, and generally growing in my relationship with The Lord. I've seen many prayers answered in this past month for family and friends.

Tonight, before I slumber, I hope to make two cards for friends that are going through rough times right now. Although my blog has been a total snore fest for the past few weeks, I hope that you'll check back for pictures of those cards.

May you simplify the season and remember that JESUS is the REASON for the SEASON.
Love to all!

Gifts from my Secret Berrykin

I have the most amazing Secret Berrykin again this year. Those that have been following my blog from the beginning (all three of you - ha!) may remember that last year, Santa Dusty sent me orginal artwork by Sara Drescher of the character Nachokins and her pet, Tortilla. The character is actually based on my own image and my love for nachos. Turtles are my favorite pet, hence Tortilla.

Well, this year my Santa (who has yet to be revealed) has sent me the most fabulous gifts already. First, I got a gift card for $25 to Joann's Crafts. Woo Hoo! Today, I received these GORGEOUS handpainted glasses and nacho plate featuring, you guessed it, Nachokins and Tortilla. I'm in awe of the handpainting that Sara Drescher did. It's fantastic. I can't stop looking at them.

A Basket Full of Birthday Wishes

I made this card for my Mother-in-Law's birthday, using the Friday Sketchers blog as my inspiration. I love the way it turned out. I'm very blessed by The Lord to have a Mother in Law that is very much like a second mother to me. I'm off from work today and plan to make many cards. I need to get busy on my Christmas cards. Christmas will be here before you know it.

Happy Veterans Day! Please take time to honor and remember those that have fought and are fighting to give us the freedoms that we have as Americans. God Bless America.

Steals and Deals 11/9 - 11/15

Micheals:
Eyelets, Snaps, and Brads (3/$5) Sun-tues only
Prima flowers (25% off)
8 1/2 by 11 inch cardstock Value Packs ($1.99)
Scrapbook Storage (40% off)

A.C. Moore:
K & Company (40% off ALL!!!)
Cricut Cartridges ($39.99)
Making Memories Embellishments (40% off)
ALL CUTTLEBUG 40% off!!!!

Keep checking back.... I'll post more steals and deals later today.

A Blessed Weekend

Some pictures from the weekend:

Brian took me back to Big Lots where I found some awesome Christmas ribbons, more ribbon (including gorgeous polka dotted purple organza), alphabet stickers, and return address labels for our Christmas cards.
Saturday morning, I had an Apples of Gold meeting. These ladies are part of our group. They are all awesome.


I made Brian an upside down pineapple cake. I make it in an iron skillet. That gives it a really great top. Brian said it was "really, really great." :)

Deals and Steals 11/2-11/8

I hope this will be my first of many installments in a weekly feature to the GarageSaleDiva blog called, "Deals and Steals." The idea behind "Deals and Steals" is that I will provide my blog readers with a comprehensive list of all the good bargains I find for the week, both around town and online. I'll be adding to this post all day, to check back!

CVS Pharmacy:
Dawn dishwashing liquid (99 cents) *plus our paper has a coupon*
Cascade Dishwasher Gel or Powder (2 for $5) *plus our paper has a coupon*
Candy Canes (77 cents) *I love to stir coffee with these*
Clairol Nice N Easy Hair Color ($4.95) *plus our paper has a coupon*
Bounty Basic 8 pack of PaperTowels ($5.99) *plus our paper has a coupon*

K Mart:
5 Piece Window Curtains Set ($7.49)
90 Sq.Ft. Gift Wrap (That's a lot of wrap!) ($1.99)

A.C. Moore:
18 inch Pine Wreath (for crafting) ($1.99)
Embossing Powders (2 for $5.00)
All Packaged and Open Scrapbooking Paper (40% off)
20 oz. Jar Candles (2 for $6.00)

ALDI:
Whipped Topping (79 cents)
Brown Sugar (99 cents)
Apples ($2.29 for bag)
Bratz Dolls ($6.99)

RITE AID:
V05 Shampoo or Conditioner (79 cents)
Cough Drops (99 cents)
Holiday M & Ms ($1.88)

Five Minute Scrapbook Pages

Here are a couple of super quick layouts I finished last weekend. One is of my neice, Abigail, and the other is of Brian and myself with my best friend and her family last Christmas. The picture was developed at Wal-Mart.com and I am extremely happy with the developing quality.

Thank you for reading my blog ~ You visits and comments are most appreciated.

Deals and Steals at Big Lots... Like Only a Diva Can!

I went to Big Lots this week and found some great stuff. Amongst the goodies, were two packs of three dimensional flower stickers, two packs of adorably patterned brads, K & Company Nursery Paper in soft and sweet pastel colors, and matching chipboard alphabet stickers. I also found the perfect 8x8 album to use for my Strawberry Shortcake scrapbook, but I'm going to picture it another day.

A beautiful drive, a visit, and a party.

Tracy and I at the mall. Bffs forever. :)
Me, bored out of my mind, at the hotel.
Breathtaking West Virginia hillside.
HAPPYSCRAPPERS - OCTOBER 1008

Last week, I headed to Charleston for an education conference. The fall foliage on the way there was breathtaking! The highlight of my trip was hanging out with my friend, Tracy, at the mall. We had a really nice dinner, and then we shopped around. I don't think we stopped laughing the entire time. Oh, how I wish we lived closer together. My HappyScrappers scrapbooking group also had thier October crop last week, so I posted some pictures from that as well. Enjoy the photos!

Flea Market Report

Today, Brian and I took advantage of the absolutely blessed weather and headed down to the Harpers Ferry Flea Market. I scored two tubes of Mary Kay Foundation for $2.50 each and a bottle of MK Eye Makeup Remover for $5.00. When I got home, I checked the regular retail price of these items. I saved nearly $35, plus tax and shipping. Woot! Woot! I also found some books for my classroom. I have to start Christmas shopping this month. I want to be totally finished with my Christmas shopping my December 1st and have everything wrapped by December 10th. HappyScrappers was fun yesterday. I'll be posting pics soon, so stay tuned!

12x12 "Why I Love Fall" Layout

My friend Claire inspired this layout:

It lists the ten reasons why I love my favorite season, Fall. I should have several projects to post in the coming days,as I've been getting a lot finished lately. I have HappyScrappers tomorrow, so stay tuned for those pics as well.

Missing Friends

I love my life here in Martinsburg. I really, really do. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Sometimes, however, I get really homesick. I miss my mom the most. I also miss some of my friends. Although I've lost touch with most of my childhood/highschool/college friends, I've remained friends with my college roommate, Tracy. I've been missing her like crazy lately, and I thought of her as I worked on this card:

A Gift Bag

I was inspired by my friend, Veronica, to make this adorable little gift bag:

Bargain Shopping and Yard Sales

Today, I went to a few yard sales, but after 30 miles, five sales, and only one purchase - I headed for my favorite bargain shopping spots. At the yard sales, I only purchased a Strawberry Shortcake First Adventures DVD. At the Goodwill, I found a three piece suit ($9)and a trendy Lane Bryant shirt ($3). Wah - hoo! At Big Lots, I purchased an awesome necklace for $5. I hit the sale racks at the Bon Ton, but came up empty handed. I did check out the really cute cropped jackets there, but forgot my 20% off coupon, so didn't buy anything. I am tired of dressing like an old, fat, school marm. I'm hoping to buy some trendier clothes this fall season. However, I don't want to break the bank getting there. I've lost between 15 and 18 pounds in the last few weeks and I wanted to reward myself with a couple new pieces of clothing. I found a website called Avenue here: http://www.avenue.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Home?storeId=326&langId=-1 I really like the styles there and so far I've been impressed with the online coupons they've mailed me. Has anyone out there ever ordered from Avenue?
I also went to the grocery store today. The weather is just way too perfect to stay inside. I stocked up on fruits, veggies, yogurt, and so on. Now I think I'm going to sweep the front porch and play in my flower beds.

My Scrappin' Wish List

My Scrappin' and Cardmakin' Wishlist:
1. Xyron 500 Refill
2. SU Oval Punch
3. Any peg stamp set from Rubber Stamp Tapestry
4. Chalk Inks
5. Turtle Stamps and coordinating sentiments
6. K&Company new papers and kits
7. Prima Sprites in any color but peach
8. Diamond and Stardust stickles
9. SU set with the silouhetted deer
10. Sympathy sentiment stamps
11. Any SU Scrappin Kits
12. Chipboard alphabets
13. Bags, Tags, and Boxes Cricut Cartridge
14. Textile Cuttlebug Folder
15. OMS
16. Both SU square punches
17. Red and White Gigham ribbon
18. Polka Dotted Organza Ribbon
19. Pink and Chocolate Mimi Bag
20. Envelopes

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Page with some pics from Grandma Thelma's 80th birthday.
Adorable page of Courtney wearing big glasses.
Page of my cousin Jesse's Big Buck

Michele worked on a baby album.
Carolyn awards Joyce with HappyScrapper Champion Cup
Bethany and Shannon Making Cards
Carolyn checks out Jessica's "Hot Men In Nashville" Pics
Adorable Gift Card Holders

Saturday's HappyScrapper Meeting was a lot of fun. It felt like the first official day of the Fall season as I scrapped all day in my jammies and sipped yummy apple cider that Bethany brought along. I didn't get a lot finished that day, but I had a great day relaxing and laughing and I really needed that kind of day. Our theme was "Pajama party" and Bethany taught us how to make very simple and adorable gift card holders. I'm going to make a ton of them for Christmas this year because I plan to give several gift cards. The best thing about these gift card holders is that they are quick, easy, and the perfect way to use up scrapbooking scraps! Carolyn passed on the Happy Scrappers Champion Cup to Ms. Joyce in honor of her delicious Corn and Doritoes salad recipe. I'm looking forward to our next meeting.