The Papered Cottage

Hello!

2012-01-26T20:45:00.000-06:00

Well, I forced myself into going to 'town' today. You know the trip. Sam's Club, Wal Mart, local scrapbook store, Wally's party store, gas-up...oh yes...I got some new tires today too! Ah, there's just something about the way a car drives with brand-spanking-new tread. I pulled up at the school to get the kids and just knew everyone was staring at their beauty...well maybe not, but I surely do feel that they've brought sexy back to my SUV :)

Today was the last of the (almost) 48 hours of rain, drizzle, mist and downpours. Thank goodness! I have pictures that I need to take tomorrow. I'm thinking that I need to spruce up The Red Robin over at Etsy...it is lacking in new things and I have so much to share...so I'll try to get some of that done tomorrow as well.

Okay, onto my latest project for

I HEART {IPPITY}

A really quick notecard using the HELLO stamp from the

HOW YOU DOIN' IPK-143

The notecard is actually from a set that I purchased from Wal-Mart...all ready scalloped with a colored border. I simply stitched on a swatch of patterned paper and embellished...literally minutes. I think that handmade gifts make the best gifts. Why not take a few assorted notecards, add some stamping, a few embellies and then tie them up in a satin ribbon for gift giving!
If you would like to see more Ippity Stamps by Unity, please give Heather a visit!
http://www.iheartippity.com/

You know what tomorrow is?!? That's right...time to draw a winner for the
VALENTINE GIVE-A-WAY
YAYAYAY
I can't wait to award someone special with this really sweet kit :)
I will be adding like kits to The Red Robin in the days and weeks to come...so be sure to bookmark or add it to your favorites if you would like to get in on some really great deals and unique stuffs!

Until we meet again, be blessed!
Shellye

To Bake, To Bathe or Both?

2012-01-25T08:46:00.000-06:00

Ah ha! I caught you with that crazy sounding title didn't I?

hehehe

My last CARDS Challenge for this month over at My Scrapbook Nook is a

PINSPO CHALLENGE

Just use one or both of these Pinterest inspired photos to create a card or layout

Looks yummy, doesn't it? The colors match the January Nook kit perfectly.

Here's my take on this photo:

And the second photo:

Love the colors, love the print and how it's draped across the clawfooted tub.

My take on the photo:

The February Nook Kit will include Sasparilla from October Afternoon...come on over and sign up for yours today!

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Just two more days before The Papered Cottage's

VALENTINE GIVE-A-WAY

Just go HERE to leave a comment...by doing that you'll be in the running for the prize :)

Thanks to all who have visited...I appreciate it sooo much!

It's rainy here today...perfect crafting weather!

Be back tomorrow

Shellye

Holiday Style in January

2012-01-22T15:21:00.000-06:00

My sweet friend, Danni Reid created this sketch over at October Afternoon. Having just received the last bit of embellishments from the Holiday Style collection, I just had to use it to scrap a layout based on her sketch!

I'm in so much W-A-N-T of the upcoming OA paperlines...oye, I can't even tell you how much I want and NEED them in my little hands! Cake Walk and 9 to 5...have you seen them yet?

I know, right? I was gasping too!

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Lots and lots of orders for crepe fringe from Dot & Whimsy. I don't know for sure, but I think the little peek in Simply Handmade magazine may have something to do with this influx of orders...yay! So I'm out of here a little early this evening before work to pick up some rolls of pink and a few new colors of crepe paper.

Don't forget about the

VALENTINE GIVE-A-WAY

going on here at The Papered Cottage through Friday, January 27th!

Just check in here to leave a comment and be in the running for a really sweet prize pack :)

Have a wonderful week!
Shellye

It's a VALENTINE GIVE-A-WAY!

2012-01-20T14:41:00.001-06:00

I love and appreciate all of the comments that you, my blog readers send :)

So, I'm sharing the love right back with one of you!

I will pick a winner NEXT Friday, January 27th

To enter yourself into The Papered Cottage's

VALENTINE GIVE-A-WAY

simply

1- Be a follower of this blog

2- Leave a comment on this posting

3- Be sure to leave your email address so that I may contact you if you're indeed the winner!

That's it!

This package of luvvv consists of

-4 Handmade Vintage Valentine Embellishments

-1 Card of Retro Buttons

-1 Jenni Bowlin Sticker Letter Sheet

-1 Red/Cream Label Stickers

-1 Bunch of Cream Colored Rosies

-1 Yard EACH: Red/White Swiss Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Turquoise Grosgrain Ribbon (with Satin Edging) and Black/White Baker's Twine

Ideal for any of your upcoming Valentine papercrafting projects!

And who doesn't love some turquoise and red? Hmmm? Hmmm?

Thank you again for participating in my first ever Give-A-Way

Good Luck!

Shellye

EAD and Mittens

2012-01-20T10:16:00.001-06:00

Do you know EAD Designs?

Well, WOW!

If you love whimsical designs for scrapbooking and beautiful artwork for your walls and home decor, then you will really love EAD Designs.

**Shop the site...stickers and rubons SHIP FREE**
So, here's a fun bit of news that I'm excited to share (borrowed from EAD Blog)

It's time to meet the EAD 2012 Design Team

The New DT will be starting in February

First off I'm so Excited to say that Amy,Jenn, Liz & Lauren will be staying with us this year.

I have really loved getting to know these amazing girls and it's an HONOR to have them stay.

Drum Roll Please…

•Candace

•Julie Ranae

WOW! Talk about a FABULOUS team.

I can't wait for all these talented ladies to get started and share their creative passion with all of you.

Plus don't forget about our DIY Girls

Kassidy- Before & After

Katie- DIY Thursday

Jenn-She's Crafty

Take a minute and check out all the Design Teams blog and give them a HUGE welcome

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Oh yeah, uh-huh...happy dancin' :)

As stated above, I will officially start designing for EAD in February...just around the corner and I can't wait.

Cute, cute, cute stuff!

DOT & WHIMSY

Newest mini scrapbook album is now up at Dot & Whimsy

Chipboard mittens+snowflakes+adorable Bella Blvd papers and stickers= 1 CUTIE

12 total pages of snowy goodness!

If you are here for the VALENTINE GIVE-A-WAY...I will be posting it just a little later on today...I promise. See you all then :)
Shellye

Sole Sisters Release Party

2012-01-19T08:52:00.001-06:00

Yep, I'm blogging bright and early this morning.

It's my turn at the Imaginisce Blog today!

Design Team members are sharing their {Sole Sisters} projects throughout the week...it's so interesting to see how each person has designed with this bright, whimsical, purse embellished, shoe diva-licious collection.

Just a couple of samples from the paper line:

My first project: I took an old (old...like vintage old) puzzle can and covered it with patterned paper and then embellished. It's In The Bag? Yes, it's a place to stash my 'extra' change in saving for a new Vera Bradley bag...a girl can never have too many bags, right? :)

The Sole Sisters Collection is chocked full of embossed stickers, chipboard accents, fabric embellishments, cute snag 'em stamps and so much more!

My second project: a gift card/money holder. I constructed this from two standard shipping tags that I glued together...perfect size for gift cards. You could attach this to a gift bag or enclose in a small envelope for giving.

I added lots of my own personality to this one! First, I used the purse motif Snag 'em Stamp of which I inked with a craft pen and then added sweet red glitter for the dots. I hand-cut the flowers from the paper sample above and even watercolored the leaves. Then I inked the entire project in a walnut stain.

Oh and I centered each flower with shimmery I Rock gems!

My final project for Release Party Week: why a layout of course!

Again, I hand-cut the flowers and watercolored the leaves. I also used the I Rock gem setter to add those cool black colored rhinestones with. The I Rock is my new BFF :)

But you need to see ALL of the amazing projects created with the Sole Sisters collection!

Come on by

http://www.imaginisceblog.com/

And more importantly, leave a comment and you'll be in the drawing to WIN this collection for your very own!

I HEART {IPPITY}

I received so many lovely stamps this month from I Heart Ippity that I had a hard time deciding which design to go with first. And I wanted to change things up and craft something other than a card...so here's what I came up with:

I painted a 4x4 canvas block in a yummy buttercup and used the beautiful Farmhouse papers and stickers from October Afternoon. I added several vintage buttons, crochet trim and twine. I have it hanging in my craft room...it makes the perfect accent to a collage that I have hanging above it.

Okay, a few chores to get done around the house!

I'll be back a little later on to share my newest listing at Dot & Whimsy.

Have a Terrific Thursday

Shellye

Peddling Yet Again

2012-01-18T18:18:00.001-06:00

Thought I'd share some news that I received last night...

From Little Yellow Bicycle Blog

Introducing our NEW Saturdays Cycling Team and a hint of another new collection...

We are so pleased to introduce our newest wearers of the Yellow Jersey. We received over 150 applications in just two short weeks and are so appreciative of the work shared with us. We said we would choose between 3-5 cycling team members per collection, so riding with us for our Saturdays Cycling Team will be the following talented and inspiring designers. Please click on their names to see their blogs and get to know them a little bit more. We will be sharing their Saturdays projects in the very soon...

Shellye McDaniel (Returning Cycling Team Member)

That's right...I'll be creating with Little Yellow Bicycle again soon! Yep...excited! I'm also excited for my fellow Nook Design Team member, Pam Brown :) And Misty...I followed her around when she was Guest Designing for My Mind's Eye...Congrats to all of the ladies...great fun at LYB!

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MY SCRAPBOOK NOOK
My newest CARDS Challenge is up at The Nook Forum and Blog.

Here we go...
I love looking at the names chosen for paper designs...they are so clever and fun!
The same can be said for the sweet names for the Lily Bee HEAD OVER HEALS papers.
With this challenge, use atleast one (or more if you wish) of the PAPER NAMES on your card!
♥ Choose from ♥
*SMITTEN*
*COURTING*
*SWOON*
*CRUSH*
*DREAMY*
OR
*FLIRT*

My sample

Isn't that kitty the sweetest ever? I have it sitting on my file cabinet in my scraproom and I smile each time I see it ♥

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Tomorrow I will be sharing my I Heart Ippity project, my newest creation for Dot & Whimsy and maybe, just maybe a little more scrappy news *wink*
Then on Friday it's time for
The Papered Cottage's
very first blog
♥♥GIVE-A-WAY♥♥
Thank you all for visiting and leaving such sweet comments...if you're a blogger, you know how much you love the love :)
Be back tomorrow!
Shellye

Be My Vintage Valentine

2012-01-17T20:21:00.000-06:00

Let me call you sweetheart...I'm in love with you

I'm singing to you in my very best Vaudeville voice whilst I'm bringing you this

super-de-duper sweet Valentine...

It's like a tussie mussie and hanging treat container rolled into one.

I love the print, I love the trims, I love the papers and I love the yummy vintage buttons.

I'll be listing this sweetie at my Dot & Whimsy Etsy Shop later on tonight!

And....

I have collected some wonderful, unique and handmade stuffs for my upcoming

VALENTINE GIVE-A-WAY

right here at The Papered Cottage :)

Be sure to "Follow" this blog and then you'll be all set for entering the give-a-way once the time comes.

I'll be back tomorrow with my latest CARDS Challenge at My Scrapbook Nook.

Thursday I'm featured at Imaginsce and will be sharing my projects that I made using the BRAND NEW "Sole Sisters" Collection. Also Thursday is Totally Terrific Thursday at I Heart {Ippity}...it's not a card this time around...can't wait to show you what I've been up to!

Until then, have a great week!
Shellye

Great Expectations

2012-01-14T18:24:00.001-06:00

I had such grand expectations of getting so many things accomplished today. Enter: road-block. After picking up around the house, I figured that I would get my video camera out to make sure that it would sync with my laptop. Nope. Four hours later, after troubleshooting, trying to finagle drivers, it finally dawned on me to try my old Kodak camera. Yes! It worked...I had forgotten that it had a video feature on it. So, now I have a headache and no desire to start on the cute mitten mini album or join in on the crop over at Absolutely Alter It :/ But, there's tomorrow because tonight it's...TEBOW time :)

I HEART IPPITY

I checked the mail today and oooo oooo ahhh, I received the cutest stamps to work with this month...thank you, Heather!

The top two sets are NEW RELEASES! You can order Ippity Stamps here

Here is the card that I made for this past week's

Totally Terrific Thursday

I paired up the stamped sentiments from THE MAN collection with papers from Echo Park.

IMAGINISCE

This next week we'll be having a New Release Kick-Off-Party over at the Imaginisce Blog!

I had an absolute blast working with the NEW Sole Sisters collection, as well as the I Rock heat-setting tool...too cool :) The rest of the Design Team has been rockin' this collection as well...tons of cute altered projects, cards and layouts. I'll be featured on Thursday, but I hope that you'll stop by before then and take a gander at the amazing designs!

Happy long weekend for some of you :)
Shellye

A Sketch

2012-01-11T08:31:00.000-06:00

Good Morning, Friends!

I have a quick and easy card sketch up over at My Scrapbook Nook.

Now, as much as I LOVE sketches, I am NOT a sketch artist LOL.

Actually, when I'm asked to create a sketch, I work in reverse with the card or layout coming first and then I build my sketch around that :)

So, since I work in reverse...here is the card that I made using the fabulous January Nook Kit

And here is my attempt at the sketch:

My Imaginisce DT box came on Monday! I've completed a layout all ready and am about to head in to get a couple of other projects done today. I'll be featured over at the Imaginisce blog tomorrow...I'd love it if you come by and say HELLO :)

AND, I'll be having a Give-A-Way here at The Papered Cottage really, really soon.

My destash is your treasure...some handmade stuff too...hmmmm, sound interesting?

Stay tuned!

Make it a blessed day~
Shellye

Vintage News!

2012-01-09T13:15:00.000-06:00

If you've followed me for long, you know how much I love and adore vintage!

I honestly hadn't thought I'd stand a chance at getting selected for the Vintage Street Market Design Team, but lo-and-behold:

From Vintage Street Market Blog:

Believe me when I say, this was an EXTREMELY hard decision, but we are so excited to welcome these super talented ladies to our already fun and creative team:

Jennie McGarvey
Connie Mercer
Andrea Budjack
Sheila Rumney
Shellye McDaniel <<-------yours truly :)
Victoria Warren-Mears
Amy Duff
Keri Babbitt
Diane Payne
Sarah Mullanix

Yes, I'm very, very excited! I have worked with Jennie at Your Scrapbook Stash and have admired several of these talented ladies for quite some time :)

If you're like me and love all-things-vintage, then stroll on over and check out the wares at Vintage Street Market...you will not be disappointed!

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IMAGINISCE

Oh boy! YES, I am just a little bit jealous

of my Imaginisce DT sisters who've all ready received their boxes, dug in and have created some amazing projects. Oh I hope, hope, hope that my box comes today...please, please, please Mr. Fedex man, come my way today!

If you follow me on Pinterest, I have added a new board for all of the Design Team's projects...I can't wait to share them with you.

MY SCRAPBOOK NOOK

Gotta give a little shout-out to my girls over at the Nook! They are at it full-force over their with a FIVE WEEK crop...it started this past Saturday, but it's not too late to join in and "Put your best foot forward in 2012" (the theme of the crop). Prizes, great challenges and fellowship...come on over!

www.myscrapbooknook.org/forum/forum.php

I have a custom order to get to now...I'll see you all soon!

Shellye

Totally Terrific Thursday

2012-01-05T16:38:00.001-06:00

Yes, it's Totally Terrific indeed!

(spoken in my best Valley Girl voice...for those of you who actually remember Valley Girl speak haha)

My very first blog post is up at I Heart {Ippity}

I paired up the sweet sentiment with the January Kit from My Scrapbook Nook (in case it looks familiar)

The sentiment reads:

"True friendship isn't being inseparable, it's being separated & nothing changes"

GIGGLES X3 Stamp Set

You may order this or other Ippity (Unity) Stamps directly from the link above!

Patterned papers and pennant stickers by Lily Bee Head Over Heals

Paper Flower by Petaloo

Baker's Twine by The Twinery

Misc: adhesives pearls

After stamping the sentiment, I placed the pennants along the natural outline of the image.

Super quick and easy!

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I probably won't be back for a couple of days...gotta work tomorrow night...so, have a happy weekend!
Shellye

T-R-U-E Love

2012-01-04T14:51:00.002-06:00

It's January 4th and my latest CARDS Challenge is up over at The Nook :)

Because the newest kit from My Scrapbook Nook exudes love and being in love, I've centered this recipe style challenge around...love...T-R-U-E Love!

Just use the following 'recipe' to complete the challenge.

1st- you must use the current or an older Nook Kit

Use the following:

T-Three different patterned papers

R-Ribbon

U- Unique Embellishment...this can be a hand-cut heart, an embellishment that you've altered...basically anything that is unique and one-of-a-kind (I hand-cut a paper heart and glittered it!)

E- Eight TOTAL embellishments (may include the ribbon and unique embellishment)

That's it!

I'm giving away a skein of my crepe paper fringe to a random winner...like to play along?

Just upload your completed card HERE by January 11th

Have fun!

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And speaking of love...I have a new listing at my Etsy shop...check it out:

I have full-photos and a description up at my Etsy shop.

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Off to pick up the kiddies, take Syd to dance and I'm thinking I'll cook up a meatloaf and cheesy-scalloped potatoes tonight yummmmm (yes, I started my diet, but Slim Fast only tides me over for so long!)

See ya'll later!
Shellye

Happy Twelve

2012-01-02T18:18:00.004-06:00

Happy New Year...Happy 2K12

It's time to get this *Twelve* party started!

The kids were quite dismayed that they were required to start back to school today; the secretary told Zach that they were the only school in the county to hit the classroom...everyone else gets to wait until tomorrow. Oh the moaning and groaning...I'm glad that they're home and the wailing has ceased LOL

With 2012 come a lot of new adventures and opportunities. I didn't really make a New Year's resolution, but I did set a crafty goal to get some of my artwork published :) 2011 held so many wonderful 'firsts' for me and I hope to continue on this year.

IMAGINISCE

January brings a new challenge....

The theme for this month is...

WINTER WONDERLAND

Create any type of project (layout, card, altered, mini album, etc) that has a winter season theme to it. You can use whatever colors, patterns, etc you want but it must have a winter theme.

Remember that you must use at least 75% Imaginisce product on your project. You have until January 25th to have your entry uploaded to the link found here. When you visit the link you will also get a few ideas from the Design Team!

A partial introduction of the 2012 Design Team members will begin this week:

Tuesday-Adora

Wednesday-Diana

Thursday-Guiseppa

Friday-Ilene

I hope you have a chance to stop by and say HELLO :)

http://www.imaginisceblog.com/

MY SCRAPBOOK NOOK

I've said it once and I'll say it again...I {LOVE} this January Nook Kit! So far I have created five cards...a couple for I Heart {Ippity} and the others for challenges that I'll be hosting at the Nook Blog on Wednesdays of this month.

**SPECIAL**

We're running a special: Join up for kits (any type of subscription) and receive a FREE December Kit! This offer is good through January 10th or until supplies last. The December Kit includes the fabulous PEPPERMINT line by Crate.

A few of the Design Team ladies will go live with a month-long crop beginning this Saturday, January 7th.

Prizes, challenges, techniques and tons of fun!

Join us: http://myscrapbooknook.org/forum/forum.php

http://www.myscrapbooknook.com/

I HEART {IPPITY}

Weeeee! I can't wait to show you the card that I made for this week's

Totally Terrific Thursday

I will be sharing my creations each and every Thursday on the blog

http://www.iheart-ippity.blogspot.com/

Please come on by!

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Be back in a day or so...again, Happy New Year!
Shellye

Farewell, 2011

2011-12-27T19:26:00.001-06:00

Greetings!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas...we certainly did. I finished putting up the last of the holiday wares this morning...the house looks sooo bare. It's nice to have everything organized once again, although I still have a couple of closets to tackle...I see some major destashing in my future :)

MY SCRAPBOOK NOOK

January is my design month at My Scrapbook Nook. I adore the "Head Over Heals" kit by Lily Bee...the colors are right up my alley. Have you seen it?

The kit includes sweet chipboard pieces from Maya Road, adorable layered flowers by Petaloo, ribbon and Thickers. In addition to the Lily Bee patterned papers, the cardstock stickers and file journal tags are also included. Can't wait to share the cards that I've all ready created with this fabulous kit...get yours today before they're g.o.n.e.

I HEART IPPITY

I'm delighted to announce that I've been invited to stay on with the I Heart {Ippity} Creative Team for the foreseeable future :) Some revamping to the weekly blog is in store...maybe a blog hop or two and each of the designers will have their own day of the week to feature their artwork...mine will be Thursdays!

Here is my latest IHI project

You may purchase Ippity (Unity) Stamps from Heather...just check out her blog via the link above.

MISS ARTS PAPERCRAFTING SCHOOL

I've been working on and off on my class project that's upcoming with Miss Arts in February. I'll keep you posted as to when the class is up and available for sign-ups :) I'm excited (and nervous)!

IMAGINISCE

Just waiting (anxiously) on the arrival of my Imaginisce Design Team box of goodies. I simply cannot wait to dig in and get started on my projects. Since the DT announcement, we've all been chatting and getting acquainted. Truly, this lot of ladies have been extremely welcoming and kin to long lost friends...I look forward to creating 2012 with them!

That's pretty much the low-down from my neck of the woods. We have one more Christmas celebration tomorrow with Mark's family, Tyler will turn 18 on Thursday and we'll have his party on Friday night...steakhouse, a movie and exchanging presents. New Year's Eve? Oh, I'll possibly be welcoming in the first baby of 2012...hoping for an uneventful night LOL

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S WISHES TO ALL

Shellye

2011-12-16T15:07:00.001-06:00

Good Friday!

I wanted to share my newest news. Thank goodness I only had TWO days to keep this quiet LOL...I've borrowed this from the Imaginisce Blog:

2012 Imaginisce Design Team Announcement!

Well, today is the DAY for the BIG reveal!!!

We want to thank ALL of you that sent in an application for this call.

We were overwhelmed by the talent and this made our decision both

time consuming & very difficult as we sifted through over 120 submissions!

It is with great pleasure that we introduce to you the

2012 Imaginisce Design Team

Abby Laubenstein (Illinois, US)

Adora Concepcion (Washington, US)

Cari Locken, DT Co-ordinator (British Columbia, Canada)

Diana Fisher (New York, US)

Guiseppa Gubler (Utah, US)

Heather Leopard (Texas, US)

Ilene Tell (Delaware, US)

Mary Ann Jenkins (California, US)

Shellye McDaniel (Texas, US) <-----yours truly *big grins*

Tiffany Hood (Utah, US)

Rebecca Keppel (Arizona, US)

Rosangela Philippsen (Curitiba, Brazil)

Regina Mangum (California, US)

Rhonda Van Ginkel (Minnesota, US)

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YAY! Who's excited? That would be ME!

I will get the Team's blogs linked up so that you can check out their work.

In the meantime, here is a new album that I wanted to share; it's now up at Dot & Whimsy. I'm anticipating quite a few new assignments beginning in the New Year, so I don't know how much time I'll have to devote to my Etsy shop...it's all good though!

I used the FARMHOUSE Collection by Crate Paper and coupled it with a blanket stitch...looks so cozy and homey...just right for old family photos.

MY SCRAPBOOK NOOK

Well, just when everything was going good...the Message Board is down again today :( We're all keeping our fingers crossed that it's just because of a 'little' maintenance.

Speaking of MSN...I received the JANUARY NOOK kit today.

Total and complete gorgeousness!

A hint? It deals with bubblegum, flirting and the color raspberry ;) I'm not sure when the reveal goes up, but I'll keep you posted.

I ran across this YUMMY twine from The Twinery...I adore these colors for the Christmas holidays

I'm off to actually *print* my photos for my December Daily Album AND I have two more months and I'll be finishing with mom's calendar....I'm feeling a big load coming off the shoulders soon.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend

Shellye

An Owl & True Friends

2011-12-08T12:46:00.000-06:00

I have the little cork-board hanging up in my scrap room that I created as my last project for Your Scrapbook Stash. Sydnee saw it and wanted one for herself. I picked up some 50% off zebra papers from Hobby Lobby and went to work! With my project for I Heart Ippity coming due, I decided to incorporate a few of the fun flower stamps from the Flowers+Friends=Priceless set.

I painted the 8x8 canvas base with a turquoise acrylic paint and wrapped the edge with a zebra striped ribbon.

Matches the new comforter perfectly...I can't wait until she sees it :)

DOT & WHIMSY

I've listed a new paper bag scrapbook album at my Etsy shop today. Here are all of the photos for those of you who are visiting from there.

A total of 10 pages for photos and journaling...plus an additional 5 tags for jotting down those sweet memories. I've used the So Sophie papers from My Mind's Eye.

I'm taking photos everyday for December Daily...I still need to print them, but that can be saved for a little later. It actually S*N*O*W*E*D here on Tuesday morning and I was able to capture a few of the flakes before they melted. Even more photo opportunities this weekend...Christmas in De Kalb this Saturday; Sydnee will be dancing two routines. Sunday our adult choir will be performing the We Believe musical at church. Kingdom Kids will put on their Christmas play that night and Syd has a bit part, as well as singing. The kids are begging for a few presents to be put under the tree, so at some point I've gotta get to wrappin' :)
Enjoy every moment of the Season!
See you!
Shellye

A Griswald at Heart

2011-12-05T15:18:00.001-06:00

So, we've come to find out that if we have the Christmas tree fully lit (that's approximately 1,800 tiny, twinkling lights), the microwave microwaving and the big screen TV blaring, we throw a breaker. Reminds me of a Griswald Family Christmas, so I can't help but feel as though I'm falling into the footsteps of my much beloved Clark W. Griswald ♥ What a big Christmas dork, just like me!

"My twee...Louis (and you'll notice he doesn't call him UNCLE Louis at this point), what have you done to my twee?" (it sounds like he's saying TWEE instead of tree, so I've since adapted this vernacular. Can't help myself.)

This is it...the 2011 McDaniel Family Christmas Tree


Nothing at all serious about this tree! Tons of snowflakes, snowmen and women and glittery, sugarplum-y ornaments


The oldest ornament...a 1981 Hallmark, which was a tradition started by my mom.

I'm adding these photos to my very own December Daily album :) I will share more photos as I take them.

Here is the latest album that I've created for Dot & Whimsy

The only scheduled Design Team projects that I have for the remainder of the month is for I Heart-Ippity, so I'll have some time to work-up some additional mini albums before Christmas. Right now, I'm sculpting a sweet and distressed FRIENDS album...stayed tuned for that.

UPCOMING SPONSORSHIP
I've been asked to be a sponsor for Scrapping Everyday Miracles blog and Cookin' Up Creations after the new year. I'll be sending some of my ON THE FRINGE crepe paper trim, as well as RUFFLED CREPE trim from The Red Robin. In the meantime, I will be a sponsor during Christmas Week at Scrapping Everyday Miracles, so I hope that you get a chance to stop by and visit them during the week! I love the inspirational inspiration♥

I look forward to seeing what the design teams come up with...also give-a-ways along the way :)

I'll be back soon!
Shellye

Two Days in a Row!

2011-12-01T15:28:00.000-06:00

YES! I'm actually blogging two days in a row...what is the world coming to? Ah, don't answer that LOL

As I eluded to in yesterday's blog post, I have finished the DECEMBER DAILY album for Etsy.

It is such a little fatty and chocked full of sweet stuff from the Peppermint Collection by Crate. The front of the album is an actual 1950's vintage Christmas card of an adorable Snow Couple ♥

So, without further ado


Other than embellishments from the Peppermint Collection, I've used vintage holly berries (the old ones...made in Japan!), a felt snowflake and baker's twine.

These are just a few close-ups of the 28 page book :) I'm listing this at my Etsy shop Dot & Whimsy just as soon as I'm done blogging, so hop on over a take a peek at it.

MY SCRAPBOOK NOOK NEWSLETTER

Attention All Santas!
(Including the ones who fill their own stockings!)

We love this special time of year and we want to share the

Christmas cheer by offering 3 great specials!

Give yourself and your loved ones the gift of memories that last through time with a Kit subscription from My Scrapbook Nook Kits! Each month a perfectly coordinated set of scrapbook goodies will arrive on their doorstep making capturing the best times simple and fast! Along with the subscription, they will have access to loads of examples and step by step tutorials for each kit! You can't go wrong with these beautiful kits- it is the Christmas gift that comes all year long!

We are offering three different specials- so you can choose the perfect size!

Purchase a subscription for 3 months (starting with the Dec. kit) and save 10%.

Purchase a subscription for 6 months (starting with the Dec. kit) and save 15%.

Purchase a subscription for 12 months (starting with the Dec. kit) and save 10% PLUS 2 FREE KITS!
This is our best value-YOU WILL RECEIVE A FREE KIT TO START (past kit) once your 12 paid months are up you will receive another FREE KIT. 2 FREE KITS AND 10% OFF.

Please Note-you will see 2 charges. One charge will be for the kit and the second charge will be for the shipping. International except Canada will be 16.00 dollars per month, Canada $9.00 per month, US except California will be $9.37 per month, and California $6.50 per month. All shipping charges will be charged at one time. The amount will depend on how many months you sign up for.
After your 3, 6, or 12 months are up we will email you to see if you would like to stop or keep your sub active. If you decide to continue on we will keep your sub active at our kit club price of $29.50 per month
Act fast! These specials are only available until Dec 25th!

Merry Christmas Everybody!

www.myscrapbooknook.com

Tell 'em Shellye sent you :)

One Day 'Til...

2011-11-30T14:12:00.000-06:00

...December Daily starts :)

I have the base for my album finished and am now working on one to sell on Etsy. I'm using the Peppermint Collection from Crate...also the December My Scrapbook Nook Kit.


Vintage Christmas card sits on the front.

Sample of the inside pages...I will embellish more as I add photos. I purchased the cool December Daily "numbers" from www.chictags.com

I dug way back in my stash and brought out some old Daisy D's papers...all inspired by vintage prints.

I created the assorted pages using my Cricut. I love how each page peeks out from one another...adds fun and interest!

YOUR SCRAPBOOK STASH

Aw! My very last projects for Your Scrapbook Stash. If you hadn't heard, Erica will be closing down the online store on December 31st. Tons of great deals can be found there, so go by and visit soon.

I created this sweet mini cork-board hanger using materials by Bella Blvd's FINALLY FALL and Amy Tangerine's PATCHES. I will be giving a tutorial at the YSS blog next month.

And a layout that I scrapped for my mom's 2012 calendar!

I HEART IPPITY

Here's another card featuring the cute bird (or penguin? I'm not sure!) from the PAIN AND PRIDE stamp set by Unity.

It's a little hard to tell in this photo, but I decided to make this guy a bluebird this time around.

Heather has NEW stamps coming this week...I hope you have a chance to check them out!

www.iheart-ippity.blogspot.com

Gotta get back to work...December Daily calls :)

Shellye

'Twas the night before Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T21:45:00.002-06:00

...and boy am I tuckered out.

Over the last three days I have fought the Christmas tree and won, cleaned the house from top to bottom, thrown up the Christmas decorations and have all of my Thanksgiving dishes prepared. Everything looks beautiful and smells delicious, but I look as though I've just returned from a battle zone: numerous scratches on the hands and arms via the tree tussle, bruises on my shins, a puncture wound on my left thumb (I didn't know you could actually STAB yourself with a ornament hook) and my sciatic is acting up. And don't get me started on my aching shoulders :-/

But THANK YOU, Lord...I have so much to be thankful for on this Thanksgiving Eve!

I received my adorable December Daily tags from Chic Tags today. I'm looking forward to getting my album completed before December 1st :) I have several ideas for photos, so hopefully I can keep up on the documentation without falling too far behind.

MY SCRAPBOOK NOOK
I created a couple of cute cards for my CARDS challenge this week over at My Scrapbook Nook. This challenge is a PINSPO challenge. What's Pinspo? Pinterest combined with Inspiration :)

Just hop on over to the blog (I have direct-linked the post above) to view the photos that I chose.

Here are my two samples using the November Nook Kit

And I'm not sure if I shared this Christmas card that I created last week or not. My fellow DT member, Danni, created a thread on the Nook Forum just for our holiday greetings

I know that I'm not alone in saying that I'm so ready for the Nook Message Board to be back up and running! I miss the everyday chit-chat.

I HEART IPPITY

Another week with Ippity! Sydnee asked that I make a container for her friend's birthday money and card, so I created this sweet little holder from a Maya Road tin.

I used Staz-On to stamp onto the sheer journal sheet, then colored in with permanent markers and a little glitter on top.

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Time to get geared up for an 8 hour siesta.

Hope everyone has a fantastically blessed Thanksgiving.

Be safe, don't eat too much and I'll see you soon!
Shellye

Getting Done

2011-11-15T18:08:00.000-06:00

Yes, it is November 15th and I have the majority of my Christmas buying done. I'm in the midst of compiling photos for my mother's annual calendar. When I mentioned that I might not have time to pull a calendar out of the hat this year, I swear that I saw a tear...well, and the whining pretty much gave away her dislike of that idea LOL. You know, she's my dear mom and she doesn't ask much of me at all...so one way or the other, I will have her gift done by December 25th (in years past some of the pages are still wet with glue...nothing like a little procrastination).

Tyler will be 18 shortly after Christmas. I think this is the first year that he's only asked for ONE video game. *sniff* he actually requested 'grown up' gifts this year like a Fossil watch, Oakley sunglasses, cologne, a pair of blue jeans, lounge pants, socks and underwear :)

Zachry; not much on his list either. The generic blanket term "clothes", two XBOX games, one PSP game, socks, underwear and a Kindle. Oh and Axe...he's gotta smell good too!

Sydnee...well, she's nine and of course her list keeps growing. Luckily everything she's asked for is fairly inexpensive and of course she won't get all of it anyway hehehe

I had a FIT when I saw this cute coverlet from JCPenney.

She's been begging for a hot pink and zebra room and yes, I've been warding her off. Anyway, she'll get her wish in a much more palatable tone than screamin' hot pink and big honkin' zebra strips @@

For my project this week at I Heart Ippity, I decided to design a cute door hanger to go along with Syd's NEW bedroom color scheme :)

I dressed the Maya Road frame in My Mind's Eye Fine & Dandy, used a computer font for the name plate and then stamped the cute girl image.

And YES, it will be wrapped and given with the coverlet and pillows!

LITTLE YELLOW BICYCLE

It's up, it's up!

My HELLO FALL project is up at LYB Blog today.
I will share a few photos here, but be sure to stop by their blog to see the full tutorial, more photos and leave a little much-appreciated L♥O♥V♥E ☺
My project is two-fold...a Fall Family Tree Display that partly doubles as a place setting name plate/accent

--the Fall Family Tree--

--one of the 'apples' from my tree...used at a place setting--

--i used a lot of the chipboard embellishments such as birds, owls and leaves--

--each apple was layered with tons of goodies from the HELLO FALL collection--

MY SCRAPBOOK NOOK

I will be posting my latest CARDS Challenge tomorrow...a little prize in store for one lucky winner.

Congratulations to Michelle Price for winning my challenge from last week, "GIVE THANKS"

www.myscrapbooknook.com

The Message Board is back up and running, so stop by and check out the super challenges and wonderful inspiration.

There is a section that I'm quite excited about: December Daily. Yep, I'm taking the plunge this year. I've already started on the base pages and look to have them all sewn up by the weekend. If you're not familiar with December Daily, there is a great write-up of tried and true methods and ideas found at The Nook Forum! I'll show off my album just as soon as I'm done.

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WISH US LUCK!

My oldest son, Tyler and his fellow De Kalb Bears Varsity football team will be playing for an Area win in our district this Friday night. To say we're excited is truly an understatement. Driving around our small town, you will see that most every business has their windows painted up and flying a DeKalb Bears sign outside their door. We're hosting a city-wide Pep Rally Thursday night and selling car flags, pom poms, hamburgers and hoodies LOL! Community pride is something that I hold very dear. Small towns have their moments, but it's times like these that I'm glad to say that I'm a small town-girl :)

GO BEARS!

Be back soon enough! Be blessed!

Shellye

He's So Jolly♥

2011-11-11T19:11:00.000-06:00

-- HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY--

First off, I want to extend my deepest gratitude and thanks to our military men and women serving today and in days past. Thank you for keeping us safe and God Bless you all!

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I went to pick the kids up today from school and was flipping through radio stations while waiting. Our local 'light rock' station is now officially playing ♫Christmas Music♫ all.day.long. So, I'm assuming that I'm not alone in being excited about this...after-all, they must do some sort of research before launching into Holly Jolly Christmas on 11-11-11 don't you think? One of my favorite new found Christmas songs (and it's an oldie) is Christmas Waltz...I've heard Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole both sing it and they're equally beautiful! I also love the old Coventry songs like The Holly & The Ivy and Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring...I can honestly say that they've grown on me a lot over the years...maybe I can just appreciate them more now.

While enjoying my Christmas music, I set out to make a new album for Etsy. Several years ago I purchased a huge lot of vintage cards from eBay, so I thought this guy would look so grand on the front cover

Ahhh, I LOVE him! Reminds me of the very nostalgic Coca-Cola Santa♥

Here are a few more photos to share of the album; these are close-ups so that my Etsy customers can get a better look as well. To see the pages entirely just visit Dot & Whimsy

---a vintage gummed Santa sticker sits perched reminding everyone not to pout---

---not vintage, but a reproduction print that I punched from a card---

---another vintage gummed sticker---

---i love these reproduction chipboard pieces from Melissa Frances!---


---another Melissa Frances chipboard accent---

AND, I was so busy last week and the week before that I forgot to show my other mini album

that I created for Etsy.

The Little Boy Blue collection from My Mind's Eye was the perfect setting in creating this album. Turquoise, olive green and brown...love this combo of my favorite colors.

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LITTLE YELLOW BICYCLE

My HELLO FALL project will go live on the LYB blog next Tuesday! It looks so lovely sitting in my living room...I only hope that I can find an easy way to store it until next year though. Once you see it, you'll understand my dilemma LOL

MISS ART'S PAPER CRAFTING SCHOOL

I will be giving a video tutorial at Miss Art's Papercrafting School in February! If you haven't visited Miss Art's, please do...you'll be pleasantly surprised :) I really like the selection of classes that they offer and the website is like stepping back in time; so much fun and very welcoming.

I'll keep you updated in the months to come with the class title and other pertinent information regarding my tutorial.

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That's all for this Friday night. Sydnee, my mom and I will be having a girl's day tomorrow...a little shopping, lunch, and who-knows-what-else *wink*
Hope you have a terrific weekend!
Shellye

CARD SHARKS Weekly Challenge--Week One

2011-11-10T21:24:00.001-06:00

PHASE 10 CHALLENGE

(From My Scrapbook Nook Blog...check us out!)

Ready to lay down your cards? Welcome to week one of the Cards Sharks Contest...complete the challenge below and link up your entry to this post by midnight, PST on November 17th. the challenge will earn you 5 points and three special mentions (chosen by the design team) will earn an extra 5 points. play along to win as many points as possible!! Here we go:

Challenge: Phase 10

Phase 10 is a fun rummy-style card game by Fundex. The object of the game is to play each hand, building off of that hand according to that Phase's requirements, until you have completed all 10 Phases in the game.

Since we do not have weeks for this challenge (smile) we will complete 3 Phases for our 'Card' game.

Phase One: create your card base

your base MUST include the following (everyone will be dealt the same hand to begin the game)

ONE pp background

ONE smaller block of pp or cardstock

ONE strip of pp, trim, chipboard or sticker across the bottom of the block of pp or cardstock

ONE decorative trim at the bottom of the block below strip of pp or trim

(i have given THREE examples below of phase 1)

before moving onto Phase 2, take a picture of your 'card base'

Phase 2: embellish (build) your 'card' hand.

you may add any embellishments, trims, chipboard, sentiments, anything you like to your card base.

before moving onto Phase 3, take a picture of your card

Phase 3: post your finished card along with Phase 2 pic
--Cards shown here were created by the very talented and sweet, Danni Reid--

EXAMPLE ONE:

EXAMPLE TWO:

EXAMPLE THREE:

can't wait to see your 'Phases' and 'Cards' ladies. if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

happy creating♥

be sure to check back tomorrow for the rest of the challenges for week one!

A full list of rules can be found here!

Phase 10 Card Sharks Challenge Cards

Time for a WINNER!

2011-11-09T17:51:00.003-06:00

It is time to announce the My Scrapbook Nook Blog Hop winner from my blog! My daughter, Sydnee, chose the number and the winner is

KariAnnS said...

I love your layering technique!

November 2, 2011 12:39 PM

Kari Ann, just email me at paperposey@aol.com with your mailing address and choices of THREE different fringe assortments. You can view them all here

Congratulations, Kari Ann! Thank you, everyone for the sweet comments...I cherish them all :)
The official winner of the MSN prize will be announced very soon!

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MY SCRAPBOOK NOOK

Well, if you frequent the forum at The Nook, then you know we've been without power for a week now...I'm happy to announce that it's back up and running!

While the board was disabled, a blog was set up so that we could continue to share challenges and news with all of you.

http://www.myscrapbooknookkits.blogspot.com/

My latest CARDS Challenge will go live at the blog tomorrow, but to keep with my "Wednesday" schedule at the forum, I did go ahead and post it there today.

I'm giving away a PRIZE to the first (non Nook DT person) to complete the card and upload it here at the forum *hint* the theme is "Give Thanks" :)

And here is a beautiful collage of the November Kit...shop for yours today!

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I HEART IPPITY

I adore this newest set of stamps that I received from Ippity last week!

I had my Christmas tunes playing, so I was really in the 'spirit' while making this little cutie.

I stamped, then cut out the image from a sheet of white cardstock. I mounted that onto a sheet of patterned paper (by My Mind's Eye) and cut it out a little larger. Using that same size, I also cut a circle from the front of my card. The actual stamped image is placed on the inside of the card just for kicks :) I then outlined the circle in baker's twine.

Heather has ALL of your favorite Ippity stamps by Unity! Be sure to visit her at

http://www.iheart-ippity.blogspot.com/

YOUR SCRAPBOOK STASH

It's a bittersweet time for Erica at YSS! She will officially close the store's doors on December 31, 2011. I can simply say that I have thoroughly enjoyed designing for one of the most fabulous scrapbook stores on the net :)

YSS will be greatly missed!

I will be working with some adorable papers and accents from Bella Blvd this month...I'll be sharing those soon as my last stint as a Design Team member *sniff*

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I will see you all in a couple of days, if not tomorrow.

Take care,

Shellye

A Birthday Greeting...

2011-11-06T01:00:00.001-05:00

It's time to say

VERY
HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Leah Killian!

♫♪Happy Birthday to you, dear Leah♪♫

I hope that you have a fantastic birthday!

Papers and tags are from this month's Nook Kit, Times & Seasons!

Just as soon as we have the Nook blog winners announced, I'll select a winner from my blog :)

See you soon!
Shellye

It's a Nook Blog Hop!

2011-11-01T16:21:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the hop from My Scrapbook Nook
We're offering one lucky lady a 3 month subscription to these gorgeous kits and several smaller prizes for other hoppers!
We have hidden 7 birds among the design team blogs....so hop around, find the birds and keep track of who's got em'. Once you've found all seven, email those names to: myscrapbooknookdt@yahoo.com
One random winner from those that find all the birds will be drawn to receive a 3 month subscription to the Nook

As for the rest of the prizes, they will be drawn from the designers blogs at random. So comments are optional, but the more you leave the better your chances are of winning a prize, which include kits. For an extra bonus drawing for a $50 prize pack- leave a comment at Danni Reid's link including a link where you have facebooked, blogged or tweeted about this hop- you can leave up to three comments for a shot at that $50 prize pack!

The Nook kits are filled each month with the latest paper collections and embellishments to make you swoon! They are a fantastic deal and our international ladies love the low shipping ;) If you sign up for a 12 month subscription you'll get a free kit after your 12 month mark! Now that's a bakers dozen of goodness!

This month will kick of my status as a CARDS Design Team Member at My Scrapbook Nook...I'm so excited to be working in concert with such a truly fabulous and talented team!

Here is a layout that I created using the October Nook Kit. One thing that I can say is that these kits are amazing and go such a long, long way.

To ONE lucky WINNER, I will be giving away

THREE Packs of Handmade Crepe Paper Fringe

from my Dot & Whimsy shop at Etsy

To be in the drawing, just leave a comment on this post, as well as your email address so that I may contact you if you're a winner :)

Thanks for looking and here are your hopping orders
Shellye (<-----you are here!)
Danni
Kim
Pamella
Nicole
Jaz
Deanna
Lisa
Carol
Hilde
Lilith
Marinette
Anna
Jessy
Katarina
Gina
LG
Leah

Hop ends on Fri., November 4 at 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time.
Winners will be announced on Sat. November 5th!

Be Sure to check out our Christmas Card Class and New Contest "Card Sharks!" a fast paced, four week battle of creativity!!!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Shellye

Going Bananas

2011-10-27T14:05:00.001-05:00

Have you ever worked and worked on something only to have it go in the trash? What a waste of time and good scrappin' supplies.ugh. I had one more layout to submit for Your Scrapbook Stash and I thought it would never come together...but it did...finally :) Saved me from going bananas or hysterical...not that one would be prettier than the other LOL

Patterned papers and clear overlays from Phantom by Pink Paislee. I doubled the overlay on the photo of Snoopy.

A Not So HAUNTED Halloween on the Great Pumpkin Train excursion in Palestine, Texas a couple of years ago. Such a nice relaxing trip and the train ride was like stepping back in time.

Speaking of bananas, I made the yummiest treat this week

Frosted Banana Bars

1/2 cup butter, softened

1½ cup sugar

2 eggs

1 cup (8 oz) sour cream

2 tsp. vanilla

2 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

2 medium ripe bananas, mashed

Cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs, sour cream and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine flour, soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in bananas. Spread in a greased 15x10x1 inch baking pan (jelly roll pan). Bake at 350º for 20-25 minutes. Cool.

Frosting:

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 tsp. vanilla

3½- 4 cups powdered sugar

Cream together cream cheese, butter and vanilla. Gradually beat in sugar. Frost bards. Store in refrigerator.

Perfect for a MONKEY themed birthday party!

Here are two other layouts that I created for Your Scrapbook Stash. The first is based on a sketch that I created for their blog

I absolutely LOVE this set by Pink Paislee...VINTAGE VOGUE

And finally...another layout that I did using the Vintage Vogue. I adore this layout of Sydnee and Tyler's girlfriend, Kristin. Kristin took these photos with her cell phone, so not the best quality, but I just couldn't resist scrappin' them!

The flowers were crafted from the Vintage Vogue Ribbon Trims. I simply threaded a running stitch through the top of crochet trim and gathered into a flower design. Aren't those papers so sweet?!?

As always, SAVE when you shop at Your Scrapbook Stash...Erica loves to share coupon codes with her customers :)

CONTEST• CONTEST• CONTEST• CONTEST

Speaking of Erica...she just announced a SKETCH CONTEST with a couple of great prizes to give-a-way!

To get the full run-down, just visit the YSS BLOG

Just use one of the sketches from the Gallery and have it completed and uploaded by Thursday, November 3rd. Hope that you can play along...AND win a prize...Good Luck!

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MY SCRAPBOOK NOOK

Whew, lots going on over at The Nook! I will begin my official capacity as Design Team member this next month...I'm sooo ready and excited. I am counterpart to Danni Reid in the CARDS division, which is located on the fabulous Nook Forum :) Each week we will host a couple of cool challenges, sketches, tutorials and more. If you love making cards then this is the place for you. New to cards, then this is the place for you. Be sure to join us! The rest of the awesome Design Team will be providing other challenges in the area of layouts and altered art. Also, Danni and Leah (owner of MSN) have been up to creating one-of-a-kind cards kits and classes to go along with them. If you're interested, be sure to check out the forum and soon before they're gone!

Guess what?

Yep, we're having a BLOG HOP

I will update with the 4-1-1 later on this weekend. And yes, you read it right...Leah will be giving away

Ten SUPER FABULOUS Nook Kits

Stay tuned...

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LITTLE YELLOW BICYCLE

The Little Yellow Bicycle blog is going full blast! If you haven't visited in a couple of weeks, there are several new projects that have been posted featuring the Cycling Team. I did get my HELLO FALL project done and it should be up sometime next week....I will post it in its entirety once it's up, but in the meantime here's a little peek

I can't wait to show you the rest!

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I'll be back in the next day or two...still lots to share and update!

Shellye

Happiness, Some Love and Spooky Cats

2011-10-18T21:46:00.001-05:00

As the old proverb goes...time flies when you're havin' fun! I finally got back to the craft room yesterday and whew, I've whipped up a couple of cards, two layouts, a sketch and even an album for Etsy.

YOUR SCRAPBOOK STASH

After my October kit from Your Scrapbook Stash took a major postal detour, it finally arrived at my doorstep on Friday...so happy and relieved to see it :) It's always like Christmas when I rip open the tab to peer inside...this month I was surprised with a collection of Phantom by House of Three and Vintage Vogue by Collage Press!

I love the way companies are designing papers with an edge of embossed or glittered accents...it's like stamping, but it's already done for you.

For my third pop of color (since I design in three's) I used some lavender brads from my stash AND a couple of the sweet Chipboard Pops from the Vintage Vogue kit! And I'm now addicted to making medallions, just so you know.

I have an adorable layout completed with Vintage Vogue; as soon as it goes live at YSS's blog on Friday, I'll share here...along with a cool sketch by lil old me.

I HEART IPPITY

Yeppp...got me some new stamps this week!

Time for...friends & wine IPK-156

While I had my Vintage Vogue papers still out, I thought they would look cute paired up with one of the 'girls' from this stamp set.

Tomorrow is Wednesday Wowsers over at I Heart Ippity Blog...check it out♥

MY SCRAPBOOK NOOK

Things are humming right along over at the Nook forum...never a dull moment...always tons and tons of inspiration and chat. I ♥ The Nook :) I'm still churning out the cards using the October Kit...can I just say that it's going a loooonnnggg way!

This is a card that I crafted using a sketch by Danni

I've just listed this beautiful mini album at my Etsy shop...here's a little peek...

LITTLE YELLOW BICYCLE

So, next on my agenda is a project with the Hello Fall from LYB! I will work on this tomorrow...hint...I will be incorporating something from my yard :) Can't wait to share it with you.

Take care!

Life Is Good...

2011-10-12T18:41:00.000-05:00

...and here is the proof...

I love how the bright cottage colors dress up the distressed, but plain, chipboard album. The papers by Echo Park/Bella Blvd are cheerful and celebrate the good things in life. I used the last of my corrugated butterflies, so I must get more and soon! Candy sweet...eye yummy-ness that makes my ♥ happy.

CARDS, CARDS, CARDS

Wow, I really need to get my blog caught up with all of the card projects that I've created lately. I will start listing some of them at my Etsy shop tonight...my card box is over-flowing!

Open Your Heart

I Heart Ippity Wednesday Wowsers October 12, 2011

Lovely

Created for one of My Scrapbook Nook's October CARDS Challenges

Bee Happy

Another card created for a challenge over at the Nook. Part of the challenge was to use a hexagon shape, which is oh-so popular in design right now.

LITTLE YELLOW BICYCLE

I'll be peddling again soon with Hello Fall by LYB. I received a box full of goodies yesterday and I can't wait to dig in and come up with something super special for their blog readers :) So many choices...I'm not sure what to do first!

If I had to pick one thing that has been my favorite from both the Head of the Class and Hello Fall, I would have to go with the canvas elements...Fabric Favorites, Canvas Borders and Tape Rolls...I really like the texture and the look that they give to a project.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Hoping that you all are having a wonderful week!

It's Up ♥

2011-10-09T14:57:00.000-05:00

Weeeee! It's like riding your bicycle down a giant hill with your hands waving in the air...what a thrill it is to see my Little Yellow Bicycle project up on their blog ♥ I can honestly say that this was an absolute blast to put together...with so many great textures like canvas, the metal in the straight pins, glittered sheer die-cuts, chipboard...I love it! The patterned papers are vibrant and the designs are so fun and easy to use.

Without further ado...here she is...Head of the Class Corkboard Mini Album!

Here are the detailed instructions on how to create your very own Corkboard mini album.

Supplies:
Little Yellow Bicycle’s Head of the Class Clear Cuts Shapes, Stick Pins, Journaling Cards, Chipboard Shapes, Dimensional Pop-Up Stickers, Fabric Favorites, Canvas Stickers Mini Banners, Alphabet Stickers, Fresh Verse Stickers, Favorite Phrases Stickers and Patterned Papers

Other Supplies: Ribbons, Baker’s twine, buttons, three loose-leaf rings and two 6x6 corkboard squares

Using a craft knife, trim both corkboard squares to 5”wide; reserve one of the 1” strips. Dress the reserved piece of corkboard with Fabric Favorites “Ruler” sticker; cut to size. Punch holes into all three corkboard pieces at 1”, 3” and 5” increments, leave at least a ¼” margin from the edge. Adhere the ruler piece to the edge of the top corkboard sheet with a fast drying tacky glue (I use Aleene’s Quick Dry).

Incorporating your favorite cutting tool, cut six 4 ¾” W x 7 ½”H tags from selected Head of the Class Patterned Papers. Embellish as desired before gluing the front/back pages together. Be sure to line the pages up with the bottom of the corkboard pages before punching holes. Add eyelets to page holes to ensure stability.

Finally, insert the three loose-leaf rings through the holes and thread carefully through pages. It may be necessary to enlarge the holes of the corkboard to allow the rings to move freely. Add ribbons to the rings if desired.

**Thank YOU for all of the sweet comments...I really appreciate it!**

T G I F

2011-10-07T12:08:00.001-05:00

What a week, what a week!

When I took on the project of constructing a diaper cake for a friend's baby shower, I had no idea that it would take me two days...sometimes you just wish that you weren't quite so OCD...it turned out so cute though. I've seen the elaborate and the over-the-top-elaborate diaper cakes, but elaborate does not describe my friend, Kristi. She doesn't like a lot of clutter, so neat-and-simple was the way that I decided to go.

Now, I know you're probably looking at this and asking "it took you two days to do this?" But wrapping those diapers just 'so-so' takes time and skill LOL I think she will love it ♥

LITTLE YELLOW BICYCLE

Wowee! I received my LYB Head of the Class goodies this week...such FUN to work with! I will share it here just as soon as it goes live on their blog, so be sure to check back. I created a mini album and there was some cork-board involved *wink* I had a blast and look forward to doing more projects with the material.

I HEART IPPITY

I doubled this card as my latest project for I Heart {Ippity}, as well as for a challenge over at My Scrapbook Nook :) I will be a part of the CARDS Team at the Nook beginning in November, but I'm getting my feet wet by doing as many of the October challenges as possible. But I digress! Here is my card using the Faith & Blooms Stamp Set IPK-125 and the Nook October Kit

I have a plethora (one of my all-time FAV words) of cards stacking up...I will be listing some of them at my Etsy shop soon!

We begin our district play tonight in football...had last Friday off...not fun. I think the consensus is that we just need to forgo "off" weeks LOL The boys are itching to get out there and play. Zach's 8th grade team is still undefeated; they have not lost a game since they began playing together in the 7th grade.

So, I need to get my sparkly orange and black BEARS shirt ironed and get ready to head out to feed the team. I hope to be sharing my LYB project with you very soon!

Ya'll be good!

Back and Forth

2011-09-28T11:38:00.000-05:00

So one day I'm working on a Halloween project and the next day a Christmas project...back and forth and back and forth! I pulled out a sheet of Bryce and Madeline Halloween stickers that I had purchased a long time ago...thought about giving them to my daughter and then decided 'no way, these are too cute not to put on an album' But don't feel sorry for Sydnee...she gets plenty of loot!

You can find more photos of this 'lil cutie over at my Dot & Whimsy shop at Etsy :)

And because I'm so far behind on blogging, I haven't shared my other latest album! I tell ya, I had a toothache after making this one...it is just drenched in sweet candy goodness ♥

One of my wonderful repeat customers has already picked this up for her collection...along with some of my SWEETHEART (bright red, soft pink and creme) crepe paper fringe...her box looked liked Candy Land itself! She'll be so happy :)

I HEART IPPITY

Today is Wednesday Wowsers over at I Heart Ippity blog! There are always lots of beautiful creations made with Ippity (Unity) brand stamps...plus Heather has tons of stock on hand for purchase.

Here is my latest card using {The Man} Collection

Super, super quick and easy using my Sizzix die to create the chipboard frame. I then distressed it with walnut ink, spritzed with a little gold Smooch Spray. For the shirt, after stamping and cutting it out, I applied it to the card using foam dots. I then stamped another image and cut the tie out; added it with pop dots. Of course, a piece of paper can't get away from me without being stitched on hee hee hee hee

I'M A CYCLIST!

This is the news from Little Yellow Bicycle...you may remember in my last post that I mentioned submitting some stuff...well...

"Time to announce our first ever Cycling Team. We were thrilled with the interest and have plans to go for the long tour with many of you! Announcing Team Head of the Class and Team Get your Game on today. Team Hello Fall will be announced next Wednesday. Next try outs will be for Wonder and Wishes and Winter Twig. All teams, Please be sure to send your addresses to lori@cthruruler.com.

Cycling Team Head of the Class: Kat Blue, Cari Locken, Rhonda Van Ginkel, Amanda Johnson, Shellye McDaniel (me, that's me!)

Cycling Team Get Your Game On: Nancy Doren, Carol Monson, Ashley Stephens, Samantha Taylor, Kimberly Rae Forde"

As posted by Little Yellow Bicycle at Facebook

So you guessed it...yep, I'm pretty excited! A BIG Congrats to all of the Cyclists and especially to my fellow Nook Gal, Carol Monson. Can't wait to share my LYB creations with you soon!

I need to scoot over to My Scrapbook Nook and get to workin' on some CARDS for next month's challenges :) I officially start in my DT capacity there in November (some of us alternate months) and I'm eager to get my hands on their awesome kits ♥

See ya'll!

So PRIM and Proper

2011-09-21T14:51:00.000-05:00

I knew the moment that I saw her...so prim and proper in her black hat and pigtails...that I wanted to turn her into the sweetest 'lil mini album EV-ER! Of course I adore anything My Mind's Eye and the Mischievous collection was no exception. I had also purchased the Haunted collection...so I thought, what the heck! Combine the two looks together and HOCUS POCUS...you have Prim-Goth :)

So here she is...kind of a Raggedy Ann of witches

Following pages include cute Halloween notions, fun stamped images and places to journal

I have her listed at Dot & Whimsy as we speak. With the holidays quickly approaching, I'm selling things (especially mini albums) pretty quickly...so if you love her, don't wait long ♥

Now, what to do next? Ah yes, I have the other new collection from MME...12 Days of Christmas. It is jolly and bright in cheery colors of turquoise, spring green, bright red and a dusty pink...I love this color combo and buy it up anytime I see it.

Today is WORLD APPRECIATION DAY! We're celebrating over at The Nook forum with a card challenge. These ladies can do some amazing things with cards!

Well, today is the last day to get your submission in for the Little Yellow Bicycle Guest DT Call! Yep, I sent mine in...I know it's a long-shot, but I couldn't resist. My fellow Paper Issues CT member, Lowri, was featured this last month with her adorable altered pencil container. Good luck to those who've applied!

Off to get the girl from school, sit at Zach's football practice, take Syd to dance, sit at Tyler's football practice and then pick Syd up from dance...whew, glad they're all within a 2 mile radius LOL

Be back soon!
Shellye

Peppermint Love

2011-09-20T13:19:00.000-05:00

♥ Happy Tuesday ♥

It's been a busy, busy past few days...blog hops, getting acquainted over at The Nook, completing a few Design Team projects, several items made for Dot & Whimsy...and phew, I'm whipped...but lovin' it!

I got my Fall/Halloween goodies out this past week. One of DH's friends brought me three bundles of corn stalks a couple of months ago...just need to get a scarecrow, some colorful mums and a few pumpkins and I'll be set to decorate the front porch and back patio. Thank you, God for FALL ♥

Okay, so I'm diverting a bit from my raves of Fall. As promised yesterday, I have a couple of next things to show you; all from the Peppermint collection by Crate Paper. What a load of retro and nostalgic F-U-N.

You can pick up your own Peppermint loot from Your Scrapbook Stash; Erica always has the best deals and coupon codes for any of your purchases.

Here we go...first up is a card that I created for the Gallery at YSS

Every single thing was from the Peppermint Collection except for the crochet trim, felt snowflake and baker's twine. I alternated chipboard snowflake rounds with a couple of the domed Sew Brads. Santa's 'buttons' were cut from the pom pom trim.

This little album is chocked full of goodies...I even staggered the pages to create even more interest. Isn't the snowman the sweetest? I ♥ his smile!

I also scrapbooked a double-page layout from Peppermint, but I'll have to wait and share it once it's been pubbed on YSS Blog :)

I Heart {Ippity}

I got my newest stamps from I Heart {Ippity} this last week...yay! Always wanting to set out to do something 'different', I came up with this card, which folds from the top. The flower and "faith" stamps are from the Faith Blooms set by Ippity (Unity Stamp Co.)

I like that it's simple and I like that it's shabby...enough said *wink*

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I'll be back in a few!

Take care

Paper Issues Hop WINNER

2011-09-19T10:32:00.000-05:00

Time to announce my winner from the Paper Issues Blog Hop!

And the winner is.....

Ann from anniescraftycreations

Congratulations, Ann! Just email me at shellye819@aol.com to claim your prize. In the meantime, you can jump on over to my Etsy shop and pick the three --On The Fringe-- packs of your choice.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by and left some 'love'...I truly appreciate it!

I hope everyone enjoys making the little owl guy sometime soon :)

I'll be back later today or tomorrow to update with some new project pics.

See ya'll soon!

Time to HOP with Paper Issues

2011-09-16T08:41:00.004-05:00

♥ Welcome to the Papered Cottage ♥

Today is the big day. Glad to be in on this wonderful Blog Hop presented by the talented ladies of Paper Issues Creative Team.

**GIVE-A-WAY GIVE-A-WAY**

My prize donation will be THREE skeins of my very popular --On The Fringe-- Handmade Crepe Paper Fringe from Dot & Whimsy I have a huge assortment of colors schemes to choose from...as the winner, you will get to pick your favorite three

I love scrapbooking and card-making, but my true passion is altering stuff :) So, I will be bringing you a cute, fast and fun little project, Owl Straw Topper just in time for Halloween, Fall or Thanksgiving...this guy is very versatile.

Supply list to complete one piece:

•Scrapbook paper; 2 patterns

•Label punch (2.25"H x 1.5"wide)

•1" round punch

•Two 1/2" round corduroy brads (or any design)

•Two 1/8" round black pom-pom balls

•One piece of candy corn; trimmed to 1/2" long

•Mini tag

•Jute or twine

Other: scissors, permanent pen, plastic or paper straws, hole punch, fabric glue and permanent adhesive

This is easy, easy, easy :)

1- Punch paper with label punch

2- Using the hole punch, create two holes 1/8" from the top and bottom of the label punched paper

3- Using the 1" round punch, punch one circle from coordinating paper; cut in half and glue one piece to each side of the label (as shown).

4- Insert the two brads approximately 3/4" from the top; center the brads side-by-side. Using fabric glue, add the pom poms to the brads (as shown).

5- Cut candy corn to 1/2" in length (or as desired). Glue just below eyes.

**Allow pieces to dry**

6- Carefully insert straw through holes.

7- If desired, add a small name tag and attach to the top with jute, ribbon or baker's twine

That's it! Think of using these for party favors, place-cards or as a package tie-on!

I hope that you enjoy this simple and sweet project; please email me if you have any questions :)

♥Now, it's time to hop-on-over to
Lana Bisson's Blog for your next stop♥
(If for some reason Lana's Blog Hop post isn't up, please go to Peg Hewitt's blog next)

Also, don't forget to check-out Paper Issues store
25% OFF your purchase when you use the code: HOP25

www.paperissues.com

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to leave a comment to be in the drawing for a prize!

Rain or Shine?

2011-09-15T12:24:00.000-05:00

It's cloudy and a glorious 64 degrees...ahhhhhh! But, that's not necessarily the entire reason for the title of my post :)

I try to keep up with all of the 'trends' and 'hot colors' of the season. Seems like yellow and gray are amongst the hottest color trends this year; if you follow the newest releases in scrapbooking, then you're probably familiar with Authentique's Blissful

I found that the color combination soon began to grow on me so why not make some crepe fringe to match? You can now find --Rain or Shine-- Handmade Crepe Paper Fringe at my Dot & Whimsy Etsy shop! Colors of marigold, gray and white have been machine-stitched, doubled, machine-stitched again and then carefully handcut to create a fun and festive fringe.

On a BETTER note, tomorrow we are hosting a fantastically fun BLOG HOP at Paper Issues.

** PRIZE GIVE-A-WAY** PRIZE GIVE-A-WAY**

Tons and tons of prizes to be given away!

My prize give-a-way? One winner will receive THREE skeins of --On The Fringe-- Handmade Crepe Paper Fringe! I have tons of color schemes; you get to pick your very own three :) What do you do with fringe? The fringe that I make isn't necessarily the kind that you hang from the rafters; rather, I created this fringe to outline the tops of baskets and bags, to add a little pizazz to cards and scrapbook pages, or to embellish party hats, clay figurines and prim dolls...there are literally tons of possibilities. Everyone seems to ♥ ♥ ♥ tha FRINGE!

So get ready tomorrow, Friday September 16th to begin hopping with us!

www.paperissues.blogspot.com

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I have some more FUN news! It seems like so many of my Paper Issues, My Scrapbook Nook and Your Scrapbook Stash gals are getting in on a lot of Design Team action...Doodle Bug, American Crafts, Pebbles...whew! I'm very excited for ALL of my friends; well-deserved :)

So, for me? I've been asked to be a Guest Designer at Kraft Outlet. Oh. My. Goody. Have you visited?

This girl LOVES some kraft goodness ♥ It's a staple in my stash.

My design month will be March 2012...I'm all ready looking forward to it...I will get a head-start by doing a little shopping beforehead LOL

Okay, all! I will be back tomorrow bright and early to get things going for the Blog Hop! I hope you stop by...lots of prizes and cool tutorials broken down into Scrapbook/Art Journal, Altered Project (me) and Cards...so whatever your heart desires, we've got you covered :)

So many thinks to think...

2011-09-10T11:15:00.001-05:00

...just thought I'd quote Dr. Suess this morning. But that's how my mind feels right now...think, think, think! Remember to do this and don't forget to do that. I thrive on busyness and multi-tasking; maybe it's because I can actually feel my blood pumping, which is a good thing, right? :) Some people work better under pressure...not saying that I don't look like a crazy woman while I'm at it, but I actually get a kick out of working on a layout while putting on make-up and folding clothes LOL I keep reminding myself to enjoy these days when our kids are young, healthy and very active...couple that with my own priorities and yes, I have a gloriously full plate ♥ A Senior mom has always taken on the responsibility of coordinating the pre-game feeding of the Varsity football boys; of course I volunteered. After-all, I've been helping out for the past two years and know the ropes...what foods weigh them down and if you put 200 cupcakes out, 35 boys will find a way to eat them...all. DH and I also haul the inflatable Bear tunnel and a trailer loaded with portable water coolers to all of the away-games. Hey, I get there extra-early, take lots of pictures of the boys warming up AND get a great seat! Top that off with a WIN for the underdog and I'm a super happy momma! So proud of both of my boys' WINS this week...way to go, guys...you always play like champs and like gentlemen :)

Tyler #44 was one of Friday night's captains and got to go out for the coin toss


Zachry #12 rushes the quarterback at Thursday's game...way to hustle, Zach!

Now onto some scrappy news!

First of all...I made it! I can't believe it, but I made the My Scrapbook Nook Design Team. Truly I was stunned...so much talent to choose from and they picked little ole me ☺

Congratulations to these lovely ladies- they have all earned a spot on the Nook Team!
Anna Sigga- Iceland
Carol Monson- USA
Danni Reid-USA
Deanna Misner- USA
Gina Rodgers-Australia
Hilde L Aaslund- Norway
Jaz Lee- Singapore
Jessy Christopher-Malaysia
Katarina Damm-Blomberg- Finland
Kim Moreno-USA
Leah Killian-USA
LG Belarmino- Phillipeans
Lilith Eeckles- Belgium
Lisa Kisch- Canada
Marinette LEFEVRE- France
Nicole Nowosad- Canada
Pamella Brown-USA
Shellye McDaniel-USA
Stacey Michaud- USA

There are many ladies on this team whom I have admired for quite some time; what a dream to be named amongst them. I'll work on getting their blog links up on my sidebar so you can take a gander at their work :) Visit us over at The Nook Forum...I'm pretty picky about Forums...this one is AMAZING!

YOUR SCRAPBOOK STASH
It's layout time! Oh my goodness, I've had the best time playing with Fancy Pants' OFF TO SCHOOL papers, stickers, glitter cuts and filter papers. I will have a Stash Fav post on the YSS Blog coming up soon where I share a couple of ideas for using the Filter papers. In the meantime, here is a layout that I did using the filters as banners...it created its own unique look after each was machine stitched and distressed.

I love the way the banners curl to-and-fro! I also used a star as a mask and spritzed a little Tattered Angels around it. I also spritzed with Smooch Spray and a few flecks of butter-cream acrylic paint.

Patterned paper, rubon stars and filter papers from OFF TO SCHOOL line.

And my very favorite layout that I've completed from...you guessed it, Fancy Pants' Off to School! I took another one of the large Filter papers and folded it in half to resemble a sun...well, half of a sun anyway.

Hope everyone has a terrific weekend! Thanks for always stopping by and leaving comments...I appreciate them so very much♥

Ain't School Cool?

2011-09-07T20:42:00.001-05:00

My kids have been back in full swing for three weeks now; hard to believe that the first six weeks is half-way over...whew! They're all the "big man (or girl) on campus" this year...a Senior, 8th-grader and 4th-grader. Big. One afternoon after picking Syd up, she comments on a girl walking along the sidewalk..."look at that cute little 1st grader" She talks so big, as though she isn't cute or little herself anymore :)

Okay, ya'll know that I got some fabulous loot from Your Scrapbook Stash last week! I finished my first project with the Fancy Pants' OFF TO SCHOOL line today. It went together pretty quickly and was a lot of fun to make. In my stash, was an acrylic sheet that has the alphabet in brown flocking from top to bottom. I thought "how cool to use this in between pages...like the acrylic albums of old." So, I went to cutting! I actually machine stitched the "School is Cool" sticker on the front

Then, I grabbed a Maya Road scalloped chipboard album (from my stash) and cut the sheets (with an X-Acto knife) into different lengths to create a staggered look

Here are the following pages for you to enjoy

I'll be back to list a couple of other projects tomorrow!

My Scrapbook Nook will be announcing their new Design Team tomorrow as well...good luck to all of the ladies trying out...it will be an amazing team ♥

Shellye

My Stash!

2011-09-01T14:01:00.000-05:00

Got a little visit from Your Scrapbook Stash today via the USPS! The box was sooo heavy and I couldn't wait to tear into it...who doesn't love a surprise?!? Oh the goodies, ya'll. I was agape as I sifted through all of the wonderful papers and accents; the ideas forming left and right. I'll be working with Peppermint from Crate Paper and Off to School from Fancy Pants for the month of September. Head on over to YSS and

get your stash today!

Off to School Double-Sided Patterned Papers, Filter Papers, Rub-Ons, Glitter Cuts, Cardstock Stickers and Letters and pom pom trim

Peppermint Double Sided Patterned Papers, Stands Outs, Sew Brads, Trims and Chipboard!


A little close up...to make you drool :)

Both of the collections are right-up-my-alley! Crate Paper captured a unique vintage feel with Peppermint and I love the throw-back style of argyle and sneakers brought to us by Fancy Pants' Off to School! I'll be sharing my creations really soon I hope. And please check-out the YSS Blog, where inspiration and store deals are shared almost daily :)

Thanks for stopping by!

A Banner Day!

2011-08-31T11:31:00.000-05:00

I rolled out a couple of sweetly bannered cards yesterday and was SO excited about getting them uploaded to this here blog and to I Heart-Ippity, but POOF our phone lines went down for several hours. I'm thinking, 'okay'...no biggie. Before picking Syd up from school, I went by the post office to mail a couple of packages. They can't take debit cards, but luckily I have my checkbook (and I still remember how to use it LOL). It literally takes two minutes for postage to pull up for one package; I'm guessing that's tied to the phone line some how? The clerks are talking about how the bank had to close early because they couldn't transact business without the phones! Crazy...I guess even in our high-speed-internet, cell-phone-using world, that plain jane land-lines still play a big part of our lives. I'm still praying for the day when they decide that we're worthy enough for high speed way out here in coun-try!

Here is my card for I Heart-Ippity! I have thoroughly enjoyed working with this stamp collection, Flowers + Friends= Priceless....so many possibilities! I used one of the larger floral stamps and simply stamped three of the image and then used my scallop punch to cut them out. I folded them in half and strung them along a piece of baker's twine to create this fun and easy banner! I added some color to the petals with a Zig pen and then attached a small Prima flower with pearl center. This card went together so quickly! I'm thinking that it'll be a design that I'll use again in the future :)

Tomorrow is my sweet Daddy's birthday! He is absolutely my biggest fan, so I like to put as much love as possible into the cards that I make for him :) I don't do many 'manly' cards and don't have much in the way of 'manly' supplies. I took a piece of stripped cardboard and punched several small circles from it. The star is one that I traced and cut out. Then I glued it to the top of a piece of cardboard, machine stitched it and then inked and spritzed with bronze. The ink picked up the pattern of the cardboard...looks really cool in person!

On a different note, I received my latest indulgence today...Slatkin's (you know Harry from Bath & Body Works?) newest FALL candles AND the cutest Frankenstein and Jack-O-Lantern candle holders. I guess if you asked me what I collect, Slatkin & Co's seasonal scents and figural holders would be at the top of my list. Anyway, how YUMMY does Salty Caramel (sweet cream and caramel sprinkled with glazed pecans), S'Mores (layers of gooey marshmallow, melted dark chocolate and sweet graham crackers) and Apple Crumble (baked Granny Smith and McIntosh apples topped with vanilla crumble, cinnamon and nutmeg) sound? I can't tell you which is my favorite...they're all so delicious in their own right ♥ I picked these up at QVC this past week...I don't do a lot of shopping on the Q, but I can't pass up an hour with Harry!

I think I'll get the Apple Crumble cranked up and at least make it smell like fall around here :)

See you all soon!

Hauntingly Good

2011-08-29T14:45:00.000-05:00

I've had a hauntingly good time at the craft desk for the past couple of days...the result is a few new Halloween goodies for Dot & Whimsy. I have the whole week off and look to get lots of things done...last week netted nothing in the crafty department and I've missed my crafty time! I cleaned the kids' closets out and ended up donating four huge bags of clothes to the local women/children's shelter. I boxed up some of the boys' trophies and other little dust-collectors. Trashed a ton of my daughter's stuff...I don't know why she keeps what she does...left me shaking my head so much that I'm surprised I didn't sprain my neck! Broken toys, candy wrappers and every single crayon that she's ever owned...it goes a beyond simply being a pack-rat LOL. Each year when school starts, I am just itching to get into her room and de-stash...she's none the wiser :) But I have learned to HIDE the trash from her too hahahaha!

YOUR SCRAPBOOK STASH

I'm going to be working with Crate Paper's Peppermint and Fancy Pants' Off To School for the month of September...I'm so h-a-p-p-y! Both collections are two that I've had my eyeball on since they debuted :)

I'll be posting a picture of my kit when it arrives. Don't forget...YSS is a fabulous place to do your scrapbook shopping...and Erica is always hosting great specials!

www.yourscrapbookstash.com

It's been a good while since I last updated the blog, so here are several of my most recent projects:

Mini Halloween Album created for Dot & Whimsy. I used vintage flashcards as the base pages! I've been holding on to this reproduction vintage black cat postcard for quite a long time now...I thought it looked too perfect for this shape album so I decided it was time for us to part *sniff*

So I kept passing this adorable stamp at Hobby Lobby, laying in wait for the 40% off sale! I love its whimsiness :) My thought when purchasing the stamp was to create 'calling cards' for kids to handout when trick-or-treating. I've left them blank so that they can be colored in and embellished by the kids themselves. They can add a note of thanks to the back, along with their signature!

My latest card for I Heart-Ippity using Flowers + Friends= Priceless stamp collection from Unity Stamp Co. I really love how it turned out and it was so super-simple! First, I 'water-colored' the actual stamp using a little ink that I pressed into the lid of the stamp pad and a water-color brush...then I stamped it onto the actual card three different times. Next, I used a darker ink and pressed the same flower stamp into it and then stamped onto a separate piece of white cardstock. I hand-cut the two flowers and placed them around the other flowers. Inks: Tulip and Smoothie by Close To My Heart

MY SCRAPBOOK NOOK

Wowee! I'm multi-tasking between blogging, crafting and getting caught up on scrappy news...I've just made it over to My Scrapbook Nook's forum and see that I've made the Short-List for their upcoming Design Team. How exciting! I'm headed there now to get acquainted with everyone :)

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I had a fabulous 40th birthday! Thank you for the emails and birthday wishes...it made my day just that much more special ♥

I'll be back in a day or two!

Hey Stella...

2011-08-21T12:18:00.000-05:00

And Rose! I love these collections from My Mind's Eye and I really love it when I can get a deal from Scrapbook Steals. When I opened the kit and saw the girly die-cuts, I knew that I wanted to use the purse shaped chipboard to create an album. I listed this at Etsy and it sold within just a couple of hours...I had to share it though!

School starts up tomorrow! The whole family piled into the vehicle yesterday to partake in the Tax Free weekend. We did pretty good. Four pair of jeans, four t-shirts, two pair of underwear and a pair of Nike's for under $200. The summer has just flown by, but I'm ready to get back on a normal schedule. No more staying up late and sleepin' in :)

Have a great week!

Shellye

On The Fringe!

2011-08-18T12:40:00.000-05:00

Whoot! I received an email this past week from the editor of Simply Handmade Magazine; my sweet little crepe paper fringe (Pink Confection) will be featured in the Jan/Feb 2012 edition...I'm just a tad excited wwweee! I have TONS of color schemes available at my Etsy shop, Dot and Whimsy. It's become quite the popular item with my Etsy customers...I take custom orders too!

I Heart {Ippity} Time

With my newest stamps from I Heart {Ippity}, I created this clean and simple card. I love the possibilities with the selection of flowers in this stamp collection, {Flowers + Friends= Priceless}

I stamped the stems onto a strip of cardstock, then spritz with Smooch spray and inked around the edges. The flower images were stamped onto distressed scrapbook paper...gives the look of watercolor without the fuss. I then hand-cut the flowers closely to the stamped edge and arranged them over the stems. A little machine stitching and sticker letters completed the look. Yes, this is clean-and-simple to me LOL

Your Scrapbook Stash: An August Layout

On other design fronts, I completed another layout for Your Scrapbook Stash using Echo Park's NEW Splash papers...I've loved using these papers.

Back to the craft room today...Dot and Whimsy is becoming quite bare! Oh and don't forget to visit Paper Issues; the latest link party theme is "Let's Ride". I'm always so impressed by the unique projects that everyone shares over there...many, many talented designers and I'm delighted to be amongst them :)

Stay cool and I'll see you all soon!

Stash Sketch

2011-08-12T16:03:00.000-05:00

It was my time to share a sketch at Your Scrapbook Stash :) As with the last sketch that I created, I scrapped my layout then I did the sketch...I know, I know...I did it a little backwards!
I don't have any fancy software on my dino-of-a-computer, so I wing it with probably the oldest version of Picture It known to man; it gets the job done though.

My Sample "Just Add Water and Fins"

Your Scrapbook Stash Supplies:

Echo Park "Splash" patterned papers, sticker letters and accents

Velvet Trim

Misc Supplies:

Brads

Pop Dots

The two strips of paper outlined in ribbon are actually popped up with foam dots...looks much more interesting in person. Plus, I accidentally deleted the original picture from my computer so I couldn't make any adjustments...sorry that it's blurry.

I love these two pictures of my brother and nephew taken last Father's Day. My brother is such a dork, but he owns it (much like I do) so it works LOL Self-deprecation makes life easier to get through...if you can't laugh at yourself, then you have no business laughing at anyone else ;)

A side note: we had a fabulous turn-out for our Meet-The-Bears Night last night. We went from 100º weather to low 80's after a little cool front blew threw...it was grand even though short-lived (right back at it today). The volleyball girls, cheerleaders, band, majorettes and JV/Varsity football players were all announced. After a little 'scrimmage', cheerleading and band playing, the kids enjoyed watermelon and a homemade slip-n-slide :) I can't believe that we're about to start a brand new school year! I will have a Senior, 8th grader and 4th grader. Football on Thursday nights, Friday nights and of course college Saturdays and Pro Sundays...oh and Monday night...ahhhhh!

Next week at this time....I'll be the BIG 4-0. I haven't given it much thought actually. I'm just hoping that it doesn't 'strike' me all at once and I fall apart hehehe! Some good friends are cooking for me tomorrow night...fillet Mignon, twice-baked potato casserole and white chocolate strawberry cake...how lucky am I? :)

Enjoy the weekend, everyone!

Shellye

And Everything Nice

2011-08-11T09:35:00.000-05:00

Sugar and Spice that is ♥ I got in a couple of hours at the scrap table yesterday and came up with this sweeeet little mini album entitled "Sugar and Spice" I love the Emma's Shoppe papers from Crate Paper; they have a beautiful vintage feel that I often look for when creating minis. I painted the Maya Road chipboard in a buttercream, spritzed with Maya Road Silver Mist and then distressed the edges just a bit with a walnut ink. And can you believe that I did not use my sewing machine once?!? Instead of stitching the papers, I added a border of baker's twine around each photo mat...you know I'm lovin' some twine! Plus I just added three new colors to my selection: orange/black, red/white and black/white. I also used my brand new Sizzix 3-D flower die...I'm lovin' some 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby too :)

Here's a peek at my newest album...on sale now at my Dot & Whimsy shop

Several projects on tap for the remainder of the week! Paper Issues will be having a new Link party, so be sure to check it out. I'm always, always amazed at the talent displayed there♥ My "Beach Dude" layout was also featured a couple of weeks ago...very excited! I have a couple of layouts to do for Your Scrapbook Stash...I'm getting to play with a couple of Echo Park's new paper line (Country Drive, Splash and Summer Days). Today I'll be working on my "Stash Fav"...hint: journal cards and the numerous things that you can do with them. Journal cards; they're NOT just for journalin'! Stop by the YSS Blog and take a gander at what the other DT members are sharing :)

Have a TERRIFIC THURSDAY!
Shellye

Flowers + Friends= Priceless

2011-08-09T15:09:00.000-05:00

Saturday's mailed yielded the brand new I Hearty {Ippity} Stamps from Unity that I'll be working with this month. I was on my way to work for the next two nights, so I haven't had time to show them off.

Flowers + Friends= Priceless

When I spotted the large spiral flower, I knew that I wanted to use it to create at least a couple of 3-D flowers. So easy! I'm sharing a little how-to for those of you who may not have experimented with this type of flower-making yet :)

Stamp image onto cardstock; begin cutting into the flower from any edge. Continuously cut towards the center of the flower.

Begin rolling flower by starting from the outside...you can use a toothpick to roll the paper around. Once you've completely rolled the paper, add a dab of glue to the center (shown) and allow to dry.

The finished image. Add a brad, button or pearl to the center to complete the look.

As you can see, I stamped the flower again...twice... onto the red cardstock and simply cut out the image. I used my fingernail to give the edges a distressed look before adding a little glitter to all three flowers. Sweet and cheery!

Thanks for looking and don't forget to shop I Heart {Ippity}

Boo Stuff

2011-08-06T12:45:00.000-05:00

I like to get a head start on crafting seasonal items for my Etsy shop. So, yesterday I crafted a couple of really cute and really fun things for Halloween. I start decorating for Fall around the middle of September...which, by all estimates, isn't that far away!

I purchased these sweet-faced Halloween kids stamps last month and have been looking forward to making something with them ever since. I love little pieces of art-work hanging from hutch fronts or door knobs. For the base I used two vintage cardboard bingo cards and sandwiched them together so that the worn patina would show.

Isn't she cute?!?

My new staple is Bakers Twine...I used it here to cover up the seam of the two bingo cards.

I machine-stitched, Smooched with silver spray, stamped, water-colored and added fun trims and embellishments. She turned out quite nicely!

The second project is a set of bag tags that seem to a recurring favorite. I use this "Homemade for you" stamp and add a little something extra, depending on the holiday. For these I found an ittby bitty bat stamp. Then, of course, I added my favorite orange and white Baker's Twine :)

I listed both of these at my Dot & Whimsy shop at Etsy. I've been so busy with work, Athletic Booster functions and design team stuff that I haven't had much time for my Etsy; it was nice to get some new stuff up!

I have two large packages of chicken breasts boiling to put away for spaghetti, salads, etc. "Someone" left the big freezer open last night and we're trying to save as much food as we can.....fun, fun, fun *smh*

Off to work! Stay cool out there :)

Smile!

2011-08-01T16:38:00.000-05:00

I've now used all of the pretty stamps from the "New Season, New Wonder" collection from I Hearty {Ippity}. I love a cherries motif coupled with dots and gingham. I decided to go with a shabby look for this card, so I also added crumpled seam binding, pom pom trim and vintage buttons.

For the stamping part, I didn't actually stamp. I used REAL RED stamp pad from Stampin Up and OLIVE stamp pad from Close To My Heart. I pressed the lid into the pads before opening. I then dipped a watercolor pen into the lids and brushed the color onto the stamp...I was worried at first that the ink would dry before I got both colors applied, but they didn't. I think that it turned out quite nice! Have a look

On the close-up you can see that I cut the stem from the image and used foam dots for the cherries and leaf.

The little dots on the tag? Actually a fluke! I had tea-dyed a whole lot of tags one day and in drying them (in the oven), this particular tag took on the design of the pan that I used to lay them on...pretty cool though!

Thanks for looking!

Bring on 2012

2011-08-01T12:41:00.000-05:00

I don't mean to wish away the rest of 2011, but I can't wait to use this handy little calendar when the new year begins! One of my assignments for August with Your Scrapbook Stash was to create an altered project; in my box this month I received an acrylic flip style chipboard album from Maya Road...I knew immediately that I wanted to create a desktop calendar...I so need this at my desk ♥ I downloaded the perfect mini calendar from Splitcoast Stamper's. Also in my kit were the brand new papers "County Drive" from Echo Park! Very adorable designs and easy to work with. I cut out a few of the accents to use throughout the calendar and I also added some of my own stuff like brads, buttons, etc.

I applied Baker's twine to the edges of the chipboard pages; helps to hid the uneven edges!

I need to get back to the scrap table and finish a new card for I Heart {Ippity} Should be getting my new set of stamps this week (for August designs)...I'm anxious to see what I'm going to be working with :)

Hope you all have a great week!

Thank You, Mr. Postman

2011-07-30T20:18:00.000-05:00

The postman was so good to me today. I received my August Design Team kit from Your Scrapbook Stash and the new Close To My Heart catalog...I think I eeked a little too loud and woke the kids up!

I sorted through my kit and took a couple of pictures of the awesome stuff that I'll be working with next month.

So here are my goodies:

{Country Drive} by Echo Park Pape

{Summer Days} and {Splash} by Echo Park Paper and Flip-Style Acrylic Album by Maya Road

I actually finished a sweet little flip-style desktop calendar today using the cool acrylic/chipboard album from Maya Road. I don't know why I haven't run across this before...it was such a surprise seeing that in my box! Right away I knew that I wanted to do a calendar. I'm sharing just a small peek of it here...I'll have to wait until August 1st to share the rest :)

I downloaded this 2012 mini calendar from Splitcoast Stampers. I can't wait to show you the rest!

Off to swim...see ya'll soon!

Blog Hop Winners Announced

2011-07-29T19:54:00.001-05:00

It's time to announce my winners for the Your Scrapbook Stash Blog Hop!

I had my daughter pick the numbers, so she went with her favorite digits :)

TUESDAY'S WINNER

MELANIE

abitofscrapstuff.blogspot.com

FRIDAY'S WINNER

FAYE MARIE

alittledashof.blogspot.com

Congratulations, Ladies! If you will email me at shellye819@aol.com with your email address within the next three days; I'll get that info over to Erica for your prize.

Thanks to everyone who commented and became a follower of my blog...awww!

Good Night!

Lookie Here

2011-07-29T13:30:00.000-05:00

On the way to Tyler's football camp last weekend, the hubby and I stopped off at an antique shop along the way. This is something we plan to do when retiring: driving the RV across country and detouring at junk, antique and flea market shops whenever the urge strikes! I'm a 'scanner' when I go junkin'...I don't pay too much attention to the furniture and larger items, but when I see a heap of old books, papers and sewing supplies, I go nuts (quietly though, I don't want to appear too eager). Within a few minutes, I noticed this box of buttons. No price, and I'm kinda afraid to ask. The owner says "I'll take $10." There are over 100 cards of vintage buttons and oodles of fabulous colors...can you say EXCITED? :)

I also got an old wire locker basket for $5...perfect condition with just the right amount of rust LOL

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BLOG HOP FINALE

I hope you all had a chance to get in on the Your Scrapbook Stash Blog Hop! Today is the final day, so be sure to comment on the TWO posts below to be eligible for the two $10 STASH CASH GIFT CERTIFICATES that I'll be giving away. There are a total of TWENTY chances to win, don't forget to start at the very first blog (see below)

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Newest Stuff

Couple of new layouts and a project and card that I will list at Dot & Whimsy

Good luck to everyone vying for the Blog Hop prizes! We'll be announcing the winners soon. I appreciate you all playing along and leaving comments :)

Have a happy weekend

Blog Hop Finale

2011-07-29T08:35:00.005-05:00

Good morning, scrappy bloggers!

The final day is approaching for the Your Scrapbook Stash Blog Hop.

Lots of chances to win great prizes, so be sure to start out at the YSS Blog...and you should be here from Kristin's Blog

Here is the official Blog Hop order:

Your Scrapbook Stash Blog

Shellye (me)

Jessy

**$10 in STASH CASH (Gift Certificate) to be used at YOUR SCRAPBOOK STASH Store**

**FRIDAY'S WINNER**

Faye Marie

http://alittledashof.blogspot.com/

Just send your email address to me at shellye819@aol.com and we'll get your prize over!Congratulations!

To have your name in the hat, be sure to comment on BOTH posts regarding YSS at EACH Blog :)

We'll be announcing the winners on Friday.

Thanks to everyone who has stopped by so far...I've loved reading all of the comments.
Now on Preorder...oh my goodness! I've gotta have this collection from Lily Bee..."Harvest Market"

How fallicious is that? I also love the NEW Cosmo Cricket lines, especially this...

I want it...I've got to have it! Check out the store at YSS to see the newest things from CHA.

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NOTE:

I had this post scheduled for Thursday, but see this morning (Friday) that it didn't post 8) I apologize for anyone who was looking for it before today.

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend

Let's HOP!

2011-07-26T01:04:00.001-05:00

The time is here...time for the Your Scrapbook Stash Blog Hop...let's go!

You should be here from Kristin's blog.

Here is the official Blog Hop order:

Your Scrapbook Stash Blog

Shellye (me)

We will EACH be posting twice between today and Friday, July 29th. In order to qualify for 20 chances to win a prize, be sure to comment on the two blog posts from each blog...the actual YSS blog will be giving away FOUR GRAND PRIZES of a brand NEW RELEASE from Fancy Pants :)

**I WILL BE GIVING AWAY TWO $10 STASH CASH CERTIFICATES TO THE YSS STORE**

But (for those of you new to blog hops, like me!) you must, must, must leave a comment on the actual posts regarding Your Scrapbook Stash's Blog Hop.

**TUESDAY'S WINNER**

MELANIE

http://abitofscrapstuff.blogspot.com

CONGRATULATIONS, Melanie! Just send me your email address @ shellye819@aol.com

Quick Crochet Flower

1.Take your desired amount of crochet trim or ribbon; I used about 2 foot of The Girl's Paperie JUBILEE crochet trim.

Photo #1

2. From the right end, fold the edge of the trim over to the left (as shown in photo #1). Leave about a 2" tail.

Photo #2

3. Next, fold the folded edge again to the left (you may do this a couple of times, depending on the width of the material used.) Photo #2.

4. Hold the folded end in your right hand securely and the longer length of trim in your left hand.

Photo #3

5. With the left hand, begin turning the trim as you work counter-clockwise against the trim held in your right hand. Photo #3.

6. Continue folding the trim as you create the desired 'petal' looks. It maybe necessary to add a little dab of fabric glue between layers to secure it as you're working.

7. Once you've reached the desired look, snip off any remaining ribbon and carefully glue down with fabric glue. Attach to a felt or paper circle. Your Scrapbook Stash NOW carries GLUBBERS from Cosmo Cricket, which make the ideal base for your fabric flowers.

Embellish as desired. I also used the seam binding, cabochon and pennant from The Girl's Paperie Jubliee line :)

Perfect for cards, package or bag accents, lapel pins, hair bands, barrettes, Christmas tree decorations, jar toppers and lots more. I really liked working with the crochet trim; it's easy to manipulate and stays true to form as you're working. Let me know if you have any questions.

Enjoy the HOP...see you soon!

Christmas in July!

2011-07-22T18:57:00.000-05:00

It's nice to dream of a Winter Wonderland when we're in the midst of a relentless summer heat. Call me crazy, but yes, I have my Christmas tunes playing on Pandora ♪♫ fa-la-la-la-la ♪♫ And not just any ole Christmas tunes...we're talking Bing, Nat and Frank...oh yea-uh! Nothing more soothing to the fretted soul than some bea-u-ti-ful music ♥

To go along with my holly-jolly mood, I have been toiling away at the paper-crafting since Wednesday...lucky to be me hehehe! I did have to take a detour yesterday afternoon for the yearly eye exam and (blech) trip to Wal-Mart. It's been well over a month since I've filled the buggy to the top, but frequent trips to the local Dollar General and grocery store just weren't cuttin' it anymore...you know how that is.

Here are a couple of layouts that I've gotten done this week:

{Track Star} Features handmade ribbon flowers and hand-cut clouds...so happy!


{My Girl} I'm really likin' the royal blue, baby pink and bright orange!

And my newest card creation...thinking that I may add this (as well as some of my other cards) to my Etsy shop...it's gettin' bare over there :)

BLOG HOP, BLOG HOP, BLOG HOP

Just about time for the newest BLOG HOP at Your Scrapbook Stash. I'm so excited...my very first hop!

Begins: Tuesday, July 26th through Friday, July 29th

Here's the order in which the Hop will run:

Your Scrapbook Stash Blog

Shellye McDaniel (<----that's me!)

Sharmandeswari Nidyanandan

Jessy Christopher

Yvonne Yam

Start out at YSS's Blog on Tuesday morning; be sure to leave a comment at each place that you stop so that you'll be in the running for some fabulous prizes! There are TWENTY chances to win plus a couple of super-de-duper GRAND PRIZES up for grabs (*hint* it's a New Release from Fancy Pants...oye!)

I'll see you back here on Tuesday :)

TTFN...and a HAPPY WEEKEND to you!

It's Summertime

2011-07-16T16:24:00.000-05:00

It's another HOT one! Best just to stay indoors and get some scrappy stuff done, if you ask me :)

I created this sweet "It's Summertime" mini scrapbook album today and got it listed over at my Dot & Whimsy shop. With all of the Design Team work going on, it's been quite some time since I've gotten anything added to my shops. I took little bits of my left-over (and much loved) "100 Days of Summer" Kit from Back Porch Memories. This kit has gone the mile!

I put two house shaped chipboard pieces together to make the album sturdier; in doing so, the edges looked a little rough! I added baker's twine around the perimeter of each one...I believe it looks absolutely charming and reminds me of the striped topped cabanas :)

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Paper Issues

For daily inspiration, don't forget to visit www.paperissues.blogspot.com

We will be having a HUGE Blog Hop beginning August 26th with categories including layouts, cards and altered art projects. Many of the PI Team members will also be giving away RAKs from their personal blogs...there will be tons of things up for grabs :)

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Your Scrapbook Stash
Latest news from YSS:

We're gearing up for a special Summer here at the Stash! First, we have a brand new Design Team to inspire. I'm so excited to work with them and I know you'll enjoy everything they have to offer. Look for a Blog Hop later this month, contests and of course CHA!

Our July coupon code is LIVE and its a big one! Save 20% off your ENTIRE order with us when you enter JULY20 during checkout. (please note that we are not able to apply discounts after an order has been placed.)

With CHA just a few weeks away, we're trying to make room for all of the new stuff! Guess what? Some of it is already shipping! We receive in new lines and restocked items each week! Keep an eye on the NEW and SALE sections as we add to them each week.

**BLOG HOP JULY 26th-29th**

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I'm now on Pinterest and pinning like crazy! Knowing that I tend to have an obsessive type personality, I have to stave off after about thirty minutes (or so). I love seeing all of the creative things out there and grabbing new ideas for crafty and food projects ♥ With Halloween quickly approaching (hey, I start decorating in September!) I'm really enjoying all the cute-sy stuff!

The hubs and I are off to get a bite to eat. Nothing like some authentic Tex-Mex in the heart of beautiful downtown T-Town Yummmmm

Be back in a couple of days!

It's a Wrap!

2011-07-11T16:56:00.001-05:00

It's A Wrap...A Can Wrap that is!

As promised, a super-easy tutorial for you this Monday.

Below are step-by-step instructions for the easiest way that I've found to embellish a clear (or tin) container. I've used this design as my altered project over at Back Porch Memories this month :)

1. Measure the diameter of your container by measuring across the entire top.

2.Multiply that number by 3.17 (or more commonly known as PI). My can measured 6" across which gives me a little over 19".

3. Half that number and you'll get the measurement of what you need for two strips of paper. Mine was 9.5" ( so I cut two strips of cardstock into 9.5" lengths)

4. Next, decide how wide you'd like your paper...I chose 3" wide.

5. After attaching your accent paper to your base paper (I stitched mine!), you'll want to sandwich your two paper strips together and punch holes as shown above (so that the holes lines up evenly). You can use twine or ribbon to tie the two strips together...makes a super fast and easy wrap for any can!

Finally, embellish as desired. Quick, cute and best of all...E-A-S-Y!

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BACK PORCH MEMORIES LAYOUTS

Here are the layouts that I created for my Guest Design Team month at BPM!


Using the July Sketch Challenge. Everything is from the July Solo Kit...with the exception of the buttons and baker's twine.

Everything is from the July Solo Kit...with the exception of the baker's twine.

I've all ready shared my other "sneak peek" layout that I did for BPM, so I won't post it again.

Kits go on sale JULY 15th!

www.backporchmemories.com

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That's all for this Monday...going to work tonight...it's been two weeks since I've worked, so it maybe a pretty tough job of staying awake 8)

Later!

A Sunny, Scorching Sunday

2011-07-10T16:03:00.003-05:00

Nothing like some 100 degree (plus) weather to get ya sweatin' a little! The precise reason that SUMMER is No.4 on my list of favorite seasons grrrrrrr

1. Fall

2. Spring

3. Winter

4. Summer

The only thing I like about Summer? My favorite season is right behind it :)

So, with the heat index rising, I get to spend more time here at the crafty desk...gettin' my craft on!

I finished the cutest page for a challenge at the Lemonade and Layouts Crop. The challenge was to use as many circles as possible on a page. These are actually some older photos of my middle son, Zach, but they go perfectly with the new Liberty line from Bo Bunny (and is also a part of the Back Porch Memories July Medley Kit...thanks Paula for the extra goodies!)

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A CARD OF THANKS

There's nothing like killing two birds with one stone (as the saying goes). I had to create another card for I Heart {Ippity} as well as Your Scrapbook Stash's July Design Team projects. I knew that I wanted to use the stamp of a sweet pear motif baring the word "thanks" etched into the design (from the New Season, New Wonder Unity Stamp Set). I also wanted to use The Girl's Paperie Jubliee collection...so here's what happened:

Aren't the colors yummy and summery?!? Every time I glimpse at that gorgeous sorbet plaid paper, I have a flashback to childhood. There must have been a skirt or a shirt that I wore similar to the pattern...I can't quite put my finger on it though (it'll hit me one night, about 1 A.M. when I'm trying to sleep).

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GOT A TUT COMING UP!

I have an adorable tutorial to show tomorrow...stay tuned! It's easy, easy and just in time for your back-to-school, Halloween and Christmas projects :) If you've collected tin or clear pails, this is your chance to put them to use.

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BLOG UPDATING

I'm slowly adding photos to my new blog pages: Layouts and Paper Projects. Years-worth of crafting have lent to a passel of photographs...whew, I've been a busy, busy girl ☺

Headed out to the grocery store to pick up a few things for taco salad tonight. We haven't visited with the parents in well over a week and the kids are thinking they need a dip in the tepid swimming pool.

See ya'll tomorrow!

Glad to be home and crafting away!

2011-07-09T13:31:00.001-05:00

We all know how it is...so exciting to go on vacation and see new destinations, but there is nothing, nothing like coming home! I finally got the house back in order this morning and all of the laundry done. I made the kids some chocolate chip brownies and have a meatloaf, cheesy-scalloped potatoes and corn casserole on the menu for tonight :) Comfort foods that just exemplifies my excitement over being H-O-M-E. Clean house and good food...now that's what I'm talkin' about!

I did manage to eek in a couple of hours of layout creating yesterday for Your Scrapbook Stash. I have both of these up in the Gallery now and wanted to share them here. I got an email from Erica (owner of YSS) and she has lots of new goodies coming to the store from CHA...she just picks the best stuff like the brand new Mistables from Pink Paislee....oh yeah :)

Mark your calendar...we will be hosting a BLOG HOP July 26th thru 29th...some GREAT give-a-ways in store, so come on and join us!

SUN, SAND & SMILES

YSS Products Used:

Fancy Pants BEACH BUM Line: Hammock PP, Strips PP, Marina PP, Fish hand-cut from Journal Embellishment; Tattered Angels: NIGHTFALL Glimmer Paint

Other Items:

Brads, Bazzill Shimmer Cardstock, Jute, Cork Letters, Thickers and Felt Accent

Technique Used:

I used the Tattered Angels NIGHTFALL Glimmer Paint to create this cooool wave! I took a scrap piece of navy cardstock and simply painted the glimmer paint onto it using a foam brush...it gave way to this wavy look. I then outlined the top of the wave with a clear glue and carefully added the jute along the way. Finally (to really give it POP), I used foam dots before adding it to the layout.

BEACH DUDE

YSS Products Used:

Fancy Pants BEACH BUM Line: Marina PP, Strips PP and two of the Journal Embellishments; Tattered Angels: NIGHTFALL Glimmer Paint; Divine Twine: Baker's Twine

Other Items:

Foam Thicker letters and dots; Kraft cardstock

Techniques Used:

First, I drew off a grid with a Zig pen. Using a paint brush, I dipped into the Tattered Angels NIGHTFALL Glimmer Paint and let it fall randomly from the brush like drops of water :)

To create the 'wave' with the Baker's Twine: Using a wave template, I lightly traced it onto the layout (across photos, etc.) and then added a thin bead of clear glue over the tracing and finally carefully applying the twine...neat-o and simple!

And I would be totally remiss if I didn't post my July Altered Project for YSS! My second choice of paper-line is from The Girl's Paperie Jubilee Collection....totally lovin' this!

I took an empty flower tin, removed the clear cover from the top and punched holes into both sides to create this one-of-a-kind gifting tin. Everything is from the Jubliee line with the exception of the scalloped cardstock accent,Baker's Twine and the chenille pipe cleaners used for the handle.

Some of my very favorite things in paper-crafting right now are cabochons, anything crepe paper and of course pennants! I found them all in this sweet collection ♥

Enough blogging for today! I'm headed over to Absolutely Alter It for their Lemonade & Layouts Crop...come on over...we'll be there until tomorrow night scrappin' the time away :)

Happy 5th of July

2011-07-05T12:11:00.002-05:00

I hope everyone had a fun, safe and Happy 4th! We spent the day in Foley, Alabama, perusing the souvenir shops and enjoying the scenery. Last night we sat out on the beach and enjoyed the fireworks display at the resort to the south of us and to the north of us...we're guessing our group didn't put one on due to the current burn ban. We've been here since Saturday and not a drop of rain yet! Lucky for us, but not so for the locals :/

The sneak-peek is up at Back Porch Memories! Here is just one of the pages that I completed using the July Solo Kit

I love this new paper line from Simple Stories...100 Days of Summer. Every single thing is from this kit except for the pink scalloped border...it is SIMPLY amazing and coordinates beautifully. Be sure to check it (and the Medley Kit) out before they're G-O-N-E!

I Heart {Ippity} will begin sharing their Creative Team's creations tomorrow. I'm so excited to see what the other ladies come up with and what stamps they're using for July :)

I can't believe that I'm doing laundry on vacation, but I am! Off to get the last load out of the dryer and start folding. We're leaving here early in the morning and heading to Ft. Walton to spend the day and night with our friends from home. The tentative plans are to venture to Big Kahuna's for a fun day (for the kids anyway) of more sun and water park thrills!

See you all in a couple of days!

Shellye

Challenge: Rule of Three

2011-07-01T11:13:00.001-05:00

Well, it's July 1st...time to get into the Creative Team groove! I will make my Guest appearance at Back Porch Memories this month, as well as begin my Design/Creative Team stints at Paper Issues, Your Scrapbook Stash and I Heart {Ippity)...I'm looking forward to the fun and meeting lots of new people :)

I did this layout as an example for my July Challenge over at BPM Forum. I pretty much design everything around the concept of odd numbers...you know, things grouped in 3's or 5's. I find that the majority of my scrapbook layouts are done on the "triangle" theory. If you look at the focal point of the page, it should draw your eye to two other areas that form a triangle from that point. I guess I'm drawn to it mostly because I don't like a lot of jumble....whether it's in decorating my home or my paper! My 'eye' needs that resting spot; it invites people to easily scan over the page as it's meant to be presented.

With this layout, I not only used the "triangle" design scheme, but I also used the "Rule of Three"

My challenge to BPM players:

1- use at least THREE different patterned papers or cardstock

2- use at least THREE different techniques (i.e. machine-stitching, hand-stitching, embossing, stamping, misting, distressing/inking, etc.)

3- use at least THREE of the SAME embellishments/element (these can be different colors, but they need to be the 'same' type of embellie......i.e. brads, buttons, ribbon, rhinestones, flowers, journal spots, etc.)

Techniques Used:

hand-stitching, machine-stitching and spatter paint

Embellishments/Elements Used:

three journal strips, three photos, three brads, three fabric photo turns

And you can also see the TRIANGLE :) The eye draws you to the photo strip, up to the journal strip above that and then down and across to the title...I LOVE this page of my Zach (and he does too...he said "you did good, Momma") ♥

DO YOU HAVE PAPER ISSUES?

I do!

I was asked to join the Paper Issues Creative Team. What fun! This place is super amazing...I love the projects that are featured during the week and the Linky Parties (where designers post one of their projects that pertains to the topic). Take a LOOK at the GRAND stuff that's up in celebration of July 4th! OMGoodness...so many things that I want to try myself...I'm so excited that I want to make one of everything WHEW!

RUFFLED CREPE PAPER FEATURE
The Red Robin's Ruffled Crepe paper trim was featured at the Turtle Crafty Girl blog. She did a feature of all things purple for Barney Party Ideas! Some really cool crafty things to buy and great finds from Etsy shops.
I've put BOTH of mine on Vacation Mode until I return next week....just FYI, in case you get to looking ;)

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Okay, I've gotta get over to YSS and get my altered project loaded to the Gallery :)

I probably won't see you all before the 4th, so I hope everyone has a SAFE and HAPPY one!

God Bless You and God Bless America!

A Week?

2011-06-29T16:02:00.000-05:00

It's really been a week since I've posted? Wow! Just proof that summer is flying by!

I'm in the midst of getting my Design/ Creative Team projects completed before heading out to Alabama on Friday...look out beach, here comes a really white girl :) Our friends poke fun and literally call me 'white girl', but I don't care. Being fair-skinned has it's advantages and disadvantages...just seems like there are a lot more disadvantages LOL. A couple of years ago I went to a Beauti-Control party and the consultant did the 'black light' test. I was amazed to see the number of ladies with large areas of green splotches (i.e. sun damage) all over their faces. When she did mine? A couple of small spots where zits were....so ha! Hopefully when I'm 80 I'll look 50...in the meantime, I can deal with the jokes and grief.

In the past two days I've received my July Design Team kits from Back Porch Memories and Your Scrapbook Stash. Oh. My. Goody-ness.

I spent the entire day yesterday creating away. Here is just a little-bitty sneak peek of what I did with the BPM July SOLO Kit

The Design Team's projects go live on July 10th, so I will share more after that time :) Sign-up for this kit today...it is total Y-U-M.

I completed another card for I Heart {Ippity} too!

Again, I am working with New Season, New Wonder for the entire month of July. These are pre-cut, unmounted rubber re-positionable stamps. You can order these directly from Heather, our Unity Stamp Chick (click link above).

How fun is this?!? To embellish the stamped image, I added letter stickers and gave them a little detail by adding some stitching at the top. I also used a satin stitch of brown floss for the stem and finally added a cut-out leaf. I simply L-O-V-E the way it turned out ♥

I have a couple of more projects to share, but I'm waiting to see if Paper Crafts is interested in them first.

Never submitted anything ever to a magazine, but I thought I'd try it. Nothing like crafting Valentine's in June.

Not a bad idea actually...which reminds me that it's about time to start on those Christmas crafts!

See you all in a day or two

Many things to share!

2011-06-22T19:36:00.001-05:00

{#1 ANNIVERSARY}

Today, my sweet hubby and I celebrate our 20th Anniversary! I know you're saying "but, Shellye, you look way too young to have been married that long" hehehe (I was only 10 when I got married *wink*) The time has definitely flown by...whew! We're not novices at this marriage thing, that is for sure. Good times and rough times, and we're a stronger couple now because of all of the times.

♥ So, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, Honey! You are my rock and I Love You ♥

{#2 I'm a Stash Girl!}

I've had the badge up on my side-bar for a couple of days, but I haven't officially announced my new Design Team stint. I'm so very, VERY happy to be a part of the July-December 2011 Your Scrapbook Stash Design Team...I'm a STASH GIRL :) Lots and lots of fun and cool things that we'll be sharing in the upcoming months. The thing that I love most about YSS, is the encouragement of all things paper...and I'm all about all things paper! If you follow me at Etsy, you know how much I adore altering things and creating things from beautiful scrapbook papers♥ I personally invite you to follow the Your Scrapbook Stash BLOG, where all of the fun will be shared. Also, sign up to be a Gallery Member! I will keep everyone posted here with the latest happenings, challenges, etc. In fact, for the rest of June you can use code JUNE15 and receive 15% off your entire order when you shop. Tons of great things marked as SALE items, so happy shopping ;) "Like" them on Facebook too...I see special offers just for FB franzzzz!

{ #3 Ally Scraps June Sketch}

I shared a couple of cards last week that I made using a single sketch from Ally Scraps...I'm so happy and honored to be the winner of their June Sketch Contest! I'll be putting the cute little "Beach Bum" paper pads from Fancy Pants to good use.
Thanks, Ally Scraps!

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I'll be working on a few Design Team projects over the next couple of days AND I'll try to sneak in an altered album to go up at Dot & Whimsy...I've had the design in my head for well over a week, but just haven't had the time to do anything with it.
Also, my friends over at Absolutely Alter It are hosting a crop in a couple of weeks! The girls are sure to have lots of creative challenges up their sleeves ;)

I've worked the last two nights, so lots to get done tonight before I turn in...see you all tomorrow!