Five for Friday

1. The weather has been gorgeous lately! Seriously, this is the nicest, longest fall we've ever enjoyed. Taking advantage of this nice weather, we've been going for walks lately. Here are some pictures that I took two weeks ago, around the lake near our house...


(Austin took this one of me.)







I often travel at the back of the pack, so I take quite a few shots from behind...



LOVE this one...

.... and this one!

This one is great, too! There's just something about fall lighting...

And last weekend, we went for a walk in the Pembina Valley with friends from church. We had such a great time! And, my friend, Mary, took this nice family photo of the five of us...




2. My name was on the list of winners for the Pink Paislee WCMD challenges that I participated in last weekend! Super excited to get some Pink Paislee goodies in the mail!


3. Sage got some birthday money from my mom and decided that she wanted to use it to get her ears pierced. I was all for it. This was actually the subject of one of my very first conversations with Sage-- she was a couple of hours old and I was holding her in the hospital. It was just the two of us & I remember saying how we would go for pedicures together and that I would take her to get her ears pierced. (Can you tell that I was excited to have a girl after my two boys?) And now, seven short years later, she was ready.

I took her to a salon in town and she got to pick out her studs (the sleepers weren't pretty enough!) Here's the before shot (doesn't she look excited?)


She did great! I think it hurt a little more than she was anticipating, but she was such a trooper. And the end result:


Her little ear lobes are so close to her head, you actually can't see them when you look at her straight on.

But, yeah, she's thrilled.


4. I wanted to share the layout that I made for a challenge at Scrapping Everyday Miracles. (This is, by the way, the last challenge I will be participating in as a part of their design team as I decided not to continue on for another term.) Jeannine provided me with the hardest challenge yet-- creating a layout that celebrates the miracle of grandparents. This challenge was hard for me, because I didn't have a great relationship with my grandma. I found it hard to journal about the "miracle" of a relationship with her. So, instead, I decided to focus on God and how wonderful He is and how He can break destructive family cycles and bring life.

Here's my layout:


I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (rustic white, aqua mist, simply chartreuse) & die (limitless layers), The Girls's Paperie patterned paper and Fancy Pants (pink) and October Afternoon (green) letter stickers. The fabric brad is Basic Grey.

Here's a close up of the journaling:


And another close up:



5. And lastly (are you still reading? Sorry for the long post!), a card I made this week:


For this card, I used PTI cardstock (fine linen, ocean tides), stamps (Think Big Favourites #4) and dies (Fillable Frames #10, Mat Stack #1, Bloom Builders #3). I also used Cosmo Cricket patterned paper.

Thanks for looking!

Two cards for a Princess Challenge

Hello, my name is Leigh and I'm a craft-a-holic.

I've been this way for over eight years (if not longer!) but lately my obsession has taken a new form.

I'm addicted to making these...


I recently went through my scrap patterned paper organizer and selected a bunch of papers to use with my PTI bloom builder #3 die to make them.

From there, I can just choose a bloom to add to a card, or start with a bloom and make a card or layout with it. It's great!

This week, I made two cards this way for Dianne's Papertrey Princess Challenge to use the colour red.

Here's the first one:


For this card, I used PTI cardstock (pure poppy, aqua mist), stamps (Think Big Favourites #4) and die (Fillable Frames #10, Bloom Builders #3). I also used My Mind's Eye (bloom) & Cosmo Cricket (postcard) patterned paper and a MME decorative brad.

Here's a close up:


And, here's the second one:


For this card, I used PTI cardstock (pure poppy, aqua mist), stamps (Happy Trails) and dies (Bloom Builders #3). I also used Cosmo Cricket patterned paper and a My Mind's Eye decorative brads.

Thanks for looking!

Cards for sale

In an attempt to raise funds for my short term mission trip to D.R. Congo in February, I've made some sets of cards to sell at my church. These are the first ones that I've completed, using my On My Couch and On My Couch Additions sets from PTI.

I decided to keep these cards CAS and to sell them for 5 for $10. (I plan on also selling individual regular cards (with more detail and stitching) for $3 each.)

I made two sets of five with PTI Stampers's Select White, two sets of five Rustic White, and then 3 sets of a mix of Aqua Mist and Kraft cardstock.










What do you think?

Thanks for looking!

Hello Tuesday

It's been so gorgeous here, weather-wise-- something for which I'm very thankful!

We've been going for walks in the valley and working on painting the outside of our house (I'm actually optimistic that we will be able to get it done before winter!)

I wanted to share a card I made recently, using my new-to-me PTI sets: "On My Couch" & "On My Couch Additions" (sorry, Joyce!)


I also used PTI cardstock (simply chartreuse, stamper's select white), stamps (Newsprint), Crate Paper patterned paper & my SU! border punch.

Thanks for looking!

3 more for WCMD

I decided to make three more cards with the challenges that Pink Paislee posted this weekend for World Card Making Day.

This one is for Roree's stitch Roree's stitching challenge. I often add stitching to my cards and layouts, so I decided to incorporate a "fancier" stitch than I usually use.


I used Pink Paislee patterned paper and Papertrey Ink cardstock, stamp (Botanical Silhouettes) and dies (Love Lives Here, Mat Stack #5).

This next one is for Vicki's layered stamping challenge. I love this little bicycle stamp!


I used Pink Paislee patterned paper and Papertrey Ink cardstock, button, stamp (Communique Sentiments) and dies (Mat Stack #5). The twine is crocheted cotton and the bicycle is Hero Arts.

And this last one is for Karola's shaped card challenge.


I used Pink Paislee patterned paper and Papertrey Ink stamp (Botanical Silhouettes) and dies (Edger die #3, Bloom Builder #3 & Turning a New Leaf). The pp for the flower is The Girl's Paperie and the decorative brad is My Mind's Eye.

Thanks so much for looking!

More cards for WCMD

I decided to play along with the challenges that Pink Paislee has posted this weekend for World Card Making Day.

So here's what I made...

This first card is for Danielle's colour challenge:


I used Pink Paislee patterned paper and diecut, as well as Papertrey Ink cardstock (kraft), stamps (Happy Trails, Fancy Flourishes) and die (Love Lives Here). The twine is My Mind's Eye.

And this one is for Mona's upcycle challenge. I decided to use the packaging from one of my Pink Paislee stamp sets.


I used Pink Paislee patterned paper, as well as Papertrey Ink cardstock (fine linen), stamps (Tiny Tags), twine and die (Tiny Tags).

Thanks for looking!

Pages with Papertrey -- Challenge #2 & WCMD

It's October 1st, which means it's time for me to post another Pages with Papertrey challenge for my friends on the Papertrey Ink Forum. This month, the challenge is to use fall elements on your layout (leaves, pumpkins, acorns, etc.)

For my layout, I decided to go with leaves:


I used Bazzill & PTI cardstock (vintage cream, terracotta tile, simply chartreuse, ocean tides & scarlet jewel), Imaginisce patterned paper, Papertrey Ink stamps(Wonderful Words, Leaf Prints) & dies (Wonderful Words, Leaf Prints, Mat Stack #5).

Here's a detail shot:


These leaf dies and stamps are so fun!



And because today is World Card Making Day, I also wanted to share a card I made last night, using the scraps from my layout and this week's Make It Monday at Papertrey Ink: Thick Chipboard Accents.


I used PTI cardstock (vintage cream, terracotta tile, simply chartreuse, ocean tides), Imaginisce patterned paper, Papertrey Ink stamps (Fall Elegance, Leaf Prints), dies (Leaf Prints), impression plate (Woodgrain), button and twine.

Thanks for looking!

Welcome to...

... the Scrapping Everyday Miracles September Blog Hop!

Scrapping Everyday Miracles is having a blog hop this weekend and has included 2 Cute Stamps to join in the fun. The Design Team Members from SEM have all created a project (or two) based on our theme friendship and you can "hop" from blog to blog to check them out!

All you have to do is visit each of the DTs blogs for inspiration, become a follower and leave a comment. There are RAKS to win along the way and if you leave a comment at each blog you could win one of two grand prizes from our sponsors.

Here's the DT blog line up:

Scrapping Everyday Miracles
Wendy
Jeannine
Lisa
Leigh (me!)
Roulien
Nicole

Here is the card that I made with a digital stamp from 2 Cute Stamps:


For this card, I used some My Mind's Eye patterned paper, Papertrey Ink cardstock (dark chocolate), stamp (Happy Trails (sentiment)) and die (Mat Stack #5). I did a little paper piecing and I used my SU! watercolour pencils to colour in the image.

So, your next stop on the hop is Roulien...

Thanks for stopping by!

Home

I wanted to share the layout that I made for the Authentique Paper September Colour Challenge last night.


I used Bazzill cardstock, Authentique Paper patterened paper, Papertrey Ink twine, buttons, stamps (Love Lives Here) & dies (Bloom Builders #3, Mat Stack #5) and a My Mind's Eye label sticker.



Thanks for looking!

A couple of birthday cards

Our church's secretary, Pam, sent me an email yesterday, asking if I would make five cards for the residents of the Tabor Home who are celebrating birthdays this month.

So, last night, I sat down at my table and decided that my Iconic Images stamp set would work perfectly.

So, I made this card (in conjunction with the Authentique Paper September Colour Challenge):


I used Authentique patterned paper, Papertrey Ink cardstock (rustic white), stamps (Iconic Images, Communique Sentiments) and die (Mat Stack #5).

And then, I made this card...


I used K&Company patterned paper, Papertrey Ink cardstock (rustic white), stamps (Iconic Images, Communique Sentiments) and die (Mat Stack #4). The little pearls are SU!

And then I made two more like the latter. For the one gentleman celebrating his birthday, I made a masculine card using some Cosmo Cricket and my Leaf Prints stamps, but the picture I took of it didn't turn out.

Thanks for looking!

Die storage

So, seeing Heather Nichol`s die organization this week made me rethink my die storage system. Basically, I store my PTI dies in the little clear bags they came in, in baskets.

I thought about using the binder system that Heather described, but realized that I would be frustrated with it.

Then, I thought about the stamp storage system that I have, using Tim Holtz folders and wondered if I could adapt it for my dies...

So, I stopped at Staples and picked up an adhesive magnetic roll and gathered the rest of my supplies (some Tim Holtz folders, some white cardstock cut to 8.5x6, with the corners rounded and some scissors.)


Then, I set to work sorting my dies...


I decided to keep like with like, so I sorted by the following categories: tag & labels, my Mat Stacks & Tag Sale, holiday, flowers, leaves, miscellaneous.

Then I fit each category onto a piece of white paper to see if they`d fit.


I cut a piece off the magnetic strip at adhered it to the white paper and laid my die on top. Once I`d done this for every die on the page, I could slide it into a folder.


I repeated the process with each category and ended up with 10 folders full! I haven`t added my Half & Half, border die (I only have one) and lunchbox note dies yet, but it`s starting to feel more organized already. I can just flip through my folders to find the die I`m looking for... easy-peasy.


Thanks for looking!

PTI September Blog Hop

Once again, I decided to play along with this month's Papertrey Ink Blog Hop. This month's challenge was another inspiration challenge, using this photo:



The photo left me feeling a little stumped at first. Then I realized that I could use my new Distressed Stripes stamp set. I had just bought On My Couch from an online friend and thought that a little striped couch would be adorable.... but would I get the set on time?

So I came up with this card:


I used PTI cardstock (pure poppy, stamper's select white, harvest gold), stamps (distressed stripes, modern wood mats, big & bold wishes), dies (edger #3, beautiful blooms II #1) and button. The twine is My Mind's Eye.

Then, on Friday, my On My Couch sets arrived in the mail!

So I made this card:


I used PTI cardstock (hawaiian shores, kraft, dark chocolate, pure poppy, stamper's select white), stamps (distressed stripes, On My Couch & On My Couch additions), dies (edger #3, mat stack #5).

So I guess it was two for one from me this time! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Missing Beth

My friend, Beth, moved to Toronto at the end of August and I've been missing her. So I thought I'd make her a card to tell her so. I used a digital stamp from 2 Cute Stamps as well as this week's Make It Monday technique at Papertrey Ink: Frosted Images.


I used My Mind's Eye & The Girl's Paperie patterned paper, my SU! watercolour pencils to colour in the image, Papertrey Ink cardstock (dark chocolate), stamps (Falling Leaves, Tiny Tags) and die (Tiny Tags).

Thanks for looking!

Five for Friday

1. Last Saturday, Austin & I went into the city with his youth group to attend the Rock the River Tour concert at the Forks. It was pretty cold out, but we dressed for it and had a great time! It's nice to be able to spend some one on one time with my eldest. Thanks to Mikayla, one of the youth group members, who took our photo!

2. It was picture day this week for the kids. Because I never order the packages, I let them pick their own poses for the photos and then just take my own when they get home.




I will be planning an afterschool photo shoot soon to take some fall photos of my kids. I love fall photos!

3. Cameron brought a kitten home last night and created some excitement in our home! Unfortunately, I am allergic to cats, so I kept my distance (& need to vaccuum after work today!) Sage was quite upset that we couldn't keep it and is not very impressed with me right now.... Cam will take it to the farm, so hopefully they can enjoy playing and visiting with him (the kitten) there.

4. It looks like I will be joining the team from my church and returning to the Congo in the new year for a short term missions trip! I'm quite excited about this and have lots of ideas spinning for raising funds. So, I will be planning another Crop for the Congo for all of my scrapbooking and card making friends, on Friday, October 28th (6pm - 11pm) and Saturday, October 29th (9am - 4 pm). More details to follow...

5. And because I like to share crafty things...


I used Crate Paper pp, Papertrey Ink cardstock (stamper's select white), stamps (Big & Bold Wishes) and dies (Mat Stack #1 & Bloom Builder #3). The decorative brad is My Mind's Eye.

Thanks for looking!

Wonderful Day

I wanted to share another layout that I made yesterday for the Pages With Papertrey Sketch #1. It's using photos of my Jonah at our friend, Chelsea's, that I took last fall.


I rotated the sketch 180 degrees. I used PTI cardstock (vintage cream), stamps (Gratitude Journal, Think Big Favourites #4 (I selectively stamped the "wonderful" from "Wonderful Friend"), impression plate (woodgrain), & die (Mat Stack #5). I also used My Mind's Eye patterned paper and decorative brads and Making Memories cork alphas.



Thanks for looking!

Three down & three to go

When I saw this sheet of patterned paper by October Afternoon, I knew immediately what I wanted to make with it...


In addition to the OA pp, I used Pink Paislee letter stickers, PTI cardstock (Berry Sorbet), stamps (Postmarks, Tiny Tags) and dies (Gratitude Journal, Tiny Tags.) The twine is My Mind's eye.

A few close-ups:





Thanks for looking!