The Summer of the Mushrooms (Layout #50)

This layout is the 2nd one we made at my Twitterpated workshop. It is based on the Imagine "In the Groove" sketch.


To show off the best of my mushroom pictures, I am using the 12"x12" Photo Storage Pages between my layout to hold the rest of my pictures. I absolutely love the photo storage pages for holding lots of photos. Can you see the snail on the mushroom- the three pictures in the left column are all the same mushroom and snail. ;)

My title is based loosely on the book title, The Summer of the Monkeys. I used my Chocolate Large and Small Alphabet stamps (Sorbet and Chocolate inks). The mushrooms come from the Whooo Loves You stamp set.

I embellished my pages with Chocolate brads and ribbon, natural hemp, and Dimensional Elements- Organic (the chipboard buttons).

Here is the right page, along with close ups of the journaling (if you're still w/me!).

More Around the Block Cards

How did you like the Around the Block blog hop? Here are a few more great cards made by members of my Close To My Heart unit.



Top row: Can you see how Camy stamped on the twill ribbon on her "We've Moved" card?
I love the "peek-a-boo" house image on Chris's "welcome" card.
You've already seen my circle card.




Middle row: The windows on Pamala's "we've moved" card are precious!
Tonya's attention to detail is incredible: liquid glass on the windows, pop-dotted windox boxes, siding stripes, scalloped roof line...





Bottom row: Bridget's paper pieced houes is absolutely darling!
Carla was so creative with her tiny house and gold brad door knob.
Taralyn's 3"x3" card is so sweet!


If you live nearby, I'd love to show you these cards in person. You'll love all the tiny details and great ideas.


Thanks, ladies, for a great swap! I feel so fortunate to be a part of this group.

The Road Home (Layout #49)

This layout was started at my Twitterpated workshop a week or so ago, and I was able to add my pictures and journaling this past weekend.

One thing I love about Close To My Heart's how-to guides is that they are so easy to personalize! I did not have the photo sizes that the guide recommended, but I love how MY photos turned out.

When you journal (you do journal, right?), do you include as many of the 5Ws as possible? (You know, the who, what, when, where, and why!) I love the scenery at the end of our road and pulling down our driveway. There truly is no place like home!

Do you ever go beyond the photos and tell more? I hope that is what I've done here. As almost an afterthought, I was able to add some journaling about how our road is named for the girls' great-grandmother. I'm glad I've recorded that little bit of history for future generations, even if I didn't tell the entire story. Hmm, sounds like I might have to create another layout...

Sometimes the story for the layout comes first, and then the pictures follow. What a great way to preserve our family's history and memories!

Venting (with a Hilarious P.S.)

How was your day? Do NOT read on if you want to be uplifted. LOL (Although there is a true funny at the end!)

Mine began with a student telling my co-teacher to "screw this crap." Yep, out of the mouths of babes (or at least 11-year-olds)! Needless to say, we did not have the pleasure of his company for the rest of the day. I am so proud of Ms. Martin for not rearranging his face! ;) (I might think those thoughts from time to time, but I sure don't say them!)

The rest of the day was quite pleasant.

We got our school pictures back the other day, and the portrait of one of our kids is the absolute funniest thing I have EVER seen! I so wish I could show it to you!!!!!!!! If you can stop by my classroom, I will be happy to show it to you. I am thinking about buying a package for posterity's sake. It is so funny! His eyes are wide open like "Oh no!!!! Caught!" We also got the 2nd funniest photo ever: this one kid looks like he is so totally up to no good. These are their self portraits, you know. ROFLOL

P.S.
I got this from another teacher today: Earlier today, one of my students came up to me with a very serious look on her face... she asked me "What happens to the papers that go in the recycling bin? Do they use them to make NEW trees?" I tried my best to give a serious answer, although it was quite difficult.

Welcome to the Neighborhood

This simple little circle card uses the November stamp of the month, Around the Block. Don't you love the windows and doors of this stamp set? I have seen so many cute ideas that I can't wait to share with you.

On this one, I stamped the door on Bamboo card stock in Cocoa ink and then cut it out. Isn't the Bamboo bitty brad the perfect door nob? Gold or Antique Copper would have also been lovely. For the windows, I stamped them directly onto the card base, but then also stamped them onto the Twilight B&T paper which I then cut out and adhered (paper piecing technique). I think it's funny how this stamp set can end up making house "faces."

Remember, this stamp set is only available this month, for $22.95, at a discount, or even free depending on your order amount. Make yours home sweet home!

Home Sweet Home Workshop

Preserve your Sweet Home or other memories at the scrapbooking portion of this month's workshop featuring the Sweet Home paper pack, the exclusive B-size Enjoy the Journey stamp set, and the Mini-Medley White Daisy My Accents collection. You'll be able to create two layouts beginning 1:00 and/or a set of cards at 3:00 on Saturday, 11/21. These cards are perfect for just about any occasion!


Your workshop options include:
Budget kit: Level 2 Sweet Home paper pack and Mini-Medley White Daisy My Accents collection for $20.90*
Basic kit: All of the above plus the exclusive Enjoy the Journey stamp set AND a full-color six-page workshop guide at the discounted price of $29.95 (retail value $35.85)*
Best kit: the Basic Kit PLUS a set of Top Coats Framed In transparent overlays and Designer Ribbon Rounds Buttercup collection for $42.85*


Please preorder your kit by 11/10 to attend the workshop on 11/21. The Basic and Best kits qualify you to purchase the November stamp of the month, Around the Block, for 25% off. You can attend either workshop to create one layout for $5 or one set of cards for $5 without a kit purchase.


*Prices are before shipping/handling and tax.

Card Giveaway WINNER!!!!

Congrats to JOY for winning the card from the Blogtoberfest card giveaway! Email me the deets and I will get it mailed out ASAP (or whenever you prefer). Congrats!!!!