Tuesday, December 11, 2012

What's Your Favorite...

     I'm very excited to have had my layout featured on the Kiwi Lane blog today! It was so much fun creating a Christmas layout since that is not something that I do often! Not only that, but to make it an interactive layout as well was a lot of fun. I wrote up a little about it on their blog so I will not repeat what I said here, other than the fact that I do love the Kiwi Lane Tiny Tags. (I also love their scallops but that is for another post)!
     I used October Afternoon's Holiday Style to create this layout. A few things about that...first, I love it. And I mean really, really love it! The moment I saw it last year I knew I needed to somehow get it. It evokes so many memories when looking at it. It reminds me of my grandma's house and her decor which is now "vintage" I guess! It is truly just a feel good collection for me. I wasn't able to get my hands on any until this October when my sweet friend Erica had some extra and offered to sell it to me at a steal! The only thing that I still need is the miscellany and then I am set! So, this was my first time using it and I think that I literally smiled the entire time!
 
     I am also referring to this blog post as "the post that almost wasn't"! I am having major blogger issues in regard to uploading my photos! Sadly, most of my afternoon was wasted trying to upload photos.  Happily, I have found a good way to keep my posts coming thanks to this blog post. Thank you random blogger for teaching me something new today :)
     I am feeling really happy with where I am at in regard to the holidays. I still have a bit of wrapping to do yet and a few odds and ends for shopping but overall, I am satisfied. I think for me, having the chance to sit down on the couch, play my Christmas music, light up the tree and read a book at least a few times before the holidays makes me happy...and I've done that twice! Additionally, when I do feel a bit crazy overwhelmed, I am really trying to remember to be grateful for all that I have. To do lists don't matter if you don't remember why we are celebrating in the first place!
     Thank you for taking a look today! I have a cute little holiday home decor piece I will be sharing with you next time! Stop by again please!

Scrap Happy~Melissa

Friday, November 9, 2012

Season Wrap Up

This summer, I had created a layout that was about my oldest's decision to play soccer over football and what a difficult decision that was for him to make. With the season now over, I wanted to make a layout that captured how he/we felt about the season. To do that, I used this collection by Little Yellow Bicycle that I've been hanging on to for a while called "Get Your Game On".

I titled this layout, "It is more than just Soccer" for a couple of reasons. (This is may be more of a "mom" post than a scrapbook post today :) I've said to many people since my oldest started high school this year, that I am literally seeing him mature before my eyes. The boy who I forced to tell me "I feel" statements about his days in 8th grade now comes home with funny stories, anecdotes about his thoughts on high school and true discussion about world events.

Not only that, he has set goals for himself, both short term and long term, that he hopes to achieve. And that was by choice, not by my encouragement. I kind of feel like a gardner who planted a seed and was waiting for it to grow. Odd analogy? Probably. But, that is how I feel when I have these sort of discussions with my child. It is so satisfying to see that the lessons and things that my husband and I have taught him through the years, are being seen in him little by little now. Like a gardner rejoices in each new bloom, that is how I feel about this kiddo!

I really think that being a part of this particular soccer team help to make that difference this year. At the soccer banquet, almost every senior talked about the comradery the team had. For my son to be a part of that was a really good thing. He loves being on a team, he always has. And, there were some really great boys on that team that not only set a good example but led with strength and grace. 

While I am not sure what the future holds for my son, I do know that I am enjoying the process of seeing how his life is unfolding. I feel blessed and so immensely grateful that I have the opportunity to see it happen. 

My question for any of you reading who may be a parent is: 
What do you find to be the most satisfying thing as a parent? 

Scrap Happy~Melissa


Sunday, November 4, 2012

For the Boys

     I wanted to share with you, some cards that I created on this football Sunday! I sometimes struggle when thinking of card ideas for men. I put these cards together in no time with some easy paper piecing and embossing.
With a couple of Doodlebug buttons, some matching twine, and desired sentiment, I was done! 

Thank you for looking today! Now, back to the game! Which team are you cheering for today?

Scrap Happy~Melissa


Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Sweetness!




      A sweet summer day seems like a memory as we in the Great Lakes get just the tiniest feel for what the east coast must have gone through last night and today with Hurricane Sandy. It is incredibly windy outside and so overcast. A dreary day that I thought I'd brighten up with a cheery layout!
     This sweet little sunshine is my niece and goddaughter. The sketch is based on a Midweek Mojo from Scrapbook Steals quite a while back. I used the ever cheery Echo Park along with some girly doilies to complete my layout. 

 
     It is hard to believe that next month will start the Thanksgiving and Christmas preparation. I've already listened to a few instrumental holiday songs. The Christmas music officially starts in our house on Nov. 1st. I have way too many cd's to start any later. And, now that I've discovered Pandora, the possibilities are endless.
     Pinterest has been fun to peruse lately as well while I look for any fun little projects to do. Though, in honestly, I am more of a pinner and not as much of a do-er! Unless, it is scrapbook related of course!
     Since baking is another passion of mine, I thought I'd share a recipe today as well. I found this blog which had a recipe for some no bake cookies. What made me really want to make them was the name of the cookie...Holycraptheseareamazing cookies!<----click to see photos and the original recipe that I pasted below. My family really enjoyed them and I am considering adding them into the Christmas Cookie Queue. (The most difficult thing was telling my kiddos the "official" name of the cookie and then having them ask to eat one. Since the "c word" is a no-no in our house, we had to make some house rules on what we could call these little bites of happiness.) At any rate, I hope that you have the chance to enjoy them as well. Thanks for stopping by today!

Scrap Happy~Melissa

Holycraptheseareamazing Cookies 
 (as pasted from blog mentioned above)

Ingredients
(Makes about 3 dozen cookies)

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup corn syrup
  • 1 jar (18 oz ounce) peanut butter, crunchy or smooth (I like creamy.)
  • 6 cups corn flakes
  • 3 oz good quality chocolate of your choice
Directions

  1. Combine sugar and corn syrup in a medium saucepan. Place over medium-high heat and stir until the mixture comes to a full boil. Remove from heat and stir in the whole jar of peanut butter. Mix well.
  2. Add corn flakes to a large bowl. Pour peanut butter mixture over corn flakes and mix well, taking care to coat all of the corn flakes.
  3. With a tablespoon or cookie scoop, scoop out and form into 1-2 inch balls, depending on your preference, and place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment or wax paper.
  4. Put the chocolate in a small bowl and melt in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Stir until smooth.
  5. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies.
  6. When cooled, eat these cookies with reckless abandon. Be careful, though. We wouldn’t want anyone to get hurt!

Monday, October 29, 2012

Join Me?

     November is just about here. As you may have noticed by the date in my last posting, I've been neglectful. Life has been kicking my tail lately. Not anything in particular, just getting so caught up in the every day that I fail to notice the things that really matter. I am really hoping that this little project will change that. It's something I've been wanting to do anyway, now it will just be official! 

(For every little detail on the project, click HERE!) 

     Join me if you'd like to! Let me know if you plan to in the comments. I love to read what you have to say. I think I will start a little early and one thing that I am grateful for today is the fact that I don't need to fear for my immediate family's safety as Hurricane Sandy makes landfall out East. If any of you are on the East coast, please take care and stay safe. You will be in my prayers! 

Scrap Happy~Melissa 

Monday, October 1, 2012

Greetings!

     Since I have the supplies, and I've looked at the price of cards recently, I haven't purchased a card in over a year. I've been making them and the process has really grown on me! Below are a few of my recent creations. 
This card used a stamp set that I found on clearance at Hobby Lobby as well as some scraps that I had laying out. This color combo completely makes me smile so I am hoping that it does the same for the recipient! 

This card was made for a challenge that required the use of many different patterned papers. I liked the eclectic look to it and the phrase at the front kind of represents that craziness of the patterns all together. Oh, I should add, that the pattern idea was inspired by my parents' tile bathroom tiled floor in their 1940's home! 

This one was a quick one (which also didn't photograph well). My grandfather has been living in a nursing home for about two months now. The transition as has been quite an adjustment for many people along with my Grandpa. He loves to receive mail so although I visit him weekly, I still send a card each week just so that he has something to open and look at. I love to visit and have him show me the cards he has received from others so I know he appreciates mine as well! 

So, those are the greeting cards that I have made this week. I have a few more that I need to send out so I know that there will be more card making on the horizon for me. After pricing out cards for nearly $4 per card, I am happy to craft one with love! Until next time...

Scrap Happy~Melissa



Friday, September 21, 2012

10 Minute Craft Dash

   There are times that I really need to stop second guessing myself and just jump into my crafting without over analyzing every button or brad. Recently, I found a really fun (new to me) blog called Pretty Pink Posh where you are challenged to create something in 10 min. or less! 


     A challenge? Bring it on! I love trying something new. I was allowed to get all of my supplies together and also had a color palate to work from (see the little flags above). With those guidelines, I set my timer and set to work. Knowing I had to leave to drive for carpool soon also helped me to be speedier than usual! When all was said and done, I had this cute little card created. 


Perfection? Not by a long shot but I got it made in exactly 9 minutes and 47 seconds. (Full disclosure: I did stop the timer when I misplaced the leaves on the log and had to look for them. My left elbow was the culprit). Here is the official time!


     This was super fun to do and I am now a follower of Paulina's blog! I am excited to have found a blog (to add to my many) that inspire me in some way! So a big thank you to Paulina for providing that!
     Thank you for stopping by today! I have a question before you go:

What do you like to see the most in a blog post?
Scrapbook Layouts?
Cards?
Recipes?
Mommy Tips?
Other?

I always have so many ideas running through my head, I'd like to know what you are looking for to help narrow them down! Happy Friday all! 

Scrap Happy~Melissa

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Saturday Sketch #3

     I recently came across this photo of my sweet girl. Looking at it, it is hard to recall her being so tiny and so needing. I don't even know if that makes sense. She is so independent now, capable, vibrant and full of life, it is hard to recall her needing me the way that she did at that age. I sometimes say that I would love to go back for just one day to hear her sweet, little, high pitched, voice and snuggle that chubby little body in my lap just one more time. Even now, I realize that the days are fleeting. She won't always need me. For now, I am just grateful that she still does. Just as I need her. Love this sweet girl!


     To scrap this photo, I used a collection that I have had in my stash for a very, very long time. I used the Kaisercraft Hey Birdie collection from way back when. It is really difficult to find Kaisercraft where I live so what did I do? The same thing any self respecting scrapbooker would do, hoarded it of course! I've really been trying to be more willing to use up my papers so after seeing the Kaisercraft Saturday Sketch #3 below, I decided that it was time. This sketch was too good to pass up!  


     I made a few adjustments based on what I had and the balance that I was aiming for, but mostly, tried to stay true to the sketch. My favorite thing about it is that when I showed it to my husband, it made him a little teary to see that tiny face in the photo. At least I know I am not the only one! 
     Another thing that I loved is when I was working on the layout, I kept thinking about the super sweet and fun Kaisercraft folks that I met while I was at CHA this year in Chicago and it brought back all kinds of happy memories from that awesome week! 

Here is a close-up of some of the elements that I used. There is actually a lot of dimension to this page, it is hard to see in the photo though. 

I appreciate you taking time to stop by and look at my project! I am hoping to get into the scrap room tonight so there will hopefully be more to come soon!

Scrap Happy~Melissa

Monday, September 17, 2012

The Ones I'm Keeping

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.”
― Scott Adams

Okay, so I am not sure if my scrapbook pages could be considered "art" per se, but after making many mistakes along the creative process, these are definitely the ones that I am keeping! Scrapbooksteals.com has another compilation of sketches that I kept up with for the past ten weeks, created by the ever talented Kristy Lee. Below are my personal masterpieces:) 

Mid-Week Mojo Pearl Layouts












Gosh it is gratifying to see all of these pages in one spot! Thanks for looking! Until next time...
Scrap Happy~Melissa

Saturday, September 8, 2012

My New Baby

    Well, I have a new baby in my family. Her name is Silhouette Cameo...Cammie for short. Yes, I am kidding but WOW, I am so excited!! My Silhouette SD died on me several months ago. Unfortunately, I was not able to get it fixed in the manner that I wanted so I waited for a good coupon or sale, and here she is! 


     I decided to start her off slow with a simple cutting file that I found in the Silhouette store. Hexagons are so popular right now and I found one that I thought would work with a really fun layout from my friend Erica who is the guest designer for Scrapbooksteals.com this week! Here is what I created:
     It was such a fun sketch and I loved the hexagons placement. I used the Studio Calico Central High Scrapbook Kit for most of my layout (I won a 6 month subscription that expires with the November kit. It has been my favorite win to date!)  Additionally, my mom had given us an old atlas so I decided to cut it up to place behind the hexagons for a fun effect. I popped a couple of pieces, misted some fun mistables in the corner and it all came together pretty fast! Another page to my Disney album complete! Hooray! More to come for sure. 

     In other news, the county fair just wrapped up and my scrapbook that I entered got disqualified. I am claiming that it got DQ'd for being too awesome...lol! They said it wasn't entered in the correct category. The categories for our fair are from at least 10 years ago and scrapping has changed so much since then. Oh well! I may cut back on entries for next year. After eight years of doing the fair, I think I need a little break. My baking didn't do very well either. It wasn't my year this year! I will continue to do what I do and scrap for me and my family. Not to win awards, not to follow every trend, but to document life as it happens. Have a great remainder of the weekend all!

Scrap Happy~
Melissa

     


    

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

You are my Sunshine

    I wanted to share a sweet little card that I made for my Grandma recently. She sang this song to us and our children since holding us as babies so I wanted to use the sentiment for a card for her!

A little bit of American Crafts paper goodness mixed with a doily, some October Afternoon buttons and some tulle and we have a pretty little card! Thank you for stopping by!

Scrap Happy~
Melissa

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Bold & Boy

    In my last post, I mentioned how much fun it was to make little girl pages. I do have to say though, that a good boy page gives me an incredible amount of satisfaction as well. Sometimes I think boy pages are more difficult to do, hence the pleasure I get for one that turns out well! Here is one of my boy creations recently:

     My oldest had some big decisions to make recently when trying to decide if he should play soccer or football in high school. He loves both and is good at both so it was truly a time where he needed to do some reflection as to where his heart was the most. Ultimately, he chose soccer which, while being a bit of a surprise, made us really proud. It is a perfect sport for him and he loves it now that the season is officially underway! I wanted to capture that moment of some big decision making that he had to do. 

     This American Crafts Amy Tangerine collection was a perfect color palette for my page. I loved the bold colors and the clouds (of course)! It was fun to layer, sew, fussy cut and ink my way to a page I was happy with! Hope that you enjoy it too!

Thank you for stopping by!
Scrap Happy~ Melissa

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

It's Summer Baby

     There is just something special about scrapbooking baby girls! Perhaps it is because my favorite color is pink, but I just love to do it! My twin nieces are so fun to photograph and scrap and this layout was no exception. Using the American Crafts Dear Lizzy Neapolitan collection really helped to make this layout as sweet and summery as I was hoping it would be!

 And a couple of close-ups to see some of the details. The ribbon didn't come with the collection but I think it is perfect! I love all of the little journaling/title boxes as well as the vellum cloud paper. 



Thanks for looking today! 
Scrap Happy~Melissa



Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Fun to Play at CHA!

     Some people want to meet their favorite sports hero. Some people want to shake a presidents hand. Not me. I have simple dreams. I just wanted to meet some of the scrapbook folks that I admire and follow in cyberspace. CHA proved to fulfill that desire plus some!
     It started with Kristy from Scrapbooksteals asking me if I wanted to help her teach a We R Memory Keepers class using the awesome new mini lucky 8 punches (as well as many more fun tools). I said yes, of course, and I was on my way. Some serious fun was to be had.
     Below are just a few of the photos that I took of some of my favorite scrapbook "celebrities" and myself. Everyone was so gracious and kind when asked to pose with me. Thankfully nobody thought I was a lunatic (or at least they were too polite to say so!)
Amy Tan & Shimelle Laine took time for a photo at the American Crafts booth!

A little story about Julie Comstock from Cosmo Cricket...I have been a long time follower of her blog and find her absolutely hysterical. I seriously laugh aloud every time I read her blog. I really, really, wanted to meet her but was really shy about doing so. (She is a scrappy celebrity in my world). So, with a little push from my friend Brittany (the awesome buyer for Scrapbooksteals.com) I introduced myself. I must say she is as sweet and wonderful as I hoped she'd be! Very willing to pose with me for photos (yes, I took several). It made my day! 

The amazingly crafty Erin Madsen from DCWV! 

Two of my favorite people in the crafty world..well, really...any world, Kristy Lee from Scrapbooksteals.com and Melodee from Authentique! I love these ladies! 

Lindsay Moore from Carta Bella (formerly from Cosmo Cricket). When he was at CC he got my laughing almost as much as Julie so meeting him was just as much of a pleasure. What a great guy! He kept telling me to stop apologizing for feeling like a poser since I wasn't a buyer but was at the trade show. To which I responded, "I'm sorry." Ha! Perhaps a little star struck! I have to say, those Carta Bella lines are divine! Love their Alphabet Junction collection! 

Having just received my very first Lawn Fawn stamps and falling in love with every one of them, I was thrilled to have the chance to meet the sweet Kelly Marie Alvarez! I also had my photo taken with the ever talented Britta Swiderski but can't seem to upload it. Take my word for it, she is adorable! Their booth was so cute, decorated with stamps in life size! 

     I have another complete set of photos with all of my sight seeing excursions as well! I don't think I will blog them but I am certain they will be showing up in my scrapbook pages soon! Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you were able to feel some of the excitement that I felt while at CHA! 

Scrap Happy~Melissa



Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Bright & Cheery

     How can a rainbow not make one smile? Add some cute little cupcakes (and a dapper cupcake with a bowtie) and you may just laugh aloud! Well, that is how I felt anyway after making this card. I love anything rainbow & stamping these little cuties using my new Lawn Fawn stamps proved to be a fun mix! 

     I created this card for the Lawn Fawn Lawnscaping Challenge which challenged followers to use dimension in their project. 

     I do wish you could see the dimension a little better than in these photos but take my word for it, this card has depth! I alternately popped out the rainbow stripes as well as progressively created dimension with the cupcakes from top to bottom. My birthday banner is also waving in the wind! Here is a close-up to see the depth "behind the scenes". I also had to link up my card with the Colour Me Happy blog which is sharing my love of rainbows this month! 
     I am happy that you stopped by today and I am hoping that this card made your day a little brighter! Until next time...

Scrap Happy~Melissa     

    

Monday, July 9, 2012

Winner and Sharing!

      First off, I want to send a big WELCOME to all of you who started following me recently! I am so excited and happy that you will be checking in from time to time! Thank you! I hope that my creations are able to inspire in some small way. Please, if you leave a comment, feel free to share your blog address with me. I love seeing others' creativity!
     To start with, I have a card to share today. I received a gorgeous bouquet of flowers at the end of the school year (yes, this card is a little late!) that had this gorgeous ribbon on it. I wanted to create a thank you card using the colors of that ribbon as inspiration. It is bright and cheery for the bright and cheery little girl I drove to school each day last year. I think she will like it!

Supplies used- Punches: Martha Stewart, Fiskars. Paper: Recollections, Cosmos Cricket. Brad: American Crafts. Jewels: Imaginisce. Rub-on: Pebbles. Adhesive: Xyron, Scotch. 

     I still have multiple gazillions of Disney photos from our trip there in February and I am really hoping to get many of those scrapped soon. This month's Authentique Sketch Challenge was perfect for my photos of the castle at night! I love this Celebrate collection so much and since Disney is one big celebration, I decided to use it for my layout! 
Supplies used- Paper: Authentique "Celebrate", Bazzill, Recollections. Pen: Uniball,Creative Memories. Ribbon: Unknown. Adhesive: Xyron, Scotch, Zig

     Now, for the giveaway winner! I had 71 comments for the Scrapbook Steals Blog Hop. Using, random.org the lucky winner is number 37...Kathy Ancheta! Kathy, please email me your address at gr8dehne@gmail.com and I will get some Thickers in the mail to you! Thank you everyone for participating! 

          Thank you for stopping by today and I hope you check back soon! Have a wonderful week! 

Scrap Happy~Melissa