I've mentioned Crop Circles a few hundred times in the past lol, an online facebook scrapping group I belong to. One of the regular challenges/games in the group is the Same But Different challenge. Everyone who signs up receives an envelope with the same items. Usually 5-6 items or so, paper pieces, elements, ribbon or string etc.  We then all create something using those items, page layout, cards etc.  you are required to use at least 1 of everything, for example if there are 3 buttons you must use at least 1, 3 pieces of paper at least 1 must be used etc. You can use everything if you want.
This month the colors and elements were perfect for a fall layout. The diecut leaves and pinecone, The paper I used for my banner and punched pieces, the metal leaf, and border peice.

A Puzzling Situation:

I've mentioned before Crop Circles: The scrap group I belong to on facebook, made up of a group of talented women all with ties to the island of Newfoundland. Besides lots of great friendships, tips, and advice there are also a number of challenges in the group. This time around it was a Puzzle piece challenge. Each person bought a puzzle and sent out a piece or two to the participating members, to be altered, decorated and then sent back. The end result for each person will be a complete puzzle made up of pieces altered and worked on by the other members. An awesome memory collection piece!    I have received 13 pieces so far (some were 2 pieces which I fit together and then altered) and they are below.

Materials used:
 Various papers used Hedi Grace, Tim Holtz and Hot of the Press Color Me, Tim Holtz inks and paint dabbers, Mics ribbons, Word art KC Company and Basic Grey. Tim Holtz tissue wrap, Tim Holtz paints and inks, Tim Holtz Rock Candy crackle paint.

Tis the Season

 I know it is still October, but when making all your own Christmas cards  Tis the Season any and every month. I have been trying to get a jump start on some of my Christmas cards this year. Between medical issues, being away, returning to work and taking part in some of the awesome challenges in the Crop Circle group time can really get away from a person!



I'm not sure how many umpteen of these cards I made, these are the cards I will be sending to family and friends over seas.  I got into a conveyer belt mode and once I found my grove these came together rather quickly.
I used the Tim Holtz Mini Ornamental Movers and Shapers Die to cut out the window. then ran the cardstock through my Big Shot using the Swiss Dots (I think) cuttlebug embossing folder.  Inked all of my edges with Tim Holtz Evergreen bough and Iced Spruce Distress inks.  The background tree line is a Memory Box tree Silhouette  stamp that I stamped using Memento Northern Pine. 
The cabin stamp (which I adore)  and the inside card sentiment are from the Stampin Up Christmas Lodge Collection. I used Tim Holtz Aged Mahogany to stamp the cabin and the word sentiments.

I outlined the edges of he cabin rooftop using  a White Marvy Puffy Velvet fabric marker, quickly sprinkled some Martha Stewart crystal glitter while it was still wet, and then set it with my TH heat tool. the Outside sentiment is from Stampin Up Contempo Christmas ( and note to self  do your stamping BEFORE your embossing haha I always seem to forget that ;) )

Thanks for stopping by !!!!

Christmas Mini Album for a friend a work in progress

I have made a few mini albums in the past and really enjoy working with them. The versatility, the endless options for mixed media, the vast variety of page alteration and decoration.
I've been working on a Christmas gift for a friend of mine in the States. He has always been a great source of inspiration to me so I wanted the album to reflect our faith, inspiration, hope and comfort.


Some of the items I am using ( There is no way I can remember it all lol)  Prima papers, flowers and embellishments, My Minds Eye papers ad embellishments, Recollections papers, Bazzill Cardstock,  Petaloo flowers, Kc & Company Stickers, The Quote Stack: Scriptures,  Heartfelt Creations, Just Rite and Impression Obsession Stamps, Misc items.

 It's been a little while since I've posted anything, real life has been a little hectic lately.

Catherine and Cathy Create  run an awesome blog full of helpful hints, gorgeous projects and of course loads of challenges. One of the challenges they are running this week is the CHALLENGE: "In Threes".      Basically the idea is create something, a card, page, tag, what ever your heart desires but you must use 3 of something.  Flowers, buttons, images, the list of possibilities is endless!!
I decided to give this a whirl and below is what I came up with.

 I made a pop up slider card and I used the stamp sets  Kindness Matters and Summer Silhouettes from Stampin Up. My 3 are the 3 dandelions on the front of the card.  I added a little glitter to the dandelion puffs using Glossy Accents and MS Crystal Fine Glitter.
 

 When the tag/tab is pulled out, this is what the card looks like.  The Thank You image and border are from Hot off the Press.

 Finally this shot shows the tag that is used to pull the top image up and slide it into a standing position. The butterfly is a MS stamp and then little floating dandelion s from the Stampin Up Summer Silhouettes,  again glitter applied for a little added sparkle.

Thanks for looking !!!!