Granddaughter Digital Birthday Layout

Have I mentioned lately how much I LOVE my digital scrapbooking software??!!
I really, really DO!

Recently, I discovered another fun way to use it and that is to make Facebook goodies.

Not only can you make amazing timeline covers, but when it comes time to celebrate someone in your life, you can make some gorgeous tribute pages/layouts and post them on the day your are celebrating this special individual!

My sweet Granddaughter "C-Bear" (as we affectionately call her!), just celebrated her second birthday and of course Gramma (aka: Gigi Lisa) could not let the day go by without letting her entire Social Network know about it!

The best part is, I created both of these layouts in less than 20 minutes and the first one was a "Quick Page" template that took only a matter of minutes!

(The most time consuming part was finding the right photos in my overwhelming digital collection...LOL!)

I rarely get so excited about a product, but this software is just so amazing and easy to use!

If you haven't tried My Memories Suite yet and would like to, just check out the ad on my sidebar and use the code for a $10.00 discount!* 

The software comes with lots of background designs, embellishments and tools to make amazing scrapbook pages, cards, invitations or anything else you can imagine.

In addition, on their website there are a plethora of "freebies" and low cost kits that will get you excited to scrapbook and create!

Supplies/Tools List:

My Memories Suite v4 Digital Scrapbooking Software
Dell XPS 8300 Desktop Computer
"Pear-Fect" Quick Page By: A-Manda Creation
Font: Harrington
Background: "Dolly Up" Kit - By: Babycakes Design - Doll Paper 002
Journaling Tag: "Sweet Baby Girl" - By: Lindsay Jane - Mat, Cream
Embellishments: Pink Flower & Green Flower from "Dolly Up" Kit -By: Babycakes Design
Font: Kendric

So happy you could join me today...hope you liked my project and I would love it if you left me a comment!

*(Note: In the interest of Disclosure and IAW FTC 16 CFR Part 255: I am an affiliate for Making Memories and therefore make a small commission on purchases made using the code and the link in their ad on my sidebar. I was not paid for this post or any other post containing reference to their product. I was originally given one copy of their software to review.
The opinions expressed in that initial review and any further review or mention of this product are my own and have not been influenced by anyone or any compensation monetarily or otherwise.)

This Project/Post is linked-up to the following Link Parties/Sites:

Dad Memorial Layout

My Father-in-Law, Ray, always loved the ocean and was the catalyst behind our yearly family ocean trips which more often than not included not only immediate family, but extended family and friends as well!

Before he passed away, he was so hopeful that he’d be able to make that one last ocean trip, but sadly he didn’t make it and although our hearts were broken, we all decided to make the trip anyway and use it as an opportunity to honor him and memorialize him at his favorite place!

I was particularly close with my FIL and after he passed in May of 2009, I was struck with a deep depression and found myself struggling to get through the day and find any joy in life.

My husband was struggling also, as he was very close with his Dad.

I managed to make a few scrapbook pages after he died, but then just found it too depressing to think about it and I just stopped working on the scrapbook I had started about him.

Recently, I read about a scrap challenge at Scrapping Everyday Miracles and it really inspired me to open that scrapbook up and work at it again!

The challenge was "Sad Moments" and when I read about the details, I KNEW I had to do this one!

The challenge was not only to scrap about a sad moment in your life, but to include a "bird" in the layout somewhere.

Well, this was key for me, as I have always felt that my father in law's soul takes the form of a bird and watches out for us all and checks in every once in awhile!

I know some might think I'm crazy, but even if it isn't REALLY him, I believe it is God's way of letting us know that Ray is okay and is "checking in" with us!

The reason I believe this is because soon after he passed, we took a trip to the ocean (mentioned above) and practically the entire way there, a beautiful bird was following us...very closely, like I had never seen before.

It had a huge wingspan and was so graceful and pretty!

I don't know a lot about birds, so I couldn't even tell you what kind it was, but it was there, gliding slowly back and forth above us.

I think he actually DID make that ocean trip that year...and he wanted us all to know he was with us and was at peace!

Whether it's true or just wishful thinking, doesn't really matter...we felt his presence and our souls were comforted...if only for awhile.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted ~ Matthew 5:4

This layout really doesn't do that trip justice as there were many people there...friends and family...and I took lots of photos, but I wanted to get something down for this challenge as it is close to my heart!

I plan on adding more to this layout/scrapbook later and I will update here on my blog when I do.

I hope you enjoyed sharing my sweet memories of my father in law and will be inspired to maybe make a page about a sad time in your life when you feel ready.

(This photo of  us was taken on Ray's last ocean trip in 2008 at the Oregon Coast)

We miss you every day Dad...Rest in peace and may you always hear the beautiful sound of the waves on the ocean and the buggy's on the dunes!


Supplies/Tools Used:

Cricut Imagine Machine
Hannah Montana Cartridge (Bird)
Imagine More Cartridge (Frame & Patterns)
Colorbok Patterned Papers (2)
Beige Cardstock
Cream/Buff Cardstock
Aqua Blue/Green Cardstock
DCWV Cardstock Matstack, The Mariposa
Michael's List Pad Bloc-Notes Paper, Lined, Brown
Ranger Stickles, Platinum
Baker's Twine, Brown/White, (Really Reasonable Ribbon)
Mini Petal Envelope Template (From: www.naturescorridor.blogspot.com)
Xyron Mega Runner Tape Gun
Super Stik, Permanent Glue Stick (Therm-o-Web)
Duck Glue Stick
Zig 2-way Glue, Squeeze & Roll Pen
Glue Dots, Mini, 3/16"
Foam Adhesive Dots (Recollections)
Mirado Black Warrior Pencil, HB2
Zig Memory System Millenium Pen, Sz. 05
Fiskars Paper Trimmer
Steel Scissors, 6"
Mini Steel Scissors, 3-3/4"
Small Ruler
Provo Craft Bone Folder
Cricut Spatula
Clear Paper Weights (Greenbrier Intl.)

This post/project has been linked-up to the following sites/link parties:

http://www.confessionsofanover-workedmom.com/2013/02/glass-painting-ideas.html

Baby Grandson Layout

We have been so very blessed this year!

Earlier this year I posted about the arrival of our two newest Grand Babies and I posted the first layout I did for our Granddaughter "C" who was born in March and I have been working on a layout for our Grandson "A" who arrived one month later in April and I'm proud to say I finally got it done, despite all of the other projects I've been working on lately (crafty & non-crafty!).

It's a bit late, seeing that he was born in the spring!

I'm not too good on keeping up with my Scrapbooking...I haven't even finished scrapbooks for my children, who are all grown now!

I love to do it, it's just I am so darn particular about planning the layout that it takes me forever to actually get it done on paper.
(I am a tad bit OCD...just ask my Kids!) :)

Here is the layout:

I used a new tool for the first time, the sew easy piercing tool.

It was pretty cool and reminded me of those "lacing" cards I had when I was a very small child.

I know I am dating myself here...most of my young readers will probably have no idea what I'm talking about.

I don't think they make them anymore, at least I haven't seen any in a long time!

Okay, I stand corrected...I just checked eBay and there are LOTS of sewing cards on there, newer ones and old vintage ones like this one:

Anyway...I am getting sidetracked here I know...but doing that little bit of sewing/lacing on this layout really did bring back that memory, so I just had to mention it!

I kept this layout fairly simple, because the paper itself was so darn cute and of course the subject (My Awesome Grandson!) was so cute that the page really didn't need a lot of embellishment.

The paper is from atd/Momenta and the pad didn't really have a descriptive name, it just says "Super Paper Pad" and has a number on the back tag #PA2327, 

so I'm going to include a picture of the pad in case anyone wants to try and find it.

I purchased it at Ross, which is a discounter, so I'm thinking this particular pad might not even be around anymore, but I did check the Momenta website and there is a similar set/pad called:

"Cuddle & Coo" 

#PA-2385

It appears to have some of the same pages in it that my pad does, but there is less pages in the Pad (48 vs. the 90 that was in mine), and does not show the exact page that I used for this layout.

Here is a picture of the pad I purchased at Ross:

After I cut out the font/lettering with my Cricut Expression, I decided it needed a little more "oomph" so I  inked the edges of the letters with Azure Blue Ink to give the font some depth.

It was a little tricky on the inside of the letters, so I used the Loew Cornell Sponge-it Sticks to get the ink in the tiny areas.

Here are the tools/supplies I used to create this layout:

Recipe:

Cricut Expression Machine

Scotch ATG Tape Gun

Ad tech Permanent Bond Glue Runner

Sew Easy Piercer Tool

Loew Cornell Sponge-it Sticks

Cricut Cartridge "Boys will be Boys" (Block Font, 1-1/2")

12 x 12 Paper by atd/Momenta (Super Paper Pad - Pictured Above)

7-1/2" x 5-1/2" Piece of Brick Red Scrap Paper from Stash (Photo Backing/Frame)

Light Blue Cardstock, from Stash (For Font)

Sew Easy Fancy Floss, Sunrise,Variegated

Recollections Foam Adhesive Squares, 1/4" 

Memories Direct Mini Stamp Pad, Azure (Blue)

It's good to be back to posting more often and I promise I'll try to do it even more now that summer is over and the cozy stay-inside weather is coming around!

Keep coming back to visit, I will be having some awesome giveaways soon!!

XOXO

Lisa

Beloved Pet Layout

Today I am posting a layout that I made about a month ago, but am just now getting around to posting here on my blog.

I was going to enter this layout in a challenge, but ended up finishing it late and didn't make the challenge.

I was pleased with how it turned out and since it honors our sweet beloved and departed dog Cookie and her lifelong companion, our Daughter "B", I decided to post it anyway and see what you all think about it.

These pictures were taken a little over a year ago, right before our dog Cookie passed away at 16 years old!

Our Daughter was home from College on a visit and luckily got to spend some time with her before she passed.  

These were the very last photos taken of her and I was so happy that "B" was with her in the pictures, because when we got Cookie as a pup, "B" was only 7 years old and she always considered Cookie  her dog. 

(We had another dog at the time and our son "R" adopted him as his own.)

We sure do miss Cookie, she was a sweetheart and a true friend to all of our Children while they were growing up!

I Googled "Pet Poems" to find the poem shown, but I cannot remember now what site it was, but it did say the author was anonymous.

You can click on the last picture if you want to be able to read the poem better, the picture should enlarge for you.

I apologize for not having a list of materials used for this project or a picture of the materials used.

I usually like to do that, but at the time I was making this layout, I was in a big hurry, because I was trying to make a deadline (which I didn't!) so I forgot to write anything down or take any pictures of the supplies.

If you want to know any info about what I used or any techniques used, just ask, I might be able to "recall" certain things...even in my old age! LOL! 

Crazy About Cricut Challenge

I'm pretty excited...I am entering my first blog CHALLENGE!

I have been really afraid to try a challenge, because I just don't have a lot of confidence in my crafting abilities yet, but I figured I should just "go for it"!

Crafting is art after all...and I should just be creative how ever it best suits me and not worry about my project being "perfect".

(This is something I am learning, slowly but surely!)

This challenge is hosted by none other than the very talented Jenny at Crazy About Cricut and is in honor of her  Birthday, which was April 4th!

She also celebrated her 2nd Blog-a-versary on April 16th!

So, if you get a chance go and check out her fab blog and wish her a belated happy b-day & happy blog-a-versary!

The challenge is to Create a project about something you love (It can be your love for crafting, for the outdoors, or for someone you love, anything), or a birthday themed project.

I chose to create a layout about something I love...VERY MUCH, and that is my precious new blessing from God, my Granddaughter C!

Sorry the pictures are not that great, It took me so long to finish this project that I had to hurry and get the photos taken so I could post this in time for the challenge deadline...(nothing like waiting until the last minute!) :)

Supplies/Tool List:

Cricut Expression

Cricut New Arrival Cartridge

Cricut Kate's ABC's Cartridge

Me & My Big Idea's 12x12 Patterned Paper - Fashion District Big Paper Pad - #RBPS-05

DCWV Matchmakers Cardstock Mat Stack, 4.5" x 6.5" - Lt. Green Olive, Brown

DCWV Match Makers White Core, Textured Cardstock, 5"x7" - Lt. Peach/Pink

DCWV Mariposa Cardstock Matstack, 4.5" x 6.5" - Glitter Pale Yellow/Green, Glitter Mauve Pink

Offray Double Face Satin Ribbon, 1/8", Orchid

Single Face Satin Ribbon, 1/4", Milk Chocolate (From Really Reasonable Ribbon)

Karen Foster Design Eyelets, Brown

Martha Stewart Edge Punch, Ribbon Threader, #M284008

American Crafts Remarks Journaling Sticker, Lil' Tykes

Tweezer Bee Tweezers

Memories Direct Mini Stamp Pad, Purple

Xyron Create-a-Sticker, 1.5"

Zots 3-D Glue Dots, 1/2"

Glue Dots Roll, Clear Lines, 1"

Recollections Foam Adhesive Mini Circles, 1/4"

Kokuyo Dot-n-Roller

Super Stik Glue Stick

Zig 2-Way Glue Pen, Squeeze & Roll

Notes:

Cricut New Arrival cartridge - (1-1/4", baby, shadow, blackout) Pg. 124

Cricut New Arrival Cartridge - (2-1/2", It's  a girl, circle) Pg. 90

Cricut Kate's ABC's Cartridge - (2" , Sweet w/Butterfly) Pg. 29

Hope you'll like my layout...Isn't it great that I made something BESIDES a Thank-you card??!! LOL!

Please let me know what you think,  just leave a comment below.

I LOVE hearing from you all!

XOXO

Lisa

Grandchildren Autumn Layouts

I am still working on my most recent project and have not finished so I can't post about it yet, but i thought I'd post some layouts I did in November last year while at a crop with my friend Melissa.

Hubby and I had just taken two of our Grandchildren to the local Pumpkin Farm/Patch (Bishop's Pumpkin Farm, Wheatland, California) as we try to do every year.

I just love that time of year...all the beautiful colors of Autumn are my favorite and the weather here is usually fairly mild.

Here are the layouts I made:

Fun at the Pumpkin Patch!

My Precious Pumpkins!

Autumn Fun with Poppy & Gigi!

Since I did these months ago, I can't remember all the specifics of the materials I used, but I know that I used the following Cricut Cartridges for the Lettering:

Ashlyn's Alphabet (Top Layout)
Old West (Bottom Layout)

The 12x12 paper was purchased at Green Tangerine's where we were at the crop.
It is an awesome scrapbooking store in Rocklin, California with all kinds of neat goodies and two HUGE scrapbooking rooms for crops.

I have not added any journaling to these yet, as journaling is always hard for me for some reason...I just never know where to put it and I feel like I don't write my feelings down well, like that it would sound corny or not proper.

I have to get over that and just let my creative thoughts and emotions flow!

I guess for me...the photos are the big part.
I've always been a big fan of photos and have been carrying a camera with me since about the 6th grade!
I know the emotions I feel when I look at the photos, I just have a hard time writing it down for some reason.

Maybe some of you out there in scrapbook land can help me with this...what do you do to help move your thoughts along while journaling?

Thanks for looking and if you like what you see...will you please follow me?

This post/project is linked-up to the following sites: