Thank You, Mr. Postman

The postman was so good to me today.  I received my August Design Team kit from Your Scrapbook Stash and the new Close To My Heart catalog...I think I eeked a little too loud and woke the kids up!

I sorted through my kit and took a couple of pictures of the awesome stuff that I'll be working with next month.

So here are my goodies:

{Country Drive} by Echo Park Pape

{Summer Days} and {Splash} by Echo Park Paper and Flip-Style Acrylic Album by Maya Road

I actually finished a sweet little flip-style desktop calendar today using the cool acrylic/chipboard album from Maya Road.  I don't know why I haven't run across this before...it was such a surprise seeing that in my box! Right away I knew that I wanted to do a calendar.  I'm sharing just a small peek of it here...I'll have to wait until August 1st to share the rest :)

 I downloaded this 2012 mini calendar from Splitcoast Stampers.  I can't wait to show you the rest!

Off to swim...see ya'll soon!

Blog Hop Winners Announced

It's time to announce my winners for the Your Scrapbook Stash Blog Hop!

I had my daughter pick the numbers, so she went with her favorite digits :)

TUESDAY'S WINNER

MELANIE 

of

abitofscrapstuff.blogspot.com

FRIDAY'S WINNER

FAYE MARIE 

of

alittledashof.blogspot.com

Congratulations, Ladies!  If you will email me at shellye819@aol.com with your email address within the next three days;  I'll get that info over to Erica for your prize.

Thanks to everyone who commented and became a follower of my blog...awww!

Good Night!

Lookie Here

On the way to Tyler's football camp last weekend, the hubby and I stopped off at an antique shop along the way.  This is something we plan to do when retiring:  driving the RV across country and detouring at junk, antique and flea market shops whenever the urge strikes!  I'm a 'scanner' when I go junkin'...I don't pay too much attention to the furniture and larger items, but when I see a heap of old books, papers and sewing supplies, I go nuts (quietly though, I don't want to appear too eager).  Within a few minutes, I noticed this box of buttons.  No price, and I'm kinda afraid to ask.  The owner says "I'll take $10."  There are over 100 cards of vintage buttons and oodles of fabulous colors...can you say EXCITED?  :)

I also got an old wire locker basket for $5...perfect condition with just the right amount of rust LOL

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BLOG HOP FINALE

I hope you all had a chance to get in on the Your Scrapbook Stash Blog Hop!  Today is the final day, so be sure to comment on the TWO posts below to be eligible for the two $10 STASH CASH GIFT CERTIFICATES that I'll be giving away.  There are a total of TWENTY chances to win, don't forget to start at the very first blog (see below)

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Newest Stuff

Couple of new layouts and a project and card that I will list at Dot & Whimsy

 

 

Good luck to everyone vying for the Blog Hop prizes!  We'll be announcing the winners soon.  I appreciate you all playing along and leaving comments :)

Have a happy weekend

Blog Hop Finale

Good morning, scrappy bloggers!

The final day is approaching for the Your Scrapbook Stash Blog Hop.

Lots of chances to win great prizes, so be sure to start out at the YSS Blog...and you should be here from Kristin's Blog

Here is the official Blog Hop order:

Your Scrapbook Stash Blog

Erica

Alyssa

Jennie

Kristin

Shellye (me)

Sharm

Jessy

**$10 in STASH CASH (Gift Certificate) to be used at YOUR SCRAPBOOK STASH Store**

**FRIDAY'S WINNER**

Faye Marie 

of 

http://alittledashof.blogspot.com/

Just send your email address to me at shellye819@aol.com and we'll get your prize over!Congratulations! 

To have your name in the hat, be sure to comment on BOTH posts regarding YSS at EACH Blog :)

We'll be announcing the winners on Friday.

Thanks to everyone who has stopped by so far...I've loved reading all of the comments.
Now on Preorder...oh my goodness!  I've gotta have this collection from Lily Bee..."Harvest Market"

 

How fallicious is that?  I also love the NEW Cosmo Cricket lines, especially this...

I want it...I've got to have it!  Check out the store at YSS to see the newest things from CHA.

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NOTE:

I had this post scheduled for Thursday, but see this morning (Friday) that it didn't post 8) I apologize for anyone who was looking for it before today.

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend

Let's HOP!

The time is here...time for the Your Scrapbook Stash Blog Hop...let's go!

You should be here from Kristin's blog.

Here is the official Blog Hop order:

Your Scrapbook Stash Blog

Erica

Alyssa

Jennie

Kristin

Shellye (me)

Sharm

Jessy

Yam

We will EACH be posting twice between today and Friday, July 29th.  In order to qualify for 20 chances to win a prize, be sure to comment on the two blog posts from each blog...the actual YSS blog will be giving away FOUR GRAND PRIZES of a brand NEW RELEASE from Fancy Pants :)

**I WILL BE GIVING AWAY TWO $10 STASH CASH CERTIFICATES TO THE YSS STORE**

But (for those of you new to blog hops, like me!) you must, must, must leave a comment on the actual posts regarding Your Scrapbook Stash's Blog Hop.

**TUESDAY'S WINNER**

MELANIE 

of

http://abitofscrapstuff.blogspot.com

CONGRATULATIONS, Melanie!  Just send me your email address @ shellye819@aol.com

Quick Crochet Flower

1.Take your desired amount of crochet trim or ribbon;  I used about 2 foot of The Girl's Paperie JUBILEE crochet trim.

Photo #1

2. From the right end, fold the edge of the trim over to the left (as shown in photo #1).  Leave about a 2" tail.

Photo #2

3. Next, fold the folded edge again to the left (you may do this a couple of times, depending on the width of the material used.) Photo #2.

4. Hold the folded end in your right hand securely and the longer length of trim in your left hand. 

Photo #3

5. With the left hand, begin turning the trim as you work counter-clockwise against the trim held in your right hand. Photo #3.

6. Continue folding the trim as you create the desired 'petal' looks. It maybe necessary to add a little dab of fabric glue between layers to secure it as you're working.

7. Once you've reached the desired look, snip off any remaining ribbon and carefully glue down with fabric glue.  Attach to a felt or paper circle.  Your Scrapbook Stash NOW carries GLUBBERS from Cosmo Cricket, which make the ideal base for your fabric flowers.

Embellish as desired.  I also used the seam binding, cabochon and pennant from The Girl's Paperie Jubliee line :)

Perfect for cards, package or bag accents, lapel pins, hair bands, barrettes, Christmas tree decorations, jar toppers and lots more.  I really liked working with the crochet trim; it's easy to manipulate and stays true to form as you're working.  Let me know if you have any questions.

Enjoy the HOP...see you soon!

Christmas in July!

It's nice to dream of a Winter Wonderland when we're in the midst of a relentless summer heat. Call me crazy, but yes, I have my Christmas tunes playing on Pandora ♪♫ fa-la-la-la-la ♪♫ And not just any ole Christmas tunes...we're talking Bing, Nat and Frank...oh yea-uh!  Nothing more soothing to the fretted soul than some bea-u-ti-ful music ♥

To go along with my holly-jolly mood, I have been toiling away at the paper-crafting since Wednesday...lucky to be me hehehe!  I did have to take a detour yesterday afternoon for the yearly eye exam and (blech) trip to Wal-Mart. It's been well over a month since I've filled the buggy to the top, but frequent trips to the local Dollar General and grocery store just weren't cuttin' it anymore...you know how that is.  

Here are a couple of layouts that I've gotten done this week:

{Track Star}  Features handmade ribbon flowers and hand-cut clouds...so happy!

{My Girl}  I'm really likin' the royal blue, baby pink and bright orange!

And my newest card creation...thinking that I may add this (as well as some of my other cards) to my Etsy shop...it's gettin' bare over there :)

BLOG HOP, BLOG HOP, BLOG HOP

Just about time for the newest BLOG HOP at Your Scrapbook Stash.  I'm so excited...my very first hop!

Begins: Tuesday, July 26th through Friday, July 29th

Here's the order in which the Hop will run:

Your Scrapbook Stash Blog

Erica Weinstock

Alyssa McGrew

Jennie McGarvey

Kristin Powell

Shellye McDaniel (<----that's me!)

Sharmandeswari Nidyanandan

Jessy Christopher

Yvonne Yam 

Start out at YSS's Blog on Tuesday morning;  be sure to leave a comment at each place that you stop so that you'll be in the running for some fabulous prizes!  There are TWENTY chances to win plus a couple of super-de-duper GRAND PRIZES up for grabs (*hint* it's a New Release from Fancy Pants...oye!)

I'll see you back here on Tuesday :) 

TTFN...and a HAPPY WEEKEND to you!

It's Summertime

It's another HOT one!  Best just to stay indoors and get some scrappy stuff done, if you ask me :)  

I created this sweet "It's Summertime" mini scrapbook album today and got it listed over at my Dot & Whimsy shop.  With all of the Design Team work going on, it's been quite some time since I've gotten anything added to my shops.  I took little bits of my left-over (and much loved) "100 Days of Summer" Kit from Back Porch Memories.  This kit has gone the mile!

 I put two house shaped chipboard pieces together to make the album sturdier;  in doing so, the edges looked a little rough!  I added baker's twine around the perimeter of each one...I believe it looks absolutely charming and reminds me of the striped topped cabanas :)

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Paper Issues

For daily inspiration, don't forget to visit www.paperissues.blogspot.com 

We will be having a HUGE Blog Hop beginning August 26th with categories including layouts, cards and altered art projects.  Many of the PI Team members will also be giving away RAKs from their personal blogs...there will be tons of things up for grabs :)

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Your Scrapbook Stash
Latest news from YSS:

We're gearing up for a special Summer here at the Stash! First, we have a brand new Design Team to inspire. I'm so excited to work with them and I know you'll enjoy everything they have to offer. Look for a Blog Hop later this month, contests and of course CHA!

Our July coupon code is LIVE and its a big one! Save 20% off your ENTIRE order with us when you enter JULY20 during checkout. (please note that we are not able to apply discounts after an order has been placed.)

With CHA just a few weeks away, we're trying to make room for all of the new stuff! Guess what? Some of it is already shipping! We receive in new lines and restocked items each week! Keep an eye on the NEW and SALE sections as we add to them each week.

**BLOG HOP JULY 26th-29th**

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I'm now on Pinterest and pinning like crazy!  Knowing that I tend to have an obsessive type personality, I have to stave off after about thirty minutes (or so).  I love seeing all of the creative things out there and grabbing new ideas for crafty and food projects ♥  With Halloween quickly approaching (hey, I start decorating in September!) I'm really enjoying all the cute-sy stuff!

The hubs and I are off to get a bite to eat.  Nothing like some authentic Tex-Mex in the heart of beautiful downtown T-Town Yummmmm

Be back in a couple of days!

It's a Wrap!

It's A Wrap...A Can Wrap that is!

As promised, a super-easy tutorial for you this Monday.

Below are step-by-step instructions for the easiest way that I've found to embellish a clear (or tin) container. I've used this design as my altered project over at Back Porch Memories this month :)

  1. Measure the diameter of your container by measuring across the entire top. 

2.Multiply that number by 3.17 (or more commonly known as PI).  My can measured 6" across which gives me a little over 19".  

3. Half that number and you'll get the measurement of what you need for two strips of paper.  Mine was 9.5" ( so I cut two strips of cardstock into 9.5" lengths)

4.  Next, decide how wide you'd like your paper...I chose 3" wide.

5.  After attaching your accent paper to your base paper (I stitched mine!), you'll want to sandwich your two paper strips together and punch holes as shown above (so that the holes lines up evenly).  You can use twine or ribbon to tie the two strips together...makes a super fast and easy wrap for any can!

Finally, embellish as desired.  Quick, cute and best of all...E-A-S-Y!

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BACK PORCH MEMORIES LAYOUTS

Here are the layouts that I created for my Guest Design Team month at BPM!

Using the July Sketch Challenge.  Everything is from the July Solo Kit...with the exception of the buttons and baker's twine.

Everything is from the July Solo Kit...with the exception of the baker's twine.

I've all ready shared my other "sneak peek" layout that I did for BPM, so I won't post it again.

Kits go on sale JULY 15th!

www.backporchmemories.com

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That's all for this Monday...going to work tonight...it's been two weeks since I've worked, so it maybe a pretty tough job of staying awake 8)

Later!

A Sunny, Scorching Sunday

Nothing like some 100 degree (plus) weather to get ya sweatin' a little!  The precise reason that SUMMER is No.4 on my list of favorite seasons grrrrrrr

1. Fall

2. Spring

3. Winter

4. Summer

The only thing I like about Summer?  My favorite season is right behind it :)

So, with the heat index rising, I get to spend more time here at the crafty desk...gettin' my craft on!

I finished the cutest page for a challenge at the Lemonade and Layouts Crop.  The challenge was to use as many circles as possible on a page.  These are actually some older photos of my middle son, Zach, but they go perfectly with the new Liberty line from Bo Bunny (and is also a part of the Back Porch Memories July Medley Kit...thanks Paula for the extra goodies!)

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A CARD OF THANKS

There's nothing like killing two birds with one stone (as the saying goes).  I had to create another card for I Heart {Ippity} as well as Your Scrapbook Stash's July Design Team projects.  I knew that I wanted to use the stamp of a sweet pear motif baring the word "thanks" etched into the design (from the New Season, New Wonder Unity Stamp Set).  I also wanted to use The Girl's Paperie Jubliee collection...so here's what happened:

Aren't the colors yummy and summery?!?  Every time I glimpse at that gorgeous sorbet plaid paper, I have a flashback to childhood.  There must have been a skirt or a shirt that I wore similar to the pattern...I can't quite put my finger on it though (it'll hit me one night, about 1 A.M. when I'm trying to sleep).

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GOT A TUT COMING UP!

I have an adorable tutorial to show tomorrow...stay tuned!  It's easy, easy and just in time for your back-to-school, Halloween and Christmas projects :)  If you've collected tin or clear pails, this is  your chance to put them to use.

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BLOG UPDATING

I'm slowly adding photos to my new blog pages: Layouts and Paper Projects.  Years-worth of crafting have lent to a passel of photographs...whew, I've been a busy, busy girl ☺

Headed out to the grocery store to pick up a few things for taco salad tonight.  We haven't visited with the parents in well over a week and the kids are thinking they need a dip in the tepid swimming pool.

See ya'll tomorrow!

Glad to be home and crafting away!

We all know how it is...so exciting to go on vacation and see new destinations, but there is nothing, nothing like coming home!  I finally got the house back in order this morning and all of the laundry done.  I made the kids some chocolate chip brownies and have a meatloaf, cheesy-scalloped potatoes and corn casserole on the menu for tonight :)  Comfort foods that just exemplifies my excitement over being H-O-M-E.  Clean house and good food...now that's what I'm talkin' about!

I did manage to eek in a couple of hours of layout creating yesterday for Your Scrapbook Stash.  I have both of these up in the Gallery now and wanted to share them here.  I got an email from Erica (owner of YSS) and she has lots of new goodies coming to the store from CHA...she just picks the best stuff  like the brand new Mistables from Pink Paislee....oh yeah :)  

Mark your calendar...we will be hosting a BLOG HOP July 26th thru 29th...some GREAT give-a-ways in store, so come on and join us!

SUN, SAND & SMILES

 YSS Products Used:

Fancy Pants BEACH BUM Line: Hammock PP, Strips PP, Marina PP, Fish hand-cut from Journal Embellishment; Tattered Angels: NIGHTFALL Glimmer Paint

Other Items:

Brads, Bazzill Shimmer Cardstock, Jute, Cork Letters, Thickers and Felt Accent

 Technique Used:

I used the Tattered Angels NIGHTFALL Glimmer Paint to create this cooool wave!  I took a scrap piece of navy cardstock and simply painted the glimmer paint onto it using a foam brush...it gave way to this wavy look.  I then outlined the top of the wave with a clear glue and carefully added the jute along the way. Finally (to really give it POP), I used foam dots before adding it to the layout.

 BEACH DUDE

 YSS Products Used:

Fancy Pants BEACH BUM Line: Marina PP, Strips PP and two of the Journal Embellishments; Tattered Angels: NIGHTFALL Glimmer Paint; Divine Twine: Baker's Twine

Other Items:

Foam Thicker letters and dots; Kraft cardstock

Techniques Used:

First, I drew off a grid with a Zig pen.  Using a paint brush, I dipped into the Tattered Angels NIGHTFALL Glimmer Paint and let it fall randomly from the brush like drops of water :)

To create the 'wave' with the Baker's Twine:  Using a wave template, I lightly traced it onto the layout (across photos, etc.) and then added a thin bead of clear glue over the tracing and finally carefully applying the twine...neat-o and simple!

And I would be totally remiss if I didn't post my July Altered Project for YSS!  My second choice of paper-line is from The Girl's Paperie Jubilee Collection....totally lovin' this!

I took an empty flower tin, removed the clear cover from the top and punched holes into both sides to create this one-of-a-kind gifting tin.  Everything is from the Jubliee line with the exception of the scalloped cardstock accent,Baker's Twine and the chenille pipe cleaners used for the handle.

Some of my very favorite things in paper-crafting right now are cabochons, anything crepe paper and of course pennants!  I found them all in this sweet collection ♥

Enough blogging for today!  I'm headed over to Absolutely Alter It for their Lemonade & Layouts Crop...come on over...we'll be there until tomorrow night scrappin' the time away :)

Happy 5th of July

I hope everyone had a fun, safe and Happy 4th!  We spent the day in Foley, Alabama, perusing the souvenir shops and enjoying the scenery.  Last night we sat out on the beach and enjoyed the fireworks display at the resort to the south of us and to the north of us...we're guessing our group didn't put one on due to the current burn ban.  We've been here since Saturday and not a drop of rain yet!  Lucky for us, but not so for the locals :/

The sneak-peek is up at Back Porch Memories!  Here is just one of the pages that I completed using the July Solo Kit

I love this new paper line from Simple Stories...100 Days of Summer. Every single thing is from this kit except for the pink scalloped border...it is SIMPLY amazing and coordinates beautifully.  Be sure to check it (and the Medley Kit) out before they're G-O-N-E!

I Heart {Ippity} will begin sharing their Creative Team's creations tomorrow.  I'm so excited to see what the other ladies come up with and what stamps they're using for July :) 

I can't believe that I'm doing laundry on vacation, but I am!  Off to get the last load out of the dryer and start folding.  We're leaving here early in the morning and heading to Ft. Walton to spend the day and night with our friends from home.  The tentative plans are to venture to Big Kahuna's for a fun day (for the kids anyway) of more sun and water park thrills!

See you all in a couple of days!

Shellye

Challenge: Rule of Three

Well, it's July 1st...time to get into the Creative Team groove!  I will make my Guest appearance at Back Porch Memories this month, as well as begin my Design/Creative Team stints at Paper Issues, Your Scrapbook Stash and I Heart {Ippity)...I'm looking forward to the fun and meeting lots of new people :)

I did this layout as an example for my July Challenge over at BPM Forum.  I pretty much design everything around the concept of odd numbers...you know, things grouped in 3's or 5's.  I find that the majority of my scrapbook layouts are done on the "triangle" theory.  If you look at the focal point of the page, it should draw your eye to two other areas that form a triangle from that point.  I guess I'm drawn to it mostly because I don't like a lot of jumble....whether it's in decorating my home or my paper!  My 'eye' needs that resting spot;  it invites people to easily scan over the page as it's meant to be presented.

With this layout, I not only used the "triangle" design scheme, but I also used the "Rule of Three"

My challenge to BPM players:

1- use at least THREE different patterned papers or cardstock

2- use at least THREE different techniques (i.e. machine-stitching, hand-stitching, embossing, stamping, misting, distressing/inking, etc.)

3- use at least THREE of the SAME embellishments/element (these can be different colors, but they need to be the 'same' type of embellie......i.e. brads, buttons, ribbon, rhinestones, flowers, journal spots, etc.)

Techniques Used: 

hand-stitching, machine-stitching and spatter paint

Embellishments/Elements Used:

three journal strips, three photos, three brads, three fabric photo turns

And you can also see the TRIANGLE :)  The eye draws you to the photo strip, up to the journal strip above that and then down and across to the title...I LOVE this page of my Zach (and he does too...he said "you did good, Momma") ♥

DO YOU HAVE PAPER ISSUES?

I do!

I was asked to join the Paper Issues Creative Team.  What fun!  This place is super amazing...I love the projects that are featured during the week and the Linky Parties (where designers post one of their projects that pertains to the topic).  Take a LOOK at the GRAND stuff that's up in celebration of July 4th!  OMGoodness...so many things that I want to try myself...I'm so excited that I want to make one of everything WHEW!

RUFFLED CREPE PAPER FEATURE
The Red Robin's Ruffled Crepe paper trim was featured at the Turtle Crafty Girl blog.  She did a feature of all things purple for Barney Party Ideas!  Some really cool crafty things to buy and great finds from Etsy shops. 
I've put BOTH of mine on Vacation Mode until I return next week....just FYI, in case you get to looking ;)

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Okay, I've gotta get over to YSS and get my altered project loaded to the Gallery :)  

I probably won't see you all before the 4th, so I hope everyone has a SAFE and HAPPY one!

God Bless You and God Bless America!