Crazy About Kits!

Since I have had so much fun with my first online Big Picture Scrapbooking class---I decided to take another one!!!!! The Creativity class ends tomorrow. It has been a lot of fun AND I have learned a lot of fun new projects. I can't wait to share them with others!

My new class is titled: Crazy About Kits

This classes focus is on creating projects from scrapbooking kits. I have been a member of the MemoryWorks Express kit since March and I have built up quite a supply of items. Although I am using the majority of it, I thought this class would be fun to have some new ideas on how to use my kits. There aren't a lot of supplies that I need to gather for this class. Basically just 2-3 kits. I still have a lot of stuff leftover from a few past kits. I should be receiving my new kit in the mail within the next week or so. I also plan to use my new Love, Elsie- Toby theme set I just purchased. Still trying to decide on one more set for the class.

Here is the plan of action for the next month. This class works more on a weekly basis with 5-6 projects each week:

Week 1: Manufacturer Created Kits (Love, Elsie- Toby Theme Set)
Week 2: Kit Clubs (October MemoryWorks Express Kit)
Week 3: Making the most of a Manufacturer (???)
Week 4: Creating your own kit
Week 5: Album kit (Christmas album--not sure what kit to use)
Week 6: Leftovers (got lots of these!!)

This class starts on Oct. 4th and runs for 6 weeks. Not really sure what to expect from this class, but if the last class was any indication---I'm excited! Stay tuned in October for more projects!!!!!!

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 28

A circle card!

This was fun! I love to create cards, but I am sooo bad about actually sending them out. Maybe if I create more, I will be inspired to send more. We'll see.... This was very easy. Cut 2 circles for the base, cut 2 half circles for the cover, glue, add a strip, add sentiment, punch eyelets with crop-a-dile, and add ribbon! Done! Very cute and took about 10 minutes (plus I used more scraps!!!). Now I need to find an envelope......

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 27

"Create a layout of your grandparents."

For this assignment I picked a picture of my Grandmother that I LOVE! I will always remember the greenhouse in the front of her house. It was sooo beautiful! I haven't journaled anything yet. I have some ideas, but I want it to be just right. Grandma Patrick was such an amazing woman-- strong, independant, intelligant, outgoing, musical, open minded.....ok maybe I just found the right words to use! I will treasure this page forever!

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 26

This week has been CRAZY! I'm so sorry if anyone has checked in to see my newest creations and there hasn't been anything! I'm almost caught up now, so today I will be posting lots!

Day 26- use your scraps to make a tag

I have TONS of scraps! I never throw anything away. I'm sure some people would think that I'm crazy for keeping some scraps---but this assigment proves that I kept them for a reason! Tags and cards are a great way to use up your scraps and still create something good. I created this tag with scraps from another assignment last week. I plan to create a page using the earlier tag with a photo and this one for the journaling. For the background I will place the 8x10 photo from the photo shoot. Hopefully I can complete it soon since I have all the pieces all set--makes for an easy layout!

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 25

Using ghost letters and shapes on a layout.

This looks so easy, but it took me forever! The last time I used ghost letters I attached them with brads--super easy (especially with the crop-a-dile!). For this assigment the instructor showed us how to sew the letters on. Looks and sounds easy enough. It took me awhile to figure out how to effectivly use the paper piercer to get my needle through the hole in the plastic. I really like how it turned out though. It gave me lots of new ideas on how to attach lettering to my pages--chipboard, ghost letters, paper. I was also leary about the paint, but I think it turned out ok. I just hate to wait for paint to dry!

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 24

I know, I know, I missed a day! I was so wrapped up in our home improvements that I didn't have time to do our assigment for day 23. I'm going to skip it for now, because today's assigment was so fun!

Today we created a pencil holder out of a soup can (or peas in my case). I'm usually not a "pink" person, but I had all this coordinating stuff that I HAD to use it. I think it turned out really nice. Hopefully, once I have a scrap space I can use this can to hold some of my tools, pen, and pencils. The "S" is for Sarah, of coarse!

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 22

Simple. Easy. Birthday Card.

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 21

2 page sports themed layout

More pictures that I've had sitting around (on my computer that is) forever! I kinda wish I had added more pictures, maybe some wallets sized action shots. I'll just have to make another page!

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 20

Tag with a photo. Super easy. I think it took me longer to figure out what picture to use than it did to make it! I plan to add this to a layout that has the other pictures from this photo session. A great way to make a picture stand out. A tag doesn't always have to be for journaling!

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 19

I really liked todays layout! We were instructed to create a page using "white space". I've seen so many pages like this, but never thought of doing one myself. I really like how it draws your eye to the picture. Sometimes we get so caught up in the paper and embellishments, we loose sight of the picture.

I LOVE this picture. I've had it for over 5 years and finally got it into a layout. I don't know why it took me so long??!! Another fun and easy layout! Gotta love that!

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 18

Today we created a small accordian purse to hold pictures. At first I wasn't really sure what I was going to do with this. I think that I'm going to add this to a layout. It would be a great way to add a bunch of pictures without being super busy. I have a bunch of pumpkin carving pictures from last years Halloween--thinking about that. It's not really complete, because I haven't added the cards with pictures to slip inside the envelopes. Maybe tomorrow night....

The inside is made from small invitation sized envelopes cut in half and glued together. It was actually very easy and quick to make. It looks harder than it is. It might also be a cute little book to keep in your purse to show off pictures to others. You could change the pictures around from time to time.

Creativity: A Daily Dose: Day 17

I'm not so crazy about this layout. You can't tell from the picture, but it is on dark green cardstock and has journaling around the pictures. Journaling reads: "New sweatshirts and matching stocking caps. You two are soooo cool!" Our assignment was to create a layout using a sketch as a guide using old products. I've decided that I really don't care for my "old" paper anymore. I'd much rather scrap with my new stuff. Maybe I've become a scrapbook snob, but I like working with the quality paper much better. I still love the photos!

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 16

I am past the half way mark for the month! I can't believe I've kept up with everything on a daily basis!! I'm very proud of myself....

Note Cards: Today's task was to create 4 different 3x3 notcards. These were super easy to make and can be used with just scraps that I have laying around (don't want to waste anything!!!). I am planning to use mine as thank you notes for my MemoryWorks customers. Another great way to advertise some of our great products! I went with the fall theme again. I just love using the oranges and greens. These would also make great little cards on gifts for any occasion. I plan to make many more of these in the future.

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 15

Today's assigment included a challange! Ohhhhhh.....ahhhhhhhhh..... Today we were to create a simple layout using cardstock and embellishments ONLY. No patterned paper allowed! Actually it was easier than I thought. I love embellishments. I've never done a layout of the "Patrick Girls" so I thought this would be fun. I also got to use some of the "girly" stuff I have which I never get to use having 2 boys! I'm really happy with how it turned out.

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 14

A simple assisgment today: create a journaling tag to use in a future layout. I used some of my new We R Memory Keepers- Coppered Out paper. It has great fall colors. Hopefully I can use this tag with some pictures this fall (or find some in my stash of hundreds to be scrapped!).

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 13

Today's task was to create a layout using a picture you love. Last night I took a few snapshots of the boys getting ready for bed. They were being goofy as usual. I can't wait to put this picture in their yearbook when they are in high school!

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 12

Today I altered a Making Memories clear frame. My frame was pretty tiny, but I think they also come in a slightly larger size. Basically, I punched out holes to thread ribbon in (I used twine in the photo), added paper to the backside, and added a couple embellishments. Each year I like to make a Christmas ornament to add to the Christmas tree. I think this year I will make a few of these, place the boys pictures in them, and add the year with stickers or stamps. This could also be used on a scrapbook page to highlight a small photo.

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 11

"Today's task: Challenge yourself to use some newer products in your stash with a sketch as a guide."

I JUST got my MW Sept. Express Kit in the mail yesterday! I guess that's as new as I can get, huh?! This kit is great for school pictures. Very simple layout--I changed it a little from the sketch, but kept it simple. The lettering was the trickiest part. I decided "Kindergarten" was just tooooo long of a word!

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 10

Photo Card

This was a really fun--easy--card that can hold photos or even a gift card inside. It was SUPER easy. I just may make it the template for my Christmas cards this year. Add our letter to the inside and a wallet sized photo---we're all set to go! Very cool!

Pencil Lines Sketch #48

I've had this layout all done and ready for a picture for a week now. I finally got around to finishing it today. I love this picture and I think it captures a really special moment.

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 9

The assignment today was to create a layout using colorful photos. The instructor also suggested using a neutral background paper to really make the photos stand out. I love the affect that it had on these pictures. The red and blue really pop out of the page. I wish that I had red or bright blue chipboard letters for the title, but I don't. Oh well, I think it turned out pretty good. Very simple and quick to put together.

Journaling alongside photos read:
"$1 goggles from Target + cheap plastic baby pool = hours of fun!"
"Superheros??"
"June 2006"

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 8

Gift tags! I was planning to create some Christmas gift tags to show off at a few MemoryWorks parties coming up. This gave me a little push to start! I again used the Piggy Tales-Jack and Jill paper. I think it works great for Christmastime. These tags took me about 20-30 minutes to complete. Now that I have a few designs to go from, I could whip them out super fast. Such a simple, easy project that will look great on Christmas gifts---adds a personal touch. The possibilities with these tags are endless. PLUS you can use up your scraps (because I hate wasted pretty paper!).

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 7

Summer Themed 2-Page Layout:

Ok, so I'm not as thrilled about how this turned out. I'm still undecided about the paper. I love it, but it's still "girly" to me. I think it works as a summer theme....right???? O-well, here it is. I'm sure it will grow on me........

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 6

For today's task we were to create and decorate a door hanger. This was a fun, out of the ordinary, project for me. Since I couldn't see myself putting a door hanger out during just "any" time of year, I made mine seasonal. I love to decorate for Christmas and I just got this amazing Piggy Tales-Jack and Jill paper. So mine has a Christmas theme to it. I really wanted to stamp a sentiment on it, but I don't have any Christmas stamps (yet!). Maybe if I find something I can remove the stickers and replace it with something else (not to crazy about the stickers--can you tell??!!). I have plans to make another one for Halloween, but didn't get around to it tonight. I, again, have the PERFECT paper for it! Very fun! Enjoy!

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 5

"Today's Task: Use your favorite, tried and true color combinations on a layout, using a sketch as a guide."

I love using many, many different combinations, so this was hard to pick a favorite. To be honest, I picked a picture that I really wanted to scrap and went from there. I do really like the orange and blue combination--it is so bright and cheerful. I tried to step out of my box for this one and focus more on journaling than normal. I know I could have journaled a lot more, but I'm just so bad at it! I usually end up writing the wrong thing or mis-spelling words--I hate journaling! I felt that this story needed to be written down so that I can remind myself of "the pact" in the future.

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 4

"Create an old-fashioned card"

Mine is probably not really "old fashioned" but the colors are very muted and classic looking. I left the mini tag blank so that I can add a sentiment later. This way I can use it for almost any occasion. I also thought I could make a few more with the same line of paper and give them away as a gift.

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 3

Day 3---"Create a layout using a 5x7 photo." I love this picture of my son Adam on Halloween. I'm sooooo behind on scrapin' Halloween pictures. This was 3 years ago....Yikes! I, again, stuck to the sketch provided (it's a huge time saver for me!). I roughed up the edges with my Heidi Swapp Edge Distressor and inked the edges to make it more rustic looking. Paper is Piggy Tales- Little Boy Blue. The journaling is super hard to read. I may have to go back over it again and darken it up.

Here's what it says:
"This year for Halloween you wanted to be a cowboy. Grandma Patrick put together some chaps and a vest. Thanks to Aunt Tiffany and Skye you already had the boots! You were all set to go!!"

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 2

Today's assignment was to create a pocket tag with journaling strips. I finally broke out my MemoryWorks June Express Kit for this one. I've been stumped with the kit because it is so "girly". I thought this tag would be perfect for a baby shower gift. For the pocket I cut up a page protector and adhered it to the tag with vellum tape. I also hand sewed all along the edges. This layout could be altered with different paper and embellishments for any occasion. A great way to add journaling to a page.

Creativity: A Daily Dose- Day 1

Here it is! My first assignment for the Creativity: A Daily Dose class. Today's assignment is to "create a layout about your job". For the journaling I used part of my Parent/Provider Promise. It gives a good idea of what my responsibility is as a childcare provider:

"As a Childcare Provider, I will:
Sincerely give each child praise. Listen to and respect each child. Hug each child at least once a day. Have age appropriate toys available for all children. Disceipline calmly and fairly. Greet each child with a smile. Read aloud to the children. Start each day with a clean environment. End the day by telling the parent one positive thing that happened to his/her child that day."

Although it was optional, I decided to use the sketch provided to us. I just love the pictures of the kids. I had a hard time deciding which ones to use! Luke's face is just priceless!!! The more I look at this layout---the more I love it! I can't wait to see what's in store for tomorrow!

Pencil Lines Sketch #47

Here is a layout I created using the sketch provided this week at pencillines.com. I love that I could use multiple pictures in this layout. It captures some great expressions of all the boys. Here's what the journaling says: Father's Day 2006. Hangin' out with Dad on the back deck. My boys!