self-timer ME

Just linking to the fabulous Lizzy Kartchner's blog today.  She's having a little "self-timer" photo challenge thang over there and I thought it would be fun.  I have about a hundred of them already on my computer, and I took a few more the other day.  Take the challenge and link your best ones here as well.  Can't wait to see them.  Then head over to Lizzy's blog to see them all.

And here's some layouts (from years past) to get those creative juices flowing this weekend.  I think it's time you put those housework clothes away and spend a whole day crafting.  (Hey.....why don't you take that self-timer photo to prove it, too).  hahaha.

Have a great weekend.
later alligator {from the farm},
j.

moving on

So......one of my all-time favourite companies.................American Crafts............ is having a challenge this week over on their blog.

Here is the layout I created:
American Crafts supplies used: Dear Lizzy pattern paper, Dear Lizzy floral ribbon, Thickers & Remarks Accents stickers.

Go check out their blog and website to get even more inspiration and see for yourself why I LOOOOOOOOVE this company!!!!!! They have a most amazing pattern paper (which I have an addiction for) and the funnnkiest embellies EVER!!!!

p.s. I also used some mSB goodness and some fabulous Nikki Sivils Scrapbooker products on the LO as well.....................just thought I'd mention that. :)

smiles {from the farm},

j.

painting again???

The other evening {like so many evenings} I was waundering around on some of my favourite blogs & websites. Ki Memories {LOVE this company} was having a fun, little challenge on their blog -- taking a favourite {busy} pattern paper and adding white paint to calm it down a bit. Then using it as your background to start your layout.

Well........the "calming down my busy pattern paper" part did not really catch my attention -- as all of you know, I LOVE LOTS OF PATTERN!!!!!! ON MY PAPER -- but.......the "adding white paint" sure made me curious. I had just purchased this fabulous pattern cardstock from Bazzill Basics and I was dying to see what a little paint would do to the embossed design -- totally the intent when I bought it. What a perfect excuse to start scrappin' at 10:30 at night!!!!!

So.....I got to work with the paint, brushing it on with a foam brush and wiping it off right away with a paper towel. The shiney, embossed motive {such a design word -- "motive"} resisted the paint and came shining through the paint. I left a cardstock border around the outside to show what the pattern paper used to look like. Love the effect.

Here's the completed layout. I know it doesn't really showcase any Ki Memories products, but it does stick with their challenge. Either way, I will definitely use this technique again. Thank You, Ki Memories for challenging me to get my fingers dirty on this one!!!!!

Here's a close up of the background pattern.

My title, "so, so blessed to have you" is very subtle against the background pattern. I used silver, vinyl letters cut from this beautiful woman and doodled around them with my favourite black Sharpie.

Always love adding a little bit of whimsy to every page. This felt, little "dear" is from BG.

I challenge you to get out your white paint and busy pattern paper. Create something today!!

Go visit the Ki Memories blog for more inspiration and check out their website here. I know you will fall in love with them -- just like I do every time I visit!!!!!!

drooling over Ki Memories {from the farm},

j.