tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67955455265355128262012-01-24T17:03:29.638-05:00Making Time for CreativityGretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.comBlogger2261100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-2570148940545804072010-08-20T07:00:00.002-05:002010-08-20T07:00:01.091-05:00

This year for some reason I got out the camera on my daughter's last day of Kindergarten while we were waiting for the school bus.  She was wearing turquoise and pink so that told me what colors to use.  The pink paper is a pink grid that comes from the Razzleberry Lemonade paper collection.  On that I stamped some butterflies from the "Priceless" stamp set in Melon Mambo ink.  I used Melon Mambo

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-68050786551057763702010-08-13T17:37:00.000-05:002010-08-13T17:37:21.362-05:00

Back to scrapbooking....haven't posted any pages in a while!  Here's a soccer layout that I made with an old retired Stampin' Up! set called "Just Soccer".  I like this layout because I was able to put 9 pictures on 2 pages.  The stamping was done on the light blue background on the left and the dark blue background on the left.  This is a nice sketch that I'll have to use again.

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-54203528062716165472010-07-31T07:00:00.001-05:002010-07-31T07:00:04.949-05:00

I designed this card for the Catalog Unveiling that I had earlier this month.  It's a cute birthday card using the new hostess set "Birthday Bakery" and the new patterned paper collection "Sunny Garden."  The colors for this card are So Saffron, Poppy Parade, Early Espresso, and Whisper White.  I used some new Early Espresso 1/8 inch Taffeta ribbon and the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch as

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-16045399834449441032010-07-26T07:00:00.002-05:002010-07-26T07:00:03.422-05:00

I just decided to take the plunge into the Simply Adorned line of custom jewelry that Stampin' Up! has.  I've been playing around with stamping on tiny pieces of paper to put inside the charm.  I still need some more practice, but here's what I have so far.

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-12099192796357640462010-07-23T07:00:00.001-05:002010-07-23T07:00:11.450-05:00

This is another card using the Tropical Party Set and the coordinating Island Oasis paper.  Since this card was inspired by the cover of the Stampin' Up! catalog, it counts as Catalog Inspiration Challenge #3.  The Friends card on the catalog cover usies a variety of patterned papers and the Top Note Big Shot die to create a "Friends" Card.  I used the Island Oasis paper and some coordinating

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-20257044289096204772010-07-19T07:00:00.005-05:002010-07-19T07:00:07.927-05:00

Here's a cute card that I sent to all the members of my family before our vacation.  This card uses a similar layout to the "Just a little note" card on page 12 of the catalog.  The card has a row of circles across the bottom and an apple image cut out and raised with dimensionals towards the bottom right portion of the card.  It has a lot of white space making it look very clean and simple. I

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-14961273062004151332010-07-16T14:21:00.000-05:002010-07-16T14:21:32.304-05:00

With the arrival of the new Stampin' Up! Catalog I've come up with a new idea to motivate myself throughout the year.  Instead of being inspired by ideas all over the world wide web, I'm going to try to use this year's catalog for my inspiration.  Perhaps I'll recreate a project that's in the book, or maybe I'll just take one element of a catalog project (like the layout or the color scheme) and

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-73481813404918969312010-06-22T08:00:00.001-05:002010-06-22T08:00:06.189-05:00

2010/11 Catalog Unveiling: July 15th 7:00pm Come see the new catalog and some fun new products! We’ll make one project using some new products and spend the rest of the time “oohing and ahhing” over the new ideas and merchandise. Cost to attend is $5 which includes your own catalog, one make-and- and take project, and access to retired and handmade items that I’ll have for sale. Scrap Studio:

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-22885873403531743302010-06-17T08:00:00.002-05:002010-06-17T08:00:05.831-05:00

This year for the teacher thank you gifts I decided to give coordinating card sets.  Each set includes 5 matching cards with envelopes (each card with a different greeting).  For these very simple cards I cut 3"x4" pieces of pretty patterned paper and then straight stitched around the edges with my sewing machine.  I then glued the paper down on a white card and added a greeting stamped on an

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-58549930616636160632010-06-15T08:00:00.001-05:002010-06-15T08:00:04.413-05:00

I did some playing with my sewing machine and the new Island Oasis paper when I put together this Birthday layout.  The Island Oasis paper isn't just for tropical projects, it's so bright and cheerful and many of the designs are stripes and polka dots in fun festive colors.  The colors used in this layout are: Tempting Turquoise, Rose Red, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and So Saffron. This layout

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-59366237169259969912010-06-12T08:00:00.001-05:002010-06-12T08:00:05.223-05:00

Here's a photo of the beautiful card that my Mom sent me for our anniversary.  Thanks Mom!

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-56137621451069143352010-06-09T08:00:00.001-05:002010-06-09T08:00:03.993-05:00

I'll be honest that I have no idea what Bargello is in the Needlepoint crafting world but in the papercrafting world it's a lot of fun and a great way to use up small scraps of striped patterned paper.  I got this idea out of the June Stampin Up! magazine for demonstrators and combined it with a Sketch Challenge SC281 to make some cute cards in two different color schemes. The method of creating

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-34993594061061680642010-06-02T09:05:00.000-05:002010-06-02T09:05:39.332-05:00

Scrap Studio - Friday, June 4th 12:30-3:00pm - Just bring your photos and your adhesive of choice and I will help you design customized scrapbook pages. You will have full access to all of my tools (Cricut, Big Shot, stamps, inks, papers, ribbons, and accessories) and my ideas and design expertise to create beautiful scrapbook layouts just for you! Leave my studio with completed pages ready to

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-48401287328816950842010-05-19T08:00:00.001-05:002010-05-19T08:00:00.987-05:00

I discovered a new set of challenges to try...Clean and Simple Cards.  Sometimes Clean and Simple can be more practical and even look better than complicated and fancy.  My first challenge in this category was CAS66 (Inspired by Kelly).  The card inspiration was a card by kmahany on Splitcoast.  Since these cards are so simple, I had time to make 2! The card above was made with Sweet Pea

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-75751551929674950872010-05-15T08:00:00.003-05:002010-05-18T07:54:06.057-05:00

On Easter we took some photos of the family in our Easter attire on the back deck.  I threw this layout together quickly using the Flowers Sizzlet Decorative Strip die, some flower stamping, and a Cricut die cut (Stretch Your Imagination).

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-71581159952614330942010-05-12T08:21:00.000-05:002010-05-12T08:21:34.734-05:00

For my Mom's Mothers Day card I used Sketch Challenge SC279 and Color Challenge CC269 (Lovely Gable Cameos).  I must admit, these colors were tricky for me...I do not use Gable Green or Cameo Coral much at all!  So I've found that the trick to these color challenges that have colors that you don't like is to use those colors sparingly on the card!  Therefore, my card is composed of mostly Lovely

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-36590560613476850832010-05-07T07:00:00.000-05:002010-05-07T07:00:10.637-05:00

Last week"s sketch challenge and color challenges were a lot of fun.  I created the card above using both and then tried the sketch challenge again with Razzleberry Lemonade papers and coordinating products.  Both Came out pretty cute, but I think the Razzleberry one is my favorite. Stamps: Kind & Caring Thoughts, Pocket Silhouettes Paper: Ballet Blue, Barely Banana, Old Olive, Very Vanilla Ink:

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-49314564559114358812010-05-03T07:00:00.001-05:002010-05-03T07:00:08.996-05:00

Here are some layouts that I created for a friend of mine for pictures of her daughters upcoming Hello Kitty Birthday party.  I used Pretty in Pink, Real Red, Very Vanilla, Basic Black and Lavendar Lace cardstocks for these pages along with the sparkly patterned papers from the Sending Love Specialty paper collection.

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-43005474776818624822010-04-29T09:45:00.000-05:002010-04-29T09:45:43.868-05:00

I'm going to be trying some new things with my classes over the next few months.  This month I'm opening up my design studio to my local customers for some Studio Days.  This month I'll be hosting a Scrap Studio day and a Card Studio Day.  At these events all my tools and supplies will be at your fingertips to get the projects that you want to create done!  Since these classes are only available

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-10163740289231568622010-04-29T07:00:00.001-05:002010-04-29T07:00:11.856-05:00

Here's a card that I made for last week's sketch challenge (SC277) and color challenge(CC267) on Splitcoast Stampers.  The thought of using Apricot Appeal made me cringe...it's definitely not my favorite color!  But I actually grew to like this combination as I made the card.  I pulled out one of my favorite sets, Upsy Daisy for this one.  The Basic Gray helps this color scheme a lot by adding

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-52615024471040103822010-04-26T20:30:00.000-05:002010-04-26T20:30:58.228-05:00

Here are some photos of a recent Scrap-a-Stack album class that I held using the Stampin Up! Sunny Day Simply Scrappin Kit along with some extra paper and ribbons.  These are simple pages, but can be assembled quickly and are flexible for use with summer and spring photos, even Easter!  The great thing is that in about an hour or 2 you can have a stash of 20 pages at your fingertips!

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-60881422469096264722010-04-18T08:00:00.002-05:002010-04-18T08:00:04.412-05:00

I've been in a bit of a creative slump lately so I thought it would be fun to do some Splitcoast Challenges again to get my creative juices flowing.  I made two cards that satisfy last week's Sketch Challenge (SC276) and one of them uses colors from last week's color challenge (CC266) Blushing Coral Rubies.  I also pulled out some stamps I haven't used in a while....FUN! Stamps: Close as a

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-88018128707553892192010-04-14T09:12:00.000-05:002010-04-14T09:12:12.426-05:00

Here are some cards that we made in a workshop last month.  I used a lot of new products from the Occasions Mini Catalog on these cards.   I'm really loving these acrylic mount stamps especially since they cost less!  I hope these springy cards inspire you to sit down and create today! Stamps: Whimsical WordsInks: Chocolate Chip, Melon MamboPapers: Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip (

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-8838899296372605682010-03-23T08:00:00.001-05:002010-03-23T08:00:10.240-05:00

Here's a fun challenge that I like to do on occasion.  Get out a pretty pice of patterned paper and one images stamp set and make a bunch of coordinating cards in one sitting.  I did this one day with the hostess set "Love Bug" and a piece of sparkly, yet masculine, patterned paper.  I also used the new Sale-A-Bration Punch along with a lot of other punches for these.

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-57811704270160847472010-03-16T09:54:00.000-05:002010-03-16T09:54:04.054-05:00

Sorry I've been slacking on my posting lately.  I'll try to do better! Here's a glimpse of some new "Green" layouts that I've released in my online store, made of all recycled papers.

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-56331623948479781232010-02-18T13:30:00.000-05:002010-02-18T13:30:35.727-05:00

Here are some photos of some valentines that I sent to loved ones last week.  I played around with the new Sending Love Specialty Paper.  This paper is so lovely because it has glitter already on the paper for some extra sparkle.  I also used the new "With All My Heart" stamp set, scallop trim border (Free Sale-A-Bration punch), the new Extra Large Fancy Flower punch, corduroy brads, and painted

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-78472842882796526102010-02-15T16:24:00.000-05:002010-02-15T16:24:53.245-05:00

There were a few people that couldn't make the baby album class but have the kit that I prepared for them.  Here are the photos for those folks to make it easier for kit assembly.  This uses the Moments & Milestones kit from Stampin' Up! along with some extra cardstock and ribbons.  All the stickers used for embellishment come with the kit, and there are lots more stickers left over to make more

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-13504783111330376612010-02-03T07:00:00.001-05:002010-02-03T07:00:06.306-05:00

I made this card for a friend of mine that just had a baby girl.  I used the "Love Bug" hostess set with a color scheme that includes Certainly Celery, Old Olive, and Melon Mambo.  I used a Cuttlebug Embossing folder on textured Celery paper for the background. 

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-55469311070423233582010-01-31T07:00:00.002-05:002010-02-01T08:48:41.510-05:00

February's scrapbooking class will use products from the Sweet Pea line from Stampin' Up!.  I just love the paper stack and felt stitched flowers.  The colors are just wonderful.  Here are some photos of the 3 layouts that we'll be making.  Anyone interested in attending this class can view more details on my calendar.

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-500366238704692612010-01-27T07:00:00.001-05:002010-01-27T07:00:07.267-05:00

There are a few more scrapbook layouts available now in my online store.  Here are a few photos to give you a taste.  You can view all my layouts that are for sale in my online store. 

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-78289528221498255292010-01-24T07:00:00.001-05:002010-01-24T07:00:04.550-05:00

I was playing around with some new goodies from the Occasions Mini Catalog and made some simple cards with paper from the new Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper Pack.  This pack of paper is so beautiful, I just love it.   I can't wait to scrapbook with it!  The punched out butterfly is also embossed (not clear in photo), because it was created using the  new Beautiful Wings Stampin Up! Embosslits

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-58850356327501889512010-01-20T07:00:00.001-05:002010-01-20T07:00:03.903-05:00

My mom gave me this beautiful birthday card last month...the picture really doesn't do it justice.  The butterfly is embossed with black, cut out and adhered with dimensionals so it pops off the card.  Just lovely.

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-21000401375419978432010-01-17T14:14:00.000-05:002010-01-17T14:14:20.882-05:00

Here's a glimpse of some of the pages that we'll be making in my Baby Album Class coming up on February 5th.  Signups for this are due this Wednesday since a lot of supplies are required for this class.  We will be making 20 pages with room for photos from baby's first year.   More information about the class can be found on my Stampin! Up! Website.

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-49221254400858139892010-01-02T17:44:00.004-05:002010-01-02T17:56:00.993-05:00

I'm a bit behind on my blogging still....here are some Christmas Cards that I sent and received last month. Thanks to all who took the time to send me a handmade card....I love receiving them! Happy New Year Everyone!

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-21088106008132298922009-12-21T08:39:00.002-05:002009-12-21T09:02:38.022-05:00

Sorry I've been missing in action lately. As you can imagine, the holiday season has been very busy for me as I'm sure it is for just about everyone else. I haven't had a whole lot of time for crafting, other than my creations for my scrapbooking class and my christmas cards. So I definitely have some catching up to do! Here are the pages that I created for my monthly scrapbooking class.

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-52045392174855999382009-11-23T19:18:00.005-05:002009-11-24T09:41:13.144-05:00

I just uploaded a huge stack of scrapbook layouts to my Etsy Store. Here are the left pages of a few of my favorites. Visit my Etsy Store to see them all!

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-50944834335787048862009-11-12T06:00:00.000-05:002009-11-12T06:00:01.424-05:00

This is a quick and easy thank you card that I whipped up for one of my clients using the Country Morning Hostess set, some blender pens and inks. I just love kraft cardstock, it's so versatile and give a great country feel.

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-21078885978555469912009-11-05T06:00:00.000-05:002009-11-05T06:00:03.318-05:00

Here are the Holiday Stamp-A-Stack cards that we made this week. We made 4-each of these designs...a great jump start on our Christmas cards! Created with the Dasher stamp and Christmas Cocoa flocked paper. Created with Shimmer paint, Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper, and the Holiday Best Stamp Set. Created with the Berry Christmas Stamp Set, and the Petals a Plenty embossing folder.

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-6211454129441610032009-10-29T20:08:00.003-05:002009-10-29T20:36:51.682-05:00

These are a little late, but here are the photos of this month's pages from my monthly scrapbooking class. We had lots of fun getting ready for our upcoming Halloween and Thanksgiving photos.

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-76427498356738665692009-10-15T06:00:00.001-05:002009-10-15T06:00:01.294-05:00

This is my first digital card that I've created. I'm a big dachshund lover so I just love this cute little guy. I don't have this stamp set in rubber, so I figured I'd play around with it. I think I may create something similar to this as a Hybrid card by printing out the dog and then assembling it the old fashioned way.

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-25952128804886844732009-10-11T06:00:00.000-05:002009-10-11T06:00:01.922-05:00

My husband got this card for his birthday and I'm excited to share it. The cat-tails are punch-outs using the small slot punch, and the sun was created by sponging ink through a circle template also created with a punch. The butterflies were cut out and folded before adhering to the card.

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-83673454242302670642009-10-08T13:45:00.003-05:002009-10-08T13:51:58.745-05:00

Here's a glimpse of the pages we'll be making in my "Christmas Album in a Day" class coming up in November. We'll be assembling 20 simple pages in just a couple hours. This album requires the Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin' Kit along with some extra 12x12 cardstock.

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-4399256410537337662009-10-01T13:54:00.003-05:002009-10-01T14:09:52.825-05:00

Well it took a long time, but I've finally took the digital plunge. Now, don't worry, I'm definitely not abandoning my love of traditional scrapbooking - now way! I can just see the value in having some digital tools to support my papercrafting now and then. So my inspiration to take the plunge was Stampin' Up!'s release of My Digital Studio. I've been going through the certification process

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-43904368819590603822009-09-20T06:00:00.000-05:002009-09-20T06:00:00.299-05:00

With September, comes photos of the first day back at school, apple picking and the changing of the leaves. So that's what the themes are for this month's scrapbooking layouts are for this month. Happy Scrapbooking!

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-67293918980168082612009-09-16T06:00:00.000-05:002009-09-16T06:00:04.319-05:00

A friend of mine needed some cards for teachers and I made her a bunch of these using the poem "Children Learn What They Live." I used Pale Plum, Rich Razzleberry, and Old Olive for the colors of this card. Patterened paper was from the Cottage Wall Collection from Stampin' Up!. For embellishment, I used the Photo Corner Punch with some silver brads and some Olive Ribbon from the Upcoming Holiday

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-43606019825342134112009-09-11T06:00:00.002-05:002009-09-11T06:00:01.893-05:00

Mia got scrapbooking supplies for her birthday. I gave her some extra photos and she dove right in. From watching me all these years she seemed to know just what to do without any help from me. She even knew how to add brads for embellishment! My jaw deops every time I see what she comes up with. Not bad for a 5 year old!!

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-21078666290328307012009-09-06T06:00:00.001-05:002009-09-06T06:00:02.325-05:00

I created this layout with more Storytellers Club Kit supplies. These pictures were from some fun times on the boat this summer. All the kids are brave enough to go on the tube now, they have so much fun!

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-4355951289479433092009-09-01T06:00:00.003-05:002009-09-01T06:57:05.091-05:00

Here's a glimpse of the cards that we'll be making at my Beary Cute Cards Class later this month. We'll be practicing a few different water color techniques along with some paper piecing as well with these adorable Build-A-Bear Stamps. So fun! Sign up for my Class if you'd like to make these adorable cards.

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-56988389299142001902009-08-28T12:05:00.003-05:002009-08-28T14:32:09.930-05:00

Here's a layout I made recently using some Storyteller Kit Supplies for Mia's Graduation photos. I actually used stickers for the title...haven't done that in a while!

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-62043590073964421422009-08-19T06:00:00.000-05:002009-08-19T06:00:02.254-05:00

This is a card that I created for a bride that needed Thank You cards that coordinated with her wedding theme. I used my Big Shot and a swirly Texturz plate for the background and die cut a Butterfly from the Hannah Montana Cricut cartridge. Some sparkles were added with my Stardust Gel pen and also the shimmery organdy ribbon.

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-64952718843563049372009-08-16T06:00:00.002-05:002009-08-16T06:00:02.999-05:00

This is a funky color combo using Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo and Crushed Curry. All pulled together with the help of some Razzlberry Lemonade paper. I used Teeny Tiny Wishes and Razzle Dazzle for stamps. I also ran the crushed curry paper through the Big Shot with a polka dot Texturz plate. I used my word window punch to create the greeting. Edges were inked up using the Direct-to-Paper

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-88096371852378713862009-08-12T06:00:00.000-05:002009-08-12T06:00:02.433-05:00

This one was inspired by something I saw only...just tweaked it to use some of the supplies I had on hand. I just love this Rich Razzleberry color, goes nicely with so many other colors. This card uses Pale Plum and Old Olive colors as well, polka dot ribbon, a flower Designer Brad, Cottage Wall patterned paper, and the Great Friend Stamp Set.

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-8982272077121899672009-08-09T13:34:00.003-05:002009-08-09T13:45:04.259-05:00

Wow! Looks like I've gotten out of my blog upload rhythm! I've been crazy busy with family and church events these past two weeks so blogging has just slipped my mind I guess! I did get a chance this weekend to "crank" out some premade layouts for my online store. Here's a taste of what's in the store now. I'm happy to announce that I'm now accepting checks and money orders in addition to

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-85623187739450136692009-08-02T06:00:00.000-05:002009-08-02T06:00:02.622-05:00

This layout is all about a visit that we made to a beautiful playground near Baltimore last Spring on one of my coaching trips. This layout uses Bazzill and Stampin Up cardstocks along with Storytellers patterned paper and embellishments.

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-48458906898996954772009-07-29T06:00:00.001-05:002009-07-29T06:00:09.521-05:00

Here's a layout that I created using photos from our trip to the Crayola factory this past spring. I had some fun with bright colors in some Storytellers Club Paper, Stampin' Up! cardstock, and the new Melon Mambo polka dot ribbon from Stampin' Up!.

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-56061416802053511652009-07-26T06:00:00.001-05:002009-07-26T06:00:02.655-05:00

Here's a card that was fun to make because it appears quilted. Of course I used my Big Shot for this with the Top Note Die. First I glued some squares of coordinating papers onto a piece of cardstock and then die cut it. These papers are from the retired Urban Garden Collection. I used circle punches and the scallop circle punch with for the greeting. Colors in this one are mostly retired:

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-29415825453275247482009-07-22T14:30:00.000-05:002009-07-22T20:21:50.076-05:00

I'm a little behind on my uploads...it's been a busy 2 weeks! Here are the two projects we made for the Catalog Unveiling last week. I was so excited to use some of the new polka dot ribbons, my scallop oval punch and a pretty new embossing folder! Stamps: Teeny Tiny WishesInks: Rich RazzleberryPapers: Bashful Blue, Old Olive, WhiteAccessories: Rich Razzleberry polka dot ribbon, scallop oval

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-82451590808056321932009-07-15T06:00:00.000-05:002009-07-15T06:00:07.174-05:00

Here are this month's scrapbook pages for my monthly class. Enjoy!

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-35012261363457874042009-07-12T06:00:00.001-05:002009-07-12T06:00:04.755-05:00

I finally got around to adding some pretties to my walls in my bedroom. I've been struggling with the decor in my bedroom. This helps a bit, but I still need more to spice up a relatively bland room. I love these vinyl Decor Elements from Stampin Up, so easy and so elegant!

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-81243258034587396152009-07-08T06:00:00.001-05:002009-08-30T19:56:16.104-05:00

I got inspired by a card in one of my recent Stampin' Up! magazines to use YoYo Yellow and Pacific Point together in a card. I know...Pacific Point is now "old news" but it's one of those colors I'm not ready to let go of yet. So this card uses the new "Kind and Caring Thoughts" Hostess set from the New Catalog, both for the flower and the greeting. I ran the yellow through the Big Shot with a

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-60772012159420583652009-07-05T06:00:00.000-05:002009-07-09T00:37:01.493-05:00

Here's a layout that I made recently that I thought I'd share. It came from a kit that I picked up last year at a yard sale. I used one whole sheet of the patterned polka dot paper for this and just divided it between both pages. I added some Brocade blue to the edges of the mats. I like the Rik Rak and Gingham ribbon that came with the kit...very cute!

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-15050420142028115192009-07-01T06:00:00.002-05:002009-07-09T00:37:01.771-05:00

In the spirit of our Nation's Birthday, I thought I'd share this fun invite I got from my friend Michelle last week. She hosts a fantastic Independence Day party every year and she labors every year on beautiful hand-made invitations. This year she added some sparkle on the stars, the perfect touch!

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-45136078259341265832009-06-28T06:00:00.001-05:002009-06-30T20:03:32.380-05:00

It's been a while since I did a real Stampin' Up! workshop, but last week I did one that focused on Stamping and Scrapbooking. These are the projects we made. This scrapbook page uses Cameo Coral, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss and So Saffron. All colors that I found in the Walk in the Park paper from the Occasions Mini Catalog. The Butterfly from "Great Friend" is stamped with Saffron ink on the Saffron

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-409768287885330262009-06-24T07:00:00.003-05:002009-06-30T20:05:20.353-05:00

I'm so excited to announce that I'll be hosting a Crop to benefit a local 8-year-old boy named Jacob Shell who is battling Neuroblastoma Cancer. So far the support for this little boy has been tremendous and I want to do more to ensure that this family is not stressed by the financial burden that this battle could cause. They have enough to be worried about.So on July 18th, I'll be hosting a "

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-69861814973607551162009-06-24T06:00:00.004-05:002009-06-30T20:01:47.359-05:00

This month it was all about summer at my monthly scrapbooking class. I also had fun using up some special papers I've collected but never got around to using. This first layout uses the new Melon Mambo pink that willb in the new catalog coming up in July. I couldn't resist using it since it worked so well with the patterned paper. The other colors are Certainly celery and Bashful Blue. I also

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-83321968964967141182009-06-17T08:00:00.002-05:002009-06-17T18:30:31.053-05:00

Here are the cards that we made for the recent Mommy & Me Class. My kids and I had such a great time at this class. Here's the recipe for this first card:Stamps: Crazy for CupcakesInks: Basic BlackPapers: Tangerine Tango, So Saffron, Whisper White, Real RedAccessories: Wide Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder (background), colored pencils Stamps: Wild about You, Best Friends

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-27671130545317445682009-06-14T08:00:00.000-05:002009-06-14T08:00:01.054-05:00

Here's a sampling of some of the pages that I have available in my Online store. Local customers can of course purchase these through me in person. Enjoy!

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-76346344040134501652009-06-10T08:00:00.001-05:002009-06-10T08:00:01.479-05:00

Here's a layout that I recently completed of a fun day that I had with the kids at our local park and bike path. I used some Pear themed papers and embellishments from Storytellers Club. I know these pictures have nothing to do with pears but I just thought the paper and colors were pretty! Pears are a trendy thing now for some reason, so I guess it's ok to use pear paper as if it were floral

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-88059682404531432752009-06-07T08:00:00.001-05:002009-06-07T08:00:08.303-05:00

My Mom made me this beautiful card for my husband and I on our Anniversary. She used the new Manhatten flower Embossing Folder on vellum for a very elegant card. Thanks Mom!

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-11194964786555267962009-06-03T14:04:00.003-05:002009-06-03T14:16:15.354-05:00

I'm excited to announce that Belinda is the winner of this month's layout challenge. She didn't have much competition on this one...you all must be so busy! What I love about this layout is that she turned the second page. This layout was used for my recent scrap-a-stack and I keep hearing rave reviews from the attendees with how pleased they are that both pages can be easily turned to suit

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-18229881202738178842009-05-31T06:00:00.000-05:002009-05-31T06:00:00.787-05:00

Here's a layout I quickly assembled using some Easter elements from one of my StoryTellers Club Kits. This layout captures some Easter activities that the kids enjoyed on Good Friday, including an outdoor Easter Egg Hunt. The title was created using my "Making the Grade" Cricut cartridge.

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-91175807484587598242009-05-27T06:00:00.004-05:002009-05-27T06:00:00.440-05:00

Tempting Turquoise, Only Orange, and Green Galore are 3 colors that say "summer" to me. Here's a card that I made to play with the cute and funny "Just Beachy" stamp set. The faces on some of these fish crack me up! The black strip is embossed with the small polka dots Texturz plate and the Big Shot (not visible in photo). The greeting is from "Family Phrases" and is stamped on a circle

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-12632579853973003532009-05-24T06:00:00.002-05:002009-05-24T06:00:00.410-05:00

Here are the rest of the photos from the Scrap-A-Stack, the first was posted on 5/17 for the Sketch Challenge. The intent of this class was to create 12 simple pages using the same sketch, but different colors, papers, and accessories. There are no titles and the pages are generic enough that they can be used for a variety of photos. Enjoy!

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-70179004037385021872009-05-20T06:00:00.004-05:002009-05-20T06:00:00.864-05:00

This month's Classy Cards focused on using the Big Shot in a variety of ways, and also playing with some punches and rhinestones. This first card was made with the Manhattan Textured Impressions Die. The nice thing about this die (which is much like a Cuttlebug embossing folder) is that it practically mades the card. It's so elegant that you really don't need to add much else to the card. So

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-89819487702045007222009-05-17T06:00:00.003-05:002009-06-01T13:51:55.277-05:00

This is a little late in coming, but I'm excited to give you all a new sketch challenge to play with. I hope we will get more participation this time. This is actually the sketch that I used for last week's "Stamp-a-Stack" during which we made 6, 2-page layouts. I'm excited to see what you all come up with , feel free to share layouts with or without photos. The "deadline" for this challenge is

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-20703750220110312132009-05-13T06:00:00.003-05:002009-05-13T06:00:00.319-05:00

For those of you who have been subscribing to this blog via Feedblitz, I just wanted to inform you that some Internet Subscribers have been cancelling your subscription without your knowledge. I'm not sure why this is happening, but if you discover that you haven't heard from me in a while, this may be the case. You are welcome to use some of the other subscription options which you can find

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-91828232256598325522009-05-10T06:00:00.001-05:002009-05-10T06:00:00.235-05:00

I'm so excited to share with you photos of my remodeled craft room! Last weekend I just decided to stop putting it off and started painting. Two days later....I was excited to have my new "happy place" ready to work in. In this photo above, you'll see the laminate countertop that my husband installed form me. I found this 8 foot countertop piece at Home Depot and my husband attached it to the

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-36695328959097097202009-05-06T06:00:00.000-05:002009-05-06T06:00:00.337-05:00

Here's another layout for Alexa's Album of her 1 year old photos...my little baby! For this one I used a Simply Scrappin Kit called "2 Sweet." I used half a kit to make this layout and another extra layout below and I still have more stickers and paper left! Colors for this include Pale Plum, Perfect Plum, Kiwi Kiss and Basic Gray.

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-30791618274977654112009-05-03T06:00:00.000-05:002009-05-03T06:00:00.170-05:00

Wow...I'm actually posting a layout with photos in it!! Haven't done that for a while. As many of you know I make an album for each of my children with one 2-page layout per year. Here is Alexa's layout for age 2. I used supplies from one of my StoryTellers Club kits...the paper was meant to coordinate with some Easter embellishments but I skipped those and just added some flowers that I made

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-14551404028875791062009-04-29T13:12:00.003-05:002009-04-29T13:35:25.673-05:00

I made this card today for a Card Sketch Challenge SC226. It's been a while since I've participated in a challenge, so this was really fun! The dandelions in the photo are a sampling from the massive bouquet I receive from my kids every day.Stamps: Wonderful WatercolorsInks: Chocolate Chip, Summer Sun, Mellow Moss, Close to CocoaPapers: Kraft, Summer Sun, Mellow Moss, Chocolate ChipAccessories:

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-52559824075566178852009-04-26T06:00:00.000-05:002009-04-26T06:00:00.839-05:00

This month's Scrapbooking Class featured lots of new papers. This first layout uses the wild and crazy Raspberry Tart Designer Series Paper with Rose Red, Regal Rose and Kiwi Kiss elements. Double sided Kiwi Kiss/Vanilla Ribbon is used as an accent. This gender-neutral layout uses patterned papers from the Hoppy Memories Simply Scrappin Kit (I love these kits!). I did some stamping with the

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-85297028422181711082009-04-20T20:37:00.004-05:002009-04-20T21:12:44.556-05:00

This month we did some work with the crimper and cuttlebug to add some textures to our cards and we played with some watercoloring too. This card was made using a cuttlebug embossing folder. Very Vanilla paper was embossed with the swirls and then I used a red ink pad to add red color to the swirls. I then added some tangerine and saffron colors with sponges to the swirls and background. The red

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-56488098885852344802009-04-08T20:10:00.004-05:002009-04-08T21:16:40.322-05:00

In preparation for this holy week, here's a cute Easter layout to get you thinking about your Easter photos. I know, Iknow, I keep using this layout...it's just stuck in my head and works so well with patterned paper! The colors in this layout include Rose Romance, So Saffron, and Apricot Appeal. I used my "Doodle Charms" Cricut cartridge for the die cut images and the "Making the Grade"

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-5863761653482710962009-04-05T06:00:00.001-05:002009-04-05T06:00:00.636-05:00

In today's culture of eco-friendliness, it's nice to know that Stampin' Up! is doing their part. Though there are many things that Stampin' Up! is doing to be environmentally friendly, I thought I would share with you how their products like wood blocks, paper, and rubber have been actively used and created in responsible ways.Rubber: Rather than dumping excess rubber in a landfill, Stampin' Up!

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-79967434283418179322009-04-01T06:00:00.000-05:002009-04-01T06:00:00.963-05:00

I don't remember the last time I used my crimper! I made this card for a swap that I'm participating in for my local Moms Club. Stamps: Close as a MemoryInks: Almost Amethyst, Garden GreenPapers: Mellow Moss, Almost Amethyst, Garden Green, Natural WhiteAccessories: Crimper, Amethyst Grosgrain from Fairy Tale CollectionNotes: The focal image was run through the crimper twice in 2 different

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-82979243774071079352009-03-29T06:00:00.004-05:002009-03-29T06:00:00.419-05:00

I'm so excited that I finally got around to trying out Stampin' Up!'s Decor Elements! It's taken me a while, but I finally took the plunge. Wow, are these things easy? I used the gorgeous tree here in my dining room. I'm considering making some words about family to put on this wall with the tree, just need to find the time.I also recently repainted my kitchen and needed to add something to an

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-47502717199834552772009-03-25T06:00:00.001-05:002009-03-25T06:00:00.850-05:00

I went to a baby shower for an old friend of mine this weekend, it's been a while since I've been to one of those! It was so fun to pull out my Nursery Necessities stamp set to make her a card to accompany her gift. I had a hard time thinking of what color combination to use since she doesn't know the sex of the baby yet, so I chose a little inspiration from the baby blanket that I gave her (see

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-32234755514191208112009-03-22T16:17:00.003-05:002009-03-22T16:53:44.170-05:00

This month's scrapbooking class includes a variety of themes. We'll be making this spring page above, an adaptable Pirate-themed layout, and a winter layout for those remaining winter photos.Recipe for above layout:Stamps: A Great Friend (to be released in the upcoming Occasions Mini Catalog)Inks: So Saffron, Certainly CeleryPapers: Very Vanilla, So Saaffron, Certainly Celery, Flock Together

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-89894644913293967752009-03-18T08:00:00.004-05:002009-03-18T08:00:00.367-05:00

This month all the cards in my card class used the Signo White Gel Pen...something I consider to be a papercrafting necessity. I also used 2 new stamp sets that I've been enjoying lately. The first 2 cards use the new set "Ever After." I purchased this set because of the Lily of the Valley stamp that is used in the above card. I just love Lily of the Valley, it smells so nice and is one of those

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-49692241850425110152009-03-16T14:33:00.005-05:002009-03-16T15:05:27.301-05:00

Belinda, who created this adorable layout to display her son at his first Tiger Cub Pinewood Derby. For my first Scrappy Mama Challenge, we only had 2 entries, but hopefully we'll get more in the future. The other entry was from Paula, who made the cute layout below:To choose the winner, I used the "coin flip" tool on Random.org for the first time. I assigned "heads" to Belinda and "tails" to

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-40400395761181921312009-03-15T06:00:00.001-05:002009-03-28T16:24:15.533-05:00

Here's a tip that I've discovered over the years that really helps me get the most work done at my crops and other scrapbooking gatherings with friends:MAKE YOUR OWN KITS!I used to bring my photos to crops and bring as much of my stuff with me as was physically possible because I never knew what I might need. Instead, before I go to a crop, I set aside some time to group photos with the papers

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-65595067454754306142009-03-11T06:00:00.002-05:002009-03-16T16:00:03.623-05:00

This is the first card I've made using one of this year's Sale-A-Bration sets! The Botanical Blooms is, for now, my favorite 2009 SAB set. I used some of my old stash of supplies to complete this one: including a sheet of retired Real Red Prints paper and some mulberry paper. Stamps: Botanical Blooms, Wonderful WordsInks: Chocolate Chip, Real RedPapers: Real Red Prints DS paper, Whisper White,

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-1361191776627237122009-03-11T06:00:00.001-05:002009-03-11T06:00:00.245-05:00

Just 5 days left before I draw a name for the winner of my first sketch challenge! Here's another example that I whipped up last week with some extra kit materials. The details for the challenge can be found here. I can't wait to see what all of you come up with!Papers: Starburst Storytellers Paper, Tempting Turquoise Textured Cardstock, Green Galore, Real RedAccessories: Turquoise grosgrain

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-38054350474083807712009-03-08T08:00:00.000-05:002009-03-08T08:00:01.068-05:00

Since I recently finished my 2008 album, I was a little reminiscent about when I started scrapbooking. I'll never forget how I was introduced to this great hobby. A friend of mine named Sue brought me into her car on our lunch break to show me her Creative Memories scrapbooks. We played volleyball together, and I remember her saying that it's less expensive than playing volleyball....now I'm not

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-72059555769943434772009-03-01T08:00:00.005-05:002009-03-01T08:00:01.030-05:00

I'm excited to offer my first ScrappyMama Scrapbooking Challenge this month. Since most people I know tend to scrapbook 2 page layouts, I'm going to provide a 2-page layout sketch for you all to try. You can then take a picture of your layout , post the picture on splitcoaststampers.com, your own blog, or some other online gallery, and then link it in a comment to this blog post. For every

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-55014903404256983372009-02-25T08:00:00.003-05:002009-02-25T08:00:00.181-05:00

These are the pages that we will be making at my monthly Scrapbooking Class. This month I created pages that can be used for a whole variety of occasions. Because I don't know which pictures I'll be using for these pages, I haven't put titles on 2 of them. This first layout is was made with Regal Rose background paper, Pink Pirouette, Bashful Blue, and Chocolate Chip cardstocks. The patterned

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-62028002157873571372009-02-22T08:00:00.007-05:002009-02-22T08:00:00.331-05:00

I've changed the name of monthly card class to Classy Cards, because we may not be focusing on a particular technique each month, we may just explore new tools or just try to make something really pretty! This month all the colors seemed to revolve around the theme of Flower embellishments. This first card uses the new Heart-to-Heart punch to create a flower. I arranged 8 of the large narrow

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-5824052296125835802009-02-20T10:58:00.004-05:002009-02-20T11:25:09.462-05:00

As some of you may know, I am a volleyball coach in addition to all the other roles that I play in my life. It's so funny because my volleyball world and papercrafting world rarely collide, only when I make gifts for some of the girls that I coach. I made a few of these mini-photo albums as prizes for a fun tournament that I coordinated as a change of pace to our regular practice schedule. I

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-36737831940018214712009-02-18T08:00:00.000-05:002009-02-18T08:00:00.638-05:00

After my last crop I had all of 2008 completed except for a couple of layouts from Christmas. I just finished the last layout! I have a few things to say about this layout. Firstly, this is a perfect example of how you can still use those little scraps of patterned paper that you have laying around. Many of my layouts use very little patterned paper because I design them for my classes and

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6795545526535512826.post-18149790325242670462009-02-15T08:00:00.000-05:002009-02-15T08:00:00.604-05:00

This is a quick little valentine card that I made up to send to a friend that I think needs a little "pick-me-up." I need to do this more often. Almost a year ago in my role as "Sunshine Coordinator" for my local MOMS Club, I would send little "Random Acts of Kindness" cards to the club members randomly to just brighten their day. When I resigned from that position, I told myself that I would

Gretchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03149940386572993842noreply@blogger.com0