kcustom - Family Memories Captured

Volly Ball Tourny #3

2012-01-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

Volly Ball Tourny #2

2012-01-23T08:00:00.002-05:00

Volly Ball Tourny #1

2012-01-22T08:00:00.002-05:00

These layouts were done with Creative Memories Story Book Creator. Even though its Volleyball I used their primary Basketball package to create the layouts.

2012-01-21T08:00:00.001-05:00

Layout two of my son Hat Trick Game!

Camerons Hat Trick - #1

2012-01-20T14:14:00.000-05:00

My son has been playing hockey for 7 years, two years of which were hockey school, then for the past 5 years he has been a full-time goalie.....this year he is 10 and for the first time he is playing out this season, and he is doing so well that he usually plays centre!!! On January 15th I am proud to say my little goalie got his first Hat Trick!!! Way to go Cam!

Kids Christmas Party #4

2012-01-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

This is the rest of the outdoor party of the party!

Kids Christmas Party #3

2012-01-10T08:00:00.004-05:00

The girls looked so amazing, it was like they were having a little prom!

Kids Christmas Party #2

2012-01-09T08:00:00.002-05:00

These layouts are about the boy’s portion of our Kids Christmas party. They had an outdoor party with hockey and a bonfire.

Oh so Frustrated....Kids Christmas party #1

2012-01-08T12:28:00.000-05:00

As you may know by now if your a follower .....I am a fan bar none of Creative Memories Story Book Creator to do my digital projects.....Well a couple of weeks before Christmas my best friend Char and I sat down and installed the newest upgrade 4.0, it seemed to install ok and then well it was Christmas so......lots of picture taking and no scrapbooking....but now it’s a muggy 5 degrees up here in Ontario Canada....yippee it should be -10 or lower so I am a happy girl.....but that means its finally time to hide in my scrapbooking room and get to work. Last night I got my computer and my external hard drive where I keep all my scrapbooking programs and pictures and set up to get to work.....only to my dismay, because I could not get anything to work or any of the new packages to down load....uggg, cause I had such a great Christmas package to download....so A VERY DISCOURAGED ME......went back to the 3.0 version and as my blood pressure settled down, LOL, I managed to create 8 digital pages of my Children’s Christmas party which I will share with you over my next 4 posts...........Happy New Year Everyone.

Camerons Hat Trick - #2

2012-01-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

This is the second layout of my sons Hat Trick Game!!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

Gifts for Friends

2011-12-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

These are the gift baskets of mugs/coffee flavoring, that I gave the girls at our Christmas lunch on this past Monday.

and this was the card I made to go with it!

Our tree with gifts for family

2011-12-23T13:05:00.000-05:00

These are gifts for our family and friends, all wrapped up in silver paper with a beautiful pattern embossed with glitter!!! So very nice...

Shortbread Cookies

2011-12-23T08:00:00.002-05:00

My freind Christine over at DOL CREATIONS posted a recipe for shortbread cookies, so my daughter and I though we would give it a try.

Gingerbread houses! 2011

2011-12-22T08:00:00.002-05:00

In the past my children have built one gingerbread house and each decorated a side.

This year I decided to get two houses for them.

Here is what the came up with.

Kids Christmas Party 2011

2011-12-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

2011 Christmas Cards

2011-12-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Kelli's Pepper Jelly

2011-12-19T08:00:00.002-05:00

This is the first year I made pepper Jelly but it won't be the last, everyone loves it!

I made regular and sugar free. If you replace the sugar equally for splenda it tastes amazing but does not turn into a jelly, more of a very thick liquid.

Kelli's Pepper Jelly

1 1/2 cups sweet red peppers put thru food processor to basically liquefy

1 1/2 cups vinegar

6 1/2 cups sugar (or Splenda for sugar free)

3 ounces liquid pectin

In a large pot combine peppers, vinegar, sugar (or Splenda) and bring to a boil, cook for 6 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in liquid pectin and continue to boil for 3 more minutes, stirring constantly. Skim off foam and remove from heat. Ladle jelly into sterilized jars, leaving a 1/2 inch of head space. Seal and boil in pickling pot for 5 minutes.

Bar for our Christmas Party 2011 and Reindeer Beer!

2011-12-18T11:00:00.003-05:00

Kelli's Salsa

2011-12-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

Kelli's Salsa

4 cups peeled chopped tomatoes

2 cups seeded, chopped long green Chile's

1/2 cup seeded, chopped jalapeno peppers

3/4 cup chopped onions

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 cups vinegar

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tbsp oregano

1 tbsp fresh cilantro

1 1/2 tsp salt

Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Ladle hot into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch of head space. Boil in canning pot for 15 minutes.

Festive food for our Kids Christmas Party 2011

2011-12-17T18:49:00.000-05:00

Yellow pepper star,

cheese cubes

fresh rosemary

cherry tomatoes

layor on parchment paper lined cookie sheet

mini pretzle

hershy kiss

put in 170 degree ferinhite over for about 7 minutes til chocolate is soft.

top with a smartie

put in fridge to set

Kelli's Bread and Butter pickles

2011-12-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

These are my mothers favorite, she likes them cut paper thin, but this year my food processor was broken, everything us cut by hand, sorry mom they are no paper thin this year......I just realized my pickling was cursed this year....broken food processor.....22 jars of spoiled dills....wow never made that connection until right now....

Kelli's Bread and Butter Pickles

4 quarts sliced cucumbers

6 white medium onions peeled and cut in thin slices

1/3 cup coarse salt

Do not pare cucumbers, just wash them and cut them in thin slices. I use a crock for these, while preparing. Mix cucumbers, onion and add salt. cover with ice. Let set overnight (I put in the fridge). You may have to add More ice. You want them to stay very cold. When ready to prepare, rinse them very well.

Syrup:

3 cups of sugar

1 1/2 tsp of turmeric

1 1/2 tsp of celery seed

2 tbsp mustard seed

3 cup white vinegar

Combine syrup ingredients in pot and bring to a boil. When sugar is dissolved, add cucumbers. heat to boiling. Pack into hot, sterilized jars. Remove air bubbles. Boil in large pickling pot for 10 minutes.

Kelli's Dill Pickles

2011-12-16T08:00:00.001-05:00

Well this is the book were all my secrets are!

Recipes that is!

I started pickling about 20 years ago and believe me I don't feel near old enough to have been pickling for 20 years...really!

And that being said I had my first catastrophe this year.....22 bottle of my dill's (the most asked for pickle among my friends and family) spoiled and I don't know why, I has never happened to me before. So I am sorry to say that my family who generally each get a case of pickles at Christmas, won't be getting a full case.....and I am so sorry....you will also be getting a small store bought gift....there is always next year....you still get a couple of bottles.

Kelli's Dills

1. Prepare the brine:

1 cup pickling salt

40 oz vinegar

100 oz water

Heat until salt dissolves just before the boiling point.

2. Put into each sterilized Jar's

2 large cloves of garlic

1 branch of dill weed including flower

1 tbsp of pickling spice

Fill Jar with baby cucumbers

Fill jar with brine leaving 1/2 inch of space at the top empty

Seal jars and boil for 10 minutes in large pickling pot.

Ready in about 6 weeks, but the longer they sit the better they are!

2011 Family Portraits

2011-12-15T08:00:00.001-05:00

My dear friend Karen is getting into photography and my family did the photo soot with her! I was sooooooooo happy with how the photos turned out, this one in front of St. Georges Church is my favorite.

http://kwilsonphotography.blogspot.com/

If you live in our area give her a call, you won't be disappointed.

I am going to frame this one diferently but this frame will do for now...its a little plain for this photo I think.

Gift Wrapping with my Cricut and Art of Philosphy Cartridge

2011-12-14T12:02:00.002-05:00

I wanted some cut boxes to wrap gifts for some of my favorite girls...

I used my Close to My Heart "Art of Philosophy Cartridge" for the Cricut to cut these adorable boxes.

I cut the box in plain black cardstock first.

Then cut it again with the glittered wrapping paper I am using this Christmas.

Glued the two layers together and had this great little package.

Its a Red and Black Christmas In My House!! The wrapping....started..

2011-12-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

This is the beginning of the wrapping! It is a little tricky because of the embossed black glitter, the tape won't stick....I am going to have to get creative...I am thinking glue gun...stay tuned for the finished decorated packages in a few days....

Its a Red and Black Christmas In My House!! The wrapping....

2011-12-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

The gifts will be wrapped in the love glitteredd paper....I am so excited....watch in the days to follow for the fully decorated versions.....I wrap one day and decorate on another day......

Even though my Daughter Makayla is 12 and fully understands the fantasy's of Christmas and my son Cameron is 10...well he is just to scared still to admit he understands.....Santa still has his own wrapping paper....this year I suggested this black and red one to him...I hope the elves use it!!

I guess my Christmas morning pictures will let us know....

Snowman Card

2011-12-12T10:54:00.000-05:00

I was in desperate need of a craft fix last night so I locked myselft away in my scrapbooking room and this is what I came up with

Its a Red and Black Christmas In My House!! The Banister etc.

2011-12-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

This banister looks much better in person...it does not look so skimpy along the rail...oh well pictures don't always do thing the justice they deserve. By this point in the decorating Makayla was much more open to my ideas although again she was skeptical of the black boa until the wreath was done and hung.

In the center there is a Waterford crystal ornament that I have had for many years, it was a gift.

This a a favorite Chritmas piece that fit just lovely in my theme.

Its a Red and Black Christmas In My House!! The Tree

2011-12-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

My twelve year old daughter Makayla was very upset with me when I told her we were not using our traditional ornaments for decorating, and was even more upset when I told her my black and red idea...then when I bought the red boa's....well you can imagine.....but when we decorated our tree and she saw my vision coming together....she really liked it....and she was very happy when she realized that a few of our traditional ornaments could go on the tree because the were the right colour.

This old cracked apple is ....... very old..... I would say over 50 years old...it was from my grandparent tree and I could never have a Christmas with out it on my tree....that made Makayla very happy...I am sure one day it will be on her tree...just like for years it was on my parents tree...

The butterfly was a gift from a friend, I told her about my theme and she saw this when she was shopping and picked it up for me, she is very thoughtful. Thanks Gaby!

My Daughter Makayla learning to sew! Project #2

2011-12-10T20:54:00.000-05:00

Its a Red and Black Christmas In My House!!

2011-12-10T09:55:00.000-05:00

This is what stated it all, the whole theme came from when I set my eyes upon this black Christmas ball.....I had to have them....and the little red ones too.....

Then came the fabric for decorating the lids of my preserves I make for gifts at Christmas......coming up in the next few days I will.....as promised to many friends.....post pictures and recipes......

After that, everything just seemed to fall into place. I thought I was being very original, but everywhere I go now.....I find black and red......

In the New Year when I a have more time......I will have lots of layouts reflecting my red and black Christmas to share with you....stay tuned for more updates on decorating, cards, gift wrapping....

Birthday Cards!

2011-11-30T08:00:00.001-05:00

It is time to stock up on birthday cards again, my box is gettng empty. This is one of a few I made at a retreat I co-hosted this past weekend.

Trouble! Darien 2010

2011-11-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

These are my children and trouble is a very good name for this layout!

They were 10 (Makayla) and 8 (Cameron) when this was taken at Darien Lake.

Saloon Girls! Darien 2010

2011-11-27T08:00:00.003-05:00

This was taken in Darien Lake the summer of 2010. These girls are such good friends and they range in age here 12, 10 and 8.

I can not even give you details of what I used because it is all stuff I have had in my scrapbooking room for years, they all just happened to work for this....the lettering I cut with my "story time" cricut cartridge.

Darien 2010 - for Lasting Memories Challenge Blog

2011-11-26T11:35:00.001-05:00

This is a pose of my children taken at Darien Lake.

This layout is entered in the Lasting Memories Challenge Blog "Inspirational Photo"

The serenity of the photo and the muted colours with one popping colour is the inspiration for this layout. Wish me luck!

This is the inspirational photo,

Red and Black Christmas

2011-11-26T08:00:00.003-05:00

For the first time I have decided to go with a theme for my Christmas decorating and it s Black and Red with feather boas. My daughter was horrified when I told her. But I knew my vision was going to turn out great, so I went with it....and love how it turned out!

My Christmas cards were posted earlier, stay turned for my banister and wreath done with red and black boas, as well as the gifts in damask black and sliver paper....very exciting.

Non-Traditional Black and Red Christmas Cards

2011-10-28T08:57:00.000-04:00

This year I wanted to go with a new colour scheme for Christmas and it's going to be Black and Red. I decided this when I saw these amazing black glass Christmas tree ornaments with feathers around the top, which also come in red. Then I realized, that the month before when I had ordered my supplies from Close to My Heart to make these cards, I had also ordered Black and Red.....It must be a sign....so Black and Red it is....my mom is going to freak....she hates black....LOL..I think I need to slip out to the local dollar store and pick up some black feather boa's for my tree as well.....

I used silver ink and Close to My Heart B1376 Wings stamp to create my back ground paper.

I used the same silver ink and Close to My Heart C1423 Captured Moments to create my popped up image which I bordered in the same red I used for the card base.

The mess I made while designing this card.

Grade 6 School Picture Layout -and my entry into two blog challenges

2011-10-24T11:20:00.003-04:00

This layout is for my daughters school/sports& activities book. It will have a pocket page beside it to hold examples of her grade 6 work and any certificates etc. she may have received...The paper is Typeset x7139B by Close to my heart found on page 16.

2nd entry at heart2heartchallenges.blogspot.com

1st entry in kcclayoutchallenges.blogspot.com/2011/10/lmcb-61-bling-it-on.html

Wish me luck!

Digital Layout - Cameron's Yellow Belt Test

2011-10-20T08:00:00.002-04:00

Grade 4 School Picture Layout for - H2H Close To My Heart Challenge Blog

2011-10-18T20:27:00.000-04:00

I am totally inspired again, after alot and I mean alot of digital layouts, I am back in the land of traditional!

This is for my Son's School and Sports book. His Grade 4 (I am a year behind) school picture layout.

This is also my entry for the H2H challenge! Wish me luck

Paper Packet - X7139B - Typset

Chip Board - Z1681 - Numbers

Stamp Set - Will have to update this info later!

Sherkston Shores Vacation continued

2011-10-18T08:00:00.002-04:00

At the Sherkston Shores pool the also have a spa, rock climbing, bungee trampoline and other fun stuff for kids and adults.

Digital Layout - The Annual Garage Sale

2011-10-17T08:00:00.001-04:00

Digital Layout - PA Day at my brothers house!

2011-10-16T19:36:00.001-04:00

Sherkston Shores Vacation - Casualty to the Skare Board Park

2011-08-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

My son while perfecting his "180" smashed his face of a cement ramp at the skate board park. With in hours the lip was acutally swollen right past the bottom lip, I should have taken a picture of it. ...

Sherkston Shores Vacation continued

2011-08-14T08:00:00.000-04:00

Sherkston Shores has a great pool deck, with 3 pools, 2 hot tubs, water slides and a new splash pad.

Sherkston Shores Vacation continued

2011-08-13T08:00:00.001-04:00

Sherkston Shores Vacation continued

2011-08-12T08:00:00.001-04:00

The beach at Sherkston Shores is white and runs for miles, it was very overcast the day we spent at the beach so my pictures are not as bright as usual. There are enormous sand dunes the kids love to climb and the dads love to drive the golf carts down to the beach!

Sherkston Shores Vacation continued

2011-08-11T08:00:00.001-04:00

This is the beautiful Quarry at Sherkston Shores. The kids love to swim and play on the sandy beach!

Creative Memories Storey Book Creator

Sherkston Shores Vacation continued

2011-08-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

Creative Memories Storey Book Creator

Creative Memories Rugged Power Pallett

Sherkston Shores Vacation

2011-08-09T08:00:00.002-04:00

These are the beginning of our Sherkston Shores Vacation! We travel with a group of 9 families with trailers, unfortunately I missed photographing one.

Creative Memories - Storey book Creator

Creative Memories - Rugged Digital Power Pallet

Vanderfest 2011

2011-08-08T08:00:00.002-04:00

Vanderfest is a play on words, of our good friends last name, and the anual weekend we all camp at their home near Sauble Beach....These are layouts of our good times at Vanderfest.

Sauble Speedway 2011

2011-08-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

While we were camping a friends near Sauble Beach, one night my husand took our kids, along with some of our friends, to Sauble Speedway.

Sauble Beach 2011

2011-08-06T11:46:00.000-04:00

It has been a busy summer as always, travel, cottage and camp is the name of the game!

When there are just to many pictures to choose from to do tradition layouts, I pull out my Creative memories storey book creator and go to work on digital. Over the next 2-3 weeks I will showcase our summer vacations...I hope you enjoy!

Its been a busy summer, lots of trips, cottageing and camping, see you very soon!!

2011-08-03T20:00:00.002-04:00

Will be back sooner than I thought!

2011-06-23T15:01:00.002-04:00

Turns out I have a Virus in my lap top not a fried hard drive so I will be back bloggin sooner than I thought!! See you soon!!

I am still around!

2011-06-23T08:59:00.002-04:00

I am still here!

I just came back from vacation, only to have my lap top "fry" the day I got home!!!

So if you don't see me posting, its because I only have computer access at work, and if my husband his home with his lap top! Hopefully will be back a bloggin soon! I hope you will miss me as much as I will miss blogging!!!!

Young Love - For my album that is all about me!

2011-06-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

Paper - Something I had in my scrap room

Words - Cut with my Cricut "Cursive" Cartridge

Bling - From the local Dollar Store

We have all been there, you meet this handsome wonderful young man and wonder........

Well I was 25 years old and had never dated anyone younger than me....and I just knew that this cute army guy I had met the night before (and was presently on a date with) had to be younger than me....but how much....I finally got up the nerve to as him and he said "18"! Well I almost pee'd my pants and wanted to abandon him right there in the ride line at an amusement park....but he saw the panic in my face and started to laugh and said "No 21 really".....well it was certainly better than 18 and we have been together for almost 20 years now, so what can I say!!

A Christmas Gift (2010)

2011-06-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

Album - Retired Acrylix Album by Close to My Heart

Paper - Magnifique Level 2 "7127B" paper pack by Close to My Heart

Ribbon - Retired Close to My Heart Ribbon

Buttons - Close to My Heart

Bling - the local dollar store

Flowers -sassyscraping.com

This is in my opinion (lol) a work of art I created as a Christmas gift for my brother and is fiance. Especially considering I had just gotten out of the hospital and was well drugged (again, LOL). It took me months to plan and collect all the pictures from their 11 years together. I only wanted pictures of them alone, no one else in them. I collected them from friends and family! In the end they loved it so much it was worth all the time and work collecting the pictures.

A New Me! With my Sister! Down 75 Pounds!

2011-06-16T22:49:00.005-04:00

Paper - Something I had in my scap room

Numbers - Cut with my Cricut "Street Signs"

This picture of my Sister and I was taken a birthday party in April, 2011.

A New Me! Down 66 pounds!

2011-06-15T08:00:00.004-04:00

Paper - Silhouette by Close to My Heart

Numbers - Cut with my Cricut "Street Signs"

These pictures are taken by my kids. The shirt was give to me by my cousin and I was so impressed it fit. You can see I am still wearing old pants and they are hanging off of me.

New Me!! and my kiddies!

2011-06-14T09:06:00.000-04:00

Paper - Silhouette by Close to My Heart

These picture are of my children and myself. They have been so supportive of my weight loss journey. They are great kids!

A New Me! Down 57 pounds!

2011-06-13T08:00:00.010-04:00

Paper - Silhouette by Close to My Heart

Numbers - Cut with my cricut "Street Signs"

One of the books I have been working on over the last couple of years is "All about me"!!! and I have entiltled it "Who am I"? It covers my whole live, not nesicarly in yearly order, but more in emotional order.

The part I am working on right now is about getting healthy! I had two major surgeries in December 2010 and I needed to get my health in order.....I have a great husband and two great kids to stick around for. Since I went in the hospital Mid December 2010 I have lost today 87 pounds and would love to loose another 25-30 pounds. I feel great, my health has improved 150%, my energy is high, and I am even taking a cardio bootcamp class with 3 of my good friends! Life is good. I am doing a pictorial journal of my journey for my book all about me.....they may or may not be in the order of the weight loss, but I will do them all from day one until......who knows....

Litter #5 - 8 days old, Litter #6 - 7 days Old

2011-06-12T13:49:00.000-04:00

Bugsy and her 8 day old babies

Carmal and her 7 day old babies

Scuba anyone!

2011-06-12T08:00:00.002-04:00

Paper - Silhouette by Close to My Heart

Saying - Creative Memories

Divers - Cut with my Cricut "Life's A Beach"

In about 1990 I took the courses (with my brother) to get my scuba diving certification. It is classroom work, lost of reading homework, written exam, pool training, open water training, and open water dive exams. These are some of my badges.

High School Graduation

2011-06-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

Paper - a retired paper pack from Close to My Heart "Silhouette"

Flower - Purchased from sassyscraping.com

Continuing with the pages for my Personal Scrapbook, here is a simple page with my High School Graduation Picture, taken around 1997 maybe 1996, I just don't remember exactly......

Silhouette is my all time favorite paper pack! When it retired I bought many packages so I would not run out!

2011-06-11T11:40:00.000-04:00

Paper - Something I had in my scrap room

Bling - from the local dollar store

This is a layout that I am putting in a book all about myself. This picture is from the summer of 1993. My husband and I met on June 30th 1993 and this is a picture on the Maid of The Mist in Niagara Falls Canada! It was a little trip we took in August of that year. This is one of my all time favorite photo's of us!

Ginger Bread House

2011-06-10T08:00:00.001-04:00

Paper - Something I had in my scrap room

Ribbon - Close to My Heart

Ribbon Slide _ Close to My Heart

Bling - From the local dollar store

Embellishments - Cut with my Cricut

Every year like all the other kids out there, my kiddies build a gingerbread house! This year was a little more of an adventure because I had just gotten out of hospital, from having 2 major surgeries, so my kids didn't get as much help as they are used to! Still they did a great job, used their creativity and didn't do to bad of a job cleaning up.

My Best Friends Wedding!

2011-06-09T08:50:00.000-04:00

I have been working on a book about myself and my life events. One thing I have been meaning to add to my book (pictures all picked out and set aside) was "My Best Friends Wedding". Well don't I look at three of my favorite challenge blogs and I can incorporate this layout into all three. So I got to work.....

Lasting Memories Challenge Blog - Sketch with a little bling

Frosted Designs - Celebrate friends and friendships

Heart 2 Heart - Here comes the bride

Paper - Silhouette by Close to My Heart

Flowers - Sassyscarping.com

Bling - Close to My Heart and Various stores

Ink - Close to My Heart

This layout has tones of bling (my fav.), layering, flowers, distressing, popup's! It has it all!

I hope you like what you see! I sure did enjoy making it!

Christmas Sleight Ride....of years gone by

2011-06-08T08:00:00.002-04:00

Paper - Mistletoe X7130B by Close to My Heart

Embellishments - Cut with Cricut - Cartridge "Christmas/Noel"

There is nothing better than a beautiful sleigh ride through the woods Christmas Eve. Our family has done it many times (My Husbands Parents started the tradition), it makes for a wonderful, fun filled Christmas eve. We bring warm drinks, music and my brother also brings his guitar so we can sing Christmas carols. When you get back from your sleigh ride, the farm supplies hot chocolate and Santa is there to greet the kiddies.

New Babies! born June 3rd and 4th

2011-06-07T16:14:00.000-04:00

Born June 3rd, 2011

Mother - Bugsy

Babies - 9-1

9 Babies but one was very tiny so I put it with the litter born the next day to Carmal. Her babies were half the size and she only had 5, so this little runt would have a better chance with Carmal as they only have 8 nipples and with 8 babies twice its size, the rund would not have had a chance.

*******

Born June 4th, 2011

Mother - Carmal

Babies - 5 +1

Carmal has taken on Bugsy's runt as if it was her own. No issues with rejection at all. You can see on her hip where she has pulled her fur out to line her nest. Bunnies always do this before the deliver their babies.

These babies were born during the retreat I was co-hosting so I kept having to go home and check on them!! Thank goodness we are close to home!

2010 Christmas Layout #2

2011-06-07T10:00:00.000-04:00

Paper - Deck the Halls by Stampn' Up

Ribbon - Riding Hood Red/Very Vanilla by Stampn' up

Ribbon Slides - Dimensional Elements by Close To My Heart

Bling - Local Dollar store

Group Photo Retreat 2011

2011-06-07T08:00:00.005-04:00

This is the group photo of our June 2011 Scrapbooking Retreat.

Thank you ladies for making it such a fun weekend!

A wonderful buffet Lunch of salads, cold cuts, buns, home made soup, fruits and desert.

Our ladies enjoying lunch!

Shopping with sassyscraping.com, the owner Julie comes and set up a full store for us all day Saturday!

Thanks Julie!

We have five work area's set up!

2011 June Retreat! First Layouts!

2011-06-06T22:58:00.000-04:00

Great work was done by all at our retreat this past weekend. We had a couple of ladies that were new to scrapbooking and here they are with their very first layouts!

Nice work ladies, I know your hooked now, just like the rest of us!

2010 Christmas Layout

2011-06-06T08:00:00.001-04:00

Paper - Deck the Halls by Stampn' Up

Ribbon - Riding Hood Red/Very Vanilla by Stampn' up

Poinsettia's - Mistletoe Z1330 by Close To My Heart

Brass Embellishments - Close To My Heart

Bling - Local Dollar store

This is "our Christmas" with my Husband Parents a couple of weeks before Christmas. They usually spend Christmas with us but this year they flew out west and spent Christmas with my Husbands 2 brothers and their Families. We were happy for them all, we can't be greedy and have them every Christmas and Holiday, even though we love it when they are with us!

Back As Promised! Lunch Time

2011-06-04T12:56:00.001-04:00

The food at the conference center we use is simple, home cooked and delicious. We (all 30+ of us) enjoyed a sandwich buffet, salads, cream of broccoli soup and a fruit buffet for desert!! Yummm!

It's a fun busy weekend!! June 2011 Scrapbooking Retreat!

2011-06-04T11:55:00.000-04:00

It's a full house here at our spring retreat! We are having a blast! We are totally sold out and had to say no to some people and put them on a cancellation list! I hate saying no to people! Everyone is having a blast and I will have lots to share with you over the next few days or weeks depending on how much work I get done. I will be popping in over the weekend and posting pic's!

Thanks to all the ladies for joining us and making our retreat so much fun!

We love you all!

P.S. We have retreats every June and November.....but we have been asked to asked to add a February one also....so we will be working on that!

Ms. Scrapbook Gift!

2011-06-02T07:47:00.000-04:00

When you take one of this cute mugs, add in a few little goodies, wrap in cello, and add a pretty ribbon you have a extra special treasure to sell or give as a gift! Add a special card, matching is really nice as you can see here .

Ms. Scrapbook Mugs!

2011-06-01T08:44:00.001-04:00

Are these the cutest little mugs you ever saw? !!

I made these Scrapbooker Girl Mugs to sell at a retreat I am co-running this weekend.

I can't decide what to sell them for, any suggestions?

They are really fun to make! I saw this technique on a blog years ago and went on a mission to get the product used to adhere your art work to the mug. Its made in Germany I think and the only English speaking web site I could find was in Cyprus. So after months of searching and shipped all the way from Cyprus (weeks of waiting) I can make these adorable mugs that are dishwasher safe (but I would still hand wash).

I stamp the image (Ms. Scrapbook from Close to My Heart B1352) on white tissue paper with stazon, colour with my water colorpencils (CTMH 3505), cut as close to the image as possible, adhere with porcelain potch to the mug and bake at 270 F for 90 minutes.

This link will take you to others I have done, they are great gifts!

http://kcustom-fi.blogspot.com/search/label/porzellan%20potch

Blog Candy Winner! Thanks to all that entered!

2011-06-01T08:14:00.000-04:00

Drum roll please! ....... and the winner is!

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1

Max: 52

Result: 3

From Random.org

Kelli Massman is the winner of the Blog Candy!

Kelli Please email me your info so I can get your Blog Candy in the mail to you Asap!

Thank you to all that entered, it has been really fun, I have enjoyed visiting all your blogs, and hope you have enjoyed mine! Happy Wednesday Everyone!

Last Day for Blog Candy!! Tell Your Friends!!

2011-05-31T23:59:00.000-04:00

I decided it was time for a little Blog Candy!

Valued at over $50 !!

We all deserve a little gift once in awhile! and

This is my gift to one lucky Blogger!

See Blow for 3 different ways to get your name entered into a Random Generated Draw!

This Candy includes a Creative Memories Picfolio, Creative Memories products, Stickles, 3 packages Bling, Assorted Ribbon, Post it notes in support of Breast Cancer Research, Blank Tags and a Stampin Up mini ink pad. The luck winner is in for a nice treat by main. This Candy is available for People in Canada and the USA.

Here's what you need to do!!!!!

The draw will be via Random Generator.

Enter by May 31st, 2011 by midnight

Draw will be June 1st

For 1 Chance to Win.

Leave me a comment so I know you were here.

For a 2nd Chance to Win.

Post my Blog Candy on your blog so that others have a change to win also!

Note you've done it in your comment!

For a 3rd Chance to Win.

Simply become a follower of my Blog, I would be very honoured.

Note you've done it in your comment!

Thanks Blogger's, Good Luck to Everyone!

A sketch challenge at H2H Challenge Blog!!

2011-05-31T08:00:00.008-04:00

Its a sketch challenge over at Heart 2 Heart Challenges Blog this week!

I have only recently discovered this challenge blog and its all about my favorite product!

Close to My Heart

I am working on catching up my Christmas album this weekend at a retreat I am co-running! So I am all about Christmas right now. This layout suited the sketch perfectly and is made completely out of retired Close to My Heart Product (paper pack is X7075B Everlasting) ! The bling though is a local dollar store find! I used my Cricut to cut the shapes, titles and embellishments!

Anything but a Card for H2H Challenges and Decorate to Celebrate Challenge Blog

2011-05-29T22:49:00.002-04:00

Party favors!

These are darling little purses made from my favorite Close to My Heart papers, bling, and some bead/wire from the local dollar store. I have added the pattern to the bottom of the post. I used these at a Close To My Heart catalogue launch and put a little surprise inside each purse.

I am entering these little purses in the ABC = Anything But a Card challenge at H2H Challenges.

and Decorate to Celebrate Challenge blog

Blog Candy! Only a couple of days left!

2011-05-29T21:00:00.000-04:00

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Blog Candy!! Tell Your Friends! Over $50 Value!

We all deserve a little gift once in awhile! and

This is my gift to one lucky Blogger!

See Blow for 3 different ways to get your name entered into a Random Generated Draw!

Here's what you need to do!!!!!

The draw will be via Random Generator.

Enter by May 31st, 2011 by midnight

Draw will be June 1st

For 1 Chance to Win.

Leave me a comment so I know you were here.

For a 2nd Chance to Win.

Post my Blog Candy on your blog so that others have a change to win also!

Note you've done it in your comment!

For a 3rd Chance to Win.

Simply become a follower of my Blog, I would be very honoured.

Note you've done it in your comment!

Thanks Blogger's, Good Luck to Everyone!

kids cards - Work in progress.

2011-05-29T08:00:00.002-04:00

This is a work in progress, I am trying to decide what I want to do with the stamp set (Hope A1118) Close to My Heart used to raise funds for HOPE FOR JAPAN! It is part of my simple stamped cards theme, I like the idea of the happy birthday boarder and the colour combo, but not the way it actually turned out....again a work in progress.

Summer Layout! for Fabulous Friday Challenge at Frosted Designs

2011-05-27T23:19:00.000-04:00

This week is National Backyard Games Week and to honor that, Frosted Designs are challenging us to make a card, layout or project using a BBQ, Picnic or Outdoor Games theme!

I have it covered here with this summer layout. We were Camping, BBQ'ing, Picnicking and Playing all sorts of games and activities during these these 4 days (last weekend).

This is a double page layout with pictures of our first summer long weekend.

The materials are all Close to my heart, the beach chair is cut from card stock with my Cricut and distressed with sandpaper to bring out the detail. The letters were stamped with "Bohemian" alphabet and cut out randomly distressed with garden green ink, the same colour was used to distress the mounting paper be hind the 4x5 photo. The paper pack used is "Mulberry".

wedding Card

2011-05-27T08:00:00.003-04:00

As a continuation of yesterdays post regarding wedding cards. We have friends from the USA getting married next weekend (and her sister got married back in March) we will not be attending the wedding (nor were we able to attend the one in March) but will get to see them at the NASCAR race in Michigan this June and I will bring them this card. It is as always made with Close to My Heart products and the stamp sets are as follows: Wings B1376, Piece of Cake D1407.

I was awarded "Top Three" at Frosted Designs!

2011-05-26T20:17:00.001-04:00

I am so excited to have made the Top Three at Frosted Designed with this is an acrylic scrapbook I have done as a gift for my father-in-law. It is of his retirement luncheon from the Canadian Armed Forces. The challenge was to make a card, layout or project with an armed forces/patriotic theme!

Thank You so much for choosing my design, I am so excited and honored!

Click here to see the full project I entered!

wedding Card

2011-05-26T08:00:00.002-04:00

Every June a group of us take the travel trailers down to NASCAR in Michigan. There is a large family (5 daughters in the family) that we met many years ago and it has become tradition for us to meet there and camp together for the 5 days around the June NASCAR race. This year two of the daughters got married, one (pictured above) in March and one (I will post tomorrow) this coming weekend. When I see them a month from now in Michigan I am going to bring each of them a nice wedding card. I hope you like it. As usual they are made with all Close to my heart products. Stamp sets used are - Bliss B1371, Wings B 1376.

kids cards

2011-05-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

This is another kids card for my Card Box!

It is a simple stamped card and I drew the line around the outside.

All Close to My Heart Product!

Stamps - Bohemian Alphabet E1019, Hope A1118, Happy Birthday C1247

Ink - Sun Flower, Indian Corn Blue

Marker - Black

Emily's Birthday Card!

2011-05-24T08:00:00.004-04:00

I made this card for our friends daughter Emily's birthday, its a simple design of my own. It is basic stamping with embellishments on a piece of white card stock that is then adhered to a white card base. This way you can adhere your ribbon to the back of the white card stock and it is hidden when attached to the card base.

The materials used are as follows:

All Close to My Heart Product except for the pink dollar store perls and green stampin up ribbon.

Stamp sets - D1424 Something Splended (flowers), D1304 Life's Creation (words), Ink - Pear Z2197, Bubble Gum Z2109, White Daisy Card Stock, White Daisy Card Base.

Happy Victoria Day Everyone! Lots of Picutes, keep scrolling down!!

2011-05-23T17:48:00.000-04:00

I hope your Victoria Day weekend was as much fun as ours was!

It is our annual trip to Lagoon City.

We have a group of 5+ families that travel together with the big travel trailers and 5th wheels. Every May 24 weekend we bring the trailers up to Kevin's (the husband of one of our group of 5 and one of our best friends) parents cottage (mansion) in Lagoon city to camp for the weekend. The property is huge, beautiful and close to home. We have the chance to get the trailers out for the first time of the year and make a dry run of it, every family always forgets something they have packed away for the winter, but it's our weekend to figure our what we need to add to the trailers for the rest of the season. Lagoon city is far enough south to ensure no bugs (black flies), there is lots of fishing for the kids, a beautiful sand beach, hot tub, safe community for bike riding and if the weather is bad plenty enough room for all of us and you would never know you had 30 people handing out in the same house. Two of the families bring their golf carts so we go golf cart yard saling Saturday morning which is so much fun in that little canal/lakefront community and we also use them for going to the beach.....

We are so thankful for our standing yearly invite to such a wonderful place, with a great group of friend's!

My Makayla soaking up the rays at the beach!

My Cameron building a sand castle!

(all the kids helped)

Makayla loves fishing so she helped the little ones all weekend long.

Not sure how this started but the boys were riding the bike off the dock into the lagoon.

This is Cameron.

After their little trips in to the lagoon via bicycle, they needed a little dip in the hot tub.

Happy Birthday Emily!

Thanks Uncle Kevin for the great fireworks!

Everybody likes sparklers.

A afternoon game of ladder ball.

Retired Hero! for Fabulous Friday Challenge! at Frosted Designs!

2011-05-21T08:00:00.014-04:00

Summer is just around the corner, and with that are a few holidays that celebrate our freedoms in America and the people who protect those freedoms! Tomorrow, May 21st is Armed Forces Day and of course Memorial Day (May 30th) follows shortly after. And since we have a design team and followers from around the world, we would like to include everyone who celebrates their armed services and independence! So... thttp://frosteddesigns.blogspot.com/2011/05/fabulous-friday-challenge_20.html

This is an acrylic scrapbook I have done as a gift for my father-in-law as a gift. It is of his retirement luncheon from the Canadian Armed Forces.

his week's challenge is to make a card, layout or project with an armed forces/patriotic theme!

So Proud!! - My submission to Fabulous Friday Challenge! at Frosted Designs

2011-05-20T09:35:00.000-04:00

Summer is just around the corner, and with that are a few holidays that celebrate our freedoms in America and the people who protect those freedoms! Tomorrow, May 21st is Armed Forces Day and of course Memorial Day (May 30th) follows shortly after. And since we have a design team and followers from around the world, we would like to include everyone who celebrates their armed services and independence! So... this week's challenge is to make a card, layout or project with an armed forces/patriotic theme!

These are pictures I have had for 6-7 years ago now. My Nephew Graduated from "The Royal Military College" and was sworn into the Canadian Armed Forces as an Officer. Since then he has been posted to the East Coast, now Northern Ontario and as of this July a base much closer to home. In 2010 he was deployed and served 9 months in Afghanistan and returned home to us this past Christmas.

We are all very proud of him!

kids cards

2011-05-20T08:00:00.002-04:00

I am continuing to fill my card box with simple stamped cards! There are so many times, especially when you have children in grade school, that you need a quick last minute card. I love the simple style of this card, I have done a couple of different versions. I would love to tell you the blog where I first saw this, but I just can not remember which one it was, so if you are looking and recognise this card, please leave a comment so everyone can come and visit your blog!

Sympathy Card

2011-05-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

I made this card on Monday evening for my neighbour Stacy, her Father passed away unexpectedly on Sunday. He had been ill for quite sometime but they certainly did not expect to loose him.

This Card is made with Close to My Heart Bliss lv 2 paper Pack, Live Inspired C1408 stamp set, Grey Flannel Ink and Pearl's with a simple folded paper decorative accent.

I have been looking to other bloggers for card inspiration this week, but this one is all of my own design! Maybe my creative block for cards is passing!

General Card

2011-05-18T08:00:00.013-04:00

Below is the card that inspired me!

This Card was inspired by Amy Sheffer at Pickled Paper Designs! Amy, You truly inspired me and I would love other Bloggers to get to see your work. I have changed quite a bit into my style, ie: instead of a sentiment I put a hand made ribbon flower with bling. I love making hand made flowers....stay tuned in the near future......I have just learned some new techniques.

I have been given an AWARD!

2011-05-17T22:32:00.000-04:00

Thank You Jen at Krafting and Kreating with Jen this means so much to me!

The Liebster Blog award is given to bring newer blogs into the light. It's a great way to share blogs that might not otherwise have been noticed and should be! As a recipient you must share the love and pass it along to others, as well as these four things:

1. You must post on your blog and tell a little about the award and announce your 3-5 picks.

2. Let those know you have chosen them.

3. Copy and post the award on your blog for all to see.

4. Have fun and continue to inspire.

I have chosen the following blogs to pass this award on to in no particular order-

http://nancyscherishedmemories.blogspot.com/

http://creationsbykw.blogspot.com/

http://www.fabulouslyartsy.com/

Enjoy Ladies!

Please Accept this Blog AWARD !!!!

2011-05-17T09:40:00.000-04:00

I am giving this blog award to the blogs that inspire me the most!

Thanks Ladies, for inspiring me!

Now you pass it on to your favorite Bloggers!

General Card

2011-05-17T08:00:00.002-04:00

This is what I consider a General Card! I don't stamp any words on it until I am ready to use it. This way I can use it in a pinch for a variety of things. I made two of them Friday night a my Scrapbooking crop night and Saturday my sister said "can you make a wedding card" 1 hour before we were leaving and I had just gotten off work, had to feed my kids and get ready for the wedding still.....Well number 1 or my 2 General Cards has been used! I guess I need to make another and a bunch more, I need to fill up my card box....one card at a time! I have lots of inspiration I have found and need to apply it to my cards, my style, inspired by you! Thanks Bloggers!