Preparation

Today I was busy packing for our holiday to France. If you see this pile of clothes you might think that we go away for a month or so, but we go away for only 2 weeks. And this pile doesn't include my clothes and our towels yet. LOL! The weather on the west coast of France isn't that good, so we need to be prepared for warm and cold weather. All clothes are now packed in our travel bags, and we only need to pack books, games and toys for the girls, and some food and drinks.

There is no Internet on our camp site so I have to do without my favorite blogs for 2 weeks. Won't be able to update my own blog either. I am gonna miss blogging, but I will survive. LOL!

Wishing you all a nice summer holiday. See you!

Photo swap and a surprise

Hanneke received my layout in the mail today, so I can now reveal the layout I made for her. I already received her layout last week, but I didn't want to open the envelope yet. Wasn't easy, because the texture of the content made me very curious. It felt like she used lots of embellishments. As soon as I knew she received mine I opened her envelope. I was right about the embellishments. LOL! She knows I love lots of them on my layouts. I am very happy with the layout and so is Sanne. I really like the black and white papers, ribbon, lace and stamps in combination with the pink and turquoise flowers. Thanks, Hanneke!



Here is my layout for Hanneke. I had to work with a picture of her and her in-laws leaving for a holiday in Gran Canaria. Not the easiest picture to work with. This picture was taken at Schiphol Airport.



Materials I used for Hanneke's layout: Scenic Route Laurel & Cape Town PP, Sassafras Lass Daydream & Serendipity PP, Fancy Pants Key Lime Pie PP, Foof-a-La & Rusty Pickle buttons, 7Gypsies sticker, Catslife Press stamp Remember, ribbon (Little Silver Hat), Heidi Swapp Block Alphabet Stickers, Making Memories Boho Chic Tiny Alphabet Stickers, Uniball Signo pen and Magnolia Journaling stamp.

Today I received a nice suprise package in the mail from my friend Nancy. We met each other on the internet some months ago. I found her on 2Peas. When you view the gallery you recognize her layouts and cards immediately. She has a gorgeous style and I am a huge fan. I once had a question about a material she used on one of her layouts and sent her an e-mail. Since then we exchange e-mails. Although we live only 11 miles away from each other we haven't met in person.....not yet. Recently she was chosen as one of the DT members for the manufacturer Junkitz. Yes, this girl ROCKS! We talked about the transparent tape/ribbon by Junkitz lately and she offered me to send one in the mail. Her envelope was on my doorstep today and I was surprised to not only receive the tape, but also twillz, buttonz, expressionz rub-ons and labelz. Isn't that generous? Thanks sweetie, I really appreciate this!!

Circle Journal: Beautiful places

Our holiday is getting closer and actually I should do the last washing, ironing and cleaning, but in the evening I love to scrap to relax. So I do the household during the day, and scrap at night. Last evening I worked on my entry for the Circle Journal. Actually the deadline is August 15th, but since I am not sure if I have time to work on it when we get back from France I worked on it now. This CJ is about beautiful places in the world. I visited quite some beautiful places and thought of making a layout on Norway, Stockholm, Cayman Islands, San Francisco - do I need to go on? - but I decided to make a layout on our trip to Canada. Eric and I went to Canada in 1999 and drove through British Columbia and Alberta for 2 weeks. Prior to our trip we spent a few days with Lisette, David and Rebecca who lived in the USA back then, and we ended our trip with them as well. Working on this layout reminded me of that wonderful holiday. I was completely overwhelmed by the beauty of Canada's nature. In the Netherlands we have woods, but believe me, that is NOTHING in comparison to the Canadian forests. The national parks in BC and Alberta are bigger than my country. We saw breathtaking waterfalls, beautiful sceneries, the impressive Icefields Parkway and lots of wildlife. You hardly see any wildlife here - unless you go to the zoo - so you can probably imagine that we were very surprised when we saw our first deer, moose or bear in the soft shoulder. I would love to go back one time, but I guess that will take a few years. For now our girls prefer a swimming pool and playground.

Another sneak peek

Well, I managed to finish another photo swap layout before we go on holiday. I did the household in the morning, so I could do some scrapping in the afternoon. Scrapping is a great way to relax, but I am sure you all know that. Here is a sneak peek of the layout I made for Hanneke. I used my favorite brands on this layout....Scenic Route and Sassafras Lass.

Photo swap and Circle Journal

Norbiba received my layout in the mail today, so I can show it to you now. I sent her a picture of Fleur taken in our backyard on a sunny day in April. I had to work with a picture of Norbiba wearing one of her favorite outfits.

Here is the layout made by Norbiba. Thanks girl!


And here is my layout made for her.


I also finished a spread for a Circle Journal (CJ) lately. This CJ was about ribbons and flowers. On the left page you had to make a layout with these elements, and the right page had to be about yourself. There is a hidden tag on the right page with some facts about me. I am not really satisfied with this spread, but don't know why. Well, I think I have an idea. First of all, I am not good at making spreads. The more I look at this spread the more I realize that both pages make not 1 layout. Secondly, I think it has to do with the fact that I am not really enjoying this CJ anymore. It has nothing to do with this CJ album in particular, but with this CJ cycle. It seems like this group is not as motivated anymore as it was in the beginning and that makes working on someone's CJ less fun....at least for me. This was my first CJ and I have a very strong feeling that this will be my last.

I am a.....

I am nominated for this Rockin' Girl award twice. I am tagged by my online friend Nancy (hope you don't mind me calling you my friend, sweetie), and by June who I met through the Caardvark challenges. THANKS girls! Usually I don't like to be tagged, but this time I am honored. LOL! I now have to nominate 5 of my favorite bloggers. Well, here goes...

1. Lisette, my sister-in-law living Down Under
2. Mandy, a talented girl from my town
3. Charlotte, my lost penpal from Denmark
4. Lusi, a talented scrapper from Australia
5. Zab, a great scrapper from France

If you are not on my list don't think that I don't like your blog. I have a very long list of favorite blogs, but I can only nominate 5.

Have a nice weekend!

Family Photo Swap

In May my sister-in-law Lisette and I agreed to do a photo swap. We exchanged pictures per e-mail. Lisette finished her layout quite quickly, but it took me a bit longer. I had some other projects to finish first, but I guess I was also a bit afraid to start with the layout as I had never scrapped on size 8.5x11" before. I really had no idea where to begin. Does that sound weird? I had the same problem when I did my first 12x12" layout, so I am sure it will get better when I practise a bit more.

Here is the layout that Lisette made for me. I love the design, the patterned papers and the use of the Hambly journaling transparency. I also love the brushes that she added to Sanne's picture. I am VERY happy with the layout. Thanks, girl! I love your scrap style. Too bad we live so far away from each other. It would be great if we could get together to do some scrapping, but with you living Down Under and me in the Netherlands that's a bit difficult.



Here is the layout I made for Lisette. I loved working with this beautiful picture of her and her youngest daughter Renee.



Materials I used for Lisette's layout: Bazzill cardstock, PP Sassafras Lass Serendipity, Scenic Route Laurel, Rhonna Farrer French Twist, Flowers Heidi Swapp and Prima Marketing, Doodlebug paper frills, Hambly Rub-ons Vintage Motifs White, American Crafts Thickers, Buttons Rusty Pickle and Buttons Galore, Autumn Leaves Clear Stamps Big Swirls and Nature, Brad, Hero Arts Chrystal Gemstones, staples, Tulip Puffy Paint Black, Transparency.

I also did a photo swap with Norbiba. I already received her envelope with the layout, but I haven't opened it. I will open it when she has my layout. I finished it this morning. Here is a sneak peek.



I now have two more photo swaps to do. One for Hanneke, and one for Marianne in Denmark. Not sure if I manage to do the layouts before we go on holiday. I still have a few more days left, but I also need to do a lot of washing, ironing and so on. I don't want to rush it, so I might make the layouts after my holiday.

I am now off to do some shopping with the girls. I would like to get them some extra shorts and skirts for our holiday. Have a nice day!

Farewell

Fleur and Sanne have their last day of school today. Their summer break begins at 3pm CET this afternoon. They are excited because it means that it won't take long now before we leave for France. Fleur says goodbye to her teacher Marijke today. She was in Marijke's class for 2.5 years. After the summer break Fleur will go to group 3. We bought Marijke a box of chocolates and I made her a 3x3" mini book with Fleur's school pictures taken in April 2005, 2006 and 2007. I also included two pictures of Marijke. Marijke was very pleased with the handmade gift, and a few mothers liked it too. It seemed like they have never seen any scrap work before. I love these pictures of Fleur, because it shows how much she has changed. We also bought chocolates for Sanne's teachers as well as a little gift for two class mates. Sanne's friend Julia will go to a school near her new home, and Mitchel in Fleur's class will go to a school for children with special needs.

Chocolates for Marijke, Leonie and Heleen

Gift for Julia and Mitchel

Happy 10th Anniversary

I was so obsessed with the Caardvarks 10-Day 10K challenges that I completely forgot to make an anniversary card in time for my dear sister-in-law Lisette and her husband David who celebrate their 10th anniversary today. It was only last Monday that I realized I had forgotten about a card. Usually I would have enough time to make and send a card, but since they live in Australia our card would never arrive on time. Fortunately there is Internet and Blogger, so I will post my card here.

Dear David and Lisette,

Congratulations on your 10th anniversary. Wishing you a wonderful day!

Much love,
Eric, Ingrid, Fleur & Sanne



Lisette has a non-public blog for family and friends, but as of this week she also has her own site on Blogger. I am very happy about this, because now I am able to refer you to her blog. She is a great scrapper, and makes gorgeous layouts, minibooks and cards. You should really check out her blog. Today she posted an awesome anniversary card that she made for her hubby. My simple card completely pales compared to her card.

Result photo swap

We have already organized 11 photo swaps on the Dolls & Decorations messageboard, and I participated in all of them. It is so much fun to do a photo swap and make a layout for someone else. Swap #11 was hosted by Leontine, and I was linked to her. We sent our layouts yesterday, and both received them in the mail today. Leontine made a layout with a picture of Fleur, and I had to work with a picture of her little niece Anouk. Thanks Leontine, for the wonderful layout.

Here is the layout that Leontine made for me.


And here is the layout that I made for her.

Woooohoooo!!

I just checked the Caardvarks blog and I was completely surprised to found out that I won challenge no. 4 (Four Squares). Woooohoooo!! I had never expected I would win one of the prizes. I am a scrapbooker and not really a card maker, and there were so many gorgeous entries. I am sure the Caardvarks girls had a hard time to choose from all the beautiful cards. This was my first international challenge, and I really enjoyed it. It was great fun to create a card based on a challenge. The 10 cards I made for this challenge are more varied than the few cards I made before. I will receive kit from Caardvarks' sponsor Club Scrap.

This is a fun and bright card. We especially loved how Ingrid incorporated the greeting on the studded ring and mirrored her squares. The embossed flowers are a perfect addition!

Shopping

I did some shopping today. No scrapbook purchases this time, but clothes. Now that our holiday is coming I really had to buy some new clothes. I gained quite some weight in the past year due to circumstances, and hardly fit my clothes from last summer. I kept putting off shopping for clothes, because I was intended to lose weight first. In the past 3 months I started on a diet several times, but for some reason I am not determined enough. I have no idea why. I don't feel comfortable with my weight and know I can do it, but apparently I don't feel uncomfortable enough. I can't think of any other reason. Needless to say, I didn't lose any weight at all and really had to extend my wardrobe, so I planned a shopping trip this morning. Shortly after I arrived at the shopping mall I ran into my mom, so we went shopping together. Fortunately I was able to buy some nice clothes. The sales is on at the moment, so I bought lots of new clothes for a very reasonable price. I bought 3 skirts, a dress, a short, a jeans, a pants, and 6 tops/shirts. With the clothes that do still fit me I should manage to "survive" on a camp site without a washing machine for two weeks. LOL!

Happy 95th Birthday

Happy Birthday to my grandmother who celebrates her 95th birthday today.



This picture was taken on Peter and Li's wedding day last August.

Caardvarks Challenge: Club Scrap attack

I am bit late with my card today. We first ran errands this morning, had lunch and then I had to bring Fleur to a birthday party. As soon as I came back I started on my card. Today's challenge is the last one of the 10-Day 10K Challenges. I am really gonna miss the daily challenges. It was lots of fun, and I really enjoyed it. Fortunately the Caardvarks girls organize two challenges a month, so I don't have to miss them. Thanks girls for the great challenges and inspiration!

Today we had to scraplift this Valentine card made by Jen.



I scraplifted a few elements of Jen's card. I used Love Elsie "Betty" PP, American Crafts ribbon, Rusty Pickle button, Prima Flowers, white brads, black pen, thread and my Dymo letter maker. Here is my take on Jen's card.

Sneak peak photo swap

I spent quite a lot of time on card making this week, but I also had time to scrap a 8x8" layout for a photo swap. This time I have to make one for Leontine of the Dolls & Decorations message board. I had to work with a cute picture of your little niece Anouk. Here is a little sneak peak.

Caardvarks Challenge: Nine Time

Well, today's challenge is a difficult one. At least it is for me. You have to make a card with a clock on your front card. I used My Mind's Eye Ooh La La PP, Heidi Swapp Flower and Chipboard Clock, and Rusty Pickle buttons. Computer font is Susie's Hand. I can't say that I am happy with the final result. According to Eric this card represents my mood today. I don't think that is a compliment. LOL! I may come up with a better card, but for now you have to do it with this one.

Happy Birthday, Dad

Happy Birthday to my dad who celebrates his 67th birthday today!! No big party today as my parents return from holiday this afternoon or evening. We will celebrate his birthday with a BBQ at our home tomorrow.

Caardvarks Challenge: 8 is enough

Eric brought the girls to school this morning and as soon as I finished my breakfast I start working on the Caardvarks challenge. Today you have to make a card using 2 patterned papers + 2 ribbons + 2 stamps + 2 circles. Again a fun challenge because I love to use all the required elements. I used My Mind's Eye Ooh La La PP, Catslife Press Journaling stamp and CTMH Alphabet Stamps, American Crafts Ribbon, Prima Flowers Bubbles and Hero Arts Chrystal Gemstones. The circles were cut with the EK Success Curvy Cutter, my newest tool. The white dots are done with the Uniball Signo Pen.



I made this card for Petra from Dolls & Decorations. Her store reopens today. She moved to a larger store and it looks fabulous. Great styling, new furniture and lots - and I mean LOTS - of extra space for yummy scrap goodies. Perfect timing with the upcoming CHA. LOL! So if you are from the Netherlands go to Almere and check out the new Dolls & Decorations store.



Source: Petra, Dolls & Decorations

Caardvarks Challenge: Lucky No. 7

The first thing I did this morning was making a card for the Caardvarks Challenge. Do you think I am hooked? Today's challenge is to make a GOOD LUCK card. I had fun making this card. I used white Bazzill cardstock, Sassafras Lass Serendipity PP, Scenic Route Laurel PP, American Crafts Thickers and ribbon, Heidi Swapp Flowers, Rusty Pickle buttons and a S.E.I. brad.

Caardvarks Challenge: 6 Shooter

Today's challenge is to make a 6x6" (15.25x15.25cm) card. I am a Scenic Route addict, and wanted to make another card with their papers. This time I used the Charlotte line. Still have a few papers of that line in my stash. Again I used the Heidi Swapp Happy Birthday stamp and Tulip Puffy Paint. Love those products! I also used American Crafts ribbon, Hambly Screen Prints Rub-on, staples and a Making Memories metal rim.

Caardvarks Challenge: Five Star

Checking the Caardvarks blog in the morning is getting a daily routine now. LOL! So far I like the challenges a lot, and I am happy with the cards I created. Today's challenge is to make a card using 5 embellishments on your card front. The 5 different embellishments that I used on this card are chipboard letters, chrystal gemstones, ribbon, a photo anchor, and buttons. The pink/brown paper is from Sassafras Lass.

Something different

Lately I came across a layout on 2Peas that I liked a lot. I was attracted by the style of the scrapper Fiffi, and the use of the black Heidi Swapp ornament sticker on the layout. Since we got such a sticker in the latest Dolls Good Newz Box I decided to scraplift the layout and add my own touch to it. The style of this layout is different from my own style, but I am happy with the outcome. I just love the bright colors of the Rhonna Farrer French Twist papers.

Caardvarks Challenge: Four Squares

Today's challenge is to make a card with 4 squares as the focus of your card front. I didn't have much time, so the design is quite simple. I used Bazzill cardstock, My Mind's Eye Ooh La La PP, Prima Flowers (Sprites), Making Memories Boho Chic Tiny Alphabet Stickers, S.E.I. brad and Tulip Puffy Paint.

Layout for Mandy

A while ago Mandy and I agreed to do a photo swap together. Mandy is not only a great scrapper - I so LOVE her style - but also a very nice person. I checked her blog this morning and found out she already returned from holiday. Time really flies.....I thought she would be away for another week and therefore had to wait another week to reveal my layout for her. So glad I can do it now. Her layout for me is on her blog and you really have to check it out. I LOVE IT!! Mandy has a great style, and creates wonderful stuff. Not only layouts but also mini books. She is the Queen of mini books. Here is my layout for her...

Caardvarks Challenge: Tri This!

Never thought I would enjoy making cards so much. The first thing I do in the morning is go and check the Caardvarks blog for the new challenge. Today's challenge is to make a trifold card. This was a challenge for me, because I never made such a card before. This time I used Bazzill cardstock, Basic Grey Gypsy PP, Prima Flowers, Hero Art gems, QuicKutz Olivia alphabet and ribbon.

The RAK winners are...

My girls are playing outside, so I asked Eric to pick 3 names for the RAK. The winners are...



And this person will not only get the RAK, but also get a 8x8" layout made by me.


Congrats, girls! Please e-mail me your address. The RAKs will be sent out early next week.

Thanks to all for visiting my blog. I really appreciate your visits. Have a nice weekend!

Caardvarks Challenge: Double Take

These cards are for the Caardvarks challenge #2. This time we were supposed to make two different cards using the same supplies. I used Love Elsie's Betty PP, Prima Flowers, Rusty Pickle button, ribbon, thread and stamps.





You still have a few hours to leave a comment for one of my 3 RAKs. Winners will be drawn tomorrow morning.