CPS #97

I forgot to make a card for one of my parents' best friends. He is having his birthday today and I wasn't able to send a card in time. Actually....I hadn't made one until early this afternoon. I hopped over to the CPS blog for some inspiration and used their latest sketch #97 for this card. My parents picked up my card on their way to their friend's birthday party so they can hand it over personally. I made a cute mini album this weekend with some Melissa Frances and Making Memories papers. The scraps were used on this card.



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Melissa Frances, Making Memories Paperie Tools: Sizzix Big Shot, Sizzix Stars die, QuicKutz Maddie Anne Alphabet Ink: VersaColor Pinecone #171 Other: twine, button, chipboard

I am off from work, and enjoy spending time with our girls, scrapping and baking. At the end of this week I will be leaving for France to spend 4 days (well, actually 2 days as it takes a day to get there) with my co-workers in the snow.

CPS #96

We had quite a relaxing Christmas day. While the girls were playing with My Little Pony and Playmobil Eric took pictures for his photography class assignment and I had some time to scrap. I was really late sending Xmas cards this year and still have to send some cards. *blush* It doesn't make sense anymore to scrap any Xmas cards, so instead I made a few New Year cards like this one. This card is based on CPS sketch #96.



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: October Afternoon Good Sheer Letters: American Crafts Foam Thickers Daiquiri Tools: Cuttlebug Cut & Emboss Ice Crystal, sewing machine Other: Ranger Stickles, button

Around 4pm we went to my parents' place for dinner. My brother and SIL came over too. My mom had made us a delicious 3-course meal. We went home at 9.15pm. Tomorrow we will have dinner at my MILs.

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas Day.

6

Today our little girl - who is not so little anymore - is turning 6. My vacation officially started today, and I had hoped to sleep in a little, but no way......Sanne was calling us at 6.50am asking when we would come into her room with the birthday gifts. :) We bought her My Little Pony Ponyville Sweet Sundae Amusement Park and Ponyville Popcorn Movie Theater. I also made her a card based on Kazan's Sketch 16 over at 2 Sketches 4 You.



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Cardstock Patterned paper: Sassafras Lass Letters: American Crafts Foam Thickers Daiquiri Tools: Martha Stewart Doily Lace punch, QuicKutz Cookie Cutter Nesting Flowers, EK Success Flower Retro small punch Other: Karen Foster Scrappers Floss, pom pom ribbon, button, Ranger Stickles

Last Friday I went over to Mandy's place for a scrap date. It was quite a long time since we saw each other, so we had lots to talk about. We did not only talk, but also scrapped. Yes...we really did! Mandy made a beautiful Xmas canvas, and I made two cards which I can't show you yet. Mandy has been working on her December Daily and hadn't taken a picture that day, so we had her hubby Steven taken some silly pictures of us. What do you think.......naughty or nice?



O, and last Sunday I was in the mood for baking cupcakes again. Of course I can't eat them all myself so I made them for my co-workers and they liked them a lot.



I would like to wish you and your loved ones a.....

Merry Christmas

CPS#95 Reader Spotlight, 2S4Y & Xmas CC

I was quite surprised to find out this evening that Linda Beeson from Card Positioning Systems chose me (and my CPS#95 card) to put in the Reader Spotlight this week. You can read more about it here. Thanks for your sweet words, Linda.

It feels like my creativity has already taken a break for the holidays. I can hardly come up with card designs myself, but fortunately there are some great sketch sites like my favorite one....2 Sketches 4 You. I missed a few sketches, but I am catching up. Earlier this week I made this card based on Kazan's Sketch 15. I sent the card to my dear friend Hanneke. She is such a sweet person and very special to me. She lives an hour and a half away from me so we hardly see other. BUT......we e-mail each other daily. Not just one e-mail, but lots of e-mails a day. We always have something to talk about.



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Scenic Route Garland Ribbon: Bo Bunny Rub-ons: Imaginisce Merry Christmas Tools: Sizzix Big Shot, Sizzix Stars die Ink: VersaColor Pinecone #171 Other: chipboard

Last Wednesday I made 12 Xmas cupcakes using my new mixer. They were so YUMMY! Instead of a Xmas card I gave my 2 bosses each 4 cupcakes and they both liked the gift.



ETA: Alicia from ShortCuts is having a FROST-y giveaway. She is going to give away FREE Frosted Card Blanks to five (5) lucky readers. Hop over to the ShortCuts blog and leave a comment here.

Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your weekend.

Happy Bday

My SIL Lisette is having her birthday today. Happy Birthday, Lisette. Wishing you a lovely day!

I sent her this card, and hopefully it arrived in time. I followed Laura's Sketch 14 over at 2 Sketches 4 You for this card. I am a bit behind on the 2S4Y sketches, but this way I am catching up.



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Pink Paislee Sweet Cake Letters: American Crafts Chipboard Thickers, Making Memories Alphabet Rub-ons Heidi Black Button: Rusty Pickle Flower: Prima Marketing Tools: Fiskars Embossing Border Punch, EK Success Retro Flower Punch Large, Sizzix Oval Bookplates die Other: ribbon, cord, Hotfix crystal rhinestones, Ranger Liquid Pearls

Tonight I am going to scrap with Mandy. It has been a while since we saw each other so it will be nice to catch up. Not sure if we get a lot of scrapping done......I think we have too much to talk about.

Have a nice weekend!

CPS #95

December is quite busy with our two girls having their birthday in this month too. Each year I tell myself to start early on all activities, preparations, treats, etc. but I didn't manage to do so this year. I am sooooo behind on everything. I haven't even bought a Xmas tree yet, and haven't written and mailed out any of the Xmas cards. Still have to make a few cards. Pfew..... I created some cards yesterday. It felt like my creativity was gone and I couldn't come up with a design myself. Fortunately there are many sketch blogs on the world wide web, so I hopped over to Card Positioning Systems for some inspiration. I followed sketch #95 for this card.



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: October Afternoon Good Sheer Rub-ons: October Afternoon Stamps: Melissa Frances Clear Stamps Tools: Sizzix Big Shot, Cuttlebut Cut & Embossing Ice Crystal, QuicKutz Nesting Flowers Cookie Cutter, EK Success circle punch, sewing machine Other: Ranger Stickles Frosted Lace, button

My sweet friend Carla surprised me with a watermark. Thanks, girl. You're the best!

O, and look what I bought myself yesterday...



It was on special offer as of yesterday, but I didn't have time to go to the store. Fortunately my mom and dad were so kind to go and get one for me. Isn't that sweet? If all goes well I will receive my order for cupcake ingredients and tools today, so that means......cupcake time this weekend!

October Afternoon Cards

I have been working on the last Xmas cards and some birthday cards, but can't show you anything yet. I will show them on my blog as soon as they are received by our family and friends. For now I will leave you with three October Afternoon cards that were published in the Dutch magazine Cards Only #3.



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: October Afternoon Night Light Rub-ons: Making Memories Alphabet Rub-ons Providence Tools: Sizzix Big Shot, Sizzix Stars die Other: chipboard, Zig Memory System Millennium Pen Black



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: October Afternoon Detours, Daydream Chipboard: Maya Road Fresh Chipboard Library, Doodlebug sugar coated adhesive chipboard Tools: Sizzix Big Shot, QuicKutz Photo Corner RS-0471, sewing machine Other: ribbon



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: October Afternoon Night Light Flower: Prima Marketing Flowers Button: Rusty Pickle Letters: Heidi Swapp Chipboard Alphabet Newsprint Stamps: Hero Arts clear stamps Happy Greetings Tools: Sizzix Big Shot, Sizzix Paper Sculpting Daisy die, sewing machine Ink: VersaColor Pinecone #171 Other: bookpage, cord

Have a wonderful day!

Winner Blogoversary RAK

I picked a winner for the blogoversary RAK this morning. Well....I used the Random Integer Generator to pick a winner for me. And the winner is.....



....and that is Berdien. Congrats, girl! Please e-mail me your address and I will send the RAK to you this week.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Happy Birthday, and 2S4Y Bonus Sketch

Today Fleur is turning 8 years old. Boy....does time fly. We surprised her with the Polly Pocket Mega Mall, and a few Littlest Pet Shop animals this morning. Of course I also made her a card. I used a clear card base from ShortCuts and Pink Paislee's Sweet Cake PPs. Remember that you can still get a 20% discount on ShortCuts products. Details and the coupon code can be found here.



Supplies: ShortCuts clear card base Cardstock: Core'dinations ColorCore Patterned papers: Pink Paislee Sweet Cakes, Postcards Rub-ons: Making Memories Heidi Black Button: Rusty Pickle Flower: Prima Marketing Tools: Martha Stewart Doily Lace punch, EK Success Circle punch Other: cord, ribbon

I also made a card for a colleague who had a baby boy last Wednesday. I used the bonus sketch that Heidi Van Laar designed for 2 Sketches 4 You this week. It is so good to play along with 2 Sketches 4 You again.



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: October Afternoon Hometown Tools: Sizzix BigShot machine, Sizzix Circles die, Sizzix Stars die, Martha Stewart ZigZag punch, Crop-a-Dile Letters: American Crafts Chipboard Thickers, Making Memories Alphabet Rub-ons Ribbon: BoBunny Ink: VersaColor Pinecone #171 Other: large eyelets, chipboard

Today is the last day you can sign up for my RAK. If you want a chance to win leave a comment here.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

CPS #94

Thank you all so much for the sweet comments on my blogoversary and ShortCuts DT position. You make me smile....all day!!

It has been almost 2 weeks ago since I scrapped anything. Can you believe it? It was just too busy with all kinds of things and activities. And above all....my scrap desk was a complete mess, so I first had to clear it out before I could scrap again. I really missed being creative. Earlier this week I made a card based on sketch #94 by Card Positioning Systems. This is my first CPS sketch, but definitely not my last one. For this card I used the Sublime PPs by Kaisercraft. The colors look much better IRL, but it is pretty hard to take a good picture when it's grey and rainy outside.




Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Kaisercraft Sublime Stamps: Melissa Frances Tools: Marvy Uchida Scalloped Oval punch, sewing machine Ink: Versafine Onyx Black Other: Hotfix crystal rhinestones, pom pom ribbon black

Thanks for stopping by!

TOOT! TOOOOOOOT!!!

I guess you can already tell what the excitement is all about, right? I made it to the ShortCuts Design Team!!! Needless to say, I am thrilled to be part of the team and to be able to work with the great ShortCuts products. I can hardly wait to start on my 6-month term and inspire you with my cards and other projects using the ShortCuts products. The other girls who made it to the Design Team are Joy Stagg, Melyssa Connolly and my sweet friend......Carla Peicheff. Congrats, girls!

If you are not familiar with the ShortCuts products yet you now have a chance to give it a try. As a special offer to my blog readers, ShortCuts is offering you a 20% discount*, when you place an order between now and December 16th!! Just visit their online store, enter the coupon code below when you check out and you will receive the discount as a refund when your order is processed!

Coupon Code: Welcome Ingrid 20

*Discount applies to product only, not shipping/handling.

If you email your order in, please make sure to note the coupon code in your email.

To celebrate my Design Team position I will add a few ShortCuts products to the RAK that I am giving away. If you would like to have a chance to win the RAK leave a comment here.

Have a wonderful day!

Happy Blogoversary!

It has been two years ago since I started this blog, so today I am celebrating my blog's second blogoversary. I would like to thank you all for frequenting my blog and leaving me such sweet comments. I really appreciate your comments and enjoy reading them. Therefore, I would like to give away a RAK. Leave me a comment no later than Friday December 12th by midnight CET. A winner will be drawn on Saturday.

Published Work

I got the new Scrapbook Magazine (#21) in the mail today. I was so thrilled to find out that the 3 layouts and 1 mini album I submitted made it all to the magazine. It is still a bit unreal for me to see my own work in a magazine. Unfortunately I can't showcase my recent projects, but now that the new magazine is out I do can show you the projects that were published in the October/November issue.

This is a mini album about Sanne and her friend Jet who went horse riding with Jet's dad and his colleague Hans. From the moment Sanne was invited the only thing she and Jet could talk about was horses, horses and......horses. The girls had a great time, and I was happy that Jet's dad took pictures that day.













Supplies: Rusty Pickle Cardboard Loose Leaf album Patterned paper: October Afternoon Detours, Daydream Rub-ons: Hambly Screen Prints rub-ons Out on a limb Letters: Making Memories tiny alphas brown ledger, American Crafts foam thickers, Doodlebug Loopy Love cardstock stickers, Pink Paislee Holly Doodle alphabet stickers Flowers: Prima Flowers Buttons: Rusty Pickle Stamps: Autumn Leaves clear stamps Sentiments, Provocraft Etcetera rolling stamp, Catslife Press Ribbon: Bo Bunny Tools: Heidi Swapp edge distresser, Fiskars Threading Water punch, EK Success flower punch, circle punch, sewing machine Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Vintage Sepia Other: pen Zig Memory System Millennium, stapler, Making Memories Noteworthy spiral notebook

The layout is about the books that I read during our 2-week vacation in France last summer. I love reading books, but hardly allow myself time to read as there are so many other things I want to do. So....during our vacations I always catch up on my pile of unread books.



Supplies: Patterned paper: Making Memories dessinpapier Passport, Noteworthy spiral notebook Flowers: Prima Marketing Buttons: Rusty Pickle Letters: Doodlebug Loopy Love cardstock stickers Tools: Cuttlebug machine, Cut & Emboss Butterflies Ink: VersaColor Pinecone Other: pen Zig Memory System Millennium, foamtape

Enjoy your weekend!

Cupcakes & Cakes

O my.....this week has been so BUSY. Phew....I didn't even have time to scrap. This week was all about cupcakes, cakes, presents, poems, and so on. Last Tuesday I did a workshop Cupcake Decoration. It was lots of fun, and I really like the cupcakes that I made. December 5th is Sinterklaas' Eve here in Holland, so the workshop's theme was Sinterklaas. I decorated 4 cupcakes based on the theme, but also wanted to try a few other techniques.



Fleur had her birthday party last Wednesday. She, Sanne and her friends went to Utrecht and made a Sinterklaas cake. This party was a huge success. The girls enjoyed themselves big time, and all their moms were enthusiastic about the cake. This evening we celebrate Sinterklaas' Eve and we finally get a chance to try the cake. Don't you just love my girls' cakes?



Well, off to prepare for Sinterklaas' Eve. Lots of excitement going on over here.

Playing in the Leaves

I had quite a busy week and didn't feel like doing anything today. Just a relaxing Sunday. However, I did want to spend some time on creating a digital layout. I found a template on the internet via the Sweet Shoppe Designs forum and wanted to give it a try. I used a card template for Fleur's birthday party invitation, but this is the first layout template that I used. Although I did two classes by Jessica Sprague I still consider myself as a newbie in digital scrapbooking. I still find it hard to design my own digital layouts, so a template is a great help. I used a picture that my SIL Lisette took of Fleur and Sanne while we were in England. I so like the pictures that she took.



Credits: Falling for You by Julie Billingsley, Bad Sewing Machine - Don't Be a Square by Traci Reed, Circle Date Stamps Mini by Christy Lyle, Notebook Paper Pack by Katie Pertiet, font Adler, template by Jenny Hudson

Today is the deadline for the SheetLoad ShortCuts DT call. Winners will be announced later this week. Please keep your fingers crossed for me......and my friend Carla.

ShortCuts Clear Card and an Award

I already finished my assignments for the SheetLoad ShortCuts DT call, but simply can't get enough of the clear cards. I just love that product and it is so much fun to work with the clear and frosted card bases. This morning I made a card for a friend's daughter who will be turning 6 this Saturday.



Supplies: ShortCuts clear card Patterned papers: We R Memory Keepers Flower: Prima Marketing Button: Rusty Pickle Tools: Martha Stewart Doily Lace punch, QuicKutz Diesel Classic Alphabet, sewing machine Other: ribbon, cord

Ellen, Natasja and Jane have nominated me for the Kreative Blogger Award. Thanks girls!! I really appreciate this. If you are into Kaisercraft products you should really visit Jane's blog. She designs for Kaisercraft and makes gorgeous projects using their products.



Most of my favorite blogs already got the Kreative Blogger Award, so I won't pass it on.

I noticed that my blog counter hit the 75,000 mark today. A big thank you to all of you for visiting my blog!

I would like to wish my American blog friends a Happy Thanksgiving!

2Peas Top 10 Gallery

I just have to share that my Gift Card Holder Folder made it to the Top 10 Gallery on Two Peas in a Bucket. It is my first Top 10 position on 2Peas.

SheetLoad ShortCuts & 2 Sketches 4 You

I finished my 3 projects for the SheetLoad ShortCuts DT call, so time to show them on my blog. The ShortCuts products are great to work with. It is fun to make a card using a clear or frosted card base instead of cardstock.

My first project is a card using a clear card base. I used Laura's Sketch #13 for the card design. Last week I didn't have time to create a card for 2 Sketches 4 You and really missed playing along. So.....this week I HAD to play so why not combine two challenges...



Supplies: ShortCuts Clear Card Patterned paper: October Afternoon Good Sheer Rub-ons: Imaginisce Merry Christmas Tools: Sizzix Stars die, Sizzix BigShot machine Ink: VersaColor Pinecone #171 Other: ribbon

My second project is a Gift Card Holder Folder (GCHF). The colors available are white, ivory, black and kraft. I used a white one. You can find instructions on how to assemble the GCHF here.



Supplies: ShortCuts Gift Card Holder Folder Patterned paper: October Afternoon Good Sheer Ribbon: Bazzill Rub-ons: Imaginisce Merry Christmas Tools: Sizzix Stars die, Sizzix BigShot machine, sewing machine Ink: VersaColor Pinecone #171

And my third project is a Triangle Box using a Frosted Full Sheet.



Supplies: ShortCuts Frosted Full Sheet Patterned paper: October Afternoon Good Sheer Tools: Cuttlebug Ice Crystal die, Sizzix Stars die, Sizzix BigShot machine, Scor-it Glitter: Ranger Stickles Button: Rusty Pickle Other: ribbon, cord

Creating a Triangle Box is fun and easy.

1. Cut Frosted Full Sheet 10.5" long and 3.5" wide
2. Score at 5.25" which is the base of both triangles, and the bottom of your box. I used my Scor-it tool to make scores.
3. Make a mark at the center point (1.75") of the 3.5" side
4. Score from the center tip to the bottom base corner on each side
5. Fold sides inwards and upwards to bring them together to form the triangle box. I used double-sided adhesive to stick all sides together.
6. Cover sides with your choice of patterned paper and embellishments
7. Punch a hole through the top, and string a ribbon through it.

You can find more information on all ShortCuts products here. If you are interested in buying any of the ShortCuts products go here.

Have a wonderful weekend!

ShortCuts DT Top 10

Just a brief note to share that I made it to the Top 10 for the ShortCuts DT. Isn't that exciting? I really love the ShortCuts products. The clear & frosted card bases as well as the Gift Card Holder Folders are great to work with. I am working on the Top 10 assignments and will be showcasing my projects on my blog this weekend.

Happy Birthday to Renee

Today our little niece Renee is turning 5 years old. Since she and her family live in England we are not able to wish her a happy Birthday in person. Of course I made her a card for her 5th birthday. Happy Birthday, Renee!

This card was also my take on the 4th challenge at the Dolls & Decorations online card crop last Saturday. The challenge was to make a card in a shape other than a square or rectangle. I used a page of the Maya Road Cupcake Chipboard Coaster Book as a template. Apologies for the bad picture. I took this one late in the evening.




Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Scenic Route Surprise Ribbon: Bazzill Buttons: Rusty Pickle Letters: American Crafts Foam Thickers, QuicKutz Classic Diesel Alphabet Other: chipboard flower

Thanks for all your sweet comments!

Invitation Birthday Party

Fleur will turn 8 on December 12th. She will be having her birthday party on December 3rd. I always make the girls' invitations myself. This time I made one digitally. I really enjoy digital scrapbooking. Especially now I get more and more familiar with Photoshop Elements. There is still a lot to learn, but at least I know the basics....and a bit more.



Supplies: Cheeky Girl by Zoe Pearn, For All Occasions by Darcy Baldwin and Bree Clarkson, Font DJB Mandy by Darcy Baldwin, Chick or Sweet (notepaper) by ScrapKitchen Designs. These kits are available at Sweet Shoppe Designs.

Have a wonderful day!

Is It Christmas Already?

You would think so if you see the new look of my blog. Yesterday I received a newsletter from Sweet Shoppe Designs and as soon as I saw the Blog in a Box: Little Joys kit by Zoe Pearn I just HAD to buy that kit. You all know that I am in ♥LOVE♥ with the My Mind's Eye Be Merry line designed by Zoe Pearn, so this digital kit is a must have for me. I want to enjoy these digital designs to the fullest so I gave my blog a Christmas look. A bit early, but who cares? I don't.....

Card Challenges

Tonight I hosted another online crop on the Dolls & Decorations messageboard. The first online crop was quite a success, but I think that this time even more girls participated. We took off with one of my sketch designs that was published in Cards Only #3. The second challenge was to make a Christmas card without using the traditional Christmas colors red and green. Here is my take on the challenge....



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Papers Patterned paper: My Mind's Eye Laundry Line Rub-ons: Imaginisce Merry Christmas Tools: Cuttlebug Ice Crystal die, Circle punch, EK Success Corner punch large Ink: VersaColor Pinecone #171 Other: ribbon, button, floss

The third challenge was inspired by an ad from Pottery Barn. When we were in England a few weeks ago Lisette and I scrapped together. Lisette had come across this picture and thought it would be great for a challenge. So, we both made a card inspired by this ad. I really liked the challenge and thought it would be nice to use it for the online crop this evening. The great thing about such an online crop is to see the variety of cards based on a challenge. Here is my card....



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Basic Grey and ?? Ribbon: Bazzill Basics Rub-ons: Melissa Frances, American Crafts Tools: Martha Stewart Butterfly punch, Fiskars Embossing Border punch, flower punch Ink: VersaColor Pinecone #171 Other: Hotfix pearls, twine

Unfortunately I can't show challenge #4 yet as I first have to send that card. I will be able to show the card later this week.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes, and have a nice Sunday!

The Big 4 0

Happy Birthday to.....me!!

Today is my 40th birthday. I got really spoilt by Eric, Fleur and Sanne. They bought me an Epson R1400 (A3+) printer. I wanted an A3 printer for a while so I can print directly on my 12x12" layouts and cardstock. Needless to say I am very happy with the gift. I also got two cupcakes recipe books. YUMMY!!! And Fleur made me a necklace and ring.



I won't be celebrating my birthday today as we already threw a party for family and friends on August 30th when Eric and I celebrated our 40th birthdays together.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Published Cards

I hardly had time to scrap this week. Well I did have time, but my desk is full with lots of scrapbook stuff. So.....there is no space. I decided to clear out my scrap room, but I can tell you it is not my favorite activity. Since I didn't create anything I have nothing to show you so I will share some of my cards that were published in Cards Only #3 (September/October). It was my first card publication and I was thrilled to find my card on the cover.



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Scenic Route Sumner Ribbon: May Arts Tools: Crop-a-Dile, EK Success Circle punch, Corner punch large Other: eyelets, chipboard leave Ink: VersaColor Pinecone #171



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Little Yellow Bicycle Delightful Ribbon: Bazzill Basics Tools: Fiskars Threading Water punch, EK Success Circle punch, sewing machine Button: Rusty Pickle Letters: American Crafts foam thickers Other: floss, foam tape



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Sassafras Lass Sunshine Lollipop Flowers: Prima Marketing Ribbon: American Crafts Letters: American Crafts foam thickers Rub-ons: Making Memories Alphabet Rub-ons Heidi Buttons: Rusty Pickle Ink: VersaColor Pinecone #171 Tools: stapler Other: Doodlebug paper frills, Hotfix crystal rhinestones, bead, floss

Cards Only #4 hit the stores last week and I can tell you it is a wonderful Christmas issue. Lots of gorgeous cards and full of inspiration. In this issue 8 of my cards were published. Unfortunately I can't show you any of these cards yet.

Today I baked and decorated 30 cupcakes for a treat in the office tomorrow. The big 40 is arriving soon. ;-)

Laura's Sketch 12, Shopping & an Award

I was quite busy this week, but did find a moment today to make a card for 2 Sketches 4 You based on Laura's sketch #12. As usual, it was a great sketch to work with. Laura's card and the DT cards are gorgeous. I would like to congratulate the new 2S4Y Winter Design Team. A talented team of amazing scrappers. I was delighted to see that my friend Hanneke made it to the team. Wishing the new team lots of fun!

I made a card for one of my colleagues who got a baby girl last week.



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, alphabet stickers: Making Memories Paperie Ribbon: Fancy Pants Tools: Martha Steward Doily Lace punch, Martha Stewart Butterfly punch, Sizzix Circles die, sewing machine Crystals: Prima Marketing Other: Rusty Pickle button, floss, Hotfix pearls

Last Thursday my mom and Bep, one of her best friends went to the Kreadoe expo. Many scrapbook stores were present so we went shopping with the 3 of us. I didn't need anything in particular, but I came home with lots of goodies. I ran into Scenic Route's new Garland Christmas papers. I just HAD to buy these papers. I wanted them so badly and didn't know they already were in store. I also bought more of the Weathervane papers by October Afternoon. I already bought these papers last Saturday, but since I made a mini album with it I ran out of paper......almost. It looks like I didn't buy that much paper, but I bought 2 sheets of each design by Scenic Route and October Afternoon. I just ♥LOVE♥ these two brands! Of course I couldn't leave the expo without buying ribbons.



Last Sunday I received a mail from Anita, owner of the Dutch Scrappers Anonimous (SA) messageboard, telling me that I won the This Blog Rocks Award. I knew that Hanneke nominated me several times, but didn't expect to win as there are so many wonderful blogs. I was quite surprised to receive Anita's e-mail. A big thank you to all the SA girls who voted for my blog.

Well, that's all for now. Enjoy your weekend!

Loooooong post

The past week have gone by really quick. I have been creating a few layouts, but I can't show them yet. I went to Paper & Pictures yesterday to hand them in for the December/January issue of Scrapbook Magazine. The new October Afternoon patterned papers arrived on Thursday and I wanted to have these papers so badly, so......I purchased Weathervane, Hometown and Good Sheer. The papers are so yummy!! I also got back my layouts and cards that were published in Scrapbook Magazine and Cards Only. Not every card or layout made it to the magazine, so I'll post them on my blog in the next few days. I was really glad to get back the layouts that were pubbed in the August/September magazine. Now I could make some new pictures of my projects. Since my laptop crashed early September I lost all my project photos and no.....I hadn't made a back-up. The layouts Family Photo Shoot and Sisters & Best Friends were both pubbed.


Pictures by: Florence Bavinck

Supplies: Patterned paper: Pink Paislee Spring Fling Flowers: Prima Marketing Flowers Hydrangea Letters: American Crafts Chipboard Thickers Pranger black Button: Rusty Pickle Ink: VersaColor Pinecone #171 Tools: Heidi Swapp edge distresser, sewing machine Other: Prima Marketing journaling squares, foamtape, floss, pen Zig Memory System Millennium black


Pictures by: Florence Bavinck

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Little Yellow Bicycle Delightful Flowers: Prima Marketing Flowers Bubbles, Heidi Swapp Silhouette Daisy white Letters: American Crafts Chipboard Thickers Pranger white Ribbon: Bazzill Basics Rub-ons: Hambly Screen Prints Rub-ons Vintage Motifs Buttons: Rusty Pickle Tools: Fiskars Threading Water punch, EK Success Whale Punch Retro Flower Large, Daisy Large, Sizzix Doodle Block Lowercase Alphabet set, Sizzix BigShot machine, sewing machine Other: floss, Hotfix pearls, pen Zig Memory System Millennium black, chipboard

This layout about Fleur didn't make it. No problem of course, because so many great projects are submitted each time and the editor has to make a choice. I really like this picture that Eric made of Fleur. The hidden journaling is about Eric practising his portrait photography skills. I was on my knees holding a hairdryer, so it looks like her hair is blowing in the wind.



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Pink Paislee Office Lingo, Little Yellow Bicycle Delightful Ribbon: Bazzill Basics Buttons: Rusty Pickle, Creative Café Flowers: Prima Marketing Flowers Bubbles, Heidi Swapp Silhouette Daisy white Letters: American Crafts Chipboard Thickers Pranger white Tools: EK Success Whale Punch Retro Flower Large, sewing machine Stamps: Autumn Leaves clear stamps Ledger Tabs Other: Making Memories Metal Tag Rims, floss, staples, pen Zig Memory System Millennium black

A few months ago I came across some great bright purses on Heidi Swapp's blog. She lives in Beijing and mentioned that she found them on a market. My SIL Li originally comes from Beijing and her parents and sister live in Beijing. Li and my brother had plans to visit Li's family this year, so I sent Heidi an e-mail asking her where in Beijing she found the purses. She replied and gave me the name of the market. Peter and Li spent the past two weeks in Beijing and before they left I sent them the link to Heidi's blog post and asked them to look for a lime and black purse. They printed the picture of the purses, and went shopping at the local market. It didn't take them too long to find the purses. The purses were priced for 32.50 euro ($42), but they got them for only 10 euro ($13) each. These are my new purses...



The black one happens to be a brown one. I didn't notice it at first - and neither did Peter and Li when they bought the purses - but when I put it next to the black one that they bought for my friend Hanneke a few days later I noticed the little difference. I don't really care. I recently purchased a black purse myself, so I am really happy with this brown one.

Last Friday I went to Dolls & Decorations' Halloween Fright Night. The store looked very spooky, and Petra had yummy cupcakes and real American candies and Halloween colored M&Ms. I was glad I weighed in that morning, so I could cheat a little bit on my diet. I have now lost 10kg (22lb). I didn't scrap anything, but had a great time. Here are some pictures taken that night. I am the (sweet) devil with the black/red wig. I really liked my new hairdo. I have been having curls for 39 years, so it is great to have a different hairdo for 1 night. *wink*

The Dolls & Decorations DT...



Norbiba (l), Hanneke (r) and me (m)...



This morning Fleur, Sanne and I made some cupcakes. I wanted to try the cupcake mix and icing that I bought last week. There is a store very close to work where they sell all kinds of products to bake and decorate your own (cup)cakes. The look of my cupcakes isn't perfect, but the taste is!!! I know, I know....I am on a diet, but I had to try one. Well......one and a half. I shared one with my brother this afternoon and took another one this evening.



**ETA** I totally forgot to tell that I got a copy of the latest issue of Cards Only magazine last Saturday. Number 4 is a great winter / Christmas issue with lots of gorgeous cards. I still think it is awesome to see your own cards pubbed in a magazine.



Well, this is all for now. Tomorrow Laura and Kazan will announce the new 2 Sketches 4 You Winter Design Team and I am really curious to find out who made it to the team. I am sure that they have chosen a great team.