Sunday, November 30, 2008

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.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

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!

Monday, November 24, 2008

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.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

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!

Friday, November 21, 2008

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.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

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!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

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!

Sunday, November 16, 2008

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.....

Saturday, November 15, 2008

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!

Friday, November 14, 2008

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!

    Wednesday, November 12, 2008

    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. ;-)

    Saturday, November 8, 2008

    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!

    Sunday, November 2, 2008

    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.