Scrapbook Mania & More

I've Moved!

2010-01-02T23:20:00.002+01:00

I have a brand new blog that you just gotta see. Come check it out at

Don't forget to update your bookmarks. If you have me listed in your Blogger blogroll you may see that my blog was last updated more than a year ago. You should update my url in your blogroll as follows:

http://ingriddanvers.com/feed

Hope to see you at my new blog.

Invitations, Publication and Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T12:40:00.000+01:00

On the last day of 2009 I would like to share the invitations that I made for Sanne's birthday party on January 9, 2010. I was inspired by Berdien Weideveld. She made these invitations for her daughter Celine. I really liked the invitations and scraplifted them for Sanne's party. The photo of Sanne is one of my favorites from the photo shoot by Florence Bavinck.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Bella Blvd. Software: Adobe Photoshop CS3

I got a copy of Scrapbooks Etc. February 2010 in the mail and my Jillibean Soup layout that was requested last June is in this issue. I had to be patient for a long time, but it was worth the wait. It's super cool to have one of your layouts published in an American scrapbook magazine.

Thank you all for visiting my blog this year, and leaving me so many sweet comments. I truly appreciate your visits and comments. I would like to wish you a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Mount Everest

2009-12-30T11:10:00.000+01:00

No, I didn't climb the Mount Everest or don't have any plans to do so in the new year. {wink} The title of this layout refers to the enormous pile of laundry. I don't really mind doing the laundry, but I often postpone ironing and then you end up with such a huge pile. I made this layout somewhere in June, but never posted it on my blog.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: October Afternoon Cherry Hill Stickers: American Crafts Thickers Flower: Prima Marketing Brad: SEI Tools: Sizzix die Circles, EK Success Binding Edge border punch, sewing machine Ink: VersaColor Pinecone

Have a wonderful day!

Congrats On Your New Little Bundle

2009-12-27T13:30:00.000+01:00

One of my bosses and his wife got a baby girl on December 24th. It's their 3rd child. I made them a card using Scenic Route's Hampton collection. It's one of their collections from a few years ago, but I still love this one. I ordered this collection among others when I found out that Scenic Route would close their doors. I just had to order some of my favorite collections. The corduroy brad and pearl flourish are from Zva Creative. The pearl and crystal flourishes are available in various sizes. I love to use the small ones on cards and gift boxes.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (white), Papertrey Ink (rustic cream) Patterned paper: Scenic Route Hampton Zva Creative: Corduroy Brads (BR01CB104), Pearl Flourish (PEW02CB107) Ribbon: M&J Trimmings Twine: Papertrey Ink (rustic cream) Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Signature Greetings) Ink: Versafine Vintage Sepia Tools: EK Success Retro Flower punch, Stampin'Up! Eyelet border punch

Thank you so much for all your sweet comments. Have a Happy Sunday!

A Christmas Thank You

2009-12-26T15:15:00.003+01:00

Hello! I must honestly say that I don't know in how many countries Christmas is celebrated 2 days, but we do celebrate Christmas on 25 and 26 December. So, today is - what we call - second Christmas Day. Eric is on his way picking up his mom who will be celebrating with us today. I made my family members a gift box filled with Christmas chocolates, and of course I made one for my MIL too. I used the Fold n' Go template from Papertrey Ink. I really love their templates. This Fold n' Go box is available in two sizes. I used the large size.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (kraft), Kars (glitter), Papertrey Ink (rustic cream) Patterned paper: Scenic Route Roxbury Stamps: Papertrey Ink (2009 Holiday Tag Collection, Signature Christmas) Ink: Papertrey Ink (Pure Poppy), VersaColor Pinecone Template: Papertrey Ink (Fold n' Go) Ribbon: local haberdashery Twine: Papertrey Ink (rustic cream) Tools: EK Success Scallop Circle punch, EK Success Circle punch, Cuttlebug Cut 'n Emboss Ice Crystal, Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Squares, Sizzix Stars #2 Transparency: ShortCuts Other: chipboard

Wishing you all a wonderful day!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T15:35:00.008+01:00

We woke up with snow this morning, but soon it started raining. We had breakfast together, and played some games with the girls. I also scrapped a little. I made two Christmas boxes and a card. This Christmas card is for my mom and dad. I was inspired by this card that I created a few weeks ago.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (kraft), Papertrey Ink (Rustic Cream) Patterned paper: October Afternoon Very Merry Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Vintage Labels, Signature Christmas, Background Basics: Text Style II) Ink: Papertrey Ink (Pure Poppy, Vintage Dye Duo), Versafine Vintage Sepia Tools: Martha Stewart Embossed Scallop edge punch, Cuttlebug Cut 'n Emboss Ice Crystal, sewing machine Button: Papertrey Ink (Vintage Holiday Mix) Twine: Papertrey Ink Other: foamtape, Ranger Stickles Frosted Lace

I also made a little gift box for my parents. I used Papertrey Ink's My Timeless Template Ready, Set, Wrap.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (kraft), Papertrey Ink (Rustic Cream, Pure Poppy) Patterned paper: October Afternoon Very Merry Stamps: Papertrey Ink (2009 Holiday Tag Collection, Signature Christmas) Ink: Papertrey Ink (Pure Poppy, Ripe Avocado, Vintage Dye Duo) Tools: EK Success Scallop Circle punch, EK Success Circle punch Twine: Papertrey Ink Ribbon: local haberdashery Template: Papertrey Ink (Ready, Set, Wrap)

We've been invited by Peter and Li to have dinner at their place today. I made them a gift box filled with Christmas chocolates. I was inspired by Ted's Happily Ever Challenged #1. His challenge is to create a box. I used the In a Pinch template by Lauren Meader. Her templates are available in PDF and various cutting files. I purchased the GSD file, so I can cut the template using my QuicKutz Silhouette.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (kraft), Papertrey Ink (Rustic Cream) Patterned paper: October Afternoon Very Merry Stamps: Papertrey Ink (2009 Holiday Tag Collection) Ink: Papertrey Ink (Pure Poppy, Ripe Avocado, Vintage Dye Duo) Zva Creative: 12" Double Chain Crystal (CRC01CB103), Pearls (CR02CA127) Tools: EK Success Scallop Circle punch, EK Success Circle punch, Fiskars Scallop Sentiment border punch, Martha Stewart Snowflake punch Template: My Time Made Easy (In a Pinch) Ribbon: local haberdashery

Last Saturday we received a box with Christmas gifts. Today we could finally open the gifts and the girls and I were thrilled. Our sweet Santa surprised the girls with lovely American Girl craft supplies and I received Martha Stewarts' Lace Heart edge punch. Thank you so much, Santa! Love ya!

Wishing you a wonderful and magical Christmas Day.

Seven

2009-12-24T09:00:00.000+01:00

Today our youngest sweetheart is turning 7. She has been counting the days until her birthday for weeks, and now it is finally the day. We spoilt her with Polly Pocket, books and a Nintendo DS game.

Photo by Florence Bavinck

I made her a card using Cosmo Cricket's Girl Friday collection. The colors and designs are perfect for a 7 year old. The gorgeous pearls and felt flower are from Zva Creative.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Cardstock Patterned paper: Cosmo Cricket Girl Friday Zva Creative: Pearls (12" Double Chains PEC-02CB-101), Felt flower (FL-01-CB-117) Foam Glue Dots (AD-01-CB-101) Tools: Fiskars Scallop Sentiment border punch, Martha Stewart Deep Edger Doily Lace Trim, EK Success Retro Flower punch Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Signature Greetings) Ink: Papertrey Ink (Raspberry Fizz)

I'll be back tomorrow with more Christmas projects. Hope your day is fabulous!

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T10:30:00.000+01:00

I already bought many Christmas collections early in the season and told myself not to buy any more Christmas papers, but when I was at Paper & Pictures at the end of October I couldn't resist buying the We R Memory Keepers Merry & Bright collection. I love the colors and designs of this collection. Here are two cards that I made with the papers.

On the second card I used one of the Background Basics: Diamonds stamps from Papertrey Ink to create a stamped background on the pink paper.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, die-cuts: We R Memory Keepers Merry & Bright Twine: Papertrey Ink (Rustic Cream) Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Signature Christmas, Background Basics: Diamonds) Ink: Papertrey Ink (Pure Poppy) Tools: Martha Stewart Embossed Scallop edge punch, sewing machine Other: foamtape

I'll be back tomorrow with a card that I made for our youngest sweetheart who will turn 7 tomorrow.

Have a wonderful day!

Happy Holidays

2009-12-21T22:00:00.000+01:00

I was supposed to go to the office today, but decided to work from home. The roads were quite slippery, and there was lots of traffic around Utrecht. They expect more snow tonight and also glazed frost, so I have no idea whether I go to the office tomorrow. I like snow as long as I can stay home. I haven't ran any errands for Christmas yet. Hopefully the weather conditions will get better so I can go by car.

Last week I made this Christmas card. It turned out quite clean & simple. I bought these My Mind's Eye papers somewhere in October, but it was the first time I used them. I bought quite some Christmas collections this year, but hardly had time to make cards with all these collections. I think I have more than enough Christmas papers for the next 10....20 years.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (white), Papertrey Ink (rustic cream) Patterned paper: My Mind's Eye The Merry Days of Christmas Clear stamps: Papertrey Ink (2009 Holiday Tag Collection) Ink: Papertrey Ink (Ripe Avocado, Vintage Tea Dye Duo), Versafine Onyx Black Tools: Martha Stewart Embossed Scallop edge punch, EK Success Circle punch, EK Success Scalloped Circle punch, sewing machine Twine: Jillibean Soup Other: foamtape

Have a wonderful evening.

Snow, and Jillibean Soup Box

2009-12-20T22:00:00.003+01:00

Oh the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we've no place to go
Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

We've had lots of snow this weekend, and it just started snowing again. It looks beautiful outside. I am glad we didn't have to go anywhere today, because the situation on the roads is really bad. I wonder what it will be like tomorrow morning. I have to work tomorrow, but I'll first check the news before I go out.

Eric went into town this afternoon to buy a gift for one of Fleur's friends and took some pictures in the city centre of IJsselstein.

I have been busy working on DT assignments and last minute Christmas cards. Since I don't have much to show you at the moment I'll leave you with this little box that was published in Scrapbook Magazine.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Jillibean Soup Soup Staples Button: Rusty Pickle Tools: EK Success Retro Flower punches, Fiskars Scallop Sentiment border punch Other: wax cord, foamtape, wooden box

Tomorrow I'll have a Christmas card to show you. Until then!

Happy Birthday

2009-12-19T11:45:00.000+01:00

Today my dear and amazingly talented SIL Lisette is celebrating her 40th birthday. She and her hubby will be spending the weekend in Paris. I am sure they will have a wonderful time together. Congrats, Lisette!

My card for Lisette turned out quite simple, and I am not completely satisfied. Something was 'wrong' with this card and I couldn't tell what it was. When editing the picture I realized the punched border should have had the same width as the checked paper instead of the same width as the flower paper. It's a little detail, but it's the reason why I am not really happy with the card.

And a close-up of the gorgeous blue pearl swirl by Zva Creative.

Supplies: Zva Creative: Pearl Swirl PE-02-CB-131 Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (kraft), Papertrey Ink (vintage cream) Patterned paper: October Afternoon Report Card Button, ribbon, twine, ink: Papertrey Ink Rub-ons: Melissa Frances Tools: Sizzix Bigz XL die Scallop Card, Martha Stewart Flower Bed deep edger punch, sewing machine

Have a wonderful weekend!

Lots of Jillibean Soup

2009-12-18T12:35:00.000+01:00

Yesterday we woke up with a few inches of snow. The girls were excited. I was a little less excited as I had to go to work. I took me 2 hours to get to the office, and it's only 11 miles. Fleur and Sanne were off from school yesterday afternoon and built a snowman with Eric. I do like snow but not when I have to go out by car.

I have been really busy and haven't had time yet to post my layouts that went up on the Jillibean Soup blog yesterday.

The first layout is about Sanne. This photo was taken by my talented SIL Lisette back in August. She and the kids were in the Netherlands for 2 weeks, and when we got together we had a little photo shoot with our kids. Sanne loves it when auntie Lisette takes photos of her. The journaling is written on the kraft tag.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, journaling sprout, bean seeds: Jillibean Soup Stickers: American Crafts Thickers Tools: Martha Stewart Scallop Dots edge punch, sewing machine Pen: Uni-ball Signo White Tag: Creative Cafe

The photos on this second layout were taken by Florence Bavinck during our photo shoot on October 31st. The girls had lots of fun during the shoot. The scan of the layout is not good as there is supposed to be a little white border on the right.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, alphabeans, bean seeds: Jillibean Soup Buttons: Rusty Pickle Ink: Papertrey Ink (Orange Zest) Tools: We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper

With a little one in the family I have an adorable subject to scrap about. Nick is a real cutie, and my brother sent me some lovely photos. For this layout I used my favorite blues from the Alphabet Soup and Soup Staples collections.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, stamps: Jillibean Soup Stickers: American Crafts Foam Thickers Tools: Fiskars border punch, Stampin'Up! circle punch, sewing machine Lace: local haberdashery Ink: Versafine Onyx Black Other: button, tag, date stamp, staples

The journaling of this last layout is about Fleur and Sanne being crazy about their cousin Nick.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (white) Patterned paper, alpabeans: Jillibean Soup Tools: Sizzix Stars #2, sewing machine Ink: Papertrey Ink (Spring Moss)

I'll be back with a card tomorrow. Until then!

Xmas Banner

2009-12-14T14:15:00.000+01:00

I have a Xmas banner to share with you that is up on the Jillibean Soup blog today. Grandmas Christmas Soup collection is one of my favorite Christmas collections this year. I just love the colors and patterns. I had a hard time taking a picture of this banner. It's not that difficult to take a good picture of the banner itself, but the lighting was so poor due to the bad weather. The picture doesn't do justice to the banner, but I can tell you it does look wonderful IRL.

Supplies: Patterned paper, ribbon, twine: Jillibean Soup Buttons: Rusty Pickle Letters: Cosmo Cricket Chipboard Alpha Tools: Sizzix Bigz XL Layered Banner, Sizzix Stars #2 Ink: VersaColor Pinecone Other: chipboard

You can find a new Download Monday project online at www.truikebron.com today. Jeanet Tiemessen and I both made a gift box using October Afternoon papers. You can download the instructions (Dutch only) of our projects here.

Have a Happy Monday!

Nine

2009-12-12T10:25:00.000+01:00

Today our sweetheart is turning 9. She woke up at 7.15am this morning, but went back to bed as she was the only one awake. At 7.45am she knocked on our bedroom door asking when we would come to surprise her with the gifts. Tee hee.....she could no longer wait. She was really happy with the gifts we bought her.

Photo by Florence Bavinck

This afternoon my parents, brother and his family (if Nick feels well), my MIL and FIL will come over. And.....my dear SIL Lisette and Rebecca, Ruben and Renee will come too. They are here for the weekend, and I really look forward to seeing them again. It will be the last time that we see each other before they move to Australia at the beginning of January. We only see each other 2 or 3 times a year, but now that they move from the UK to Australia we will only see each other once in a few years. Of course we are sad to see them moving so far away, but the good thing is that we plan to visit them in Australia one day. We have never been to Australia, so a family visit is the perfect occasion to go there.

Here's the card I made for Fleur. I couldn't resist using October Afternoon's Farm Fresh again.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (white) Patterned paper: October Afternoon Farm Fresh Ribbon: Papertrey Ink (Aqua Mist) Button, twine: Papertrey Ink Clear stamps: Papertrey Ink (Mixed Messages, Signature Greetings) Ink: Papertrey Ink (Dark Chocolate) Tools: Martha Stewart Daisy edge punch, sewing machine Other: tag

Have a wonderful day!

Birthday Wishes

2009-12-09T13:20:00.001+01:00

Last Tuesday my colleague Jacqueline celebrated her birthday. I made her a birthday card and a small gift bag filled with delicious Christmas chocolates. These are soooo yummy! I used October Afternoon's Farm Fresh collection, one of my favorites at this moment.

Papertrey Ink's Aqua Mist ribbon matches perfectly with the October Afternoon papers.

I used Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Eight to create a label for the gift bag.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (white) Patterned paper: October Afternoon Farm Fresh Buttons: Papertrey Ink Ribbon, twine: Papertrey Ink Clear stamps: Papertrey Ink (Mixed Messages) Ink: VersaColor Pinecone, Papertrey Ink (Vintage Dye Duo) Tools: Martha Stewart Daisy edge punch, Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Eight, EK Success Retro Flower punch, We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper Other: tag, frosted plastic gift favor bags (Emma's Paperie)

Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful day!

Zva Winners, Xmas Cards & Sketchy Wednesday

2009-12-09T11:00:00.004+01:00

Good morning! Zva winners have been chosen and their name will be announced sometime today on the following blogs:

Teri
Hilde
Lynn M.
Lynn G.
Anabelle

We had a ball and we hope that you did as well. Thank you SO MUCH for visiting my blog. Please keep an eye out for another Zva Creative Blog Hop in the future.

It has been ages ago since I played along with Card Patterns. I check their new sketch every week, but I hardly have time to play along with my favorite challenge blogs. Too many things on my to do list and too little time. Earlier this week I played with my new Papertrey Ink stamps and made two cards with the lovely Holiday Button Bits stamp set. I {heart} buttons, so this is a great stamp set for me. The first card is based on Card Patterns' Sketch 44. I am not completely satisfied about this card as the reds of the ribbon, buttons and patterned paper don't really match, but I didn't have the perfect matching reds in my stash.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (kraft), Papertrey Ink (rustic cream) Patterned paper: Scenic Route Roxbury Buttons: Buttons Galore & More Ribbon: local haberdashery Clear stamps: Papertrey Ink (Holiday Button Bits, Signature Christmas) Ink: Papertrey Ink (Ripe Avocado, Dark Chocolate, Vintage Dye Duo) Tools: Martha Stewart Embossed Scallop edge punch, We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper

And here's another card that I created with my Papertrey Ink stamp sets. It's a 4 x 4" card.

Supplies: Cardstock: Papertrey Ink (vintage cream, rustic cream) Patterned paper: Cosmo Cricket Jolly by Golly Buttons: Papertrey Ink (Holiday Mix) Twine: Papertrey Ink Clear stamps: Papertrey Ink (Holiday Button Bits, Signature Christmas, Vintage Labels) Ink: Papertrey Ink (Ocean Tides, Dark Chocolate, Vintage Dye Duo) Tools: Martha Stewart Embossed Scallop edge punch, Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels One, sewing machine

On December 1st the website www.truikebron.com was launched. You can find free downloads, sketches, tricks and fun projects on the (Dutch) website. One of the items on the website is Sketchy Wednesday. I did the design for today's sketch. I also made a layout and card based on my own sketch. Wanna see my projects? Hop on over here. Click on the sketch to download the pdf file.

Well, that's all for today. Have a wonderful day!

Zva Creative Blog Hop

2009-12-07T15:00:00.002+01:00

Our First Zva Creative Blog Hop!

I am excited to be part of the Zva Creative DT! We are joining together today to share a Christmas or Holiday Tag that we each created showcasing the beautiful products that Zva has to offer. I am hoping that you will take some time to join us in a little bit of fun!

The Blog Hop begins at Kim Hughes' blog. She is linking to one of the designers and that designer is linking to the next and so on. There are 12 design team members, so be prepared to be inspired along the way. Hidden on 5 of the blogs is a Zva Creative prize package! Those blogs will be randomly chosen after the hop is over, so it's important to leave a comment on as many blogs as you can. Our team is so wonderfully diverse, so we are hoping that you will discover a talent that you have not been aware of.

This Blog Hop runs through midnight on Tuesday, December 8th and the 5 winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 9th. We will do our best to notify each winner, but it's best if you can pop in to all of the blogs once again on Wednesday...plus, you never know what kind of inspirational creation that you may find there. All you need to do is leave a comment on this Zva Blog Hop post...you do not need to leave a comment on each and every blog post to qualify. The more times you leave a comment, the more chances you will have to be one of the winners.

I created a Christmas tag for this Blog Hop. I used a pearl snowflake combined with Cuttlebug's Ice Crystal die. The Zva Creative snowflakes are perfect for a Christmas or winter themed card. The pearls come from the 12" Double Chains strips.

Supplies: Zva Creative: Snowflake (PEW-02CB-102), 12" Double Chains (PEC-02CB-101) Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (kraft) Patterned paper: October Afternoon Very Merry Rub-ons: Pebbles Inc. Button: Rusty Pickle Twine: Jillibean Soup Lace: M&J Trimmings Ink: Papertrey Ink Tools: Cuttlebug Cut 'n Emboss Ice Crystal Eyelet: We R Memory Keepers Glitter: Ranger Stickles Frosted Lace

Please hop on over to see Teri Anderson.

Thank you SO MUCH for playing. We appreciate your support so very much.

Have a wonderful day!

Happy New Year

2009-12-06T16:30:00.001+01:00

Our weather isn't that good at the moment. Lots of rain today, so the perfect weather to do some scrapping. Regina from The Cutting Cafe has designed some great templates, and digital stamps for the festive season. One of my favorite templates are the shaped card templates such as this Wine Bottle Shaped Card. The templates are very easy to work with, and you have a wonderful card within a very short time.

Supplies: The Cutting Cafe: Wine Bottle Shaped Card Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (white), Kars (glitter) Patterned paper: Jillibean Soup Soup Staples Ribbon: local haberdashery Stickers: American Crafts Foam Thickers Tools: EK Success Circle punch, Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Scalloped Ovals Large Other: eyelet, waxed cord

We had a wonderful Sinterklaas' Eve yesterday. We all got spoilt by Sinterklaas, and everyone was pleased with the gifts.

Have a wonderful evening! Until tomorrow...

For a Gracious Hostess

2009-12-05T15:30:00.001+01:00

We are about to leave in a few minutes to celebrate Sinterklaas with my family and Eric's mom. The girls are really excited. I love celebrating Sinterklaas and being together with our families on Sinterklaas' Eve. Usually we stay home and have the others come to our place. This year we go over to Peter, Li and Nick. I made Li a gift box filled with delicious chocolates. Again I used the Tucked Away template from Papertrey Ink.

The crystal swirl, felt flowers and pearl brad are from Zva Creative. Their products are wonderful to work with. Don't you just love that big pearl brad? The size is 1/2".

Supplies: Zva Creative: Crystal Swirl (CRW02CA105), Pearl Brad (BRBK02CA103), Felt Flowers (FL01CB116), Foam Glue Dots (AD01CB101) Template, stamps: Papertrey Ink Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Scenic Route Providence Ribbon: Jillibean Soup Tools: QuicKutz Nesting Flowers, Spellbinders Nestabilities Circles Large Ink: Versafine Onyx Black

Don't forget to check in on Monday for the Zva Creative blog hop.

Have a wonderful evening!

Pubbed Layouts

2009-12-04T10:10:00.001+01:00

As promised, I would also show you the other layouts that were published in the previous issue of Scrapbook Magazine. I used the Soup Staples collection from Jillibean Soup on both layouts. I {heart} the Soup Staples collection. So many colors to choose from, and perfect to match with any of the other Jillibean Soup collections.

The first layout is about Fleur. This picture was taken this summer. Next week she'll be turning 9, and I love to see how she is changing. Not only in looks, but also in the way she acts and the things she loves to do. She spends more time on her hair and clothes and is more aware of her appearance. She is not really interested in kids' music such as K3 and Kus (Belgian and Dutch girl bands) anymore, but loves to listen to the Black Eyed Peas, Pink and Lady Gaga. The layout is based on a sketch by Becky Fleck from her Scrapbook PageMaps book.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (white) Patterned paper, journaling sprout: Jillibean Soup Flower: Prima Marketing Button: Rusty Pickle Tools: Martha Stewart Embossed Scallop edge punch, QuicKutz Alphabet Grand Diesel, sewing machine Other: foamtape, waxed cord

You may remember that Eric created this poster using a picture of Fleur and Sanne. I loved how the poster turned out and just had to scrap the poster.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (white, black) Patterned paper: Jillibean Soup Stickers: American Crafts Thickers Tools: Fiskars Upper Crest border punch, sewing machine Metal tag rims: CreaMotion Other: staples

Tomorrow I'll have a lovely gift box to show you. Until then!

Wow....

2009-12-03T17:40:00.002+01:00

.....that was all I could say when I received this box of Papertrey Ink goodies this afternoon.

I am so happy that I was off from work this afternoon, so I could collect the box myself. The box was stuck at Dutch customs for almost 2 weeks, but it was worth the wait. I can tell you that my birthday money and PTI gift certificates were well spent.

I am off to prepare dinner. I'll be back tomorrow with two Jillibean Soup layouts.

Have a wonderful evening! I know I will. {smile}

Zva Creative + CPS 144

2009-12-02T11:30:00.001+01:00

Last week I received my box with DT goodies from Zva Creative. Gosh.....all the products are so beautiful. If you are into crystals, pearls, cute felt flowers and brads the Zva Creative products are a must have. The ice crystal on this card is one of my favorite shapes at the moment. It adds a perfect touch to a Christmas or winter themed card. The journaling label and ice crystal are adhered with foam glue dots from Zva Creative to add some extra dimension. The card design is based on Sketch 144 at CPS.

Supplies: Zva Creative: Ice Crystal (CRW01CB144), Foam Glue Dots (AD01CB101) Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (kraft), Papertrey Ink (Rustic Cream) Patterned paper: October Afternoon Very Merry Clear stamps: Papertrey Ink (Vintage Labels, Signature Christmas) Ink: Papertrey Ink (Dark Chocolate, Pure Poppy), VersaColor Pinecone Tools: Cuttlebug Ice Crystal, Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels One, Martha Stewart Embossed Scallop edge punch, Coluzzle Circle template, sewing machine Other: Ranger Stickles Frosted Lace

There will be a Zva Creative Blog Hop on Monday December 7th, so be sure to check in on Monday.

Have a wonderful day!

Jillibean Soup Projects

2009-11-30T21:00:00.002+01:00

This card went up on the Jillibean Soup blog today. I created a scallop card using my new Sizzix die. It wasn't a cheap die, and I was in doubt about purchasing it, but I am happy I did. I love the scallop design.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, twine: Jillibean Soup Lentil Soup Button: Rusty Pickle Stickers: Making Memories Alphabet Stickers Tools: Sizzix Bigz XL Scallop Card, QuicKutz Nesting Flowers Ink: Papertrey Ink Other: book page

The new issue of Scrapbook Magazine is available now, so that means I can show my work that was published in the last issue. I'll kick-off with the layout that made it to the cover of the anniversary issue. This layout is one of my favorite layouts ever. It is based on Sketch 64 by Creative Scrappers. I was Guest Designer for Sketch 64 in August, and liked the sketch so much that I wanted to create another layout based on the sketch. The cute little boy is my nephew Nick. The Jillibean Soup blues are perfect for a baby boy layout.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, clear stamps: Jillibean Soup Alphabet Soup, Soup Staples Flowers: Prima Marketing Tools: EK Success Retro Flower punches, QuicKutz Alphabet Diesel Grand, Silhouette, Nesting Flowers, Sizzix die Stars #2, sewing machine Sheer: Maya Road Brad: Making Memories Ink: Versafine Onyx Black Other: twill, waxed cord, foamtape

Later this week I'll show the other layouts that were published.

Gift Box and Diploma B

2009-11-29T14:00:00.001+01:00

Yesterday we had dinner at our friends Mark & Liesbeth's place. We have been knowing each other for quite some years. Our children were in the same group at daycare, they are now in the same school and we live in the same street. It is always nice to get together and chat all evening while the kids are playing. I bought them delicious chocolates from Kaatje. Instead of buying a chocolate box at the store I made a little box for the chocolates myself. I used a template from Papertrey Ink.

Supplies: Bag Template: Papertrey Ink Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: BoBunny Kitchen Spice Ribbon, twine: Jillibean Soup Flower: Prima Marketing Stamps: Papertrey Ink Ink: VersaColor Pinecone, Papertrey Ink Tools: EK Sucess Circle punch, QuicKutz Nesting Flowers Other: buttons, tag, foamtape

Sanne's swimming test for diploma B went really well. She passed the test!! She was really nervous for the freestyle technique, but she did great.

Have a Happy Sunday!

CPS 143

2009-11-27T22:30:00.000+01:00

I spent a lot of time on DT assignments the past few weeks as I had to meet quite some deadlines. I still have to finish some DT assignments but I wanted to have some "me time" today and create a project that I chose myself. Last Wednesday I received the gorgeous Very Merry collection by October Afternoon. I told myself not to buy more Christmas papers, but I couldn't resist October Afternoon's Christmas collection? I just love their collections too much. The project of my choice today is a card based on Sketch 143 at CPS. I enjoyed playing with my Papertrey Ink stamps.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (kraft), Papertrey Ink (Vintage Cream) Patterned paper: October Afternoon Very Merry Button: Papertrey Ink Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Vintage Labels, Signature Christmas, Background Basics: Text Styles II) Ink: Papertrey Ink, Versafine Vintage Sepia Tools: Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels One, Martha Stewart Embossed Scallop edge punch, Cuttlebug Ice Crystal, sewing machine Twine: Jillibean Soup Other: Ranger Stickles, foamtape

We have to wake up early tomorrow morning as Sanne has to do the test for swimming diploma B at 8am. I was really excited when she got a notification last Friday. She passed the test for diploma A on October 3rd, and only 8 weeks later she goes for B! She is a bit nervous as she has some problems with the freestyle (crawl) technique. I told her she can do it, but she is not too confident about it. Hopefully she will be able to enjoy herself tomorrow.

Jillibean Soup's Grandmas Christmas Soup

2009-11-26T22:15:00.001+01:00

I {heart} Jillibean Soup's Grandmas Christmas Soup Collection. The colors are wonderful, and the collection is very versatile. You can use the papers for Christmas and non-Christmas projects. Here's a mini album that I created for this year's Christmas. I only have to add pictures. Usually we always forget to take pictures, but hopefully not this time.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, alphabeans, ribbon: Jillibean Soup Grandmas Christmas Soup Stickers: Heidi Swapp Chipboard Alphabet Tools: Sizzix die Stars #2 Album: Maya Road Ink: VersaColor Pinecone Other: waxed cord, foamtape

I also altered a notepad.

Supplies: Patterned paper, alphabeans, twine: Jillibean Soup Grandmas Christmas Soup Button: Rusty Pickle Tools: Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels One, Crealies Creative Flowers 3, Fiskars border punch, sewing machine Ink: VersaColor Pinecone Other: foamtape

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends.

Our Girls

2009-11-24T19:55:00.001+01:00

We LOVE them so much and are so proud of them. The amazingly talented Florence Bavinck did a fabulous job. She caught Fleur and Sanne on camera as they are.

Merry Xmas

2009-11-23T23:00:00.000+01:00

This card went up on the Jillibean Soup blog today. The card shows that you don't necessarily have to use Christmas papers to create a Christmas card. The circles are cut from the Can Beef Consomme sheet that is part of Grandmas Christmas Soup collection, but all other papers are non-Christmas papers.

Supplies: Cardstock: Jillibean Soup Talk Soup Patterned paper: Jillibean Soup Grandmas Christmas Soup, Lentil Soup Ribbon, twine: Jillibean Soup Button: Rusty Pickle Tools: Martha Stewart Embossed Scallop edge punch, Cuttlebug Ice Crystal Stampin'Up! circle punch, We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper Ink: VersaColor Pinecone Other: white tag

I still have many Christmas card to make, so I better hurry otherwise the cards won't arrive in time. First, I have to meet a few deadlines, but I might have some time to create some Christmas cards this weekend.

Earlier this evening I received a link to the online gallery of our photo shoot by Florence Bavinck and all I can say is......WOW! Florence did an awesome job and I really love how the pictures turned out. I might be able to show you more pictures tomorrow or Wednesday.

Until next time!

Photo Shoot by Florence Bavinck

2009-11-22T14:25:00.002+01:00

We had a photo shoot with Florence Bavinck on October 31st. Today Florence mailed us one of the pictures of that shoot and I love it!! The rest will follow later this week, and I can hardly wait to see the other ones. If the other pictures are as wonderful as this one I know we will have another gorgeous collection of family pictures. We love Florence's photography style, and I am sure another photo shoot with her will be done in the future. If you ever want to do a photo shoot I can strongly recommend Florence Bavinck Photography.

Have a Happy Sunday!

Happy Birthday, Renee

2009-11-20T10:30:00.002+01:00

Our sweet niece Renee is turning 6 today. You may know that she and her family live in the UK, so unfortunately we won't be able to visiting her on her birthday. Of course I made her a card. Lighting is a bit bad, but it is hard to take good pictures when it's dark and grey outside.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Imaginisce Ribbon: local haberdashery Stamps: Papertrey Ink Button: Buttons Galore & More Tools: Sizzix Scallop Card, Martha Stewart Daisy edge punch, We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper, sewing machine Ink: VersaColor Pinecone Other: white tag, waxed cord

This weekend Scrapcards 3 Cards & Gifts will be launched. Paper & Pictures is open on Saturday and Sunday. I'll be at the store on Saturday anyway, and maybe also on Sunday. If you have a chance to stop by I would love to meet you in Doorn and sign your copy of the book.

Have a wonderful day!

Festival of Lights - Cuttlebug Challenge Blog Hop

2009-11-18T13:00:00.002+01:00

Welcome to our first ever Festival of Lights from the fabulous team at the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog!

In addition to the fabulous projects, we have decided to make this party the most fun ever by hiding 2 treasures along the hop! Two selected designers will draw a random winner from the comments left on her blog in the hop. But of course, it wouldn't be a treasure hunt if you knew which blog is hiding the treasure, right?

The winner will receive a $30 gift certificate to Peachy Keen Stamps! You will also get a free year subscription to Technique Junkies sponsored by Pat Huntoon.

So as you hop, make sure you leave comments on every post so you have a chance to win, and add the Cuttlebug blinkie to your blog. The more comments you leave the better chances you have at winning. You can download the DT list here, so you can keep track of whom you need to visit.

Here's my project for this week's Festival of Light. I was inspired by one of my sweet friend Hanneke's projects in the latest issue of Cards Only.

Supplies: Cardstock, clear stamps, button, ink: Papertrey Ink Patterned paper: Cosmo Cricket Jolly by Golly Twine: Jillibean Soup Tools: Ellison Sparkle die, Spellbinders Nestabilities Scalloped Circles Large, EK Success circle punch, Martha Stewart Deep Edger Doily Trim punch Frosted bag: Emma's Paperie

Have a wonderful day, and enjoy the blog hop!

FREE Cutting Cafe Printable Christmas Stamp Set

2009-11-17T21:26:00.003+01:00

Regina from The Cutting Cafe is such a sweet and generous person. In appreciation of Thanksgiving Day next week she would like to thank her customers and is offering this Christmas Daily Printable Stamp Set for FREE. The set includes 84 images. Isn't that a generous offer? Hop over to The Cutting Cafe website to get the details. The set is available until Midnight PST on Thursday November 19th. As of November 20th the set will be available for $12.99.

Trip To Jamaica

2009-11-15T21:30:00.000+01:00

In June 2006 Eric and I made a trip to Jamaica. It was an incentive trip hosted by Eric's employer. It was the first time in 6 years that I accompanied Eric on one of the incentive trips again. Since the birth of Fleur and Sanne I was a bit feared of flying, and didn't like to be miles away from home without the girls. I felt quite sorry for Eric that he had to go alone on these trips while his coworkers were there with their spouses, so in 2006 I decided to go with him. It was our first visit to Jamaica and we had a wonderful time. I chose the most beautiful pictures of this trip, and made this mini album. The album was published in Scrapbook Magazine.

Until next time!

My Birthday, and Winners Give Away

2009-11-14T14:00:00.001+01:00

Today I am celebrating my birthday.

I couldn't fit 41 candles on the cupcake {wink}.

As promised, I would randomly pick two winners for The Cutting Cafe Give Away. I had more than 90 comments. Wow! The first winner will receive the Christmas Circles Set 2, and the second winner will receive the tags.

Fleur draw the first winner and that is...

Congrats, Ilse! Please send me your e-mail address and I'll make sure you get the Christmas set.

The second winner was drawn by Sanne and that is...

Jamilie, congrats to you too! Please e-mail your address and I'll send you the tags.

Eric and the girls surprised me with gift certificates from my favorite stamping company. And Eric made me this card. He was inspired by this watch. I think it's time to hide my scrapbook supplies.... {wink}.

Have a wonderful day!

Got Sketch? 93, and a Gift Tag

2009-11-10T18:20:00.000+01:00

Today Sketch 93 is posted on the Got Sketch? blog and I was asked to contribute to this sketch. I love Valerie Salmon's sketches. They are a great source of inspiration. Hop on over to the Got Sketch? blog to view the cards by the other talented girls. Here's my take on Sketch 93.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, die-cuts: October Afternoon Farm Fresh Rub-ons: Melissa Frances Button: Rusty Pickle Twine: Jillibean Soup Tools: Crealies Creative Flowers 3, Martha Stewart Deep Edger Daisy Fan, sewing machine Ink: VersaColor Pinecone

Yesterday I received a box full of yumminess from the USA. New stamps, ink pads, ribbon, buttons and cardstock. Oh.....I so LOVE my new goodies and had to play with it immediately. I created this gift tag.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Papertrey Ink Stamps, ink, button: Papertrey Ink Flower: Prima Marketing Twine: Jillibean Soup Tools: Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels One Other: eyelet

Today I went to the Kreadoe, a crafts fair in Utrecht. I went with my mom, her friend Bep and my sweet friend Hanneke. We all bought some great goodies, and had a wonderful time. Hanneke and I also met some girls that we know through forums and it is always nice to meet them in person. We went home again around 4pm.

Have a wonderful day!

The Cutting Cafe Giveaway!

2009-11-09T09:45:00.003+01:00

I made these gift tags using the Christmas Circles Set 2 from The Cutting Cafe. This printable stamps set is very versatile. I used the stamps to create gift tags, but of course they are also perfect for sentiments on cards. And when you enlarge the images before you print them you can even use them on a layout.

Supplies: Printable stamps: The Cutting Cafe Christmas Circles Set 2 Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: October Afternoon Good Sheer Buttons: Rusty Pickle Flower: Prima Marketing Tools: Sizzix Stars #2, Coluzzle Circle template, QuicKutze Nesting Flowers Ink: VersaColor Pinecone Other: waxed cord

Regina is generous and is offering to giveaway the Christmas Circles Set 2. And I'm going to giveaway this set of 6 gift tags. All you have to do is leave me a comment on this post. I'll randomly pick 2 winners on my birthday {wink}, Saturday November 14th. The first winner will get the Christmas Circles Set 2, and the second will get the set of gift tags. So.....be sure to check back on Saturday.

This morning my blog counter hit the 150,000 mark. Wow! What a milestone! Thank you so much for visiting my blog, and leaving me such sweet comments.

Have a Happy Monday!

Congratulations, and CARDS November

2009-11-07T10:00:00.000+01:00

A few weeks ago I participated in a Card Sketch Game on the Scrapdelight forum. 5 Girls in one group. The first one picks a sketch and makes a card based on the sketch. She sends a picture of the card to the second person and that person has to make a card based on her card without having seen the actual sketch. And so on... I was the second person, and here's my card that was scraplifted from the first card.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: October Afternoon Cherry Hill Rub-ons: Melissa Frances Button: Rusty Pickle Twine: Jillibean Soup Tools: Crealies Creative Flowers 3, Creative Shapes 1, sewing machine Ink: VersaColor Pinecone

Back in June two of my cards were picked up for publication in the November issue of CARDS. I haven't received a copy of the magazine yet, but since I have an online subscription I can already show you my cards in the magazine. I have cards and layouts published in Dutch magazines, but it is super cool to also have my work published in an American magazine.

Thank you so much for all your sweet comments. I really appreciate it.

Have a Happy Saturday!

Merry & Bright

2009-11-06T09:15:00.001+01:00

This week I finally had some time to play with the gorgeous templates that Regina Easter from The Cutting Cafe designed for the festive season. As soon as I saw the Mitten Shaped Card template I knew that would be the first template to play with. I think it is a real cute design, don't you think? The shaped card templates are one of my favorites. The circle sentiment is one of the printable stamps from the Circle Christmas set.

Supplies: Templates: The Cutting Cafe Mitten Shaped Card, Circle Christmas Printable Stamps Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: October Afternoon Good Sheer Ribbon: BoBunny Button: Rusty Pickle Tools: EK Success Circle Punch 1.5", EK Success Scalloped Circle Punch 2" Ink: VersaColor Pinecone Other: waxed cord, glitter cardstock

Have a fabulous weekend!

Little One

2009-11-05T11:00:00.001+01:00

One of my friends got a baby boy recently. Since we don't live close to each other we haven't seen their son yet. We will soon go to Friesland to visit them. For now I leave you with the baby card I made for them.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: October Afternoon Ducks in a Row Rub-ons: Melissa Frances Twill: local haberdashery Lace: M&J Trimming Button: Buttons Galore & More Stamps: Papertrey Ink Tools: Fiskars border punch, Sizzix Stars #2, sewing machine Ink: VersaMagic Other: waxed cord, chipboard, glitter cardstock

Tomorrow I'll have a lovely shaped card from The Cutting Cafe to show you.

Until then!

Be Inspired #56

2009-11-04T13:15:00.001+01:00

It has been a few weeks since I made a project for Cuttlebug Challenge Blogspot. Due to my trip to New York I missed two challenges. This week's challenge Be Inspired #56 is to create a Thanksgiving or Gratitude project. I chose to make a Thanksgiving card. I kept the design quite clean and simple, but I really like the simplicity of this card. Our Guest Designers are Teresa Collins and Jamie Harper. Teresa also sponsors this week's challenge. Hop on over to Cuttlebug Challenge Blogspot to find out more about the details.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, clear stamps, bean seeds: Jillibean Soup Pearl: Zva Creative Ribbon: local haberdashery Tools: Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder Ink: Versafine Onyx Black Other: foam tape

I'll be back tomorrow with a baby card. Have a wonderful day!

Zva Creative Design Team Member

2009-11-01T22:45:00.000+01:00

Wow.....what a great way to start November. Yesterday around midnight I received an e-mail from Kim Hughes telling me that I was chosen for the Zva Creative Design Team. Remember yesterday's card that took me a long time? I designed that one for the call and submitted it along with some of my other work. In honor of my new DT position I created another card with the gorgeous Zva Creative swirls today. Lighting is a bit poor, but the weather was quite bad today so I had no natural light to photograph my card. The Zva Creative products can be bought at Paper & Pictures.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Scenic Route Garland Swirls, pearl: Zva Creative Button: Rusty Pickle Stamps: Papertrey Ink Tools: Sizzix Stars #2 die Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, VersaColor Pinecone Other: waxed cord, chipboard, foamtape

The other Design Team members are:

Teri Anderson
Jana Eubank
Angelica Franssen
Lynn Ghahary
Hilde Janbroers
Lisa Johnson
Lynn Mercurio
Becky Olsen
Anabelle O'Malley
Lori Roop
Sherry Wright

Many familiar names and amazingly talented girls. I really look forward to working with Kim and the other girls.

Thank you for your sweet comments.

Birthday Card, and Photo Shoot

2009-10-31T22:15:00.001+01:00

The day after we got back from New York I had to scrap a birthday card. I had bought some new My Mind's Eye papers at Papers & Pictures that day, and wanted to use these papers for the card. Boy.....I never spent so much time on a card. I had a design in mind, but I just couldn't get it on paper. At last I like how the card turned out, but it was a tough process. The card is for Ingeborg who celebrates her birthday today.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: My Mind's Eye Be Loved Rub-ons: Melissa Frances Ribbon: Papertrey Ink Twine: Jillibean Soup Swirls: Zva Creative Brad: SEI Tools: Martha Stewart Deep Edger Floral Vine, Crealies Creative Flowers 3, sewing machine Ink: VersaColor Pinecone Other: spacer

If you have been following my blog for a long time you may remember that we had a photo shoot by Florence Bavinck at our home in September 2007. We loved (and still love) the pictures that she took of our family. A few months ago we booked another photo shoot with Florence as we would love to have new pictures of the four of us every 1.5 or 2 years. This morning we went to the Amsterdamse Bos for a Fall photo shoot. We spent almost 2 hours with Florence, and had a wonderful time. Her way of working is so relaxed, and we love her style. I can't wait to see the first pictures.

Enjoy your weekend!

Goodbye ShortCuts, and Kazan's Sketch #38

2009-10-30T16:30:00.000+01:00

This will be my last post for ShortCuts. I am sad to say goodbye to ShortCuts, Alicia & the other DT members. I would like to thank Alicia for the wonderful time. I have really enjoyed working with her great ShortCuts products. I still have a large stash of cards, sheets and GCHF so you'll definitely see more projects in the future. You still have a chance to stock up on ShortCuts goodies. Hop on over to the store to get your favorite products with 25% off. Alicia, thanks so much! This card is for you...

Supplies: ShortCuts Clear Card Blank Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: October Afternoon Farm Fresh Ribbon, clear stamps: Papertrey Ink Button: Rusty Pickly Tools: Martha Stewart Deep Edger Doily Lace Trim, sewing machine Ink: VersaColor Pinecone, Versafine Vintage Sepia Other: tag

I also had to make a card for a boy who will be turning 8 tomorrow. I used Kazan's Sketch #38 at 2 Sketches 4 You for inspiration, because I have been having a hard time getting in the creative mood after a week without any card making.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: October Afternoon Report Card Rub-ons: Melissa Frances Stickers: American Crafts Thickers Tools: Sizzix Stars #2 die, Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Circles Large, Scalloped Circles Large, Marvy Uchida square punch, sewing machine Ink: VersaColor Pinecone Other: foamtape, chipboard

Have a wonderful weekend!

Back Home, Cards Only 10 & Scrapcards 3

2009-10-28T15:00:00.003+01:00

We got back home from New York yesterday. We arrived at the airport at 10.45am. On the last day in New York we went to Top of the Rock again. The weather was beautiful this time, so we had a much better view than last Friday. After lunch we went back to our hotel to pack our suitcases. We had to leave our room at 3pm. We strolled around Fifth Avenue for one last time and spent the last few hours in the hotel bar. We left for JFK Airport at 7pm. We took off at 11.10pm and had a very pleasant and uneventful flight. I even managed to sleep a little. We were home around lunch time and first ran some errands. No lunch from Subway or Just Salad, but just a plain sandwich. We picked up Fleur and Sanne from school at 3pm, and we all were happy to see each other again. The girls had a fab time with my parents. At the girls' request we had dinner at McDonalds.

New York was fabulous. Eric and I had a wonderful time. There is so much to see and do. Highlight of the trip was meeting up with my sweet and wonderful friend Kay and her family. Our meeting meant a lot to me. If we ever go to New York again - and I know that trip will happen - I would love to meet her again.

This morning I was at Paper & Pictures, and the new issue of Cards Only arrived yesterday. Jolanda is this issue's cover girl. There are many lovely projects in the magazine. Of course many cards, but also lovely gift labels, boxes and lots more.

ETA
Look what I received in the mail this evening....

A picture of the cover of the new Scrapcards 3 'Cards & Gifts' book by Paper & Pictures. The book will be available as of November 21st. The awesome project on the cover is created by Samanta van Iperen and it looks very promising.

The book can be bought at Paper & Pictures as of November 21st. The weekend of 21 - 22 November will be all about Scrapcards 3 'Cards & Gifts'. The store is open on both days, and the contributors of the book will be there to sign the book. So......I'll be there too. You can also take a gift workshop (€ 7.50) on one of both days. If you don't have time to visit the store to buy the book that weekend you can pre-order the book online. All books ordered no later than November 19th will be sent on November 20th. The price of the book is € 18.95 excluding € 3.50 shipping and handling.

Have a wonderful day!

The Big Apple V

2009-10-25T23:00:00.001+01:00

Eric and I have been really enjoying ourselves in New York. Today was another beautiful and sunny day. We headed to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal by taxi this morning. This time we did get on the ferry and passed the Statue of Liberty. After an hour we were back in the harbor of Manhattan. From there we walked to Brooklyn Bridge. We walked to the other side and back. We had lunch at one of the restaurants at South Street Seaport which is a nice neighborhood.
Today was the grand opening of the Michaels store at Columbus Avenue. Actually we had plans to go there tomorrow, but decided to go today. The store was crowded, but it was worth the visit. I bought several new Martha Stewart punches, an EK Success punch, kraft bags, Tacky Glue and the Holiday Cards magazine, and thanks to Kay who got me some coupons I got 40% off on 2 punches. We didn't feel like going out to dinner tonight, so we ordered room service. Tomorrow is our last day in New York. We have been having a fabulous time, but I also love to go home again to be with our girls. I'll leave you with a picture that Eric took today. Hop on over to his blog for more pictures.

The Big Apple IV

2009-10-24T22:00:00.000+02:00

Today the weather wasn't really good. We had quite some showers on our way to the Flatiron building. We came across Marble Church on Fifth Avenue and found thousands of ribbons on the iron fence that is a representation for prayers for those who lost their lives in wars and a plea for peace. We both found this very impressive. We walked back to our hotel via 7th Avenue and Times Square and boy.....you don't want to be in these streets on a Saturday afternoon. It was so busy!! This evening we went out for dinner with Kay, her husband Jeff and her son Landon at Rosa Mexicano, a great Mexican restaurant that serves delicious guacamole freshly prepared tableside. The best....according to Kay and Jeff and they were right.....I loved it. Ours was extra delicious, because Landon helped preparing the guacamole. *smile* He is such a sweet guy. The food was wonderful, and so was our company. We really had a great time with Kay and her family. They are so wonderful. I cherish our friendship, and I am so happy that we got to meet in person here in New York.

Today I only have a few pictures to show you. Eric has posted some beautiful black and white pictures on his blog today that he took at the observation deck of Top Of The Rock yesterday.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

The Big Apple III

2009-10-23T23:30:00.002+02:00

This morning we took a taxi to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal as we wanted to take pictures of the Statue of Liberty. Unfortunately we were 1 minute late for the 10am ferry. The next one would leave at 10.30am, but it seemed like something happened so the ferry was delayed. We left the terminal building at 10.45am as we didn't want to wait any longer. We will probably go again on Sunday. We walked to Wall Street where Eric took some great pictures of the New York Stock Exchange. From there we walked down Broadway via Ground Zero, Tribeca and SoHo. At East 10th Street we took a taxi back to Rockefeller Center. We had lunch, and went back to our hotel to relax. The jetlag is killing me in the afternoon. At 4.30pm we went to Top of the Rock where we had an amazing view at the observation deck. This evening we didn't feel like going out for dinner, so we went to Just Salad for a delicious wrap, salad and fresh fruit which we ate in our hotel room. Too bad we don't have such food concepts in the Netherlands.

The weather forecast for Saturday doesn't look too good, so we might go shopping tomorrow and buy some gifts for Fleur and Sanne. For now I'll leave you with some pictures from today and yesterday. Eric has posted some new pictures here.

The Big Apple II and Jillibean Soup

2009-10-22T23:00:00.003+02:00

This morning Eric and I met up with Kay. I was super excited to finally meet her in person. She is such a wonderful and lovely person, and her friendship is really special to me. The first stop on our ribbon tour was M&J Trimming. Wow.....that store is amazing. I have never seen so many - and I mean MANY - ribbons in one store in my whole life. I felt like a kid in a candy store.

Kay and me at M&J Trimming

I was a bit overwhelmed by the enormous collection of ribbon. I bought some beautiful ribbon, but really behaved myself. *wink* The picture below shows only a small part of M&J Trimming's ribbon collection.

We also went to Tinsel Trading and Hyman Hendler. I didn't buy any ribbon at Hyman Hendler, but they have some beautiful ribbon. I also bought ribbon online, so I think I have enough now. After the ribbon shopping Kay went back home, and Eric and I strolled around Fifth Avenue and went to the Apple store. If you are into Apple computers this store is THE place to be. Beautiful entrance, great store and very helpful and friendly personnel. Since we were close to Central Park we went down there for a walk. The park is beautiful, and the colors of the trees are amazing at this time of year. We walked back to Midtown via Broadway. We bought lunch at Subway, and ate our sandwich in a park. We then went back to the hotel to drop off our bags. Eric wanted to take some more pictures and went out on his own. My feet were pretty sore, so I stayed at the hotel. When Kay came over this morning she brought along a huge bag with goodies that I had ordered before I came over to New York. When I took all the boxes out of the bag I noticed another bag inside. I was completely surprised that it was from Kay. She made me this gorgeous box and it had some lovely gifts inside. Thanks so much, sweetie!

This evening we went for dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner. A diner that features singing waitstaff. Kay recommended this place, and said it is a fun, crazy place to eat. And she was so right.....we loved this place and had a fab time.

After dinner we strolled around Times Square, and ended up at Rockefeller Plaza watching people skating at the famous skating rink. Eric also posted a few pictures on his blog, and will post more pictures tomorrow.

Today I also have 2 layouts to show that were posted on the Jillibean Soup blog. The first one is about my sweetheart. These pictures of Eric were taken by Florence Bavinck in September 2007. I really {heart} these pictures. We will soon have another photo shoot with Florence. This lay-out is inspired by Sketch #58 from Creative Scrappers.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, journaling sprouts: Jillibean Soup Alphabet Soup, Soup Staples, White Bean Rub-ons: Doodlebug Design Tools: Fiskars border punch, Stampin'Up! circle punch, Coluzzle circle template

The second layout is about Fleur and Sanne and their strong and special relationship. Eric took this picture during our holiday at Texel. He didn't ask them to pose this way. They stood on the beach looking at the sea when Eric caught them on camera.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, corrugated letters, journaling sprouts: Jillibean Soup Paint: Kaisercraft Tools: sewing machine

Have a fabulous day!

The Big Apple

2009-10-21T23:05:00.006+02:00

We arrived safe and sound in New York today. Our flight was safe and uneventful, and even arrived 45 minutes ahead of schedule. Unfortunately we had to wait 1,5 hours at Immigration before we were granted access to the USA. We just took our first bite out of the Big Apple and we liked it. We strolled around Rockefeller Plaza, Avenue of the Americas (6th Avenue) and Fifth Avenue. Although we have seen only a small part of Manhattan we can already tell it's an amazing city.

Tomorrow Eric and I are going to meet up with the wonderful Kay. Can't wait to meet her in person. We go shopping at M&J Trimming and Tinsel Trading. Poor Eric! On Saturday evening we go out for dinner with Kay and her husband and son at Rosa Mexicano. I am sure we will have a fabulous time.

I'll be back tomorrow!

Custom Crops and a Winner

2009-10-19T16:00:00.001+02:00

Today I would like to share my first card for Custom Crops with you. My tutorial on how to create this window card can be found here. More tutorials on projects using a Cricut or Cuttlebug by the other Custom Crops DT members can be found here.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Scenic Route Garland Frosted Sheet: ShortCuts Ribbon: local haberdashery Button: Rusty Pickle Rub-ons: Pebbles Inc. Tools: Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels One, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder, Martha Stewart Embossed Scallop edge punch, Sizzix Stars #2, sewing machine Other: waxed cord

And now on to the winner of a ShortCuts Gift Card Holder Folder sampler pack. I randomly chose a winner from the entries that were left on this post before midnight on Sunday 18 October.

That puts us at......Kim. Congrats, Kim! Mail me your address and I will get the GCHFs in the mail to you.

Have a Happy Monday!

My Favorite GCHF + Give Away

2009-10-16T21:10:00.000+02:00

Today I show you one of my favorite ShortCuts Gift Card Holder Folder creations. I kicked off my ShortCuts DT term with this GCHF. Don't forget about the clearance sale. You'll get a 25% discount on all products.

I would love to do another give away this week. This time I'll give away a Gift Card Holder Folder sampler pack. You may know that Eric and I go to New York this month. Tell me what's your favorite city in the world. You can leave a comment until Midnight CET on Sunday 18 October.

Have a wonderful weekend!

2 Sketches 4 You #37 & BeebieBelle

2009-10-14T18:00:00.001+02:00

Again it has been a while since I played along with 2 Sketches 4 You. While the girls were playing I scrapped two baby cards. The Sweet Baby Boy card is based on Kazan's Sketch 37.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: October Afternoon Ducks in a Row Rub-ons: Melissa Frances Ribbon: Vandoros Button: Autumn Leaves Tools: QuicKutz Nesting Flowers, sewing machine Other: foamtape, waxed cord

My other card is inspired by Cheryl's Bonus Sketch. I rotated her sketch counter-clockwise.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: October Afternoon Ducks in a Row Sentiment: The Cutting Cafe All Occasions Circle Word Set 1 Ribbon: Vandoros Button: Creative Cafe Tools: Spellbinders Nestabilities Scalloped Circles Large, Fiskars Scallop Sentiment border punch, sewing machine Other: foamtape, waxed cord

My friend Linda recently started her own business BeebieBelle. She makes lovely fabric accessories that are perfect for new borns and kids.

Here's one of her handmade creations...

If you're looking for a personal handmade gift for a new born, a baby shower or your own child go and visit BeebieBelle's webstore.

Thank you all so much for your sweet comments on my debut for The Cutting Cafe and my Paper & Pictures DT spot.

Have a fabulous day!

The Cutting Cafe + a Winner

2009-10-12T08:50:00.000+02:00

Today I would like to share my first DT project for The Cutting Cafe with you. When I first saw the Apple shaped card I knew I wanted to use it with Jillibean Soup's Soup Staples. A perfect combination, don't you think? The sentiment on the card is one of the printable stamps from the All Occasion Circle Word Set 1.

Supplies: The Cutting Cafe templates: Apple Shaped Card, All Occasion Circle Word Set 1 Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, twine: Jillibean Soup Soup Staples Button: Rusty Pickle Ribbon: local haberdashery Tools: Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Circles Large, Scalloped Circles Large Ink: VersaColor Pinecone Other: foamtape

As promised, I would give away a ShortCuts sampler pack today. The randomly picked winner is...

#33 is.....Wendy Schoonhoven. Congrats, girl! I'll drop off your gift later this week.

Have a wonderful day!

I Am A Papergirl!!

2009-10-10T22:15:00.001+02:00

Again, I have some great news to share! I am now officially a member of the Paper & Pictures Design Team. Paper & Pictures is an awesome store, and has a great team of amazingly talented girls. I already do lots of work for Scrapbook Magazine and Cards Only, so nothing really changes. Well, the only difference is that from now on you may see me assisting during workshops and events from time to time and....I can call myself a Papergirl now.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Favorite ShortCuts Project + Give Away

2009-10-09T13:30:00.001+02:00

As I mentioned in last Friday's post ShortCuts is closing. Throughout this month I'll share some of my favorite ShortCuts projects with you. I'll start with this wedding card made of a clear full sheet. I love square cards, and the ShortCuts Full Sheets are perfect to create cards in different sizes.

I would love to give away a small pack with some ShortCuts products. All you have to do is leave me a comment and tell me what's your favorite song/album at the moment. Mine is the new album I Look To You from Whitney Houston. I've always been a fan of her music, and I am glad she is back with a wonderful album. You can leave a comment until Midnight CET on Sunday October 11th. I will randomly pick a winner on Monday.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Be Inspired #52 - Halloween/Fall

2009-10-07T14:00:00.001+02:00

This week's Be Inspired #52 Challenge at Cuttlebug Challenge Blogspot is all about Halloween/Fall. Unfortunately we don't celebrate Halloween here. I would love to dress up my girls for trick-or-treat or a costume party. Fortunately we do can get Halloween paper collections over here, because I love creating Halloween cards or use the papers for Fall cards. Here's my card for this weeks challenge. Our sponsor is Digital Delights. I used one of their digital Halloween sentiment stamps and printed the sentiment on a tag.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Cardstock Patterned paper: Pink Paislee Twilight, My Mind's Eye The Spider's Web Button: Autumn Leaves Foof-a-La Letters: American Crafts Ribbon: local haberdashery Tools: Martha Stewart Zigzag edge punch, QuicKutz Silhouette + Digital Design, sewing machine Ink: VersaColor Pinecone Digital stamp: Digital Delights Other: pins, waxed cord, tag

Have a fabulous day!

TOOOOT - The Cutting Cafe DT

2009-10-05T23:45:00.001+02:00

As mentioned in my previous post I have some exciting news to share. On World Card Making Day I received an e-mail from the talented Regina Easter asking me to join her Cutting Cafe Design Team. I didn't have to think about it too long and of course I said YES! I am honored and excited to be part of The Cutting Cafe team and can't wait to start working with her products.

Cards WCMD Online Crop

2009-10-04T09:30:00.002+02:00

Today I reveal the cards that I made for the World Card Making Day Online Card Crop at the Dolls & Decorations forum.

The first challenge was to create a card based on Got Sketch #77 by Valerie Salmon. This is my take on the challenge.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: October Afternoon Road Map Ribbon: local haberdashery Button: Rusty Pickle Stamps: Melissa Frances Tools: Crealies Creative Flowers 3, Crealies Creative Shapes 01, Fiskars Upper Crest border punch, Carl corner punch, sewing machine Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, VersaColor Pinecone Other: waxed cord, tag

Challenge 2 was based on Dawn McVey's Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #17. I love Dawn's work and always check her blog, but so far I have never participated in her color challenge. I enjoyed digging in my stash to find the right colors for the challenge.

Supplies: Cardstock, ribbon: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: October Afternoon Good Sheer, Weathervane Circle tag: Elle's Studio Tools: Martha Stewart Embossed Scallop edge punch, sewing machine Ink: VersaColor Pinecone

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so challenge 3 was....Think pink! I will donate my card to A Sister's Hope Challenge Blog, and hope the other girls will donate their card too. The owners of the challenge blog sell handmade cards to raise money for A Sister's Hope. Here is my card. It's pretty pink, isn't it?

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, stickers: Pink Paislee Pop Fashion Ribbon: local haberdashery Tools: Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Circles Large, Scalloped Circles Large, sewing machine Other: foamtape, waxed cord, charm

The last challenge was to use this card (shown at right) by Roree Rumph as inspiration. Roree is an amazingly talented card maker and scrapbooker, and I love her work. We both have cards in the November issue of CARDS (my debut!) and I chose one of her cards from that issue. Inspiration could be either the card design, the color combo or the embellishments/papers. I scraplifted the card design and made a Christmas card.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Bazix Patterned paper, ribbon: BoBunny Letters: Pink Paislee, Bookworks Mini ABC & Numbers Tools: Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Circle Large, Scallop Circles Large, Crealies Creative Flowers 6, Stampin'Up! 3/4" circle punch, sewing machine Ink: VersaColor Pinecone

My World Card Making Day ended with an exciting email in my inbox, but I can't share anything yet. Have a wonderful Sunday!

World Card Making Day Online Crop

2009-10-03T18:15:00.001+02:00

This evening I will be hosting the 5th online card crop at the Dolls & Decorations forum. We start at 8pm, and as usual I prepared 4 challenges. The online crop is always lots of fun. The girls have an hour to work on each challenge and while they are scrapping we also chat online. I can't show you my cards yet, but I do have a sneak peek to share.

I will reveal all cards tomorrow, so be sure to check in on Sunday.

Have a fabulous World Card Making Day!

PS: Sanne passed her swimming test today. Wooohooo! I am so proud of her.

Best Wishes, and ShortCuts News

2009-10-02T09:30:00.001+02:00

Last Saturday my colleague Mirjam celebrated her birthday. We don't buy each other birthday gifts, but I did want to give her a little something. I made her a card, and bought her 2 of her favorite chocolate bars. I didn't have any wrapping paper, so I made a wrap from a ShortCuts frosted full sheet.

Supplies: ShortCuts Frosted Card Blank and Frosted Full Sheet Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Pebbles Inc. Linnie Bell Buttons: Rusty Pickle Rub-ons: Melissa Frances Twine: Jillibean Soup Ribbon: Creative Impressions Tools: Martha Stewart Simple Scallop edge punch, Crealies Creative Flowers 3, sewing machine Other: Make Me tacky tape

I am sad to let you know that ShortCuts is closing. It's no secret that I love the ShortCuts products, and although I am sad I can fully understand Alicia's decision. You can read more about it here. Everything in the ShortCuts' online store will be discounted by 25% until it is sold out. This month the ShortCuts DT members will share their favorite ShortCuts projects on their blog each week.

This evening Eric and I are going to see Dutch singer Trijntje Oosterhuis and the Metropole Orchestra. Trijntje will sing songs from Burt Bacharach. She recorded two albums with Mr Burt Bacharach, and we both love that repertoire.

Keep your fingers crossed for Sanne who will have her swimming exam tomorrow at 8am.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Get Well Soon

2009-10-01T12:30:00.000+02:00

Last Friday night - just before I shut down my computer - I found an e-mail from Scenic Route in my inbox saying they are closing. Although it didn't come as a real surprise I am sad that they are closing. Scenic Route was the first brand that I bought when I started scrapbooking, and has been a favorite ever since. I just love their double-sided paper collections that always match so well. There aren't many paper collections that I buy twice, but Scenic Route is an exception. I couldn't resist placing an order at their online store as this is probably the last chance to get hold of some of my favorite collections.

I still have lots of Scenic Route papers in my stash, and pulled out the Lynden collection to create a Get Well card. I made this card for Riet who's recovering from pneunomia and otitis. Riet is a regular visitor of my blog and always leave me sweet comments. I truly hope she recovers soon. The card is inspired by Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #84.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Scenic Route Lynden Stamps: Melissa Frances Button: Rusty Pickle Tools: Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Circles Large, Scalloped Circles Large, EK Success Flower punches, sewing machine Ink: Versafine Onyx Black Other: waxed cord, foamtape

Have a fabulous day!

Be Inspired #51, and More Jillibean Soup

2009-09-30T14:00:00.002+02:00

Today's Be Inspired #51 Challenge on Cuttlebug Challenge Blogspot is the last challenge of the Cuttlebug Birthday Palooza, so we end our birthday party with Thank You notes. I chose the same papers as I did for my centerpiece. If you have to make multiple Thank You notes for a party you want to keep the design clean and simple, and that's what I did.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Making Memories Paperie Poolside Stamps: Melissa Frances Button: Rusty Pickle Ribbon: local haberdashery Tools: Cuttlebug D'vine Swirl embossing folder, Crealies Creative Flowers 3, EK Success Retro Flower punch small, Carl corner punch Ink: Versafine Onyx Black Other: waxed cord

I also have another Jillibean Soup project to show you. I altered a little tin that I had in my stash for a long, long time. This tin is from Sweetwater, but the Maya Road tins are also perfect for altering.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, twine: Jillibean Soup Alphabet Soup, Soup Staples Button: Rusty Pickle Tools: Crealies Creative Flowers 6, Creative Shapes 01 Other: Make Me Tacky Glue

That's all for today. I'll be back tomorrow with another card. Have a wonderful day, and thanks for stopping by!

Baby

2009-09-28T19:26:00.001+02:00

This card went up on the Jillibean Soup blog today. I love mixing all the blue papers from the various Jillibean Soup collections. They are perfect for (baby) boy cards and layouts. Of course you can use them for many other occassions too.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Jillibean Soup Alphabet Soup, Soup Staples Letters: American Crafts Tools: Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Eight, Fiskars Twinkle Twinkle punch, EK Success corner punch, sewing machine Other: button, ribbon

Have a wonderful Monday!

Birthday Card, and NYC

2009-09-27T21:10:00.004+02:00

Yesterday one of my mom's best friends celebrated her birthday and I sent her this card. I must honestly admit that I didn't create the card for this special occassion. I made the card (without the flower embellishment) a while ago, but it turned out quite clean & simple. While I was looking at my stash I came across this card, and decided to add a flower, button and twine to it. Now I like it much better.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: October Afternoon Cherry Hill Stickers: Pink Paislee Flower: Prima Marketing Button: Buttons Galore & More Twine: Jillibean Soup Sheer: Maya Road Tools: Martha Steward Embossed Scallop edge punch

I forgot to tell that Eric and I booked our trip to New York. We'll be going there next month and stay at a hotel opposite Rockefeller Plaza. It is my first visit to New York City and I am really excited to go and experience the Big Apple myself. Another reason why I am excited to go is that I will meet up with my sweet and wonderful friend Kay. I really look forward to meet her in person. Kay already said that she'll take me to her favorite ribbon shop. Poor Eric!

Thanks for stopping by.

A Toot, ShortCuts & Jillibean Soup Guest DT

2009-09-25T18:25:00.002+02:00

I have a few things to share today, but let me first start with a.....TOOT. I've been asked by Kelly from Custom Crops to join their Design Team. Custom Crops is an online store based in the USA, but also ships internationally. They have a large selection of Cricut cartridges and Cuttlebug dies and folders, but also many other products. I am excited to be a member of their team.

It's Friday, and that means I have a ShortCuts project to show you. This week it is all about outside the box projects, and I created this bookmark from a frosted sheet. It's quite clean & simple, but Fleur loves it and asked if she could use it. The blue papers from the various Jillibean Soup collections seem to be my favorites at the moment. The colors and designs blend really well.

Supplies: ShortCuts Frosted Full Sheet Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Jillibean Soup Tools: Martha Stewart Cornice edge punch, Crealies Creative Flowers 06, Crealies Creative Shapes 01, Cuttlebug D'vine Swirl embossing folder Other: ribbon

Today the new Guest Designers for Jillibean Soup were announced, and I was so excited to see some familiar names. One of the guest designers is my sister-in-law Lisette. Another guest designer is my sweet friend Hanneke. I was also happy to see that Juliana and Berdien made it to the Guest Design Team. Congrats to all Guest Designers!

And more happy news to share today. Sanne had her weekly swimming lesson this afternoon, and she got a letter telling her that she will have her exam for swimming certificate A on Saturday October 3rd at 8am. Needless to say, she was excited....and so am I!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Snorkeling

2009-09-24T13:15:00.000+02:00

While we were on holiday in Texel Fleur had a 1 hour lesson in snorkeling. At first she wasn't too fond about going alone, but when she heard someone saying that you would get a certificate she wanted to enroll immediately. I used the new Soup Staples collection from Jillibean Soup.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Jillibean Soup Soup Staples Letters: American Crafts Tools: Fiskars Upper Crest border punch, sewing machine

Thank you so much for stopping by.

Be Inspired #50 - Centerpiece

2009-09-23T14:00:00.002+02:00

Another week has gone by so quickly. Time really flies..... It is already week 4 in our month-long celebration at Cuttlebug Challenge Blogspot. This week's Be Inspired #50 Challenge is to create a centerpiece. I must honestly admit that it was quite a challenge for me to come up with something as I am not really into handmade centerpieces. When I was ordering scrapbook goodies at an online store I came across styrofoam wreaths and decided to order one. I decorated the wreath with lots of flowers. I used some of my flower dies and punches to cut flowers in various sizes. I embossed some of the flowers to add a little texture. The opening of the wreath could hold a large candle or a small vase.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Making Memories Paperie Poolside Ribbon: Vandoros Tools: EK Success Retro Flower punch large and small, Crealies Creative Flowers 01 and 03, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots and D'vine Swirl embossing folder Other: beads, head pins, styrofoam wreath ring 7"

Hop on over to Cuttlebug Challenge Blogspot to see the projects by the other DT members.

Have a wonderful day!

Cover Girl......Again!

2009-09-20T12:50:00.001+02:00

Early October the new issue of Scrapbook Magazine will be available. An anniversary issue with 16 extra pages!! I can already tell you that it will be a wonderful issue with many gorgeous projects. Again one of my lay-outs was chosen to be on the cover, and I am really proud of it. I still think it is very special to be on the cover of a magazine. The cute and adorable little boy on the layout is my sweet nephew Nick. I so LOVE that picture of him. The papers that I used are a mixture of various Jillibean Soup collections.

Have a Happy Sunday!

ShortCuts & Kazan's Sketch 35

2009-09-18T14:00:00.002+02:00

It's ShortCuts Friday, and today I have two projects to share with you. Both projects are inspired by Kazan's Sketch 35 at 2 Sketches 4 You. It has been ages ago since I played along with 2 Sketches 4 You, and I missed it.....a lot! I check the new sketch and DT projects every week, but my life has been so busy the past few months that I couldn't find the time to play along with 2 Sketches 4 You or any of the other challenge sites. And when I did have time I often was washed out, and didn't feel like scrapping. Anyways, things are getting back to normal.

My first project is a ShortCuts clear card blank. I love all ShortCuts products, but the clear cards and sheets are my favorites. Last Wednesday my order with BasicGrey's Eskimo Kisses came in, and I had to use these lovely papers.

Supplies: ShortCuts Clear Card Blank Cardstock: Bazzill Basic Paper Patterned paper: BasicGrey Eskimo Kisses Button: Rusty Pickle Ribbon: Fancy Pants Rub-ons: Melissa Frances Twine: Jillibean Soup Tools: Martha Stewart Embossed Scallop edge punch, Spellbinders Nestabilities Standard Circles Large, Scalloped Circles Large, sewing machine

My other project is a ShortCuts Gift Card Holder Folder. Again I used Kazan's Sketch 35 and BasicGrey's Eskimo Kisses. I love this collection.

Supplies: ShortCuts Gift Card Holder Folder Patterned paper: BasicGrey Eskimo Kisses Stamps: Hero Arts Ribbon: local haberdashery Tools: Spellbinders Nestabilities Standard Circles Large, Scalloped Circles Large, sewing machine

We've been having beautiful and sunny fall weather and I love it. Fall is my favorite season!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Be Inspired #49 - Mini Album

2009-09-16T13:55:00.002+02:00

Today's Be Inspired #49 Challenge on Cuttlebug Challenge Blogspot is to create a mini album. Given the Birthday theme this month I made a mini album for my nephew Nick's 1st birthday. He will turn 1 on February 16th, 2010 but one can never start too early. Believe me....usually I am not so organized or working months ahead. *wink* The front and back cover of this album are made of fabric. The pages are square coasters.

Supplies: Cardstock, ribbon: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Pebbles Inc. Lil'Buddy Journaling sprout (numbers green), twine: Jillibean Soup Button: Rusty Pickle Stickers: American Crafts Tools: Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder, Sizzix Stars #2, Martha Stewart Scallop Circle 1" punch, Fiskars Upper Crest border punch, sewing machine Other: fabric, fiberfill, coasters, chipboard

Have a wonderful day!

Jillibean Soup Xmas Cards

2009-09-14T23:30:00.002+02:00

Jillibean Soup's Grandmas Christmas Soup collection is one of my favorite collections. I love the colors and designs of this Christmas collection. Here's a card made with the new collection.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Cardstock Patterned paper, bean stalks: Jillibean Soup Grandmas Christmas Soup Rub-ons: Melissa Frances Tools: QuicKutz Nesting Flowers, sewing machine Ink: VersaColor Pinecone

The new Lentil Soup collection is quite versatile. I used the patterned papers and one of the new calendar sprouts to create another Christmas card.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Cardstock Patterned paper, journaling sprout: Jillibean Soup Lentil Soup Rub-ons: Pebbles Inc. Tools: Martha Stewart Scallop Dots edge punch, machine stitching

Eric and I are planning a trip to New York in October. We find it quite hard to find a nice hotel for a reasonable price, because there are just too many hotels. Has any of you ever been to New York? If so, what hotel would you suggest?

Thank you for stopping by.

My Cards in Cards Only #8

2009-09-13T18:05:00.000+02:00

Now that issue #9 of the Dutch magazine Cards Only is in store I can show you some of my cards that were published in Cards Only #8. I made 3 baby cards with the lovely Ducks in a Row collection from October Afternoon.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: October Afternoon Ducks in a Row Letters, clips: Making Memories Tools: Sizzix Stars #2, Fiskars border punch, sewing machine Ribbon: local haberdashery Other: chipboard

Supplies: Cardstock, ribbon: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: October Afternoon Ducks in a Row Letters: American Crafts Tools: Fiskars border punch, sewing machine Button: Rusty Pickle Other: waxed cord

Supplies: ShortCuts Frosted Card Blank Patterned paper: October Afternoon Ducks in a Row, Cherry Hill Letters: American Crafts Button: Rusty Pickle Flowers: Prima Marketing Tools: Martha Stewart Doily Lace edge punch, sewing machine Ribbon: local haberdashery Pearls: KatyCards Other: waxed cord

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

ShortCuts Happy Birthday Card

2009-09-11T13:30:00.000+02:00

As mentioned yesterday I have a ShortCuts card to show you today. This card was inspired by SheetLoad of Cards September Sketch Challenge. I made this card for a friend's husband who will be celebrating his birthday on Monday.

Supplies: ShortCuts Clear Card Blank Patterned paper: Pebbles Inc. Button: Rusty Pickle Rub-ons: Melissa Frances Twine: Jillibean Soup Tools: Spellbinders Nestabilities Scalloped Circles Large, Sizzix Stars #2, sewing machine Other: chipboard

May I remind you that you still have time to enter my ShortCuts Fall Theme Challenge. The deadline is September 18th. You'll have a chance to win a ShortCuts Sampler Pack. I hope you will play along.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Be Inspired #48

2009-09-10T08:55:00.000+02:00

We are celebrating our 1st anniversary at the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog this month. A month full of Birthday Challenges. This week's Be Inspired #48 Challenge is to create a card and gift bag (or box). I decorated an AccuCut Box die-cut that I had in my stash for a long time, and made a card that goes along with the box.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Cardstock kraft Patterned paper: BasicGrey Lemonade Ribbon: May Arts Buttons: Rusty Pickle Twine: Jillibean Soup Tools: Fiskars Upper Crest border punch, EK Success Retro Flower punch Large and Small, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder, AccuCut Box #14, sewing machine Ink: VersaColor Pinecone Other: foamtape

Check out the Cuttlebug Challenges Blog to see the gorgeous projects by the other DT girls.

I'll be back tomorrow with a ShortCuts card. Have a wonderful day!

50, ShortCuts Challenge & Jillibean Soup Guest DT Call

2009-09-04T01:45:00.001+02:00

Today Paula, my FIL's wife, is celebrating her 50th birthday. I made her a card using BoBunny's new Delilah collection that I bought at Paper & Pictures last weekend. I also bought the ric rac ribbon by May Arts in various colors. I just love the size of this ric rac. Happy Birthday, Paula!

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: BoBunny Delilah Rub-ons: Melissa Frances Letters: American Crafts Ribbon: May Arts Tools: Fiskars Upper Crest border punch, Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Circles Large, Classic Scalloped Circles Large, sewing machine Other: foam tape

I used to post my ShortCuts projects on Wednesday, but from now on I'll post on Friday. You may have already read on the ShortCuts blog that ShortCuts is hosting a challenge week. Each day of the week the ShortCuts artists will be issuing a challenge and you can play along and be entered to win ShortCuts goodies!! My challenge to you is to create a Fall theme card or item.

I seem to be into shaped cards at the moment and cut a scalloped circle card using my QuicKutz Silhouette. I adhered a transparent circle cut from a ShortCuts Clear Full Sheet to create a window card, and added rub-ons to the sheet. The pumpkins are also cut with the Silhouette.

Supplies: ShortCuts Clear Full Sheet Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: BoBunny Delilah Rub-ons: Melissa Frances, October Afternoon Ribbon: May Arts Tools: QuicKutz Silhouette Digital Designs, sewing machine Ink: VersaColor Pinecone Other: foam tape

Would you like a chance to win some ShortCuts goodies?! Create a card, layout, altered item, etc. that meets my Fall Theme challenge and link us up in the comments section of the Challenge Post on the ShortCuts Blog.

Visit here to see what you can win and to read about the fine print.

Do you love Jillibean Soup as much as I do? You now have a chance to become one of the 12 new Guest Designers as Jillibean Soup is having a Guest DT Call. You have until September 18th to submit your application. Good luck!

Have a wonderful weekend!

PageMaps Contributor, and Be Inspired #47

2009-09-02T13:00:00.000+02:00

Did you see the PageMaps Newsletter and CardMaps for September? I am excited to tell that I am one of the card contributors this month. I love using Becky Fleck's sketches for layouts and cards. This is the card sketch that Becky sent me...

And this is my take on the sketch. I used the new Lentil Soup and Talk Soup collections from Jillibean Soup. Don't you love these papers?

Supplies: Cardstock: Jillibean Soup Talk Soup on Kraft Patterned paper: Jillibean Soup Lentil Soup, Minestrone (butterfly) Rub-ons: Melissa Frances Button: Rusty Pickle Twine: Jillibean Soup Tools: sewing machine Ribbon: local haberdashery

Go and check the PageMaps site for more new card and layout sketches.

It is also time to reveal my card for the Be Inspired #47 challenge on Cuttlebug Challenge Blogspot. This week's challenge is to invite your guests to your party, and create an invitation using an embossing folder. I used my new Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Eight to create a shaped card. And again I used some of the new Jillibean Soup papers.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Jillibean Soup Alphabet Soup, Soup Staples Button: Buttons Galore & More Rub-ons: Melissa Frances Tools: Cuttlebug D'vine Swirl embossing folder, Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Eight, Martha Stewart Scallop Dots edge punch Other: waxed cord, foam tape, ribbon

This month it is all about birthday party themes. Cuttlebug Challenge Blogspot is turning 1, and we are celebrating the entire month of September.

Every great party has surprises, and favors, and goodies....and this is surely no exception!!! There will be weekly prizes, and a GRAND PRIZE at the end!!!!!

In order to be eligible for the grand prize package, you must participate every week during September. You don't want to miss one single bit of the fun, so be sure to sign up as a member/follower and check in every day!!

I hope you will all participate in our challenges. So.....hop on over to Cuttlebug Challenge Blogspot for more details.

Have a Happy Wednesday!

Best Wedding Wishes

2009-09-01T15:00:00.002+02:00

Yesterday my sweet friend Hanneke got married. Isn't that wonderful news? I am very happy for her and Henri, and wish them lots of love and happiness. I sent them this wedding card last Sunday, but it seems like it didn't show up in time. Hopefully the card arrived today. The card is based on Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #80.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Making Memories Button: Buttons Galore & More Pins: Fancy Pants Rub-ons: Melissa Frances Ribbon: Vandoros Tools: Martha Stewart Simple Scallop edge punch, sewing machine Other: waxed cord

Thank you for stopping by, and have a great day!

My Sweetheart's Birthday

2009-08-31T08:15:00.002+02:00

Picture by Lisette

Today my sweetheart is celebrating his 41st birthday. Birthday wishes from me to you, my love! Since we both have to work today, and the girls have to go to school there wasn't time for sleeping late or breakfast in bed. We did sing Happy Birthday and the girls surprised Eric with lots of handmade presents. Of course I made him a birthday card.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Pebbles Inc. Lil'Buddy Button: Rusty Pickle Rub-ons: Melissa Frances Tools: Sizzix Stars die, Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Squares Large and Classic Scalloped Squares Large, Fiskars Upper Crest border punch, sewing machine Other: twine

Last week I had a very busy week at work. Usually I work 3 days a week, but this time I had to work 4 days. On Monday we went to Nuenen to work on a project for children in Bosnia. We went to Schiermonnikoog on Tuesday and Wednesday, and on Thursday we had a business meeting. In the evening we celebrated the company's 5th anniversary with a great party at the office. Due to the long working hours and me being out of town for 2 days I hardly had time to scrap. However, I did have a few assignments to accomplish. I finished my DT projects for Jillibean Soup this weekend. I can't show the projects yet, but I can show you a sneak peek.

Have a wonderful day!

Happy Birthday to Rebecca

2009-08-28T09:00:00.001+02:00

Today our lovely niece Rebecca is celebrating her 11th birthday. Time really flies.... I remember the day she was born so well and now she is already 11 years old. Rebecca is a gorgeous and sweet girl. Fleur and Sanne loved playing with her while she was in the Netherlands recently. I made her a card using my favorite Soup Staples papers from Jillibean Soup. Happy Birthday, Rebecca. I hope you have a wonderful day!

Supplies: Cardstock, ribbon: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Jillibean Soup Soup Staples Flowers: Prima Marketing Button: Rusty Pickle Rub-ons: Melissa Frances Stickers: American Crafts Tools: QuicKutz Silhouette, Coluzzle Circle Template, sewing machine Other: waxed cord

Thank you for stopping by, and have a wonderful weekend!

CPS #130

2009-08-27T08:58:00.003+02:00

This week Jillibean Soup is a sponsor of the card challenge blog Card Positioning Systems. This week a few of the Jillibean Soup Design Team members have participated in Sketch #130 as well. Here's my take on this week's sketch...

Supplies: all by Jillibean Soup except for button (Autumn Leaves)

Have a wonderful day!

Happy Birthday to Hanneke

2009-08-24T11:00:00.001+02:00

Today my dear friend Hanneke is celebrating her 26th birthday. We met each other about 3 years ago at a scrapbook event via a Dutch forum and have been friends ever since. We get along really well. We e-mail each other almost daily and always have something to talk about. She is a wonderful friend. I made her a card using some new Jillibean Soup papers. I was inspired by Rae Barthel's What's Cookin'? card in the September/October 2009 issue (page 77) of PaperCrafts. Have a Happy Birthday, Hanneke!!

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Jillibean Soup Alphabet Soup, Soup Staples Rub-ons: Kaisercraft Flower: Prima Marketing Button: Rusty Pickle Ribbon: Creative Impressions Tools: Fiskars Upper Crest border punch, sewing machine Other: waxed cord

Have a wonderful day!

Jillibean Soup CHA Projects

2009-08-23T12:15:00.001+02:00

It has already been a month ago since CHA Summer was in Orlando. The new Jillibean Soup collections were a huge success. For CHA I was asked to work with the Minestrone and Cold Raspberry collections as it wasn't sure that the new collections would arrive in time for me. No problem for me, because I {heart} both collections. Here are the projects that I created for CHA Summer 2009.

If all goes as planned the new Jillibean Soup collections will be available at Paper & Pictures at the end of the week or in the week after.

Have a Happy Sunday!

I Am Back!

2009-08-22T13:50:00.000+02:00

Yesterday we got back home from a 12-day vacation on Texel, one of the Frisian islands in the north of the Netherlands. We had a fabulous time. The weather was beautiful, so we spent lots of time outside, on the beach and in the swimming pool. Texel is a great place to stay. The girls enjoyed themselves too. Fleur already said that she would like to go to Texel again next year.

Thank so much for all your sweet comments in the past two weeks. I had pre-scheduled all my blog posts as we didn't have access to the internet. I haven't had a chance yet to visit your blogs, but will do so soon.

This afternoon we will be visiting my SIL Lisette, her kids and my MIL. Lisette and the children go back to the UK tomorrow. Since we were away we haven't been able to see each other much, so we are going to spend the afternoon together and have dinner at my MIL's place.

Have a wonderful weekend!

ShortCuts, and Be Inspired #45

2009-08-19T14:30:00.002+02:00

As usual on Wednesday I have a ShortCuts and Cuttlebug Challenge Blog project to show you. Let's start with ShortCuts today. I made a Thank You label for a wine bottle. A very easy and quick project to alter a wine bottle. I used Jillibean Soup's new Lentil Soup collection.

Supplies: ShortCuts Frosted Full Sheet Patterned paper, journaling sprout, stamps: Jillibean Soup Pearl: Melissa Frances Eyelets: We R Memory Keepers Ribbon: Creative Impressions Tools: EK Success Retro Flower punch Tape: Make Me Tacky Tape, foamtape Ink: DewDrop Memento Rich Cocoa Other: waxed cord

This week's Be Inspired #45 challenge on the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog is a great one. The challenge is to create a shaped card. I used my QuicKutz Silhouette to cut this flower shaped card. Thanks to Corinne - who {hearts} her Silhouette - I now know how to create a shaped card design. She posted instructions on her (Dutch) blog Silly Silhouette. I embossed the front of the card with my favorite Swiss Dots folder. The pink cardstock is from Core'dinations. The ColorCore cardstock is perfect for embossing. When you sand the embossed cardstock the core color is revealed.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Core'dinations ColorCore Patterned paper: Doodlebug Design Ribbon: May Arts (?) Clear stamps, twine: Jillibean Soup Button: Rusty Pickle Tools: Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder, Combo With Gratitude, Stampin'Up! circle punch Ink: VersaColor Other: white tag, sanding paper

Thanks so much for your sweet comments.

Happy Birthday, Peter

2009-08-17T08:30:00.000+02:00

Today I have another birthday card to show you. My brother Peter is turning 38 today. I made him a card with the new The Boyfriend collection from Cosmo Cricket. The design turned out quite simple, and I had some problems with my sewing machine, but hopefully he likes it. Have a Happy Birthday, Peter!

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Cosmo Cricket The Boyfriend Letters: Prima Marketing Clear stamps: Hero Arts Tools: Fiskars Upper Crest border punch, sewing machine Ink: DewDrop Memento Rich Cocoa

Have a wonderful day!

Happy Anniversary

2009-08-16T07:00:00.001+02:00

Today my parents are celebrating their 43th anniversary. Since my mom loves Jillibean Soup I couldn't resist making a card with the yummy papers. I just love that all the Jillibean Soup papers are so easy to match. I even used one of the Christmas papers on this card. Mom and dad, Happy Anniversary!

Supplies: Cardstock, patterned paper: Jillibean Soup Ribbon: Bazzill Basics Paper Rub-ons, pearl: Melissa Frances Tools: EK Success Retro Flower punch, corner punch, Stampin'Up! border punch, sewing machine

Have a wonderful day!

Celebrate

2009-08-14T08:00:00.000+02:00

Today my friend Nancy is celebrating her birthday. I sent her this card. It is one of my cards that was published in issue 7 of the Dutch magazine Cards Only. Happy Birthday, Nancy!

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: SEI Bridgeport Rub-ons: Kaisercraft Button: Rusty Pickle Tools: EK Success Retro Flower punch, Stampin'Up! circle punch, Spellbinders Nestabilities Scalloped Ovals, sewing machine Other: waxed cord

Thank you for stopping by.

Got Sketch? 88, Be Inspired #44 & ShortCuts

2009-08-12T14:30:00.001+02:00

I was excited to be invited back for another Got Sketch? challenge. I just love to work with Valerie's sketches. This is my card based on Sketch 88. I can't get enough of the October Afternoon papers. I just love to use these papers for birth cards.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: October Afternoon Ducks in a Row Rub-ons: Doodlebug Design, October Afternoon Stickers: Pink Paislee Ribbon: Vandoros Tools: QuicKutz Nesting Flowers, Stampin'Up! border punch, EK Success circle punch, corner punch, sewing machine Other: foamtape

This week's Be Inspired #44 challenge on the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog was quite a challenge for me. We had to create a scene card which is something I hadn't done before. My first card ended up in my trash bin. I simply wasn't satisfied. So....I did another attempt and came up with this one. Quite simple, but I think it will do for a scene card. Do you see the grid and polka dots papers? It are the yummy Soup Staples papers from Jillibean Soup. I can tell you that these papers are great to work with. I created a layout with Soup Staples combined with the Alphabet Soup collection last week and I love it. Unfortunately I can't show the layout yet as I will submit it to Scrapbook Magazine.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Core'dinations ColorCore Patterned paper: Jillibean Soup Soup Staples Rub-ons: October Afternoon Tools: Provo Craft Swiss Dots embossing folder, Provo Craft Forest Branches embossing folder, QuicKutz Silhouette, QuicKutz Digital Designs (tree, cloud), Stampin'Up! circle punch, Martha Stewart Double Scallop edge punch, sewing machine Other: sanding paper

Today I also have two ShortCuts projects to show you. I made two cards using Whimsie Doodles cutting files. For my first card I used the Whimsie Cuts Teapot cutting file. I converted the cutting file to a dxf-file so I could cut it with my QuicKutz Silhouette. I have used that machine more in the past two weeks than I ever did before. I cut down a ShortCuts Clear Full Sheet to create a 5x5" card.

Supplies: ShortCuts Clear Full Sheet Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: We R Memory Keepers Tiffany's Cutting file: Whimsie Doodles Pearl: Katy's Cards Tools: QuicKutz Maddie Anne alphabet, sewing machine Ink: VersaColor Pinecone Other: ribbon

And here's another card using the Whimsie Cuts Just Duckie cutting file.

Supplies: ShortCuts Clear Card Patterned paper: Little Yellow Bicycle Letters: American Crafts Buttons: Rusty Pickle Tools: Fiskars border punch, QuicKutz Silhouette, sewing machine Brad: Making Memories Cutting file: Whimsie Doodles Ink: VersaColor Pinecone Other: waxed cord, ribbon

Have a Happy Wednesday!

Happy Birthday to You

2009-08-11T08:00:00.000+02:00

Today my sweet friend Kay is celebrating her birthday. We met each through the internet a while ago, and I am really glad I have been knowing her. Kay is a wonderful person, and an amazingly talented card maker too. I truly hope I'll be able to meet up with her in person one day. I sent her this card along with a little gift. Happy Birthday to You, dear Kay!

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Cosmo Cricket Early Bird Rub-ons: Melissa Frances Button: Rusty Pickle Twine: Jillibean Soup Tools: EK Success corner punch Ink: VersaColor Pinecone Other: thread, foamtape

I'll be back tomorrow with a Cuttlebug Challenge card, two ShortCuts cards and...... Well, there's more to show, but you'll find out tomorrow.

Have a wonderful day!

Guest Designer @ Creative Scrappers

2009-08-09T14:00:00.002+02:00

A month ago I was asked by Kristine Davidson from Creative Scrappers if I would be interested to be Guest Designer in August. I immediately said yes as I love to work with sketches. I do not only use card sketches, but also layout sketches. Sketch #64 is a great one, and it didn't take me too long to create this layout. I scrapped one of the pictures taken by Florence Bavinck back in September 2007. I am really pleased how this layout turned out. I liked the sketch so much that I created another layout, but I can't show you that one yet.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: October Afternoon Hometown, Scenic Route Grey Cube on Worn Letters: American Crafts Rub-ons: Melissa Frances Ribbon: Creative Impressions Brads: SEI Flower: Prima Marketing Buttons: Rusty Pickle Sheer: Maya Road Tools: Sizzix Flourish die, QuicKutz Silhouette, QuicKutz Scalloped Circle Digital Design, QuicKutz Nesting Flowers, EK Success Retro Flower punch, circle punch, Martha Stewart Scalloped Circle 1" punch, Fiskars Upper Crest border punch, sewing machine Other: waxed cord

Enjoy your Sunday!

*ETA*
August 10th, 2009

My layout made it to the Top 10 by Views on Two Peas in a Bucket.

And by votes...

ShortCuts, and Be Inspired #43

2009-08-05T14:30:00.003+02:00

August is going to be another fabulous month at ShortCuts!! Not only do we have intersite promotions with a couple great sites - Whimsie Doodles and Card Patterns Blog...

...we also welcome our August Guest Artist - Mandy!! I know Mandy personally, and she is such a sweet person. Mandy is a very talented scrapbooker. She is great at scrapping and journaling about the everyday life, and her mini albums are gorgeous. Oh...and her latest addiction is arigurumi. She crochets the most adorable creatures. Hop on over to her blog to see her beautiful work. I can't wait to see what she'll come up with for ShortCuts this month. Make sure to keep checking back here, as well as the ShortCuts blog, for lots of great inspiration!

My first ShortCuts project for this month is a card based on the sketch from the August '09 issue of SheetLoad of Cards and images from Whimsie Doodles. Owner and designer of Whimsie Doodles is Melyssa Connolly, one of my fellow ShortCuts DT-members. I used her Thank You Teacher digital stamp together with the new Alphabet Soup collection from Jillibean Soup......a perfect combo. Make sure to check out this post at the Whimsie Doodle blog for a special ShortCuts discount offer.

Supplies: ShortCuts Clear Full Sheet Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, twill: Jillibean Soup Alphabet Soup, Soup Staples Tools: Fiskars Scallop Sentiment border punch Digital Stamp: Whimsie Doodles Metal rim tag: CreaMotion Other: eyelet, waxed cord

My second card today is the card I created for Be Inspired #43 at the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog. On this card I used a digital stamp designed by Cuttlebug Challenge Blog owner Maggie Lamarre. I also used Core'dinations ColorCore cardstock and my favorite folder.....Swiss Dots. Core'dinations ColorCore is perfect for embossing.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Core'dinations ColorCore Patterned paper: Pebbles Inc. Downtown Ribbon: Creative Impressions Twine: Jillibean Soup Button: Rusty Pickle Tools:Digital stamp: Fiskars Upper Crest border punch, QuicKutz Nesting Flowers, sewing machine Maggie Lamarre

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Movie Stars

2009-08-03T11:30:00.001+02:00

Last week Eric took some pictures of Fleur and Sanne including this funny one. Eric loves to play with Photoshop CS3 and created this poster. Flamsaro doesn't mean anything. It is just a word made up of the first two letters of our girls' names. I once chose that word as user name on a Dutch forum.

Lay-outs, and Scrapbook Magazine

2009-08-01T18:35:00.001+02:00

Yesterday I received the newest issue of Scrapbook Magazine in the mail. Now that the new magazine is out I can show you a few of my projects that were pubbed in the previous issue. Here are two layouts about Fleur. The layout Bijzonder (= Special) is about a question she asked us back in April just before she went to bed. She asked us what makes her special. We can mention a 1001 things that makes her special, but the most important thing is that she is who is she and that makes her special. That's what the journaling is about.

The other one is about Fleur on the swing in the yard of my parents' rental holiday home. When my parents go on holiday to Ouddorp (NL) for 3 weeks we always go to visit them for a weekend. The first time was in May 2007, and that was when this picture was taken. Fleur couldn't get enough of the swing and spent lots of time on it.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Imaginisce Letters: American Crafts Tools: Fiskars Upper Crest border punch, Lacy Days of Summer border punch, EK Success circle punch, corner punch, sewing machine Flower: Prima Marketing Button: Rusty Pickle Other: date stamp, foamtape

And here's the cover of the new Scrapbook Magazine #25. It wasn't until a few minutes ago that I realized I made it to the cover. That little paradise picture is a picture of one of the pages of my mini album about a trip to Jamaica that made it to the magazine.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Be Inspired #42, and ShortCuts Tutorial

2009-07-29T14:30:00.003+02:00

Another week has gone by so fast, so time for the new Be Inspired challenge over on the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog. This week's challenge is to create a gatefold card. I hardly make gatefold cards, but it was fun to make one for this challenge. Lots of Jillibean Soup goodies on this card. The various collections match really well. I used Minestrone (yellow), Alphabet Soup (blue) and Lentil Soup (green)....a great mix of colors and designs. Since I don't have the Cuttlebug Library folder yet I used a digital stamp by Maggie Lamarre, owner of the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, journaling sprout: Jillibean Soup Minestrone, Lentil Soup and Alphabet Soup Tools: Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder, Fiskars Upper Crest border punch, sewing machine Ribbon: Creative Impressions Ink: VersaColor Pinecone Other: digital stamp

Last week I showed a clear treat bag. Here's how I did it.....

Take a 8.5 x 11" ShortCuts Clear Full Sheet, and score at 2.5", 5", 7.5" and 10". Rotate paper 90 degrees and score at 2.5". Cut the scored line from the edge to the 2.5" score line, and cut off the 1" x 2.5" corner. Fold all creases. Apply tacky tape to the 1" edge, and the four 2.5" squares. Attach the long edges together and create a square tube. Fold in each of the squares one on top of each other. Fold in both sides, squeeze the top together like a milk can. (To make this a little easier you can make extra score lines from the edge to 4" at 3.75" and 8.75".) Punch two holes, and thread ribbon through holes. Your treat bag is completed. If you like to decorate your treat bag with rub-ons or stickers make sure you do so before you assemble the treat bag.

Oh....and look what arrived in the mail this morning.....some delicious soup....Jillibean Soup that is.

These gorgeous papers arrived at the right moment. My girls have been staying with my parents since Sunday and I am off work today, so....lots of ME time which I am spending on scrapping. I can tell you that the new collections are awesome. I truly hope your local stores will be carrying these collections soon. I am in love with Grandma's Christmas Soup and the Soup Staples. Lovely designs and colors.

Well, I am off to go back to my scrap room. Have a wonderful day!

Jillibean Soup at CHA Summer

2009-07-28T15:45:00.002+02:00

Look! Do you see what is up there on the wall at the Jillibean Soup booth? I have been having my debut at CHA Summer this week. Well.....sort of. *wink* My layout and cards among the amazing projects by the other DT girls are showcased at CHA. The layout, cake shaped card, and red/kraft card on the first frame are mine.

Here are the wonderful Jill (owner) and Kim (DT coordinator). These girls do awesome work, and are great to work with. A few of my cards are up in the 'tree'. I am quite a down to earth person, but I have to admit it's kinda cool to see my work at CHA. Given all the gorgeous new collections I am sure that Jillibean Soup will be a huge hit.

Hop on over to the Jillibean Soup blog to see more pictures of the awesome Jillibean Soup booth.

Have a nice day!

Digi: In Deep - Lesson 1

2009-07-26T09:50:00.000+02:00

It has been a while since I registered myself to the Digi: In Deep class by Jessica Sprague. The class ran in March this year, but I didn't have much time back then to do this class. The good thing about Jessica's classes is that the video tutorials and class content are available forever. So, you can take the classes any time you want. Last evening I was in the mood for some digi scrapping, and downloaded the course materials for week 1. I still prefer scrapping with real papers and embellishments, but I love to do these classes and learn many new techniques in Photoshop. I did the first two classes in Photoshop Elements 6. This time I used Adobe Photoshop CS3 on a Mac which was quite a new experience to me. Here's the layout that I created yesterday. Again I worked with pictures taken by Florence Bavinck.

Have a Happy Sunday!

CPS125 - Christmas In July

2009-07-25T10:00:00.001+02:00

I am just in time for this week's sketch over at Card Positioning Systems. When I saw Sketch 125 I felt the urge to create a Christmas card. I don't know why, but I really wanted to use my Cuttlebug Ice Crystal die. So.....I digged into my October Afternoon stash and created a card using last year's Good Sheer collection.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: October Afternoon Good Sheer Rub-ons: Pebbles Inc. Button: Rusty Pickle Tools: Cuttlebug Ice Crystal, QuicKutz Nesting Flowers, EK Success circle punch, sewing machine Glitter: Ranger Stickles Ink: VersaColor Pinecone

Thanks for stopping by.

2 Sketches 4 You - Kazan's Sketch #31

2009-07-24T10:50:00.001+02:00

Last Sunday my mom and I went to Paper & Pictures for a card workshop. I hardly take any workshops, but thought it would be nice to do one with my mom. It was really busy that day, and I met some girls that I knew through my blog or forums. The Junebug and Lemonade from BasicGrey had arrived in store, and although I am not a real BasicGrey fan - I always find their papers a bit hard to use - I couldn't resist buying some sheets of the Lemonade collection. Last evening I played with the papers, and followed Kazan's Sketch #31 to create this card.

Supplies: Cardstock, ribbon: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: BasicGrey Lemonade Rub-ons: Melissa Frances Buttons: Rusty Pickle Tools: Cuttlebug Butterflies Cut 'n Emboss, sewing machine Ink: VersaColor Pinecone Other: rose (Paper & Pictures), foamtape

Have a wonderful weekend!

ShortCuts, Cuttlebug Challenge and Some Soup

2009-07-22T15:30:00.005+02:00

Today's post is about bags and some delicious soup. For ShortCuts I created a clear treat bag inspired by one of Samantha van Iperen's projects in Cards Only #7. A quick and easy project, and a great way to give someone some delicious chocolates or candy. Next week I'll show you the tutorial for this treat bag, so be sure to check in on Wednesday.

Supplies: ShortCuts Clear Full Sheet Rub-ons: Kaisercraft Ribbon: local market Tools: Scor-it Tape: Make Me Tacky Tape

For this week's challenge Be Inspired #41 over on the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog I altered a paper bag. The challenge is to create altered projects from items in your recycle bin, containers to books.....sky is the limit. Provo Craft is our sponsor again this week and will be giving those fantastic new Cuttlebug folders to winners that participate in all 4 challenges for the month. You still have time to enter. Hop on over to the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog to see the other DT members' projects. They all did an amazing job.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Little Yellow Bicycle Letters: Heidi Swapp Chipboard: Maya Road Fresh Library Ribbon: Vandoros, Bazzill, Creative Impressions Tools: Martha Stewart Doily Lace edge punch, Cuttlebug Butterflies Cut 'n Emboss, sewing machine Brads: SEI Other: ShortCuts Frosted Sheet, waxed cord, eyelet, kraft paper bag (Paper & Pictures)

Are you in the mood for Christmas yet? I know you will when you see this sneak peek of Jillibean Soup's Grandma's Christmas Soup collection. I immediately fell in love with this collection when Jill showed us the first pictures. I love the colors and designs. This collection among others will get in the mail to me this week, and I can't wait to create some projects with it. Jill really did an amazing job and designed awesome collections for CHA Summer. The Jillibean Soup products are so up to my alley, and I am very happy to be part of the team.

Click on the image to enlarge

If you leave a comment here before Midnight EST you might be the lucky one to win this gorgeous Christmas collection.

Thank you so much for your sweet comments.

Soup Staples

2009-07-21T14:30:00.001+02:00

Here's another sneak peek from Jillibean Soup.....Soup Staples. I guess Jill knew that her Design Team LOVES the grid and polka dots papers, so she designed them in lots of gorgeous colors. *smile* I LOVE this new collection. And what do you think of the Soup Staples on Kraft collection? I can't wait to get my hand on both collections.

Click on the image to enlarge

If you're interested in winning one set of each collection (that's 24 sheets), you have until Midnight EST to leave a comment here to be included in the random draw for this line. The winner will be posted on the Jillibean Soup blog tomorrow morning.

I'll be back tomorrow with my ShortCuts and Cuttlebug Challenge Blog projects.