Final 2 Sketches 4 You DT Card

It is the first time in months that the title of the Boomtown Rats song I don't like Mondays comes to my mind on Monday. Today I reveal my last card for the 2 Sketches 4 You Design Team. :-( Our 3-month DT term has come to an end. Yeah.....time flies when you're having fun..... ;-) I had such a fabulous time being on this amazing team. I would like to thank Kazan and Laura for this great opportunity. It has been such a wonderful experience. Kazan and Laura are great and inspirational sketch designers - I just love all their sketches - and they are so committed to their sketch blog. Their talent and commitment, and the fact that they always take time to leave everyone a comment is the key to their huge success. And....they both are so kind and sweet. I really cherish our friendship. Kazan and Laura, thanks for having me on your team. You are THE BEST!! I am gonna miss you, but of course I'll keep playing along each week.

Of course I would also like to thank Ashild, Carla, Christine, Joke and Lisette. These girls are so amazingly talented. I always get inspired by their gorgeous cards and projects. Thanks, girls!!

Well....over to this week's sketch by Kazan. We were challenged to create a Halloween card or - if you don't celebrate Halloween - a Fall themed/colored card. We don't have Halloween over here, but I enjoy using Halloween papers/colors and did create a Halloween card. Here's Kazan's sketch.....



Here is my take on Kazan's sketch.....



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Scenic Route Salem Letters: American Crafts Chipboard Thickers Tools: Martha Stewart ZigZag punch, sewing machine Ink: VersaColor Pinecone #171 Other: organza ribbon

To see Kazan's gorgeous card and the cards by the DT go over to 2 Sketches 4 You. You should really give this week's sketch a try, because there is a great prize by Lil'Scrappers to win and....Kazan and Laura are both giving away a BOO-tiful RAK.

Next Monday the new 2S4Y Winter Design Team will be announced and I hardly can wait to find out who made it to the team.

Did I say we don't have Halloween in the Netherlands? Well....I do have a Halloween party on Friday October 31st. It is Fright Night at Dolls & Decorations. A Halloween Crop from 19.00 - 0.00 hrs. Entrance is free, but ONLY if you come dressed up! So....get your spooky costume, send an e-mail to Dolls & Decorations to register, come to Almere on Friday and let's have fun!!



O...and an update on the weight loss. I lost 0.7kg last week. Not that much in weight, but again my fat percentage decreased with almost 2% and I lost 9cm in the past 2 weeks. I am half way my goal now. It is not always easy, but the good result really motivates me. Besides, it is great when people compliment me on my weight loss.

Thanks for sweet comments on my digital layout!

Now We're Rocking with Photoshop - Week 3

As we were in the UK last week I didn't have time to do my 3rd assignment for Jessica Sprague's Now We'Re Rocking with Photoshop class. Yesterday evening I had plans scrapping with paper, but instead I worked on a digi layout. I had so much fun working on this layout. I loved working with brushes, and again I learned so many new techniques. Jessica's classes are such a great way to get to know Photoshop Elements. Jessica has so much knowledge about digital scrapbooking and Photoshop Elements, and her tutorials are easy to follow.

I really love the pictures that Lisette made last week, and used them for this layout.

Laura's Sketch #11

It is Monday.....time for 2 Sketches 4 You. Laura provided us a beautiful sketch this week that you can find here. This week's 2S4Y sponsor is DeNami Design. DeNami provided the Design Team with 2 pop-up cards that we used for this week's sketch. Lisette received the cards while I was with her and her family in the UK, so we worked on the sketch together. The base for my card is the Fireplace pop-up card.

Here's my card...



And a more detailed picture of the card...



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, die-cuts: My Mind's Eye Snowed In Rub-ons: Imaginisce Merry Christmas Tools: Fiskars Embossing Border punches, sewing machine, heattool Ink: VersaColor Pinecone #171, VersaMark Other: psychedelic embossing powder, foamtape

This week's Design Team cards are gorgeous. Go and check them out over at 2 Sketches 4 You.

Lisette provided this week's bonus sketch. Lisette is a very talented card maker and scrapbooker. Her cards are always so gorgeous and elegant. I had a great time scrapping with her together last week.

Don't forget about the 2S4Y Winter Design Team Call. Applications are due by midnight October 26th (US Mountain Time). You should really give it a try. I can tell you that it is a great experience to be part of 2 Sketches 4 You. Kazan and Laura are the best!!

Have fun making a card this week.

In The Mood For.....Christmas

Last week Lisette and I spent some time together scrapping. We both made several cards. I was really in the mood for Christmas and made more Christmas cards. Here are two of my cards. I did make more cards, but some have to be finished by adding some machine stitching, bling or ribbon. Do you already get tired of me and my favorite My Mind's Eye Be Merry papers? What are your favorite Christmas papers this year? Mine are My Mind's Eye Be Merry, Scenic Route Garland and October Afternoon Good Sheer. Unfortunately Scenic Route and October Afternoon are not available over here yet.



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, die-cuts: My Mind's Eye Be Merry Letters: Booksworks Mini ABC & Numbers Tools: Fiskars Winter Greetings Embossing Border punch Ink: VersaColor Pinecone #171 Other: ribbon



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Heidi Grace Stamp: Hero Arts Ink: Stampin'Up Button: Rusty Pickle Other: ribbon, twine

Thanks for all your sweet comments on Lisette's pictures and my weight loss.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Fall Photo Shoot

We got back home from our trip to the UK yesterday. We stayed with my SIL Lisette and her family for 5 days. It was so wonderful to see them again. The last time we saw them was in January when they were over from Australia. Now that they live in the UK again we can see other more often. The kids had a fun time together and spent lots of time outside on the trampoline, playing with Playmobil and the Barbie/Bratz dolls. We went shopping in Kingston and Guildford, and Lisette and I did some online shopping for Sizzix and Cuttlebug dies. I brought my scrap goodies along so Lisette and I could do some card making together. We even worked on our 2 Sketches 4 You DT card for next week. I will show some of my cards in the next few days.

We had beautiful fall weather during our stay. After lunch on Saturday we went to the park near by Lisette's home. I love Lisette's photography skills, and asked her to do a little photo shoot. She made some great pictures of us. Here are some of my favorites....















Lisette, thanks for the beautiful pictures. And a big thanks to you all for having us this past week. We enjoyed ourselves very much, and it was so good to see you all again.

This morning I had to weigh in again, and I was very pleased with the result. I lost 1.7kg (3.75lb) this week which means a total of 8.2kg (18lb) in 5 weeks. I can tell you it wasn't easy for me this week being surrounded by 4 adults and 5 kids who are allowed to eat everything. And let's not forget about Beth who loves baking. During our stay she and Lisette made caramel/ chocolate cupcakes, NY cheesecake, chocolate cake and chocolate hedgehog. It all looked so yummy, but I didn't take anything. However, I did cheat a little on the fresh fruit salad with Greek yoghurt and honey they had each afternoon. :D I was able to resist it the first few days, but couldn't resist it any longer on the last 2 days. Well....who cares? You have to treat yourself a little from time to time.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Tattoo Girl

The new issue of Scrapbook Magazine hit the stores last week so now I can show you one of my layouts that was pubbed in the August issue of the magazine. This one is my favorite. Sanne loves to draw 'tattoos' on her arm. The tattoo in this picture was done by Eric at her request, and of course he had to make a picture of Sanne. We often say to each other that it wouldn't surprise us when Sanne comes home one day and says.....SURPRISE!.....and then showing us a real tattoo.

Kazan's Sketch #11

Happy Monday, girls! How was your weekend? Mine was great. We left on Saturday for the UK to stay with my SIL Lisette and her family for 5 days. It is good to have them back in the UK, so we can see each other a few times a year. I brought my scrap goodies along (not all of course!!) so Lisette and I can scrap together.

Today it is time to reveal my DT card for 2 Sketches 4 You. Kazan designed a great sketch.....again, and as soon as I saw her sketch I knew that I wanted to use Scenic Route's Surprise patterned papers. I love the colors of this line. You can find Kazan's beautiful sketch and card along with the gorgeous DT work here.



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, chipboard: Scenic Route Surprise Tools: Fiskars Elegant Fountain Embossing Border Punch, sewing machine Other: Ribbon

Have a wonderful day!

My Sketch World October Card

Due to the vacation period it has been a while since I created a card for My Sketch World. Last week I made a card for the October sketch. I used the My Mind's Eye Snowed In papers.

Here is my card.....



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, die-cuts: My Mind's Eye Snowed In Ribbon: Amuse Rub-ons: Imaginisce Merry Christmas Ink: VersaColor Pinecone #171

A little update on my weight.....I lost 0.9kg (2lb) last week. I have lost 6.5kg (14.3lb) in 4 weeks. :) I am now on to the next phase and may add meat to my diet.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Now We're Rocking with Photoshop - Week 2

It is week 2 of Jessica Sprague's class Now We're Rocking with Photoshop. I made my assignment on Monday evening, but wasn't completely satisfied about my layout. I noticed I made some minor mistakes and wanted to correct them first before I would show the layout on my blog. Well, I did this evening so now I can show it. I hardly have any digital scrapbook kits yet, so I worked with the standard class materials. I like Jessica Sprague's classes a lot. Her tutorials are great and easy to follow, and I learn so much. All kind of tips and techniques in PSE that I wasn't aware of. If you would love to learn more about PSE and digital scrapbooking I strongly recommend Jessica's classes.


Pictures taken: August 18, 2008

WCMD - Challenge 4

As promised, I would show you the 4th challenge of the World Card Making Day online crop on the Dolls & Decorations forum. I designed a simple sketch, and made a Christmas card.....again with the yummy My Mind's Eye papers. I just can't get enough of the lovely colors and designs. Since everyone was so enthusiastic about the online card crop I scheduled another one for November 15th. I am sure that one will be fun too. Here's my sketch.....



And here's my take on my own sketch...



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, die-cuts: My Mind's Eye Be Merry Rub-ons: Imaginisce Merry Christmas Tools: Fiskars Winter Greetings embossing border punch Ink: VersaColor Pinecone #171 Other: ribbon

If you would like to try out my sketch, don't forget to link me up so I can take a look at it.

Enjoy your day!

Laura's Sketch #10

It is 2 Sketches 4 You time again. Don't you just love Mondays? Well, I do!! Laura has provided us with an inspiring sketch this week. I love the My Mind's Eye Be Merry papers so much that I used them again for my 2S4Y card. You can see Laura's sketch and gorgeous card here. And don't forget the cards by the DT members. They all did an amazing job again. This week Carla has provided a wonderful bonus sketch, and I will definitely make a card following her sketch. Of course there is also a yummy prize to win if your card based on Laura's sketch is chosen as Card of the Week. Our sponsor this week is Making Memories for You.

Here's my take on Laura's sketch....



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper, die-cuts: My Mind's Eye Be Merry Tools: Fiskars Winter Greeting embossing border punch Rub-ons: Melissa Frances Other: ribbon, foamtape

Have a nice day, and thanks for your sweet comments!

WCMD Cards

As I already told you I hosted an online World Card Making Day crop on the Dolls & Decorations forum yesterday evening. We started at 8pm, and each hour I posted a new card challenge. The 4th and last challenge was posted at 11pm. Many forum members were online, and they were very enthusiastic. The girls who participated made some great cards. It was really fun and I will definitely host another online crop again. Here are the cards that I made for the challenges....

Challenge 1: create a monochromatic card (I cheated a little, but my main color is orange)



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Creative Imaginations Narratives Rub-ons: Making Memories Heidi Black Other: ribbon

Challenge 2: create a card using some required elements



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Pink Paislee Vintage Moon Rub-ons: Melissa Frances Tools: sewing machine Other: ribbon

Challenge 3: create a Fall card



Supplies: Cardstock & ribbon: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Scenic Route Salem Rub-ons: Melissa France Tools: Martha Stewart ZigZag punch Other: button, twine

I also designed a sketch, but will show that one as well as my own take on the sketch later this week.

This afternoon we go to Utrecht for the football match FC Utrecht - FC Twente. I am not a football fan (not at all!), but since Fleur went to see a match with Eric she wanted to go another time, and Sanne wanted to go too. So....Eric arranged tickets via the boyfriend of a colleague. Unfortunately the weather is terrible today, but I am sure it will be fun.

Enjoy your Sunday!

World Card Making Day

Today is World Card Making Day which is celebrated around the world on the first Saturday of October. It is a holiday especially for card makers around the world to celebrate the creativity of handmade cards and the personal connection that they create between friends and family, and to kick off (and get a head start on) the holiday card-making season.

2 Sketches 4 You is teaming up with Scrapbook News & Review on this day. Kazan and Laura have created two special sketches for them which they are using for World Card Making Day. Go check out the 2 Sketches 4 You blog to find about how to participate. There are some great prizes to win.

The 2 Sketches 4 You DT as well as the Scrapbook News & Review designers made cards following either Kazan or Laura's sketch. I had the pleasure to work with Kazan's sketch.

Here's Kazan's sketch.....



And here's my take on her sketch.....



Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper Patterned paper: Scenic Route Surprise Chipboard: Maya Road Cupcakes Set Buttons: Rusty Pickle Tools: Martha Stewart ZigZag punch, sewing machine Other: ribbon, white tag, paint and pin

And this is Laura's sketch.....



Go check out 2 Sketches 4 You to see all the gorgeous cards made by the talented team.

This evening I will be hosting an online crop on the Dolls & Decorations forum. Here's is a sneak of the cards I made for the crop.



Happy World Card Making Day to you all!!!

Now We're Rocking with Photoshop - Week 1

It has been a while since I did Jessica Sprague's beginner class Up & Running with Photoshop. I really enjoyed that class as it learned me to work with Photoshop Elements 6.0. I wanted to register for the advanced class Now We're Rocking with Photoshop, but was too late to register. Jessica started another Now We're Rocking with Photoshop class last week, and this time I was in time registering. I hadn't had any time until this morning to do the assignment for week 1. Although I prefer to scrap with papers and embellishment I also like digi scrapbooking as it learns me all kinds of techniques in Photoshop Elements. I made this layout about Fleur who loves to play Monopoly with Eric and me. Yesterday we played a game for almost 4 hours. Actually we weren't finished yet, but it was time for the girls to go to bed.



I will be back later today to reveal my 2 Sketches 4 You DT card for World Card Making Day.

Blog Make-over

Now that fall arrived I thought it was time to create a new fall banner. I have been wanting to restyle my blog for a while, but I didn't have much time. Yesterday when I created my new banner I decided to give my blog a make-over. I am not an HTML-expert so it takes some time to look for tips on the internet and make a simple change, but it is fun to do. The make-over is far from finished, but it is a start.


Supplies: Apple Snapple Digital Kit by Kay Miller at Sweet Shoppe Designs

I had an appointment to weigh in this morning, and I only lost 0.5kg (1lb) this week. Quite disappointing, but the good thing is that my fat % decreased a lot this week. Despite the little weight loss I am still very motivated.

Have a nice weekend!

Early Birthday Gift

I'll be turning 40 in November, but already had a birthday party along with Eric who turned 40 on August 31st. My MIL asked me to think about a birthday gift, but I couldn't think of anything special at that time. Well....soon after I knew that I wanted to have a new camera. I do like my little compact camera, but wanted to have a camera with more options. A digital SLR camera is way too much for me as I am not that good with cameras, so I chose this Panasonic FZ28 camera. I ordered it online last Sunday, and received it yesterday. I tried it yesterday and I love it.



Yesterday my mom was at Paper & Pictures in Doorn with her friend, and Truike showed her my projects in the October/November issue of the Scrapbook Magazine. I picked up my copy at my mom's on my way to work this morning and briefly glanced through the magazine during my lunch break. It is a beautiful issue....as always....with lots of gorgeous layouts, mini albums and other projects. The layout and mini album that I submitted are both in the magazine. I don't want to make the Dutch girls jealous, but I am so happy that I already have a copy of the magazine. My compliments to all scrappers involved in this issue.

Have a wonderful day!