LOVE-JOY-SCRAP

Winter Formal

2012-02-12T09:59:00.000-08:00

Jessica went to her first dance last night,

the Winter Formal.

She looked beautiful!

Can't believe my baby girl is so grown up!

dress to impress

2012-01-17T21:53:00.001-08:00

Now that I can fit into clothes better, it fun to dream about outfits I could have! Love this!

dress to impress by kimstrother featuring logos jewelry

Nude dress
$28 - everbuying.com

Vince Camuto double breasted coat
$235 - vincecamuto.com

Zara two tone shoes
$90 - zara.com

Anya Hindmarch clutch hand bag
$395 - net-a-porter.com

Chanel logos jewelry
€376 - lindestore.com

H M flower hair accessory
£1.99 - hm.com

Chloé acetate sunglasses
$114 - theoutnet.com

And were off...

2012-01-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

what? you ask

Well, it seems as if it's THAT time of the year again...

CHA time that is!

It seems as if every blog I go to says something about CHA and

new release, sneak peaks, booth make n takes, etc, etc.

CHA time drives me crazy. It's a love/hate thing!

I love seeing all the new paper lines

so much inspiration and talent from the

design teams. Videos live from CHA.

Awesome, right?

But then the I wants, the I must haves start within me.

The dollar signs add up in my head and that's before

the product even arrives in the stores.

And I have to order online as there is not

a close by LSS, so that's if they don't sell out!

and so I say.."were off" as it is official CHA season!

What's you thought on CHA?

Do you already have a favorite line?

(I want this one!)

Please share your thoughts!

xoxo-Kim

Focus

2012-01-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Today I'm sharing my layout for the CKCB challenge #1,

to make a layout about my 2012 goals/resolutions.

Well, I don't make resolutions. Of course I have goals, but they

are something I look at differently, some of my goals are long term, more than

a year. Some goals are short term. And they are evolving all the time.

So what do I do for 2012?

I have been choosing One Little Word for each new year since 2009.

This is a concept from Ali Edwards.

This year my word is FOCUS

and here's my layout:

Each of the tabs pull out and have journaling on them.

This year I want to focus on what matters most, on the things

I can do to make life better. On my faith and my family.

On my health, keeping my weight off and

working on a fitness program. On telling meaningful stories

on my layouts. On changing the things I can, and letting go of the rest.

What are your goals/ resolution/One Little Word for 2012?

I'd love to hear, please leave me a comment and/or a link to your layout.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by my blog.

I hope you have a great day!

xoxo-Kim

Project Life

2012-01-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

There is so much buzz about Project Life.

Are you in?

I did the first project life back in 2009, when you had to but the kit

from Creating Keepsakes on January 1st,

I tried on line for several hours and finally got my

order to go through...I believe their whole site ended up

crashing from all people trying to order that morning.

The crazy thing is I ended up with 6 kits in my basket

and over $200 charged to my credit card!

I sold the extra kits to online friends who weren't

lucky enough to get one so all was well.

I faithfully took my daily photo till the middle of July

and then I stopped, and my album is unfinished.

But I love what IS in the album!

So I have battled if I should so project life this year.

I love the Clementine kit, and now you buy it at Amazon,

so it costs a little more, but much easier to order!

what to do? what to do????

I have decided I am going to do Project Life.

My thinking is this...

I know this year (and next year) will be big for our family.

I want to capture it.

But I have decided I do not have to do it everyday,

I am going to span the project over the next 2 years,

some weeks might have a photo every day,

some weeks might be several photos from one event

like a birthday, or graduations (Jessica will be a senior this fall),

ans some weeks might be skipped.

I am also going to buy the big envelope pockets (they are out

of stock right now) to throw in tickets, receipts, cards, etc.

I have ordered my kit and even though I am a little behind

since the year already started I have been keeping a little note

book with notes for each day. This is the way I did it in 2009

and it was very easy to just look back at the note book and know

what photo was for what day and I also wrote a little note about it.

The other thing I did was to make a 2009 album in my iphoto program

and as I uploaded my photos I dated the photo of the day and added to the album.

Then they were all together and ready to print.

So tell me, are you doing Project Life and what are your

tips for keeping up with it?

xoxo-Kim

Resolutions

2012-01-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

I don't make resolutions!

First, I figure whay wait to New Years?

If there's something I need/want to do I can start that day.

Perfect example...back in September I stated I wanted to

loose weight, well actually I've wanted to do it for a long time,

but everything just feel into place in September, timing is everything, right?

And here we are, only Jan 7, 2012 and I have lost

40 pounds! I feel so much better! and I'm proud of myself,
it took will power during Christmas!!!

I still want to loose a little more, but if I had waited for New Years

I would have just started. Now I am almost there! The best part...
I fit into jeans I haven't worn for 4 years! (yes, I kept them that long...!)

However, I am not hopeless, and what I do like to do for New Years

is pick One Little Word! (in case you've been under a rock and don"t know about

One Little Word (OLW), it is a concept by Ali Edwards and you can

learn all about it on her blog).

My word for this year is

FOCUS

I want to really focus on what matters most to me. Family, faith,

career (lots more on this in the coming weeks).

Also, I seem to get a bit side tracked, for instance with

scrapbooking. My interests are all over the place, mini books,

art journals, blog, challenge sites, you know how it is, right?

I want to focus on the telling the story this year.

2011 was a good year. I think I can make 2012 a great year!

That will be my main focus!

do you have a word?

xoxo-Kim

CKC January Blog Hop

2012-01-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hello and Happy New Year!

I have been hiding out and avoiding my blog for

far too long this past month. Instead I enjoyed time with

my family and friends for the holidays. And I took some me

time to regroup and figure out some 2012 goals.

(more on that in another post)

So welcome to the CKCB Blog Hop!

We are switching things up this month and out blog hop

is actually the reveal of our kits.

This month we are counterfeiting Cocoa Daisy's December Kits.

Merry & Bright can be seen on their blog {here}
Amber Snowflake can be seen in their shop {here}
Sunshine & Snowflakes can be seen in their shop {here}
Frosty Windowpane can be seen in their shop {here}
Cocoa & Marshmallows can be seen in their shop {here}

I took what I liked from Sunshine &Snowflakes and

Cocoa & Marshmallows and made one big kit...

"Winter Wishes"

(sorry for the shadow...we've had awesome, sunny, 80 degree weather)

I've already made my first layout with this kit, but I can't share just yet.

I'm really hoping to get some more time to scrap this month,

for the whole month of December I didn't make a single

layout...not a one. And while I'm okay with that, I miss it.

I will be changing that this month!

Now it's time for you to hop on over to Lisa's blog!

I've already seen a sneak of Lisa's kit and let me just tell you

it's amazing! I love it and I'd buy it!

Enjoy the rest of the hop and I can't wait to see all your kits!

xoxo-Kim

Use Your Stash

2011-12-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

Here's an idea that's perfect for using up all your scrapbooking stash...gift tags.

If you are anything like me, you have tons of scrapbooking supplies, stamps, stickers, and especially paper. So I decided to get out all my supplies and have some fun.

I stared with tags that I've had forever, because you can buy them at your local office supply store for $5.00 for 100 tags, so they last a long time!

I tried stamps first. You can't get any easier than these! A little glimmer mist or stickles and ink the edges. Perfect!

Next I used some scrap pattern paper, round tags, stickers, brads, and buttons.

Finally, I got a little more fancy, layering some paper with punches, embossing, and using a left over 3D stickers sheet from last years December Daily.

Any of these could be used on a bottle of wine as a hostess gift. Super cute! or on all your gifts!

I also found these adorable printables (free) and thought they'd be really cute to use on tags or on presents alone.

So enjoy them!

Happy Holidays!

xoxo-Kim

Time to Decorate

2011-12-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

December is here and it’s time to finish up decorating for the holiday. What? You don’t want to spend a lot of money. Well, no worries. You can make decorations using some old paperback books, old music books, magazines, and even newspaper that you probably have lying around the house. And many of these are great for making with the kids!

Here’s a Christmas tree and a wreath I made using an old paperback book that was just lying around the house. I love the simple, vintage look.

Here are some awesome links to projects you will love:

Ornaments: here, here, here, here and here

Wreaths: here, here, here and here

Garlands: here, here, and here

Trees (these are my favorite!): here, here, here and here

And a few other decorating ideas: here, here and here

And in case you used a hard cover book, don’t throw away the cover….check this out!! Maybe you can give it as a gift!

Now run...find a book...and have fun creating!

xoxo-Kim

Believe

2011-11-30T21:26:00.000-08:00

This quote inspired me today!

Tomorrow is another day...and I DO believe!

CKCB November Blog Hop- Home Decor

2011-11-27T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hello!

and welcome to my blog!

I'm so glad you could joy our hop!

This month The CKCB hop is all about home decor.

I had lots of ideas, but since my kit this month was

mostly fall and Thanksgiving themed,

I decided to make this:

A 7 Gypsies tray, some of last years Pink Paislee,

My Minds Eye papers and viola...

A sweet fall decoration for our entry way!

Thanks for taking the time to stop by and

visit my blog.

The next stop on your hop is

Lisa

xoxo-Kim

Novemeber Counterfeit Kit

2011-11-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the month again!

Time to share my CKCB kit.

This month we are counterfeiting the November 2011 Scraptastic Club.

There are 2 great kits to choose from.

I really liked them both. But I didn't have any of the products from

either kit. I took my inspiration some of the colors and the fall products.

Here is my kit in all its orange and aqua glory!

There is some Pink Paislee, Theresa Collins, SEI and October Afternoon

all from last years releases. There are also embellishment that are 5 or 6 years old.

But that's what I love about pulling from my own stash to make a kit.

It makes me see old supplies in new ways.

I already have plans for a few layouts because I was inspired

as I pulled this kit. Last year I made a Thanksgiving journal

and I might make something like that this year with my kit.

Enjoy pulling you kit!

xoxo-Kim

killer stres

2011-10-31T20:44:00.000-07:00

Don't let the title worry you...I am fine!

But I have been stressed lately.

Mostly from stuff at work.

But the stress takes over

WHOLE

LIFE

I'm crabby at home, I take it out on my family.

it kills all my creativity!

and that makes me even more moody and stressed!

I don't update my blog, I barely even blog hop!

I haven't read a good book in too long.

However, there is one thing I kept up and I am proud of myself ...

proud because I usually eat when I am stressed.

Comfort food!

But I have been on a diet and I was determined not to cheat.

And I haven't!!

I have lost 24 pounds.

Today I am wearing a pair of jeans I have not put on

for 2 years. And it feels pretty darn good too!

I also created a layout this weekend and

I feel a little bit more like myself today.

I really need to remind myself not to let the stress

take over, to make the time to scrap.

It helps relieve the stress.

I need to take the time to hug and appreciate my family

instead of making them the enemy.

I need to breath!

October CKCB Blog Hop

2011-10-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the CKCB October blog hop!

Our challenge this month was to re purpose stickers and use them in a new way.

Well, I didn't have very many stickers in my kit this month...

but here is what I did....

Can you see my stickers?? They are butterflies from Jenni Bowlin made into a flowers!

I also re purposed this pink felt piece with embossing powder

to match my layout...see below, it was pink!

Now you are off to see what Lisa has created.

And in case you need it...here's a list of all the blogs to visit!

Enjoy!

Guest Designer - Kerri
Glinda
Helen
Jemma
Jen
Jessica
Julie Ann
Kim
Lisa
Margie
Milissa
Rebecca
Susanne

Layer it up

2011-10-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hello there...and happy Sunday to you!

Today I am sharing my layout for the CKCB

layering challenge.

I started by layering some pattern paper (mostly Echo Park here)

I raised up the picture in the frame by adding a piece

of chipboard to the back. This way i could add a little bit

of dimension and put a few flowers and the rhinestone circles

under the photo. I was also able to add the twine and the button.

A few of the flowers are on pop dots, as well as the butterflies.

I love the look of layers, it is something I struggle with,

but the more I do it, the more I love it.

I was really happy I got the time to do this layout this week.

I just haven't had the time to scrap much lately.
I miss it!
I also haven't been able to visit all your blogs and
comment like I wish I could. So sorry!
It will be a few more months till things are back to normal for me.
Until then....I do hope to do as much as I can!

xoxo-Kim

Sweet Shop

2011-10-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

Hello sweet friends!

I have been missing in action for way too long.

I miss you all...and I miss scrapbooking.

Life has been VERY busy.

I am basically working 6 days a week now, plus the kids are

busy with school and their extra activities.

It all leaves very little time for creating.

I did manage to create this layout for the CBCK challenge.

We were to use candy as inspiration.

This photo is the candy table from my daughters sweet sixteen party.

The candy dishes are Hambley rubons. I used them on a extra piece

of transparency I had and then glued some small hole punches

to the back for the look of candy.

I hope to have more to share soon.

I so miss creating!

I hope you all have a great weekend and get some

crafting done for me!

xoxo-Kim

CKCB September Blog Hop

2011-09-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

SO SORRY!

I've been under the weather and was

not able to get my project finished for the blog hop!

so please keep going to

Jemma

I'll make it up to you guys next time!

2011-09-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

The CKCB September Mini Challenge #1

is to make your own backgound paper using stamps.

I don't do this very often, mostly because I have so much paper anyway,

but I have to say it was pretty fun and super easy.

I used a few different colors of ink and the stamps I

had added in my kit this month, and voila!

Here's my layout!

I also used one of the flowers I made for my kit this month,

it went perfect on the cornor of the photo.

I hope you will try making your own paper with stamps.

You can really take it to a whole new level if you get into it.

Link me up and let me see what you have done.

xoxo-Kim

blog your heart

2011-09-14T18:26:00.000-07:00

I never put anything very personal on this blog.

I admit I am scared to...

it's partly that I not very good at putting my thought into words,

it's part that I worry about being judged,

do people really want to hear what I have to say anyway?

But then I read blogs, like Stephanie Howell,

and she amazes me. It's the realness of her blog that I LOVE.

And she has issued a challenge to blog from the heart.

so here goes....

I have put myself last for too long,

I'm not just a wife and mom,

I am a woman first, I want to feel attractive. Can you believe I just went out shopping

for some new bras and realized it had been 2 years since I had done

that. Why? why don't I take care of myself? I want to

feeling like I did when I was dating my husband and

everything was fun and new. Of course I love my kids, my family,

but life has a way of taking over and it seems lately that

it has sucked out all it can from me.

Add in a job that, well let me rephrase that,

add in difficult people at the job, and some days

I feel so negative and angry.

I hate it, and I hate myself for letting it get to me.

So I have begun to make some changes.

I have started a diet and I have lost 6 lbs so far and I feel pretty good.

I got new bras, like I said, and new underwear, cute, sexy ones!

I am training for a new job and hopefully will change

field completely in a few months.

I'm making changes and I can see a little ray of sunshine

a little pep back in my step.

and it feels great!

baby steps to a happier me!

you know what...that wasn't so hard!!!

Starting point

2011-09-11T14:29:00.000-07:00

So many new starting points in my life right now!

Starting a new school year...Jessica in 11th grade and Trey in 4th grade.

I'm starting a new diet. (but shhhh, we will discuss this later)

Starting a new career path.

But the best starting point is the scrapbooking kind.

I have been playing along at Shimelle.com

here are two of my layouts.

I love that she shows the foundation of the page, but from there you can

take it anywhere you want. They have made for fun, easy to put together

pages. And I have used all scraps, except for the base page.

That's my kind of page!!
There's a new starting point today...go on over and play along!

Hope everyone is having a great day!

xoxo-Kim

September CKCB Kit

2011-09-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome....

I hope you are ready for some more counterfeiting?

This month the CKCB will be working with a kit from Sweet Peach Crop Shop this month.

You can view the September 2010 inspiration kit (and the list of contents)

from Sweet Peach Crop Shop here. There are two kits to choose from, feel free to

counterfeit either of the kits. If you want to do both of them, that's great too!

Here is my take on the kit:

We are pleased to announce that September's sponsor is Unity endorsed,
Ippity Chick, Sherri Thompson! Sherri will be sending the winner of our
September drawing a stamp set of their choice from her etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShareCroppersKits.
In order to be entered in the drawing you can either join the blog hop
or comment on the blog hop...it's that easy! The blog hops will be on
September 27th and 28th. We will be having lots of fun using stamps
in our layouts, tutorials, and mini challenges this month!

Meet out new masters of forgery

2011-09-03T17:55:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!!!

I just wanted to give a shot out and say congratulations to

the new members of the CKCB design team:

Glinda http://razzledscrapper.blogspot.com/
Helen http://craftimperfect.blogspot.com/
Jennifer http://mypair-a-dice.blogspot.com/
Julie Ann http://julieannshahin2.blogspot.com/
Lisa http://lisahausmann.blogspot.com/
Melissa http://millermall.blogspot.com/
Rebecca http://howiburb.blogspot.com/

I will be continuing on the team again and I am super excited
to work with these talented ladies. I can't wait to
see the great things they will do!

things that make me happy

2011-08-29T17:24:00.000-07:00

This weekend we did a little flea market shopping.

It's hard here (in Los Angeles), at least it seems to be to me, to find good deals,

things are expensive! But I'm super happy with what I found!

All these buttons...

Vintage stamps, made of wood and copper:

Old crates:

A milk glass bowl:

And this old journal:

which I HAD to have once I saw the year, specifically this page:

the day I was born! Cool!

CKCB August DT Blog Hop

2011-08-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the hop!

I hope you are excited as I am about using this exclusive sketch

from sketch support. I love using sketches!

If you want to start at the beginning of the hop of back to the CKCB.

Or here's a list of the hop:

Here's my layout:

I tried to make the tea pot look old and worn.

I used some paint and glimmer mist, them I used rub ons

and added the flowers and then I put 2 coats of clear embossing

powder on and finally I inked it up with some Tim Holtz walnut ink.

Now head on over to Jemma

and enjoy the rest of the hop!

Oh... and don't forget our great sponsor this month...
Sketch Support.
You could win two sketch books!

Envelope Mini Album

2011-08-24T21:31:00.000-07:00

Here's the envelope mini album I made using my add on kit

for the CKCB. Made with 6 standard white business envelopes for

the pages and chipboard for the cover.

Click on any photo to see it larger.

thanks for stopping by!

On its side

2011-08-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

Here's my layout for the CKCB mini challenge.

"turn a sketch on its side"

I choose sketch number 9. See it here at Sketch Support.

I only used one photo, and I used ripped paper instead of the curve of paper.
and I don't have the large title or even all the journaling.
But that's why it's a sketch and the layout just took me in this direction.
I made the background paper that the photo sits on. It was plain old cream cardstock.
I stamped it, then misted it and distressed it. I think it looks like old wallpaper.
I love this photo of Jessica, I think she is 9 here.
She just glows!

I haven't been playing with my kit for the last week. I got a bit side tracked
playing along with Shimelle last weekend. And this weekend I didn't scrapbook
at all. Not one thing! But I plan on digging back in my kit this week!

Have a good week everyone!

no title required

2011-08-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

I'm back today to share another layout I made with my August CKC

I love, love, love the way it turned out!

First let me give credit to the photographer, Danny Griffin.

What layout could be bad with a wonderful, professional photograph like this!

It made the rest of the layout so easy.

Websters paper, add some bling to make the chandelier pop,

some flowers and you're done. Hence no title, just the little word strip

that says, "Embrace your inner diva".

I hope you enjoy this layout and that it inspires you!

Happy scrapping!

xoxo-Kim

Card into a Layout * CKCB Mini Challenge*

2011-08-15T20:02:00.000-07:00

I'm late in posting this, so sorry!

Here's the CKCB challenge:

Head on over to the Sketch Support site and pick a sketch.

Now use that sketch to make the opposite of what you picked.

If you picked a card sketch...use it to make a layout.

If you picked a layout sketch, use it to make a card.

Don't forget to show us which sketch you are using for this challenge!

Here's my layout using card number 8.

Remember Allison Davis and Sketch Support is our fabulous sponsor this

month so be sure to play along and you could be the winner of her

great sketch books!

xoxo-Kim

Retro photo...and what I learned

2011-08-14T20:00:00.000-07:00

This is the last challenge I was able to create for the

Scrapbooking weekend hosted by Shimelle.

It is for the retro challenge, to use a photo older than 2011.

Now I used photos older than 2011 all the time.

But I NEVER use old photos of me!

For one I have so very few photos from my childhood that it

scares me to scrap them. I have made copies so they are not the

original photos, but I put this pressure on myself to make

it the perfect layout.

So, when Shimelle gave this challenge I decided I would just do...

just get one of my photos and scrap it right now, today!

No pressure, just use papers and embellishment I love right now

and let go of any preconceived notions that it has to be perfect.

Here's the end result:

I'm so happy with it!

The pink file folder opens so I can write a few stories from my

child hood that this photo brings to mind (I'm still writing the jornaling).

The file folder was too bright a pink so I toned it down with some white

and brown inks to age it up a bit.

This is the first photo of my childhood that I have ever scrapped. EVER!

...
and that leads me to what I have learned this weekend scraping with

Shimelle.

Let go of any preconceived notions that a layout has to be perfect.
Trying a different process really gets the creative juices flowing and I loved it. I tried using product before choosing my photo. I used color combo as inspiration. I looked at some product differently and it all produced great layouts.
Hybrid scrapping (using the free downloads) was really fun and a new way to add to my layouts.
When I am pushed out of my comfort zone I thrive. I really felt inspired and made more pages this weekend that I ever have in one weekend before.
I say "I love..." a lot when I comment on other blogs...but I really do mean it!
I am proud to be a scrapbooker!

Red, white and...

2011-08-14T14:49:00.000-07:00

AQUA!

That's right...the Color Challenge from Shimelle was to

use red, white and aqua.

You know what, they work really well together and make for a really fun

and energetic color pallet. Here's my take:

When I read this challenge I remembered I did a layout using these colors

a few years back, and I loved that layout. I will be using this color

combo again! Hope you will try it too!

xoxo-Kim

Starting Point

2011-08-14T14:39:00.000-07:00

For the starting point challenge we were give the basic design of the

layout to start with. Here's my starting point:

And here's my final layouts. I actually made mine the exact same design

as Shimelle, why mess with perfection?

It made for a really fun page and I used the photos from the beach today!

I hope you are all having as much fun as I am with these challenges!

xoxo-Kim

Chop your paper challenge

2011-08-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

So yesterday (Saturday) I didn't get to play along with Shimelle

since we took the kids to the beach for the day.

But I did get to scrap in the evening and today

I'm back again to share.

For the "Chop Your Paper" challenge

we were asked to use only a piece of paper for

embellishment. I took this a bit farther, and I hope it qualifies,

but I decided to use just one piece of paper and make a

mini album. I used Crate Paper's Emma's Shoppe Accent Cuts paper.

Here's a few pages of my mini album:

The paper is double sided so there is a design on both sides, it

made for a really quick, cute mini.

Thanks for looking!

xoxo-Kim

Using up some stickers

2011-08-12T21:52:00.000-07:00

Here's another layout I made while playing along with Shimelle

this weekend. For this challenge we were to use up some old stickers

from different collections. Here are the stickers I worked with...

Sassafras, Basic Grey, and 2 from Creative Imagination (very old sets).

Here's the layout I made...

It came together so easy.

I usually start my layouts with my photos, but for this

layout I stared to think about the stickers and how to layer the

circles...then I went and found a photo.

I'm feeling very productive/creative with these

challenges. Go check it out and play along!

xoxo-KIm

Come play along

2011-08-12T21:37:00.000-07:00

This weekend Shimelle is having an online scrapbooking weekend

with lots of challenges, mini tutorials, free downloads, guest...

all to get you scrapbooking...

and of course...

prizes!!!

I am playing along and having a blast!

Here is my first layout, using the free downloads from Mary Anne.

There are three downloads to choose from. Here I used both the girl

and the boy set. I thought they looked awesome mixed

together and went really well with the cute picture of the kids.

(of note here: i did not have the correct size punch for the larger

circles, so I used my scalloped punch, and they kind of look like flowers,

so I added a few other flower stickers and I love the results)

Sorry the photo is a little dark, it was night but I couldn't wait to

submit my layout!

Look for more posts all weekend, maybe even multiple ones.

If you are playing along too give me the link I'd love to see

what you have made!

xoxo-Kim

You and me

2011-08-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Happy Friday!

I'm excited for the weekend and to share my first layout

I made using my August kit for the CKCB

(Well the first one I can share!)

I love this picture of Tray and I. He was trying to be mad at me,

but not really, so he has this funny little smile/frown.

It shows his dimple which I love!

I added the two birds thinking they represent the momma

bird(me) and baby bird (trey). I try to find embellishments that

add to the story of the layout with their symbolism.

The background paper was just cardstock, but I stamped the side

with a script stamp, then inked the edges with 3 colors (light blue, a darker

blue and some gold) I also sprayed a little Rangers perfect pearls mist on a few areas.

I hope everyone has a great scrappy weekend!

I'll be back with more to share tomorrow!

xoxo-Kim

Crazy for August

2011-08-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

Yep, I went a bit crazy with my August kit for the

Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog.

I just couldn't help myself, it all looked so pretty

and the more I went through my stash the more paper and

embellishments I pulled. I think this is the largest kit

I have ever made for this challenge. Especially when it comes to my

embellishments. Crazy I tell you!!!

This month we are counterfeiting the September 2010 kit

from My Creative Scrapbook.

Make sure you scroll all the way down to see the September 2010 kit.

Now here's my HUGE kit!

close up of just the paper...

close up of all the embellishment...

and if that was not enough I made an album add on kit too!!

And if that's not enough to get you excited than this will....

Our sponsor this month is Allison David!

She will be giving one lucky winner both of her sketch books!
If you are a fan of double page layout you won't want to
miss this! And we will be using some of her awesome
sketches this month too! I've already started playing with my kit
so check back soon for some layouts and a mini album I made!

Now go make your kit!!!

xoxo=Kim

I must confess...

2011-07-31T21:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, I must confess I only made 4 layouts with my counterfeit kit

this month. I put most of it back away into my stash.

I don't know what it was...

maybe I was just enjoying a little summer,

maybe I was too obsessed with the Casey Anthony trial (Oh yes...

I was glued to the TV) maybe I lost a little mojo!

But for some reason I never got into a groove with my kit.

So here's layout number 4.

Fairly simple layout...and I still need to add the journaling strips,

but I thinks it's a cute layout!

I have already made a layout and started a mini envelope book

with my August Kit (which is the largest one I've ever made,

I really went out of control on this one) so be sure to check back here

on August 6th to see my kit. And check out the CKCB on

August 5th to see which kit we are counterfeiting!

xoxo-Kim

Flower Power Blog Hop

2011-07-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

Who loves flowers??

Who likes to make their own flowers?

Then you are on the right "hop"!

This month the CKCB blog hop is all about flowers.
If you didn't start at the beginning of the blog hop go back to the CKCB
and start at the beginning cause you won't want to miss anything!

I made my flowers from crape paper left over

from my daughters birthday party.

Here's how to make them...
cut a 2 inch strip of the crape paper
and then cut it like a "m" (two humps)

Then pinch and twist the bottom together.

Once you make about 8-10 get a small circle and cover with glue
start adding the petals.

This is one layer, now add a second layer.

Here's the finished flowers.
Choose a center button or bling.
I also found that added two of the petals together made cute little
butterflies. I didn't use them on my layout, but I will be using them soon.

I left my flowers white, but these can easily be misted to any color you like!

I hope you liked my layout and flowers!
(I also wanted to mention that the photos of my daughter were taken
at a test photo shoot about a year ago, when she started modeling. I was lucky
enough to stand behind the professional photographer and get a
few good shots with my own camera!)

Now you are off to see Jemma on our hop.

Oh and don't forget...the prize this month is from Miss Arts Papercrafting
60 days subscription of free classes! Awesome!

Enjoy!
xoxo-Kim

Better late than never!!

2011-07-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

SO SORRY!

I should have posted this sooner! I scheduled it wrong and just found out!

So here it is, better late than never....

my CKCB mini challenge!

Our challenge was "gallery standout" and we had to find inspiration

from an online gallery.

I love this challenge! I spend lots of time looking online for

ideas and inspiration. In fact I have folders for all my finds on my computer

so I can refer back to them.

As soon as I saw this layout I knew it was the one!

It was a digital layout and I wanted to see if I could make it on paper.

I also knew I had the color scheme in my July kit.

Here's the original. From 2 peas gallery.

This is one of my new favorite layouts! Especially
because I don't have a lot of family photos of us all that I like.
SO hard to get everyone looking good!

I hope you like my layout!
Thank you for stopping by!

xoxo-Kim

Embossing-Mini Challenge for CKCB

2011-07-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hello ladies!

Today I'm sharing my layout for the CKCB mini challenge.

Our challenge was to use embossing on your layout.

I choose to use embossing powder and my heat gun.

All the red on this layout is embossed.

I really love how the red pops off the page.

And of course I love the big Bo Bunny flower.

Our sponsor this month is Miss Art's Papercrafting School

they are giving away a 60 days subscription. I know I'd love to win this prize,

there are several classes I want to take!

I hope you liked my layout today. Thanks for stopping by.

xoxo-Kim

July Kit

2011-07-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hi guys!

Hope everyone had a fab fourth!

Well...

It's that time of the month again!

Time to reveal the Counterfeit Kit Challenge kit for July.

This month the CKCB has decided to use a 2010 kit

from Polkadot Whimsy. Yes, I said a 2010 kit.

Up to now we have used current kits. But the girls kind of

thought all the kits were looking alike... so Beth and Meridy

decided to get a jump on summer and use an older kit.

Here's my take of this months kit:

I tried to make it fun and put some colorful papers in there,

but it kind of ended up being a little more vintage looking.

I added lots of flowers, 2 label sheets, some kraft doilies, bling, and I added

a book of these black and transparent stickers (there are are flowers, boarders, swirls)

I also did one of the add on kits. 4th of July theme!

I hope my kit has inspire you, and that you will play along with

us this month. Please link me up, I'd love to see your

kit and what you make with it.

xoxo-Kim

Pay it forward giveaway!

2011-07-03T15:55:00.000-07:00

There's an awesome embellishment giveaway

at Gabrielle blog.

I love embellishments so this is right up my ally!

I especially want some of the Dusty Attic chipboard pieces!

Keeping my fingers crossed on this one!

Don't tell me....

2011-06-28T21:48:00.000-07:00

Please don't tell me I am starting to have blogger trouble!!!

I know for the last month or so everyone has been complaining

about blogger issues. Luckily, I have not have any issues.

But my last post I couldn't get the picture to load and I don't know

how it looks to the rest of you, but when I log on to my blog

there is no photo or post, there are just the words "read more"

and you have to click on that to see my post.

Very weird!!!

I hope this is just a one time fluke!

This post seems to be fine....so far!

(knock on wood! ha!)

So while all is well,

let me share my last layout with my June kit.

I love this paper, some of the balloons have a gloss

over them, its very pretty. I added some zig zag stitching down

the sides to add that something extra, and I also tried to emboss

a square and sanded it a little to emphasize the

journaling and title area.

Link me up to your layouts for this month,

I'd love to see them!

xoxo-Kim

CKCB June Blog Hop

2011-06-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to the CKCB, June blog hop.

This month our challenge was to create an "I" page.

I choose to use my lemon drop add on kit for this page.

Each of the six squares in a little card, and I have written

some very personal information about where "I" am in life

right now. So I have chosen not to show you the inside of the cards.

The next stop on the blog hop is

Shazi

http://smdluxe.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!

Flower Power

2011-06-25T16:27:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys! Hope you're all enjoying your weekend!

If you've been following the CKCB you know this month there

was a tutorial from Gabrielle on making your own flower bloomers

(see here)

I decided to give the flower making a try.

Here's mine!

I had some felt flowers from some Fancy Pants

felt kits I've had for a few years. I used theses layered

with buttons and sewed together.

They inspired these two layouts!

Give the flowers making a try, it was really fun!

xoxo-Kim

Time to get in shape....

2011-06-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

...and no I don't mean physically

(even though I really should be working out, but that's a totally different post)

I mean it's time to get your layouts in shape.

That was the challenge at the

Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog,

"use a shape center stage on your layout"

Any guess what my shape is?

You guessed right if you said ARROW!

I didn't even know this challenge when I picked this paper

for my kit. But when I got the challenge I didn't

even have to think about it, I knew this was my shape.

I love that the arrow also fits the travel theme of my page, and

I love how the big arrow draws your attention right to the photo.

Now don't forget our sponsor this month....

SoCal Scrapbooks

they are giving away this great prize...

so be sure you play along and link your layout to Mr. Linky

you could be the winner.

Have a great day!

xoxo-Kim

Sweet 16

2011-06-20T21:47:00.000-07:00

Just popping in to share one more layout I made

with my June kit for CKCB.

This is a photo I took of Jessica right before her Sweet 16 party!

I'm super tired from a long weekend.

So that's it for today!

xoxo-Kim

Winner-Winner

2011-06-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

And the winner of the page kit giveaway is...

ladynurse4

great use of the sketch. The LO is wonderful. I just keep finding more little details to look at.

Congrats!!!!

Email me your address and I will get this out to you!

kstrother@earthlink.net

Back tomorrow with some layouts I made this weekend from my kit

xoxo-Kim

Summer Lovin'

2011-06-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

I love summer, it's my favorite time of year.

Relaxing +warm sun + longer days= happy, happy, happy to me!

So I was super excited to be able to make this summer add on kit

for the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog (CKCB)

Here is my kit, does the flip flop paper just scream summer or what?

I'm calling it Summer Lovin'

Here is the sketch I choose to make my layout.

It's a page maps sketch. They are my favorite sketches!

And last, my layout!

I was so excited to make this layout that it

was the first one I made with my kit this month.

I hope I have inspired you to make your own summer kit and give this sketch a try.

As an extra bonus I have a little summer kit giveaway.

Just leave me a comment (and I'd love for you to become

a follower) and I will pick a winner on Sunday evening.

Happy summer scrapping!

xoxo-Kim

Ad Inspiration

2011-06-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy hump day all!

Today I am sharing my layout for the

Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog (CKCB)

Our challenge was to pick an ad from a magazine, TV, or

anywhere else and use it as inspiration for your layout.

Here is the ad (on the right) I choose from my House Beautiful Magazine.

This girl is actually a transparency over the photo

so I cut it out...

And used it right on my layout.

(click on image to see it bigger)

I don't make many two page layouts, but this just had to be

a two pager. I used the journaling spot to cover the writing

on the transparency. The journaling is to my daughter

and reads: When I look at you, age 8, 9 then 10

I can see a glimpse into the future

To the woman you will be

and it takes my breath away.

I hope you will play along with us for this challenge.

Don't forget we have a great prize package this month

from Sandy at SoCal Scrapbooks
so be sure to link your creation to Mr. Linky
over at the CKCB.

On a different note, today is the last day of
school for Trey. Jessica has been out a week and a half
already...so summer is official here!
We have been having the typical June gloom here
in California, but the temps are suppose to be rising
and I can't wait for this weekend.... a little layout out
a little scrapping, and for sure a margarita!
Good times I tell you, good times!

xoxo-Kim

Memories

2011-06-11T14:09:00.001-07:00

I love to scrap out of order, in fact I never have scrapped that

way. I just pick whatever photo I like at the moment.

I love to look at the photos and the memories of

that time come rushing back.

Here is a layout I made with my June

Counterfeit Kit.

The Photo is form 2006 Christmas Day.

We surprised our kids with new bikes.

Trey was 4 and it was his first real bike.

He was so excited.

I'm very happy with this layout. It came

together very easily. I didn't plan my journaling

and at first I had tried journaling strips below the

flag, but didn't like it. Then I realized i had some

room by the title, "Memories" so I printed small

strips for above and below the title.

It worked perfect.

Hope you are having fun creating this month.

xoxo-Kim

33 Way to Stay Creative

2011-06-08T21:51:00.000-07:00

As seen here.

June Counterfeit Kit

2011-06-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe it is June already.

May and Jessica's Sweet Sixteen just a memory now.

Life has been crazy busy the last few weeks ( a story for another post)

But now June is here...summer!

And summer is my favorite time of the year.

So let's party....

This month the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog is

counterfeiting Burlap and Buttercups June Kit.

I like the kit, but it was a little too frilly for my summer way of thinking.

So here is my kit:

I started with the balloon paper in the upper left corner, and added on from there.

I made my kit more geared to summer activities, like bike riding,

and road trips, blue skies, that sort of thing.

I also made a summer add on kit.

I will be doing a little something special with this add on

later this month and I hope you will join in!

I love yellow and gray as a color combo.

But it didn't really match my kit.

The perfect solution...just make a small page kit.
This might also be a small mini book,

I haven't decided yet!
I'm calling it my Lemon Drop Kit!

I've already made three layouts with my kit and have a few more

planned in my head. I can't wait to share them with you.

xoxo-Kim

Pink Paislee Inspired

2011-05-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday and Welcome!

You should have landed here from Sherri's blog

for the DT Counterfeit Kit Challenge May Blog Hop.

This month our challenge was to find inspiration on

the blog of our favorite manufacture.

I looked and looked at a lot of the blog, because

I don't have one favorite, I have like 10 or 15 favorites!

I finally decided on this over at the Pink Paislee Blog.

I love it and wanted to go out and buy a frame

and I had all these other idea of stuff I could put in it.

But all that was not part of my counterfeit kit.

So, I looked at what I had, and I already had this

black frame, which is the only think not from my kit this

month. I decided to leave some of the glass area free to make

this see through. It's very simple, but I like that!

Maybe you can see it a little better with some paper behind it!

Now it's time to send you on your way to
Shazi
http://smdluxe.blogspot.com/

Hope you all have a great weekend!
xoxo-Kim

Party Photos (photo heavy!)

2011-05-15T21:40:00.000-07:00

It was a great party!

I am exhausted!

The decorations were just as I imagined and I loved the

candy table!

Jessica was beautiful!

The evening came and it looked magical!

Here's a closed up of the chandelier we hung from the

oak tree in our yard!

Desert

Dancing

She had a great party!

Keeping it Fresh!

2011-05-11T14:57:00.000-07:00

How do you keep your scrapbooking fresh?

How do you keep the mojo from running away?

How do you stop all your pages from looking the same?

I recently read on a blog about a scrapbooker being bored.

She said all her pages look the same.

I think that's a shame.

There are so many different styles and techniques to try.

I don't think we have to define your style of pages to just one style.

I actually hate that question, "what style scrapbooker are you?"

ah, the creative kind!

Seriously, maybe shabby chic is not for everyone,

but your could try a little lace or distress one little thing.

I like to think of myself as an ecletic scrapbooker...

a little bit of everything.

Here are two layouts I made last weekend trying out some new looks.

I really had fun and it stretched me creatively,

and that's how I like to keep it fresh!

First is a layout of Jessica, I snapped the photo before her first date.

I love the soft romantic feel.

And some close ups:

I hand stitched around the photo and added some pearls.

And here's one of Trey.

I embossed a piece of copper foil in my cuttlebug and then cut it

up to add a little to the photo and the corner embellishment area.

Here's a close up:

So if you are bored, I say try your hand at a new style or

technique and see what you come up with.

Have fun!

XOXO

KIM

My favorite time of the month!

2011-05-06T00:05:00.000-07:00

That's right, because it was reveal day at the

Counterfeit kit challenge blog!

This month we are counterfeit the

"Work in Progress" May kit.

I have to admit, this one was hard for me to counterfeit.

I actually started with a whole different set of papers,

but ended up setting them aside to use another time.

They just didn't have the fun, colorful feel like the kit.

So here's what I got my second try:

close up of the pattern paper

the embellishments

some rub ons and file folders, etc

and the alphas

Unfortunately, I know I will not have that much time the next

week to play with my kit, I am in big party mode now!

Just one week till my daughters sweet sixteen bash.

Hope you all have fun playing with your kits!

xoxo-Kim

Number 21

2011-04-30T12:48:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Redmom!

Number 21, ( picked by Trey! )

redmom said...

Woohoo a page about you!! The colors really highlight those fab photos of you!

April 27, 2011 4:35 PM

You are the lucky winner of my counterfeit kit from the blog hop,

please email me your address and I will get your kit out to you this week!

Thank you for all the wonderful comments.

Have a great weekend!

xoxo-Kim

Opinions please!

2011-04-28T13:49:00.000-07:00

****Giveaway and Counterfeit Kit DT Blog Hop

still open in post below!****

Please give me some feed back on these banners I

made for my daughters sweet sixteen party.

It is the first time I have made big banners like this.

They read: Sweet Sixteen and Sweet Shop

They will be hung in two different areas (not on top of

each other as show here. But I had to hang them up

to see them better and to keep then from bending

till the party).

(click on any image to see it larger)

Here are a few close ups of some.

I also made these little flags that say sweet sixteen to add to

the center pieces or where ever else I can.

I have also made pinwheels and scalloped banners/streamers

from pattern paper to hang all over. And tissue paper pom poms!

I should tell you the party is in our back yard, the theme is Sweet Shop

(for sweet sixteen) we are having dinner, dancing with DJ and a candy buffet .

My daughter said her whole party is scrapbooked! HA!

But I say all this in decorations at almost no cost....awesome!

Please tell me...too much glitter?

I really value and appreciate your comments!

Thank you!

xoxo-Kim

April Hippity Hop

2011-04-27T00:05:00.000-07:00

**Giveaway now closed**

Welcome to the first Blog Hop for the

Counterfeit Kit Challenge Design Team.

This month we took inspiration from the blog of one the DT.

It was fun checking out all the blogs and great to get to know the

girls a little better through their blogs.

I took inspiration from Jessica's blog, specifically this layout.

I don't make many 2 pagers, so I concentrated on the second

page of the layout.

Here's my layout:

I copied the multiple photos of myself and the title.
I'm very happy with the way it turned out and it's one more layout
about me. I don't have very many and it's something I
need to do more of so I will be in our scrapbooks
more often. I think being the photographer I'm not in
enough photos. Do you feel this way too?

Now...today may be your lucky day because I am giving

away a counterfeit kit to one of my lucky blog hoppers.
Inspired by April kit at The Scrapbook Nook -

Here's the kit that could be yours:

Just leave a comment and I will draw a winner on

Friday the 29th.

Good Luck!

The next stop on your hop is

Shazi

xoxo-Kim

Boys Club

2011-04-25T16:53:00.000-07:00

I ended up making one more layout with my

March Counterfeit Kit.

And I think it may be my favorite one this month.

I adore this photo of Trey with the curler in his hair, and he's

holding a little toy blow dryer and a toy car.

Don't forget to stop back by for the

Counterfeit Kit DT Blog Hop

on Wednesday.

xoxo-Kim

Margaritas

2011-04-22T07:57:00.001-07:00

Here's my layout for the food challenge over at the

Counterfeit Kit Challenge blog.

For me this was just a fun layout to make.

Bad photos from my phone, but surrounded by lots of color.

This layout could be about so many things,

and I think I will make more on this subject.

But I just wanted to enjoy and have some fun here.

Journaling reads: I don't drink very often but when I do

I love a good margarita on the rocks. It's like a mini vacation on

a tropical island.

xoxo-Kim

My finds!

2011-04-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

Look what I found this weekend!

These 3 are about 5 x 15 (ish) (no dividers)

This one is 6x20 (ish)

I always see all these great things people find

at flea markets and antique shops.

But when I go looking at these place I never see much, or it is

too expensive. Maybe because in California they hike up

the price. Whatever the reason, I really don't even look.

But yesterday my neighbor had a yard sale, so I went over.

And I spotted these in 2 seconds. They remind me of the

seven gypsies products.

Not sure what I will do with all of them yet,

and I know for the next month I won't have too much time

since I am planning my daughters sweet sixteen, but

I will put them to go use!

xoxo-Kim

Memorabilia

2011-04-15T00:05:00.000-07:00

Hello and Happy Friday!

The layout I have to share today is for the first April challenge at the

Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog.

We were asked to use memorabilia on our page.

I don't know about you, but I think this is something a lot of

scrappers tend to shy away from. However if you just think about it a little

bit there are so many things we could use on our layouts

that would fall in this category. Tickets, programs, tags from clothes,

notes from our kids (this is one I really want to do very soon)

art, cards, old divers license or school ids, cards from flowers, report cards

wedding certificates (copies of course), a menu.

You get the idea.

I decided to use birthday cards from Trey's 8th birthday.

I sewed the papers together to create a pocket for the cards to

sit in. I think sewing give it a little interest and it is

much stronger then glue.

I added the photo and a few embellishments and that's all.

I hope you will join us at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog

and try making your own project for this challenge.

If you do be sure to link up to Mr. Linky I want to see

what your make!

Have a great weekend!

xoxo-Kim

Happy Hump Day

2011-04-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Hump Day!

So glad my week is half way over...I live for the weekends!

Don't you?

Because on the weekend I get to scrap!

Last weekend I made this layout with some of my counterfeit kit.

I did use the cut out Pink Paislee paper (the flowers) that was not part of my kit.

I was thinking tulips...for the dutch theme. But it was not

working-- so I had hand cut this piece a while back

and I decided to try and it and I loved it, so it stayed!

In fourth grade Jessica had to do

a project about Christmas family traditions and the country they

are from. She chose to do this about Holland and St Nick since

her Grandpa (my dad) was born in Holland.

They had to dress up as part of the project and so I took this photo.

I've always wanted to scrap it, but didn't know what to do.

But with my counterfeit kit this came together so easily.

We also made cupcakes. And they were SOOOOO good!

Oh, the simple pleasures of life as a child! and yum!

But as an adult, I think I gained 5 pounds eating the cupcakes!

Cest la vie!

xoxo-Kim

A little tip!

2011-04-09T10:50:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share a quick layout I made using my counterfeit kit.

This came together really fast because I had planed most

of it out in my head as I pulled for my kit.

For instance, I had pulled different red paper, closer to what was in the kit.

But I also went through my photos to see what I wanted to

scrap this month. When I remembered this photo I

decided to switch the red paper to this one that fit the school theme better.

I then made sure to pick some embellishment that were

school related.

So my tip is to pick some photos to add to your kit.

I keep the photos with my kit all in one plastic holder.

It's very helpful!

xoxo-Kim

My April Counterfeit Kit

2011-04-06T00:05:00.000-07:00

I think the 5th of the month has become my favorite day...

why?

because it's reveal day for the new kit (to counterfeit) over at

Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog.

This month we are counterfeiting "A Little Birdie Told Me"

from Front Porch Kits.

They are a new kit club, but can you believe the kit sold out in one day.

Congrats!

That gives me new hope for kit clubs since so many are

closing their doors in these hard economic days.

And now (drum roll please)....here is my counterfeit kit.

I had to add the little birds, cut from an old box (earth day is this month

so let's stay green!)

I find that as I pull for my kit, ideas start popping into my head.

I see papers that go well together and I start planing layouts, sometimes I

even know what photo will work perfect.

This helps me pick embellishments since I know what the

layout is about.

I find that I am a faster scrapper with my kit.

I hope you will try making a counterfeit kit and play

along this month.

xoxo-Kim

Sneak Peaks

2011-04-05T00:05:00.000-07:00

It's that time!

Today is kit reveal day over at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog!

Head on over to see what kit club we are counterfeiting this month.

Here's a sneak peak of my kit, which I will share Wednesday.

And here's a sneak peak of two layouts I have already made with my kit!

I hope you will play along with us!

Be warned! It's really addicting!

xoxo-Kim

Spring Cleaning Time

2011-03-30T22:25:00.000-07:00

It's time for me to do some spring cleaning.

and by that I mean getting these layouts into albums!

Is anyone else this bad?

I have two stacks this size that need to be put away!

On another note, I want to say *thank you* to everyone

who stopped by and commented on my last post

for the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog Hop.

It was so fun and I was very inspired by all the

ladies. I found several layouts I'd like to scraplift.
And I know I will scraplift myself again soon.

I hope you will join us on April 5th

when the new kit to counterfeit will be revealed!

Well, I'm off to ~~clean up~~ no, that can wait...I'm off to create!

xoxo-Kim

Counterfeit Kit Challenge - March Blog Hop

2011-03-28T00:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Counterfeit Kit Challenge

March Blog Hop!

Hopefully you've arrive here from Melissa's blog, but if not, you should

go back and start at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog so you

don't miss any of the fun!

This month's challenge was to scraplift yourself.

I choose this layout I made about 4 years ago of my son.

He had the cutest chubby cheeks!

Anyway, I like the clean, vertical lines of this layout.

Yet is still has a softness with the rounded corners and scalloped paper.

Here is the layout I made for the challenge!

I still used the rounded corners and used my EK Success punch

for the scalloped paper.

I wanted to make it a little bit more elegant so I used the raised banner,

backed the photo with the vintage post card and
added some butterflies and pearls.

I still had plenty of supplies from my kit so I also decided to redo this layout.

I made this 7 years (or so) ago.

I was never happy with it, but didn't know what to do.

(and sorry for the bad photo, but I had to take it at night so I could get to work on it)

Here is the redo!

I left the original patterned paper, title and photo where they were.

I took off the big tag and lifted the right bottom of the photo.

Then a started adding vintage tickets from my kit.

My favorite part of this new layout is the butterfly with the

button stick pin center.

And now it's time to send you on your way to

Emily
http://aplaceformyscraps.blogspot.com/

Thank you all for stopping by and leaving some love, now go scraplift yourself!

xoxo-Kim

Frame Challenge

2011-03-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a whole week since I've blogged.

I first want to say thank you for all the birthday wishes for Trey.

He had a great birthday!

But I was worn out from the sleepover, they didn't go to sleep till 12:30,

which is not too bad, but they got up at 6:30. That was too early for mom!

Anyway, it's been a busy week, full of rain.

I did get some scrapping done, but could not get photos till this morning.

Here is my layout for the Frame Challenge over at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog.

Do you see my little frame?

Here's a close up!

I really wanted to emphasize the sweetest part of the photo.

And then here's one more layout I really quickly put together.

I used some of the tags I made for the Etsy Challenge earlier this month.

I also complete 2 layouts for the blog hop, but I cannot show them to you yet.

You will have to come back on the 28th to see them!

Hope you all have a great weekend.

I'm off to a wedding this afternoon!

xoxo-Kim

Happy Birthday Trey

2011-03-18T21:03:00.000-07:00

Today he is nine!

(well on 3-19...posted a bit early and forgot to schedule)

WOW!

How is this possible?

Look at that smile...so sweet!

I adore his dimple.

I am so thankful he is loving and cuddles.

He does well in school, karate, and remembers his prayers.

I love you Trey.

Happy Birthday!

And here is another layout of Trey from my kit.

I love the blue and orange combo. Perfect for boys.

I still added a flower, but it doesn't feel girly at all.

And I used the bee stamp too!

Hope you get time to create this weekend!

(don't think I will...we are having a sleep over for Trey bday)

xoxo-Kim

Etsy Mini Challenge from the Counterfeit Kit Blog

2011-03-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

Time for a mini challenge from the Counterfeit Kit Blog!

The challenge is to find something on Etsy and use it as inspiration to make

well, whatever you like!

I found these great, colorful tags. They remind me of the colors from

my Counterfeit Kit this month and of spring.

Here's a picture of the Etsy tags:

And here are my tags:

Most of the tags are from my kit papers. I did add a few other scraps

to round out the colors. There are 30 tags total, 2 of each design.

And the best part...now I have tags in my kit to make some more layouts.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a great day and get some time to scrap!

xoxo-Kim

I'm a Master of Forgery

2011-03-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Happy, happy day here!

If you have been following my blog you know that I have been playing along with the Counterfeit Kit Challenge each month since they launched 3 months ago. I really enjoy it and I am very happy with the layouts I have made with my kits.

Well...I am one happy/lucky girl!

I made the design team for Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog!

And just look at all the talented ladies who also made the design team:

Crystal http://crystalscraftycreations.blogspot.com/

Jessica http://truelifeimascrapaddict.blogspot.com/

Melissa S http://www.scrappyjedi.com/

Sherri http://www.sherrithompson.blogspot.com/

Kim S http://lovejoyscrap.blogspot.com/ (this is me!!!)

Shazi http://smdluxe.blogspot.com/

Jemma http://just-jimjams.blogspot.com/

Margie V http://scrappinmargie.blogspot.com/

Suzzane B http://www.snapsandsnippets.blogspot.com/

Lisa T http://www.redmomscraps.blogspot.com/

Gabrielle http://nomorelittlemonkeys.blogspot.com/

I am so fortunate to be among them and I look forward to getting to know

all of you.

I hope you will join in on all the fun at the Counterfeit Kit Blog.

I've said it before... the concept is genius!

Make a kit from your stash! It's that simple and perfect in this economy.

I challenge you to come try it out!

Thank you to everyone who has commented and congratulated me.

It has made my day and I really appreciate it!

xoxo-Kim

Loving this kit!

2011-03-13T22:46:00.000-07:00

I am really enjoying this kit and how easy it has been for me to make layouts.

(From my Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog for anyone who doesn't know about this

fabulous site yet)

Here's my 2nd layout with my kit:

and here is my 3rd layout:

I actually finished one more, but didn't photograph it yet!

I will share that one soon!

xoxo-Kim

Scraplifted layouts

2011-03-11T15:23:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to pop in and share a few layouts I scraplifted last weekend.

I have a file for favorites on my computer, and I see a layout

I like on a blog I save it as a file. Then when I want inspiration, I

search through my file and make a quick layout.

I'm looking forward to scrapping this week end....

what are you doing?

Kim

Layout and extra embellishments

2011-03-09T07:53:00.000-08:00

I made my first layout with the my March counterfeit kit.

As I made this simple layout I realized I didn't have enough embellishment

to choose from in my kits. I'm use to having my whole stash, which

I know I can still use. But in the spirit of really wanting to work from my

kit and having all of my supplies at my finger tips

I decided to pull an extra embellishment kit.

Here it is.

Have fun creating.

xoxo-Kim

My March Counterfeit Kit

2011-03-06T20:37:00.001-08:00

This month the Counterfeit Kit Blog is counterfeiting

Studio Calico.

I have always loved Studio Calico and if there was any kit club I would want to join they

are first on my list. So I was super excited and a little intimidated to put this kit

together. I wanted to make it as close as possible to the original kit.

But I did add a little bit more embellishment, because I like to have choices.

Sorry the photos are not the best. When I finally finished it was dark,

but I couldn't wait.

So here is my main kit....Into the Woods:

And here is my add on kit. I added what I like from all four of the add ons

and made mine one big add on.

Here are the stamps I choose. See the bee in the top left corner?

And then I decided I might as well have more choices, so I'm

keeping all of them.

I also wanted some mists, because I had so much fun last month.

I made one of my own again. I'm calling it Tang, because it look like you could

drink it, don't you think?

I also love the little tulle flowers in the kit and hope we

have a tutorial on how to make your own. I might have to buy them

because I definitely want to add them to my kit.

I can't wait to play with it all. I had ideas running around in

my head as I picked all the papers out.

I know I have a lot of paper so I'm really challenging myself to make more

layouts with this kit. Hopefully I will have the time.

I can't wait to see what your kit looks like! Link me up!

Thanks for stopping by.

Kim

Finishing touches

2011-03-04T20:53:00.000-08:00

Happy weekend to everyone!

Glad you could stop by.

Today I have a few older layouts to share.

Do you ever start a layout, but you're missing that finishing touch?

That's what happened with these layouts.

They are both from several months ago, but I just sat them in the corner

and kind of forgot about them. I have others that are still in that

corner that I need to work on.

For this one I wanted to add Trey's tooth.

I finally realized I had these canvas pockets that I could put the tooth in.

Then I added the 7, because that was his age when both

front teeth were missing. Perfect...and done.

This one I wanted to put a sand castle on the layout. But I've never

found one to use. Finally I realized I could use the stickers from

October Afternoon and viola.

I really need to go through some more of my layout in that pile.

Some just need some journaling. Some need more.

But once I took another look at them it was pretty easy to

finish them.

Does anyone else put layouts aside with good intention to

finish them...but you never do?

Hope you all find time to scrap this weekend!

Kim

Thank you!

2011-03-01T19:55:00.000-08:00

I wanted to say thank you to everyone who stopped by my blog for the blog hop. So many great blogs and work to be seen. I haven't even been to all the blogs yet, but I am making my rounds! I hope to see everyone next month for the new Counterfeit Kit Challenge. I can't wait.

And an even bigger THANK YOU for all the birthday wishes for Jessica.

I appreciated all the love! you guys are the BEST!

xoxo-Kim

Counterfeit Kit Challenge February Blog Hop and a Happy Birthday!

2011-02-28T00:30:00.000-08:00

Wow! that may be my longest title ever! (Hehe!)

Welcome!

I'm so excited to be part of the Counterfeit Kit Challenge February Blog Hop.

You should have started on the Counterfeit Kit Challenge's Blog.

I really enjoyed playing this month and making my kit.

I just love the idea of replicating a kit with the supplies you already have.

It's genius really!

So far I've made 4 layouts and a mini album with my kit.

Today I am sharing the layout I made using the

Scraps of Darkness Sketch, and my kit.

I stayed pretty true to the sketch because I thought it was so pretty.

**************

and...

I could not let the day pass without

sharing that today my baby is SWEET SIXTEEN!

I cannot believe that in a few short years she will be all grown up,

where did the time go?

Happy Birthday Jessica!

I love you!

Now it's time for you to visit the next blog on our hop...

Christy

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you playing along

at the Counterfeit Kit Blog!

xoxo-Kim

Happy Scrappy Sunday!

2011-02-27T01:51:00.000-08:00

Hi all!

I just wanted to share one more layout I made with my

Counterfeit Kit.

For anyone who hasn't heard about this fantastic site

check it out here!

The little "i love you" and hearts were not in my kit.

But there were on the table at our valentines party and there were going to be

thrown away to I grabbed them up and thought I'd add them here.

I love that my kids show love toward each other.

No...not all the time.

But often enough, and it makes me happy!

I've been working on a few other layouts and and hope to get some

photos soon. First I need some sun!

It's been raining like crazy and cold too.

They even said we might have snow...in LA??

That's didn't happen, but it is COLD.

43 degrees today!

And for this California that is too cold!

I'd be happy if it was summer all the time!

xoxo-Kim

Home made glimmer glaze painted mini album

2011-02-22T20:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!

I wanted to share a mini album I used with some scraps from my

Counterfeit Kit, and some home made glimmer glaze paint

that I learned how to make from this video

that the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog shared this month.

I used a cut up cardboard box to make the album.

This was not in my original kit of course, but it is green, so I am sure

it's okay to bend the rules this way.

You can really see the glitter and sparkle in the last 2 photos.

I am going to fill this with 10 things I love about someone special.

I had a lot of fun making the glitter glaze paint!

you should definitely try it.

xoxo-Kim

My boy...

2011-02-15T19:49:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

I hope you all had a happy Valentine's Day.

I just wanted to stop in and share a quick layout of my boy.

He was the navigator in his school play.

The title was one of his lines in the play.

I love a man in uniform...especially if he has a dimple! hehe!

I always wanted to say thank you for all the sweet comments

about my daughter and the layout I made.

They really mean a lot to me!

xoxo-Kim

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T20:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!

Here's a layout about the people I love the most!

I love you guys!

I saw this layout as a digital layout, and I wanted to see if I could do it with paper.

A few tweaks and changes and I'm very happy how it turned out.

xoxo-Kim

ooh la la...

2011-02-12T17:07:00.000-08:00

I finally got to make a layout with my Counterfeit kit.

I love how it turned out.

First, let me give credit for the photo of my daughter.

It was taken by a professional photographer, Pamela Grant.

It is part of her modeling portfolio.

I did make the pink flower, but I had a hard time.

It took me more time to make the flower than the whole layout.

First I made a flower that I didn't like.

I wanted a rose like flower and it was more a daisy looking flower.

So I started over and finally came up with this one.

You can't see it, but I did glimmer mist it with my homemade mist and the

perfect pearls mist.

The title is from the Heidi Swapp silhouette words.

There are three things on this layout that I didn't have in my kit.

The eyelets, the black tulle and the pearl in the flower.

Everything else was in my kit.

Hopefully I will get to make another project with my kit tomorrow.

I've had school Valentines to make and a church love note project too.

I've made about 250 love note/post cards for that in the last week.

But it was fun!

Hope you are having a happy, scrappy day!

xoxo-Kim

February Counterfeit Kit Challenge

2011-02-07T20:43:00.000-08:00

Here is my Counterfeit Kit for the February challenge

at The Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog.

The original kit is from Scraps of Darkness.

There's a lot in my kit:

Jenni Bowlin Vintage buttons in cream,

Making Memories- Wedding pins, Paper Reverie butterflies in black, Tiny Alphas in Black

American Craft Thickers- Dear Lizzy

Tim Holtz- Adage Tickets (love and dream)

Tatered Angels-Calling Cards in Timeless Romance

Pink Paislee-Flip Notes in Bayberry Cottage

Recollections- Glitter Flourishes in black and Mini round gems in clear

EK Success- Architexture knockers (really old in my stash)

Blink- hearts and flourishes

Bazzill- Just the edge strips in white

Colorbok-Clear boarders

Heidi Swapp- Silhouette words in black and white

Magistical Memories- Heart Tattoo chipboard

Misc supplies- ribbon in black, doilies, pink frame, flowers in white and black,

crystal and pearl "stems", butterfly, crochet flowers and screen with paint flecks.

I ended up with 13 pieces of pattern paper and the transparency below by Fancy Pants.

(I just backed it with the pink cardstock so you could see it.)

Pattern paper:

Creative Imaginations, SEI, My Minds Eye, Die Cuts with a View

I also have a cardstock add on kit.

6 colors of cardstock, 2 of the pink and white so I can make flowers with them.

And a color add on kit.

Glimmer mist in Black Gold and Cranberry Zing, Perfect Pearls in Pearl

Chalkboard glimmer mist in Cotton Candy, Glimmer Glaze in Champagne

and a homemade glimmer mist in hot pink. (see how here)

I think that covers everything.

I can't wait for the weekend to start creating!

Please link me to your kit, I'd love to se it!

xoxo-Kim

Sketch layout! Trey and Sneaks!

2011-02-04T11:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday everyone!

I LOVE Fridays!

I wanted to share a layout I made, bases on this sketch from the Page Maps blog.

I love how it turned out and I love the KI Memories scribbles.

I used my new Martha Stewart border/corner punch.

I think I will use this sketch again, there are so many possibilities!

I also wanted to share that Trey made super honor roll again.

All A's!

Way to go Trey! I'm very proud of you!

You are a great student, keep up the good work!

And finally, I've been working on a Steampunk Mini album.

It's Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutant paper (and a few other I had)

It's been a lot of fun, and it's almost done...still have to finish the cover

and add a few touches. But I thought I'd share a few sneaks.

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great weekend!

xoxo-Kim

Paaarrrtttyyy!

2011-02-03T21:58:00.000-08:00

I am going to a scrapbook party this weekend! We will be making valentine's mini albums. I can't wait!

To add to my happiness, I have Friday off! Yeah me! I will be scrapping my day away.

I also have a few projects I need to photograph and then I will be uploading them.

The weather is warming up again and it should be a great weekend. (Sorry to anyone who is in the bad weather...I keep trying to send some good weather your way!)

Cheers to a scrappy weekend!

xoxo-Kim

Green Belt

2011-01-30T21:30:00.000-08:00

I am so proud of Trey.

He started a Martial Arts class last year.

After 15 hours of class you are allowed to test for a belt.

Today Trey received his belt, but he was advanced up three belts

to green! WOW!

normally he would have gotten a yellow belt, then orange and then green-with 16 hours per belt

Here he is receiving his belt.

And here he is with his belt and certificate.

Way to go Trey!

Love/Hate

2011-01-24T19:53:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I hope everyone had a great weekend. I did! The weather was once again great, about 82 and so nice out. I seriously thought about laying out...but I didn't. Too scared to put on a bathing suit!

So what do you think about all the CHA sneaks out there? I love and hate them!

I love to see all the new releases and check out the manufactures blogs. Many have giveaways and its fun to enter and hope you might be the first to get the line...before it hits stores even! I see SO MANY things I want. Like this:

The Tim Holtz cork vials. Look how little and cute they are. I want to hang them off all my mini albums!

Now here comes the hate part...my bank account hates it! And lets be serious, do I really need more (yes!) ? I will be honest, I love the shopping as much as the creating! Anyone with me here??
And I still haven't bought all the things I wanted from the last CHA. Well actually I just ordered some things, but you know what I mean....it's a wonderful, yet vicious cycle!

..and so my love/hate relationship continues!

SO tell me, what's your favorite CHA new release??

Happy scrapping! Kim

Winner-Winner

2011-01-21T20:17:00.000-08:00

First I would like to thank everyone for the comments, I appreciate them all.

This really is a great challenge, brilliant actually! I will definitely play along again.

I really enjoyed the links to your kits and would love to see the layouts you make with them so please stop by and link me up again. Next month I will be making layouts with my kits...so check back for that too.

Now for the winner.......Crystal.

WOW! How generous! I am loving the site, and I love Bethany too LOL! Thanks for the chance to win, I hope to put together a kit next month!

January 17, 2011 10:02 AM

Crystal, email me your address at kstrother@earthlink.net and I will mail your kit to you.

Happy scrapping!

xoxo-Kim

My Counterfeit Kit for a RAK

2011-01-16T20:14:00.000-08:00

******NOW CLOSED*****

I mentioned a few posts down (here) about the Counterfeit Kit Challenge. I just love this idea, and

so here is my kit.

(Sorry the photo is so bad, but I really wanted to get this posted tonight. The red

sheet on the bottom right is an alphabet and label sheet)

Anyway, I decided I would make this kit an RAK.

So leave me a comment and I will pick a winner on Friday.

If you link me to a kit you made you will have 2 chances to win.

xoxo-Kim