Creative Time

I didn't have a lot of space to bring scrappin' stuff. I ended up just bringing my Copics and images to color. Plus I had Sparkle send my new Sparkle Creations stamps down here. Loads of fun coloring. Can't wait to get home and make cards :)

I don't know why the photo keeps posting sideways. Weird.

California Fun part 1--The Beach

We went to the beach twice last week. The first time we went to Huntington just to walk the pier, and hang out at the open air market. The boys played near the water digging up sand crabs, but didn't have their suits. The second time, we went to Seal Beach, and they played in the water, built sand castles, and let me bury them in the sand. They had a great time.

I'm having a hard time posting from my iPad, so if the spacing is kind og goofy, sorry.

California Fun Part 2--Disneyland

I LOVE Disneyland, and wanted to share some of our highlights from our visit. It was packed that day. The only time I've seen it more crowded was the day after christmas. We pretty much waited an hour for every ride.

The first ride of the day was Space Mountain. It was the first time either one had been on the ride. They were a little nervous, but LOVED it. When we got off, Bren screamed, "That was awesome! Best ride ever!"


Next was Buzz Lightyear Astroblasters.


This one is Austin at the exact center of Disneyland. We watched a Netflix video that showed where to find this stake. Austin couldn't wait to see if it was really there. It's in Sleeping Beauty's castle, by the way.

Goofy-- the only character pic of the day. I had a hard time convincing the boys to stand in line for characters. When we found Goofy with a short line, I said they didn't have a choice. Mommy needed one character pic, and I love Goofy. As you can see, Brendan was not thrilled.

Jungle Cruise. I love this ride. The corny jokes always crack me up. I always say when I retire, I want to work at Disneyland on the Jungle Cruise.

Look at the lions taking care of that sleeping zebra.

One of the rides the boys were waiting to ride was Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. After waiting an hour in line, Brendan decided not to go on. Mike and Austin had fun (even though Austin looks a little worried).

Then we headed to California Screamin'. Bren was about a quarter inch to short to ride, so it was Austin and I. I was worried about him, but when we were upside down in the loop, I looked over and he was cracking up laughing.

Bumper cars

Carousel

I'd buy this toy :)

The giant Ferris Wheel.

Watching the fireworks

We were going to go on one last ride, Pirates of the Carribean, but we got in line and Brendan started crying. When I asked him what was wrong, he said, "I'm done! I just can't do anymore!"

Headed to the bus in the parking lot. Don't you love the R2D2 Mickey ears?!

CTMH Retired List

August first the fabulous new Idea Book will go live. There are lots of changes in store, including the B&T papers (now cardstock weight) and the way cardstock is packaged. Color families are changing, and the stamp pad and marker packs will no longer be available. SIngle colors of cardstock will no longer be available, except in the most used colors. All stamp sets from the Spring/Summer Idea Book are still available.

Here is a list of what else won't be available after August first. Order here, while you still can.

My Reflections Level 1 and Level 2 Kits:

· Bliss Level 1 -- X7132A pg 12
· Bliss Level 2 -- X7132B pg 12
· Bliss stickease -- X7132C pg 12
· Miracle L1 -- X7133A pg 16
· Miracle L2 -- X7133B pg 16
· Miracle stickease -- X7133C pg 16
· Sweetheart L1 -- X7134A pg 20
· Sweetheart L2 -- X7134B pg 20
· Sweetheart stickease -- X7132C pg 20
· Wings L1 -- X7135A pg 24
· Wings L2 -- X7135B pg 24
· Wings stickease -- X7135C pg 24
· Magnifique L1 -- X7127A pg 38
· Magnifique L2 -- X7127B pg 38
· Magnifique stickease -- X7127C pg 38
· Olivia L1 -- X7128A pg 38
· Olivia L2 -- X7128B pg 38
· Olivia stickease -- X7128C pg 38
· Hooligans L1 -- X7129A pg 39
· Hooligans L2 -- X7129B pg 39
· Hooligans stickease -- X7129C pg 39
· Mistletoe L1 -- X7130A pg 39
· Mistletoe L2 -- X7130B pg 39
· Mistletoe stickease -- X7130C pg 39
· Sweetheart WOTG -- G1017 pg 41
· Lucky WOTG -- G1018 pg 41
· Sophia WOTG -- G1019 pg 41
· Bliss WOTG -- G1020 pg 42
· Fanfare WOTG -- G1021 pg 42
· Mayberry WOTG -- G1022 pg 42
· Miracle WOTG -- G1023 pg 43
· Wings WOTG -- G1016 pg 43

Blocks
· 1” x 1 ½” block -- Y1001 pg 45
· 1” x 6 ½” block -- Y1005 pg 45
· 2” x 11” block -- Y1007 pg 45
· 2 ½” x 2 ½” block -- Y1004 pg 45
· 4 ½” x 6 ½” block -- Y1011 pg 45
· My Acrylix block starter kit -- Y1500 pg 114

Accessories
· Envelope flats – 2 ½” x 3 ½” -- Z1021 pg 114
· Envelope flats – 3” x 3” -- Z1022 pg 114
· Envelope flats – 3” x 4 ¾” -- Z1023 pg 114
· Envelope flats – 4” x 4” -- Z1024 pg 114
· Envelope flats – 4 ½” x 4 ½” -- Z1244 pg 114
· Envelope flats – 5” x 5” -- Z1025 pg 114
· Envelope flats – 5” x 7” -- Z1026 pg 114
· Envelope flats – 5 ½” x 4 3/4 ” -- Z1027 pg 114
· Envelope flats – 6” x 6” -- Z1028 pg 114
· Envelope flats – 8” x 3 ½” -- Z1029 pg 114
· Designer ribbon – cranberry -- Z1209 pg 115
· Designer ribbon – buttercup -- Z1154 pg 115
· Designer ribbon – sweet leaf -- Z1125 pg 115
· Sophia L2 Journaling Spots -- Z1357 pg 116
· Mini Medley Accents – Pear -- Z1339 pg 117
· Mini Medley Accents – Lagoon -- Z1340 pg 117
· Mini Medley Accents – Outdoor Denim -- Z1277 pg 117
· Top Coats – Framed In -- Z1211 pg 118
· Rub Ons – Across the Board -- Z1231 pg 118
· Rub Ons – Primavera -- Z1265 pg 118
· Dimensional Elements – Villa -- Z1390 pg 118
· Dimensional Elements – Miracle -- Z1354 pg 118
· Dimensional Elements – Booksmart -- Z1223 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements – Borders -- Z1156 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements – Framed Fun -- Z1140 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements – Plain Chipboard -- Z1164 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements – Stars -- Z1312 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – A -- Z1055 pg 119 (new DE alphabets in fall book – similar but new sizes and shapes)
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – B -- Z1056 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – C -- Z1057 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – D -- Z1058 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – E -- Z1059 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – F -- Z1060 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – G -- Z1061 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – H -- Z1062 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – I -- Z1063 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – J -- Z1064 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – K -- Z1065 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – L -- Z1066 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – M -- Z1067 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – N -- Z1068 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – O -- Z1069 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – P -- Z1070 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – Q -- Z1071 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – R -- Z1072 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – S -- Z1073 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – T -- Z1074 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – U -- Z1075 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – V -- Z10576 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – W -- Z1077 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – X -- Z1078 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – Y -- Z1079 pg 119
· Dimensional Elements Monograms – Z -- Z1080 pg 119
· 3” x 3” Mini Album -- Z1166 pg 120
· My Creations 3 ring binder -- Z1141 pg 120
· Kraft Color Ready Borders -- Z1377 pg 120
· Red Eye Pen -- 3501 pg 121
· Embossing Powders – Clear -- Z671 pg 121
· Embossing Powders – Heavenly Blue -- Z647 pg 121
· Embossing Powders – Pansy Purple -- Z664 pg 121
· Embossing Powders – Silver Pearl -- Z678 pg 121
· Block Buddy Set -- Z1289 pg 121
· Pivot Point Stapler -- Z1009 pg 122
· Texture Tools – Foam Tools -- Z1090 pg 122
· Fun Flock -- Z263
· My Accents Organizer -- Z183 pg 123
· My Accents Block Organizer -- Z185 pg 123
· Euro Personal Paper Trimmer -- Z338 pg 123
· Euro Replacement Blades -- Z339 pg 123
· Euro Replacement Blade/Scoring -- Z340 pg 123

Cardstock
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Grey Flannel -- 5573 pg 124
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Grey Wool -- 5571 pg 124
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Brown Bag -- X5644 pg 124
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Parchment -- X5645 pg 124
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Amethyst -- X5631 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Baby Pink -- 1299 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Heavenly Blue -- 1285 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Key Lime -- 1235 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Sunkiss Yellow -- 1240 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Taffy -- X5630 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Juniper -- X5752 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Lilac Mist -- 1295 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Sorbet -- X5751 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Spring Iris -- 1296 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Tulip -- X5753 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Gypsy -- X5757 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Holiday Red -- 1274 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Sunny Yellow -- 1225 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Sunset -- X5758 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Topiary -- X5635 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Cotton Candy -- X5760 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Dutch Blue -- 1241 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Lagoon -- X5762 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Pear -- X5764 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Sky -- X5761 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Autumn Terracotta -- 1270 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Barn Red -- X5637 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – New England Ivy -- 1282 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Pansy Purple -- 5590 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Sunflower -- 1242 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Garden Green -- 1244 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Goldrush -- 1243 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Hollyhock -- 1246 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Indian Corn Blue -- 1284 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Vineyard Berry -- 1248 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Buttercup -- 1271 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Garnet -- X5638 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Moonstruck -- 1293 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Ponderosa Pine -- 1276 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Smokey Plum -- 1291 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Blush -- X5640 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Crystal Blue -- 1292 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Honey -- X5668 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Petal -- X5667 pg 125
· Cardstock 24 pk 12” x 12” – Twilight -- X5666 pg 125
· 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Antique -- X5686 pg 124 (colors are not changing but are being re-grouped so combo packs will change)
· 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Timeless -- X5700 pg 124
· 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Harmony -- X5682 pg 125
· 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Blossom -- X5756 pg 125
· 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Carnival -- X5765 pg 125
· 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Celebration -- X5766 pg 125
· 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Harvest -- X5684 pg 125
· 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Garden -- X5698 pg 125
· 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Classic -- X5685 pg 125
· 12” x 12” Combo Cardstock Pack – Cozy -- X5800 pg 125
· 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Antique -- X5691 pg 124
· 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Timeless -- X5705 pg 124
· 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Harmony -- X5687 pg 125
· 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Blossom -- X5755 pg 125
· 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Carnival -- X5767 pg 125
· 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Celebration -- X5768 pg 125
· 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Harvest -- X5689 pg 125
· 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Garden -- X5703 pg 125
· 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Classic -- X5690 pg 125
· 8 ½ ” x 11” Combo Cardstock Pack – Cozy -- X5801 pg 125

Stamp Pad Sets and Marker Sets
· Stamp Pad set – Antique -- Z1564 pg 124
· Stamp Pad set – Timeless -- Z1569 pg 124
· Stamp Pad set – Harmony -- Z1560 pg 125
· Stamp Pad set – Blossom -- Z1570 pg 125
· Stamp Pad set – Carnival -- Z1573 pg 125
· Stamp Pad set – Celebration -- Z1574 pg 125
· Stamp Pad set – Harvest -- Z1562 pg 125
· Stamp Pad set – Garden -- Z1567 pg 125
· Stamp Pad set – Classic -- Z1563 pg 125
· Stamp Pad set – Cozy -- Z1600 pg 125
· Marker set – Antique -- Z1554 pg 124
· Marker set – Timeless -- Z1559 pg 124
· Marker set – Harmony -- Z1550 pg 125
· Marker set – Blossom -- Z1571 pg 125
· Marker set – Carnival -- Z1572 pg 125
· Marker set – Celebration -- Z1575 pg 125
· Marker set – Harvest -- Z1552 pg 125
· Marker set – Garden -- Z1557 pg 125
· Marker set – Classic -- Z1553 pg 125
· Marker set – Cozy -- Z1610 pg 125
· Textured Cardstock – White Daisy -- X5671 pg 124

Art Philosophy Cricut® Collection

Look what they announced at convention yesterday! This is incredible. The cartridge comes with three coordinating stamp sets and chipboard die cuts. Loving this! Plus, most of the new stamps in the Idea Book have coordinating shapes in the cartridge. I know what I'm ordering. Plus, I think I'm going to have to upgrade to a Cricut Expressions for bigger shapes!

More Framed Legacy Artwork

These are the two pieces I received at my Grand Opening party. I just can't get over what an unbelievable job they do! The pictures already meant a lot to me, but seeing them made into these gorgeous artwork pieces, brings tears to my eyes.

This first one is my grandparents' wedding photo. I am in love with the touches of color and the gorgeous antiquing. I lost my grandmother several years ago, and this picture reminds me of what a beautiful person she was inside and out. Austin's comment was, "That doesn't look like Great-Grandpa, that looks like Uncle Andy."

This picture was take at our family reunion a few years ago. It's all the young cousins (minus one born last year). They've only all been together twice, so this means the world. I can only imagine taking another one of these when they are all grown up! It's already hard to believe that the two youngest ones are now 5 and 6. I left this one in sepia because I wanted it to have a timeless look.

July Blog Hop

I just joined a CTMH blog hop group. If you are already on the hop, you came from Michelle's site. For July we had a choice of creating a project with a party/picnic theme or a project using the July stamp of the month. I chose the latter. In case you couldn't tell by recent posts, I LOVE this month's stamp set.

So far, I've been stuck in the mindset of Fourth of July for this set. My first card was no exception. I random stamped the background in Crystal Blue, Indian Corn Blue, and Cranberry. I embossed the star in Cranberry and added the banner. To finish it off, I decided to add some sparkle with Prisma Glitter.

When I finished, I wondered what the card would look like in a different color scheme. I chose Gypsy, Watermelon, and a hint of Pear. I love the fun summer look.

If you want to see more of my artwork with the July Stamp of the Month, click here or here.

Next stop on the Hop is Sherri's blog.

My New Venture, Framed Legacy

It seems that in recent years, I always have too much on my plate. No one was more surprised than me when I signed up to become a consultant with a brand new company, Framed Legacy. However, from the moment I first saw their products, I knew I wanted to be a part of this special company.

The company is a local Idaho business (right down the street from my house) and brand new--I'm one of the first 20 consultants. They create gorgeous, one of a kind artwork from your photos. Each piece is in a hand burnished, knotty alder frame. You have a choice in colors (color, black and white, sepia, or even a combination). I have so many ideas for pictures I want to use that I had a hard time deciding on which ones to get with my kit. This is the first one I chose. I have always loved these pictures we took our first fall back in Idaho. I chose to have it in color because I love the rich, autumn colors.

I have two more pictures coming today. They will be revealed at my grand opening party tonight. That is one of the really special things about this company. When you book a party, you may order one piece at half price. The reveal of your piece will be part of your party. Plus, you may use the hostess rewards from your party to get a refund on the half you paid. What a great deal!

More than the prices and the unique artwork, I was touched by the beauty of preserving family memories and legacies on your wall. I have plans to do a family history wall in our house with photos of all grandparents and great-grandparents. I also want to do a wall with our family's beginnings--a wedding picture of Mike and I and a baby picture of each of my boys.

The company also has beautiful stock images that you can order. I received this one as part of my kit. I love the image of the soldier with the wings. It doesn't show up in the photo, but the background says, "John 13:15."

For more information, watch this video and visit www.framedlegacyparties.com for information about parties or www.framedlegacy.com for the stock images available. If you are looking to host a party or want more information on becoming a consultant, please contact me.

A Couple Fanfare Cards

These are the two cards we'll be making at scrap club.

The first one uses this month's stamp of the month, American Celebration. You can earn this stamp set at a discount or even FREE during the month of July. I wanted to do something a little different with the stars to make it look more like and any occasion card rather than a Fourth of July card. I thought the layered stars looked more like a quilt pattern.

The second card uses the stamps that came with the Fanfare Workshop on the Go and the retired Card Chatter set. I used Liquid Applique for the frosting, and I placed small brads to look like sprinkles.

Fanfare Layout #2 for Scrap Club

Here's the 2nd layout for this month's club. I finally scrapped LAST YEAR'S Fourth of July pictures. I used Fanfare and CTMH's July stamp of the month, American Celebration. I love the fireworks and big stars. The smaller stars are from Shining Star and July month stamps.

Relay for Life 2011

As many of you know, my family has been greatly impacted by cancer. I've lost four uncles, and my brother is a cancer survivor. This year, we had the privilege of being a part of Relay for Life. My mom volunteered with organization and set up a team for my brother. As an added blessing, he was able to fly up here and take part.We had an amazing evening. This was a very emotional event for all of us.

Opening Ceremony:

Andy and Brendan

Enjoying the sunshine.

The survivor lap

Walking the track

Austin walked/ran over 8 1/2 miles on the track--34 laps. Crazy kid. He's definitely going to have to run track and cross country when he gets older.

Andy and the boys

As the sun went down, it got cold. I was really glad we hadn't elected to stay the night. Austin decided that Taylor's old BK sweatshirt was a lot more fun than the one he brought.

What it's all about:

Remembering those we have lost. The luminary ceremony, complete with bagpipes, was hauntingly beautiful. To Uncle Bob, Uncle Billy, Uncle Duke, and Uncle Bill: we love you and miss you!

Celebrating those who have survived. Every time I look at this picture, it brings tears to my eyes. Andy battled cancer while I was pregnant with Brendan. To see them together reminds me of how blessed we are. To me, this picture symbolizes everything about the evening.