Turtles and Roses

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-07T01:09:00.004-04:00

Hello! I haven't been on here to update in a while. I just opened a store in Greenwood, Indiana, called Sharon's Crop Studio. We are hosting crops and also have a growing retail area. It was lots of work and still in progress, but we are very proud of it. Check out thewebsite
sharonscropstudio.com
and stop in to see us if you are in the area.
I am now a SUNSHINE SWEETIE at Sunshine Studio Scraps. This is something I am very proud of. One of my duties as a Sweetie is to co-host a weekly post called the WORD ART/ LYRICS CHALLENGE. Amanda and I take turns finding song lyrics or creating word art for scrappers to use in their layouts. Since Mother's Day is this week, I decided to use an old poem. I discovered it is older than I thought. How about 1915! Here is the layout I did for M-O=T=H=E=R.

Check out the site and give it a try. You can create a layout about your own mother.

KIKI HALBERT DESIGNS

2009-04-02T09:39:00.001-04:00

NEW STORE---NEW KITS---NEW FUN!

Kiki has moved to a new store on the web. You can now find her products at INSPIRATION LANE! Stop by today and have a look at all her new items! Beautiful pages are ahead for all of us with these kits!

NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW!

2009-03-26T11:19:00.001-04:00

That’s right, A NEW KIT from Polka Dot Plum! You are going to love HIPPITY HOPPITY!

Spring is here and it's time for snapping photos of all the flowers and budding trees, not to mention the growing youngsters. Before you know it, the kids will be hunting eggs and dressing up in their finery, and you'll have even more pictures to scrap. By the way, are last year’s shots in your scrapbook yet? Either way, this new kit with its shabby things... doodly things... cutesy things... is perfect for spring scrapping. Flowers, flairs, ribbons, clouds, and a sun, are just the beginning. Doodles of butterflies, bees, a bunny, a chick, and plenty of colorful eggs are only part of what you get. With 20 papers, a full alphabet, and lots more, you'll have just what you need for your spring layouts when you make HIPPITY HOPPITY yours. This kit will be available at SCRAP ORCHARD, 12:01 a.m. on Friday, March 27.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!

2009-03-17T16:48:00.002-04:00

Here are a couple of Quick Pages I made using the new Polka Dot Plum kits. For the first one I used POT O’ GOLD. You can get a closer look at it HERE. at Scrap Orchard, or click on the preview to see more details. Here is my QUICK PAGE for Pot O’ Gold. You may download it by clicking DOWNLOAD HERE.

This is my layout called MY VERY OWN POT OF GOLD, showing me with both my children.

Here is another kit from POLKA DOT PLUM for St. Patrick’s Day. This one is called IRISH JIG! Although both kits can be used in a variety of ways, they sure are fun today.

For a closer look at IRISH JIG, click HERE to get all the details. I made a Quick Page for this kit also. If you like this one, you can get it by clicking DOWNLOAD HERE.

My puppy, Freddie really got into the mood of the day with his own Irish Jig.

I couldn’t resist doing one more of him to go along with Irish Eyes Are Shining. Here it is!

Leave a comment to let me know how you like these pages. I hope you enjoy using them as much as I did.

Give Me Your Heart!

2009-03-13T20:13:00.001-04:00

This kit has beautiful paper and lots of great embellishments for your pages. It would be great for masculine layouts with the black, tan, and red, or go romantic with all the hearts available. Maybe you want to use the flowers in a layout using old prom pictures.

Just click on the picture above to take a closer look and get this kit for yourself!

I Posted My First Challenge!

2009-03-10T20:53:00.001-04:00

Today was my turn to post a challenge at SUNSHINE STUDIOS SCRAPS. I created my first WORD ART and got it uploaded all by myself. I am sure my mentor, Janel, will be proud of me! Here it is:

The challenge is to use this WORD ART in a layout. Here is my page:

Hope you like it as much as I do. Be sure to leave a comment so I know you have visited.

SPEEDY LAYOUTS AT SPEED SCRAPS

2009-03-07T10:04:00.001-05:00

Last night at 11 p.m. the ladies at Sunshine Studio Scraps started working on a Speed Scrap. What fun those are. Every 10 minutes for an hour the hostess gives a direction. Once she is finished we have one hour and 15 minutes to complete and post our layouts.

Believe it or not, there is lots and lost of chatting going on during this time. It is amazing how much some folks can accomplish while the are typing. I just try to look back every once in a while and see what they are discussing. Fun, Fun, Fun! This is what I managed to accomplish. It is my sister’s first poodle, Pixie. Quite a fashion conscious girl. I used BABAMA MAMMA, the new collab by the SUNSHINE STUDIO DESIGNERS. Click on the picture or the BOLD WORDS to get a closer view of what is there. This is an awesome kit!

Lots of Great New Things to Share

2009-03-07T09:53:00.001-05:00

First of all I am starting to work on some of my Oregon trip photos. We sure had fun seeing this awesome country.

This was taken through the front window of the RV. Our chauffeur was extremely accommodating, taking us most anywhere we want to visit. Watch for more pictures soon. This layout was created using ROAD TRIP by POLKA DOT PLUM. Just click on the BOLD WORDS or the layout to go take a closer look at the kit.

SO BRAND NEW IT DOESN'T EVEN HAVE A NAME!

2009-03-03T10:20:00.006-05:00

Polka Dot Plum is getting ready to lauch a darling new kit. They
are still pondering ideas for names. I can show you a sneak peak though. First is a birdie.

Every time they make a kit I think it is my favorite -- till they make the next one. This one is really special though. IT HAS TURTLES IN IT!!! Being a turtle collector, I can tell you they are difficult to find. Check this one out!!!!

Want to see one more? Here is another cutie, and these are just the flairs!

Now you see the colors and the style, watch in the next few days for the entire kit. I can't wait!

I have lots to tell you about

2009-03-03T08:07:00.005-05:00

We have started some new challenges at Sunshine Studio Scraps and I will be working with Amanda to provide either a Lyric or Word Art Challenge each Tuesday. Amanda found a darling song called Grandma and Grandpa and we used it for today's challenge. Here is my layout.

Grandpa Ken is a very special man and this family has truly become grandchildren to him.
I used Madam Wing's brand new kit, JUST MY IMAGINATION for this layout. You will be seeing this kit very often!
Here is another challenge I worked on called Pimp My Page. For this we were to take the very beginnings of the page provided by Jaye and add 9 embellishments. Three were to be round and only two could be exactly alike. What fun! This is my result.

The layout uses the kit #9 created by the Sunshine Studio Designers.
Hope you enjoy these. Be sure to leave a message so I know you were here! I'll be back soon.

Old Photos--New Layout

2009-02-27T00:14:00.004-05:00

These photos were taken on a trip to Oregon. My sister, brother-in-law, and I made a two week vacation of the trip.They live in their RV full time so it was even more exciting for me to be going along. We had a wonderful time visiting lots of sites along the way. It truly is a great way to see our awesome country. Here are a few photos. Hope you enjoy them.

This layout was made using ROAD TRIP by Polka Dot Plum. You can find it at Sunshine Studio Scraps. Just click on the layout or bold words to take a closer look.

Polka Dot Plum QP for you!

2009-02-17T06:06:00.002-05:00

Welcome to my blog! I have been scrapping about six years and discovered digiscrapping about this time last yearand it has become my new best friend. I am a mom of two grown kids, a grandma of one beautiful litte girl, and a retired teacher. I have a dog named Fred, who you will find in many of my layouts.

It has been fun collecting all the quick pages from the Polka Dot Plum CT members. I am really thrilled to be part of such an great group of ladies. Amy and Lauren are always providing us with beautiful products to use. These QP's are from the Sensory Overload kit. I hope you have gotten all of them so far. If not, you can go back through the links and gather them. Here is my page. I hope you enjoy using it as much as I enjoy creating it.

Download here

Yesterday you were at Jennifer's blog
Tomorrow you can get the next page at Cristina's blog

Challenge 3 - UPDATE AN OLD LAYOUT!

2009-01-15T20:18:00.003-05:00

This challenge is about recreating a layout using the photo and journaling from an earlier post. Here is my page from earlier. I used Kiki Halbert's "Craft Basket Finds" and Claudi Designs "Jen." The font is SwingsetBB from dafont.com
Now for the new layout. It turned out pretty well, I think, although I still really like the first one.
Here are the kits I used to create this page. Background paper - GRAPEVINE by Kiki Halbert Designs Ribbon, flourish, flower, heart papers, - Amethyst Nights by Kiki Halbert Designs Dark Butterfly – Damask Romance - by Kiki Halbert Designs Flutterby Heart - by Kiki Halbert Designs Butterfly light – Glimpse of Twilight Font – Two Peas Raspberry

Now I am off to work on Challenge 4! I sure am glad my partner is such a patient person.

Challenge 2--COLLABORATION WITH PARTNER!

2009-01-15T19:32:00.002-05:00

For Challenge 2 in ADSR we were to create a layout jointly with our partners. Of course, as we live in different states, lots of this was sent back and forth. It was fun, although it got a bit worrisome as we discovered some new rules along the way. WE MADE IT THOUGH! This is the result:

CABIN FEVER

featuring two of Arlyn's darling boys. Poor Nathan wanted to go out and play with Daniel and the others. Instead he was surprised by a snowball from Dad!

We used FREE SPIRIT by Franziska and mgl Scraps and

BRRR by Polka Dot Plum to create the page.

Can you tell I love that kit?

The Race Has Started!

2009-01-08T00:09:00.005-05:00

The AMAZING DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING RACE started January 4. I've been a bit under the weather and didn't get started for a day or two. My partner, Arlyn, who has 5 darling children, jumped right in and got busy. She has been keeping up our race blog, BINGO BABES . Just click on the name to go take a look at it. While Arlyn has been working away, I slept. When I finally got started ...... you'll just have to go to the BINGO BABES blog for the rest of the story. Here is my layout, titled THANKFULLY. It has a special meaning for me. I used Irene Alexeeva's kit, CHICKA DEE CHICK from Scrap Orchard. The journaling reads:My family home suffered a major fire and many things were lost. Fortunately, this photo and several others were saved. It was interesting to discover the variety of things that survived. Equipment burned all around a New Testament on my father’s workbench. Audiotapes and 33 r.p.m. Bible records stored in a closet were fine, while everything around the closet was destroyed. The best find of all was my grandfather’s Bible, dusty and smoky, but basically unharmed and definitely ready to be read.

Flutterby--Coming soon--January 4

2008-12-31T00:09:00.002-05:00

This is a picture of Fred made by using a preview of a new kit by Kiki Halbert Desitgns. It is called FLUTTERBY and will be available at Scrapbook-Elements on January 4. What a great kit with plenty of fun elements and some of the prettiest paper I have seen. This is a must have kit. Don't miss it!

Now is your chance to get Brrrr

2008-12-30T02:03:00.003-05:00

And lots of other great kits for 60% off! You will find the info on the sale in yesterday's post just below. Here are two new pages I did using Brrr. This versatile kit has endless possibilities. Be sure to get your copy before Polka Dot Plum's sale at Sunshine Studio Scraps ends January 1.

DON'T MISS THIS SALE!

2008-12-28T00:52:00.002-05:00

You will want to be sure to click on this add and go see the fantastic sale Polka Dot Plum is having. There are some great new kits you will get at this terrific price!

This is just one of the great kits you will find for 60% off at Sunshine Studio Scraps in the Polka Dot Plum store. Not only are these ladies clever with their designs, but the names are darling, too. This one is called

Brrrrr!

I can't wait to make a layout with some of my winter photo. Send the kids out and start taking pictures. This kit has characters you will enjoy. Take a close look at the snow people and penguins!

FROSTY SANTA is just right

2008-12-25T22:30:00.005-05:00

All those holiday photos waiting to be put into layouts will look terrific with this new kit from Julie Morris at Sunshine Studio Scraps. She has used some unique shades of red and green that will be perfect for those "hard to match" colors that show up in our pictures every year. It has all the details you need with a fresh look! Click on the preview to take a look at the details for Frosty Santa.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE!

2008-12-24T11:12:00.006-05:00

CHERRIES JUBILEE is one of Kiki Halbert's latest paper sets. It sounds so yummy that I kept wanting to eat chocolate while I was working on it. I also used her LUCIOUS GLITTER FOURISHES in creating this layout. It all reminded me of a princess, which is how the title for my layout developed.

Both these sets are beautiful and lots of fun to work with. I think you will see them here again in another layout. In the meantime, just click on the preview and go to PlainDigital Wrapper to see more about them now.

Here is my beautiful princess at a tea party. She sent this picture to show me that she has lost a tooth. She is growing up so fast!

WINTER WONDERLAND and BLUE BAYOU are the two kits I chose to create my winter scene. I have several winter photos and this one seemed perfect for these kits. You can click on the previews of either one to be able to find out more about them at Plain Digital Wrapper.

I watched the squirrels gathering nuts all fall as they prepared for winter. This fellow seems to be quite content having a snack and watching the snow.

This paper set is called HOLIDAY BRUCH and has some of the most beautiful papers you will ever see. There are two satins in it that I am anxious to work with soon. I went more rustic with this layout. The kit has that kind of range--something for everyone. You can click on the preview to see more about it at Scrapbook-Elements. While you are therec check out the other kits I included in this layout: GLIMPSE OF TWILIGHT, DAMASK ROSE, and SANDY COVE.

We went for a nice long country drive last fall and discovered an area that has all kinds of old farm equipment on display. This wagon was on the side of the road.

Notice any new things?

2008-12-15T02:30:00.006-05:00

I have added some blinkies to show my support for friends and activities around the digiscrapping world. Hope you enjoy them. They are fun to create.

I have a couple of layouts to share. I used a kit from Designz by Kristi, called, OCEANSIDE. Just click on the preview to go to Sunshine Studio Scraps and get a closer look at all the details.

First is one showing Dan and Gracie walking, hand in hand across the beach. It is such a sweet picture that I couldn't wait to see it in a layout.Now I want to share one of my favorite layouts so far, and it was made using this kit.

Next is an adorable and extremely versatile kit by Polka Dot Plum. They are also located at Sunshine Studiio Scraps and Scrap Orchard. You can click on the preview to get more details about THE QUIRKY CROW. Don't you love the name? It is named for an antique store where one of the designers has visited often.

And now the layout I created from this kit. I call it Leigh, after my daughter. This was taken just before a Christmas party. Once you see the kit, the many, many possibilities for using it will surprise you.

Perfect for those winter photos

2008-12-10T00:15:00.004-05:00

This beautiful paper BLUE BAYOU comes with an add on set called FOILED FLAKES. What more could you want to create those winter pictures of the family in the snow. So many possibilities! Click on the preview to see more about this kit created by Kiki Halbert Designs and available to you at Plain Digital Wrapper.

I love the way my layout took shape. In the winter of 2003, I visited Oregon. It snowed so much that my rental car was stuck in the driveway for three days. Everyone there was thrilled to see snow, as they seldom get it. Being from the midwest, I declined all their requests to come out amd make a snowman.

I MADE IT!

2008-12-06T23:57:00.009-05:00

I am now on the Creative Team for POLKA DOT PLUM! It is really exciting. Here are two new kits they have posted at Sunshine Studio Scraps. I have made a layout for each of them. The first one is called HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS. You can find out more about the kit by clicking on the preview below.
This is my layout. I call it Red Shoes. When Gracie got her red sparkly shoes, we both had lots of fun.

The next kit is called Christmas Whimsy. It is one of the most versatile kits I have seen. Be sure to look at the details by clicking on the preview. This is a year round kit with lots and lots of possibilities.
Here is the kit I made from Christmas Whimsy. As parents and grandparents this is the reaction we wait to see on Christmas morning.

SNOWBERRY PUNCH LAYOUT

2008-12-05T00:38:00.002-05:00

This is such a beautiful kit, I couldn't resist doing this layout. You can find out more about SNOWBERRY PUNCH at Plain Digital Wrapper in Kiki Halbert's store. Just click on this layout and it will take you there.

Gracie was just about a month old when this photo was taken. She was so tiny! That didn't keep her Daddy from taking care of her. They have been buddies since her first day!

Get ready for those Christmas layouts!

2008-12-03T23:57:00.005-05:00

Two new designers at Sunshine Studio Scraps have created this terrific collaboration for your holiday scrapbooks. Mimi's Digiscraps and TLC Designs are offering COZY CHRISTMAS.

Just click on this preview to see more pictures and details for this kit. Don't miss all the clever treats just waiting for you.

Sunshine Studio Scraps presented another group of challenges this week. One of them was to create a page using a template they provided. I decided to use a photo of my granddaughter whenshe was just a tiny baby. You can see she is just a bit longer than the portable phone. Tlhis layout was made with Polka Dot Plum's new kit, ASHLEA BROOKE.
Click on the layout to see the kit and more details. It has lots of fun elements and papers. Great kit for teens with cell phones, music, doodles, markers and more.

BEAUTIFUL NEW KIT ONLY $1.50

2008-11-29T00:39:00.006-05:00

This brand new kit, SNOWBERRY PUNCH, by Kiki Halbert Designs is on sale at Plain Digital Wrapper for only $1.50. Lots of sharp elements and beautiful papers. Sale only lasts through Sunday. Don't miss it. Click on the picture to see more.

I did a speed scrap tonight. There were lots of items to be included, but I got them all in. I like the way this one turned out.
The kit I used this time was HAPPY TRAILS, by Ziggle Designs at Scrap Orchard. This kit is fun to work with.

SENSORY OVERLOAD

2008-11-25T16:54:00.003-05:00

Fall colors are great and the layouts are beautiful, but this kit is really refreshing after all the dark tones.

SENSORY OVERLOAD

POLKA DOT PLUM

is a true feast for the eyes! What a versatile kit with multiple possibilities. Birthdays, hobbies, collections, celebrations, sleep overs, and even that batch of summer photos you just found -- all these and more can be displayed using the 18 colorful papers, over 75 clever elements, and 2 alphabets. This kit is not only striking, it works for both boys and girls and is just plain fun. I can't wait to try it out. You can take a closer look by clicking on the picture to go to Sunshine Studio Scraps. Check it out for yourself.

CLEMATIS

2008-11-24T01:00:00.003-05:00

DAMASK ROMANCE is one of my favorite kits made by Kiki Halbert Designs. You can see more details at Scrapbook-Elements. Just click on the preview picture to take a closer look.

This is one layout I made using Kiki Halbert Design's DAMASK ROMANCE . There are plenty of unique elements in this kit and I had lots of fun trying them out.

Time to think about holiday photos

2008-11-23T00:08:00.006-05:00

This kit would be great for those fall or Thanksgiving photos. Wouldn't it be fun to have pictures of Aunt Martha's green bean casserole or Grandma's sugar cream pie? Mmmmm. Add recipes as you record memories for your children. Click on the picture here to get a closer look at what this kit by Polka Dot Plum has to offer at Sunshine Studio Scraps.

SOME FAVORITE KITS AND PHOTOS

2008-11-22T19:44:00.006-05:00

Both these kits can be found at PLAIN DIGITAL WRAPPER.

COOL NIGHTS AND BLUE SKIES

CRAFT BASKET FINDS

I actually took these photos quite a while ago, and it was such an awesome site that I have always wanted to scrap it. I needed just the right kit to do that, of course, and found two that work together to finally do the photos justice. They are both by Kiki Halbert Designs. You can click on the previews above to look at the kits. They might be just right for something you have been waiting to scrap.

Love is.....

2008-11-19T00:00:00.002-05:00

This verse has always been one of my favorites so I decided to use it in a layout. I used parts of 3 kits from Kiki Halbert Designs at Scrapbook-Elements. Click on the links under the layout to take a look at each of the kits. They are really great for either elegant or grunge layouts. You'll be seeing more of them in coming layouts.

AMETHIST NIGHTS

DAMASK ROMANCE

FOR SENTIMENTAL REASONS

Amethyst Nights

2008-11-16T12:53:00.005-05:00

What a beautiful new kit Kiki Halbert Designs has posted at Scrapbook-Elements.com. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was perfect to display a photo of my granddaughter in her purple velvet dress. She has always loved wearing dresses, so for her third Christmas I found several really frilly and dressy ones. I discovered that she loved to go to the mall and try on dresses and model them. If you have a little girl in your life who likes dressing up, give this a try. I had more fun than she did. This layout shares part of our adventure. Click on the picture to see the kit at SE.

SUBSCRIBE TO POST

I discovered the way you can subscribe to my blog. At the very bottom of the page is "Subscribe to Post." If you click there it will let you get messages in your Favorites section telling you there are new posts. All of it is free and I haven't had any problems with the ones I have subscribed to. If you prefer not to be linked, just check back here to see what is happening here.

Special Times

2008-11-15T00:59:00.002-05:00

There are moments in our lives that we treasure forever. This layout shares one of those times. My son captured his wife and daughter resting when she was about three weeks old.

Time flies and I am sure thankful for cameras!

More fun digiscrapping

2008-11-13T23:00:00.012-05:00

There is a really cute new kit at Sunshine Studio Scraps. Denise Liemert created an adorable group of mice with all sorts of elements and papers where they can snuggle along with your photos. I am not usually fond of mice, but these little guys are irresistable.

Just click on the picture to take a closer look and make it yours.

Here is a page I made for a Speed Scrap. It is the first chance I have had to use the kit RASPBERRY ICE designed by Janelscraps. It was lots of fun to work with.

There was another challenge asking for a layout showing what October was like where your home is. Here in Indiana there are just too many beautiful scenes to limit to just one photo. Here is the collection I displayed.

I made this layout using Lliela's kit FANCY FREE from Sunshine Studio Scraps.

Another I created using Sunshine products was Florida Fisherman. The paper and first alphabet were from the kit Ashley Rose by Kelly. The second alphabet was from Sea Spray by Beckie Wallace.

That's it for now.Time to get back to creating.

Busy Weekend

2008-11-09T22:55:00.012-05:00

One of the things I enjoy about digital scrapping is that it is a lot easier to change my mind or correct mistakes than when I used paper. There would be a very large box of scraps if I were not able to hit my favorite keys -- Control Z! It allows me to try things, delete, and then try something different. Most important of all is rememberingto SAVE the things I do like!

The first layout I did this weekend displayed a picture of my mother. I used Kiki Halbert's CRUSHED PLUMS. You can find it in her store at Plain Digital Wrapper, or just click on my layout and it will take you there.

For my next layout I used another kit from Kiki Halbert Designs. It is called TIMELESS, and is found at Scrapbook-Elements. Again you may click on the layout for a closer look at the kit.

Finally, I'd like to share a layout I did for a Speed Scrap. These are lots of fun to do. At a designated time, digital scrappers from all over the world meet in a chat room and get instructions for creating a layout. I was once in a group with ladies from Mexico, Australia, Texas, Florida, Wisconsin, and a variety of other places. Directions are given every ten minutes by a moderator. During this time you may work on your layout using any materials that meet the guidelines. Most of the participants also chat during this time. I keep busy going back and forth from my work to the chat. Several of us have been in these together and I feel that I have made some great new friends. This continues until you have 6 instructions. You then have ONE HOUR to complete and upload your project. At that point we are able to share them and get lots of "love" for our work, while offering praise and discovering new ideas from the others. Here is my project. I used parts of 3 kits from Sunshine Scraps Studios, Delicious, Anchors Away, and Beckie Wallace's Kismet. I named it A LITTLE BOY'S TOYS and featured my puppy, Fred.
I have a new assignment as a guest on Kiki's Creative Team for this month. This is really a lot of fun. I want to say a huge Thank You to my mentor and friend, Janel. She has taught me so much and in a really short time. Check out her blog; it is awesome!

Kiki's Biggest Fan

2008-11-07T23:28:00.001-05:00

For the month of November I am on the CT for Kiki Halbert's Designs. I won this honor by competing in the Kiki's Biggest Fan contest. This meant identifying the name and store for 20 of Kiki's designs, an easy task since I already had many of them in my collection. Having already created several layouts for challenges on her blog, it was really exciting to be doing it "officially." Here is my first official layout. I used the kit "Glimpse of Twilight" which you can find at Scrapbook-Elements.