GCC 'THIS MONTH IN HISTORY" Challenge

Click HERE for the Scrappy Friends January "This Month In History" Challenge!!!

Sunday, December 29, 2013

"Twas The Night Before..." Layout

Good Morning!
Today I am sharing a layout I created inspired by the 
at Scrap Our Stash.
For this challenge, Scrap Our Stash teamed up with Sketch N Scrap.
The challenge is to use the Sketch N Scrap Sketch below and you must use (2) border punches and one other punch!  
Here is the sketch by Kelly Holifield:
And here is the layout I created using photos of my son and grandchildren taken during Christmas in 2004.  I created this page as a companion page to a layout "Joyeux Noel" that I created earlier this month.
Products:
Patterned Papers:
Simple Stories "Dec Documented"
Heidi Swapp "Believe"
Cardstock Stickers:
Simple Stories "
Wood Veneers:
Studio Calico
Title Work:
Basic Grey and Lilybee Designs
Flair Button:
Recollections
 Border Punches:
EK Success
Thank you for stopping by!
Wishing you and your family a
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Saturday, December 21, 2013

We Always Have So Much Fun Together

Happy Holidays!!!
This month at Back Porch Memories, as December Guest Designer I get to host a challenge.   
My challenge this month is to create a layout inspired by the sketch below and you must include some type of frame, any type, any size, your choice!
I used this challenge to create a layout using a photo of me and my granddaughter taken in 2006 during her summer vacation:
Supplies:
Patterned Paper & Embossed Diecuts: WRMK "Notable" Collection
Title Work:  Momenta and Lilybee Designs
Polaroid Frame:  Recollections

And here is the sketch:

You have until December 31st to create a layout inspired by this sketch and link it up at 
You can find the details of the challenge HERE!

Wishing you and your family a very
Merry Christmas!!!

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

"Joyeux Noel" Layout

Good Morning!!!
It's time for another reveal over at Paper Secrets!
Below is my take on the December Sketch Challenge:
The twist is Clocks or Calendars
Products:
Patterned Paper & Cardstock Stickers:
Simple Stories "Christmas Documented"
Black Print and Music Note Patterned Paper:
Heidi Swapp " Believe"
Wood Veneers:
Studio Calico
Sticker Alphas:
Lillybee & Simple Stories " Snap" Collection
Circle created using:
MS Circle Punch
Patterned Paper Bow created using:
WRMK Envelop Punch Board 

And here is the sketch created by Kelly Holifield:
The full reveal for this sketch is incredible!! So much inspiration!
You can see it HERE, and also link up your take for a chance to win a $10 gift certificate to the
Paper Secrets On-line Store

I am also entering this layout into the following challenges:
Sketches4All ~ Dec Color Combo Challenge
Scrapping Everyday Miracles "Christmas" Challenge

Thanks for stopping by, and don't forget the
December Scrappy Friends Challenges!!!
For details click HERE

Enjoy the rest of your day!!!!

Monday, December 16, 2013

"The Best Gift of All is Family" Layout

Hello!
I cannot believe I have been able to scrap so many of my old Christmas photos this month!
At this rate, one day I may catch up....LOL!
Today I am sharing a layout with you that I created inspired by the following challenges:
Back Porch Memories "Jolly Old Elf" Challenge
Sketches4All "Bows" Challenge
Scrapping Everyday Miracles "Christmas" Challenge
Product:
Patterned Paper, Chipboard, Layered Stickers and Banner
My Mind's Eye "Lost" Christmas (Special Edition) Collection
Title Work:
Lilybee Designs, Basic Grey and Momenta
Wood Veneers:
Studio Calico

This layout was  further inspired by this
Make sure you visit each of the sites listed above.
You have until the end of December to link up an entry to each of the challenges.
Thank you for stopping by and  I appreciate your comments!   
Happy Holidays   

Friday, December 13, 2013

December Guest Designer at Back Porch Memories

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!
I am so EXCITED to be guest designing for Back Porch Memories this month! 
 Back Porch Memories is a monthly kit club that offers a choice of two kits.
Have you had a chance to check out their kits? 
 Here is a peek at December's kits:
Solo Kit
Medley Kit


I was sent the Medley Kit to create with, which was perfect to get some of my photos from 2004, 2006, and 2012 scrapped:

"It's the Most NOT SO Wonderful Time of the Year"

 'Tis the Season to be Jolly"
(Jenny Evans Sketch)

"Merry Christmas Wishes & Sweet Sister Kisses"

"Sorry, No Humbugs Allowed"

and below is a Christmas card I created with scraps from this kit:

Make sure you pop on over to the gallery at Back Porch Memories and check out all the wonderful projects their Design Team created using these awesome kits!!!
 I am also hosting a sketch challenge on the BPM site this month and would love to have some of my followers play along!
Click HERE for the sketch and the challenge details!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Thursday, December 12, 2013

"Who's Your Santa?" Layout

Hello and Welcome!!!!
I hope that your week is going well and that you're Christmas "To Do" list is getting smaller instead of growing!

I am a little late posting this layout, but wanted to share it because, one of my favorite collections right now is the Peace Joy Love collection from Fawn Lawn.  I love how well it matched up with this photo of my youngest grandson, Andre!
I created this layout for the December GDT Contest at
Products:
Patterned Paper ~ Lawn Fawn "Peace Joy Love"
Flair Button ~ Lawn Fawn "Peace Joy Love"
Large Enamel Alphas ~ Heidi Swapp
Small Alphas ~ Lilybee Designs
Twine ~ The Twinery

 And...here is the Page Maps sketch we were given for inspiration:
And by the way, this layout won me the GDT spot for December at Back Porch Memories.... YEAH!!!!
Make sure you stop by tomorrow when I will reveal the projects I created using 

Monday, December 2, 2013

Scrapbook Generation December Blog Hop

Good Morning!!!
Welcome to Scrapbook Generations December Blog Hop!

You should have arrived here from Louise's Blog.
If this is your first stop, head on over to the Scrapbook Generation Blog and then hop through each link!  You will not want to miss any of the awesome inspiration that is being shared on this hop!

I am so excited to be participating in December's Blog Hop with so many other designers.   
Below is the layout I created using a photo of my adorable great-niece and Sketch #1 from the SG:
Patterned Paper ~Echo Park "Bundle of Joy"
Brown Cardstock ~ Core'dinations
Small Alphas - Lilybee Designs
Chipboard Letters ~ Thickers
Polaroid Frame ~ Recollections
Chipboard "Too Cute" ~ BG " Hey Girl"

You can find the SG sketches in their books and as downloads in the SG store!
And... there is a free one every month in case you want to give one a try!

Next on the hop is Cassie 
Don't forget to  leave a comment on each blog, one lucky commenter will receive a free sketch bundle of their choice from the SG store. The winner will be drawn on December 9th, so you have one week to leave a comment.
Thank you for stopping by and I hope you enjoy the hop!!!

In case you get lost at any point, here is the list all the blogs
Scrapbook Generation blog - http://scrapbookgeneration.blogspot.com/

Sunday, December 1, 2013

December Sketch Challenge and November Winners!!!

Hi Everyone!
It is hard to believe that December is here!
Are you ready for a new set of Scrappy Friends challenges?
Here's December's Sketch:
And....we gotta have
RULES 
(to be entered into drawing):
• Your layout must be NEW as of December 1, 2013
• You must be a FOLLOWER of my blog
• You must link your entry below with Mr. Linky by
December 29th 11:59 pm (PST) 
• You must include a LINK back to this challenge post when posting your layout on your blog or gallery. 

Here's the layout I created inspired by the sketch:
And here is the prize you are playing for this month:
My Minds Eye Lost & Found Christmas (Special Addition)
6x6 Pad, Chipboard Stickers,  Layered Stickers,  Decorative Buttons, Garland and Enamel Dots
Recollections
Wood Veneer Christmas Stars
Roll of Washi Tape
(5) Journaling Tags

Combine my challenge with any or both of the SCRAPPY FRIENDS CHALLENGES below
Rochelle Spears: "2013 Songs" Challenge
(I chose the song "Treasure" by Bruno Mars
 and 
Kristi B's: "Make It Sparkle" Stash Challenge
( I used rhinestones in the center of the flowers and to embellish the butterflies)
 and you will be automatically entered into our combined drawing for this month's 
BONUS PRIZE:
$20 Gift Card to the Paper Secrets Online Store
Now it time to announce the November  WINNERS!!!
Thanks to all of you who linked up and shared your fabulous pages inspired by my November Sketch Challenge
and/or the other
Scrappy Friends Challenges

Join me in giving a big shout out to 
she is the randomly drawn winner of my 
November Sketch Challenge

AND...... 
she is the winner of the 
November Scrappy Friends BONUS PRIZE

CONGRATULATIONS LADIES
Janet be sure to comment below and then email me at:
msbrags@gmail.com
with your mailing address and I will get your prize out to you. 
Please add GCC October Winner in the subject line. 

Suzanne be sure to comment below or on any of the other Scrappy Friends Blogs and then email your mailing address to: 
scrapfriendschallenges@gmail.com
to claim your prize.
Please add November Bonus Winner in the subject line.

I am looking forward to all of your wonderful takes on this month's sketch challenge!
Thank you for stopping by!
Have an awesome week!

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

I Smile Because You Are My Sister....

Good Morning Everyone!!!
Today I am sharing a layout I created inspired by the following challenges
(Stash item:  use wood)
and
(tag, paper layering, circles, faux stitching on border, stars, button)

Also entering this layout into the:
(2 circles cut from patterned paper)
and
Products:
Teresa Collins " Memorabilia" Collection
Studio Calico: Wood Veneer Feathers and Heart
Little Yellow Bicycle:  Wood Veneer Stick Pin
ARC Crafts BARC Tape/ Cherry Wood:  Border, Tag, and Tab

And...here is the fabulous sketch by Laura Whitaker (Stuck? Sketches)
You still have time to play in all of the challenges mentioned above.
Visit each of the blogs and check out their challenge details.
Thank you for stopping by,
Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

"Berry Sweet Boy" Layout

Today I am sharing a layout I created using some older product from my Basic Grey stash, inspired by the following challenges:

Scrap Our Stash ~ 6 x 6 Challenge
( BG "Oliver" 6 x 6 patterned paper and 6+ chipboard stars)

Use It Tuesday ~ Stick It Challenge
(Sticker alphas, chipboard title work and stars, corkboard arrows, smile sticker)

Sketches4All ~ Embellishment Challenge
The design of my layout was inspired by this Pagemaps Sketch:
Thank you for stopping!!!
Enjoy the rest of your day!

Friday, November 1, 2013

"The Year of Lasts" Layout ~ Paper Secrets Sketch Challenge

Sharing a layout I created for the latest Sketch Challenge at
Paper Secrets
The twist is to use leaves...I forgot about the twist until the layout was completed but found this cute little cardstock sticker with flowers and a couple of leaves, I know it is a little chintzy, but it works.  
My layout was further inspired by the following challenges:
Frosted Designs ~ "Tag Your It" Challenge
and 
Scrapbook Circle ~ "Confetti Couture" Challenge
Also entering this layout into the
Sketches4All ~ Clusters Challenge
Here is the sketch by Kelly Holifield:
Product:
Bella Blvd " Snapshot" ~ Patterned Paper & Flair Button
Echo Park " Here & Now" Floral Cardstock Sticker
Simple Stories "Smarty Pants" ~ Smarty Cardstock Sticker
Simple Stories "24/7" Arrowi Sticker
Simple Stories "Snap" Sticker Alphas
Heidi Swapp Alphas
My Mind's Eye ` Chipboard Frame

Make sure you visit Paper Secrets and check out the full reveal by the Design Team.
Also, you still have time to join in the challenges at Scrapbook Circle, Frosted Designs and Sketches4All

Thank you for stopping by!!!!

November Sketch Challenge and October Winners!

Hello!
Ready for a new set of Scrappy Friends challenges?
I am providing and hosting the sketch challenge again this month.
Here's the sketch:
RULES 
(to be entered into drawing):
• Your layout must be NEW as of October 1, 2013
• You must be a FOLLOWER of my blog
• You must link your entry below with Mr. Linky by
November 29th 11:59 pm (PST) 
• You must include a LINK back to this challenge post when posting your layout on your blog or gallery. 

Here's the layout I created inspired by the sketch and combined with the other two
 Scrappy Friends Challenges:
Rochelle Spears Theme Challenge: "Family" 
and 
Kristi B's Stash Challenge: "Polka Dots & Chevrons"
And here is the prize you are playing for this month:
Combine my challenge or any two of the SCRAPPY FRIENDS CHALLENGES below
Rochelle Spears: "Family "Themed Challenge
and 
Kristi B's: Polka Dots & Chevrons Stash Challenge
 and you will be automatically entered into our combined drawing for this month's 
BONUS PRIZE:
And now time to announce the October WINNERS!!!
Thanks to all of you who linked up and shared your awesome pages inspired by my October Sketch Challenge!!

Okay....time to give a big shout out to 
#9 ~ Jessica B
she is the randomly drawn winner of my 
October Sketch Challenge
&
Karen
she is the winner of the 
October Scrappy Friends BONUS PRIZE

CONGRATULATIONS LADIES
Jessica be sure to comment below and then email me at:
msbrags@gmail.com
with your mailing address and I will get your prize out to you. 
Please add GCC October Winner in the subject line. 

Karen be sure to comment below or on any of the other Scrappy Friends Blogs and then email your mailing address to: 
scrapfriendschallenges@gmail.com
to claim your prize.
Please add October Bonus Winner in the subject line.

I am looking forward to all of your wonderful takes on this month's sketch challenge!
Enjoy your weekend! 

Saturday, October 26, 2013

"Single Moments Make Great Memories" Layout

Hi everyone!   
I hope you are enjoying your weekend!
Today I am sharing a layout I created inspired by the October Sketch with Stash Challenge at 
The stash part of the challenge is to use: paint, mists, watercolors, etc
and here is the sketch:
PRODUCTS:
Fancy Pants " Swagger":
Patterned Paper & Paper Clip
Basic Grey "Hipster":
Polka Dot Patterned Paper
Scenic Route Graph Paper:
Background Paper
Simple Stories "24/7":
Alpha Stickers, Arrows
Thickers:
Cardstock Alphas
Misc:
Paint, Watercolors, Twine, Journal Card

This layout was further inspired by the following challenges:
Back Porch Memories:  Rule of Three Challenge
Show Us Your Stuff:  October Challenge ~ Arrows & Multiple Photos
Handmade Item:  Chevrons
Sketches 4All:  Word Prompt "Together" Challenge

You still have time to complete the Sketch with Stash challenge at Scrap Our Stash for a chance to enter into the monthly prize drawing and/or your layout may be selected by the design team as one of the October Top 3 Picks! 

The challenges at Back Porch Memories and Sketches 4All end October 31st and the challenge at
Show Us Your Stuff ends October 30th!!!

Thank you for stopping by, enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

"Dem Rib Bonz" Layout

Hello Everyone!
Today I am sharing a layout I created of my grandson and his first encounter with a bone!
 This layout was inspired by the
"October 15th Sketch" Challenge at Paper Secrets 
AND the
"Tic Tac Toe" Challenge at Scrap Our Stash
Also entering this layout into the
"Anything Goes" Challenge at S4All
Supplies:
Basic Grey " Hipster" ~ Patterned Paper 
Basic Grey " Hey Boy" ~ Small Alpha Stickers
Studio Calico ~ Background Paper
Studio Calico ~ Wood Veneer
LYB ~ Stickpin
Simple Stories ~ Alpha Stickers
Pebbles ~ Corrugated Alphas

Here is the sketch by Kelly Holifield and the twist is:
Sticker Alphas
AND... the "Tic Tac Toe" Board at Scrap Our Stash
I used Row 2 Across
Click HERE for the full reveal and challenge details at Paper  Secrets
You have until October 31st to link up your entry for your chance to win a $10 gift card to the Paper Secrets On-Line Store.

You also have until October 29th to complete and link up your entry for the
"Tic Tac Toe" Challenge at Scrap Our Stash
Click HERE for the challenge and details to enter into the
October Monthly Prize Drawing

Thank you for stopping by!

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

October Sketch Challenge

It is that time of the month when me and my Scrappy Friends each post a challenge on our individual blogs.  Challenge participants have the option to complete and or combine at least 2 of the challenges for an entry into our Bonus Prize Drawing!  Each of us also offer a prize on our individual blogs, so you have (4) chances of winning each month!

So on to this month's challenge...
Create a layout inspired by the sketch below:
RULES 
(to be entered into drawing):
• Your layout must be NEW as of October 1, 2013
• You must be a FOLLOWER of my blog
• You must link your entry below with Mr. Linky by
October 29th 11:59 pm (PST) 
• You must include a LINK back to this challenge post when posting your layout on your blog or gallery. 

Here's my layout:
I combined with Rochelle's Color Inspiration Challenge 
and 
Kristi B's Stash Challenge
(Polaroid frame ~ Date Stamp ~ Cut a piece from Crate Paper "Farmhouse decorative border and layered at bottom of frame)
Also entering this layout in the
 Frames Challenge at
Sketches4All
And here is the prize you are playing for this month:
(My Mind's Eye  6x6 "Wicked" Paper Pad, and matching Chipboard Decorative Pieces
Recollections Halloween Washi Tape)

Combine my challenge or any two of the SCRAPPY FRIENDS CHALLENGES below
Rochelle Spears: Color Inspiration Challenge
and 
Kristi B's: Stash Challenge
 and you will be automatically entered into our combined drawing for this month's 
BONUS PRIZE:
(Authentique 12 x12 "Thrilling" Collection, Zva Crystals, Petaloo Flowers, Prima Bat Vine and May Arts Striped Ribbon)

And now time to announce the September WINNERS!!!
Thanks to all of you who linked up and shared your wonderful pages inspired by my Pick 3 Challenge!!!

Okay....let's give a big shout out to 
#1 ~ Rachelle
she is the randomly drawn winner of my 
Pick 3 Challenge
&
Tracy Rhodes
she is the winner of the 
September Scrappy Friends BONUS PRIZE

CONGRATULATIONS LADIES
Rachelle be sure to comment below and then email me at:
msbrags@gmail.com
with your mailing address and I will get your prize out to you. 
Please add GCC Septembere Winner in the subject line. 

Tracy be sure to comment below or on any of the other Scrappy Friends Blogs and then email your mailing address to: 
scrapfriendschallenges@gmail.com
to claim your prize.
Please add September Bonus Winner in the subject line.

Have a great week and I am looking forward to all of your wonderful takes on this month's sketch challenge!

"Little Man, Big Hattitude" Layout

Today is reveal day for the first sketch challenge for October at 
Below is the layout I created inspired by the sketch:
Products:
Little Yellow Bicycle:  fern & Forest Patterned Papers
Little Yellow Bicycle:  Wood Veneer Stick Pins
Simple Stories: SN@P Polka Dot Paper
Simple Stories: Sticker Alphas and Calendar
Studio Calico:  Wood Veneer Stars
Recollections:  Wood Veneer Firefly

 and here is the sketch by Kelly Holifield:
You have until Due October 14th to link up your entry to Paper Secrets for a chance to win a 
$10 GC to the Paper Secrets Shop.

I am also entering this layout into the
Anything Goes Challenge at Sketches4All

Monday, September 30, 2013

Blog Hop WINNERS!!!!!

Hello Everyone!
Just want to say thank you for all of you who participated in the 
this past weekend!   I hope you all get a chance to participate in the ABC~123 Blog Challenge!   you have until October 4, 2013 11:59PM (PST) to link up your entries.   Click HERE for details!

I originally was going to have one prize drawing for those of you who follow my blog, hopped with us this past weekend and left a comment.  However, when I did the first draw using random.org the name that came up was a Design Team member at Scrap Our Stash, so I decided since the SOS Design Team did an amazing job creating inspiration for the hop, I would add a second draw and hopefully the second name would be one of my blog followers.  With that being said, the winners of the $10 gift certificates to Creative Embellishments are......

# 11 ~ Carol Peixoto
(SOS Design Team)
and....
#7 ~ Amanda Jane
Congratualtions ladies!!!!
Email me at msbrags@gmail.com with Hop Winner in the subject line.  I will just need your email address so that when I purchase your gift cards Creative Embellishments can email them to you!

Thanks again everyone for participating in the hop!!!
The October Stash Challenge at Scrap Our Stash as well as my October Sketch, will be revealed tomorrow!  Make sure you stop by both blogs to check out the new challenges!!!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

"Happy Looks Good On You!" Layout

Good Morning!
Today I am sharing a layout I created inspired by the 
September Sketch with Stash Challenge at 
This sketch gave me the perfect opportunity to use up some of my 6x6 stash.   Each sunray was backed with a thin layer of raw chipboard and then lined with a pen to add a little dimension.
Also entering this layout into 
"Two Hoarded Items" Challenge
(my items:  6x6 pad, and Thickers)
and...
"Got Wood" Challenge
(Wood Veneer Talk Bubble)
and here is the fabulous sketch  by Rochelle Spears:
Supplies:
My Mind's Eye "Bluebell" 6x6 Pad:  Patterned Paper
Scenic Route:  Background Grid Paper
My Mind's Eye "Bluebell": Chipboard, Cardstock Stickers, & Brads
Studio Calico:  Super Star "Talk" Bubble
Thickers:  Title Work

Have a great week everyone!