Catching up on 2013

Whew! Life is still going on here in big, big ways, but I have managed to stop and scrap it at least a few times, recently. 

Inspired by this template with some paper and elements by Just Jaimee and Bella Gypsy's current Facebook freebie. 

I took these sepia toned photos of my daughter at the beach. That top one is my absolute favorite! I need it in a frame! Since the photos were sepia toned, I was at first, unsure of what colors to scrap the page in. I ended up using elements from a few different kits in the colors of her sunhat. It worked out perfectly, I think, and should tie in nicely with the color photos from that day if I decide to scrap them, too. 

Kit is Bella Gypsy's Besties with added freebies, no longer available. Sketch inspiration here. 

I took a short trip, recently, to my hometown to visit my best friend and some family. I love this photo strip of all of the children. It really does capture the chaos, like I said in my journaling, and is a great reminder of the time these adorable cousins spent together. 

Kit is Forest Friends. Inspiration from the My Memories Facebook page Sunday Speed Scrap. 

After the photo booth, we let the kids run around in the play area in the mall, or what my friend Jessica calls "the germ tree". HA! I thought it was the perfect fit for my much loved and used Forest Friends. I miss these kids already!

Heart & Soul: Infinity Scarf Two Ways Tutorial

I really liked the patchwork on this infinity cowl on the Art Gallery Fabrics blog. It's gorgeous on the model, but I wanted something a little more wearable for me. Something thinner, and a lot longer so I could get that pretty, layered look by looping it twice. In the end, I made two different versions, a simple scarf from large fabric pieces, and a more complex one to use up those last tiny bits from my favorite fabrics (I almost called this the quilter's variation). 

To make the simpler Heart scarf (named because of the Love fabrics I have had stashed for over a year now), you will need 7 fat quarters. Cut two 9.5 X 12 inch rectangles from each fabric. Using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, sew the rectangles into two rows along the 12 inch side (scroll down to see a diagram of suggested fabric placement). 

To make the Soul version, we're going to utilize scraps (mine are scraps from my Soul Blossoms basket quilt I have got to finish). 

Cut: 

8- 9.5 X 12 rectangles (block A)
4- 5 X 12 rectangles (block B)

4- 4 X 9.5 rectangles (block C)
2- 5 X 9.5 rectangles (block C)

2- 4 X 7 rectangles (block D)
2- 3 X 4 rectangles (block D)
2- 7 X 8.5 rectangles (block D)
2- 3 X 8.5 rectangles (block D)

Assemble two of block C by sewing two 4 X 9.5 and one 5 X 9.5 inch strips together along the 9.5 inch sides (the order doesn't matter). 

Assemble two of block D by sewing the 4 X 7 inch rectangle to the 3 X 4 rectangle along the 4 inch side. Sew the 3 X 8.5 inch rectangle to the 7 X 8.5 inch rectangle along the 8.5 inch side to create the second half of the four patch unit. Sew these two sections together so that the top seams intersect. 

Now you're ready to sew your rows. Each row will have 4 of block A, 2 of block B, one of block C and one of block D. Make 2.

Diagram for suggested fabric and block placement

Finishing instructions:

Place your two rows face down on top of each other (right sides together). Sew along both of the long sides with a 1/4 inch seam. Now, comes the weird part, but trust me, it works out in the end! Open up your scarf on one short end, reach inside, and grab the opposite end with your hand. Pull it up through the inside so that it's flush (1) with the end you started at. At this point, it should look like a windsock (2), not a scarf. Be careful not to twist it, or you will end up with a weird seam! 

Take the front off of your sewing machine and place your scarf around it (3). Sew almost completely around the outside edge, leaving about a six inch gap. Pull your scarf right side out through the gap and hand sew closed. That's it! 

You're now ready for the putting it on and looking instantly pulled together part, at least if you're not like me and in desperate need of a haircut. 

Let me know if you make one or both of these, I'd love to see them! I'm thinking I have to put more together for a few spring birthdays I know. 

Monday Moments: Scrapbook Edition

It's Monday! Okay, I'm really not excited about it being Monday. It is the first Monday in February, though which means Riley Blake will be releasing the second block in their Mystery Block of the Month in one week. You can still join and be completely caught up! If you need inspiration check out the board on Pinterest, mine is the owl one. 

Monday also means that last night was a Speed Scrap (yes, even with the Superbowl on...and I was thankful for it during the half hour of "Let's report what's going on with the lights"). I made a page for my 2013 book that I had been wanting to scrap for awhile. 

Kit is All the Pretty Ponies with added princess from here.

This is a photo from our granddaughter's visit with us. She loved playing with that Little People castle, and even though her mom says she doesn't want princess stuff, I am seriously tempted to buy one for her first birthday just to see that little grin again! So cute! 

All the Pretty Ponies again. Sketch inspiration found here. 

I used the same kit to scrap Caroline's first birthday, which was one of the few pages I needed to finish for 2012! I'm happy to say that book is now done and you won't see quite as many layout posts from me now! 

Kit is On the Road with extra papers & embellishments from Flakes and Fun

I had a hole in my book in the tail end. I wasn't going to scrap any more Christmas pictures, but I absolutely needed an extra in order to keep a two page layout together, so now each of the kids have their own page about driving through the tree farm (the other is here). 

I made this page for a layout contest on Persnickety Prints Facebook page. You had to use a free kit that was provided for 90% of your page. I didn't win, but the woman who did deserved it so much more than I did! You can see the winners and download the kit (still free) for a limited time on their website! 

You can see a little more of the kit here in the back cover I made for my book. The front cover was just a mirror image of this with a title instead of a photo. I figured the back is probably more interesting to view on its own..ha!

Elf and Snowman Gift Bag Templates & Tutorial

Remember when I made my frog, owl and penguin gift bags? 

See the penguin and instructions at this post!

Well, when I was in the sketching phase for that project, I drew up many more and imagined them holding different things for different occasions. Ready to see a couple Christmas sketches made up?

Cute right? You can download templates for these guys here!

For the elf cut: 1 gift box, 1 bow, 1 hat, 2 ears (1 reversed), 1 nose and 1 head in a flesh tone, 4 of the eye/button/bell template (2 in white, 2 in yellow), 2 eye centers, 2 arms (1 reversed), 2 legs (1 reversed) and 2 cuffs

For the snowman cut: 1 gift box, 1 bow, 2 buttons, 1 carrot, 2 stick arms (1 reversed), 1 head and 3 pieces of coal. 

Fold your bags down 1 1/4 inches at the top (as shown in the previous tutorial) before you start gluing so that you're sure to be able to close them later! Otherwise, I do think they would be just as cute left open and stuffed with tissue paper! 

Place the gift box 1/4 inch from the bottom of the bag and glue in place, glue the bow down in the center of the gift box and add the head so that it is just on top of the bow (I overlapped on the snowman, wasn't intentional, but glue is kind of permanent). 

Add the elf's hat using the dotted line on your template as a guide. Glue the ears behind the head so that they line up with the bottom of the hat as shown. Trace lightly around the elf's nose with a brown crayon so that it stands out from the face and glue in the center. Glue the eye whites and centers on both sides of the nose as shown. 

Glue the arms in place so that the angled edge is flush with the sides of the bag. Add the cuffs to separate the mittens from the sleeves. Glue the legs to the underside of the bag at a slight angle with the feet facing toward each other. Glue the bells to the points of the shoes. Using a black permanent marker draw nostrils, pupils, a smile and two black dots near the tops of your bells. Draw lines from your dots in an incomplete X shape using the photo as a guide. 

To make the snowman, glue the carrot so that the flat end is in the center of the head. Draw four black dots in a square shape on each of your button eyes, use an opaque gel pen to connect the dots in an X shape . Using the photo as a guide, glue the eyes in place. Place each of your three pieces of coal at a slightly different angle in a half circle shape to form the snowman's mouth. 

Glue the arms in place and you're done! I think the snowman could also be cute without the head or the gift, if you just glued his face on a white bag and glued his arms facing outward! I didn't come to that conclusion until after I had already made the complicated version, though! 

The gift box would look great paired with the penguin templates from last time (or the owl I guess, I've seen a lot of owl stuff this Christmas)! Or imagine doing the gift box in a birthday print and using the frog! These could be combined in so many cute ways! 

My Memories 7 Days of Software Giveaways..Day 2!

It's Day 2 of the My Memories Christmas blog hop and Dear Creatives is stepping up the game with a whole lot of chances at winning the digital scrapbooking software and a free gift tag printable created with My Memories! Be sure to check her out! 

There is still plenty of time to enter my giveaway as well! 

My Memories 7 Days of Software Giveaways!

Oh my gosh, are you ready for this?! I have teamed up with six other bloggers to bring you...

Happy holidays to you! Seriously, I love this software. It is one of the greatest perks of being a blogger that I was provided a copy of My Memories to review for all of you! And I love being able to give the gift of My Memories to someone else! 

Why do I love My Memories? Digital scrapbooking is so much cheaper and so much less messy than the traditional methods! I can "get out" hundreds of papers, tapes, flowers, ribbons, etc. with nothing to clean up! I can do it with my kids in the room and not have to worry about them cutting themselves with my scissors, it's incredibly freeing!

But that's just digital scrapbooking, what about the software itself? 

My Memories is easy and fun! There is no 400 page manual here because you just don't need it! You can take minutes and create amazing layouts! As a matter of fact, My Memories holds a speed scrap on their Facebook page every Sunday where you take a few minutes for each step, and they walk you through making a great page.

I've taken the last two Sundays and scrapped activities from this Christmas already! Getting our tree, and taking the kids to see Santa is done! Compare this to my traditional paper scrapbooks where the one I started for my five year old's first year is still not complete!

Speed Scrap created with Christmas Giggle

Speed Scrap created with Flakes and Fun

You can use kits from anywhere in this software! Those cute designer freebies that you see on Facebook pages and blogs? Grab 'em! As a matter of fact, the just released Version 4 of My Memories makes using outside content so much easier! Not that I don't have some serious love for the My Memories designers, but it's great that I don't have to hesitate if I find something I like elsewhere! As a matter of fact, I whipped up this greeting card from a non-affiliated designer freebie on Facebook! 

Created with Merry Chrismoose Bella Gypsy Facebook freebie

New to Version 4 you can recolor photos and anything else you bring in under the photo tab! Yes, that means paper and elements, although pre-shadowed elements work best for this (it tends to shadow around the box, great for papers, not so much when you're using a button, and just to clarify, this ONLY happens when you bring an embellishment in under the photo tab). I was never really missing this feature, as I love to search for that perfect thing from my stash, but for those of you who were, it's now available! 

There are great designer kits included, along with the very basics that came with the software from the beginning! There are ripped photo effects and cool photo tiling! There are probably features I haven't even discovered yet because this version is just a little more than two weeks old! 

Flakes and Fun, again, with A Saxon Creation rips

I have been playing with it, though! I have so many ideas for our Christmas cards...now I just need cute pictures of the kids! I'm using some from years past for these mock ups. But that's another thing great about My Memories. I can take these photos out and sub them with current ones once I take them, and have them all ready for printing in a matter of minutes! Amazing! 

So if you'd like to get your hands on your very own copy, comment here before Monday, December 17 letting me know what you would make with My Memories! 

For a second entry, stop by the My Memories store and tell me your favorite kit in another comment! 

And just because I love my followers, leave me a third comment if you follow my blog for a third entry! That's 3 possible entries on my blog alone! Don't forget there are six other bloggers hosting giveaways this week! Visit them all for at least six more chances to win My Memories Suite Version 4! 

Mon Dec 10- Theresa at dearcreatives.com 

Tues Dec 11- Lisa at Stuff-n-Such by Lisa

Wed Dec 12- Melissa at Missy's Scrap Space

Thurs Dec 13- Leah at Digital Scrapbooking

Fri Dec 14- Sew Cal Gal 

Sat Dec 15- Cheryl at 2 Girls at Play

Just can't wait a week to see if you won and start scrapping? You can use my code in the sidebar STMMMS79028 to get My Memories Suite Version 4 for $29.97! Plus a $10 credit to the My Memories store! Not only that, but for today only, My Memories is offering 30% off Santa Packs and a free template with the code 12DaysHoHo!

Giveaway now closed! Winner announced here! 

Making Mater

Source: liljabs.com via Melinda on Pinterest

I know I have shown you all this awesome paper pieced block before, well, I am finally working on it! I'm going to make it into a pillow for my nephew. Loving it so far! 

And, I'm super proud of myself! I am doing this ALL from stashed fabrics! The pillow form is going to be my one and only purchase for this project. I can't tell you how long it has been since I've managed that!

Monday Moments: Scrapbook Edition & a freebie!

This layout is the result of last week's Speed Scrap on the My Memories Facebook page. I thought the colors in the All the Pretty Ponies kit I bought to scrap her first birthday worked really well with the cupcake costume we bought her. I added the little cupcake in the corner from another kit, but everything else was all from the pony kit, and I love it! 

If you liked that page, then you might be interested in the free kit currently available to fans of Megan Turnidge on Facebook! How adorable is this? You can't beat the price, either! Just hurry, because I think the links expire tomorrow! 

Did you know it's Digital Scrapbooking Day?

Or maybe it isn't today, but there are all sorts of challenges on the My Memories Facebook page and a huge blog train on their blog! A Blog Train, if you aren't familiar, is links to a ton of different blogs and, of course, a freebie at every single stop! I snagged a few goodies this weekend like this adorable, whimsical kit and this one with 109 elements! 

I need to get back to scrapping, but I wanted to show off one of the pages I entered into the Altered Speed Scrap Challenge on the My Memories Facebook page. It's a great way to not only tell you about all of the deals and freebies going on, but also to show you my completed Halloween costume! 

I finished my sweater just in the nick of time on Halloween day. Actually, I finished it twice! The first time I accidentally mistook one of those big bulky sleeves for the body. I should have taken a picture for the sewing fails group on Flikr. It would have given everyone a good laugh to see that! Unfortunately, I wasn't thinking that far ahead, just wanting to get it all together before it was time to Trick or Treat! 

Monday Moments & Free printable child's party hat!

Available for free download here

Available for free download here

Available for free download here

Are you aware that Miss Caroline is one? One whole year ago I was in the hospital meeting that tiny little girl for the first time. I am in shock! 

And very nearly on cue, My Memories offered these party hats as a free printable (or as a completely customizeable template for My Memories software owners...and if you don't own the software and would like to, there is a discount code in my sidebar!)

These are free for one week only! After that they will be available for purchase in the My Memories Store under the "craftables" category along with some of the past freebies like birthday crowns, coffin shaped treat boxes and gift bags! 

Look at how cute they are in the All the Pretty Ponies kit I featured here! Not as cute as the first time birthday girl, but pretty adorable all the same! 

Of course, her hat was pretty quickly ripped off and covered in rainbow icing, but I'm thinking of printing a second one for her keepsake box!

Free paper piecing patterns and what I'm up to

Have you heard of Quiet Play? I found Kristy completely on accident. I entered a fabric giveaway on another blog and mentioned how my son's favorite toys were LEGO (apparently it has to be typed like that in all caps) and that lovely blogger said, "Have you seen Quiet Play? She's quilting a LEGO mat." 

Kristy and I bonded for half a minute over our about to be five year old boys who carry around LEGO catalogs like Linus carries a blanket and she sent me her patterns to use (I am forcing myself to finish a couple other projects first...it is so hard!). But now, Kristy has spoken to the people at LEGO and they have said she can give them away to everyone! Go check them out, they are amazing! 

Also, I joined Pinterest. I really feel like I don't know how to use it yet, but so far my favorite find has been this lady. She has Cars characters, Hello Kitty, Finding Nemo, Smurfs, My Little Pony...more incredible stuff to paper piece!

In other news, I am shelving my quilt. Ugh! I hate to do that, but I have some birthday gifts I promised my sister I'd whip up, and they have a deadline, where my quilt no longer does. Want a peek?

Yep, this time I'm making two punk/goth bears! This time I'm also making them about half the size, so I'm omitting a few details and painting instead of embroidering. I kind of like the vacant zombie looking eyes, but I probably will add pupils to them and of course the little broken heart bit across the nose. I can't wait to get these together! 

A blog to follow and a great chance to win!

I am hard at working trying to finish up my UFO (there may be photos of a completed top tomorrow!) and dealing with this crazy moody baby today, but I came across a couple things I just had to share. 


Number one, the Ginger Scraps blog. I have not known about this blog or shop for a very long time, but for at least two months now (and maybe all the time?) they have been hosting a daily download! We've missed out on July, but are just in time to go collect a few pieces to one awesome kit every day for the month of August! The designer has hinted that links will be going away soon, so hop on it! And definitely add it to your list of blogs to follow for more generous freebies and great sales! 


Number two, and this may help you out if number one doesn't apply...in honor of her birthday the lovely lady behind Missa's Muse is giving away a copy of My Memories Suite Version 3! That's right, the very software I use to make all of my layouts! And the last time I checked, she only had five entries! Amazing odds to win! 

Layout made with free mini kit

I am always so late posting these challenges, but this week's challenge at the My Memories blog was a great one! They call it "Footloose and Fancy Free" and the only rule was you had to incorporate a freebie from their site. I made this entire page from this Connie Prince Sampler. Connie is also the creator of that adorable Rock N' Roll kit I used in one of my purse cards. She is definitely becoming a "go-to" designer for me when I am kit shopping!


Content from the My Memories store can be downloaded under a general installer, so even if you use another software to do your digital layouts you can still go grab any of their freebies! 

Fourth of July (and other) Scrapbook Freebies

It's Monday, though later than I planned on Monday, and I am back, as promised with the new My Memories Freebie! Cupcake wrappers and toppers (per my request on their Facebook group)! 




This adorable Fourth of July set (and you can use the papers to scrap your weekend festivities later)! 




This adorable picnic themed set that also comes with some great, basic, tone on tone colors. 




And this, seriously classy black and white set! This time they're pretty self-explanatory. Just cut out and tape the wrappers together. For the toppers, either cut out or use a 1 1/4 inch circle punch and adhere to a toothpick with adhesive foam squares. You can even tie cute little ribbon around the picks! 


Of course, you can use any paper in these templates, including outside content! It's so easy to use papers from designers who aren't affiliated with My Memories! Here are some cupcakes I decorated with both My Memories and outside content. 

The bottom two cupcakes came from this adorable Father's Day kit that I think could also make great cupcakes and cards for a dad's birthday (my husband's is coming up soon)! 

The top cupcake and this one were decorated with a kit called Birthday Circus that contains, birthday, party, circus and carnival themed items. It's really cute and versatile! How adorable would these be paired with the crown freebie from a few weeks ago? 

Lastly, if none of these freebies were up your alley, I do know of one more out there. Erin Bradley has a really cute group of Fourth of July themed papers available for free right now! She has a ton of cute stuff on her site that would make an amazing themed party! 

Scrapbook Sunday with Freebies!

I thought I had more time to get these My Memories Freebies to you, but there is a little rumor that they're putting out a new one tomorrow for the Fourth of July! (I may have requested it and seen an amazing preview for it...just maybe!) 


This time the freebie is paper purses to use as invitations or greeting cards. So seriously cute and I didn't want anyone to miss the chance to grab it! 

Purse Card Tutorial

1.  Print your Purse Card templates on cardstock and gather supplies.  (Recommended supplies: small craft scissors, bone folder, 8-12" of ribbon, stapler, tape or velcro)
TIP: To print your information on the inside create another page with the template in place.  Put all your text and embellishments in (leaving a little room on the edges) and then remove the template right before exporting or printing the inside page on the back of the first.  This will keep from having to worry about if the templates line up exactly when cutting out your card.


2.  Using the scissors cut along outside line.



3.  Fold card at indentations.
TIP: Using a bone folder will help you get crisp edges on your project.


4.  Repeat by folding down top flap.


5.  Staple ribbon to both sides of your card on the inside to look like a strap or handle.


6.  Enjoy the finished cards and share.  Don't forget to use your imagination.  The possibilites are endless!

Cute, right? You can choose your free template in the blue and yellow boy version shown here, or one of two girly versions in pink and black or pink and purple. As usual, these templates can be completely customized in My Memories Suite (and if you don't have the software my handy code in the sidebar will get you both $10 off and a $10 credit to the My Memories store)! Ready to see mine? 

Two very different styles (that I have yet to find the perfect ribbon handles for)! I am having so much fun with these new freebies! I used Hush Little Baby and I Love Rock N' Roll with a hot pink background from another kit. It was also the perfect excuse to try out this Facebook fan freebie Wild Child alpha! Love it! 

Check back tomorrow for links to more freebies!