Back to normal!

Oh my goodness but am I tired! Returned home from my very first CKC on Sunday and I am wiped out! It is all worth it though!

Serene flew up from NYC and Carrie from Cali. I picked them up at the airport in OKC about 3pm Thursday and we were off on our way to Tulsa! We got to our room, unpacked, giggled and then set off to find food.

Friday morning we were up after about 4 hours of sleep. We took our first two classes by SEI. Serene loved that class, think it was her favorite. Then we made a mad dash to the expo floor for a couple of hours. Think we made it to 2 booths before our first purchase. Serene started doing make-n-takes while Carrie and I were off to see what there was. Then it was back to class three which I really enjoyed. Walked away with a few new ideas from that class and can't wait to try them at home! We headed back to the expo floor to do more damage. Finally about 6 I think we went to eat. Spent part of the evening on the web cam with Joy. That was great fun and I believe I shall be getting me one!

Saturday morning was an even earlier start than Friday, with less sleep! Our first class was great and I made my first every mini book. It was such a relaxing class and our instructor has been asked by the people of Extreme Home Makeover to do a scrapbook for one of the families! How great is that! We then went straight to a stamping class that was a disappointment for all three of us. It was to teach you 10 new techniques, all of which we already knew. You would know, the only 10 things I know about stamping were the 10 things she was teaching. Plus it was about 2.5 hours worth of lessons crammed in an hour. Just love those classes that start out "we will not cover everything in this class due to lack of time"! Well then teach less and spend more time on the less that you are teaching! But still, we walked away from each class with a little more knowledge than what we went in with and some product! The rest of the afternoon was spent on the floor of the expo. My one regret is that I did not buy a t-shirt there that said "Paper Ho". I came home with so much paper it's not even funny! We'd be in line and either Serene or Carrie would say "How much paper do you have??" and I'd have to say "Why do you need to know this??" Let's just say I'm glad I didn't have to fly home and have my bags weighed!

We spent Saturday evening in our room taking lessons from Carrie on some of the tools we have but are clueless on. She's a great teacher, but has no patience! We ordered in pizza and just chilled the last evening. It was a great time and I was missing them before I left the airport. We are already making plans for next year and I can not wait!

I've got a few pics that I'll get posted in the next day or so. For now...it's off to the scrap room. Need to get things put away and get a few things in the mail!

Thundering Thursday!

Woke up this morning to thunder and dark sky's. We need the rain, my flowers need the rain. I have to admit that they are looking better after I got out there and did some work in them. Poor things!

Haven't done much scrapping this week. It's been a little hectic at the office and I've just been wiped by the time I got home. I need to get busy though. Have some things to get finished up and a couple of ideas bouncing around in my head I'd like to try. Then need to start packing things up soon. It wont be long now until the CK convention that I am going to with Carrie and Serene. Getting excited about that. Just 14 more days I think. One of them sends an email each day that says nothing more than
17 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
16 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
15 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am getting super excited though and can't wait to see what kind of wonderful stuff will be at the expo. We are signed up for 6 classes so that will be fun and we are bound to learn all kinds of new things.

Two more packages of circles arrived yesterday. I need to think of a way to give a little picture hint of them. I don't want to post the whole thing because I feel like everyone in the swap would see them here and then when they arrived not have that moment of ooohhhhh and ahhhhhhh that you get when your first open them and are looking at them. I did receive the most marvelous stuff from Sandi as a gift. I can't think of what it's called... I know, why bother posting about it. But I am going to ask her and post a pic of it later and either by then I'll have the answer or someone will know what it is. But at any rate I've got to find out and try and find some more to play with. I'm not sure where everyone learns this stuff at, but I've got to start visiting there!

Ok, off to go open a couple of other boxes that have arrived in today's mail. I just love happy mail!

I'll be back later with info and/or a pic of the stuff from Sandi.

Quotes & Friends

It's a beautiful sunny morning here in Oklahoma today. Think I may go outside and work in my flower beds...especially after a couple of days ago and my husband asking me what was going on out there. I really have let them go and that is so very unlike me. After his asking about it though, I did get out there two days in a row after work and just 30 minutes each day has made a huge difference. Imagine what an hour today could do! It's just the sides though, I'm sort of taking care of the front ones. But, get this... in one of the front beds I have a watermelon vine growing. Didn't plant it, but it's there..and it's got baby watermelons! How cool huh?

Here is another cj that I've got going from a forum. I'm really happy with the way my pages turned out or should I say just came together.

Again, I'm using orange. I just seem to keep gravitating towards that color right now. Well, just the whole red family. Anyway, I've used Bazzill and Stampin Up papers. I'm so very sad right now too. In these three layouts I've mainly used Stampin Up papers and love them. The colors are just amazing. I only had a half of sheet from each because I got them in a paper share we did. Not realizing I couldn't order these pages anymore I used them. Which is a good thing, because if I'd known I could get anymore I'd have never used them and probably not loved the layouts like I do.

On this first page, my title page, is one of the flowers I made. It just adds a little something else to the page. A Tim Holtz arrow...still a huge fan of his. A little bling, you know how I've got to have that... and a thingymabobber... you know this }... from the punchie swap we had. The ribbon at the top came from a surprise box that my friend Joy sent me. She hit a huge going out of biz sale at her LSS and shared a few things with me. Thank you again Joy for that wonderful surprise.


These next two pages are my layouts. I just love these colors together... so fresh and spring looking I think. I've used a few Dew Drops in the upper corner. I really like those and got them from Impress Happenings. Some Prima flowers that I've stickled... I really like that look. A little white clip that came from Stampin Up... and the most beautiful flower that I was sent from my friend Sondra. She made this flower from paper that she made. It came in the mail I think on Thursday and fit just perfect on this layout.

On this page, the butterfly I used came from Sandi in the punchie swap we had. The top layer I've used blue stickles on and the bottom I used Stampin Up watercolors. The blue corner piece is chipboard that I glittered. And of course another Prima flower that I stickled.

I'm just really pleased with how this turned out and excited about finally having a quote circle journal of my own to keep. In the next few days I will upload some of the layouts I've gotten for this cj.



Here is a close-up of the flower and handmade paper that Sondra sent me. I don't know how she does it but it is fabulous. The texture of it is so cool. I tried to get a close up of the paper so you can see the different shades in it. There is no way I can do this justice by describing it. It is just so awesome and I can't wait to use it.

Here is the close up of the flower she sent with the paper. She made this from the handmade paper and her Sizzix I think she told me. It is just beautiful and couldn't have arrived at a better time! I'm hoping she will start making these to sell so I can get more! Thank you so much Sondra for sending them! I just love them!


Thanks for looking! Have a great day!

Flower Power

It's been a rainy Monday in Oklahoma. That's ok, cause we need the rain.. or rather my flowers need the rain. It's not doing much for my hair though.

My poor flowers. They just do not look well this year. I really think someone put something in my flower beds because they really look sick. My lillies didn't even open up. They produced the stems with the little buds all over them...then poof... nothing. The last two years they have been so pretty. Plus I got a little disguisted a few weeks ago and just stopped going out to even work in my flowers. I should be ashamed, because I do love working in them and usually take such pride in them... just haven't felt the love this year. But the rain will do them good and hopefully inspire me to get out and work with them. Now that I have pretty much decided no more swapping on a certain forum and my farm doesn't need me 12 hours a day I should have time huh?

Speaking of flowers and swapping, I'm going to share some pics with you of my cj. It's title is 'Flower Power'....cause you know how I love the flowers! I'm not sure if all the pages are in for it or not... I really have no idea where things are at with this swap. There should be a few more layouts to come in but I'm not sure who is still in or not. I do have a couple that I need to get out for it. And, I think I've decided that cj's are my most favorite kind of swap!

The first page is my title page, then I have a sign in page which I didn't scan, my instruction page and then my 2 page layout. I kept these pretty simple... much more low key'd than what I normally scrap. Why you can actually see the color of the background cardstock. Shocking I know! But anyway...

I tried using stickles on the button holes and really wish I'd used thread. I'm liking the whole thread look and it's really not hard at all.


Again with the stickles, but see how simple I kept it. I have to tell you though that I did what I think is called distressing!??! Who me? I think! Around the flower... I filed it some... to rough it up??? Is that distressing? I know my Scrappy Sista's will tell me.


I'm really liking oranges and reds this year, not sure why, but it is what it is. And Purple seemed to really work with this orange. (Elaine will like that)... also, lets see if Elaine recognizes the paper and embellies?? I finally used some of my Dick Blick papers and embellies. Did I spell that right E? It is handmade paper and really great stuff. It's not expensive and comes in several colors. I got past my "oh no, I can't use it .. then it will be gone" fear and just by golly used it!


Oh dear... the top got cut off my little quote. It says ....
"Flowers of Gratitude Bloom Forever in the Heart". This is another thing I'm really starting to love...these quotes. I don't have hardly any, can't seem to find the good ones. Not like my friend Paula. She's got awesome quotes... where do you find them P? More Dick Blick and Purple/Orange. I like it. Plus did ya notice... did a little inking. I must admit... Elaine knows what she's talking about. It does add just the right touch.

Over all... I'm ok with my pages. I like them...but not loving them. I will probably add some more to them. I just challenged myself to try and use less and see if I like it or not. Well, now I know.

Now these pages have all been created by swap members or joiners or participants. Whatever we call ourselves.

These two pages are by Liz. Look how busy the pages are... I love it! My kinda scrappin' style! She used things for embellies that I would never have thought of, but it's so cool. She has a poem.. 'Nature's first green is gold'. See the jewlery on the two pages and all the gold. How cool!



These next pages are by Angel. From her title I'm going to assume she's not big on flowers...at least growing them. I love the pink and green that she has used together. The squiggles are all drawn on by pen. Adds a little something to the page don't you think. Her journaling made me laugh... but she's right, she does do some awesome crochet'd flowers!



These 2 pages are by Jeanette. She did a really awesome job! Love the puzzle look she created on the first page, and I will be scrap lifting that! I love all the pinks she used and then the picture of the yellow and blue flowers...just beautiful! On the first page, see the flower in the picture frame. That flower is on the background paper. She just put the frame there around. Brilliant! Yep, I'll be taking that idea too! Oh, and on her journaling... every time that she would use the word flower... she'd put a flower there in place of the word.



Next are the pages by Michelle. She did a really good job as well. I would love to know who the background paper is by. Notice how her title and name are sideways. I never think to do that.



This set of layouts is by Kimberley. I do believe she did some digi here. Well I'm pretty positive. I've never held a digi layout in my hand, but I'm sure that's what it is. I like it. It's got me thinking...hmmmm should I try it. I love her journaling on the layout, and how she made it personal. The flower on the second page, she cut it out... too cool!



That's all there is for now on this cj. Maybe I'll have some more come in soon.
I've got another cj in the works. Well actually two. One of them is quotes. It's on the same site as my Flower Power one. Then on MM, Kathi has us doing one where we send our own stuff. It's really very cool. But it's not back yet... shouldn't be long though. Court has my pages I think. But, hoping to put up the pages I have in on the quotes later tonight or tomorrow.

Thanks for looking! Have a peaceful evening.

To swap or not to swap?

That is the question that is asked of thee... or is it me?? Well, that is the question that I am asking myself. Let me explain a little.

For several months now I've been going to another board and participating in some swaps there. Right from the start I was a little taken back by the attitude and words of some. I shared that with some of you, my friends, remember. The first swap I was in on there I so stressed out over doing my items because they said things like only quality work all others will be returned. If it's not in by the due date it will be sent back to you. Just on and on. I only signed up for a couple of spots in that swap but I know I made my things several times before I sent them in. Then when I got them back I was really disappointed. I mean you could tell that some of the swappers just simply cut out a box, drew a tiny flower on it with a pen and called it a journal box. Ok I thought, maybe they are just starting and don't know all you can do yet. I mean I remember when I first started and my first swap. My stuff looked like that of a first grader and everyone has to learn, right? But there were a few things that you could tell the person didn't even put any effort in. You could just tell. So I thought, well I can hang with these people.. no need to stress out again. Oh but I did. I stressed for a few more swaps until I thought... wait a minute.... I like my stuff. And aren't I the one that I have to please. So no more stressing over the quality of my items.

Then total havoc hit on this board. There have always been threads that were complaining or "calling someone out" as they say there... but this thread just got plain mean. I have to admit, I was in it too. While my initial intentions were to be supportive of a hostess, that didn't make it right. I can understand how some feel about things and their frustration and I feel the same as they do, what I don't understand is being mean and hurtful. Calling people names or attacking their parenting skills and intelligence. Implying that not only are they idiots but so are their children is just wrong. So it was at that moment that I decided that I would no longer be a part of this online community. I posted this and posted an apology to the person that was being crucified. I stated that I would finish up the swaps that I was in and then bow out. Then..... always a then isn't there. There was a post from someone saying how they throw swap items away. This was posted I think in part to a response about the quality of certain items. I was just stunned that not only do they throw things away but that it was admitted. Then someone else said they do too. I asked do you really throw things out and was told yes, that there is no emotional attachment to the items and if they don't like them they just throw them out. I'm still stunned, but it got me to thinking. There have been things that I've gotten back in a swap that I didn't fall in love with, yet I didn't throw them out. I'm not sure what I will do with all these items I get in swaps. Some I will use in my scrapbook layouts I am sure.. but others... I think I will have an album that is just full of swap items to look at, for ideas on those days I'm not feeling my mojo juices. But throw them away???? No. Which... long way around.. brings me to my subject of this post! To swap or not?

I'm in this swap about dictionary button flowers. Already I've seen a little tension in the posts. Things that should have been said by pm just posted out in the open. Maybe it's just me, but I try to never ever humiliate or embarrass someone. I wouldn't want to be done that way. Anyway.. I'm drifting again... so this swap. I've been working on my buttons almost every night for over a week. While I personally like them, who knows if others will. I am having a hard time sending them off. I look at them and think all that time and money poured into these. What if someone throws them out. Do I really want to take that chance? I have made 36 of each color... orange, pink, yellow, red, brown, black, neutral.. for a total of 252. They have been all over my living room for days and I can't decide to send them and risk it or to just keep them and share them with my friends who I know will not only love them and possibly use them, but never throw them away! Because I DO have an emotional attachment to them!

Anyway, maybe I'll figure it out by tomorrow. Until then, here are some pics of my button flowers. They aren't all in here. I left the black n white ones out and the neutral also.

Feel free to chime in with your thoughts.




I will tell you this though. I'm very grateful that my first online experience with a scrapbook forum was with MM. No one is ever mean and hurtful there. For that I am very thankful! Had this been my first venture into the scrapping forum world, I'd have left long ago! So...Thank You to all my buddies at MM!