Creative Scrappers sketch

A new sketch blog/forum/gallery that features a weekly sketch challenge. I can't resist a sketch challenge so here's what I came up with using Creative Imaginations paper. Make sure to go check out the site Creative Scrappers

Finished up a layout

with the very pretty K&Co. Urban Rhapsody. I used that picture I took of Marisa and printed it out on my HP printer. Normally I don't like the picture quality from my HP, but this photo and the other one I printed on the 8.5x11 sheet turned out GREAT!!! See, it was the camera all along...lol

THE STRIKE IS OVER!!!

Dave woke me in the early morning hours to tell me that he had read this Detroit Free Press article

The strike is finally over@!! You do not know how happy this makes us! God answers prayers I tell you. I prayed that the Lord would make this the final week as it was coming down to the wire for us. He heard me and answered --thank you!!!! Now we just have to find out the details and the members will have to vote, but it looks like they will. Wages will be cut, depending on your level. Dave is a jobsetter (he fixes the line when it goes down) and is considered a Q5. He will receive the higher of the production worker's wage which is still a big cut for us as a one-income family. We'll just have to come up with a future plan on what we're going to do -- Dave go back to school and while I go back to work. I'm just elated that we have seen the end of these uncertain days which lasted just about 12 weeks! Oh, happy day!!! :D

Twelve Fridays

I just received May's kit from my here and OH MY GOSH!!! I totally love this paper!!! Heidi and Heather are sisters who just started up this club. They also own A2Z essentials and their new papers that are exclusive to Twelve Fridays have the same terrific quality like their A2Z Essentials paper lines. I love nice, thick, doubl-sided patterned paper. If your looking for an awesome kit club, make sure to go check them out Twelve Fridays

My new favorite picture

of Marisa! I played around with some new actions I downloaded for PSE 5.0 off the web. The one I applied to this picture is called the Lomo Action. After applying the action, I decided to then turn it black and white for a neutral look so I could use any patterned paper.



Make sure to Google "actions for photoshop elements". You will be surprised how many free ones are out there. Adding them to 5.0 for use is a whole other thing. If you get that far, you can email me and I'll pass along the info I found after being on the internet for two hours...lol Just make sure to have fun playing with your pictures once you get the actions installed :D

PSSS!!! I just stumbled upon this site -- Pioneer Woman Photography
I don't know if you've ever visited her cooking site, but this lady is phenomenal! I guess I never browsed her website well enough to realize she did photography, too...duh! I should have realized her pictures were too good and made all the food look mouthwatering like it was right in front of you. Anyhoo, I just love her writing style -- she cracks me up!! Make sure to go take a peek!

Just AMAZING!!!

Yes, that's what I think of that new camera of mine. I have become so engrossed with it and the whole idea of photography, but if you thought scrapping was expensive...WHOA! the cost of lenses and other accessories will knock you back!!!

I definitely know I already want a couple other lenses (hush, Cheri...lol) The kit lens stinks! But dang, I can't for the life of me figure out what good/decent lens to purchase for more zooming ability. As of last night, I thought I decided on a Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8-4 lens for a Canon. It got good reviews. Obviously it's a starter lens and I have to go with affordable for now. I also want to get the highly recommended Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 lens. It's a must have from what I've read.

Here are some shots I've taken on some different modes -- all on auto...lol It's going to take a LOOOONG time to learn all the rest!






And my sexy hunk of burning love!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

I hope yours was a blessed one! Mine couldn't have been better. Not because of all the wonderful gifts I received, but because my beautiful children and dear husband went out of their way to make it special! I love them all so much!!

Now to show you one of my presents.......



I knew that husband of mine was up to something asking me lots of questions about cameras...ha! He sure knew how to put the biggest smile on my face. I love that man!!

It's here!!

That time of the month we get to reveal our DT layouts for BPM!! As you can see, I was really excited about this month's Medley collection :^)






Then I created this wooden plaque for my hubby for a Father's Day gift from the kiddies. Chalk one up for being ahead of the game for once!!
Instructions for this will be in May's newsletter.



Make sure to check out the rest of the talented design team creations right here -----> May 2008 DT Layouts/Projects

Hmmm....

I don't see Cheri's challenge layout anywhere in the cyber world. Could it be she didn't get to it? I hope she remembers that the first person to not complete a challenge owes the other person $100...do you remember that bet, Cheri? (We'll see if she even reads my blog to see what the next challenge will be...lol)

The next manufacture line picked to scrap is K&Co. Oh goodness, I have tons of these slabs. It's the only slab paper I buy and then share.

Off I go to get start my day -- late-- but I have to get in some exercise, some grocery shopping, and then later today some scrapping!!

What did you do for NSD?

I played along with some challenges over at Create My Keepsake. Gosh, they had the motivation flowing all day with the DT members presenting a challenge every hour. I created my layout using Patter's sketch challenge and the card was created for Dani's challenge. I was happy to put that Silhouette to use for the butterfly and the flower.

And this card here, I made for our nephew's birthday on Friday(not on NSD). I had forgotten to buy one. I usually don't make cards for those I know won't appreciate it or should I say know that it will be thrown away. But with minutes to go while talking on the phone, I through this together. I was pretty excited with myself -- a cute card without the dreadful thought process. I need to talk on the phone and scrap more often..lol


Then I continued yesterday scrapping some DT layouts for May. Tons of goodies in May's kit, I tell ya!

NSD challenges are up!

Make sure to stop by Back Porch Memories to check out all the fantastic challenges going on not only for this weekend, but you can also participate in them for the entire month to have your name entered in to the drawing for a fabulous prize given out by Paula.

My challenge is to dust off those foam stamps and put them to use! I created this layout using both MM flower stamps and mixed alphabet stamps.


Above all, remember to have fun for our scrappy holiday!! :D