One More Card - RCC4

When I saw the inspiration at the Ribbon Carousel Challenge blog this week, I knew immediately what I wanted to make.  That rarely happens to me!  Usually I have to sit on it and let it gel for a few days before everything comes together in my head.  Not this time - bring on the cupcake inspiration challenge baby!

Here's the card I created for RCC4.  Below the card is a quick tutorial of how I made the "frosting" part.

Isn't it super summer-y and yummy all at the same time?!  Ok, so I'm partial.  :)   The papers are Echo Park.  The white cardstock and kraft for the cupcake "liner" are CTMH.  The ribbons are retired CTMH organza.  Clear sparkles are CTMH and the pink ones are from the dollar spot at M's a while back.  All of the ink is CTMH - Lagoon, Pear, Honey, Hollyhock, Desert Sand & Black.  The sentiment is a Hero Arts stamp on a punch from Marvy Uchida (hope I spelled that right).  The feature mat, sentiment and cupcake are popped with foam.

Want to know how I made the frosting?  Here's your mini-tutorial.  You'll need Glubers (brand new product that helps you make big ribbon rosettes - think gigantic glue dots) and ribbon of course.  I used two different colors of organza because I wanted mine to have that home mixed frosting look and be shimmery.

I used one of the 2.5" Glubers and cut it in half.  I started in the lower corner and stuck down my ribbon.  Twisting and rotating as I went, I started making frosting bands across the Gluber.  On the bottom row, I let things hang over the edge a bit to hide the glue.  When I got to the end, I twisted it around to head the other way and kept going just like the first row.

Keep winding, twisting and rotating the ribbons all the way up until it looks like this.  I should mention that you'll have a big pile of twisted ribbon in front of you when you're done.....I didn't try to cut off a pre-measured amount because every time I do that I run out in the middle of my creation.

Trim off the extra ribbons and tuck the edges under the Gluber.  I kept my project on the protective backer sheet the whole time because I didn't want to stick it to myself or something else.

Carefully peel off the backing and stick it to your project - or in my case, to some colored cardstock.  Because I was going for a multi-colored texture look, I needed to add the extra dimension of coordinating cardstock behind my "frosting."

I cut out my "frosting" clipping right to the edge of the Gluber so none of the cardstock would show around the edges.  I did put some glue dots where I had folded over the ribbon edges so that it would be super stuck to the cardstock all the way around.

Then I put foam tape down the middle, gave it a curve to mimic the cylindrical shape of a cupcake and added it to my card.  Waa-laa!

Have a great day,

Quick Card - CFC3

I'm sneaking this one in at the last minute!  It's a card I made for CFC3 at the CAS-ual Fridays blog.  For those who don't know CAS is Clean And Simple.  The challenge this week was to use bling.  Not a problem for this girl!  Check out the card I made.

The kraft cardstock, white cardstock and sentiment stamp in black ink are CTMH.  The pattern paper and the cupcake tops are Echo Park and the sparkles are Paper Studio.  The cupcakes are a punch set from EK Success.

Thanks to my friend Nicole to giving me her leftover papers - they made a great card!

Retreat Layouts: Part 1

Here are just some of the layouts I made while at the Spring Retreat.  Not all of them use CTMH products, but I wanted to share them anyway.  Click on the pictures to see them larger.

Layout #1: Stylin' Shades

This uses the CTMH Twitterpated paper packet and a fair amount of our newer embellishments.  I also tried something new with the title that I've been wanting to do.  I have a deep cut blade for my cricut and I hadn't used it yet.  So, for this title I made my own chipboard.  I used cereal boxes and cut two layers from that.  Then cut a layer from the pattern paper and adheased them all together.  Tada!  Instant covered chipboard without all the hassle.  Love it when an idea works!

Layout #2: Tool Time
I used Tracey Mason's wood grain technique for the title letters on this one.  The papers are not CTMH this time around, but the ink and embellishments are!

 Close up of the title letters.  I popped them with foam to make them stand out a bit more.  Sorry for the glare on the page protector.

Layout #3: Zoo 2009
We have a zoo membership and go often but I didn't want to do a million zoo layouts....thank heavens for flip flaps!  This was the first time I had used this CTMH product and now I'm 110% sold and need another package for my stash.  I have a feeling I'll be using a lot of these.  I used Expedition papers for this layout and found the planning of the extra flaps to be a tad difficult at first.  Once I got past that though, it was smooth sailing.  17 photos on a layout?  Yep, that's awesome!

 Here are some closeups of the flaps when opened.  I also used some leftovers from the You & Me kit.  When I finished this one, I also realized that I used 4 different stamp sets.  That might just be a new record for me!

A closeup of the other flap opened.  On a side note, the octopus that is pictured was never very active when we were there.  Magically one day it was swimming all over the place and I got some amazing photos.  The next weekend when we went back, we learned that the octopus had passed away.  It was from natural causes as he was very old.  RIP Mr. Octopus & thank you for the wonderful photographs.

Well, that's it for today, I'll have more to show you tomorrow.  I'm splitting things up for your sake and mine since there's a lot of layouts to share.  In the mean time, don't forget about the blog candy!  If you don't know what I'm talking about, click here for all the details.

Have a great day,

Best Staycation EVER!

Fair warning - there's no creative stuff in this post - it's just all about how awesome the downtown Grand Rapids Firefighters are and how much fun we had today hanging out with them.

Today, we went downtown for lunch at the Pita House - one of our favorites by the way.  We had no clue that they were filming a lip dub promo type thing for GR all over the down town area.  While we ate lunch, we watched them film two takes and then took off to find the firetrucks we had seen while trying to find parking.  I should make a side note here to say that my son, Ben, LOVES firetrucks...as well as all things construction, etc....you get the idea.  Now you know why we had to hunt down the trucks.  We found them all lined up and ready for the next take.  This is when we got invited to be part of the video.  Sweet!  Stand on the side of the street and wave...check!

 Between takes, we headed over to check out the trucks.  The firefighters were so nice and asked if B wanted to sit in the back of the truck.  Super Sweet!

 The guys were all for taking us for a mini ride as they went through the next take.  Wowzers!  They even had B put on the headset so he could hear and talk to the driver (Firefighter Jason) while we were part of the next take in the truck.  Seriously, this is already the best day ever!

 When we got out, we headed back to the area where they start their take from.  We were chatting with the guys and asking more about this random film that we were now in and they decided that B needed a Jr. Firefighter hat.  A quick trip to the truck and....tada...

 Ridiculously awesome, but we really should add a Krispy Kreme donut to the equation.  Glad he had already had his lunch.  Can you tell how happy this little boy is?

 After the last take for the day, the guys offered to ride us down the street in the front seat with some sirens going and everything.  Really?!  Are you serious?!?!  Haven't you guys been awesome enough already?!?!?!  I think they were having just as much fun as B.  You bet guys, let's ride!!

 Gotta wave to the peeps when you're riddin'.  LOL!  We went down Monroe Street and made a turn back to where we started.  We hopped out and got a quick pic with one of our new favorite buddies.

Honestly, this was the best day and the best way to end the best "stay-cation" ever.  I can't even begin to say thank you to the guys that were down town today and helped us to make some special family memories.

On the creative front - the layouts that I made at retreat will be posted throughout this week.  I'm going to do a few a day so that the post isn't the size of Texas.  Haha!

Thanks for stopping by,

Retreat Recap

Retreat was so much fun!  Thanks to all the girls who were there to make it a weekend to remember.  You can see we were all hard at work...

This Spring, I introduced a little silliness for the door prizes, and my friend Nicole posed beautifully with the items.  When you competed a page, you got to wear this fabulous gear.  My phone was set to go off randomly throughout the weekend, and if you were wearing it when the alarm sounded, you got to pick a prize!

Doesn't she look cute?!  Thanks, Nicole.  :)

I've heard some rumors that my CTMH upline, Tara, might be coming in the Fall with a bunch of the new girls...this means that Fall might fill up fast!  So, if you are in Michigan (or near by) and want to come scrapbook with us November 11-13, 2011, click on the Retreat tab for all the info and submit your deposit soon.  We'd love to have you join us!

I'll be posting the layouts I made at retreat over the next few days.
Have a great week,

Blog Candy Time!!

First, I have to apologize for the bad photo.  Sorry - it's late at night and no time to be setting up the light box.  Here's what's up for grabs...

1/2 pack of the retired Boom-Di-Ada paper pack and it's creative basics with coordinating cardstock.  D1340 Easter Eggs stamp set perfect for recent Easter pictures.  A circle chipboard album with chipboard shapes for inside the album and the green variety pack of embroidery floss.  Everything coordinates and is ready to make into an adorable Easter mini album or whatever you should choose.  I'll also be making a set of cards to go with this when I'm on retreat this weekend.  Pics of those will go up when I get back.

I'm offering a variety of ways to win this kit so read carefully and enter every way to increase your chances of winning!  I will keep this open until the end of the month and the contest is open to US and Canadian residents.  (Big luv for my sistas of the north!)  The winner will be announced (with help from random.org) on June 1.  Here's how to enter.

1. Leave a comment on this post for one entry into the drawing.
2. Become a follower of this blog for two entries into the drawing.  When you do, or if you already are, please leave a comment so I can make sure to get you on the list.
3. Become a fan of Scraptabulous Studio on Facebook for two entries into the drawing.  The like button is at the top of the right hand column.  Also, leave a comment here so I don't miss you.
4. Tell a friend about this blog for three entries into the drawing.  When you tell a friend: leave a comment with their name/web handle so I know they are coming.  Then when they head over, they need to leave a comment noting your name/web handle so I can match the two of you together and award appropriate entries.

I know all that sounds a little complicated, but I want to give you as many chances to get in as possible especially since the entry window is open for so long.  Plus, I've got to keep everything straight myself to keep it fair.

Thanks so much for visiting today & Good luck!!

1,000 Views!

I just realized that there's a 1,000 views on the new blog already - thanks for that too!  I'll get the blog candy pics and details on how to win up late tonight.  Be sure to check back then, or tomorrow.

Thanks again - all of you make my day a little brighter.  :)

Thank You!

I just wanted to post a quick thank you to everyone who has left such kind comments for me lately about my last card post.  Thanks so much!  It's really brightened my week.  :)

FYI - I'm going on my semi-annual weekend scrapping retreat this weekend, so I'm busy packing now and I probably won't be posting any artwork again until late Monday or Tuesday.  Hopefully, I'll get a lot done, and have a lot to share.  :)

Have a great day,

Landscape Project

When we moved into our home - it really was move in ready.  However, over the years we've learned that a fair amount of the landscape, though pretty, was very "needy" which just isn't us.  We're more perennial plant people that only need fussing every once and a while rather than hedge and bush trimmers.  So, with Ben being bigger and us being able to decide what we like, we went after the front of the house this year.  Here is the before picture that was part of the Realtor pictures.  Very nice & nothing wrong with it at all.....but I need change and I hate HATE to fuss and trim with bushes.  :)

We took out the small tree in the front.  Turns out it doesn't grow down naturally and you need to weigh all the limbs down each year to get it to look like that.  Oye!  We also took out the two front bushes closest to the camera in the fall.  This spring, we took out the rest.  You need to shore them up with strings, burlap and stakes each winter to prevent them from collapsing under all the crushing snow in the winter.  Yep, not really our thing for just some bushes.  Plus, you need to prune them each year.  *Sigh*  Out they go.

This is the bare picture after we've ripped everything out.  We tore down the railings on the porch - they were blocking the view from the window and were starting to rot under the paint.  We also moved the miniature rhododendron.  They were too close to the larger bushes we call the big balls.  LOL!!  There are a TON of hosta (which I love) on the side of the house that are huge, so I also split some and placed them under the bigger crab apple tree.  I also rounded out the edges a little.  It's not only a pain to mow in corners, but it's just not a natural organic type look.  The previous owners were more industrial/country style/pay for it to be done folks.  We are more artsy fartsy/comfy Pottery Barn/DIYers so it's going to be a slow conversion.

I hit the greenhouse for two separate trips and after more $$ than I think my hubby wanted to spend, I've got a beautiful new landscape.  Check it out!  Keep in mind, these will fill in and many are not in their blooming season yet.

We are planning to replace the vertical posts because the bottoms are starting to rot from water.  I need a contractor to tell me if I can do 2 instead of 3....we'll see.  I want to have larger posts with a decorative faux bottom.  It's in my head - and I know it will look great.  The side "supports" will be taken down and the header under the roof line will get replaced with straight boards.  It will be a whole new look!  However, that will have to wait until after my scrapbooking retreat this weekend!

Eventually, when we need to do the roof or the garage door finally goes, I'll paint the house and trim a different color.  I've already done the doors, but I'll need to do that again too.  :)  I can't help it.  I like change and pruning sucks.

Thanks for stopping by,

Mother's Day Card

Better late than never!  I was up very late Saturday night creating this card for both my mom and my MIL.  I didn't have any time until the night before, so I also didn't get a chance to photograph them or blog them until now.  For all the mothers out there - Happy Belated Mother's Day from me.

This card was inspired by one that Vicki from Wizard's Hangout made.  She got me going with the colors/paper pack and the base of the design.  It also works beautifully into the brand new challenges over at the Ribbon Carousel Challenge Blog - so this is for RCC1 too!  You should check them out if you haven't already.  And, of course, fits right in with the Mother's Day challenge over at H2H.

This card uses the following CTMH products: Kraft & Colonial White cardstock, Mayberry Level 2 paper packet, Cocoa, Honey & Smoothie ink pads, Opaques pearls, satin edged Colonial White ribbon and the brand new stamp set that is part of the You & Me kit on special this month only.  It's an awesome set and I can't wait to create more with it.  It's one of those that I see myself reaching for time and time again.  The punched CW border used a MS punch.

I hope everyone had a Happy Mother's Day!
Thanks for stopping by today,

Oooo, Blog Candy Coming!!

I noticed today that I'm almost at 1,000 views on my new blog - wow, thank you!  So, tell your friends, neighbors, fb buddies etc. to get a clicking.  When it hits 1,000 I'll put up a nice little blog candy prize for some lucky person to win!

That kind of day..

Oh my heavens, my darling son is making me crazy.  I love him to death, but he's been really at it all day today.  So, my friends, it's one of those "hand over the java chip ice cream, a big spoon, and leave me in peace" kind of moments.  Yes, I have java chip ice cream in my freezer and plan to wreck my diet by eating way more than the serving size tonight.  Some days are diet wrecker days.

Looking forward to a better tomorrow,

Do you want $400 for only $64.50??

CTMH is running the most amazing deal I have ever seen right now!!  If I weren't already a consultant, I'd sign-up...twice!!  During the month of May, the consultant kit is 50% off.  Plus, you'll get the May National Scrapbooking Month Kit for FREE.  Yes, that's a total of nearly $400.00 for only $64.50 folks.  That's a ton of stuff!!!  To sign up right now, and be part of a fabulously supportive team, click HERE.

CTMH is the BEST!!  Here's why you should sign-up to be a consultant, hobby consultant or just to get this special.  Consultants only have to reach a $300/quarter minimum retail sales - one of the lowest in the biz - to maintain their status.  This is just one gathering or workshop a month!  If you are a hobby consultant and don't want to actively have gatherings or workshops, it can easily be obtained by placing orders for yourself and your friends!  You'll enjoy a 22% discount, or more, and get all the benefits of being a consultant.

If you have any questions about this amazing deal or about the different types of consultants, please don't hesitate to contact me.  Please send me an email or click here for more details about this special.