It's July!

Happy July, All!

I have to admit, that I thought I would have a ton of time to scrap, blog and just relax, but so far it's been anything but calm and relaxing. Zack decided to take Spanish 2 in summer school, instead of taking it next year. Add to that open fields for soccer, gymnastics and counseling sessions, and the time has just flown by me! 

Now, I have managed to find lots of time to scrap, and want to share some of them with you.

First off, I have a few more layouts to share using the June Birds of a Feather kit. 

This first layout was created using flowers that I created for a tutorial over at Birds of a Feather. Now, I didn't come up with this technique, it's just one that I've wanted to try for a while. 

Here is the step-by-step tutorial: Paper Flowers

And, here is the layout that I created using the flowers:

And a couple of close ups of the flowers:

This next layout is a special one for my middle son, Kaleb Michael. In May we found out that one of our cats, Lady Jade, was dying from acute kidney failure. She was Kal's favorite, his baby girl, and it was a very hard time for the entire family, but especially him. However, he was a trooper through it all, and I wanted to document the story for him. I also used the last picture that I took of Lady Jade and Kal for this layout.

Here is the story. I tucked this behind the smaller picture. 

This next layout is also for Kal. He LOVES to read, and we often talk about how books can take us to far off wonderful places. Thus, the travel themed papers and embellies were perfect for this type of layout. 

Now, other then working with my kits, I also managed to join in the fun over at the June From Here 2 Scrapternity crop. It felt great to create without deadlines AND to dig into my stash and use up some older papers and embellies :D

 Here is the layout that I created for the challenge I hosted. For this one I wanted you to be inspired by clothing. This saying came from a t-shirt that I've thought about buying for Zack.

This layout was for a challenge where we had to create a double layout. It was just the push I needed to get started back on my Project 12 album. 

This layout was created for a Something Old, Something New, Something borrowed & Something blue challenge. I was inspired by a layout from Nichole N. That was my borrowed part.

 This layout was created for the recipe challenge. I loved using these papers and think I may need to pick up a few more pieces :D

This layout was created for a flower challenge.  I loved using these older Rusted Sun papers and embellies.

This layout was created for the sketch challenge. There were lots of circles on it, and that of course, led me to soccer balls :D

 This last layout was created for a Summer challenge. Again, I loved digging out some older Echo Park papers and embellies.

Well, I have lots more to share, but think I will end it for tonight. However, I will be back later this weekend to share more layouts for my Project 12 album and all the layouts that I've created using the July Birds of a Feather Kit. 

TGIF, All!

June Birds of a Feather Kit, Glitz Blog & a Giveaway!

Happy June, Everyone! Let me start this post by saying, "I MADE IT!" Yep, I made it through the school year.

There were lots of times that I wasn't sure I would make it, but I actually did :D

Now, let me share some yummy scrappiness with everyone: The June Birds of a Feather Kit. This month's kit is full of wonderful Glitz Design Happy Travels papers and stickers, 7 Gypsies Antiquaries Postale papers and stickers, Bazzill cardstock, Hambly Studio overlay, Pink Paislee trims, Heidi Swapp pennants, Studio Calico wood veneers, Thickers, Prima ink and yummy ribbon.

Now, I've just started playing with this kit, so I only have two layouts to share with you. This first one came about because of all the time I spend in my car. 

 

This second layout is one that I did for a special blog post over at Glitz Design. Since the kit had so much Glitz Design product in it, the girls over at Glitz did a special blog reveal for the kit. And, as an added bonus, if you check out the post and leave a comment by midnight, June 8th, your name will be entered into the drawing for a free June kit from Birds of a Feather!

Here is my layout. Since Lady Jade recently passed away, I really wanted to do a special layout for Kaleb Michael. 

And a close up of the flowers that I made. I used my Big Kick and a die to cut them out, and LOVE the look of them.

Okay, off to do some more creating with this yummy kit. Have a wonderful Saturday!

Fun, Funky and Bright BOAF Kit

Hello Wednesday and Hello Hump Day! I am so happy that this work week is almost over, and as of today, I have just ten days left in this school year :D Let's just say that this has been a LONG and DIFFICULT school year, and there were often times I didn't think I would make it to this point without breaking.

Now, I want to share my layouts that I created using the May Birds of a Feather Kit. When I first saw this kit, I smiled. It's just so fun, funky and bright!

 Once I had this kit in hand, I knew it was perfect for pictures of my dd, Taylor Quinn. This first picture was taken back when she was just two and a half. That pout was pretty common back then, and we still get glimpses of it (even though she is 9 1/2)

This second layout was inspired by one by Nichole N. I loved her frame idea, so I fussy cut all of these frames and then went to town decorating them.

 This layout was created for the Flock Together Crop. I love these ladies!

I took this picture of myself last summer, and when I saw this AT tag, I knew what title I wanted to use. I then used lots of scraps and doodles to create a fun layout.

For this last layout, I went back to pictures of Taylor. I took these last summer, and when I loaded them to my computer I was amazed and how she has grown. My baby girl is quickly growing up on me :(

As you can see, I've LOVED working with this kit. I have had so much fun playing with the colors and patterns.

Have a great Wednesday!

It's Time! 

The Flock Together Crop and Super NSD Sale are on over at Birds of a Feather Kit Co. The crop challenges are AWESOME, and the sale that Amy has going on in the Boutique is OUTRAGEOUS! She has lots and lots of items priced at just $1, and lots of paper and cardstock at slashed prices. Trust me, you don't want to wait to check out the selection...things are going to go fast at these prices!

As for the crop, the Scrap Chicks have challenged our members to Celebrate ______________. Each of us filled in the blank with something different. I did three challenges, and picked Friends, Faith and Love as my themes. 

A Celebration of Friends:

Friendships are everlasting bonds in our lives. They are those individuals that we connect with, relate to, laugh with, cry with and for; they are friends. The great thing about scrapbooking is that it has brought a lot of us together, who would otherwise never meet or have the chance to be friends. So, this challenge is all about Friendship. You need to create a layout about friends or friendship. I would LOVE if you made this a Book of Me challenge and made a layout about you and your friends (in real life and/or online), but you can also think broader and look at your kids, your family members, etc.

Here is my layout. I chose to do a layout of my three closest friends. I've known Pam for six years and she is an online scrappy friend. Susie and I have known each other for eight years. We met through our boys and we can spend hours sitting out on the porch talking. Toda is my best friend at work, and we've known each other for thirteen years. We keep each other sane in an often insane environment of 8th grade.

A Celebration of Faith:

For me, my faith and relationship with God is an important part of my life. So, I really wanted to host a challenge that celebrated Faith.

When I looked up the definition of Faith at dictionary.com, these are what popped up:
FAITH:
1. Confidence or trust in a person or thing: faith in another's ability.
2. Belief that is not based on proof: He had faith that the hypothesis would be substantiated by fact.
3. Belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion: the firm faith of the Pilgrims.
4. Belief in anything, as a code of ethics, standards of merit, etc.: to be of the same faith with someone concerning honesty.
5. A system of religious belief: the Christian faith; the Jewish faith.
6. The obligation of loyalty or fidelity to a person, promise, engagement, etc.: Failure to appear would be breaking faith.
7. The observance of this obligation; fidelity to one's promise, oath, allegiance, etc.: He was the only one who proved his faith during our recent troubles.
8. Christian Theology . the trust in God and in His promises as made through Christ and the Scriptures by which humans are justified or saved.

Now, there are so many different ways to approach this challenge. Maybe you want to talk about the faith you have in your marriage or relationship with another. Maybe you want to talk about your faith in someone or something following through with a task, or maybe, like me, you want to talk about your Faith/religion.

Here is my layout. I took this picture of the stack of bibles on our nightstand. I see them every night before I go to bed and every morning when I wake up. They are a constant comfort and reminder of my relationship with the Lord.

A Celebration of Love:

When I was brainstorming possible topics for challenges, Taylor came up with this one and I loved the idea. There are lots of things in our life to celebrate, but LOVE is one of the most precious ones. So, you need to create a layout that celebrates love. To give this just a little (and easy twist), you MUST use the word "LOVE"  on your layout.

Here is my layout for this challenge. I used one picture of us as a family, then grabbed smaller random pictures of Toby, Jon and the kids.

There are lots more challenges over at the BOAF Forum, and there will be several games during the weekend, too. We'd love for you to join us for all the fun and scrappy goodness going on this weekend!

Have a Blessed Friday!

NSD Crop at Birds of a Feather Kit Co.

Saturday is National Scrapbook Day, and to celebrate we are having a Flock Together Crop over at Birds of a Feather Kit Co.

We are going to have lots of challenges, cames, fellowship, and of course, BINGO!

I hope you will join us for this fun-filled event!

Okay, I have no idea how the time has gotten away from me! This has been such a challenging school year for me, and at times I thought it would NEVER end. And now, here I am, with just 19 more days to go!

Of couse, I knew that as soon as spring hit, life would ramp up in our house and the days would fly by, but it is still kind of surprising.

We've been super busy in the Harper household, mainly with soccer. Zack is playing with the Pride, again this year, and they made it into the top devision in the Buckeye Premier (yep, super proud momma, here!) Anyway, that leads to practices three times a week, all in Canal Winchester, which is an hour and five minutes away. So, I've spent a LOT of time on the road. Let's just say it's a good thing I LOVE my Denali...lol. Add to that schedule the league games and tournaments, and there are times I can't tell if I'm coming or going.

Tay is doing gymnastics and added tumbling this session, so that takes up our Wednesday nights. Add to all that the regular day-to-day household stuff and trying to get the garden planted, and there doesn't seem to be much time left for scrapping :( However, summer is quickly approaching and then I will have all the time in the world to scrap :)

Now, with all of that said, I have done SOME scrapping, and I wanted to share my latest layouts with you. These are all layouts that I created using the April Birds of a Feather Kit Co. kit. It was full of beautiful new Prima, and I really pushed myself to look beyond just traditional heritage layouts.

This first project was actually a card I created for a tutorial. Now, I don't usually make cards (I have often called myself cardmaking challenged) but I did like how this one turned out.

Of course, I had to do a layout of Little Man, and that is how this layout came to be. I had so much fun using my Big Kick to create the flourishes and leaves.

 

 This next layout was a special one for Kaleb Michael. He is going through a tough time at schools (bullies and anger issues...gotta love that - NOT) and this layout was just for him. He adores Toby, and wanted me to take this picture of the two of them together. Even thought he papers and colors lent themselves to more feminine layouts, I was surprised at how well they could be used on a layout like this, too.

This layout is my favorite! It was inspired by a favorite scrappy artist, Wendy McKell. I loved the grid/box design. I also had so much fun decorating the boxes! Lots of inking going on with this kit, too!

This last layout was created for the April color challenge on the BOAF board, and it was inspired by the April kit. I also had some inspirational help from a layout over at the Prima board. This is just a fun layout of Zack and Little Man. Toby thinks he's such a BIG DOGGIE...lol.

Well, I have other layouts to share, using the May Birds of a Feather kit (whick is AWESOME, by the way) but will save that for another day!

Have a wonderful Friday Eve!!!!

I Love Me the Blues!

Happy Friday Eve, Everyone! I can not believe how quickly this week has gone, and I'm totally okay with that! I've had a challenging school  year, this year, and the faster I get to May 23rd, the happier I will be :p

Anyway, I had my first reveal over at Birds of a Feather Kit Co, using the March kit, and couldn't wait to share them with you! 

First of all, I have LOVED this kit! The colors, the patterns, the great embellies...it's all AWESOME! I was so inspired by it, that I even pulled out my old 1940's White sewing machine and stitched on both layouts :D

Lucky to Have You in my Life:

For this first layout, I grabbed a Page Map sketch and got busy. I used my Big Kick to cut out the leaves, which I then layered with lots of stickers (from the Main Kit) and buttons (from my stash).

You are One of a Kind:

For this second layout, I pulled out scraps and got busy layering my papers, patterns and embellishments (I LOVE layers :D ) I used the frame from the main kit, along with flowers and stickers to create my subtitle. I also used more of the leaves (cut from the extra cardstock that you can order with the kit), buttons, twine (found in the Birds of a Feather boutique) and stickers to finish out the layout. 

As you can see, I've loved playing with this kit, and can't wait for this weekend and more scrappy time! 

 Have a wonderful Thursday, and you haven't checked us out already, please stop by Birds of a Feather Kit Co. Besides the awesome kits, there are wonderful monthly challenges and the opportunity to win a Guest Design Team Member spot for the month of April!

A Winner and a Sneak!

Happy Saturday! I am finally finding a few moments of quiet to post, and then it's back to the craziness that is our life. Zack started training for Spring Soccer this week, and that means that I am now making 2-3 trips to Canal Winchester, a 65 mile drive....one way, every week. We lucked out this week and don't have any practice today, so I plan on enjoying my last free Saturday!

Anyway, before I head out with the kids for some shopping and eating, I wanted to let everyone know who won the Birds of a Feather Blog Hop. I threw everyone's name into a bowl and had Miss Taylor pick the winner, and she picked out Miriam Prantner! Miriam, please send me an email at ljharper@hughes.net and I will get your Birds of a Feather Gift Certificate off to you! 

The next thing I want to share with you are a couple of quick peaks at the March Birds of a Feather Kit Co. Can I just say, having seen the whole kit and extras, that I am LOVING this kit? I REALLY can't wait to get my hands on it and start creating! 

Aren't the blues and yellows yummy? I'm so excited about this kit, and have already started planning my layouts/projects!

Okay, time to go get ready and head out for some shopping. Have a wonderful Saturday!

It's a Lovebirds Crop 'n Hop!

Happy Friday and Welcome to the Birds of a Feather Lovebirds Crop 'n Hop! Hopefully, you have been directed here from Lisa's blog. If you are just visiting (and weren't directed here from Lisa's Blog), please join us for the complete Blog Hop and Crop. All you have to do is start Here, hop from blog to blog, and finish up at the Birds of a Feather blog. If you complete the entire Hop, you will be eligible for a Maya Road kit valued at $35. Here is a look at this super cute prize: 

And here is a list of the goodies included in the prize package:
~ Maya Road "Home" Mini-Album
~ 2 Full Blister-packs of Maya Road Mini Chipboards
~ Full Pack of Maya Road Kraft Tags
~ Pot of Maya Road Glitter
~ Maya Road Ink Pad
~ Full Tin of Ribbon Slides
~ Exclusive Maya Road "Home Is" Stamp
~ All papers needed to create this project
~ Step-by-step Instructions

Since this weekend is the Lovebirds Crop 'n Hop over at Birds of a Feather Kit Co., I want to share my Crop Challenge with you. One of my favorite movie quotes is, "There's just something about you that I like," from Santa Clause 2. Since this is a Lovebirds crop, I combined the two and came with my challenge. So, I want you to pick someone or something that you like/love and create a layout about the person or thing. To add a little twist, I want you to journal about WHY that person or thing is special in your life. Your journaling needs to be visible, and at least 20 words long....the rest is up to you!

Here is my layout for this challenge:

I used the February Birds of a Feather Kit and Extras to complete this layout about my kids. The minute I saw the FabScraps Tri-Circle Swirl Diecut Chipboard Frame I knew it would be perfect for pictures of my kids (since I have three). I left it "naked" because I loved the look of it against the browns and reds of the papers. To shake things up a little, I then added my journaling around the outside of the floral paper and it reads: These three make me laugh more, cry a lot harder, worry myself sick, lay awake at night, try harder to be a better person. These three make me see life in a whole different perspective. These three each carry a little piece of my heart with them where ever they go. These three give me hope, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Now, since this Blog Hop is part of the Birds of a Feather Kit Co. Lovebirds Crop, I've got a special treat for one lucky person who comments on this post: a $10 gift card to the Birds of a Feather Boutique! Since we are Hopping all weekend long, you have until Sunday night, at midnight, to leave me a comment. And since the crop challenges are due by the 15th (Wednesday), I will wait to post my blog winner around the 17th. You do not have to be a follower of my blog, but if you like what you see, I'd love for you to stick around and become a follower.

Now, since the Lovebirds Crop is going on all weekend, I'd love to have you join us for lots of fun challenges and games. Also, if you play along with us, you have a chance to win some super great prizes!

Okay, it's time to hop on over to Amy's blog to continue on with the fun! Remember, if you finish the entire hop, you are eligible for that darling Maya Road prize! Enjoy the rest of the crop and I sure hope you will join us over at the forums for a weekend full of scrapping, games and fun!

Birds of a Feather February Kit and Layouts

Happy Saturday! It's been super crazy around here, with Jon and I both celebrating birthdays and work, work, work! 

I've also been busy creating with the February Birds of a Feather kit. Let me tell you, Amy did another amazing job with this month's kit! There's lots and lots of Basic Grey, along with ribbon, and flowers...perfect for February. If you haven't picked up the kit, yet, I'm sorry to say that it is sold out. However, you can still pick up the extra paper and any of the extra add-ons that are available. I loved everything so much, that I picked up all of the extras (I'm telling you, it's one AMAZING kit!)

Here is the Main Kit:

Here are the Add-Ons. Most of them are still available, so grab one, or two....or all of them :D

Extra Paper Package

Extra Embellishment Package One

Extra Embellishment Package Two

Color Me Paper Package

Martha Stewart Punch

Dew Drop Inks 

Along with the Dandelion, you can also pick up Rich Cocoa, Tangelo, Angel Pink, Rhubarb Stalk and/or Rosebud. I love these little guys, because they fit perfectly in my hand and are so easy to manipulate on paper or when inking edges. 

Now, before I log off, I want to share two layouts that I created with this kit and add-ons. 

This first layout was inspired by the Heart Breaker paper and a layout that I saw in the newest Scrapbook Trends magazine. I fussy cut the hearts and then inked each with the Rhubarb Stalk Dew Drop ink. I then used tiny strips of papers and several die cuts to finish up the layout.

This next layout is for my best friend. This is her sweet baby girl, Joanie Mae. I used lots of stickers from the add-on sheet and just layered away. I finished up with one of the layered trim pieces from the main kit and Thickers (can I just say, I LOVE this font?!)

Okay, off to get productive today. Lots of cleaning, laundry and scrapping on the agenda. I might throw in some shopping, too! 

Have a wonderful Saturday!