Thursday, January 16, 2014

Crafty goals for January/February

One of my New Years resolutions was to give myself more crafty time.  I have been spending too much of my precious free time watching television and playing on my ipad. I miss the craftiness. I know my daughter would love to do more crafts as well! Pinterest is NOT crafting! 

Another resolution is to get this blog up and running again so i can share my craftiness. Sharing makes me ridiculously happy... As does seeing what my crafty friends do. I miss it. 

To keep myself on track I'm making little goals. I cant help it. I'm a list maker. It will help motivate me. Here are my lists for January 15-February 28

First things first. Take care of my girl
1. Make homemade valentines with Aubrey
2. Make little heart shaped crayons
3. Make the ice cream cone christmas trees. I did them for the non profit christmas party and she has wanted to do them badly ever since. (Just ran out of time) I figure we could make valentines day trees :) need to buy heart sprinkles :)

Now take care of me
4. 12 layouts
5. 5 cards (and enter them in challenges) 
6. Make the cute little sock snowman i have been thinking about doing for a month.
7. Valentines day decorations of some kind. Maybe some garland or something sparkly.

And the blog
8. Figure out how to use my new scanner so i can share my layouts. 
9. 15 posts
10. Decide exactly what i want to do with it and plan.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Back in the Saddle

Yesterday my baby girl turned 4.

FOUR!

How on earth did that happen so darned fast? For her birthday she got to take a fun filled trip to COSI (we were already in columbus with my husband on business) COSI has to be the coolest museum for children i have ever seen. They had a special exhibit with Curious George on top of the already fantastic exhibits they normally have. We got up early and went to breakfast then spent the entire day exploring. We left when they closed... At 5pm. On Friday. In downtown Columbus traffic. The freeway was horribly backed up. The normally less than 2 hour drive took us almost 5 (we did stop for an hour to eat)

Somewhere on the windblown freeway in 80 degree heat the little colds we had mutated  into something awful. Aubrey started spiking fevers of 103. I was dizzy and exhausted. Matt couldnt breathe. by the time we got home we were all a hot mess. It seems to be clearning up a little so hopefully the virus has run its course. Now that im finally home i need to get back into my routine.

Ive been getting alot of scrapping done lately thanks to challenges. I just learned i need to push thru what is blocking me. If I absolutely hate it I give my self permission to rip it to shreads, hide it where nobody can see it and rescrap the pictures. Im also playing a game where i pull a random kit/paper pack out of my closet and pretend i have to do something for a design team project. Its helping me use papers that have been sitting a long time.

I created this layout for the Bird is the Word challenge blog prompt DANCE!, for the Red Carpet studio bicentennial man challenge (use metal) and for the Birds of a feather birthday crop challenge BALLOONS.


My pictures arent the greatest atm as its a new learning curve. My beloved scanner bit the dust so at the moment im using the iphone4 to snap layout pictures on my front door. A cloudy day like today washes everything out. I made the little lollipop flower out of a pair of old jeans. the smaller pink circle was dyed using alcohol ink. Papers are cosmo cricket delovely.

I also made a card last night. The first on in well over 2 years. Of course I used one of my favorite little ODD girls.


Im entering her into the following challenges:
Birds of a feather crop yellow on a birthday card
4craftygirlz anything goes
MilkCoffee spots and dots
papertake weekly  Two by Two (2 patterned papers and 2 word sentiment)


Happy Sunday :)

Thursday, October 03, 2013

*Tap tap tap* is this thing on?


It's been over 2 years since I disappeared from the crafty world. A rough 2 years at that.

It started with my computer blowing up. Shortly after that my mojo started to wither away. Challenges, design teams and online scrappy friends were always a good motivator for me. My creative spirit went into hiding. It hurt.

5 months later I finally was able to connect again. I started looking back into things when the local government changed and my husband (and all department heads) lost his job. I found myself having to work at a job that I hated in order to help support my family. I was working 2 jobs for awhile. After a few months of looking he took a crappy sales job that would at least pay bills. That lasted for 4 months. The other salesmen had picked his territory clean while they were looking to hire someone. With no customers (and they wouldn't let him leave office to get new ones) it was impossible to meet sales quotas. We were right back where we started. 

A week after he lost his job I found out I was pregnant. I was both extremely happy and terrified. I continued to work a lot while my husband continued to job hunt and watch my daughter. Things were going well until I had my anatomy ultrasound at 18 weeks. 

The dr called me a few days later to tell me that there were a few abnormalities wth the ultrasound. He was measuring only 15 weeks and there was a herniation around the umbilical cord. She scheduled me a higher level ultrasound with a MFM specialist. The 2nd ultrasound at 20 weeks showed a small heart defect. They recommended I have an amnio because of the multiple defects.

It was just a few weeks before christmas that they called me to tell me my son had a chromosonal condition called trisonomy 18. She pretty much told me there was no chance he would survive. Only1% of babies that are born with the condition make it to their first birthday. 

I was willing to fight and to continue to give my son every minute he was able to live. My husband and I disagreed with this. It wasn't that he didn't love our family but to be honest I think some things arent real to men until the baby is born. Things that were very real to me weren't real to him. It became almost like he was in denial that I was even pregnant. We fought all the time. I just kept working aand holding tight to my 3 year old for comfort.

I continued to carry and love my son for 12 more weeks. I was alone at the Drs appointment when they told me he had already passed. Deep down I knew before I went in as the activity I had loved had slowed a few days prior. I had no choice but to deliver. He was born with his angel wings on February 23rd. I named him Brodie after my grandmother.

 I completely shut down and to be honest I do not remember much of December 2012 thru May 2013. I'm just now coming out of the depression I went into afterwards. Things are starting to look up a little and I'm trying to get back to doing things for me. Crafting and scrapping were a big part of that. I feel like I'm ready to scrap the few memories I have of my son. I feel like I've missed most of my daughters 3rd year and I feel the need to document her growing up. 

I'm starting and revamping my blog so I can do challenges and enter contests and maybe to start designing again. Honestly I'm quite thankful I still have 240 followers after being gone so long. If you are reading this... Thank you.


Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Wonderland

Some Odd Girll has been BUSY! This week they are debuting 14 new digital stamps for the fall winter holidays. The cool thing is Kristy is offering a sweet deal with this release. Everyday this week we will be debuting 3 new stamps on the Odd Girl Blog. The featured stamps will be 25% off for that day only!! WOW!

Today I have 2 of the 3 stamps to show you. First we head to wonderland for .... ALICE MAE!


Im entering her into the following challenges:
Sweet Stampin: anything goes
delicious doodles: cute as a button
Southern Girls: anything goes

How can you resist this cute little Miss? Ohh the altered projects I can make with her! She also has a fun friend Mad Hatter Kody!

and our 3rd and final reveal for today is the great MAGICIAN TOBIE! He is perfect for cards for that special little guy or even layouts of your little magician.


Im entering him into the following challenges:
Lexi's Creations: Card for a child
Partytime Tuesdays: anything goes
PaperSundaes: anything goes

If you love these images as much as I do.... dont miss out on that chance to get them 25% off. Sure they will be there next week, but you'll pay more for them. Stop by today

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Color inspiration

Check out this gorgeous photo that is the inspiration for the newest Some Odd Girl challenge!

How gorgeous is that! I want to make one for my craftroom. The colors are amazing and i love the texture the balls of yarn add. The Odd girls all made cards inspired by this photo. Here is mine using Tree Trimming Kaylee clear stamp

If the photo inspires you Id love for you to come play along! You can win free SOGgy stamps :)

Friday, September 16, 2011

Lets get hopping!

Welcome to the Some Odd Girl holiday CLEAR stamp blog hop!! 

All you have to do is comment on every blog for chance at the special surprise giveaway. You have through Sunday at 11:59PM EST to get your comments in! Winner will be announced on Monday.
Today they are debuting the 2 new 4x6 stamp sets. They each include one darling little tiny, several sentiments, decorations and a fun friend.


Meet ......Deck the Halls Tobie



and Warm Wishes Tia
2 terrific Tinies just waiting for you to create with

Sadly I didnt get to play with one of these darling sets. Stupid stamp supplier shorted the samples. I did however create a few cards just for today's hop!

Let's revisit a few of the stamps that came out earlier this week....

The lovely Deer Mae with her pretty little presents:

and to show the versatility of Hollyday Gwen; here is a NON holiday card

Thanks for popping by my blog. Your next stop is....  AMY! Full list is below in case u get lost.

Sandie
Sarah (you are here)

Have a crafty weekend and Get your ODD on! :)

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Haaaaaaaave you met Gwen?

There's a new girl in towwwwwwwn! Have you met the sweet and sassy GWEN? She is the newest girl over at Some Odd girl and is currently only available in the clear holiday stamp release.


I seriously love her curls and that dress... where can I buy one? I busted out an old old Poppy Ink kit for this card. Yes that is Daisy D's paper. I think it went perfect with Miss Gwen's vintage spunk.

I love the lil holly bunch stamps too!

Im entering her into the following challenges:

Dont forget the blog hop tomorrow! If I know Kristy there will be fabulous prizes involved! Make sure you check it out.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Trim the Tree

Its day 2 of the Some Odd Girl holiday release and Miss Kaylee is ready to trim the tree!


Isn't she sweet?! I just adore the ornaments and the sassy bells on her sock! The ornaments were so fun to work with too. I made this simple little card with an ornament banner

I used the awesome Sept kit from Tidbitz in Time for this card (I havent blogged my tidbitz projects yet but you can see them on the website)

Im entering her into the following challenges:


Dont forget you can still get that pre-order sale price on the new clear stamps! Get that order in before the end of the week

Monday, September 12, 2011

Are you ready for the holidays?

The holidays are just around the corner and Some Odd Girl is ready to help you tackle them! The new holiday clear stamp release debuts today with a sneaky peek of the new line everyday this week.  Kristy is giving a special pre order discount for everyone that orders before the release date! Check them out here and order for $1 off 

Today is the darling Deer Mae


Dont you just love her lil tail and ears? The prezzie and the heart fit perfectly in the lil circle! Instead of a card I made a little mini wall hanging / tree ornament.


and a closer pic
The papers are old old scenic route! I used a chipboard frame, added some backing and then decorated. I used bakers twine to hang it because well... Im in love with bakers twine. :)


Not sure where she will go come Christmas. Maybe on the wall in the kitchen, maybe on the christmas tree. I just know I love her :)

Im entering her into the following challenges:
Pile It on: Layers
AllSorts: flowers and swirls
Bee Crafty : frames
Stamp Something: anything goes

Sunday, September 11, 2011

In stitches!

Have you checked out the new Some Odd Girl challenge? This week its allll about the stitches. It can be machine stitches (i wish... no machine here), hand stitches or even faux stitches. It just needed to look allll cute and stitchy.

I made this little taggie tag using School Mae digital stamp

I added a few little hand stitches. Papers are Crate Paper Emma's Shoppe and Cosmo Cricket 1934

If you like to stitch hop on over to Some Odd Girl  and play along with us.

Also if you pinterest.... check out my NEW Some Odd Girl pinterest board! I'll be pinning fabulous cards from our design team, challenge participants and other odd fans! Are you pinned?

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Midnights and Mad Men

Once again its 4am and I am wide awake. I tried to go to sleep, but after an hour of tossing a turning listening to my husband snore I decided to get up. My scraproom is calling my name!  I should sneak downstairs and finish the layout I started earlier today for the SUPER FUN cyber crop at Tallyscrapper, but Im afraid if I do I'll never get back to sleep. So here I sit  browsing pinterest, eating pretzels and watching Mad Men in the middle of the night.


 Im obsessed with Mad Men at the moment. I love it so much. Im halfway through season 4 and Im really going to HATE when I have to wait for episodes. Its amazing! The sets. The excessive drinking. The language.... and Oh my the clothes.....  Id love to own everything Joan wears..... and the dresses and nightgowns Betty gets to wear. So girlish and feminine. Why dont we get to dress like that anymore?  Sigh. It all reminds me of my grandparents.

A few days ago the new Some Odd Girl challenge came out . Almost like an art class refresher course.....This one is all about the COLOR WHEEL

Remember that?? The challenge is to use 2 COMPLIMENTARY colors (you know on opposites sides of the wheel) . You can use different shades of the colors.... but stick with those 2.

Here is my card using RED and GREEN (with shades of pink and lime) Its featuring School Mae digi stamp.

Im entering her into the following challenges.
Craft Us Crazy (anything goes)
Incy Wincy (old scenic route paper, NEW odd girl stamp)
4 crafty chicks (twine)
KB Cute Monday (anything goes)

Monday, August 08, 2011

Once upon a Sketch

Tidbitz in Time is sponsoring Once Upon A Sketch this month so I decided to play along. Its probably the most amazing sketch blog Ive ever seen. Now those that know me know that Im not a fan of sketches. For the most part they stifle my creativity and make me stay in a box.... but I love these sketches! Plus the design team is to die for! So much gorgeousness on one blog is almost too much for me. It just makes me need to create!

Here is Nadia's sketch for August 1st




and here is my take. You can click to make it bigger


I also had to use the journaling prompt..... "A perfect Day"

Thursday, August 04, 2011

A mini assignment book

I love to make mini albums but I dont make them as often as Id like. I have lots of blank albums in a box just waiting for the creative itch to strike. Ive had this little maya road chipboard album for years. Its a cute little d-ring binder with chipboard pages. The moment I saw it I knew what I wanted to do.

Ive been looking to do a little notebook to keep track of design team assignments. Something to keep the lists of things to do and due dates and all that fun stuff. A d-ring is perfect!! I can refill the pages over and over and keep the book longer. Perfect.

I decided against painting the book because I liked the kraftiness of it. (plus it made the project faster) I used mod podge to adhere the papers and then embellished. Its all paper scraps of October Afternoon, Elle's Studio journaling card and Jenni Bowlin. The stamp is Bookish Tia from the NEW Some Odd Girl release.

Front Cover


Inside binder






Wouldnt it also be awesome for a little young lady going back to school? I bet my nieces would adore something like this. I can not wait to use it. I just need cut and punch some notebook paper to fill it Easy peasy :)

I also get to think up something to do with the cool chipboard pages I took out of it. Hopefully I'll have another fun project in the works soon

Tuesday, August 02, 2011

Yep.... still ODD

Still an ODD girl that is. Yippee Skippy! Ive signed on for another fun filled term as a Some Odd Girl design team member. Im also going to be Co-design team coordinator with the lovely Leah L'Orange. Im very excited to work with Kristy and Leah and help SOG get even bigger!! We have lots of fun contests and guest designer opportunities in the works.... so if you havent yet make sure LIKE the facebook page :)

This week is the Back to School release sneaky peekies AND the fabulous design team intros. Everyday you can meet NEW (and returning) designers and check out a few of the new stamps coming out August 8th. You can also comment to win FREE STAMPS everyday this week. I also heard something about a SALE going on :)

Today I got to work with Cheer Kaylee! She is perfect for a congrats card or maybe some words of encouagement! Here is my card.................

Papers are Cosmo Cricket Upcycle, Im in love with yellow and gray lately.

Im entering her into the following challenges:
Creative Craft World (no birthdays)
All Sorts (free and easy)
Sew Many Cards (anything goes)

Sunday, July 31, 2011

A Moment like This

After playing with the deliciously elegant August kit from Tidbitz in Time I am officially in LOVE with Crate Paper again. The Portrait collection is indeed to die for and this kit has all kinds of goodies paired with it....... Printed chipboard shapes, laces and trims, 4 different kinds of flowers, 2 alphas, border sticker strips, and bling frames! Take a peek and fall in love....


I used it for baby and wedding photos but I think the papers are classic enough to be used with almost anything. I love the unique color combo too. I went through this kit in 2 days I loved it so much. Here are 3 of my layouts and 1 card. I have another layout coming soon... its a guest layout for Once Upon a Sketch so I cant share it yet.

I added the red doilies, bakers twine and shipping tags to this layout


I added the yellow flowers and kraft cardstock to this layout


I added a red heart doily and red cardstock to this card I made using the paper scraps. 

This layout has a white cardstock background that you cant see in the photo very well

Dont wait a lifetime for "A Moment like This"! Get yours before its gone!

Friday, July 29, 2011

Thanks a bunch

Happy Thursday! Its a hot hot hot one today fo sho! I just spent a fabulous afternoon out in the pool playing with Aubrey and singing the ABCs. My child is obsessed with them at the moment so we sing them over and over. As annoying as it can get, Im proud them my lil princess knows her ABCs. I mean she isnt even 2 yet.

Tomorrow I will brave the hell that is Chuck E Cheese with Aubs and my 6 yr old nephew Tyler. Please pray for my sanity :p (hopefully I will get some good pictures as my reward)

Its also time for another Some Odd Girl challenge. This one is all about THANKS. You need to create a card using some sort of thank you sentiment. Its the last one featuring the current design team so pop over and check out their cuteness they created before they are gone

Here is my card using Tiny Baker Tia clear stamp

Papers are cosmo cricket delovely :)

Im also entering her into the following challenges:
Do you stack up (orange, yellow and brown)
KB Cute Monday (food and beverages)
Clear it out (anything goes)
Paper Shelter (anything goes)
Lollipop Crafts (anything goes)
Kaboodle Doodles (faux stitching)
Paper Cupcake (layer)
Catered Crop (strawberries, circles, checks, markers, doodling)

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Pretty peekies

Thursday I got my August design team kit from Tidbitz in time and I couldnt wait to dive in. It was perfect timing since I was spending most of the day Friday cropping with my mom. I cant tell you how nice it was to spend the day with my mom, my grandma and my daughter getting crafty and talking. It was very much needed. I snapped these peekies for my fellow Tidbitz members who I know are chomping at the bit for a glimpse of what is to come....




I cant wait to share these projects! I love everything I made with it. I havent scrapped with paper made by this company in a long time and it has completely renewed my love for them. I cant wait to dig into them more. Heck I think I want more of THESE papers as well. Always leave them wanting more.... right?

Im hoping to get to craft more tonight too! Its been so EVILLY hot that my poor air conditioner is struggling to keep up. My scrap room in the basement is NICE and COOL. If only I can get Aubrey to play too. I think its time to let her play with the inkpads and the stamps again :)

Monday, July 18, 2011

One crazy weekend!

I had one crazy saturday

My husband knows Ive been stressed because I never seem to do anything fun anymore (and he does all the time) so he decided to surprise me and plan an evening out for us. We went bar hopping on the boat with 2 other couples. He even booked the babysitter!

It was a blast. We cruised the lake, had fruity drinks, jammed with the bands, had great food, then shots, the sang ridiculously bad karoke and left just in time to get back home when we were supposed to. It was perfect.... that is until the motor all the sudden stopped about 200 yards from the dock. Just stopped. At 1am. In the pitch black night. On the water. FUN.

So of course the boys try to play mechanic. My husband is actually really good at fixing things and probably could have had us motoring within 5 minutes had he not been SO ridiculously drunk. They misdiagnosed the problem and made it worse by flooding water into the engine. We were stuck..... and then my husband fell into the table and broke it.

Luckily someone came along on the way and towed us back to the dock. Unfortunately nobody latched the cowl (cover on the motor) and we lost it.  Then my we had to jump in the water and pull the boat into to dock. Luckily i packed towels and extra tee shirts.

Nothing like a drunken adventure. lol. The next morning my husband was hungover. I was fine. Its easier to recover at 32 then 40 me thinks.... and well I have the gift of knowing when to stop.

Sunday was my nephew Tyler's 6th birthday party. I was gone allll day with that too so needless to say my house is a disaster area! I probably should be cleaning it right now :)

Here is the card I made for my nephew's birthday using Big Day Tobie :)

Im entering him into the following challenges:
Fab n Funky (food)
Crafty Creations (boyz to men)
Sweet Stampin (one for the boys)
Totally GORJUSS (boys)

Friday, July 15, 2011

On the Lily Pad

This week I am guest designing for Lily Pad Cards. The theme for their challenge this week is.... PATRIOTIC! It can be your country or your state (or province) pride.

I pondered the theme for a bit. I thought about doing an Ohio card......but Id almost certainly have to include a buckeye on that and THIS girl went to PENN STATE (and therefor is not a fan of that funky nut) Then I remembered the little flag picks that I had left over from a party several years ago.

The flag picks that were still packed somewhere in my basement because.....
1. I moved when my daughter was 3 weeks old and I didnt get everything unpacked and
2. They were packed with all my novelty drinking accessories and lets face it... I dont have many parties with funky shots and drinking games anymore now that I have a toddler.

So of course since I remembered that I had them I set out on a mission to find them. It didnt take me very long thankfully.... and they were perfect!

So here it is..... my red, white and blue card using Sweet Thinkin Mae clear stamp from Some Odd Girl.


 Im also entering her into the following challenges:
Charisma (its in the stars)
Simon Says Stamp (anything goes)
Prarie Fairy (summer holiday)


Now hop on over to Lily Pad and play along! Prize is 5 digis from SOG! That is an amazing score for the winner

If anyone wants a few flag picks let me know (in the comments)..... i have a gazillion and i can mail you a few for just 1 stamp

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Lift it Up!

The newest challenge at Some Odd Girl is to LIFT an Odd Girl!  I scoured the other design team members blogs for hours. Such fantastic talent. It took me forever to choose a card I wanted to recreate. I ended up choosing THIS card from the lovely Zarah . I wanted to trade her soft and lovely colors with my bright and funky colors! I hope I did her justice.

 Papers are October Afternoon Modern homemaker (because I just cant get enough) The stamp I used is Tiny Baker Tia! She is one of the brand new CLEAR stamps that just hit the Some Odd Girl store on Tuesday

Im also entering her into the following challenges:
OSAAT (anything goes)
KB cute Monday (something cute)
Fresh Brewed (3s... I used 3 flowers and 3 patterned papers
Cupcake inspiration (rainbow cupcakes)
Catered crop (markers, cake, doodles)

Monday, July 11, 2011

Dream in Color

Oh holy fricking gorgeousness!! Have you seen the July kit from Tidbitz In Time? I think it is one of my favorite kits EVER (and that is saying a ton because back in the diz-ay I was a bit of a kit whore) The papers are from Girls Paperie and Prima. Its full of sequined butterflies, prima flowers, flocked alphas, pearls, lace, tinsel, sparkly chipboard and beaded gem sprays! Check out this amazing kit!


I made 6 layouts, 3 tags and 1 card with this kit. I just couldnt get enough!! Here are a few of my projects.






Ive already shared the card and the tags..... and I'll be posting the rest of the projects in a few days. In the meantime get your keyster over there and get that kit!!

Friday, July 08, 2011

Hop Hop Hop!

Hey hey Odd girl FANS...... its time for the Some Odd Girl new release BLOG HOP!! Yay!!!!!

 I hope you've enjoyed the peekies (both here and on the Odd Blog) this week welcoming the latest release of Some Odd Girl clear stamps! Now the rockin Miss Kristy is going to give you a chance to WIN THEM!! Yep.... all 5 fabulous stamps and sentiments..... and trust me there is nothing like ripping open that package of "rubber" ! I jumped for joy when my DT package got here :)

Sooooo you want to win.......All you have to do to win is HOP by all the design team blogs, gaze at the darling last image of the new release and leave a comment. Once that is done go to the Odd Blog and check back in. Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy, right?

Our last sneaky peeky is the ever so cute Pinwheel Panda. Look how ca-ute he is still there with his fun summer toy! This isnt exactly my favoritist card.... but the cuteness of the image speaks for himself right?


and since I have you here.... I figured Id share some taggies I made with my SOGgies last night. I really REALLY wanted to get my craft on... but my back has been out and let's just say I was a tad overmedicated. (i.e. practically drooling) and couldnt concentrate on a big project.... so I got my tag on. I used scraps from my July Tidbitz in Time kit. and a few of my favorite girls




and Im SURE I dont have to tell you that all of those images are on SALE for 25% off until July 10th right?

Now that part you have all been waiting for.... here is where you need to get hopping to win those stamps!! I hope you win big!