Sketches in Thyme #129 Blog Hop

If you have come here from Wendi's blog, you are in the right place on the hop!!! Just remember to go back to Sketches in Thyme and leave a comment about what inspired you most on the hop.

It's September 1, and that means the reveal is here for Sketches in Thyme #129....

The talented, Bev Code, created this lovely sketch....

I decided to do a layout with photos I took of Ashlea at the end of junior high this May. I love these photos and was waiting for just the right inspiration. Bev's sketch was it!!!! 

 Recipe: CTMH~Clair Workshop on the go, wooden mini medley, and sorbet fibers twine. I used Ranger Distress Ink in Walnut, the flower, muslin, and burlap ribbon are from Recollections. Icut the little twisty curls from the Cricut Artiste. The rub-ons were just in my old stash.

Check out the prize that one very lucky participant from September will win!!!!

HUGE CTMH prize pack. To be eligible to win, all you have to do is follow Sketches in Thyme and enter a layout for both sketches by September 30!  

If you haven't been on the blog hop yet, please begin at Sketches in Thyme and have fun as you are sure to be inspired by these fabulously talented Mavens.

Kim Sparks
Happy Scrapping,

#Beauty....

I am playing with the final sketch at Colorful Creations for this month....This was my layout...not crazy about the way it photographed...

 Here is the sketch and you can see I took some liberties with the side edges. I chose not to use them.

Kim Sparks

 

 

Double Champ and a Precious Cause....

Please read about Destiny's Hope...
It is time for Winterfest in dance and cheer competition. My Ashlea's Jr. Prep squad took first place in both their jazz and pom divisions yesterday. The Winterfest was held in the Lexington Center, just below Rupp arena. The Wildcats and the Indiana Hoosiers were playing at the exact time we danced.
I'm just sharing a few snapshots this morning before be begin our trek back home. There is a huge winter storm brewing and hopefully we make it before the brunt of it hits.

This is Gran and Ashlea just after awards. My Gran looks so wonderful and she feels it too!

Where has the last ten years gone? I can't believe she has grown so quickly, but ohhhhh how proud I am of the beautiful young lady she is becoming! Notice her purple medals around her neck in this one! Yay...


Ashlea is the center girl up front in this one. This is the jazz dance. If you will notice, she and the other dancers are wearing those pink band bracelets. If you have been following me since the summer, you will remember that Ashlea's dance partner, Destiny Brewer, was killed by a drunk driver. Destiny's family, friends, and the team have formed Destiny's Hope. We are lobbying for a new law (much more stiff) on those who choose to drink and drive. The man who took little Destiny's life had been arrested more than three times on DUI and was driving with a suspended license. For more information on how you can help, please visit Destiny's Hope.


Check out little miss sass!!! This dance is very sassy and just perfect for her! :)

This is our pom routine, she is the second over from the left int he back.

Now, I know you can't see her face in this one, she is the girl doing the toe touch in the back. Check out her straight legs!!!!

This looks like a future Wildcat cheerleader......
I hope you all have a great Sunday!

Blessings,

Family Tradition at Better Scrap

“Family Tradition” challenge
Create a layout about a family tradition, event, or something your family regularly does together that is not holiday related.
Chose at least 2 of the following:
1. Use three or more photos from a family event, cropped to fit your page design.
2. Use paper or supplies on your page that are at least a year old.
3. Use the word “tradition” in the title of your page.
4. Use hidden journaling in your page design.”

This is what I came up with.....


Sponsored Supplies:
Discounted Cardstock: “Clove 80 # 12×12″
Plaid: “Pop dots and Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint Chestnut”
Charlene Buttons: “Bird Button”

Other Supplies:
K & Co. paper: “Wild Saffron”
Embellishments: bling “Recollections”
Flower: “Bazzil”
Journal tag: “Wild Saffron”
Rubons: “American Crafts”
Ribbon: personal stash
Criteria Used:
Use paper or supplies on your page that are at least a year old.
Use the word “tradition” in the title of your page.
Use hidden journaling in your page design.

Yet again another practical and inspirational challenge for us! I always take my little niece and nephew out at the peak of fall foliage for a photo shoot. Fall is my favorite season and I love capturing how my little kids are growing each year. This is a family tradition that we always enjoy. Looking back over the years and how they’ve grown, this is a tradition I’m so glad I began for them.
Blessings,

give thanks

Today I'm sharing an altered 5X7 photo frame. I had the challenge at Practical Scrappers and Frosted Designs to create something giving thanks. Well, for my regular followers, you know what I'm MOST THANKFUL for, yes, Ashlea and Jon-Christopher. My sister is so good to let me have them when I want. I love all my nieces and nephews so dearly. These two feel just like my own children, at least I think this is how a mother must feel....

Everything on this frame except the ribbon and bling are from Wild Saffron. First I measured and cut the paper to trim the frame. I then added some embellishments, inked up the chipboard letters, finished off with bits of bling and ribbon.
Do you love the effect on the photo. I wanted a ghost like look, so I set my printer to fast draft and printed on babmoo cardstock. I LOVE how this turned out and my Granny already has it sitting in her living room.....
What are you most thankful for this season, I'd love to hear, please leave a comment telling me.
Blessings,

Live, laugh, love....

And this is my last of the Lucky Girl layouts for November. This one is Ashlea's football homecoming from September. She was one of the fifth grade representatives. Her little escort was more nervous than she was!

I loved using the two ribbon flowers that came in the kit on this one and more of that yummy brown ribbon!

Today is a new reveal over at Frosted Designs too!!! Head on over to see what my fabby Frosted Sisters has for your Friday inspiration!
Blessings,

Lucky Girl Blog Party Day 2...

That's right if you are coming for Jessica's, you are in the correct spot! If not, please begin with this link.
Today, I must share this beauty with you! Everything on this page is from the kit except the little "beautiful" rub-on in the chipboard frame. Isn't this paper dreamy? I had to take almost all the color from Ashlea's photo and let it be the focal point on this paper.

This month's special:
Since we're gearing up for the holiday season, we've got some awesome deals in the Lucky Girl store! Get your holiday crafty gifts taken care of with one happy stop to shop! For all of the sale items, click here to be brought to that section of the store. In the mean time, here's a quick break down of the major sales items you'll find there.

Save $3 on all September, October & November paper packets (the papers & cardstock only from each month's kit) - priced as marked

SALE KITS - very limited supply! (Regularly $29.99)
"Summer Lovin'" - June kit is now just $21.99
"Summer Vacation" - July kit is now just $23.99
"Old School Cool" - August kit is now just $26.49
"Fallin' for You" - September kit is now just $27.99

If you like the November kit, Family Traditions, you'd better hurry! There's only ONE NOVEMBER KIT LEFT as of the time of this post!!!
*******
And as always, the random winner from each Lucky Girl's blog will receive a mini inspiration kit filled with scrappy goodies.
The main prize (on the store blog) will receive a $25 gift certificate to the store!

Want to win my prize? Follow my blog if I inspire you, leave a comment answering this question?

What are you most thankful for this holiday season?
Now you want to hop on over to Natalie's blog to see what she has for you!
Blessings,

forever friends...

Today is reveal day over at Sketches in Thyme! Remember, we are having a DT call over there right now thru November 13. We are looking for scrapbookers and cardmakers to add to your dazzling team!!!
This week we went with a two page sketch! I must admit, when I first began to scrapbook. I always did 2 pagers! Now, I very rarely do. I feel so guilty when I don't. I love the matching pages, but usually just do the one page for the challenge. Hopefully this will inspire me to get back to what I love!!!!!


This is the last sketch for October and our last Scrapbooksetc sketch for a while. I really love it.
I chose to scrap some more of my little niece, Ashlea and nephew, Jon-Christopher's fall photo shoot photos.


I used some really old Wild Saffron papers and embellies. I bought this entire collection and have been hoarding it....why?


I suppose for this two layout!


These papers are perfect for my photos....

Hop on over to Sketches in Thyme to see what the rest of the Mavens have for your scrappy inspiration today and don't forget we are looking for more Mavens!!!

Who wouldn't want to win a $25 gift card from Michael's??? This is the yummy November prize! All you have to do to win is play, remember each entry is another chance you have at winning!!!

Blessings,

"Younique"

Good Morning,
I'm a day late getting this posted. This is the sketch for Sketches in Thyme Challenge #20. Once again we are using a sketch by Scrapbooksetc.com, sketch #5. I used this one twice already and can see myself using over and over!

I had won a FABULOUS blog candy at my friend, Brenda's, blog. I received it this past weekend and just knew this yummy Cosmo Cricket paper was just perfect for these new photos I had taken of my little kids.

The Honeybee and I had taken the kids on a fall drive across the Little Shepherd's Trail, a 14 mile scenic trail across one of the highest mountains in our region. The leaves weren't exactly at peak color, but we had such a wonderful day driving, laughing, taking photos and enjoying the scenic overlooks.

Stop by here to see what the rest of the Marvelous Mavens have created with this sketch! Have a fabby Friday!

Blessings,

Lucky Girl Blog Party Day 2....

Welcome to the Lucky Girl Blog Party, Day 2!!!! Today I'm sharing another fun layout from the Boo Crew kit available now at Lucky Girl Craft Kits. Just take a peek at all this incredible spooktactular yumminess awaiting you!!!!


Everything on this layout is from the Boo Crew Kit I used the blue ribbon to create a bigger flower under the lime and orange blooms. Check out how the blue thickers just pop on the black cardstock.

Do you not LOVE this blingy ribbon? I do...oh, and I know you can't really tell, but the spider web paper is embossed, just fabulous!!!

Shop during our October Blog Party (October 1-3) and take advantage of some great Lucky Girl Savings:

SAVE $10 WITH ANY PURCHASE OVER $50!
Use code BOOCREW at check out.

Pre-order any Epiphany Crafts tool and you'll receive a free bonus kit with shipment of your tool.
If you love the little things in life, you'll definitely want to check out the great deals on all of our "extras" - from flowers to alphabets, past kits, papers & more, the discounts are to die for!
Don't forget, you will visit Natalie next!!!! I know you can't wait to see what she has for you!

Now, to have a chance at my RAK, please follow my blog if you are inspired by my creations, leave a comment here answering this question, "What do you LOVE about the new Boo Crew kit?"
Blessings,

Lucky Girl Blog Party and Frosted Designs....

Good Morning,
We have a new challenge up at Frosted Designs, we want to see your favorite book as inspiration for your project. This can include your book in the title or just as inspiration. I used my new Boo Crew Lucky Girl October Kit to create this haunting little layout.

Everything on this page is in the kit except the skull ribbon, that is from my stash. As you can tell from my title, I love the Mary Pope Osborne Haunted Castle on Hallows Eve book. I read this every October to my third grade. This book was the perfect inspiration for these spooky papers. Be sure to visit my fabby Frosted sisters today!!!!

As always with our Lucky Girl Blog Party, you have the chance to win a RAK. Leave a comment here, follow if you are inspired by my work, and answer this question....
What is your favorite Halloween/Fall activity?
Now you are off to visit Natalie for some scarppy inspiration

Check this out:

Lucky Girl Savings:
SAVE $10 WITH ANY PURCHASE OVER $50!
Use code BOOCREW at check out.
Pre-order any Epiphany Crafts tool and you'll receive a free bonus kit with shipment of your tool.
Don't forget to check out the great deals on all of our "extras" - from flowers to alphabets, past kits, papers & more, the discounts are to die for!
Blessings,

My Blessing....

Good Morning,
Today is a new reveal over at Sketches in Thyme! We have one more beautiful sketch from Helen Croft at Scrapalittlesketches. I am so into the circle elements right now! Do you ever get into patterns and just can't seem to break away?

Here is the layout I came up with. I had this Easter photo from all the way back to 2003 of little Miss Ashlea. I really wanted to put it to paper. I pulled out some Lucky Girl Craft Kits papers and rubons.

I love how it came out. Notice I didn't use any ink on this one.....The flowers and bling are Prima.
This is our last week to offer up this yum prize by Maven Tanya!

Please hop over and visit all my Mavens, be sure to leave them some kindness!
Blessings,

You Shine....

Good Morning,

It is Wednesday and that brings a new challenge over at The Sisterhood. This week my super talented sistah, Teri is hosting! She has a recipe challenge for you....


1 ribbon/trim, 2 designer papers, and 3 flowers. Pretty simple, hugh?


Here is what I came up with....

This is a photo of my little Ashlea from last weekend's dance comp in Louisville. She is the dancer right above the word "You" in the title.


The papers are from my September Falling for You Lucky Girl kit. The ribbon and flowers are from my stash of plenty! The bling is Prima and my journaling tag and glitter alphas are Making Memories.
I hope you will find time to join us this week at The Sisterhood. Please come visit my sisters for some incredible inspiration!
Blessings,

Better Scrap Reveal and a winner....

Good Morning,
I'm sorry this is kind of pieced together this morning. Our little man had to go to ER last night. He was fine and dandy then in just one spilt second he began to vomit and couldn't stop. He became limp, lifeless, and his eyes rolled back....we were scared to death and went straight to the ER. He got home about 3 am this morning. His white cell count is elevated, he got some ivs, and something for the nausea. He has been resting since....please pray for my little man.

And now I have the winner of my Lucky Girl Blog Party RAK.....

nursela said...
Oh yes! I did a 6x6 fall mini album and gave it away! The person I gave it to had such lovely pics of her and her boys in fall settings under beautiful trees etc., that I just HAD to give it to her! It was super fun to make!

September 3, 2010 2:08 PM------

Please email your shipping addy to me neeneesparks@gmail.com and Jessica will get this right out to you!

Thanks to everyone for following the blog party and for all your terrfic answers to my fall questions!

Are you ready for a new challenge reveal at Better Scrap?

Better Living Through Scrapbooking Challenge #6

“Bad photo challenge”
Create a layout using a photo or photos that you would normally have discarded or dismissed.

Chose at least 2 of the following:
1. Use rub-ons or stickers directly on your photo(s).
2. Use paint on your page in a messy or unusual way.
3. Use a die-cut or pre-purchased journaling “spot” on which to write your journaling.
4. Use this sketch as design inspiration for your page.
5. Make a handmade flower using Katie’s technique in our August 1st reveal, and use the flower on your layout.

Our sponsors for this month at Better Scrap are Graphic 45 and Discount Cardstock, so I've featured their yummy products in this layout

Supplies used:
Cardstock: Discount Cardstock “Patriot Blue Linen 12×12″; Patterned Paper: Graphic 45 “Hallowe’en in Wonderland”; Embellishments: Gauche Alchemy Punchinella, Making Memories journaling spot and silver alpha stickers, American Crafts white rub-ons, Prima bloom and brad, Doodle Genie template from Chatter Box, Gelly Roll white Pen

Criteria used:
I chose to use #1 rub-ons and stickers on the photo and #3 pre purchased journaling blocks. I love this photo of Ashlea at her most recent dance competition. It is blurry and the color is a tad off, but considering that it is a bad photo, I love how the layout turned out.

Thechnique used: I used a doodle template and a white pen to create a fresh little flourish on the Patriot Blue Linen cardstock. I decided that I’ve had this template for 4+ years and I need to make an effort to use it on more layouts.


We are holding a Labor Day giveaway on our Facebook page, and it’s so easy to win!

Just visit our Facebook page (if you’re not already a fan, just click the “like” button at the top of the page, and you’ll be signed in!) and look for the Labor Day giveaway post. Just leave a comment to that post, tell us your favorite inspirational quote, and you’re entered to win!

Once lucky recipient chosen at random from the eligible participants will win a Punky Sprouts album from their new Summer CHA release, along with a pack of My Little Shoebox alphabet stickers to help you decorate the album!

Hop on over to visit my Better Scrap DT sisters and say hello!
Blessings,

Lucky Girl Blog Party Day 2...

Good Morning and welcome to day 2 of our Lucky Girl Blog Party!
I'm sharing this fun and "tween" layout of little Miss Ashlea today.

Everything on this layout came from the Falling for you kit over at Lucky Girl Craft Kits, except the alphabet. Those are from the August kit.

Here is a peek at the kit.....YUMMY!!!!!

Lucky Girl Savings:
FREE SHIPPING on any order through September 15! Use the FREESHIP code at checkout.
In with the old, out with the new sale on June & July kits! June kits available for just $24 and July kits will be sold for just $26. Visit our sale section to take advantage of these savings and MORE!!! *winkwink*

Lucky Girl Scrappy RAK giveaway:
One Lucky Girl from each blog in the party will win a packet of scrappy treasures - a mini inspiration kit filled with an assortment of ribbons, embellies, rub-ons, etc. for playing along during September 1-3.

Here is how to win my scrappy RAK......

Follow my blog if I inspire you.

Leave a comment each day of the blog for a chance to win, leave three comments, get three chances. Here is you question for today....Do you enjoy scrapping fall theme layouts, pumpkin patch photos, or Halloween photos? My winner will be announced on Saturday, Sept. 4 by 5 pm...

Now, hop on over to visit my Lucky Girls and be inspired by their dazzling projects! You are headed to Emily next.

If you want to go back to the beginning, click here!

Don't forget today is Challenge 13 reveal day at Sketches in Thyme! Please stop by to visit the dazzling Mavens and check out the fab new sketch!

Blessings,

We came in second place....

Good Evening,
Ashlea's dance competition season is now underway. We had our first comp this past weekend at the State Fair. We came in second place and our dance this year is so 'sassy', I love it! However, I was trying to watch it through the view finder of my camera.

Here she is in the center on this one. This one is kind of blurry, lots of sassy shaking in this dance....



She is the one up front in the center in both photos.....

This is the entire team of Jr. Preps as the routine comes to a close...

oh the joys of being 10 and loving life!!!

I just finished my second session of therapy on my shoulder and it is much better....I'm getting ready to ice it and get some papers graded....
Blessing

First Day.....

Good Morning,
Today is Friday and that is a new challenge reveal at Frosted Designs. My super talented sister and friend, Jessica is hosting this week. Her challenge it to create a back to school themed page.
I had to do this adorable photo of the little kids on the first day of school. This was taken last Wednesday.

I used all papers from Making Memories, stamps and ink from CTMH, Storybook, Makin the Grade, and George cricut carts and notice the yummy aphas! Those are from the Lucky Girl August Kit, Old School.

Speaking of Lucky Girl, Jessica is sponsoring our prize this month, check this out....

Be sure to check out the rest of my fabby frosted sisters for more inspiration!
Blessings,

Sparkles....

Good Morning,

Today is my first day back to school! All the teachers in our district will be meeting today and tomorrow and then the kiddos will begin to arrive at 7:30 on Monday. So, my blogging is now happening after school!

Today is also challenge 9 reveal at Sketches in Thyme. This month we are featuring sketches by Helen Croft at scrap-a-littlesketches.com.

I did the mirror image of this one to be a companion page to one I had created back in July for another challenge. I am really into the circle element sketches right now...

All of my papers are ctmh, the trim is from my stash and I used George Basic shapes to cut the stars, the title is cut from Alphalicious and I embossed them with the swiss dots folder, then lightly sanded.

Our prizes are now going monthly. All you have to do to win this prize is play along! Each time you play you get an entry. Fern is sponsoring this month, isn't this delish! Thanks ladybug!!!

Hop on over to the visit the Mavens and be inspired by them!
Blessings,