Scrapping with Sherry

Altered Vintage Bottle

2010-10-11T21:09:00.000-07:00

This is the first altered bottle I have ever made. However it will not be the last. These little artistic creations could be habit forming! I know that I am already sorry I didn't buy the whole box of bottles instead of just a few. What was I thinking?

For my first bottle project I used a photo of one of my favorite images, my granddaughter, Destiny. Since this was a vintage piece, I wanted to do something special with her picture like a photo transfer or something. On the other hand I really wanted to get started on the design so I copied a photo and printed it on mulberry paper. I just love this stuff. It is adhesive backed and tears just like regular mulberry paper does.

Above is a close up of the photo printed on the mulberry paper. You can see the texture that this paper provides. I feel it goes really well with the vintage style

Since I started off printing Destiny's picture on mulberry paper I attached mulberry paper as the first layer on my bottle. The only place you can see it from the front is a little on the upper neck area and right below the neck of the bottle. This pattern has holes in it so that you can still see the color and age of the bottle. It is actually more sheer than it looks in this photo.

I wrapped a crotchet and lace trim around the bottom and secured it with a safety pin. I added a vintage handbag charm to the safety pin and then added two buttons. The buttons are not old but are vintage inspired buttons from Germany. To finish off the bottom portion, I wrapped a strand of faux pearls around the bottle a few times.

Above Destiny's photo I wrapped a lace with pearls around the bottle quite a few times. I added a pearl accent to the Tim Holtz vintage button after i placed it over the wrapped lace and pearls. I also attached a cross, heart, key and woman's torso to a safety pin before securing it to the bottle.

I had the flowers in the photo above on a ribbon. I had planned to remove the flowers and place them here and there. I started to wrap them around the neck of the bottle and Walla!

My bottle did not have a cap so I took some adhesive backed cork and cut off a one inch slice. I rolled it up tightly until I had enough to fit into the top.

I attempted to search the Internet for information about creating something for an altered bottle with no lid. I did read about bees wax, unfortunately the author was not addressing the beginner. I was hoping that you could help me finish my bottle. If you have a technique that you use or know of a good link that I may learn how I would sure appreciate it.

Thank you for sharing my altered bottle with me. I almost forgot! I wanted to share with you the photo I am going to be using on my next altered bottle...

This is my granddaughter, Jazmine. Is she not going to make my bottle beautiful! I printed her photo on the mulberry paper too. The outfit that she is wearing in this picture was made by my mother

Thanks again for coming by and don't forget to add your contact information when leaving a comment so that I can visit. I apologize for being a little late on returning messages but I have had my grand kids the last few days and they kept me busy.

Until Next Time... Take Care

Fragments Frame

2010-10-10T13:01:00.000-07:00

I wish that I could say what I call my fragments frame, is my own design, but it isn't. It is inspired from one of my favorite designers, Tim Holtz. It is not a secret that i admire his work. I have loved pieces such as this for as long as I can remember and have finally made a few of them.

I made one for myself and one for my Etsy Shop, Scrapping With Sherry. I will post the one that I made for myself at a later time. I actually thought that they were going to be a fairly quick to put together. Boy was I wrong! Of course you have to take into count that I tend to be indecisive and I rearranged the fragments a few times. It's not important exactly how many times...

I wanted to show you that the frame not only sits alone but also looks nice in an easel type holder. I have also added a hanger in the back if you want to showcase it on the wall.

I started the picture frame by painting a square frame with a teddy bear brown acrylic paint and then added a few different distress inks until I was happy with the outcome.

After I finished obsessing over the shade of brown that was going to be ultimately covered up, I set the frame aside and started to find vintage images to attach to my fragment pieces.

Once the fragment pieces were finished I then attached them to the frame.

Some of the images included street signs, ration stamps, theatre tickets and a Kodak transparency photo.

Other images were license plates, medicine labels, paper and vintage children's playing cards.

One of my favorite images on this frame is the picture of the lady above.

She looks so deep in thought... maybe longing for a lost love.

Dictionary definitions, part of a key, a piece of a report card, a travel sign and another vintage photo make up the upper portion of the Fragment Frame.

A few more of the pieces that are shown above include a pop cap, a fragment of a train ticket and clock, room service sign, snippet of an application and ruler, musical notes, the free space of a bingo card and another road sign.

Of course there are more than what I have mentioned but I will let you find them.

I am linking my Fragments Frame to the Creative Spirit Challenge at Cindy Adkins blog, Whimsical Musings. I have already had a chance to view some of the entries and they are amazing.

Thanks for coming by. I have a lot of stuff to share with you this week so swing back by if you have time. I have a few more projects, a few new tool reviews (one of them not to good), my Etsy Shop news and an announcement about my up coming giveaway. It's going to be bigger and better than the first one, so you don't want to miss that!

Until Next Time... Take Care

Her Whimsical Musings Order In!

2010-10-08T15:49:00.000-07:00

My order came in today from Cindy Adkins new Etsy Shop, Her Whimsical Musings! Above is the tag that I bought called, Vintage Style Paper Doll Tag. I love it!

Cindy just has a way with placement and embellishments. Some of the items that she uses I would never think of using some of the items that she creates with on a tag, and it works so well.

The tag is all I ordered but it is not all that I received. Leave it to Cindy to throw in some added handmade goodies.

One of the items that she sent was this tag with the hand stamped butterfly image. The tag at the top says, "Love" and "has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get, it's what you are expected to give- which is everything." I could not help but compare the sentiment with the package that Cindy put together for me. I was expecting to get the tag that I ordered and she has given me far more than what I have expected.

She also sent this lovely ATC. The background is a deep red/maroon glitter, which just happens to be my favorite color. There is also an S in the corner for Sherry.

Yes, there's more... This card and bible were also included. I cannot tell you how many times I have been sitting and waiting for an appointment and thought that I wish I had my bible. Now I have one for my purse. Thank you Cindy!

Last but certainly not least, was this cross. Cindy packaged everything for protection and then tied the tags and ATC together with ribbon and then attached this to the front. What an added touch! My mind started turning it's wheels on what creation I was going to come up with, so that I can use my cross.

I have an Etsy Shop and have ordered from Etsy on several occasions. However, Cindy's Shop, Her Whimsical Musings, was at the top for service. She had my order to me within just a few days and paid attention to all the details that makes shopping for handmade goods so rewarding. I can't wait for that next "I gotta have that" item to appear so I can place another order.

Thanks Again Cindy!

Until Next Time... Take Care

Custom Card with Extras

2010-10-06T21:25:00.000-07:00

This is a card that I made for a customer as a Custom Order through my Etsy Shop, Scrapping With Sherry. Her request was for a card for her sister's birthday that also incorporated a tag or bookmark in some way. What I did was construct a card that held two tags or bookmarks, depending on your preference. One with a sentiment and one for her to add her own words to her sister.

We discussed different color schemes and decided to go with the tan and black for a classic look. Her sister is very special to her and she did not want any old ordinary birthday card.

Here you have the cards 3 different parts when the tags or bookmarks are taken out of their pockets.

The sentiment has been stamped on using black soot distress ink. There has also been a partial image of a clock hand stamped in Versamark for an added touch. The sentiment reads, "Time is a companion that goes with us on the journey, It reminds us to cherish each moment because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we have lived." This is a sentiment found in the Tim Holtz collection. I think it is quite fitting for a birthday.

The sentiment is the reason that I went with stamping the clock image not only on the smaller tag but on the larger one as well, but this time I stamped it in the darkest brown I could find.

I like how on this close-up of the clock face you can also see the texture of the felt is the specialty cardstock I used for the background.

I made 3 flowers using my Cricut and Georges Basic Shapes Cartridge. I started by using a tan cardstock that coordinated with my patterned paper. I then hand stamped various background images by Anna Griffen on each petal with the same black ink I inked the edges with to define the flowers so that the petals did not all run together. After running the petals through a crimper, I attached them together using a black rose brad by Recollections. After I bent some of the petals and added a few pop dots here and there so that the flower would keep its dimensional look, I randomly added a clear glaze.

I am happy with how the card turned out and plan to make more using different patterns and colors. It's just a fun and different type of card.

Thanks for coming by and seeing what I have been up to... I am actually going to make myself sit down and add items to my store now. The poor shop is pathetically empty. I guess some day when I am rich I can hire someone to do all the business stuff and I can just craft. But until then I better get busy. Ugh!

Until Next Time... Take Care

Pumpkin Patch Tag

2010-10-05T19:19:00.000-07:00

This is my "Pumpkin Patch Tag" and also this week's tag for Tag Tuesday, hosted by Louise at Kard Krazy. You probably already guessed it but this week's theme is pumpkins.

I started by inking the tag with distress inks to come up with a background. After the tag dried I started adding a few embellishments by Jolee's, left over from an ATC that I had made last week. I used my Cricut Machine to make a tree and after applying ink to it I then attached it to the tag as well.

I then added various colors of perfect pearls to a piece of white cardstock before stamping different images of leaves. After cutting a few of the leaves out, I randomly placed them at different places on the tag. I was not completely happy, so I added a post with a scarecrow head for a little more interest.

I am a big fan of 3D, which is included on most all of my work. This tag being no different, I attached the leaves and pumpkins so that they were not all just flush with the tag too. I think it went well with the dimensions of the scarecrow and the bail of hay as well.

Thanks for coming by. Hope everyone is having a great day!

Until Next Time... Take Care

Sherry's Fabulous Finds Oct. 3rd

2010-10-03T18:00:00.000-07:00

It's Sunday! Here at Scrapping With Sherry, Sunday means Fabulous Finds. Although my intentions were to share my Fabulous Finds with you weekly, it looks as if bi-weekly may be a more realistic goal. So, let's see what I ran across while out and about the last few weeks.

Suzz's Stamping Spot is where you can find one amazing work of art after another. The artist's name is Suzanne and I will just have to warn you, follow the link I have provided and prepare to be inspired!

The two cards above where created for a color challenge. Well, the first card was and then Suzanne took it a step further when she made the easel card to experiment and try something new. I wish my experiments turned out like this! WOW!

My next fabulous find is an ATC by Yvonne. You can find this and many more of her artwork at her blog, ARTic Blonde Creations. She does an amazing job with digital images. My mouth literally fell to the floor when she said that she had only been doing digital art for a week! Can you imagine what Yvonne is going to be creating in a year. I'm a follower because I am certainly not going to miss it.

If you like Halloween, you will not want to miss Yvonne's creations. She gives spooky a new meaning.

This Halloween Banner Tag is created by Jean Franks Beck at Bluebird Paperie. I don't know how many times I hit the rewind button on the page where we were both entered in the same tag challenge trying to see everything this tag had to offer. Of course we won't get into how much easier it would have been just to use the pause button.

When I went to Jean's blog I could not put my finger on what her style is. She creates a wide range of papercrafts and she does them all very well. I had just as a hard time deciding which one of her projects to use. Once you view her work you will see what I mean.

This precious suitcase comes with a coordinating dress and so does the other ones that Cheryl makes from Cheryl's Creative Cards and ATC's. Don't let the title of Cheryl's blog confuse you, there's a lot more than cards and ATC's going on over there.

Like many of the artists that have made their way here today, Cheryl has a endless line up of artwork sure to inspire any papercraft artist. What caught me by surprise is how humbled Cheryl was that I loved her artwork so much. She not only creates beauty but is beauty on the inside as well.

My final fabulous find actually found me first by leaving a comment on my blog. When I went to thank her for her nice words and visit, I found artwork that kept me on her blog for more than an hour.

The artists name is also the name of her blog, anjas-artefaktotum.

The witch's head in the picture above is self painted by Anjas. A good deal of her work has self paintings and the magic that she creates when creating her backgrounds is simply amazing. She mentions several techniques that she has used when creating her backgrounds, along with links. Personally I can not wait to get back to her blog and look them up.

But first I want to thank everyone who came by to visit me. Without all of you I wouldn't have a reason to do any of this and blogging has become a big part of my creative process. Thank You!

If you are looking for some inspiration for the holidays, don't stop here! The photo above is just a preview of what's to come.

Until Next Time... Take Care

Haunted House Card and Tag Set

2010-10-02T18:00:00.000-07:00

Do you remember this tag? If not, I had posted it a few nights ago and like I promised, here's the card that goes with it...

This card measures 5" x 7" and is a larger card than what i typically make but with all of the details that this card entails, I needed the room. This card is the mate to the Haunted House Tag. Both were a kick in the pants to make. It's not at all what type of card I am used to making but while I was in the process of making them I actually felt like a kid again.

When looking at this close up of the ghosts hanging out on the roof it sure doesn't look like anything is haunted around here!

Above is the upper right hand window... another happy ghost! May have to change the name of the card. Maybe both sets of ghosts are so happy because they are the ones doing the haunting.

You can see the texture of the house real well here. I painted a grungeboard house with green crackle paint and then added various inks and paint in random spots with a paint brush, my fingers and a sponge until I got it how I wanted it.

The trees, complete with spider and web, were also made out of grungboard and then painted black. The black paint I used was very flat so I gave both of them a light mist of sealer.

Unlike the tag, the card's background is patterned paper. However, I did attach the same gate border across the bottom. To complete the Haunted House card I added a witch flying off in front of the moon.

The Haunted House Card and Tag Set will be available at my Etsy Shop, Scrapping With Sherry, along with a number of other holiday inspired items shortly.

Don't miss Sherry's Fabulous Finds tomorrow. I have some great artists I don't think you will want to miss. I am sure glad that I didn't.

Thanks so much for visiting and all of the great comments you have been leaving. It really is a joy to get to know everyone and just do what I do... Create!

Until Next Time... Take Care!

Altered Spooky Frame

2010-10-02T02:32:00.000-07:00

Today I took a break from making cards, tags and other papercraft items to work on a project with my granddaughter. This is our "Spooky" shadow box picture frame.

Let me introduce you to the artist...

This up and coming paper artist is my granddaughter Destiny.

We really had a great time constructing the elements and altering embellishments to create a "Spooky" scene.

We painted and sanded down the outer frame to get a shabby look. I had suggested that we use crackle paint on the outside, however Destiny did not care for the colors that were available. She's the boss!

In this close up shot you can see how the back wall has been painted purple with black dry brushed on. The walls, ceiling and trees are painted black. There are rocks glued to the bottom and painted green to look like grass.

A yellow moon is in the right hand corner against the black wall partially hidden behind the tree to enhance the night time "Spooky" look.

Under the tree sits a headstone that says "Are You Afraid of the Dark?", with a spider hanging down. You can see a pumpkin, that is actually a button, peeking through the fence. The fences were made from grungeboard that has been cut using a die and Cuttlebug. We then painted them black and then dry brushed them with white paint. Can you see a ghost peeking from behind the tombstone?

Above is another view of the fence with the crazy cat and a pumpkin. We didn't know if the cat is crazy or hypnotized.

Here is the witch with her broom, her pot of ... What do you think she is brewing up? There is a spider on the back and something red is bubbling over! Eek!! In back of the witch is another tree with a spider web.

Thank you for coming by and taking a peek at our "Spooky" picture frame.

This is one Halloween project that I will treasure for a lifetime. To me it's perfect!

Destiny and I are linking our altered "Spooky" picture frame to The Artistic Stamper's Creative Team Blog for October Challenge. The theme is layers.

Until Next Time... Take Care!

Autumn/Fall Colors ATC

2010-09-30T18:08:00.000-07:00

This is my ATC and entry into the Autumn/Fall Colors Art Challenge, hosted by June, at Dezinaworld.

This ATC is a combination of card stock, patterned paper, stamping, perfect pearls, metallic pens, gems, glitter spray and 3D embellishments by Jolee's.

Don't forget to view my next post. It's the beginning of my many holiday posts containing Halloween cards and tags.

Also, If you have a moment, will you please take my poll? It's anonymous and I would appreciate it. You can find the poll at the top of my sidebar. Thanks!!

Until Next Time... Take Care!

Halloween Cards and Tags

2010-09-30T06:25:00.000-07:00

If you were to walk into my craft room right now you would know without a doubt that there has been a mad woman creating in there.

I mean a woman creating like mad...

This first card is one of my favorites. Of course I got to use one of my Tim Holtz Dies, but besides that I love the overall spooky look of the skeleton going for the keys.

I used distress embossing powder around the edges of the card to match the color of the cage. The cage has been painted with crackle paint and then various inks have been added to grunge it out even more.

This close up gives you a better view of the cage. I added a spider web and little spider brad to the front and the brads at the bottom have been inked and hammered to coordinate with the overall look.

This tag has been dyed with various distress inks to create the background, along with some printed dictionary paper.

I added a frame to the picture of this man...

Whom with a little turn of the tag turns into a spooky image. I love these stickers by Recollections. I also added crackle to the frame which you can see real well here.

The library card holder at the bottom of the tag says, "BOO!". It took quite a bit of alcohol inking to get this gold tag to look like this.

I couldn't let the legs to my skeleton from the caged card go to waste so I used them here on this fun Halloween Card.

I added a Halloween themed journal tag to the front and wrapped the remainder to the back of the card. A black border with orange gems was also added.

Here you have a close up of the legs along with a witch's hat, spell book and whatever the skeleton may be drinking... By the way the hat is tipped I am guessing it is not alcohol free.

A close up of the sentiment.

Now here is what I consider a pretty card as far as Halloween is concerned. The Halloween Banner is a 3 dimensional sticker by Anna Griffen. A matter a fact, all of the elements on this card come from her collection.

The background paper reminds me of a wallpaper you might find in a haunted house, with some shimmer added. The bats are both completely coated with black glitter and are 3 dimensional to.

This next tag is my Haunted House Tag. There is actually a card that goes with this but you will see it tomorrow.

The background was created by using distress inks. The haunted house and the tree were both part of a grunge board kit that I bought quite some time ago. I painted both with dabber paints and then painted the house with crackle paint. After the house dried I added more paint until I finally got the look I wanted.

You can see the house a lot better in this close up. Lots of other little figures and stickers were added here and there for fun.

This square card was made by first adding the spider web paper and then the black paper over it. I used a distress tool to roughen up the circles edge and then rolled it back a little.

Then I simply placed a 3 dimensional spider that I coated with glaze on top. In this close up you can see that the spider web paper has a glittery shimmer to it. All of the elements except for the round sentiment sticker are from the Anna Griffen Collection.

I told you I have been busy.

Until Next Time... Take Care!

Two Awards?

2010-09-29T19:05:00.000-07:00

I received two awards today from The Answer is Chocolate. She is a fairly new blogger like myself and also lives here in the great northwest. If you have a few minutes. go check her blog out. She is not only talented but her writing will have you smiling in no time.

Since there are two awards there are also two sets of requirements.
The combined rules are:

1. List the top ten things that make me happy.

2. Share with my favorite bloggers and ask them to do the same.

3. Link the blogs I choose and link the blogs of the people who gave it to me.

4. Accept the award. Post it on your blog with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.

5. Pay it forward to 15 other lovely bloggers.

Everything has been taken care of except 1,2 and 5. I awarded the lovely award to 15 bloggers just days ago so I am hoping that it will count... If it doesn't I am sure someone will let me know. So, all that is left is to list 10 things that make me happy and share the list with you. Here we go...

1. My Fiance, Glenn

2. My Grandchildren, Destiny and Jazmine

3. Paper Crafts of Any Kind

4. Blogging

5. Tim Holtz (Yes, I have a crush... shh!!)

6. Starbucks (Cafe Vanilla Frappe!)

7. My Craft Room

8. Small Trips

9. Apple Pie Carmel Apples

and

10. Designer Perfume and Purses

Was that 11? Oops! A big Thank You goes out to The Answer is Chocolate for my awards and adding a little fun to my day!

Until Next Time... Take Care!

"Save the Date" Halloween Tag

2010-09-28T21:24:00.000-07:00

Another week has gone by and once again it's time for Tag Tuesday, hosted by Louise at Kard Krazy. This week Louise has challenged us to include a calendar or date on our tags.

I chose to go with the season and create a Halloween Tag featuring the date of this fun holiday. I included a calendar for the month of October and the 31st is highlighted in orange. I also used a bingo embossing folder to emboss numbers on the tag so that I could highlight the 31 for an added play on the date.

Above is a close up view of the calendar and the clock that I cropped from patterned paper, added crackle accents for some added age and attached to the tag with metal vintage items and pop dots for dimension.

Of course what's a Halloween tag without a spider web? Along with the black cat in the previous photo, I added a spider web and a little spider accented with orange gems. Too Cute!

Thanks for coming by. I look forward to posting several more Halloween projects throughout the week and you are welcome to stop back by and share some holiday spirit with me. I want to thank you in advance for leaving a comment and please don't forget to let me know how to contact you as well.

I have linked this post to Kard Krazy, for Tag Tuesday. Thanks Louise!

Until Next Time... Take Care!

Love Rocks Card

2010-09-28T06:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was going about my day when I received a phone call from a friend that had forgotten an Anniversary. She needed a card and this is what I came up with...

It is a card that I call "Love Rocks". My inspiration for this card was simply that I wanted to play with my new die cuts and supplies from Tim Holtz.

I started this card off by using pattern paper from the DCVW Paperstack called, Rockstar. There is alot of fun paper in this stack. If you have teens or young adults to create for, this collection is perfect.

Along the edge I used Tissue Tape in Symphony by Tim Holtz to cover the spine of the card. Tissue tape is so easy to use. If you mess up it comes off easily yet still sticks when reapplied. Very forgiving stuff... Love it!

You can see the Tissue Tape better from this photo above.

Next, I put together the Die Cut from Tim's Collection called "Heart Wings", after I cut it out using grunge board. The wings were painted with Crackle Paint by Ranger in White. After it started to dry I sped the process up a bit by taking the heat tool to it. Then I wanted just a touch of silver so I used a acrylic paint in Metallic Pearl White. Very pretty. The heart itself gets its look from Distress Embossing Powder in the color Fired Brick, and then Distress Ink by Ranger in Black Soot was applied to the sides. To finish the die off I painted the crown with a Paint Dabber by Ranger in Gold and added clear gems by Recollections. I wish I could tell you the name of the paper that I used to back the heart but I found it in my scraps. I now wish I would have used the tissue tape that I used for the spine.

I used the letters from a alphabet set that I have from Pressed Petals called Scrap Metal. This is really fun stuff and adds a lot of dimension. It even has a little bling of its own.

You can see the thickness of the alphabet letters in the photo above pretty well. To finish off this card I added a few leftover musical themed stickers here and there to bring out the theme of the background paper a little better. Then I tied some coordinating fibers where the pattern paper and the tissue paper meet along the side by the fold of the card.

This card was a lot of fun and satisfied my need to play with some of my new stuff. Well, until today that it. I am off to create for a few challenges I have signed up for.

Until Next Time... Take Care!

A New Toy and a Sneak Peak

2010-09-26T17:49:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while I get a new toy that stands out above the rest. My old Fiskars paper cutter retired itself this weekend, which forced me to have to go out and buy a new one. Can we all say "awe" at the same time?

Thanks to the 40% off sale and Glenn, here's my new toy...

It is the Fiskars LED Surecut Paper Trimmer. It not only cuts beautifully, but with the LED light, it shows you exactly where your cut will be.

I made the picture a little darker so that you could see the LED light better, but in person it is not necessary. Some of the features the Surecut possesses that you won't see on all paper trimmers is two separate Cutting Rails. While they both pivot, one of them holds that blade hub and the other is extended so that you can hold down your paper or photos without getting smudges and fingerprints all over them. The Surecut also features rubberized feet to hold your trimmer in place and protect your workspace. The paper trimmers surface is not only beautiful but it has anti-wear grid printed from the underneath.

My new paper trimmer is definitely a step up from my old one.

Out with the old and In with the new...

I highly recommend this paper trimmer to anyone in looking for one or just want to upgrade. It's new on the market, but I am sure it will be around for a long time.

What is this picture? It is one of a few that I am going to be showing you as part of my sneak peak into what I have been doing for the past few days.

Some of you may have noticed that I have not been on the computer lately. I have been a busy girl getting ready for Halloween in my Etsy Shop, Scrapping With Sherry.

Ready for a sneak peak into what's to come?

That's all for today.

If I haven't returned your email, I apologize. I have every intention of catching up with them tonight and tomorrow. It's actually one of my favorite parts about blogging but since I have a tendency to get stuck there occasionally, I have to stay away if I want to get things done. lol!

Not being on the computer also means I don't have any fabulous finds to share with you today... Sorry!

Thanks for stopping by. Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think of the new LED Surecut and my sneak peaks. I love hearing from you and it's a way for me to get to know you better.

Until Next Time... Take Care!

Tag Tuesday, Banners

2010-09-24T17:47:00.000-07:00

When I read the theme Louise gave us for the Tag Tuesday Challenge at Kard Krazy, I had no idea what I was going to do. I knew that banners where a design, but I for one have never so much as thought about adding one to a project. In the end I went with the only banner that I relate to... a Sale Banner.

I would be going with a vintage look so the first thing that I did was find me was a pretty border to go across the bottom embellished with the metallic brown pearls..

The more I got into creating this tag, the more fun I had. I used scrapbook paper, from the Tim Holtz Lost & Found Collection, for the background. There are a few images that I wanted to make stand out, so I added Crackle Accents by Ranger. Then after adding a few ephemera inspired designs, like the stamps and product advertisements, I added some more Crackle Accents! Went a little crazy with the stuff. Somebody stop me!!

Here's a closeup of the banner and me going crazy at the top with the crackle. I made the banner with some Jolees birthday party hats. I turned the hats upside down and covered them with Nostalgic Tissue Tape, and then outlined them with Distressed Stickles in the color Fired Brick. Both of these products are put out by Ranger. I added the letters by hand stamping them directly on the banner to spell the word sale. Did you notice that I added a little crackle to the letters? I can't stop using the stuff!

Above is a closeup of the mulberry flower that I added and with the vellum clock with game spinner by Tim Holtz. I layered 4 different flowers from Boutique Fleur, and attached them using a vintage inspired brad from Making Memories. I did add some stickles to my flower and then changed my mind. You can see how well that went... lol!

Like I said, there is a lot going on, but it was a lot of fun. Thanks Louise for hosting Tag Tuesday at Kard Krazy. I think I will be making a few more banners now.

A big thanks goes out to all of you. Everyone's comments and friendship has been such an inspiration for me.

Until Next Time... Take Care!

Lost and Found?

2010-09-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

I have been a busy lady the past few days cleaning my craft room after my recent illness. I found this card sent to me by one of my Friends and PBS Swappers group members, Michell S. I was touched that Michell would send me a get well card when she herself was recovering from a Back Surgery.

I love how Michell took a journaling block, matted it and attached it so that it spread from the front cover to the back. The card is lovely Michell, Thank You!

Until Next Time... Take Care!

Whats On Your WorkDesk? Wednesday 68!

2010-09-22T09:04:00.000-07:00

Whats on your workdesk? Wednesday 68! or better known as WOYWW is a weekly link party hosted by Julia over at Stamping Ground. Participants take photos of... Oh, just read the post and you'll see.

When I got the camera out to take pictures of my workdesk I stood there and thought which one?

I have always had the two that I actually sit in the middle of and work back and forth, usually with no rhyme or reason, just trying to find the cleanest spot. A few weeks ago I added, what used to be a kitchen hutch on the other side of one of the desks because I like to stand up when I am crafting, especially scrapbooking. So the first photo is my new stand up area. I love it! You can see I have been playing around with my Tim Holtz/Ranger stuff.

The second photo is the desk on the other side of my stand up. See the basket on the far right of the desk? That is my catch all. When I am crafting I like to throw things in there so that I don't have to put stuff up right away. Then every few days or so, I sort it out and find homes for it all. That's what I was doing here, sorting everything out.

Here's the third desk. Chances are you will probably never see this desk this clean ever again. I had just cleaned the two sit down desks yesterday. Look how pretty the table top is. I knew that it was white!

Well, that's it for today.

Until Next Time... Take Care!

One Lovely Blog Award

2010-09-21T07:19:00.000-07:00

My ATC Holder Entry for the Blissfull ATC Swap and my new weekly post, Scrapping With Sherry's Fabulous Finds are following this post.

This evening I was caught off guard when I read an email from Ramona. The Paper Princess asked me to go to her blog, Create With Joy, because there was a surprise waiting for me there. To my surprise Ramona had awarded me the One Lovely Blog Award.

This is my first blog award! I could not be more flattered to not only be awarded a blog award, but to be included in a list of bloggers that I have admired and respected since I started this journey.

One of the requirements to accepting the One Lovely Blog Award, is that I am to present the award to 15 deserving blog owners. The woman that I have chosen to give this award to have been an inspiration to me in one way or the other. Some have helped me when I had no idea what I was doing and some when I needed it the most, while others encouraged me to try new things or simply not to quit. There are those that have become dear and treasured friends and then there are the ones that have been astronomical as I have renewed my faith. Lastly there are a few who have touched me and they probably don't even know it. They all have one thing in common though, they all deserve awards.

Thank You Ladies and Congratulations!

Kim B. at Gypsy Angel

Cindy A. at I Owe it All to Him

Cindy A. at Cindy Adkins Whimsical Musings

Debbie C. at Deb's One Life

Trudi at twodressesstudio

Louise at Kard Krazy

Margaret at Ewenique

Rhonda E. at Scrap Happens

Leigh at Charity Crafter

Christie at Creations By Christie

Lesley at Beautiful Garden Creations

Christy at My Slice O Life

Lisa at Happily Scrappin' Today

Sharon at Sharon at Wildflowerhouse by Sharon Chapman

This last award winner is a young lady I had the opportunity to meet while blog hopping. She enjoys crafting and is new to the blog world. After reading some of her posts and her introduction I feel you will be as impressed as I am. If you have time please give her a visit.

Taylor at Lady Lemondrop's Sunroom

Until Next Time... Take Care!

*Dont forget to view my new weekly post, Scrapping With Sherry's Fabulous Finds and My ATC Holder Entry for Blissfull ATC Swap Contest. Both are posted NEXT.

Scrapping With Sherry's Fabulous Finds...

2010-09-20T03:14:00.000-07:00

There are days that I literally get stuck for hours, going from one blog to the next. I am truly amazed at the talent that is out there. With every click I am inspired yet again by a beautiful artwork, new techniques, posts that touch me and original ideas that I have never seen before.

About a week ago, with a friends encouragement, I decided that I wanted to start sharing some of these inspirational finds, once a week, with my friends here on Scrapping With Sherry. There are so many fabulous things out there it's hard to just pick a few. Thank goodness there will be another Sunday!

Altered Wish Box

The above piece is called a "Altered Wish Box". Hels Sheridan is the creator. Hels and the detailed instructions on how to make this altered picture frame can be found at The Artistic Stamper Creative Team Blog. Hels can also be found at her personal blog, Ink on My Fingers. Both sites have a long line up of great artwork. I was lost there for hours!

The colors of the "Altered Wish Box" are just gorgeous. It is actually a photo frame that has a large shadow box opening. This is one of those pieces that you can look at over and over and see something new every time. If you happened to read my latest garage sale finds post, you probably saw the black box by Ikea that I found. Well, this piece is one of the things that inspired me to pick it up and make something of my own.

Art inspired by Wendy Vecchi

This lovely Wendy Vecchi, Art Inspired Card is made by Stephen Jew. You can find this card and a large amount of Tim Holtz inspired artwork at his blog, My Thoughts, My Life.

I don't know who Wendy Vecchi is, but after seeing this card I want to. Could her work possibly be any prettier than this? Most of Stephen's Art is entries to the Compendium of Curiosities Challenge and swaps he participates in at his Yahoo! Group, All Things Tim. If you are a fan of Tim Holtz inspired art you won't want to miss his blog.

Printers Tray meets Halloween in Wonderland

This great piece is made by Louise. You can find Louise at her blog, Kard Krazy. This holiday creation is called "Printers Tray meets Halloween in Wonderland"

I mean where does a person even start? From the cute Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum to Alice dressed up as a witch... I just love that old key with the Halloween print in the background. This is just a great holiday piece all around!

Louise is most definitely is the Halloween spirit and has a lot of holiday projects posted on her blog. This project is just the beginning.

Favorite Time Of Day

Every once in a while I read a post that takes me to another time or place. Through the magic of the words and photos I can literally feel like I am there. This is exactly what Karen from Some Days are Diamonds has done with her creative writing talents on her post she has titled, "Favorite Time of Day"

To write the way Karen has written this article is a talent that few possess. If you to want to be transcended, I suggest you follow the link above.

Mirror Mirror

This next Halloween treasure that I discovered is an old vintage mirror that the artist, Lynn, found at an Estate Sale. She managed to do exactly what her blog is called... she turned someone else's Trash to Treasure Art.

Stamping is the main technique that Lynn used to transform this mirror into a spooky and scary Halloween scene. To see what brand of stamps and embellishments that she used on "Mirror Mirror", just follow her blog link above. You are also going to find a wide variety of creative innovations to drool over while you are there. A matter of fact, not unlike most of the artists featured here today, I had a hard time choosing which project I wanted to use.

School Days Tag Set

This last week I entered a tag in a swap with the theme being "school". There were a lot of great tags entered, but one in particular caught my eye. It was a tag set titled, "School Days" by Sarah. It didn't catch my eye because this was a tag swap and Sarah chose to create a set of six, or that the digital images on the tags reminded me of school photos when I was in school, or that she has a way of paying attention to the little things, the details and it wasn't because it was vintage inspired... It was all of that and more!

You can find the "School Days" Tag set at Sarah's blog, Vintage Figments. You will want to be sure and check this out because there is more to this project. Yes, you heard me right more!

Pocket Book

This little 3 inch pocket book was made by a dear friend of mine, Cindy Adkins. Cindy has provided us with a tutorial so that we can all learn how to make this miniature treasure. The pocket book tutorial can be found on Cindy's blog, Cindy Adkins Whimsical Musings.

There is just something special about miniature anything. Match it with a pocket book, created by Cindy Adkins, and you now have Fabulous! Whether Cindy is making a gift or a blog prize for that lucky someone, creating an item for a challenge she has entered or a swap she participates in, she is an amazing mixed media artist who leans towards the vintage era. This pocket book is just a sample of what you will find at Cindy Adkins Whimsical Musings.

This beautiful butterfly and it's creator, Sharon, can be found at her blog, Wildflower House by Sharon Chapman. When I viewed the butterfly for the first time I thought how beautiful it was. Of course knowing that I am always on the lookout for crafts and such for my new weekly post, Sherry's Fabulous Finds, I also know that I have found something to feature. However, I had no idea just what I had found until I started reading Sharon's post.

So, I started to read, and as I read a few tears fell, my eyes began to sting and I was touched that Sharon made this beautiful butterfly to donate to a project that is hosted by the Holocaust Museum in Houston Texas, called the Butterfly Project.

What you are about to read is an introduction to the Butterfly Project.

The Butterfly Project mandate is to remember the 1,500,000 innocent children who perished as a result of the Holocaust by collecting 1.5 million handmade butterflies.

In Spring 2013, these butterflies will then become a break-taking exhibition to serve as a memory of this event.

Can you imagine? 1.5 million children translated into 1.5 million butterflies....? If you wondering why a butterfly, the project is based on this poem -

I Never Saw Another Butterfly

The last, the very last,

So richly, brightly, dazzlingly yellow

Perhaps if the sun’s tears would sing

against a white stone....

Such, such a yellow

Is carried lightly ’way up high.

It went away I’m sure

because it wished

to kiss the world good-bye.

For seven weeks I’ve lived in here

Penned up inside this ghetto.

But I have found what I love here.

The dandelions call to me

And the white chestnut branches in the court.

Only I never saw another butterfly.

That butterfly was the last one.

Butterflies don’t live in here, in the ghetto.

Written by Pavel Friedman, June 4, 1942

Born in Prague on Jan. 7, 1921.

Deported to the Terezin Concentration Camp on April 26, 1942.

Died in Aushchwitz on Sept. 29, 1944.

This boy that wrote this poem was 23 years old, just a year younger then my daughter... Thanks to Sharon's beautiful butterfly along with the post, I to am signed up.

If you are interested in the Butterfly Project please follow the button that is located to your right on the sidebar, titled, The Butterfly Effect.

That's it for this week. I have to put a limit on myself or this post would never end! I will be posting Scrapping With Sherry's Fabulous Finds every Sunday. If you have been featured in this post feel free to grab the button that begins with I was featured...

Whether you found inspiration for your next project, a new blog to follow or just relaxed and enjoyed the fabulous artwork, I hope that you enjoyed the time you spent here and plan to be back next Sunday for some more fabulous finds here at Scrapping With Sherry.

Until Next Time... Take Care!

My ATC Holder Design Entry

2010-09-19T23:59:00.000-07:00

The Blissfull ATC Swap Site is having a ATC Holder Design Contest. I hemmed and hawed over whether or not I was going to enter this challenge until I ran across this cute, box made to resemble a handbag, at a garage sale on Saturday. It was the perfect size for my ATC's, and I loved the shape of the box. My first thought was to embellish it as a purse, however the more I thought about what it was going to hold, the more I changed my mind. I decided to create a vintage piece of worn luggage. For me the suitcase represented travel, and our ATC's definitely travel all over the country from one swapper to another.

Voting for this challenge starts on September 20th, and only lasts for a few short days. All of the entries can be viewed at the Blissfull ATC Swap Site. After viewing the entries if you would like to vote for mine would you please submit your vote by sending an email to blissfullatcswap@gmail.com.

Thank you for stopping by to view my entry and taking the time to vote, I really appreciate it.

Below are a few more photos of my Vintage Luggage piece for you to view.

Above is the Vintage Luggage Tag.

A closeup of the Vintage Stickers.

A few more stickers...

And more stickers...

Above is a closeup of some of the wear and tear that I created to enhance the aged look of the vintage luggage.

The winner of the ATC Holder Design Contest will have the opportunity, if they wish, to show how they made their entry. For that reason I have held off on sharing the techniques and products I used to create my Vintage Luggage piece.

Please don't forget to vote at blissfullswap@gmail.com, starting on September 20th, for a few short days only. Thanks!

Until Next Time... Take Care!

Garage Sale Season Ending...

2010-09-18T22:55:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the year here in the Pacific Northwest the rain is back, that chill is in the air most mornings and the leaves are changing into several glorious colors. I love Fall for a number of reasons except one of my favorite past times is about over... garage sales.

They are getting harder and harder to find, however I managed to find a few today. I did not come home with a great haul or anything that I just couldn't live without but I did discover a few treasures for some future craft projects.

First of all I found these great old bingo cards that have been naturally aged and ready for some altered art. I also found two little wooden spools for just 10 cents. I don't have the slightest idea what I will be using these for but I am sure they will come in handy at some point. The Cigar Box purse is an original cigar box that has already been made into the purse, complete with all of the hardware. At a price of 50 cents I could not pass it up. Sure wish I would of had this last week before the Bloggerette swap closed.

Have you seen the altered antique bottles? I have seen quite a few of them every since I started blogging and always thought that someday I would like to try my hand at it. Well, that day is here. I got them for 25 cents a piece. I could of bought a box of them for 10.00. I will probably be kicking myself in the rear one of these days for not picking them up. Those of you who decorate them the way that I am with my paper crafts are probably shacking your head right now huh?

Two of them have a green tint to the glass. I really like the shape and can't wait to do these ones first. I am going to try to make them a matching set. Can you see the green tint? It probably would of helped if I would of washed them first...

The small shadow box with the heart is from Ikea. I paid 1.00 for this one. When I look at the box, it screams Ranger Products and Tim Holtz Techniques. The back comes off like a photo frame so that I can add all kinds of empheria. I am really excited to make a little masterpiece with this one.

I also found a little something that I did not want to include in the pictures because I am going to see if I can transform it into a ATC Holder for the challenge over at the Blissfull ATC Swap site. It's due in just a day or two so we will see if I can pull it off.

Thanks for coming by and taking a look at my treasures. If you have time, the next post is the ATC that I received for this months Blissfull ATC Swap from Deb C. She did a beautiful job.

Also, tomorrow will be the first Sunday of many that I will be posting various bloggers creations. It's art that has caught my eye while blog hopping. I hope to make this a regular post every Sunday. I will be adding a button that artists can post on their blog if they wish. I was also thinking about adding some other fun elements to this weekly post like letting viewers vote on their monthly favorite for a prize. What do you think, sound like fun?

Hope to see you tomorrow...

Take Care!

Blissfull ATC Swap for September

2010-09-18T18:34:00.000-07:00

I opened the mailbox to find my first ATC sent to me by my swap partner Deb C. Her blog is called Deb's One Life. If you want some inspiration be sure to check her site out. The theme for September is leaves and she did a beautiful job creating this ATC. Isn't it ironic that she displayed the word Inspire? She has inspired me not only with her art but with her faith. I love the rich coppery colors that were accented with a pearlescent hue of green around the border. Beautiful job Deb!

I recently joined The Blissfull ATC Swap. Once a month you swap an ATC according to the theme that is posted with a swap partner that the ladies at the Blissfull site match you up with each time. I really enjoyed this challenge and am looking forward to the months to come.

Since my swap partner received and posted my ATC on her blog, now so can I. Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of my ATC before I mailed it so I just copied the one off of Debbie C. blog.

I matted brown and red together for the base of my ATC. I then added a floral and leaf print scrapbooking paper. Next I added an assortment of 3D stickers, which are the leaves, nuts and the butterfly. I also used a rub on to apply the word Believe.

What I think is so great about our swap is that the word meant so much to her and at the same time her word meant so much to me! We both wrote about it before we even discussed it!

Until Next Time... Take Care!

Mike's First Day of School Tag

2010-09-17T01:45:00.000-07:00

I made this tag for the Tag Tuesday Challenge at Kard Krazy. The theme is school, so I made a tag using one of my favorite photo's of my brother's first day of 1st grade. My brother is 28 years old now! I wonder if there are any vintage tag challenges going on I could link up to?

I had actually put the photo on the tag and had planned on adding some school themed patches, however it was just far to busy so I decided to use this quote from Quick Quotes, along with a few buttons. Since the quotes are printed side by side on vellum I couldn't just adhere the entire piece over the photo so I positioned it the best I could and traced my brothers image and then cut it out. I think it turned out pretty well. A lot better than I thought it was going to!

A Tip: When you are attaching vellum like the quote above and you do not have anything to hide your adhesive behind or want to blend the vellum into your image like I have done on my tag, simply run your tag through a Xyron Adhesive Machine for complete coverage and adhere. I usually finish the look by rubbing the vellum into my image with my fingers. If you do not own a Xyron you can spray the vellum with a light coat of spray adhesive instead.

I am also linking this tag to Top Tip Tuesday.

I used a scrap piece of chalkboard themed scrapbook paper I got at the dollar store years ago for the background on the bottom of the tag. I added embellishments like the felt eraser from Jolee's and JoAnne's to create a blackboard scene including chalk that is simply white paper that has been rolled up. To finish it off I wrote my brothers name on the box and added the little sign that said First Day of School to tell the story of the tag without journaling. The alphabet ribbon that was used to separate the two different elements of the tag is from American Crafts.

I want to thank Kard Krazy for this challenge. I had fun creating the tag. It's been a long time since I have worked with school themed products. I also want to thank Top Tip Tuesday for the chance to share my project and tip as well as the chance to win some great prizes.

Until Next Time... Take Care!

Friends From Far Away...

2010-09-16T19:50:00.000-07:00

Do you know how special it is to open your mailbox and find a card from a friend? A friend from far away... a friend that has taken the time to make you a handmade card... A special handmade card that she has taken the time to send to you and let you know that she is thinking of you... whether it is a time of joy or a time of despair. It is a feeling that is hard to beat. It's a hug from far away... it's one friend saying to another you matter to me.

The lord has blessed me to have such a friend... Kim B. from Gypsy Angel. She made me the card above. We met at the beginning of the summer and in such a short time have shared so much. The lord placed Kim in my life for more reasons than one and I am so thankful.

If you can relate with the words that I have written today, let those friends know how special they are to you. A few lines in a email could be enough, or maybe you to want to take the time to make and send them a handmade card. If you cannot relate, I pray that the lord blesses you like he has me.

Until Next Time... Take Care!

My New Scrap Tool

2010-09-16T14:14:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while I buy a scrapbook tool that I am impressed with. When I recently purchased the Scotch Advanced Tape Glider I was definitely impressed!

Before my purchase I had spent some time posting questions on forums asking other crafters their recommendations for a good adhesive, browsing the Internet and magazines as well as word of mouth. I have to say that no one ever mentioned the Scotch Advanced Tape Glider.

I don't have to tell you how expensive adhesive can be. Not to mention as papercrafters we need how many different kinds? I don't know how many times I've been in the middle of a project to have my adhesive dispenser run out. I've actually opened them up thinking that surely something is wrong to discover that nothing is wrong at all it just ran out... thinking to myself "Already?"

On a recent trip to Michael's it was time to buy adhesive again! I picked out some refills, but on my way out I saw this large tape dispenser. When I say large, I do mean large! lol!! I actually picked up the box and thought to myself "Who in the world uses these giant things?" After I started to read the box and just how much adhesive this thing held, 216 ft, I quickly became interested. The price was around 30.00 but I had a 50% off coupon, so that brought the price down to around 15.00 and it came with 2 rolls of acid free adhesive. And it's pink... I'm sold.

After 10+ years of paper crafting and I hate to think how much money, I have finally found an adhesive tool that I am 100% happy with. The tape is a nice 1/4" wide, I have had no problem with the tape breaking or sliding around and the adhesive goes on nicely every time. However the one thing that put this tool over the top for me was that I put together a 8 x 8 scrapbook album using only the Scotch Advanced Tape Glider, besides glue dots for heavier embellishments, and I still have over 1/2 of my roll of adhesive left! Then of course it's pink...

To answer my previous question "Who in the world uses these giant things?" the answer is me! So next time you need to buy adhesive I strongly recommend giving this great tool a try. I am sure glad that I did.

If you have any great tools that you have discovered I would love to hear about them. Thanks for coming by. When leaving a comment, please leave your blog address so that I can drop in and say hi.

Until Next Time... Take Care!

Vintage Halloween Card and Tag Set

2010-09-14T14:51:00.000-07:00

This is a Vintage Halloween Card and Tag Set that I made for a challenge and have brought out of the archives to post and kick off the holiday season and all of the great creations that are to come here at my blog and my Etsy Shop, Scrapping With Sherry.

I started out just making a card, but I had some left over supplies and decided to make a coordinating tag to make a matching set.

I absolutely love the Vintage Graphics that I used and wish that I could tell you, and myself for that matter, where I got them from but I had them for so long that I don't remember. Also, a lot of the supplies that I still have today have been organized and put into folders, holders and handy storing cases before I ever knew that I would be blogging or entering my work in anything and did not bother to keep information on suppliers or names of products. Can anyone relate with this? I regret it now but it's a little to late for that.

There is not much that has not been done to this card to distress and age the look from tearing the edges to applying antiquing solution. To finish off this set, I sprinkled a great product called diamondz in the color onyx randomly over both the card and tag. I love this stuff and will be pulling it out to add to alot of my Halloween creations this year.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope that you enjoyed the Halloween Card and Tag Set as much as I enjoyed making them.

I have linked this set to the Halloween Challenge at Cardz TV. If you want to see a large list of fabulous Halloween cards be sure to check it out.

Until Next Time... Take Care!

Featured Artist

2010-09-13T02:00:00.000-07:00

I am truly honored to have been chosen to be a Featured Artist on Cindy Adkins blog, I Owe it All to Him. One of the biggest compliments that I could receive is for someone to acknowledge my work for more than just its beauty but what it meant to them as well.

Cindy beautifully writes about what one of my creations meant to her through her own reflection and thought provoking questions for the reader as well. This article shows that she is a artist in every way.

If you would like to read the article that she wrote simply follow this link, Featured Artist on I Owe it All to Him.

Thank you Cindy!

Until Next Time... Take Care!

Sherry and Friends Favorite Book List

2010-09-12T10:44:00.000-07:00

Last month I had a giveaway to celebrate my blogs 30 day birthday. In order to enter I asked readers to tell me what their favorite craft book was, or another book if they did not have a craft book in mind.

I am a craft book collector and wanted to learn of some new books that I might have not otherwise known about. I had such a great list that I decided to share it with everyone. However, I did not know what I was getting myself into. LOL!!!

I wanted to list the books along with the name of the person who submitted the book, their blog address and comments on another page here on my blog. Well the list was to big to view that way so you simply have to click on the link provided under my blog banner titled, Sherry and Friends Favorite Books or click here.

Please note that I did not use Amazon.com to make money off of this list. It was simply the best way to show and view all of the information about the books and include the information about who submitted the book as well.

If you did not get a chance to submit your favorite book and would like to now, just leave the name and author of your favorite book and why in the comment section following this post and I will be glad to add it to the list.

I hope that you enjoy the list as much as I have and who knows maybe you will find your next favorite treasure among them.

Until Next Time... Take Care!

September 11th

2010-09-11T14:02:00.000-07:00

September 11th is a date that will not be forgotten in my household. Although I did not know anyone that lost their life in the tragedy that hit not only the twin towers but the entire United States as a whole, I feel that it effected everyone in one way or another.

This morning started off with everyone reminding each other what day it was followed by each one of us thinking back to what we were doing on September 11th 2001, nine years ago, today.

My fiance, Glen, was watching a football game and dozed off. When he awoke it was not his game that was on the air but the news of the tragedy that had hit New York and the Twin Towers. He actually thought that he was watching a movie at first before it registered that what he was viewing was real.

My daughter, Jaclyn, was in school when they announced the event. Scared and shaken she called me to come and pick her up. It was confusing to say the least to a girl of such a young age.

I was cleaning house with the TV on for noise like I still do today when I overheard the breaking news. I remember watching the television in awe not knowing what to think. I sat there spellbound until my daughter called for me to pick her up.

Today I say a special prayer for those that lost their loved ones, for those that helped in the aid helping those that were directly involved that frightful day. I say a prayer for anyone that was effected in any way on the day that America will never forget. I say a prayer that never again will we as a country have to experience such loss and sadness.

Where were you on September 11, 2001?

Until Next Time... Take Care!

September Creative Spirit Challenge: Wedding Album & Card

2010-09-06T04:06:00.000-07:00

It is time for Cindy's Creative Spirit Challenge for September! Every month she holds this link party at her blog, Cindy Adkins' Whimsical Musings. Cindy made this months winner a beautiful Creative Spirit Bracelet that was featured at Graphics Fairy. Along with the bracelet the winner has bragging rights and is crowned Miss Creative Spirit for the month of September.

My Creative Spirit Challenge entry is below.

I had a request for a 8 x 8 pre made scrapbook album to be made for a wedding gift. I did not have a lot of notice, but I almost think that was better for me because it got me back into the swing of things after being sick. Crafting wise anyway... I think if I would have had a while to get it done, I know that it would of taken me longer to recuperate. This album was just the push I needed to get back to work.

I made an 8 x 8 pre made wedding scrapbook with a matching card. I also managed to put together a matching gift bag and tissue for the gift to be wrapped in. I am very happy with the results. I wish that I was as happy with the pictures that I took! Unfortunately, I can not go back and take more pictures because it has already been gifted. I am thinking about having copies made of my work from now on, instead of taking photos. At least the larger projects, like this one for instance.

The first photo above is the card that I made as part of the package.

I hand stamped "Congratulations" on one of the embellishments that came with the "Wedding Cake" 3D sticker package by Jolee's, that I used to embellish the front of the card. The sentiment stamp is part of a set by Anna Griffin. I am a big fan of her sentiment stamp sets.

The 8 x 8 album cover is made from black cloth. I added a coordinating piece of scrapbook paper to the photo section and then embellished it with the initial of the groom's last name, in black pearls. This picture does not do the album justice. A matter of fact the paper looks nothing like what the picture depicts.

The cardstock that was used for the background of the layout pictured above is the same pattern that I used for the front of the album. You can see the colors much better in this photo. All of the scrapbook paper that I used for this album is actually specialty cardstock by me & my Big ideas. The paper stack is simply called "Black and White". However, there is nothing simple about it. Most of the different designs have flocking and there are also 4 transparencies.

I also added a metal embellishment by Making Memories. You will see as we get further into the layouts that the white pearls are a perfect match!

This is the first page of the first layout... I took pix of the layouts side by side but unfortunately this was the best choice as far as quality. Believe me I do realize that this photo is not that great either.

The tag that says "Beautiful DAY" is made out of chipboard and came in a kit called "Nocturne" by Colorbok. I added the white bow and black pearl to the tag to dress it up a bit.

Above, is the second page of the first layout. You can see that the photo mats are made with pearlescent cardstock by Colorbok. The colors of the photo mats may change throughout the book but they are all made from the pearlescent cardstock. So pretty! There are several white and black pearls that adorn both pages, as well as throughout the entire album. White organza and black satin ribbon were also used. The flowers are by Prima. I added the pearls to them and the journaling block as well.

The journal block and the place for the date on the first page both come from journaling sticker books called, "Remarks" by American Crafts. I used different ones from the book throughout the entire album.

Above is the second layout in the wedding scrapbook. For the most part the same elements were used. This time I did us a rub on to add "The Story of Us" along with the flourish to the first page of this two page layout.

On the second page I added a tag and envelope as well.

The envelope is actually made from a gift card case. Coordinating cardstock has been added to the front. I also added pearls and a white flourish that is made from a nonporous type of plastic.

I actually bought the flourishes a few months ago and was going to try using Tim Holtz alcohol inks on them. I still have some left though and will let you see the results by posting to my blog after a play around with them a bit.

I learned a neat technique quite a few years ago when I first started scrapbooking and card making. You may have heard of it. I am always surprised because I have rarely ever seen another papercrafter apply it to their work.

What I do is attach the tags envelope to the layout before I put it in the album. I then make a slit with a craft knife through the protective cover so that I can actually slip the tag into the envelope from the outside of the clear page protector. This way when someone is viewing the book they do not have to actually remove the scrapbook page to read the tag. The tag can be removed and put back independently. I have always felt that it makes a scrapbook more interactive too.

Above is a picture of the tag half way out on the top of the page protector and the envelope is still attached to the page.

The tag that I made for this album is actually just a plain black cardstock tag with black and white fibers tied at the top. I added the newlywed's marriage application announcement from the local newspaper. This was a very small ceremony and there was not alot of memorabilia to work with. Our newlyweds don't even read the paper so the bride had not even seen the announcement until she viewed it in her new scrapbook. I thought that was neat.

Above is the third layout. This time on the top half of both of the pages I added coordinating transparency layered on top of white pearlescent cardstock. I also used a different type of ribbon along the top of the bottom borders. It is a white satin ribbon with silver wording. The words that are showing are togetherness, love, cherish and feelings. This ribbon comes in a package containing three different wedding themed designs by Making Memories. I have to say that I think the ribbon is very pretty but you want to be careful because you do not get a whole lot of each design.

Again, white flourishes were used.

I went ahead and added another flourish picture. I felt like this picture shows the look that you achieve when you layer pearlescent cardstock and transparency paper.

I also used another journal block adorned with more ribbon and pearl embellishments.

On the second page of the layout, I also added another metal Making Memories embellishment that says, "Here comes the Bride".

The fourth layout is actually one of the more simpler layouts. Both pages have alot of the same elements that you have seen on previous pages before.

I used one of the smaller journal blocks for this layout to. Instead of ribbon I opted to use what is supposed to look like a string of white pearls.

This next two page layout, pictured above, is the fifth layout. On the first page of the layout I used another chipboard embellishment of a butterfly from the Nocturne Collection.

On the second page I added another journal block adorned with the pearls and then simply placed some of the Prima flowers along the sides towards the bottom of the page.

For a more simple layout, the colors and the look of the flocked specialty cardstock really made this layout a pretty one. I still haven't been able to decide, but this layout is one of my favorites.

For the sixth layout I chose to use the white organza and black ribbon for an embellishment. I also tied some simple bows out of the black satin ribbon and added a few pearls. White flourishes were added as well. This background design has the beautiful flocking. If done right, flocking really adds such a richness to the background design, and the whole album for that matter.

I used a rub on to add "Happily Ever After" directly to the cardstock background.

I also chose to use another simple journal block on this layout to make room for more photos.

On my seventh layout I used the layered Prima flowers as a border instead of the ribbon. I added a journal block and a small place to include the date. The reason for the different places for the date is to allow the couple a place for photos of their honeymoon as well.

Even though I had already included the full layout I wanted to also include a photo of one of the pages by itself. It is such a higher quality photograph and really shows off the colors and layout much better.

I included another chipboard embellishment to adorn the side of the journal block. Of course pearls and ribbon were added to both.

On the second page of the layout I added the word "Always". It was part of the Making Memories metal embellishment package. Unlike the metal embellishments however it is made from chipboard and covered in silver glitter.

Well, above is the eighth layout... one more to go after this one!

Again, I chose to show you one of the pages because it just shows the details, colors and the overall feel of the layout better. I would show you each page and just exclude the two page photo but the first page of this layout didn't turn out so hot...

Wish I could just blame it on the camera, but I am afraid it's me. I actually just got a new 10 mega pixel camera but I have not figured out how to use it yet. I am just as bad as most men when it comes to reading instructions. (Shh! Don't tell anybody. I would never admit this to Glenn!) Anyway I need to learn and quit using this 4 or 5 mega pixel camera. Maybe that would help...

Actually I know this is a little off the subject but I would love to hear how you take your photos of your crafts? Of do you scan them? Any tips, tricks or advice would be so appreciated. I spend entirely way to much time attempting to get decent photos for my blog, my Etsy Shop, etc. It just doesn't seem like it should be this hard.

Back to the layout... I used a metal quote that says "There is only one happiness in life, to love & to be loved. ~George Sard. When I first read this quote I thought to myself that it was not true that there are alot of other things that make me happy. After tossing this idea around a while I came to the realization that we can love anything. For instance I love my crafts, which in turn make me happy.

I used a single strand of black satin ribbon this time and then adorned it by placing white pearls every 1/2 inch. I really liked the look when it was done.

And again, another chipboard tag was used that states "Together Forever".

Above is the first page of the ninth and final layout.

I used a date tag from the journal collection, a Prima flower and a chipboard flower for decoration along with the photo mat, ribbon and pearls. Of course we cannot forget the great background specialty cardstock.

On the second page of the layout I added a journal block along with the photo mat, ribbon and pearls.

All of the photo mats in this scrapbook were measured to fit 4 x 6 photos. When making a pre made scrapbook without being able to speak with the owner of the book I do not make photo mats that would require the person completing the album to crop their photos. Not everyone knows how to crop photos or wants to for that matter. I generally cut my first layer at 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 in size and then the second layer or top layer of the photo mat is cut at 4 1/4 x 6 1/4 in size and then attached to the bottom layer. This makes for a double layered photo mat with 1/4 inch borders.

I know that it was not necessary to show you this chipboard flower embellishment photo. It was easily seen on the layout photo but I simply wanted to include it because it turned out good and I did not want to waste a good photo...

I hope that you enjoyed looking through my pre made wedding scrapbook as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Hopefully you were able to gain a few new tips or some inspiration for your next project.

Don't forget to stop by and see everyone's entries for the Creative Spirit Challenge at Cindy Adkins' Whimsical Musings. Everyone is welcome to join the link party. Like Cindy says "The more the merrier!"

Thanks for stopping by. I would love to hear from you. You can leave your comments following this post. Please remember to also leave your contact information if you would like for me to reply.

Until Next Time... Take Care!

Under The Weather

2010-09-02T19:40:00.000-07:00

As some of you know I have been away for a while as I have been under the weather... sick. I am so grateful however to be back. It is going to take me a few days to get back in the swing of things but the important thing is that I am able to do so.

I want to thank everyone for all the well wishes, prayers and cards like the beautiful card above, made and sent to me from Barbara H, who is a member of my Yahoo! Papercraft Swap Group, PBS Swappers. (Thanks Barbara H!) I am touched to say the least by all of the gestures shown to me by the friends that I have made through my group and blog. Crafter's are the best!

I look forward to getting in touch with everyone and getting back to doing what I love... crafting!

Thanks everyone.

Until Next Time... Take Care!

Halloween Mini Album Winner!

2010-08-23T14:58:00.000-07:00

When I was on my way out the door to go on our camping trip this is what was in my mailbox. A Halloween Mini Album made by Rhonda from Scrap Happens.

I was so excited I left Glenn in the truck and ran back in the house to send her an email. I took the album with me to Oooh and Awww over it on the way to the campsite.

My favorite detail about the album is the caution tape on the front, that says "Do Not Enter".

The windows are boarded up.

There is even a large spider crawling into its webb on the rooftop.

This album is so full of details. Her work is amazing! If you would like to see the rest of the book, just simply follow this link, Scrap Happens.

Rhonda offers a free mini album every week to one lucky person who enters an idea for a mini album. She then posts a tutorial for the chosen album later in the week. Because she has had so many enteries for Halloween Mini Albums she has decided to do two a week for a while, one being themed for the Halloween holiday. What a generous offer!

I am so lucky to be chosen to receive a mini album made by Rhonda. I encourage everyone to give it a try. Just go to Scrap Happens.

Thanks Rhonda!

Until Next Time... Take Care!

Gone Camping

2010-08-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

Well, it's that time... time for my camping trip. I have known that I was taking this trip for around 3 weeks now, so you would of thought I would be ready for it right? Wrong! I could not be more unprepared. And here I sit on the computer.

I am really going to miss everybody! So many of you have became my friends. Friends that I look forward to talking with, sharing our daily lives with and sharing what we love... crafts.

Speaking of, I am going to miss my crafts. Well, most of them anyways. I do plan to take all of my mini books, my new Scotch Advanced Tape Glider, my file kit, scissors and patterned paper so that I can get my mini albums covered. This will be a big step in the right direction to get some items in my store for the Christmas Season.

Just know that when I am sitting around the campfire at night I will probably be wondering what everyone out there in blogland is doing and hoping that you all are doing great!

Have a wonderful week and I will see everyone on Sunday.

Until Then... Take Care!

August Creative Spirit Challenge, Purse Scrapbook

2010-08-14T22:41:00.000-07:00

When I heard that Cindy Adkins was having a Creative Spirit Challenge at her blog, Whimsical Musings, I knew exactly what I was going to enter, A Scrapbook Purse, that I have been wanting to start for some time now.

When I went to embellish the front of my purse it was a little bit of a dilemma. I wanted to get crazy and detailed with a bunch of bling, yet I wanted to stay true to myself and my personality. So I got all of my purses out and laid them out on my bed. One thing held true time and time again and that was the black leather handbag. As beautiful as it is alone I still wanted more than that and a little trim, so I went with a cross and another matching jewelry piece.

This coordinating jewelry piece consists of a crown, cross, a few pearls and a leaf. This beautiful hanging embellishment along with the cross signify my love for the king of kings, my lord, Jesus.

To finish it off I put a strip of coordinating crystals that stretch across the purse, toward the bottom. I stood back and knew that this is exactly what I wanted and I still had a lot of bling.

I purchased this purse kit from 7 Gypsies. It came with the hardware for the handles and clasp, but it needed some feet. So, I found these wooden pieces in the wood working craft section. I painted them black and attached them with a wood glue to ensure that they were not going any where. I feel it really added a whole new look to the purse and presentation. I love it!

Well, how about a tour of my scrapbook. There are a total of seven layouts all together. However we will only be seeing four of them and the front page because Glenn is being shy... (eye roll!)

So, I guess we should start with the front page. One thing that I loved about doing this book, is although I kept the book cohesive by sticking with the same color palette and paper collection, I played with all kinds of my favorite techniques and embellishments.

One of my favorite techniques these days is to paint grungeboard with crackle paint. This time I rubbed black ink over the top to get in the cracks, stamped on it with a musical background stamp and wiped the ink away so that the ink was light. I then embossed the edge and used distressed embossing powder to grunge it up a little more.

I am not always up to date on what trends are in and out, but I do know what I like and don't like, and I have always been a fan of the over sized letters. Here, I added an S for Sherry. I embellished it with three gems and a golden crown. After I painted the crown gold I added a little coordinating distressed stickles. I think the crown looks a little more like a jesters hat... but I like it.

I added a journaling tag to the front page that couldn't of been more true. The statement not only states that I was not real sure what the contents were going to hold but that whatever it was it would be something dear to my heart like this project has been since I bought it and the contents I added later.

You can actually sense my enthusiasm and excitement by my wording and my handwriting. I usually write very small and precise, here my writing is large and hurried. I start off the journaling by stating that I can't believe I am finally putting it together!

Shall we turn the page?

This first layout, like all the layouts has coordinating scrapbook paper. I did however stamp some random images and added cut out patterned paper borders for more interest to the background.

There is a combination of pictures, tags, a quote and a hidden photo and journaling as well. Can you see where the hidden elements are?

This is a picture of Glenn looking at something. The picture is highlighted using a transparent photo frame. The tag on the side is challenging you to figure out what Glenn is looking at.

If you guessed that the photo above is where the hidden elements are, then you are right. As a fan of hidden elements on a scrapbook page I just love who ever thought of these sturdy hinge stickers. You can see them attached to the decorated cardstock above. The cardstock is decorated using a rub on, embossing ink and powder on the sides.

What is hidden is the answer to the question that is being asked, "What is Glenn looking at?" It happens

to be his latest obsession, The Claw Machine. I have a closet full of ~~crap~~ toys to prove it!

I was teasing Glenn about this page and how the quote applies to how much patience he has to have in order to play these games. When in all honesty patience is just one of many great virtues that he possesses.

Let's turn the page...

The next layout that we are looking at is a little more simple but actually has more sentimental meaning for me.

I made my own journaling tag this time with my Cricut Machine, some paint and a few stamped images.

Glenn took me on a surprise trip to the beach for my birthday last year. Each and every minute was amazing! He rented me a ocean front suite, complete with a fireplace and jacuzzi tub. It rained for weeks before we went but while we were there we weren't even wearing jackets. The day after we left it flooded so badly there you could not get in or out of the coast. Someone new we needed this trip and blessed it. We fell in love all over again...

Glenn is just hanging out in the room in the photo above. I used a rub on directly on to the photo to make a frame and cut it out. The wording, "always", is also a rub on. I don't know who came up with this idea either, but rub ons are another one of my favorites. Quality rub ons that is.

The key with ribbon and the key hole are just two of the many embellishments that fill the pages of this little album.

Anyone that knows my work knows that I am big on using the layered flowers too.

It is the stuff like these flowers, the key and keyhole and hidden elements just to name a few that keeps me doing scrapbooks the old fashioned way. I have admired many digital layouts, and because I create Custom Scrapbooks, I have compared the profit margin of scrapbooking my way and the digital way. I will admit it is hard to argue that point after looking at the figures, but is that what its all about? For some maybe, maybe they have not choice. But for me I would be giving up so much of what I love about scrapbooking and that's all the stuff!

OK, let's move on... shall we?

The patterned paper on the layout is pretty dark. I picked out a light colored paper to make borders from and used white rub ons, paint, and a white pen for the words, embellishments and background for the date so that it would show up better, and pop off the page.

Because of the size of the pictures, I chose to design this layout on the side rather than crop down the pictures and cut out this great bench we found along a trail while we were doing some hiking on a camping trip.

All the photos have been matted with white mulberry paper to go with all of the other white elements on the page.

I added this grungeboard heart that has been painted red to coordinate with the outfit worn by Glenn in the pictures. It also adds some color to what would of been a black and white layout it.

The "G" is a grungeboard letter that has been painted white and then hand stamped with a handwriting background stamp. As you can see the ink was not dry yet and somehow was smudged a little. My first reaction is that it was ruined and then it grew on me and I kinda liked it.

"so loved" is a rub on, and is what actually started a chain reaction of other white rub ons that were added to the rest of the layout.

We have one more layout. Well, one more that Glenn will let us look at...

For this layout I added a pocket and border made from coordinating patterned paper, that has been embellished with rub ons, black pearls, and a charm w/ fibers.

I made the tag using my Cricut Machine, grungeboard, paint, pattern paper and a rub on. I have added a heart charm w/ fibers to adorn the corner of the tag like the one that adorns the pocket. I love the quote displayed on this page. It states "Some people make the world a better place just by being in it". I know that my world is a better place with Glenn in it.

The pocket holds these three tags with fibers. Two of them are pictures of Glenn.

The third tag tells us the nature of the pictures and the dates the events took place.

This tag is another example of all the embellishments this book has, with little black pearls that line the bottom, like the ones that line the border on the opposite page. The patterned paper at the top and another heart and coordinating fibers.

Well, that's it for my new Purse Scrapbook. It not only looks like alot of my purses but holds alot of important stuff too!

I think that's it, let me ask Glenn one more time... ... ... Yep, that's it!

Thank you for coming and sharing my Creative Spirit Challenge entry. I didn't know if I was going to get it in on time because of some unforeseen circumstances, but I am glad that I did.

Your comments and questions are always welcomed and enjoyed. Please add them following this post.

Until Next Time... Take Care!

Elegant Gold Butterfly Bookmark or Pink and Black Floral Bookmark?

2010-08-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

Not to long ago, Lesley was asking for some feedback for her Etsy Shop, Butterfly Garden Creations.

She asked us to list 10 of our favorite bookmarks on her blog site, also named Butterfly Garden Creations, in the hopes that it would help her to be more prepared for the holiday's. In return we would be entered into a drawing and have the opportunity to win any bookmark she has listed in her shop.

Well, guess who helped out with the marketing research? Yep... OK, now guess who won the drawing for the bookmark? NO.... It was me!

Of course I could not make up my mind which bookmark I wanted. It was between the Elegant Gold Butterfly Bookmark, pictured above and below, or the Pink and Black Floral Laminated Bookmark.

So, I told Lesley, to surprise me. As you can see I received the Elegant Gold Butterfly Bookmark, and could not have been happier. I think the photo above really shows off just how pretty the gold butterflys are.

Lesley even added my initails to the top. She used an L instead of an F because I am getting married this upcoming January. Wow, that is just right around the corner huh?

Thanks so much for the bookmark Lesley. I hope that your holidays are filled with sales!

Until Next Time... Take Care !

Alchemy Orders Completed!

2010-08-11T20:03:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things to do, is for potential customers to call me up, actually now it would be get a hold of my through my Etsy Shop, Scrapping With Sherry, and request a custom order. Which is actually just a fancy way of saying they get a hold of me and tell me what they want. This is how I have been making cards for friends and family locally for years.

I love the challenge of them telling me what they have in mind as far as images and colors for example, what the must haves are as well as the must not's, and then creating a card based on their vision.

Besides the challenge of making a card according to their specifics, my favorite part is when I present them with the finished item and they love it! It still amazes me at how surprised they are when they see it for the first time. Just the look on their face is a compliment that I can't describe.

I had two of them to complete today. The first one, pictured above, is a birthday card for a 16 year old boy. She wanted a card with a guitar and white skulls, she preferred the card be black and white and be done in two days.

I not only used the patterned paper from the Rock Star Paper Pack for the background layers, but I cut out an image of a guitar with a craft knife to create my own embellishment. I added painted grunge board wings to the back for added interest.

She wanted white skulls so I painted a few grunge board cross bones and skulls to add since the images on the patterned paper were silver.

I added a touch of red to the card by hand stamping "You Rock" on a piece of white cardstock with Brick Red Distress Ink from Tim Holtz and then added the Distressed Embossing Powder in Brick Red. I didn't care for the plain white cardstock so I cut the middle out of a tag and replaced it with the hand stamped one I made. The inside has a "Happy Birthday" sentiment in rub-ons.

Tip: When Distressed Embossing Powder is used with Distressed Embossing Ink it ends up being light as there is not alot of coverage. To make it a darker color I use a coordinating colored distress ink. Any distress inks can be used for embossing too.

The second card is a friendship card. The recipient is a music teacher who has a passion for playing the piano . She did not want just black and white and decided that she wanted alot of her favorite color, red, to be added to the card.

I showed her a vintage card and suggested that the style and colors of the vintage browns would go good with the mandatory color red that she wanted. She did not like the look of vintage, so I resorted to using black and white with a red textured background. Since she wanted the card to have a good amount of red, I made the middle smaller than I would have otherwise.

I hand stamped and colored the piano keys and then added them to the hand stamped, embossed musical background image, that makes up the middle portion of the card.

You can really see the texture of the embossed musical background in the photo above.

The tag says "You Are" and the sentiment on the inside says "Very Special To Me".

A black satin ribbon is what separates the musical image from the piano keys. I wish that I could of found a way to shape the musical image to look like a piano.

To finish the card I added a layered black flower with a white pearl in the center. I also added two black pearls to the two top corners of the musical background.

She is coming to pick this card up today. I have to admit that I am a little nervous. I like the card. But that may be the problem. Our taste is very different when it comes to most anything... I will just have to keep my fingers crossed! Update: She came by and picked up the card and loved it! We discussed her hiring me to create each of her grandchildren a canvass wall art for Christmas. She is going to place her order in a few weeks, through special request or Alchemy at my shop, Scrapping With Sherry.

I am really looking forward to doing these layouts for her. I have not had the opportunity to create like this in a while now.

Thanks for coming by and taking a peek at what I've been up to. I have also been working on the list of books that everyone submitted during my giveaway. I should have it done within a few days.

Until Next Time... Take Care!

Vintage Brooch Card

2010-08-10T22:37:00.000-07:00

This morning when I announced the winner of my giveaway I also presented this card as a token of how I feel about all of the people that have been a part of my journey here in blogland so far. This vintage brooch card's sentiment, "You are my Inspiration", really says it all.

So, I am back this time to share with you how I made the card as well as a few more pictures.

As always, I started off by making the card itself using 65 pound cardstock. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, you always want to use heavy cardstock at least on your first layer. I cannot begin to impress upon you what a difference this makes in the quality of your card.

The patterned paper I used for the second layer is from one of my favorite's, Basic Grey the Shabby Collection. I went around the edge with a gold leaf pen for an added accent.

One of the elements that I was asked alot about today is the brooch image. This is simply a ephemera image from one of the Emphemera Books that Design Originals came out with. I cut it out, glued it to grungeboard for durability, added a layer of Crackle Accents by Ranger, let it dry and adhered it to the card with pop dots. It really does look like it's in a frame doesn't it...

Tip: I highly recommend that when you have a collection of ephemera images, that you copy them so that you can use it repeatedly, instead of being lazy like myself and just cutting them out and using them. Now I don't have another one, and I would of liked to have been able to make this card again for my Etsy Shop, Scrapping With Sherry.

I have had these gorgeous stick pins, in the photo above, for a long time. I know that I got them at JoAnn's. I want to say they were the maker to, but I am not sure. I tied a bow around the base of the beads with organza ribbon and then added a heart charm at the top by Blue Moon. Blue Moon makes beads and jewelry making supplies. You can find a large variety of them at Michaels. Because the stick pins are heavy I adhered it to the card and in the flowers, using glue strips, usually used for ribbon.

Tip: Before buying scrapbooking or card making embellishments that look like the heart charm used in this card for instance, look in your jewelry making section of your craft store. More often than not I have found pieces to use instead at a considerably lower price.

The flowers are by Daisy Doodle. I layered two large ones and one small one on top to get this look. The brads are called Gold Wedding Pearl Brads, made by K&Company. I finished off the flowers by adding some Diamond Stickles by Ranger.

I'm not usually one to add so much glitz and glam to a card, but there are a lot of things that I have been doing lately that I don't normally do. And you know what... I'm liking this new creative side of me. Or should I say creative sides of me?

Before any of the embellishmenst were added I adhered a strip of pink satin ribbon layered with white organza ribbon. You can barely see it in the photo above, but it looks like I have added a strip of white crystals on top of the layered ribbon, when actually I just added a few to both ends so that I did not waste a bunch of them that noone was going to see anyways. Believe it or not it took me a while before I learned that lesson. So that I didn't take a chance on tearing the tags I tied a bow using organza ribbon and stuck it on separately.

I made a couple of tags using white vellum with gold specks. I then went around the edges with a gold leafing pen. Using both tags I stamped part of the sentiment on one and the rest on the other. I then added three small pink crystals and attached both tags to the card using a small glue strip.

TIP: You have to be careful as to what type of adhesive you use on vellum. Most of them will show right through the vellum leaving a tacky, unfinished look. If I cannot use my adhesive in some way that I can hide the area that it has been applied to, I will apply a light coat of spray adhesive and attach immediately. Another technique that has worked for me is to use my Xyron Machines.

Whether you are here to learn about making cards or looking around for some inspiration, if you make something because of this post, I would love to see what you have created. Please send me an email with inspired by vintage brooch card in the subject line. Please Let me know if I have your permission to show your work here at my blog, Scrapping With Sherry.

Thanks for taking the time to visit today. Your comments are welcomed and enjoyed.

Until Next Time... Take Care!

The Winner Is...

2010-08-10T03:44:00.000-07:00

I want to thank all of you who took the time to come and enter my first Celebration Giveaway. I made the card pictured above with each and every one of you in mind this evening while waiting for midnight. I was going to make a thank you card, however this sentiment seemed so much more fitting and comes from my heart. All of you that I have met and had the opportunity to chat with, share stories, encouragement, the link parties and challenges. I could go on and on... but because of you and all of these experiences, my creativity and enthusiasm has changed and for that I'm thankful.

You Are My Inspiration...

Three days went by way to fast, but I had a great time doing the giveaway. I had a lot of fun reading your comments and getting to know some of you a little better. I feel that new friendships were started and that's my prize for this giveaway!!

Are you ready to find out who the lucky winner is? Cross your fingers and follow the link below...

The Winner Is...

Congratulations! You will need to send me your mailing address so that I can get your package mailed off to you and on it's way home.

To determine the winner, I used Random.org., True Random Number Generator.

Regardless of whether or not you won this giveaway, we are all winners. Look who we are... We are blessed with the gift of creativity. You can't win that...

Thanks again to everyone who participated. If you are interested in how I made the, "You Are My Inspiration" card, I will be posting more pictures and instructions later today.

Until Next Time... Take Care!

My Favorite Song

2010-08-08T13:29:00.000-07:00

This week's link party at Cindy Adkins blog, I Owe it All to Him, is "What is your favorite song?" This was easy for me. Even though I have a new favorite song every time I turn on the radio, there is only one song that I have loved since I was a little girl and that's Amazing Grace.

A matter of fact I knew the moment that I entered Cindy's blog, I Owe It All To Him, that it was going to be a blog that I would be following. I instantly felt connected in some way, simply because Amazing Grace was playing. I had previously added a video of LeeAnn Rhymes singing Amazing Grace to the right, on my sidebar, however it was causing my blog to download very slow. So, I have included the link so that you may watch the video on YouTube. She sings it absolutely beautifully!

My grandmother's name was Grace. She's no longer with us, however, when I hear Amazing Grace it takes me back to memories of her. I made the tag pictured above for this link party today. I copied an old black and white photo of her and I onto mulberry paper and then added it to the tag.

I didn't want to add a lot of embellishments because I wanted to leave as much of the picture exposed as I could. So I chose to simply add a few layered flowers with brads, a black bow and a small cross.

There were a few more photos that I had copied onto the mulberry paper at the same time as the one I used for the tag, so I have decided to use them along with this tag to make a scrapbook layout. I will be sure to share the pages when I have them completed.

I also want to take this opportunity to say Thank You to Cindy for hosting these fun and thought provoking link parties. I appreciate all of the hard work and dedication it takes to continue to put these together week after week.

I am having a giveaway to celebrate the first 30 days in blogland! You can enter by following the instructions on the next post titled "Giveaway Starts Today!"

Until Next Time... Take Care!

Giveaway Starts Today!

2010-08-07T03:37:00.000-07:00

30 Days, 95 Followers and 232 Comments ago... I published my first post, on my first blog, Scrapping With Sherry.

To Celebrate I am having a Giveaway!

When I started this journey I had no idea what I was doing or how much I would love it. I have met some awesome, talented woman and have begun to develop friendships that I did not know where possible over the internet. Blogging has prompted me to take a look at certain areas of my life that needed attention. I have found new interests and old ones have been reborn. In 30 short days I have started to reinvent myself. I am a friend and a mentor to woman who share the same passions that I do. I am a blessed and thankful child of God. I am a happier, more enthusiastic and creative artist. I contribute all of this to blogging and you...

So lets get this celebration started by taking a peek at what one lucky winner will receive...

Would you like to see some close-ups?

I tossed around a few ideas for the giveaway. I finally decided to put together a few of my newest favorite craft items... and a few of the old.

And of course I had to throw in some truffles and a candle for those late night crafting sessions.

I hope the lucky winner likes Tim Holtz!

Getting your name entered into the drawing is easy and you can enter up to two times!

To get your name entered once into the drawing simply tell me what the title is of your favorite craft book, the author and why it is your favorite in the comment section following this post before Monday, August 9th at midnight.

If you do not have a favorite craft book than you may list any other type of book. However please list at least one book, author and why.... Thank You!

Want another chance to win these great prizes? Mention Scrapping With Sherry and my giveaway with a link on your blog and tell me where to find it by leaving a seperate message in the comments section following this post before Monday, August 9th at midight.

The winner will be determined using Random.org after midnight on August 9th. I will post the winner here on August 10th.

A big Thank You goes out to everyone who is helping me celebrate my first 30 days in blogland... It's been an amazing experience and I can't wait to see what the next 30 days will hold!

Good Luck to Everyone!!!

Until Next Time...Take Care!

First Giveaway!

2010-08-05T02:48:00.000-07:00

30 Days ago this Saturday, August 7th I published my first post here on Scrapping With Sherry. Who would have known that I was going to love it so much. Certainly not me...

So I thought... What better way to celebrate and say thank you to all the people that have supported me with comments, kind words and inspiration... became followers and friends... and have helped me when I had no idea what I was doing... then to have a giveaway.

I made the tag pictured above to decorate for the giveaway. Here's a few more views.

I embossed a die cut of a bird with distress embossing powder. This stuff is a hit with me. It not only covers well, but gives the image a great distress look and feel. A matter of fact it feels like sand paper.

I also added 3 layered flowers in coordinating colors. I added a little something extra by embellishing each one with a pearl.

I got a chance to try a new technique called, "Shabby Chic", on the first layer of the tag. After cutting a die cut tag made of grungeboard with my CriCut I painted it pitch black with a paint dabber. After the tag was good and dry I handstamped flourishes with distressed embossing ink. I then applied clear embossing powder and heat embossed it with my heat tool. Next, I covered the entire tag including the embossed images with my paint dabber using snow cap. After the paint had begun to dry, but was still tacky, I took a damp rag and wiped over the embossed designs to remove the excess paint. What do you think? I added the picture above, so that you could get a better peek at the "Shabby Chic" look.

I hope to see you back here on August 7th to help me celebrate and find out how you can win some great stuff for your craft stash. It's only for 3 days so don't be late.

Until Then... Take Care!

Whats On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 61

2010-08-04T05:29:00.000-07:00

Julia, over at Stamping Ground, has an ongoing link party every Wednesday called, "What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday". The first time I viewed the party on Julia's site last week, I was intrigued and visited a couple of the links to see what it was about. Well, it's about just what the title says, your workdesk, or the floor if that's where you create. Here is a photo of last night's damages.

Not to bad if I do say so myself. This isn't actually my desk as I have company for a few days and have been relocated while they are here. So I created a space on the dining room table... and the buffet, and the top of the freezer, the floor and part of the kitchen cabinet. LOL!! I really don't even know how it happened. A few things here and a few things there. I keep telling my fiance, Glenn, that I need all this stuff. He doesn't get it, but I am sure you do.

So, what is going on... Let's see. I have a couple of my business cards out as I was getting Etsy orders together and ready to be sent last night. Alot of supplies from making tags, including tags that just didn't make the cut. A matter of fact my new tag is hiding under my ribbon adhesive.

Thanks for viewing my workdesk. Don't forget to take a peek at my newest creation, "Wandering Ghosts Tag", in the previous post.

Until Next Time... Take Care!

Wandering Ghosts Tag

2010-08-04T01:25:00.000-07:00

When you think of the word accident it's usually not associated with anything positive. Unless you are a crafter and then some of the best techniques and looks have been an accident. Here's mine...

When I started the tag I applied a layer of picket fence crackle paint. My plan was that is would crackle and I would work black ink into the cracks and wipe the rest off. Well, I didn't apply a thick enough layer so the paint did not crackle the way it was supposed to. Instead after applying the black ink I got what I feel is the look of an old house or barn, you know the ones with the washed out untreated wood.

You can see the background better in this closeup pictured above. You will have to let me know what it reminds you of. I really like to hear peoples different interpretations of artwork. Anyway, I decided to go with two stamps from the Tim Holtz collection. One is the phrase above, "Not all who wander are lost", and then the image below. When I attached the tags I used staples instead of adhesive for something a little different and fun.

When I stamped the image of the people pictured above, I grabbed the wrong black ink and got this light black image instead of the dark black image that I wanted. Well, another accident gone right! I really liked it. It reminds me of ghosts and makes the phrase that I chose even better!

Since nothing was going the way I had planned, I didn't know how I was going to finish this tag off, but my desire to use my new Tim Holtz rular is what prompted me to add the fasteners to the side, so I could use the hole punches. Plus it also gives me a chance to use my texture hammer and give the fasteners a new look. There was still something missing so I masked off my image and stamped a background stamp randomly around the tag with the darker black.

To finish the tag off I chose 3 different types of fibers and added them to the top of the tag. So, what do you think about my accidents? I personally love them and hope I make more!

Thanks for coming by for a visit. On your way out if you want to grab my new button you are more than welcome too. You may want to grab it as a reminder to yourself that this Saturday is exactly 30 days since my first post and I am going to celebrate it by having my first Giveaway!

Well, I am off to post my new tag, "Wandering Ghosts" in my Etsy Store.

Until Next Time... Take Care!

Birds In Waiting Tag Set

2010-08-03T01:38:00.000-07:00

I had a Aha! moment this morning. I started an Etsy Shop, Scrapping With Sherry, not with the expectation of getting rich, I just wanted to fund my crafting a bit. I am sure some of you can relate to how much it costs to craft, especially when you are a self professed craft supply collector! Well, I have been going into this with the goal of making items that I can make a profit on. Something that can be made repeatedly with craft supplies on hand. Sounds like a descent business plan right? So, whats the problem? My creativity and inspiration have been smothered.

This morning I decided, no more! I am going to make what I am inspired to make... I am going to go back to having fun... I am going to be me! I will list the things that I make and if they sell and I decide to or even have the stuff to make another one great. If I don't, that's OK too. Creating is such a big part of who I am that if I can't do that freely I am not complete. Maybe it isn't even in the cards for me to have My Etsy Shop, and you know what, that's OK too.

Ready to take a look at what I was inspired to create today?

I have decided to call them "Birds in Waiting Tag Set" I decided to make each one a different monochromatic color scheme. Besides the fibers and two of the images, everything else that I used to make this tag set are craft supplies by Tim Holtz. I am currently having a great time playing with his products. Here are a few close ups.

All three of the tags have decorated tiles attached. I just love the way you can altar these to look like anything that you want. Very fun!

Stuck a couple little blue birds on the blue monochromatic tag. I forgot to mention that the little birds are not Tim Holtz products either. They are actually made by Jolee's. I ran a swivel clasp from the top of the birdcage image and up through the fibers to give the look of the birdhouse hanging from a chain. I even finally got to use my new texture hammer, even if it was just to give a brad a few whacks!

This bird was hand stamped and then embossed with the distress embossing powder. Love this stuff. It adds a whole new look and feel to embossing! And what's even better is you can't overheat it... Something I tend to do with regular embossing powder.

Tip: When you use the distress embossing powder make sure that after you apply the heat to let the powder cool off completely before you wipe off the releasing crystals. It bonds to the paper as it cools and if you don't wait the embossing powder will come off.

I hand stamped and applied the distress embossing ink to this bird image as well. All the tags have a metal embellishment attached. I love how all the trinket pins and the muse tokens have fun and inspirational words on them. The color of the green tile didn't photograph well and doesn't look like the true green color that it is.

I also sprayed each one of the tags lightly with a coordinating color of perfect pearls and a mixture of water with my mini misters. Unfortunately the photos didn't pick up the light shimmer.

Well, what do you think? I'm happy with the set and I had fun. I would be lying if I said I didn't care whether anyone likes my stuff or not, but if not, that's OK too...

Well I am off to list this set in my Etsy Shop. Thanks for stopping by, and thanks to everyone for all the support. Everyone has been awesome!

Until Next time... Take Care~

My Favorite Word

2010-08-01T00:56:00.000-07:00

Cindy Adkins is having a link party at her blog, I Owe it All to Him. This week's link party is

"What is your favorite word?" I have literally known about this for a while now, but as usual I could not decide what word I wanted to use. I can be so undecisive sometimes. It really drives me nuts!

I finally came up with one, which is a good thing, it ends tonight! My word is Hope. Why? For one it is such a positive word. Even when times are tough, as long as I have hope, then there is inspiration to keep going. I know that things will work out.

Just like this tag states... To have confidence. This is so true for me. When I have hope, I have a positive outlook. When I have a postive outlook, I then have confidence in the situation and myself. Hope gives you something to wish for. When you have hope... anything is possible!

Thank you Cindy for giving me something to think about this week. Thank you for giving me hope!

I made this inspirational tag I call "Hope" for Cindy's link party. I used the different shades of brown Tim Holtz Distress Inks, the blended batik technique, various stamps, Prima flowers and MM fibers. One of the reasons I included the close up, above, is so that you could see the shimmer I added to the tag using a shimmer mist I made with water and Perfect Pearls blended in my Mini Misters.

Until Next Time... Take Care!

Trash or Treasures?

2010-07-31T21:18:00.000-07:00

Today was Saturday and during the summer months that means garage sales!! I wish that I could say that I have always loved vintage items since I was a child, but that is just not the case. Vintage and old worn out distressed items has been an acquired taste for me, kinda like blue cheese dressing. Yes, I like blue cheese dressing... So every since then garage sales have taken on a whole new meaning.

Some of the stuff I found today would be considered vintage collectables and some of it just stuff I simply like. You be the judge... did I find some trash or treasure?

The first items I am going to exhibit are these great jars! I found them on the bottom shelf of one the garages having a sale. There was a little tag that read "Old Jars $1.50 each". I am not real up on prices of antiques but the few times that I have seen these for sale lately they have wanted alot more than $1.50. Some of you seasoned buyers and sellers will have to let me know if I got a good deal or not.

I seem to be partial to the ones that have the date on them. This one says July 14, 1908.

Maybe someone can tell me who made this little jar. It was with the rest of them but did not have any imprints. I just thought it was cute, and when I asked the guy about it he threw it in for free.

Now for the next exhibit. My samsonite luggage in a pretty blue. I see alot of luggage but have never seen one in blue and never in this good of condition. Had to have it!

Even had the key!

I could just picture it sitting open in my craft room full of goodies that I have gotten from dear friends on the internet and swaps... I almost forgot to tell you the price... $5.00.

I have been on the hunt for wooden shelves in good condition that I can repaint and shabby up a bit. Here is one of my finds today for $2.00. I will have to post again after I give it a make-over and let you know how it turned out.

Last and least....

Here is a blue shelf I picked up for "free". Price doesn't get any better than that! I really like the wire in the heart cutout. Going to paint and shabby this up a bit to.

Total today is $14.50.

You tell me, Trash or Treasure?

Until Next Time... Take Care!

New Look...

2010-07-31T16:24:00.000-07:00

I am in love with my new banner! It just added so much and gave it a whole new look. Did I tell you that I love it? Yes, of course I did... It would not have been possible without my new friend, Margaret. If you would like to see some more beauty check out her blog, "Ewenique". I am sure you will be as impressed as I was the first time I stopped in for a visit.

Thank you so much Margaret! When I asked you for some help in creating my banner I had no idea that you would actually do it for me. It was such a surprise to come home yesterday and find this in my email. I can not thank you enough.

Until Next Time... Take Care!

Vintage Angel Card

2010-07-30T00:56:00.000-07:00

I created several cards for my angel, Karen, this week. However, none of them seemed to be "right". I don't care if you create cards, scrapbook pages, jewelry or toilet paper, you know what I mean when i say nothing seemed "right". It usually takes me awhile to create anything from design to finish because I am always second guessing myself, but this was ridiculous!

I wanted to have it done yesterday, because tomorrow we are picking her up to go play bingo and it will be the first time I have seen her since she gave Glenn and I her wedding ring. So, the card pictured above is what I came up with... What do you think? Before you decide, here are a few more views.

This a closeup of the flowers that I made by layering Prima Flowers and adding a pearls to the centers.

And then this final picture is a close up of the tag that states "You Are". On the inside of the card I stamped the rest of the sentiment which states "Extraordinary". This could not be more true. She is most definitely an extraordinary woman. One does not meet woman like her often.

What I liked about the photo above is it really showed off how I painted on Crackle Accents to give the picture a subtle crackle effect. Love that stuff!

Wish us luck tomorrow at bingo. After last week we are going to need it. LOL!

Until Next Time... Take Care!

Wedding Gift

2010-07-29T17:30:00.000-07:00

It's here! I was working on a card to take to my newest family member, Karen, when I heard the familiar sound of my mailbox closing shut. Being a craft swapper and online shopper the mail is always a pretty exciting time of the day. Yes, I have a life... Anyway today was extra special. I received the tag that Cindy Adkins made me for her Surprise Day that she usually holds at her crafting blog site, Cindy Adkins' Whimsical Musings. However this time she had her Surprise Day at her inspirational site, I Owe it All to Him, because of a link party that I participated in last week. Here is my Vintage Tag.

Isn't it beautiful... I am so lucky to receive such an amazing gift. The Lord has definately blessed me this last week in so many ways. Below is a close up view. Cindy even included a bingo card, because that is where Glenn and I met Karen.

The tag even came in a decorated package that I can store my tag in for safe keeping. (Pictured below)

For those of you that have not been following my blog, last week I was given an amazing gift from a very special lady named Karen. From that story came so many blessings. If you are interested please read my blog posts titled, "The Angel Named Karen" and "The Gift". You will not only know the story behind why I received the honor of Cindy making me this tag for the Surprise Day on her blogsite, I Owe it All to Him, but I believe that you will be inspired and have a renewed faith that there are angels among us.

Thank you Cindy! You are an amazing woman. I am so blessed to have met you.

Until next time... Take Care!

Gypsy Angel

2010-07-29T00:10:00.000-07:00

A dear friend of mine, Kim, has redone her blog, Gypsy Angel. I could not be happier for her. When I was reading up on how to blog, because a little over 2 weeks ago I had never had one and quite honestly had not read very many of them, yet time and time again I would read that the best advice is to be true to yourself when creating your blog. When I received the email that she had redone her sight today with the help of our new friend, Cindy Adkins at I Owe it All to Him, I hopped on over to see what was up.

I was in awe at the changes she had made. And although the physical changes as well as the name has changed, the most important thing is her voice has changed. It's the Kim that I share thoughts and ideas with everyday. It's the Kim that loves the lord and loves to craft. Plain and simple, it's Kim. So, please let me introduce you to a dear friend, Kim and her new site, Gypsy Angel. I am sure you will be as impressed as I am with the changes she has made.

The photo above was cropped from a card I made for a friend, shortly after I first found my love for making cards.

Congratulations Kim!

Until next time... Take Care!

Black & White Birthday Card

2010-07-27T22:14:00.000-07:00

Yes, that is a black and white card in the picture above... I have made a Black & White Birthday Card. For those of you that have not been able to read my older posts, I had put myself on a restriction from making black & white papercrafts. It's the only colors I seem to be inspired by these days and I wanted to get out of a rut. In my defense though, a customer saw the black and white birthday card with the cake at my Etsy Shop. However, it wasn't what he was looking for, but he loved the look of black and white. I agreed to make him a more classic card for his mothers birthday. It had to be done by tomorrow morning, which I didn't mind. He is a good friend of Glenn's, and I was happy to get the order.

Below are a few more views of the card.

Above is the banner on the card. I love the dimension of the butterflys and the pearl embellishments.

I embossed the two butterflies on the upper portion of the card to match the first layer, but the one on the bottom was handstamped using the same stamp I used for the background image.

The supplies that I used for this card are the white 65 pound cardstock that I always use for the base of my cards. It makes such a difference in the quality of a handmade card when you use the heavier weight cardstock. Black cardstock, black felt specialty paper, black satin ribbon, white organza ribbon, black archival ink, small and medium sized pearls, hand punched butterflies.

The tools that I used are the "Floral Fantasy" Cuttlebug embossing folder and my Cuttlebug. (I love my cuttlebug!) The background image is a stamp by Anna Griffin, the sentiment is also by Anna Griffin and comes from the "Sending You: Sentiments Statements" Set. For the tag I used my Cricut Machine along with the "Sweethearts" cartridge and the butterflies were made using a punch by Marvy.

Hope that you are inspired by this card to create something absolutely fantastic today! If you are I would love to see what you came up with based on this design.

Your comments are a gift to me and I am always excited to read each and every one. For those of you that have been leaving me the gift of your word and supporting this newbie, I thank you!

Until next time... Take Care!

The Gift

2010-07-27T01:37:00.000-07:00

When Glenn and I arrived home this evening I settled in and turned on my computer to check a few emails before calling it a night. One of my many messages was from my new friend, Cindy Atkins. She asked me to come to her blog, I Owe it All to Him, that she had something for me there. I had no idea the gift that I was about to receive.

What was waiting there for me was a message stating that she was having a "Surprise Day" and that it was to congratulate Glenn and I on our engagement. She made us the most beautiful vintage tag. I could never do justice explaining the message or the beauty of the tag that she has created for us. She is such a talented artist. Her work definitely inspired me to create the inspirational bookmark in the photo above.

Please visit Cindy at her blog, I Owe it All to Him, to view The Gift that she has made for Glenn and I. Oh, and one more thing, please don't forget to leave her a comment.

Glenn and I are so blessed!

Until next time... Take Care!