5 on Friday

Ah, the sun is shining, the skies are clear and if you could ignore the snow on the ground you'd swear it was warmer than 30 degrees. But it's not, so I'll just cozy up for the day and find something to do - heaven know there's plenty on the list! When I last posted, I said I was wanting to do some crafting and I know you've been on the edge of your seat wondering. Did she? No. She didn't. I ended up checking CHA updates, adding to the Apron Strings wish list of paper lines (which is quite long) and sending out requests for new catalogs. Still a productive night, though not necessarily crafty. So in the hopes of spurring on your crafty side, here's this week's 5 on Friday list:

• 1 sheet cardstock
• 1 sheet rub-ons
• 1 sheet patterned paper
• 1 set felt or fabric embellishments
• 1 set of brads

Other than title and journaling, these are the only things allowed on your layout. Link this, and the other two challenges from this week by Saturday night to be eligible for a Cookie Jar Treat.

Speaking of which, I do have last week's winner - totally spaced that out on Wednesday. A big congratulations goes out to Rebecca! You'll find something tucked in with your February shipment.

All you who love big challenges, get those fingers limbered up and be on the lookout during the month of February for the "Don't Stash It" challenges. February is Apron Strings' birthday month - so presents will be waiting to reward your hard work. ;)

Plans for the weekend? Here? We will be wrapping up one basketball league, while one is just getting started. So we have a game tonight and two games tomorrow. I think we have a tournament next weekend, but haven't heard from the coach yet. Even with the games it feels like a rather light weekend -which is a good thing. We got an email from my 11 y.o.'s soccer coach about training starting next weekend. Really?? Ick - spring soccer is my least favorite - we battle cold, biting wind and snow more often than not. I have a feeling this may be my 11 y.o.'s last season though, I don't think he's all that jazzed about soccer anymore. It really bums out my DH, who played soccer up through college. Plus my son is good and it's hard when you know they're good, enjoy watching them and they just don't feel it. So we'll see. The child who can't decide what to eat in the morning (thank goodness he wears a uniform to school) will have to decide whether to continue or not before we drop the money on fall registration.

So, whatever your weekend holds, I hope you find time for yourself and that the only decisions you have to make is whether to use a sketch and your kit, or "wing" your next layout. :)

Sketch Wednesday

First things first; Special thanks to Maria for her post on Glimmer Mists and their ease of use and versatility. Remember to check back next week to find more mists on the website, Maya Mists to be exact and give altering your chipboard and cardstock a shot. Now - it's Wednesday. Far enough into the week to be looking toward the weekend, yet enjoying the accomplishments of the past week. I am happy to report that my house is Christmas Free! Yes, it's sad but true that as of Sunday morning I still had my tree up in my living room, half decorated. I had rounded up all the other decorations from the house and they were piled in the dining room. But come Sunday evening my living room was de-Christmased and back to normal, my dining room was empty and all the decorations were packed and put away - in their right place I might add, not just sort of stacked near where they should be. I didn't realize it until Monday morning when I came down to make lunches, how depressing and defeating it was to see that tree still standing there with the clutter of decorations around it. To come down to a tree-free living room that was neat and tidy was so. . .lightening. Made Monday morning a good thing! (Happy sigh). So here we are at Wednesday night and I'm actually thinking of doing something crafty - depending on how long it takes me to get some Apron Strings things out of the way - this post and getting tomorrow's Blue Plate Special set up. I'm excited by the prospect -- I'll let you know how it goes. Whether you're looking to continue a week filled with accomplishments, or maybe it's just been one of those weeks where you can't seem to get anything done, give today's sketch a go. Thanks to Bessie, again, for this week's sketch. :)

Remember to complete and link all three challenges from this week by Saturday evening to be eligible for a Cookie Jar Treat.

I'm off to enjoy some quiet and maybe some crafting time. I need it - the 1 y.o. was in bed before seven o'clock, if that tells you how the evening was going. :) Enjoy your own quiet time tonight.

Re-color your chipboard, trims and letters!

Hey there! It's Maria, in December I had the privilege of working with the Bigger than a Breadbox kit which came with some fabulous papers and embellishments. I have a quick tutorial on using Glimmer Mist (or, spray ink) to color plain chipboard and other embellishments. Spray inks (Glimmer Mist, Shimmerz and Maya Mist) are a quick and easy way to give your embellishments a different look. Shimmerz and Glimmer Mist have a sheen to them (shake well to get the best results) and Maya Mists can be matte, or metallic, depending on the color chosen. I used Glimmer Mist, but any spray ink will work. First, prepare an area to use Glimmer Mist. I have a small area set-up in my basement (where I scrap) that is covered with newspaper, or old shipping boxes and is away from anything that could get stained (like carpet). For my "Everyday Picture" I sprayed the chipboard flourish in the Lily Bee kit with a Latte Glimmer Mist. It gave the chipboard a nice color and "sheen" to it.

Glimmer Mist can really be used on anything that is absorbent. For my "Anticipation" layout, I sprayed both the chipboard word and some white fabric Thickers (Red Velvet Glimmer Mist) to create my title. The Thickers ended up with a nice, vivid red from the Glimmer Mist and the chipboard word has a shimmer to it.

You can also color your ribbons and trims (like the trim that came in the Smaller than a Breadbox kit) with Glimmer Mist. To get the best results, spray the ribbon inside a zip-lock bag and squish the ribbon around to pick up all the ink. Let dry before adhering to your project.

One last way you can use your spray ink, is with a mask. Masks can be purchased or made yourself (coming in a later tutorial). For my "Sunshine" layout, I used a purchased mask (Tim Holtz, flourish). Simply lay the mask on the paper and spray. The mask is removed and can be wiped clean, or left as is. The ink will not affect the mask's use in anyway.

If you haven't tried spray ink, once you do, you might be hooked.

You can find Glimmer Mist, actually the Red Velvet used on the "Anticipation" layout, on the website now (and save 10%)- more will be coming soon, so you can stock up and see how easy they are for yourself.

Maria

Apron Strings Sous Chef

Monday Challenge - Stamping

Good morning ladies! Hope you had a good weekend. Here in New York the weather is so nasty, raining like crazy and the wind is unbelievable...gotta watch out you know because it can blow me away...seriously...lol. It's been like this the whole weekend. Is it raining where you live? If it is...its a great excuse to do some scrapbooks, don't you think? So, to get you started here is today's challenge. Stamp...stamp....stamp....stamp anything in your LO or card. It can be the title, an image, a sentiment, whatever suits you...just make sure that something on your LO or card is a stamped. ETA: Ok, so I was supposed to upload my sample on Monday (insert ashamed emoticon here). Gosh, it completely slipped my mind...and not turning my computer on for two days didn't help either. I apologize for the delay, but here it is. My stamped image is the lovebirds. So are you ready for scrapbooking and stamping???? Show me what you create and remember that you have until Saturday evening to upload your creation...and that you need to complete the three challenges in order to be eligible for a yummy cookie jar treat.

Have fun and until next time, Bessie

It's Friday!

Can you believe it's already Friday? This week seems to have flown by, probably because of the holiday on Monday. Anyway, sorry ladies about the lateness of the post - I pulled up the blog to post first thing this morning, but my little 1 y.o. wasn't his usual busy, independent self and then I got distracted looking at goodies for March's kits. So, as I shove aside, oh just a few catalogs and price sheets, I'm here to quickly post the 5 on Friday Challenge:

• 1 sheet neutral black cardstock
• 1 sheet patterned paper
• 1 set of round, small embellishments; i.e. buttons, brads, eyelets (remember them?) - just not paper
• 1 chipboard item
• 1 length of ribbon

Outside of journaling and a title, these are the only items allowed on your layout today. This and the other two challenges from this week are due, linked up, by Saturday evening.

Any plans for the weekend? Not sure what the weather will be like here; it looks nice and sunny, but there's a wind and clouds rolling in - big clouds and I haven't watched to see what the weekend is supposed to be like. We have two basketball games on Saturday, one crack-of-dawn-early and one right after that. One of my son's classmates' mother died this week and we are trying to decide if we should attend the services, which fall after the last game. Still not sure on that one. And birthday party later in the evening for my niece to round out the day. Sunday looks empty, but I'm sure I'll fill it up with something. :)

Enjoy your weekend and go get some pages done so I can scrapbook vicariously through you all!

It's a Schmorgesborg

What started with an impromptu trip up to Wyoming for a quick family getaway (aka car search) led to a frantic last couple of days of shortcut bookkeeping. The trip was a nice, fairly long trip, but comfy with all of us trapped in the car. Stories from the road: Dr. Pepper cup left on the roof, only to be seen flying off behind the car as we re-enter the highway. The son whose cup it was didn't find it nearly as funny as the rest of us. A very nice hotel room in a very small town. Swimming. Paperwork by the glow of a laptop screen. Unfortunately, the car we drove up there to see was a waste of time, but it too had its high point, a good look conversation with DH about what we want and what we thought we wanted in a vehicle. So this little trip and a lack of bookkeeping snowballed into chaos and is why today's post is quite late, but it's here! Let's start with the sketch for Sketch Wednesday. Thanks to Bessie, who is becoming quite the sketch artist:

Remember, this challenge along with Monday's and Friday's are due by Saturday evening to be eligible for the Cookie Jar Treat.

Winners from last week -- yes, winners -- remember I was giving away two goodies and double entries went to those who hadn't shared their work before. Thanks for the great layouts, and cards :) It's always fun to look at the many ways people interpret the challenges. Random.org has selected:

• Nitasha - I still owe you your grand prize from 25 Days, so I'll include this one too. Sorry for the delay on that one.
• Kristin - see it pays to play :) I'll get yours out to you when I ship Nitasha's.

Next I need to do a little bragging. My younger sister purchased one of the Christmas kits from October Afternoon. Below are the layouts she created with that special edition kit.

I loved this kit and will have to do another one this year, so even though we're just getting over the whole holiday-thing, be planning your budget so that you can pick one up!

Hmm, is that it? I think it is. At least for today. I'm off to grab a well-deserved bowl of ice cream and start making plans for March kits. First though, I'll need to peruse new goodies and see if their time lines fit with mine. :)

Monday Challenge - Cardstock it is...

Hello ladies, did you enjoy your weekend? Do you have a long weekend? Have you been scrapping? I did manage to scrap a few pages and make some cards yesterday. It felt nice to sit back, relax, and scrap a bit. How about you? If you didn't then here is the first challenge of this week to get you started. This was really a challenge for me...to say the least I don't even know how I managed to leave it as is, lol. You will understand why, if you are a patterned paper lover like me. It's almost impossible for me to not include at least a tiny bit of patterned paper on my LO...but I did for you ladies, lol...because this week's challenge is to use only cardstock on your LO or card. No patterned paper, no specialty paper...only CS. Yes, your eyes are not disguising you, lol. Of course you can use any type of embellishment you want. Let me see what you create...can't wait. Here's my take:

As a reminder, you have until Saturday evening to upload your LO or card...but you also have to complete the Sketchy Wednesday and the Five on Friday to be eligible to win a cookie jar treat. Thanks all for playing and see ya' next Monday.

Hugs,

Bessie

5 on Friday

Running a little behind. That's not good when it's before noon. I knew I had to get a post up, but kept thinking it was for a sketch. What's that "better brain/better memory" supplement? I think I need to get some. It's been crazy busy, and there haven't even been any basketball games, excessive homework or other outside the house activities (though the car saga continues, we haven't been out this week.) I've been neck deep in shipping, follow-up and the like. When I've had the spare moment, I've been drooling over some of the new releases coming out at CHA -- fun, cute, gorgeous, can't-wait-to-get-my-hands-on-them excitement. Depending on ship-dates, you could see some as early as the March kits. What's on your calendar for this weekend? Here, basketball resumes with a game on Saturday. The boat show is in town, which is something DH looks forward to every year, even though we have a boat. So we'll grab some dinner tonight and head downtown to the convention center. It'll be a nice family outing. Sunday, looks like the weather, which has been sunny and fairly warm all week, will continue and we have a bonafide "down day." Is there cropping time in my future? Highly unlikely, but with today's 5 on Friday, there could be some in yours:

• 2 sheets patterned paper
• 1 set of blue buttons or brads
• 1 naked chipboard piece; must stay naked
• 1 length of ribbon

Only the items listed, plus journaling and title, are allowed on this layout. This challenge, as well as the other two from this week, are due to be linked up by Saturday evening to be eligible for a Cookie Jar Treat. I think I said, if you're a "never posted" person, you get a double entry and that I'd give away two prizes this week. We need to jump start the New Year ladies, those pages won't complete themselves! Come on. :)

Whatever you plans are, have a great weekend.

Sketchy Wednesday

I think my brain has shut down - it's in hibernating mode, like computers go into, only mine has shut down because of too much use, instead of non-use. I'm sitting here trying to think of something to say and nothing is coming to mind. Nope. Nothing. Not sure if it's because shipping was yesterday -- you all should be getting your kits by probably Friday at the earliest. Maybe it's the "Great Car Search." Yep, still looking. Maybe my mind is plugged with the numerous items that need to be done, or the clutter of Christmas stuff floating around me. Who knows. So we had our first week of challenges and I know Linda R. loves winning goodies (who doesn't) - and uses them - Lady you are cranking out the pages! But let's make it a little exciting with a few more layouts to scraplift. A little challenge tossed out there - get a double entry if you've never linked a layout to a challenge here -- and this week, I'll award two prizes. So come on, however are you going to get those New Year's cropping goals met if you don't scrapbook? Here's today's sketch, provided by our lovely Bessie. Thanks loads Bessie, you're the best. :)

Alrighty, I'm off to do some low-level-brain-required activities. Enjoy your day and you can officially start stalking your mailmen! ;D

Monday Challenge - Ribbons, ribbons, and more ribbons

Hello ladies! I'm sorry for the lateness of this post...my Internet is acting up since yesterday and I'm having difficulties with it. Anyway, how was your weekend? Are you staying warm? Here in New York its been freezing....and I'm having a hard time staying warm. I'm so ready for Spring, I tell ya.

So on to this week's challenge....we all have lots and lots of ribbons....and if you are like me, sometimes we have a hard time to use it in our LO's. In card its easier to use, but in LO's is kind of challenging at times. So the challenge this time around is to use at least 5 different ribbons on your LO or card. Let's get those creative juices flowing and show me what you come up with and link here.

Remember that you have until Saturday evening to upload your creation...and that you have to complete the Wednesday sketch and the five on Friday as well to be eligible to win a cookie jar treat.

Here's my take:

Enjoy your week and see ya' next Monday. Thanks for your patience, everyone!

Bessie

5 on Friday

Any of you looked for a new car? It's been 8 years since we had to buy a car - DH gets a new car every two years through work and the last car we bought, we purchased from his work when they rolled their fleet, so we didn't have much to do other than pick it off the list of available cars and go get it. We are in that process now.The amount of time consumed search, researching and searching some more is insane! We need a people mover, there are six of us, and we need towing capabilities, so we're looking at Expeditions and are leaning toward the EL version, with some serious reservations on my part because the thing is stinkin' huge! They are a tough cookie to find around here, but we, or rather DH is leaving no stone unturned. At this point I'd take just the regular Expedition (I mean I wake up thinking about all the cars we've looked at for crying out loud), but then I see the extra room in the back, perfect for overly large baby strollers (why do they need to be that big??) and overstuffed athletic bags, and resign myself that the quest will continue. (sigh) So, it's Friday - back the regular work week and school. How was it? Probably thankful it's Friday and ready to take a little time to do some scrapbooking, right? Good thing I've got your 5 on Friday right here:

• 1 sheet cardstock
• 1 sheet patterned paper with purple in it
• 1 alphabet
• 1 oversized element
• 1 border element

Remember outside of a title and journaling, these are the only items you can include on your layout. Also, this layout, and the other two from this week are due by Saturday evening to be eligible for a Cookie Jar Treat.

I'm off to try and do the million things that were pushed aside as we traversed the state looking at any and all available cars that fit our checklist; sorting one last kit, pulling a couple orders, starting to dismantle the Christmas decorations, a few chores and maybe, just maybe, in there I'll get the chance to breath. :)

Have a great weekend.

25 Days of Sketches Winners and More

I feel like I've spent all night on the computer - probably have. I recall snapping at my kids who were doing their homework, which is a sure fire sign that I'm trying to read and reply with kids who have too many questions. But, they're in bed now, the temperature is dropping like a rock, snow is falling and I'm semi warm and cozy - too late for coffee, maybe I need a cup of hot chocolate. mmm . . . hang on. Decided for a glass of water and a Hershey's Caramel kiss instead. Won't warm me up, but chocolate is chocolate and tomorrow I start the rounding up and putting away of the Christmas decorations. Ick. I'll need more than chocolate. So, how was your holiday? Here it was quiet, very nice and a white Christmas! Santa treated me to a new point-and-shoot digi camera; a Sony Cybershot. I have taken it out of the box and used it but have yet to read the manual to find out all about it. I also need to drop it in my purse, which is the reason I asked for one - I keep missing opportunities! DH got me the Cricut Expression and the Gypsy - other than registering and syncing the Gypsy I haven't had a chance to play - year-end wrap up stuff combined with upcoming shipping and trying to find a new car isn't giving me a lot of "me" time at the moment. So, there were an incredible amount of layouts completed during December - holy cow! Three of you completed all 25 days - amazing! Fabulous layouts and a lot of Apron Strings kits were floating in my head. I'm so happy that you were inspired. Because of that, Sketch Wednesday is added to the weekly line-up of challenges. Just a small change from last year's weekly challenges -- complete all three weekly challenges; Monday Challenge, Sketch Wednesday and 5 on Friday, link them up by Saturday evening and you'll be eligible for a Cookie Jar Treat. Speaking of winners - I have a few to catch up on from 25 Days of Sketches. Since you've hung on this long, I won't wait:

• Week 2 winner: Rebecca K. -- I loved seeing your kids in your layouts - such cuties! You'll get your Treat in your next shipment.
• Week 3 winner: Linda R. -- wonderful layouts all around - did you finish your Disney album? Loved seeing the non-traditional way of celebrating a WDW trip. Your treat will also be in your next shipment.
• Week 4 winner: Nitasha -- great job on the layouts and challenging yourself on doing some new things. Please send me your address again so I can get something out to you.
• and FINALLY the winner of the Christmas Cookie Treat . . . Nitasha!! Congrats.

Enjoy your goodies, your well-deserved goodies, ladies!

I hope your New Year's is starting off well and that the coming year brings you great joy and prosperity and many completed pages.

Getting On the Ball Would Be Good About Now

Yes, it would be good to re-engage about now, since I've apparently missed posting the sketch for today. It's like teaching a dog a new trick -- takes him a while to catch on.

I'll get back into the swing soon -- and post about the holidays and the winners from 25 Days of Sketches.

For now, here's today's sketch, from our little Bessie :).

As Bessie mentioned on Monday, you'll get three challenges per week, complete each of the challenges and get them linked up by Saturday evening of that week and you'll be eligible for a Cookie Jar Treat.

Stay warm!

First Monday Challenge of 2010

Hello ladies, can't believe that we are already 4 days into the year. Time is sure flying. My kids are back in school today...and we go back to the normal routine. I know a lot of us are still winding down from the Holidays, so lets make this challenge a simple one. The challenge for this week is to scrap your Christmas pictures - ideally this past Christmas ( so they don't wait months or perhaps years to be scrapped) but not necessarily....scrap any Christmas pictures you like . Here's my take on the challenge...can't wait to see what you create... Ok, not read carefully because the rules have changed a little bit. Starting this week we are going to have 3 challenges a week: the Monday challenge, a sketch challenge on Wednesday, and the amazing five on Friday...so here's the deal. In order to be eligible for a cookie jar treat, you need to complete the 3 challenges and link your creations on or before each Saturday evening. If you have any questions post them on the comment section here and me or Lori will happily answer 'em. So cheers for a new year and lots of scrapping. See ya' next week, Bessie

Happy New Year!

Hello ladies, Bessie here to wish you all a happy and healthy new year full of much love, many blessings, and lots of inspiration and creativity. Do you have any resolutions set already? Are you that type of person? How about scrappy goals? I don't set resolutions nor scrappy goals either....I can't resist the pressure, lol. I take it day by day and enjoy the process. I would love to gain a bit of weight (shocking I know, lol) but trust me with two kids and only weighing 95 lbs. is not easy. No, no, I don't suffer from none of those eating disorders, lol, I actually eat as much as I can and as much as I want...it just runs in the genes...lots of skinny people in my family. The reason I mention this is because that used to be my resolution for a few years, but since it never happened I gave up. ;-) Anyway, enough about me, lol. Just stopped quickly to say that this Monday will be the first Monday challenge of this year. :-) So get your scrappy place all clear up and tidy for this Monday so you can come and play a bit. See ya' then, Bessie