Hi I'm Rebecca. And I copy.

I think I've said it before that I don't really think of myself as a scrapbooker.  Oh yes, I go to the scrapbook store frequently.  I have a scrapbook table and plenty of scrapbook supplies and books but why don't I consider myself a scrapbooker?  Why don't I just tell my kids "just put that on my cardmaking table."  Or, "I'm going to the cardmaking store to buy cardmaking supplies."  Maybe the word "scrapbook" has melded into the "bandaid" or "kleenex" world and it's just a generic term for crafting?  I don't know.  Just some random thoughts.

I have wondered why I don't scrapbook very often.  Do I feel like my pages don't look publish-worthy?  Am I overwhelmed with the amount of supplies I have to choose from?  Do I feel like if I don't have the exact product I think I need, my layout will somehow be subpar?  Do I feel overwhelmed with the amount of layout ideas I'm surrounded with?  Do I feel like if I copy a layout I see in a magazine or on the web it won't be my own?  I think all of the above.  But mostly I think it's the last one.  If I copy someone else, it won't mean as much.  Again, more random thoughts.

Last Friday night, I was looking through a scrapbooking magazine (oh how I love to look through them) and came across this really great layout that I loved.  This one right here:

This isn't the first time that this has happened to me.  I can see a layout and imagine the photos and papers I might use (of course, I'd have to change it so it would be "mine").  But then I close the magazine and forget.  And so the layout doesn't get made.  The pictures stay in the box and I feel sad.

This time I decided to not procrastinate.  So early Saturday morning, while the kids were still asleep and the hubs took the dogs to get groomed, I pulled out that magazine, printed photos, and started to copy that layout.

Of course, the photos were different.  The papers were different.  The title was different.  The journaling was different.  But I completely copied the design.  It took me about 30 minutes to do.  And it's done. And my boys know a little how they make a difference in my life.   How I love that feeling!  And how I love looking at that completed page.  And do you know what?  It doesn't even matter in the least that I copied the idea straight from the magazine.  Not one bit.  Know what else?  I completely feel like a scrapbooker now.   Yes, I copy.  I'll do it again, too.  Soon!

{banner & bloom}

I guess my computer and camera decided to do the kiss & make up thing because lo and behold I was able to download my pictures today.  Thanks, you two.

I've been home from work all week with a bad case of bronchitis.  And while this is terrible on the paycheck, it's been fabulous for my creative energy.  Maybe it's all the crafty blog surfing resting I've had time to do.

So onto my cards:

This first one is the one I referred to in my post yesterday.  I used the cute birthday set "Party This Way" from Stampin' Up!.  Seriously.  You should get this set.  You don't even have to buy it from me {but you can if you want ;)}.  Just buy it!  So fun and versatile!

It took awhile to cut and piece those little pennants, but I totally think it was worth it in the end, don't you?  I've had that little cloud punch forever and thought the letters would look so fun "floating" in the clouds :p.  And I just can't say enough about embossing folders.  L.O.V.E.

This next card uses a color that I like but have a REALLY hard time using in scrapbooks and cards.  Purple.  But I love how it looks when paired with Crumb Cake.  Didn't think of that combo before.  When I got my Stampin' Success (the SU! demo mag that I'll really miss when I'm through being a demonstrator) the other day, this card really caught my eye.  I pretty much copied the card with a few improvisations.  The card in the magazine used textured cardstock for the base.  I didn't have any of that textured cardstock, so I sponged ink on the front then used my "Sanded" background stamp to add that dimension.  I also didn't have the Sizzix flower die that was used, so I used my Slice to cut some flowers and leaves.  I'm pretty sure I'll have to buy that die because I really like the flowers on it and none of my Slice cartridges have those exact cute flowers.  In case you didn't know...If you spritz your flower shapes with water before crumpling, when they dry they'll hold their shape much better.  The last thing that was a little different was the sentiment.  Didn't have that exact birthday sentiment stamp so I used one that I got for Christmas from my parents.  My mom knows how much I love stamps so she usually gives me plenty of fun stuff to play with for Christmas and my birthday.  Thanks, Julie, for always helping her get my favorite things!  And again with the embossing folder!  Only this time I used the de-bossed side.  That gives it such a great and different look.

Well, have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!

A Banner Day!

I've really become fond of banners. When they first came on the scene, I wasn't too thrilled. Not sure why, but they just didn't really appeal to me. But the more things I've seen while surfing the web, the more I've learned to love and appreciate them. They can either be more formal and elegant or whimsical and playful. But whatever the style, banners just say H.A.P.P.Y. Don't you think?

I've had this cute birthday stamp set for a little while but hadn't pulled it out yet. I decided to use it to make this simple but fun birthday card for my youngest. I really like the dimension that the textured cardstock added to the pennants. He seemed to really like it. This birthday guy is my only boy who seems to appreciate a handmade card...at least he's the only one who specifically says "thanks for making me a card, mom." :D

On a side note, my computer and camera seem to have had a falling out because I can't get my computer to see the photos on my camera today. Yesterday, importing photos worked perfectly, but today...not so much. When I figure out what their beef is with each other, I'll post another card I made using the same stamp set but in a baby card. It turned out SO cute!!--if I say so myself. ;)

Stay tuned!

Thanks for stopping by!

It's Hip be Square!

I've been trying to decide on a theme for my February card class and I decided to make "size" the theme. All of the cards we'll make this time are 4 1/2" square. I love square cards and the 4 1/2" size will still fit in standard card envelopes. I'm excited for this class!

If you live in the Salt Lake Valley and would like to attend, please leave me a comment and I'll contact you with details.

Thanks for stopping by!

I know Christmas is over but...

I meant to post this a little bit ago but got sick, then Christmas break was over and it was back to work for me.

A couple of years ago my good friend and fellow deal hunter called me to say she was at the dollar store and found a super steal: A package of 6 cooking utensils for a buck and should she pick up some for me. Uh, yes! In the package was 2 pancake turners, 2 cool wisks, and 2 ladel/strainers. I had planned on using them for neighbor gifts with a clever saying. But that year came and went and I was feeling uncreative so in their plastic packages they stayed. Well, since my husband's job is a little if-y right now and money is a little tight, I decided to pull them out and use them this year.

With the help of my same friend, who is so creative, she helped me come up with a cute and saying to go with them.

I just printed the saying on my computer, cut it into a tag shape and used my scraps to decorate. The little poinsettia embellishment was just made with a small flower punch I've had for years. I punched 2 flowers, adhered them together and stuck a little Stampin' Up! rhinestone gem in the middle. I love those SU! rhinestones. They are the best I've ever used.

And you know what? I got more wow's from my neighbors about these gifts than when I did the "cookie mix in a jar" gift two years ago! Just don't tell them I only spent 20 cents for each of their gifts this year. ;)