MAMBI 2014-2015 design team!!!

Third row down to the far right...... that is MEEEEE!!!  

Or someone who looks like me and has the same name!  I still feel like I am dreaming!  Yaaaaayyyyy!  I am beyond thrilled to be working along side so many talented designers.  

I hope I can be inspiring.  Lord knows, these ladies have been inspiring me along the way.  

I have been one of those creepy stalkers!  

Any-who, I am very very excited to be able to tell the world.  It has been hard for me to keep this a secret for over a week! I deserve a prize!  Maybe a root beer float.  I can see one of those in my near future.  Now, I am a fortune teller too!

LOVE THIS

I recently created this card and wanted to share it with you all.  I wanted a kraft base, what is better than kraft with black polka dots?  NOTHING!!  Well, maybe a little pink too!  I grabbed out some circle punches and cut patterns and words from 

Gold Rush 12x12 mambiSHEETS paper pad 

and mambiPOCKETPAGES.  

Added some mambiMINIBANNERS 

and mambiSPEECHBUBBLES, 

a bit of doodling with the best EVER FudeBall1.5 pen I grabbed from over at eclectic Paperie.  

Trust me folks, it writes as smooth as a baby's bottom!  

A couple random sequins and enamels and done!

Hope to see you again soon. 

Mr. T Starter Kit!

All this bling needs a little more bling!  Don't you think?  Just wanted to share just a  glimpse at how fun and spontaneous my boy can be.  As we were getting ready for an outing last year, he had dressed himself and came into the  bathroom.  He asked me, "Mama, do you think this is too much?"  Of course I replied with "No, Bubba, I think it's perfect!"  I love moments like these.  Unstaged and precious.  I praise Instagram for the ability to capture these moments and for being able to look back and remember what you captured and the story that went with it.  I praise scrapbooking for the ability to physically document these moments.  Then, I praise manufacturers, for producing such beautiful products to complete the task. Manufacturers like A Flair for Buttons, for producing the perfect flair to accompany my story.  Here are some closeup photos of my layout.

Thanks for stopping by!

Ouija Boards and Black Cats - The Rubber Cafe

September's Creative Cafe KOTM has to be my all time favorite.  I think I say that every time but anything to do with fall or Halloween just makes me happy.  I could not resist the "OUIJA" board stamp from "Halloween Predictions"  add-on stamp set all from The Rubber Cafe - Creative Cafe KOTM.   It takes me back to the late night sleepovers back in high school.  I swear, Belinda and Marcy moved the cursor.  I remember the small hairs standing up on the back of my neck.  Regardless of your beliefs in ghosts, bad luck or the afterlife, playing around with a Ouija board and a black cat, all on the same card my me a tad nervous.  

TFL,

LOVE - a stolen photo from a friend

It is not often that I get to scrapbook something feminine.  You won't believe what I had to do to steal this picture from my friend!!  It is one of Kathy's favorite photos of her daughter Emily, from several years ago.   We were "playing" last week and I snatched it right out from under her!  I may give it to her but first, I need to share it with you.  

Seriously, this photo needs nothing!  It is absolutely stunning.  However, I did HAVE to pair it with some pink after all.  I used MAMBI (Me and My BIG ideas) paper, stickers, banners.  A few paint splatters, enamels, one doily and and hand cut title.  It is rather simple but again, that is all the photo needs.  I need a girl.  

Guess my sexy pup will have to do.  

Here is a close up of some of the random bits I used.  Remember back in the day, when you sent away for photos, they had a yellow date in the corner?  I carefully covered that.  The date stamp wasn't always accurate.   It just meant, that is when you finally sent in the film to be developed cause you were waiting on a coupon in the mail!  Oh the luxuries of technology today!  How did we survive?

Thank you Kathy:o)

Spiders and Webs over at The Rubber Cafe

All kinds of creepiness is happening over at The Rubber Cafe.  This is my take on some spook!!  I just loved the webs and had to create with them.  

The best is yet to be.

Ever get a sentiment in your project life cards that says exactly what you want to say?  Then, you casually look to the stack near by and see orange hearts on another PL card calling your name?  it doesn't stop there, as your searching for the perfect flair, out jumps another orange heart that cannot match any more perfectly!!!  (That might be what happens when you just have too many.)

I designed this card with mostly project life cards from Me and My BIG Ideas.  Just the cardstock base, the two die cut hearts, which are from The Cut Shoppe, and a flair from A Flair for Buttons, but the rest is from PL cards.  

Just a pretty, simple card to mail to a friend.

Thanks for popping by.  

Oh my goodness, even my signature matches:o)

Lebron's

If you have a child anywhere between the ages of 7-20, specifically boy, you all know about over-priced sneakers.  Well, in this house, we have had several conversations that revolve around Lebron's.  At the end of the last school year, it was a daily topic. More like begging.  My boy would request a pair of "Lebron's".  For those of you who have sheltered children, or don't live near the hood, or don't watch TV, Lebron's are the ugliest, most expensive, highly sought after sneaker out there.  After many, many chores (that had to be without resistance) we broke down.  Well, my husband broke down and got my kid a pair of sneaks that I am embarrassed of:o)  You just can't buy them anywhere, that's if they even have the ones your looking for, and in the size you need.  Nothing matches except the really expensive t-shirt that he had to have too.  Then, when you get the sneakers, you have to have the really ugly, over-priced socks too.  You just can't wear what you already have.  Anyway, he sported them at times throughout the summer (selectively).  When school started, we waited to see if others had them, then a few days into the school year, he broke them out.  Bam.  Just like that.  The cat is out of the bag!

This picture is from this summer when we went to a Mexican restaurant for dinner.  He matched there just fine with all the colorful chairs and decor!  I sat at a different table:o)

I used MAMBI (Me and My Bid Ideas) product for this layout and some Thicker letters.  The star cut file is from an amazing Etsy store, The Cut Shoppe!

Click on this pic to read the journaling.

If anyone is looking to hire, let me know!  We are broke!!!  Oh wait, HE should start sending out fliers to the neighbors about odd jobs he is willing to do like I did when I was a kid!  Maybe, walk the dog? pick weeds? Mow the grass?  All at least worth a buck or two!  Then maybe, we can eat again:o)

You Make Me Happy

It is not often enough that I get to see my sister.  She is probably one of the most important people in my life, and I don't spend enough time with her.  Thank God for Alexander Graham Bell and the nerds who invented the smart phone.  We talk and text but I'd rather see her.  Over the 4th of July this past year, she came down to visit.  We were busy prepping for a BBQ, but took time out to snap a quick pic.  I was worried about the scar on my knee showing, so she covered it with her legs.  Both of them:o)  That is what sisters do!

Dear Lord, did you see this Foxy flair?  Isn't it just the best thing you have ever seen?  

For this layout, I used the True Friends collection from Fancy Pants.  I even utilized the packaging.  The color pallet of this line is stunning.  I think this may be my third layout, all completely different, with this same collection.

Hug your sister if you can.  If you happen to see mine, hug her or me too:o)

Puppies popping out of pumpkins!

Is there anything cuter than babies or puppies?  I think not!  Head over to The Rubber Cafe for the break down of this super cute card and how you too can sign up for the Creative Cafe Kit of the Month.

21 Things Mini Album

Recently I received a text from my niece from Florida, asking if I would make a list of 21 things that I loved about her sister.  Katie would be turning 21 this year.  Felicia wanted to collect a list of 21 things you love from 21 different people.  Very clever idea.  

She mentioned she wanted to do a scrapbook for her.  She was going to be in Maine traveling around for a few days so the list was  needed pretty quickly.  

A few days later, I got a call that her and her mom, they wanted to come visit me for a few days.  Would I mind helping with the scrapbook?  

Ummm, YES!  Right up my alley.  I think she knew that too:o)  

We gathered the best "mature" paper I had, for an elegant but fun mini scrapbook.  

Crate Paper's DIY collection was our choice.  We kept the inside of the album very simple.  We did not want to distract from the 21 lists. 

 The cover, however, we went all out.  

We wanted it to be something that would attract you to pick it up from the coffee table.  

You can see above how chunky the album got even with keeping it simple inside.  

We covered each raw chipboard page with a patterned paper.  She wanted either a photo of you with Katie or a photo of your family.  So, each person had a list, a photo, a doily, and a banner with their name.

These are just of few of the page included in the super fun, super thoughtful book.  I am amazed at how big Felicia's heart is.  Wanting to do something so creative, thoughtful,  and timeless for her sister.  Katie is one lucky lady.  

Can you imagine hearing from 21 people, 21 things they love about you?  

Peace,

Mixed Media Scrapbooking layout

Sharing a layout over at eclectic Paperie today.  

It is of this summer when we went to Revere Beach to see the sand sculptures.  They were ah-mazing.  It is really quite impressive.  They create with only sand and water.  We decided late, probably around 6pm to head in to Revere to see them.  There was absolutely NO parking.  Absolutely NO venders with any food remaining.  TONS of people.  What were we thinking?  Once we got parked, it wasn't that bad, I guess.  We had to wait in line at a pizza joint forever to get our food.  It was scrumptious.  Not sure if it was because the pizza was good or that we waited so long.  Back to the sculptures.  They had an amazing one of Iwo Jima.  It was breathtaking.  My boys really enjoyed gawking at that.  I loved the one in the large picture of the man with his hand over his face.  

Thanks for dropping by.

Cinco de Mayo

Still on crutches, we decided to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the local Mexican Restaurant.  It is probably the most authentic in the area.  We walk in to a table just for us.  We were a tad on the early side, as we were leaving there was a huge line.  We sat, I immediately ordered a banana margarita for the first time.  (see pic below)  YUMMO.  So I ordered another.  Ever seen a staggering lady on crutches?  It was a sight.  I had no idea they were that good!  Note to self, take a wheelchair next time!  The pics are not great cause the lighting in this place is just plain awful.  Who cares though when the food is that good.  

Here is a layout I created for A Flair for Buttons.  I used American Crafts paper, Bits, Delights, Remarks and Thickers.  Added some random brads and paint drops.  This layout was a bit bright for my normal taste but I do like it.  

See the yummy drink?

Thanks for stopping by.  See you soon.

Always Together

Well, maybe the title isn't quite accurate but we sure do a ton of stuff together, especially in the summer time.  Randy travels a bit and has to get a ride to the airport often because his flights are at ridonculous hours.  He has become quite friendly with the  driver.  You should hear some of his stories:o)  Anyway, he often tells Randy of events in the area.  One, because he likes him and two, because his wife runs a travel agency!  Good friend to have:o)  

So, he told him of this fireworks thing that was happening in Newburyport last month. 

 OMG, was it spectacular!  We ate at one of the most expensive Mexican restaurants I have ever  been to but it was magnifico!  Sorry, wrong accent.  

We parked our butts along the river and listened to a live band, ate a little street food and the best part, people watched.  I am soooo glad I am not a teenager today.  It seems like a lot of work.  

We took a selfie like we often do, and this is what I scrapped.

My layout was based on the sketch below.  Loosely based, I should say.  I find sketches a great jumping off point.  For inspiration only and you can do what every you want!  This one is from Creative Scrappers.  I used Fancy Pants True Friends paper Collection.  A sweet friend just recently gave it to me:o)  I added some stitching and triangles just like the sketch!  Oh and ink drops:o)

Remember the LEROY layout from a couple days ago?  That was the same paper line.  Completely different looks, don't you think?  

I am still mad at him for chewing my handsfree earphones.  Thanks for stopping by and let me know if you are interested in a crazy cat:o)