NSD Challenge Submissions!!!

This past weekend was NSD (National Scrapbook Day) on Saturday, May 1st. It was so much fun especially if you were attending The Scrap Beach’s NSD 24 hour online crop. Kathryn, Tammy, Jenn and Crystal did an excellent job keeping the time moving with prizes, challenges, tips, fun and conversation via Ustream and a chat room! So, without further waiting…here are my creations for the 12+2 Bonus Challenges!...

Challenge #1: “I must have that tool!” Create a layout with a tool you just had to have! So, I created a card using my BigShot, a Sizzix Pocket Die & an Embossing Sheet, all of which were must haves for me. I love the BigShot for it’s versatility with other die products plus it cuts fabric which has helped me tremendously with quilting and sewing.

Challenge #2: Stencil This! This was a challenge that wanted me to use a masking approach to scrapbooking. I picked Tim Holtz grunge board skull to create this page. I used some fun things to make this page too including a recycled flower. Can you tell what I used? It was totally a sweet approach.

Challenge #3: I {Heart} Sketches. We were given a sketch to follow for this challenge. I haven’t done very many 12x12 but decided this would be a traditional layout that I plan to add my son’s 21 birthday celebration photos and journaling, which was Friday night before the NSD so I haven’t developed the photos yet. I really love this shade of green and the flower totally pops and is easy to make.

Challenge #4: Use 2 primary colors & their 2nd’ary color. This was a challenge for me for sure….what are the primary for this? LOL, I missed that in school I suppose, but I did know that blue and yellow go well together and I stuck to those primary shades to create this card. Love the bird stamp, this was the first time I used it I think.

Challenge #5: Think outside the box. Not hard for me…I tend to be inside, outside, all over, etc…I made this card and titled it, “Don’t be square…” Loved the orange daisies on this…could be Golden Center Susan’s too…just made up a new flower, imagine that!

Challenge #6: Mother’s Day. I think I made my personal Mother’s Day card on this challenge. It isn’t the style our mother’s would like I don’t think. Jerry’s mom likes funny cards while my mother is super sentimental when it comes to cards, however, I really love the doily on this which I made using my Cricut. I know the Beach Babes are proud of me using the Green Monster (that is what I call the Cricut because it stayed in the box for 2 yrs and came with a rolling bright green case…). I used the Cricut to cut the letters as well…just don’t do them on heavy cardstock…didn’t like cutting these out in spots. LOL.

Challenge #7: ABCs of Scrapbooking. Pick a letter, any letter, and create a layout only using items that begin with that letter. I am sorry to say, this wasn’t an original thought, to use the “P” for patterned paper, it was Kathryn’s. However, the title quote I gave this page is my own as well as the design… “P is for the patterns of life that when sewn together create an amazing depth & warmth.”

Challenge #8: I {Heart} My Scrapbook Space letting it inspire you to create something for this challenge. I fell in love with this challenge! I love my studio spaces, even the annex area. It allows me the opportunity to be on call for my family while giving me creative respite and outlet within my home. So, I made a tag to hang on the door of my outside studio.

Challenge #9: Tag! You’re It! Simply use a tag so I made a tag using birds/birdcage….I totally love this. Can you see the acetate bird at the top? I so want the Sizzix birdcage die by Tim Holtz and the Serendipity (I think it is called). These on the card, were shared with me by Emma and Hope.

Challenge #10: May Day! Create a lout using items in threes. So, I created a unique object starting with a CD envelope Paula sent me. So, tell me how many 3s can you find in this photo….some aren’t so obvious either? =)  This was so much fun to make and I am so very pleased with the results...

Challenge #11: I {Heart} Challenges. We were to pick a past challenge to make this one with. I picked an April challenge…3 of the newest things added to your scrap stash and haven’t used yet. “Opening Presents”. Well, I had a couple of things in this photo that I used for the first time, (1) 3 different stamps, (2) Chalks, (3) #8 tags used for the first time during the NSD, (4) laces from Jeanette. Love these tags…oh yes…for sure. I love chalks that is for sure.

Challenge #12: No Pictures? No Problem! In this challenge we were to create a layout about an event that we don’t have photos for. Again, this was a perfect time to create this 2 page layout because the event was last night! Jerry, my DH, sent in a letter to a contact that asked “Do you know a woman who has overcome difficulties?” His letter won two tickets to see the play/musical THE COLOR PURPLE and a basket of chocolates! We had such a good time at the play and it was a wonderful event.

Bonus #2 I did before trying Bonus #1: Kick Me! Create a project that includes 3 hand cut embellishments…I made 3 pieces, the grace, the tree, the trunk and then added some embellishments given to me by Beth & Emma.

Bonus #1: Create 3 different elements using 3 different Cricut cartridges…fortunately…3 is what I have…George & Basic Shapes, Summer Vacation, and Mother’s Day 2010. This took me a while needless to say, but I found it easy in the end to use my Cricut! I can’t wait to make more fun things with it. As a result of practicing with this challenge, I made several elements for other challenges in the NSD…


NSD was such fun as is all the monthly crops! I learn so much from all the participants and get inspired from not only what they are working on but from the techiques and tips shared.  God blessed me the day I found The Scrap Beach...Totally loving who I have become and the art I create as a reasult of these amazing ladies!

Love, Blessings, and {{{Hugs}}},
RHC

Recycling Dryer Sheet into Flowers with a Beautiful Twist...using Sizzix Dies...

I wanted to share with you my latest creation!!! I watched my friend Amy's video on her YouTube channel making lollipop flowers using dryer sheets.  I made one and then I thought why not use my Sizzix Flower Diecuts and the BigShot to make some...it totally worked with amazing results!! They are so pretty!!!!  I will have a tutorial of how I made these flowers on YouTube by Monday evening, April 19th.

This flower is using single layers of the smaller diecut sheets, adding some mesh (not sure what it is really called) and a white feather. This could be worn as a pin or a hairbow. .

After making the lollipop flower for the mini album I was making, I decided to add the flower on the right. The buttons screamed the mini album theme and I had to use it. I have three buttons on this flower.

This flower has a vintage button in the center and this photo doesn't do it justice! Beautiful!!

This button came from one of TSB Babes and is just classy.

I hope you enjoyed seeing these flowers. They took me less than an hour to make, were easy to do and although recycled, they smell great and are durable but light weight. You will love how they look. 

Love, Blessings, and {{{Hugs}}},

RHC

My First Layout for the ScrappyAccents Design Team...

This was a fun layout to create; however, it may be the only traditional scrapbooking you may see from me. =) Then again, you will have to join Scrappy Accents to find out. LOL. Also, I have some videos to edit and upload to YouTube and one includes another recycled object. For now, I would like to wish all of you, from my family to yours, a wonderful Happy Easter Celebration! May God richly bless you and keep you.

Love, Blessings, and {{{Hugs}}},

RHC

My first Design Team Opportunity, A March Reflection, & Looking into April...

I am very excited to be a part of my first ever Design Team Opportunity!!!

The month of March has been truly an exciting ride. I uploaded my first Paper Arts videos to my YouTube channel, discovered recycling damaged books into works of art by recreating them into usable mini albums is a way to reuse an item, decoupaged for the first time using not only paper, tissue paper, but also metal, wood, chain, buttons and more, and learned amazing recipes including making a cake in the CrockPot so that I could continue working all day without worrying what I will prepare for my family for dinner. LOL, it has been a wonderful whirlwind ride this past month.

There is NO April's Fools about what this new month will hold. I am very excited to look into Ustreaming projects on a weekly basis as well as a PodCast bringing awareness of the world of art to the world. All this may float into the next month, but it will happen. I dream about ways to bring paper art as well as beading, yarn, wood, and fabric to others. I love it!!!! Also, our family will be celebrating the month of April for the birth of our son, Joel. He will be 21 years-old on the 28th!!! So, world, beware...he is officially going to be an adult who is totally ready to discover the world of writing. (Check out his movie reviews by following the link within the right margin of my blog). 

Finally, Friday is Autism Awareness Day so in honor of our son, Garrett, please wear your favorite pair of blue jeans and a red shirt (or an Alabama sports shirt)!!!! Woot!

So, keep watching, convo'ing, and showing your creations for that is the inspiration each of us live for.

Love, Blessings, & {{{Hugs}}},

Rita

WOW!! I love & appreciate this!!!

I received from Dawn-Marie!!!! Woot...thanks, girlfriend!!!

Pop-Up House Mini Album with Directions, Patterns, & How it came to be...

Thank you so much for checking out this adorable album I made by using an actual children's book as a template. If you have any questions regarding the directions or measurements, please feel free to contact me. The meteric measurements are available using a converter calculator found on Google Search. I will plan to add them in future templates.

This is the Pop-up House Book that I created. The cover, front and back, is from a recyled book cover that I decoupaged following Jann at WhatYouMakeIt1's YouTube Channel. You can watch the details of the book and the directions in upcoming videos on my YouTube Channel.

This is the book that I had planned to take a part and use it since I only paid $.20 for it at a thrift store, but once I saw what in great shap it was in...I decided to copy and donate the book to Children's Rehabilitation Service (follow the link in the right margin for more information).

This book also has a surprise element that I incorporated into my own mini scrapbook album...it is a pop up book and each page section has a different shaped pop up...that is what I also added to my mini album. =)

This is the template for the pages that go inside the book. Cut on the fold of your paper. Cut one for each page section of your book.

This is the template for the pop up portion of the mini album. Cut one for each page section of your book.

The template cut out. The dashes are the fold line for the pop up book. The triangles are the bottom of the page are the supports for the pop up of your book.

I used a hole punch to make a marker point so that I could easily fold the pop up supports without making the fold line on my paper.

This is my envelope measurements for the envelope. I didn't measure and mark all my envelopes, I simply added them to the back of the pages and cut the top off usinig the page edge as my guide. However, to make my first envelopes the measurements helped tremendously.

Although I recycled a book cover for my mini album, I still cut it a little larger than my actual book. So, if you wish to make your album using chipboard, then cut it a little larger than your page. I also cut the cover to my mini after I put the pages together.

The envelopes are added to the backside of each page section using double sided adhesive.

However, see the next photo to understand why I would add the pop up section before the envelopes. I apologize for not doing so in this guide.

I found that if I had added the pop up portion before putting the envelopes down, I wouldn't have had the edges of the pop up supports catching on the tags inserted from the sides. Keep following the directions and this should make sense.

At this point, I used my decorative scissors to create the desired edging for the pop up I wanted to create for this page section.

Add the double sided tape to the top, inside edge, and the bottom. Leave the page outside edge without tape because you will create an additional slot for a tag by leaving it open. Then you will attach the envelop with the next page and continue to the end. The last two pages will look like this and will be added to the inside of the front cover and the back cover. On mine you will see on the video that I added a pocket to the front and back. I plan to open mine into a circle to display for our open house when our forever remodeling/building is completed on our house.

On this project I used the be loved paper kit by My Mine's Eye...

I should have the YouTube video posted by Monday morning...

Thank you!! Please contact me if you have any question regarding this album.

Love, Blessings, &{{{Hugs}}},

Rita

TSB March 2010 Crop Challenge Entries

Welcome to the TSB 80s Theme Crop Party...

The ultimate online cropping event with the following challenges...

Rainbow Bright using primary colors red, orange, green, blue, violet with white, grey, & black...

This layout contains one of my favorite elements of nature, butterflies, and several elements of embellishments. The border is three strips in white, grey, and black with a flower punch runner on the inside using a Martha Stewart punch. Then I took the letter b in chipboard and added hearts from the sizzix butterfly diecut to line the letter. The butterflies are from the same diecut, Glimmer Misted with Marshmallow. The red of the challenge is in the paper along with green and violet. Then I finished the design with bling and brushing the butterflies and the letter with Mod Podge Gloss-Lustre. The brightness of this design just made me smile. =)

Stamp with Bleach

This was indeed a challenge for me since I am highly allergic to bleach. I wanted to add a photo for Kathryn, our host who is totally the most. LOL. However, my husband offered to help since he was more concerned with a trip to the hospital. =)  In this layout, I took the green cardstock and stamped bleach image and run it through the Big Shot using the Top Note Diecut. Then I attached it to the yellow paper and used the flower punch from Martha Stewart then added an envelope to the back, creating a pocket. The tag is double sided and distressed with Tim Hotlz Walnut Stain and fibers added to the end. The feather and the silver buttons add a completed touch to this page. Also, I Glimmer Misted the backgroun paper with Graphite.

Transformers

I loved making this page the most I think of all the challenges. I took the grey background and glimmer misted it with Graphite and then used the Medallion stamp from Stampin Up and black embossing powder to create the design. Then I made a pocket using a black piece of cardstock with a gold embossed Medallion stamped on the edge. The tags were made with the same papers and topped with a crown diecut to each side attached with a glue dot. Then I topped off the page with both silver/gold bling. This page totally pops!! =)

About Eating

All I could think about was the macaroni & cheese paper I have had forever! I don't remember where or when I bought it but knowing that my sons loved Rachel Ray's recipe for homemade macaroni cheese! I first placed the imaged paper on the bottom then added the black trimmed border, again, using the Martha Stewart flower punch, at the top and bottom of the page. The black bird, leaves, and swirls are images on top of a acetate page that I secured to the mini page with fibers that I ran on the side and secured to the back. This was stepping outside the box for me even though it is a simple page. I loved the results.

Using Crumpled/Scrunchy Paper

All I could think of was flowers and then I drifted to thinking of how forward I am looking to the spring time of the year which led to thoughts of gardening. =) Therefore, I picked the theme Seed, for by this we are creating through nature our complete existence in this life's path.

Pretty in Pink

OMGosh...I totally love pink, but...whew wee, this was enough to put me over the edge. ((Just kidding))  I got the ribbon diecut from Sizzix while it was on their clearance list so that I could make ribbons in purple for seizure awareness since we have two sons with seizures. However, it came as a set with a large ribbon diecut and a small diecut then an embossing templet too. I used them on this page. I have no idea where I got this large flower but it fit perfectly for this page. I took the green leaf off and used it on the "Seed" layout since I could only use pink for this challenge. I added a ribbon emblishment and a pink paper clip to the page as well. This was so much fun!!

I really enjoy the monthly crops with TSB and Kathryn. It is a respite from my busy life of being a wife, mother and caregiver. God blessed the day this group came into my life and I have explored and created elements that fit my personality and certainly push me out of my comfort zone and creative box. I love that the most and I see that I am a stronger artist as a result.

Love, Blessings, and {{{Hugs}}},

Rita

Something Blue in Creativity and in Emotion

"Something Blue" for my swap partner Micki!!

Marriage is an awesome union of reflection, romance, renewal, and rewards, but it helps if love is part of the total picture even though over time it won’t sustain a couple unless there is much more. Time builds the relationship into one.  So making a mini-scrapbook album for my partner Micki wasn’t a chore at all. When she mentioned her son was getting married, I thought of “Something Blue” as my theme. Then my imagination just flowed.

Since December, I have battled every aspect of the cold season. Medication wasn’t working because my body had built a resistance to them. Then my doctor gave me a different medication that seems to be working well just in time for my asthma to kick in. However, I haven’t let these become excuses in my work. I simply put my calendar and journal beside me, sewn to the hip, if you will, and as the ideas came, I wrote about them, drew various ideas and marked my calendar with work order of ideas for each day.

I thought about this and as an artist, I find inspiration in so many different places that I need to make my calendar and journal a very important part of my identity. So, I add clips of fabric, patterned paper that I have enjoyed working with and notes throughout. God has opened my eyes to so many possibilities and resources to use in my work.

So, my challenge to you is this….keep a tablet (journal) and a calendar for one month. Write, draw, regardless of the possibility your idea could come to pass, clip news and magazine articles, etc and place them in your tablet. Then at the month’s end, write me about it, send me photos and links to your videos. I can’t wait for God to open up the opportunity for creativity in YOUR life….There are so many treasured elements that will spring from something so simple as a mini-scrapbook album. =)

This is a charm I inlcuded inside the "Something Blue" mini-album. I used a charm and added a piece of hymnal music, added some blue string, and a clip of the paper I used in the album. She can add this charm to her holiday Christmas tree, hang from her Bridal Bible or to leave inside the album as an added element.

This is the "Something Blue Bracelet" I added to the mini album for the bride to wear if she liked to reflect the old adage "Something Blue, something old, something new..." I made this will glass beads, blue pearl beads and a glass charm. Then I added a sterling silver heart shaped toggle for the closure. It is light weight and very pretty. I crossed the mediums with my paper and beading arts and love every moment of it!

The oval element with rhinestons and pink pearls is from an earring that I had in my recycle stash. I just cut the backing off the earring and added it to the Tim Holtz swival chain. Perfect touch for "Something SOOOOO Blue!"

Love, Blessings, and {{{Hugs}}},
Rita

Rubber Stamped Quilted Wall Hangings....

"Ol' Blue" Wall Hanging

"Daisy" Wall Hanging

This past weekend was an amzing time of creativity.  I wanted to incorporate a couple of the mediums that I enjoy working with into one project I was very pleased with my first attempt but was very excited by the time I finished the second. In "Daisy" I have added rubber stamping, sewing, quilting, fabric, Glimmer Mist, and recycling old wash cloths and towels. In "Ol' Blue" I followed the same outline of mediums but added Stickles to the stamped images. Photography just doesn't do justice on either wall handing. The glitter element is so beautiful! I hope you enjoy these two productions from my studio.  Looking forward to a beautiful weekend.

Love, Blessings, and {{{Hugs}}},

Rita

Need Closure Ideas!!!

Check out the crochet pieces...here...and below. 

I wanted to add the tubes to the ends or wrapped wire, however, I want something different. Give me some ideas on how to finish these necklaces... I can't wait to hear your ideas... Thanks so much, Rita

She said it just right, "Bless it's little Pentium's heart!"

My Valentine's Day gift from my son, Ethan...totally Handmade! Loving it...

“Someone asked me this morning, why do you spend time blogging online when you could just write in a journal or something?” That was quickly followed with, “Aren’t you afraid to share so much on the internet?” I just smile and say, “Are you online?” Most of the time, I find that the person has never tried social networks or blogging online or they will make excuses for not bothering with it. However, once they hear my reasons for blogging, spending time in artist chat rooms or dropping artist tips or updating my status really creates bonding relationships while building your business (on many levels), they rethink their prior observation and become inspired to at least try the world wide web.

For me, building the relationships with individuals is most important to me. As the caregiver for my father the year before he passed and now my mother and sons, I have to be available to my family 24/7 which means I may not be able to leave the house. So in the comfort of my home, I can share a meal with someone in The Netherlands or create a piece of art while sharing conversation during an online live chat. We discuss art, our work, what we are having for supper to our family. I feel connected to people outside my circle of reality.

Another benefit is what I have learned from the process of creating social networks and blogging. I have my Twitter connected to update my Facebook, social network chat rooms, blog and website all at the same time! That rocks!! With one click of the “enter” tab I can post my status, the latest artist tip I wish to share and what I am working on at that moment. I am not a technological person; I have never cared how to know something works, just as long as it does. With my trusty pink notebook laptop, I have created the most amazing network within technology just by getting online, putting aside my fear and plunging forward.

Besides, the character Dolly (played by Stockard Channing) in Must Love Dogs said it best, “Where can you pay your bills naked? This little baby works for me 24/7, bless it’s little Pentium’s heart!” There is simply no other way to describe the internet. Used wisely, maybe better fully clothed lol, one can build friendships, their business and pay their bills without leaving home; however, one can also escape the reality of home to share time with others like minded in interest or business.

Indeed, I love the blogging opportunities before us. Try it...

Love, blessings, and {{Hugs}},

Rita

My "CrockPot" Version of Managing Monthly Financial Receipts....

Photography by Rita Hutcheson-Cobbs

Don't let $$$ give you the chills...=)

“Argh! How do I keep all these receipts organized??” My friend said to me during a phone conversation. I could sense her frustration and concern. She owns her own business and has all the paperwork for her family as well. She was getting overwhelmed preparing for tax season. Although I couldn’t help her in anyway for last year’s paperwork, I could certainly help her this year and in the future to make things easier.

Before I share with you my technique for managing our paperwork within our home and our businesses, these are the items you will need:

12 – 10x13” Envelopes with clasps
Excel Software (which if you have Microsoft, you have Excel on your computer…you don’t need to even know how to use it either)
Printer
Scissors or a paper shredder
Online access to your bank account (everyone should have this already…paperless is not only secure but you are saving trees)
Pencil

Directions to begin…
***Schedule a day each week to do this. I do mine the last day of the month because I have been doing this type of organization for a while.
1) Before you panic, let me say that Excel isn’t hard to use at all. There are many YouTube videos on using this tool and if needed, I will be happy to do a tutorial on using it for this specific task. (Just leave me a comment requesting a visual.)
2) Organize your receipts – for gas, utilities, groceries, etc – into months. Since we are only into the second month of the year, this shouldn’t be very hard to do. Then organize them by date.
3) In the top left corner, write the month on each of the 12 envelopes, January through December, and the year, 2010.
4) Working with one receipt at a time, write it into your checkbook register, put it on Excel Spreadsheet (which I will explain in a moment), and check your online bank account to make sure the amount was correctly was posted. Some receipts may not have cleared if you had just spent that money this morning.
5) Using an online Excel Spreadsheet is wonderful when organizing lists or receipts. I am not an expert with Excel, but I know it works well. At the top, beginning with the first block to the left and each block across, add these headings: Date, To, Amount, Reasoning, & Miles. With “Date” put in the date of each receipt. “To” is where your spent the money. “Amount” is the total cost of the receipt (if you have 2 items out of 10 that you need for taxes, then take those 2 items, add them together plus the amount of tax for the area you made that purchase and put that amount into this space). “Reasoning” can be a definition for the amount or that it was a prescription, whatever will help you remember where this amount needs to be applied for taxes. “Miles” is how far you had to drive to do this item because mileage can be a tax deduction. (****I have just decided to do a video of this…so check out YouTube in the next few days!****)
6) On the receipt, once it is entered, place a check at the top indicating that you have put this in your check book. Then add an “E” to indicate you have entered it into Excel.
7) Place the receipts and bill stubs into the envelope for that month.
8) At the end of the month, simply print the Excel sheet for that month and place it inside the large envelope with your receipts and you are done.

Now some tips that work for me. If I stop and get gas, then I take that receipt, verify that amount on my online banking statement, then I shred it or if you don't have a shredder, cut them into tiny strips before throwing away. I do the same thing for snack recipes and eating out that do not apply to our businesses. NOW sometimes, I meet clients at restaurants or for coffee; I take that receipt and treat it as I would business supply purchases. I enter it into my Excel sheet all the way to placing it in my envelope.

This takes about an hour once you have the Excel sheet set up. Just imagine the piece of mind at the end of the year! I keep a basket for the receipts and my family knows where to put them. I make deposits immediately rather than keeping any cash around the house or on my person. Balancing is done as you go along. It is amazing how much time this saves you in the end. ALSO, pay your bills the night before your paycheck goes into the bank. This way, they are paid and you know how much is left for groceries, going out to eat or before having a fun filled weekend. Btw, start a Christmas club account at your bank and put a few dollars into each week for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries and other holidays come the same time each year. There isn’t any reason to not be prepared for them.

Hope these tips help make your life simpler. This is my CrockPot version of managing our finances. I know it makes my life easier and it will yours too.

Happy Love Month,
Love, blessings, and {{{Hugs}}}
Rita