New Card Sketch and Holiday Hop at Sketch N Scrap: 2 Broke Girls Sketch # 25!!!

Happy Monday everyone!!!!  Today is Monday, October 21st... Know what that means?!?  That means that the Holiday Hop is in FULL SWING over at Sketch N Scrap!!!!  Every weekday, from now until November 8th, our wonderful Design Team will be inspiring you with TONS of Holiday projects, from New Years to Christmas, and everywhere in between!!!  Hop on over at check it out!!!

(There's still time to enter my GIVEAWAY!!!!! Click here for more details!!!!) 

"Fright Night" Handmade Halloween Card using MME "Haunted" Papers

Sketch N Scrap also has the new car sketch up and running.... Take a look at Card Sketch # 12:

Here is my "Halloween Inspired" card:

I used various papers from the MME "Haunted" paper pad and embellies by K&Company, Martha Stewart, and Jolees.  Very simple, and "cutely" spooky!!!!

"Together Forever" Wedding Scrapbook Layout

2 Broke Girls also has their new sketch up!!!!  Here's a look at sketch # 25:

And here is a layout I made for my cousin's recent wedding gift (I added photos of MY wedding ONLY for purposes of this photo... They were removed and this layout was placed inside a shadow box as their gift!!):

The colors of the wedding were a bright blue, red, and white.  It was also a "country" style wedding so I wanted something that brought that out as well.  These papers were PERFECT!!!!! I just so happened to have some photos that would match the overall "theme" of the page and put them in for the pic!!! 

The papers are by Recollections and Cloud9 Design, as well as basic red and white cardstock.  The "lace doily" paper in the back was cut using the new Edge to Edge cartridge on my Cricut Expression 2.  I cut a circle in the center so it left me with just the outside piece.  I outlined all the papers with a Silver Paint Sharpie for added detail and stamped various "banner" stamps from Hero Arts in Silver Brilliance Ink for the banner at the top.  I finished the banner with some silver liquid pearls (LOVE this effect!!!).  I added flowers from Petaloo, Recollections, and Paperhouse Studios.  The chipboard title is by 7 Gypsies and was heat embossed with silver embossing powder, then also topped with liquid pearls in white.  The small wooden piece hidden in the flower cluster is Studio Calico.  

Well gang.... Thanks sooooo much for stopping in!!! Have a LUCKY day :-)

2 Broke Girls Sketch #23: A Travel Themed Album in the works!!!!

Hey there gang!!!  It's that time again for another wonderful weekly sketch from 2 Broke Girls Scraps!!!! 

(If you're here for the GIVEAWAY, click HERE!!!)

"The Trouble Found Me" with Heidi Swapp "No Limits" Paper Line

Here is this week's sketch:

And here is my page:

My family and I went on a cruise back in April and stopped at Grand Cayman along the way.  There is a town there that is actually called "Hell"!!!! Literally!!!!  We sent post cards to our friends and family while we were there so they would receive cards from us postmarked from"Hell"!!! Hahahaha!!!!  I have to admit... There are many places that are on my to-do list but this was certainly a surprise!!!!! 

Any who... about the sketch:  I turned the sketch a quarter turn clockwise to accommodate my photos and then went to work!!!  

I am making an album of this trip for my Father and Stepmom as a Christmas gift and chose to use the Heidi Swapp No Limits" paper line because it is absolutely AMAZING!!!!!  There are soooo many different cut-outs and pieces to make your own embellies with!!!!  The "title" piece was cut from the paper pad, and the chipboard arrow is also by the Heidi Swapp line and was colored with a Spectrum Noir alcohol marker.  I added some various embellies from The Little Yellow Bicycle, Recollections, and some Tim Holtz metal and rub-ons to complete the look!!!  

"Top Ten" with Heidi Swapp "No Limits" Paper Line

I have completed another page for this album using the Sketch N Scrap Sketch #42 and the same paper line!!!  Here's a look at the sketch:

I changed this one around a bit... Here's what I've come up with:

See what I mean?!?  Isn't this paper AMAZING!?!?  I LOVE it!!!! Of course, I pretty much LOVE anything Heidi Swapp!!!! 

I swapped the order of the sketch, putting the top on the bottom and vice versa, but kept the layout on each part the same.  Make sense?!?  Again, most of the embellies were cut from various pattern papers including the chevrons, tags, and compass.  The coordinating letters that come with the paper pad are teal and dark blue but I wanted to change them a bit so for the word "Cayman", I added a bit of distress ink to match the colors of the page.  I added some wooden stars from Recollections, also colored, another "colorable" arrow that was inked with Evergreen Borough Distress ink, a little glitter glue, and twine.  That's it!!!! Another fabulous page created using almost ONLY papers from the collection!!!!  

Well gang... Thanks so much for stopping in and have a LUCKY day :-)

2 Broke Girls Winner Announced and Sketch N Scrap Card Sketch # 11!!!!!

Happy Saturday gang!!! I hope you all have a fabulous weekend planned ahead :-)

I have some GREAT news to share with you...

First, I wanted to say THANK YOU to all who participated and entered their page into my sketch #4 for the 2 Broke Girls Spice and Sugar Sketch A Thon... The Sketch A Thon was a HUGE success and we look forward to doing it again soon!!! The winners are in and my winner, chosen at random, is  TRACY RHODES!!!!!!!!   Please contact me via email at Brandimatos@gmail.com within seven days to claim your prize!!!!

Some more great news to share with you is that TODAY is World Card Making Day!!!  A holiday dedicated to us crafty folk to celebrate what we love doing!!! And what would a holiday be without some goodies?!?  Well, Sketch N Scrap is giving away an additional prize this month of a 6x6 paper pad by My Minds Eye!!!! 

"Gratitude": Handmade Fall Themed Seasonal Card

So, without further ado... Here is a look at the NEW Card Sketch #11 over at Sketch N Scrap:

And here is my card:

I decided to do a "Fall" themed card since the season is officially upon us!!! I am also  combining this card with the "Fall Themed" challenge over at Let's Get Sketchy Blog!!! I actually kept this card very simple, following the sketch almost to a tee!  

I started by using Kraft as my base and then layered various papers by Paperhouse Studios and Recollections.  I used a punch by EK Success that is meant to create 3D flowers but it looks great for leaves as well!!! I then created the layered die-cuts behind the trees using my Cricut Expression 2 and added them using pop-dots.  I topped it off with the trees (which came in a Autumn pack by Jolees), a little hemp cord, and a leaf button.  The "Gratitude" stamp is from Inkadinkadoo and was stamped using "Timber Brown" Staz On ink.  

Well my friends... Thanks sooo much for stopping in and have a LUCKY day :-)

Chills, Thrills, and Frills for 2 Broke Girls!!!!

Hello there my crafty neighbors!!! It's been one busy week around here and I have much to show you!!! So sit back and enjoy the show :-)

As you all know, 2 Broke Girls has a MONTH LONG Sketch A Thon with tons of sketches and prizes galore!!! If you haven't stopped in to check it out, I suggest you do so now!!! It goes a little something like this: Each DT has a sketch for you to complete, as well as the sketches from 2 Broke Girls, each giving you an opportunity to win some goodies.  And what would a Sketch A Thon be without a GRAND PRIZE?!?  That's right!!! The more you complete, the better your chances are... So what are you waiting for?!?  

So far, I've completed sketches 1, 2, 4 (my own), 5, 11, 12, and 13.  There are 14 TOTAL sketches to be completed so I'm about half way there!!!! Here's a look at what I've completed so far...

2 Broke Girls Blog Sketch #1:  Laugh and Play with Crate Paper "Party Day"

Here is the sketch:

And here is my page:

I followed it quite literally, making only a few minor adjustments.  This is my oldest daughter with her father at Disney World earlier last year.  

Tabitha Sketch #2: "Fall Colors" Handmade Fall/Autumn Card 

Here is the sketch:

And here is my card:

I used traditional fall papers by Momenta and various embellies and stamps.

Janet Sketch#5: "Danger" with MME: Handmae Halloween Card

Here is the Sketch:

And here is my card:

I cut up a piece of the "poisons" pattern paper from the MME paper pad, matted them, and outlined it all with a black Sharpie.  Then I just continued on with the theme and added a chipboard piece by K&Company for this "dangerous" looking card!!! 

Michelle M Sketch #11: "Chills and Thrills" Halloween Layout with K&Company

Here is the sketch:

And here is my "spooky" page!!!

These are my girls on Halloween of last year!!! If you look close enough, you can see just how agitated my little one is having to take a photo with her sister!!!! Hahahaha!!!!  

The papers and most embellies are by K&Company.  The spiderweb doily in the background was made by cutting a circle and then using my corner punch to shape it.  Here's the tutorial in case you missed it!!! 

Darcy Sketch #12: "Shine" with Crate Paper Maggie Holmes

Here is the sketch:

And my layout (this one is one of my favs!!!!)

This is my oldest daughter goofing off at the house in her dress up clothes!!!! Quite beautiful she is!!!!

I started by using the Crate Paper "Maggie Holmes" Signature line (which I LOVE) and went to work!!! I'm a sucker for layers so everything gets matted several times.  I also ink all the edges, and sometimes distress a few for added detail.  The stars and arrow are from Heidi Swapp and they were colored with Distress Inks I used for this page (Evergreen Borough,  Picked Raspberry, and Faded Jeans).    The chipboard title "Shine" is by K&Company.  I sanded it just a little bit so that I could add the colors I wanted to match the page.  I topped it off with some Liquid Pearls.   I finished it with some rub ons by Tim Holtz and a few extra embellies!!! 

Pat Sketch #13: "Happy Journey" with K&Company

Here is the sketch:

And here's my layout:

I actually had a lot of fun with this one!!! I got to use one of my MS punch all over the page punches and my liquid pearls.. all on one page!!!! LOVELY!!! Hahahaha!!! All the papers are by K&Company, including the die-cut border pieces on the top left and bottom right.  I added some rub-ons to them for some sub-titling and added detail.  This is my youngest daughter when she was just a few months old.  She still has that same perfect smile!!!!  

Well gang... Thanks soooo much for stopping in and have a LUCKY day :-)

2 Broke Girls Overhaul... Great New Look and Prize Giveaway!!!

Well hello and happy August everyone!!!  

This is My Story with Maggie Holmes

Okay... Now this next one is a page I've been wanting to make for quite some time.  This is for my Creative Monthly Project Challenge over at Colorful Creations.  The challenge this month is to explore the world of "paper tearing".  

I, myself, am a "colorful" person of sorts.  I'm outspoken, extremely personable (from many years in the hospitality industry), and sometimes down right obnoxious!!!!  I'm also good-hearted, I give when I can, and help others as much as possible :-)

One way I express myself is through my tattoos.  Yes, I have several of them, and they all provide a glimpse into who I am.  I wanted to make a page that reflects me as an individual.  A page that gives you an idea of "who I am".  And this is it:

This page turned out better than I expected!!!!  I LOVE IT!!!!  I used papers by Crate Paper Maggie Holmes collection to start things off.  I distressed and tore edges, and created the big tear down the center.  I used a MS paper punch to punch the edges of the torn area, then layered punched edges of different paper, ribbon, and a little Liquid Pearls.  I created the flower cluster using various flowers by Recollections and Paper House Studio.  The chipboard pieces are from Blue Fern Studio and were heat embossed, inked,  misted and then topped off with Perfect Pearls and Liquid Pearls.  I used my Spectrum Noir Black Alcohol Marker to go over some teal glittered Thickers so that the chipboard color was black, but the glitter would remain teal to match the page.  This page is easy on the eyes, full of sparkle, and a little rough around the edges.  Pretty much sums me up!!!!!  

"Summertime" Anything Goes at Sketches4All

Sketches4All is hosting a "Summertime" Sketch Challenge where ANYTHING GOES!!!!  That's right... Make what you want as long as you follow the sketch:

I decided on a layout using pics from my trip to Cozumel in 2011.  Here's a look:

I've had these papers by The Girls Paperie sitting for quite some time and thought I would finally put them to good use!!!!  They went well with the photos anyhow!!!  

Instead of using three photos, I cut one into two and then added one of me and my husband on shore.  The embellies and ribbon are all from the same paperline, aside from the K&Company tag (bottom right) and the metal balloon by Recollections.  Looking at these pics make me want to revisit this tropical paradise!!!!!   

Handmade Baby Girl Card using Crate Paper "Little Bo Peep"

This is a card that I made for SketchNScrap's July 20th Card Sketch Challenge and FORGOT to post as we were in Fort Lauderdale!!!!!!  Browsing all my sites last night, I realized I hadn't even posted it yet... Better late than never I suppose!!! Hahahaha!!!

Any who... Here is the sketch:

My husband needed a baby girl card for his boss and this was the perfect sketch to get it done!!!  Here's a look at what I came up with:

I had this Crate Paper that I also TOTALLY forgot about and finally pulled it out to use!!!  Seems like a trend around here!!!!  I followed the sketch quite literally, adding only minor changes.  I hand cut the tag, hand-colored the elephant with my Spectrum Noir markers,  and heat embossed "Congratulations"  using pink powder.   I finished it with ribbon, buttons, and a couple of flowers!!!!  That's it!!!  Easy Baby Girl card out the door :-)

Well gang... that's all for today!!! Stay tuned for some more exciting projects coming in the next few days!!!  Have a LUCKY day :-)

New Scrap Your Story Challenge and more!!!

Happy Friday everyone!!!! It's been SUPER hot here in Florida lately!!! We're already breaking the 100's and it's not even July!!!! It's gonna be a hot one :-)

You Brighten My Days!

Well, I'm not just here to blab... As much as I LOVE to!!! It's Friday which means another wonderful challenge over at Scrap Your Story!! 

This week's challenge is to create a page using polaroids.  That's it!!! Just use them somewhere on your page and you're in it to win it!!! Hahaha!!!  I also used the second monthly sketch over at Sketch N Scrap to complete the layout.  Here is the sketch:

And here is my example:

This is my youngest daughter on Easter of this year.  I just LOVE these photos!!! Any who, I decided to keep this page very simple.  Which is pretty hard for me to do!!! I always want to add more and more and more until the page no longer fits in the scrapbook sleeve!!! Hahaha!!!!

The papers are Martha Stewart and an unknown brand behind the photos.  I created the polaroids using grungepaper and black paint.  Then I just added green polka dot rub-ons from October Afternoon to add detail.  I also used rub-ons to add detail to the balloon strings!  And that's all!! Another one bites the dust :-)

Take Your Place, Make Your Mark, Live Your Life

I'd also like to share with you a page I created for my Father In Law.  This was included into an altered frame where I used coordinating papers and metal corner pieces to finish it.  I used a sketch by 2 Broke Girls and papers by Recollections (which I am in LOVE with, by the way!!!).   Here is the sketch:

And my creation:

Isn't it fabulous?!?!?  This is my Father In Law with all four of his sons on my wedding day!!! They all look so wonderful!!!! 

I used various embellies by Tim Holtz (compass, gears, photo tape, and "spinners?!?"), label by K&Company, and unknown metal letters.  For the photo tape, I actually printed photos at 3/4 of an inch and inserted them on the back using double sided tape by Martha Stewart.  I also used Liquid Pearls by Ranger to "frame" the photo.  Love, love, LOVE this one!!!!

Well, gang, thanks so much for listening to me blab!!! Have a LUCKY day :-)

Soooo Much to Do... and Say!!!!

WOW!!! So I haven;t been around much the last couple of weeks... I fell ill and was literally out of commission for a bit... but I am BACK!!!!! And I have soooo much to share with you!!! I hope you'll stay for a bit and enjoy the show :-)

Enjoy the Journey

First on the list is a layout for this week's "Journey" Challenge over at Scrap your Story.  The challenge is to create a layout of a journey, mine being a recent trip to Grand Cayman with some of my family.  This is a picture of my father and I at a local beach.  This is my first out-of-country vacation EVER with my father and a treasured one at that!!! I also used this month's first sketch and color challenge from Sketches With Color.  Here is the sketch and color combo:

And here is my layout:

We haven't had much sun this week with Tropical Storm Andrea over our shoulders so the quality isn't fantastic but it will work :-)

I flipped the sketch 180 degrees to accomodate my photo.  Papers are by Cloud9 Design, SEI, and DCWV.  I also used real seashells from a trip to Picnic Island last year to dress up the layout!!! I added a piece of burlap for the trunk of the tree and stamped the sentiment from a Tim Holtz pack.  Oh, I wish were there again :-) Hahaha!!!! 

Father's Day Card Tim Holtz Style

Speaking of my father, I also created a Father's Day card for my NEW monthly Card Challenge over at 2 Broke Girls Challenges.  My challenge this month is to create a card using metal ( We all know it's one of my all time fav embellies!!!).  My dad is an avid hunter and sportsman so this was very fitting!!! Here is what I came up with:

The papers, buckle, and brads are by Tim Holtz, as are all the inks I used to "distress" the edges!  The stamp is actually a dollar stamp I purchased from Joann's quite some time ago.  I also used this card as my entry for the "Honor a Guy in Your Life" Challenge over at Sketches4All.  You merely need to create a card, layout, altered, or any other paper craft project that honors a guy in your life!! Easy, right?!?  

Fly Tag

Another challenge I host over at Sketches4All is my monthly Tag Challenge.  This month, you need to create a tag with some sort of pocket on it.  I had some "funky" papers lying around by DCWV that I couldn't wait to play with so I put them to good use :-)

Here is my tag :

Isn't this adorable?!?!?  I used several different papers and alphas, as well as stamps, flowers, and liquid pearls.  I mailed this to a friend that I haven't seen in some time to put a smile on her face :-) I included ten "tickets" in which I stamped the backs of with a "quote" or word, then filled in the front with details from our past!!! 

And lastly, I added a quote to the back which was perfect for our "relationship"!!! 

Very sweet!!!

She Dances to the Beat of Her Own Drum

Another of my challenges is my "Technique" Challenge over at 2 Broke Girls Challenges.  This month, your challenge is to create a project using mixed alphas.  I used SEVERAL different colors and fonts to really dress this up!!! Here is my page:

These papers are from a Recollections paper pack I've had for forever and never seem to be able to use.    This is my youngest daughter on a recent trip to Sea World where she used the drums as a resting spot while the rest of the family played them!!! Just like her mother, I swear!!!! Hahahaha!!!!! 

The alphas are from various brands, including K&Company, MME, The Girls Paperie, and Thickers.  I colored some of them to match the theme.  She's just so rotten!!! Hahaha!!!!

Dream Big

I also have my monthly challenge over at Colorful Creations where this month's challenge is to create a project using shapes.  That's right... Your basic elementary shapes... Circles, squares, hexagons, etc...  And really use them!!! I chose to stick with circles, and use the first June Sketch from 2 Broke Girls Challenges to complete my layout.  Here is the sketch:

And here is my creation:

I used papers by Cloud9 Design and punched several different circles out of them using various size circle punches.  Then I added several circle stickers with words, adding liquid pearls around them so they would "stand out".  The paper was actually plain and I added all the rub-on flowers on the corners for detail.  A strand of pearls also frames the photo but it is very hard to see here.  I was also excited to use my new MS punch to create the die-cut behind the photo, for which I also added liquid pearls around the leave "stems".  This is my oldest daughter when she was three years old.  Lovely isn't she?!?!?  

Sweet Fun using Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Collection

Okay... This is one of my MOST favorite layouts of all time!!!! I mean, that I've made anyway!!! I just LOVE playing with the Dear Lizzy paper line because it's just so sweet and, well, fun!!! 

I created this for my sketch over at Colorful Creation's Sketch A Thon last month.  I used an original sketch by Tabitha Triplett.. also one of my MOST favorite sketch "makers"!!! Any who, here is her sketch:

And here is my take on it:

Isn't it just too stinkin cute?!?!  I mean, not to toot my own horn but I LOVE how this turned out!!!! 

I flipped the sketch a quarter turn clockwise, then fussy cut a picture of my daughter from our recent trip to Jamaica and "placed" her inside the jar.  

I also used my mini heart punch and punched several hearts out from different papers from the collection.  I folded them in half and adhered them to the paper.  

I cut a sunburst using various papers from the collection, added coordinating ribbon, chipboard, and Polaroids.  The "fun" chipboard is by Heidi Swapp and the burlap flower from The Little Yellow Bicycle.  Finally, I added a few 3/16ths eyelets and threaded some paper string by Tim Holtz through the holes.  Voila!!! There you have it!! All my little secrets revealed... Hahahaha!!!!   

Well gang, I want to thank you sooo very much for stopping in... Stay tuned for a follow up post with tons of inspiration for card making!!! I've been super busy lately and still have so much to share with you!!! Have a LUCKY day :-)

Scrap Your Story Challenge #12

Scrap Your Story Challenge #12

Happy Friday gang!!! Ready for another exciting challenge from Scrap Your Story?!?!  This week's challenge is stamping and boy, did I have fun with it!!!!  I combined this challenge with Janet's NSD Sketch #8 over at 2 Broke Girls.  Here is the sketch:

And here is my take on it:

I  started by using some gesso, distress stain, and various flourish stamps to create my background.   Then I layered it up with papers by MME and Bo Bunny Mamarazzi 2 paper collection.  I also used Heidi Swapp stamps to make "words" around the page: "Fabulous", "Hello", "Remember Today" and "Having a Great Time" were all stamped with Stazon ink in random places.   The embellies are also from the Bo Bunny collection, aside from the bigger stars next to the word "Smile" which are grungeboard that I embossed and inked with distress inks.  There's a lot going on here but I think it turned out wonderfully!!!!!  

2 Broke Girls Sketch #5

I also made another page with a picture from our recent cruise vacation!! This was taken at the port of call in Ochos Rios Jamaica.  This is my Aunt, Uncle, Father, Step Mom, Husband, and daughter, respectively.  I also created this for Sketch #5 at 2 Broke Girls.  Here is that sketch:

And my page:

I used papers by Momenta, and the top one by K&Company.  I cut the cardstock stickers into banners for a little more detail.  The die-cuts are from The Girls Paperie, "silver anchor" by Jolees, and wooden ticket by Tim Holtz.  This truly was "The Great Escape".  Actually, the greatest of them all!!!!! 

This page was also entered for Stephanie's "Nautical Challenge" at the Skyline Paperie.  

Sketch N Scrap May 15th Card Sketch Challenge

And last, but not least, is a card I made for my Mother In Law for Mother's Day this past weekend using the May 15th Card Sketch from Sketch N Scrap.  I received some papers and embellies by Pink Paislee Cottage Farms collection and they were perfect for the "type" of card I was trying to make!!! Here is the sketch:

Staying true to the sketch, I merely added some detail with layering (one of my fav things to do!!!) and embellies.  Here's my creation:

Pretty?!?  I put one of my Martha Stewart punches to work, added some ribbon, pins, and button by Prima.  Easy enough!!!! And I LOVE the look!!! 

Well gang, that's all for today!!! Don't for get our month long BIRTHDAY BASH over at Sketch N Scrap and month long SKETCH A THON over at Colorful Creations!!! Plenty of inspiration to get those juices flowin' and bring home some prizes while your at it!!!!

Thanks soooo much for stopping in and have a LUCKY day :-)