Anniversary Hangover...Oi my HEAD

Seriously. Have you ever seen such a party?? It's gonna take me three days to just clean my stamping room! Unity is throwing a week long party to celebrate their 1st birthday. They must be Hobbits, giving away presents rather than receiving them on their birthday. But hey, who am I to complain??

There are so many things going on - challenges, give-aways, sneak peeks, great sales...too much to take in all at once. I'll try to sum them up for you: there is a challenge for every day this week and you have until May 5 to get yours submitted. Each day's challenge will have one winner, and all challenge winners will be presented to the masses for voting to see who will win, are you ready?? Really ready?? THE KIT OF THE MONTH FREE FOR A YEAR. Hello! Is this thing ON??

Angela has been generously giving things away. I would turn her in for suicidal counselling, but I know she's just generous. She picks any reason to give things away - do you follow her blog? Did you sign up for My Unity Place? Are you wearing green today (jk)? Seriously - she is the giving QUEEN. Love her!

When you go to Angela's blog, check out the design team. They had sneak peeks of the May KOTM every day this week. So be sure to read older posts. When you get done hopping through the customers' blogs, join us for some chatting on SCS!

Only one project to share today so I don't slow you down. I completed this card for the VSN Vegas Gold challenge. I will be posting more projects over the weekend.

Details HERE. I hope you have a fantastic day! Don't forget, tomorrow is NATIONAL SCRAPBOOK DAY - hope you get to play!

Peace be the journey - cool runnings.

Ta for now. ~ky

Hipping and Hopping and Hangin' Out!

Wow - I love all the new sweet ladies who show up for hip hop. YAY!!! Welcome!! Do you know how EASY it is to win a prize for Hip Hop?? Not to mention the next step - My Unity Place (MUP). What fabulousness does Angela have in store? Go sign in (free) and see!

Here's my Unity Colors My World challenge card. I hope you like it. We were to use blue, green and a neutral to make a card. I also combined it with the Unity Addicts challenge to make a card celebrating Earth Day or use something recycled. So, here you go:

Can you figure out the recycled part? Look closer:



See that blue thingy with the ribbon through it? It's a recycled Monster Energy Can pull tab. I stamped the tree in StazOn black twice, then colored (SU! markers) and cut out the tree. I mounted it on dimensional foam. The flowers were colored with SU! markers, and the cardstock in all Bazzill (exept for the Pebbles kraft base). I used MM gingham ribbon, and Offray irridescent ribbon. I added stickles (Ranger) around the edges of the tree.

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you enjoy your day, and that you'll visit all the fabulous ladies on the Customer hop today. Be sure to see Angela's specials and don't forget Unity's first birthday next week. That's right...celebrating ALL WEEK.

Peace be the journey - cool runnings!

Ta for now, ~ky

EIC #32 - Angel Face Designs

Ooooh - I love this shop! Have you browsed? Handmade one-of-a-kind silver charms - just for you! Go visit!



I selected this necklace for my inspiration piece. Those of you who know me, know I don't have a daughter, and my Mom has passed on. However, as I played with the new Unity April KOTM, I was drawn to the two girls holding hands. It touched me. We are here on this big ole ball in space *together*. We need each other, a hand to hold, a heart to share, an ear to hear. So, this card celebrates twos, whatever form they may take. I hope you enjoy it!

I used a new technique to tie the bow. It looks upside down, but I like it.

Supplies: Bazzill CS, SEI Dill Blossom PP, Unity April KOTM, Tea Time Pattern (background), Time for Travel; Ranger Ink vintage photo, Versamark, SU! clear embossing powder, Offray ribbon, Fiskars' diamond border punch, Jones Tones holographic hearts, MM punch guide.

Sketch: Rotated Card Positioning System CPS112.

I will be back later this week with some scrapbook news - a technique or a challenge!

Special thanks and hugs to those who helped us 'celebrate' dear Oscar's passing.

Peace be the journey - cool runnings.

Ta for now, ~ky

Oscar Has Moved On

He was our sweet grumpy grouch. Karl had him for 11 years, which is a really long time for a lizard. Still, it was sad to find him dead in his cage. We choose to honor his memory as his cage stands empty. Rest well, my friend.

Peace be the journey - cool runnings.

Scrappy Sunday

Here's my entry for the Papercraft Planet Scrappy Sunday challenge. There were some awesome submissions this week! I'm still not sure I love this page, but I do love the memories that well up each time I look at it. It still needs some journaling (using hidden tags) to describe Karl's elation over the Campus Coffee Bean espresso lady, the sweet way he surprised me with some wine and a movie in our room (Mall Cop - funny!), and the wonderful walk we took at a park in Flagstaff. And who could forget the food??!! We love Oregano's!

I'm going to have to get a haircut, methinks. My face just looks so fat when my hair's long! I have a second page planned to put the Oregano's menu and some other memorabilia on.

Supplies: Paper is SEI Dill Blossoms, CS Bazzill, Unity Linden branch stamp, Ranger Ink vintage photo, Ranger Ink silver stickles, MM brads, Dymo labeler, Offray ribbon, Technique Tuesday "MAR" stamp, SU! tab punch.

Peace be the journey - cool runnings.

Ta for now! ~ky

Hangover Hangout

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you are having a great start to your weekend. We had a blast on Hip Hop yesterday. Our theme was honoring Mother's, and the DT hip hop was outstanding! What?? You didn't get to do the DT Hip Hop? Well...what are you waiting for? Start here at the Unity Blog. You may have to scroll down on a few posts since some blogs have been updated from yesterday.

I made two Unity projects yesterday. My Mother passed away 8 years ago, so instead of making Mother's Day projects, I made two masculine cards for my Dad to receive in honor of my Mom.

The first card was created for the Hip Hop Challenge to give Unity a Bow (make a card using a bow). I used Basic Grey PP, and Bazzill CS, StazOn black ink with SU! clear embossing powder for the Unity Live Simply stamp (March 2009 KOTM). The ribbon is Pebbles and the brad is Making Memories.

The second card was completed for the Hole-y Unity challenge for Hip Hop. The specifications were to use holes as a decorative element (punch guides, thread-less sewing, etc.). I trimmed out a feather design from my Basic Grey paper, and adhered it with dimensional adhesives. I stamped the sentiment (Unity's Birdie Inspiration kit) in Versamark and applied Stampendous silver embossing powder for shine. I used my MM piercing guide for the holes on the right corners of the card, and around the sentiment. The cardstock is Bazzill.

Don't forget to check out the weekend specials at Unity. Angela has put together some awesome bundles, and she's got the new Scraponizer storage system that's perfect for all unmounted rubber.

Now - on your way to see what lovelies lie in store for you on the hangover customer hip hop! Then come join us for chatting in SCS!

Peace be the journey - cool runnings.

Ta for now, ~ky

Friday Fun #27 Purple Passion and EIC #31

Kimmie is living the life of a princess! She is also recognizing our Savior with this week's challenge - use the color of royalty as the main color for your card. What's the color of royalty? Rich purple! I strayed just a little, but I think my card still meets the challenge. What do you think?

This project is also for the Etsy Inspired Challenge #31. I used the "You Complete Me" sweetheart jar from Misspottery's shop (Make Mine Mud) as my inspiration. She had hand laid hearts all around the jar, and the first thing I thought of is God completes me, and guards my heart. The swirls on the embossed cardstock carry the feel of the heart images.

I got to go shopping a little while ago, and picked up two Fiskar's border punches. I have been drooling over them for some time, and finally caught a sale! The paper has been in my hoarding stash for several years - it's Ki Memories from 2004! Brads are MM, flowers are Prima, and dark purple cardstock is Bazzill. I used purple StazOn for the Unity image (Something Within kit) and SU! clear embossing powder.

My dear friend, Lee, sent me this card:To protect the card in the mail, she sent a card face sized piece of embossed cardstock. It's pale green and has a little shimmer in it. I repurposed it rather than throw it away. What a clever idea to include something that could be put to use! Thanks, Lee!!

I'm off on a new project now. Don't forget - the Unity Addicts challenge and the Hip Hop Challenges should be posted sometime tomorrow on the SCS Unity forum. Join us!

Peace be the journey - cool runnings.

Ta for now, ~ky

Art Blog Candy

The first 5 people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice! For you! Could be a card I am really pleased with, an altered object or something else altogether! My choice! But this offer has some restrictions and limitations:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!

2. What I create will be made with you in mind, so you won't get something I already made unless I think it suits you to a T.

3. It'll be done sometime this year.

4. There is a catch - you must offer this same blog candy on your blog!

Let me know you're in, then re-post this on your blog and offer something you make - your choice - to the first 5 people who respond to your post. Add my name to the #1 slot on your list - I am your first participant. When you create your giveaway, you will become the first participant on the lists for the people who participate with you. Got it? :-)

Okay, so who wants to play??
1. Ashley
2.
3.
4.
5.

Gut Me

I promised you a lesson in scrapbook frugality. BIG NOTE: it works for cards and other projects as well. I'm using the layout below (the one I did for Scrappy Sunday) to show you how this works. I didn't dream this up, someone showed me, long ago. It's called page gutting.

Your first step is to use a cutter that allows you to start in the middle of an area. I use my dependable Fiskar (I'll tell you how to make it dependable in another segment if you wish). I come in about 1 to 1 1/2 inches from each edge and cut to within 1 to 1 1/2 inches of each edge.

When you have cut all the way around, you can remove the center, thus:

This is your "gut" piece. Then, I do the same with my contrast color, but I cut it slightly larger (3/4 inch from each edge).

When you have both pages cut, take the border from your patterned paper, and the gut from your cardstock and overlay them. You will have about a quarter overrun on the gut for adhesive. I no longer bother drawing my cutting marks because I have done it so much I can wing it. You may want to draw out your cuts in the beginning. It's almost impossible to draw the cuts in a perfect square, but you can get close enough. When you first start, err on the side of overlap.

Personally, I don't gut my cardstock, because I seldom use it for borders. I use it for mats for pictures or journaling boxes - when I need a bigger piece, I will gut my cardstock. When you are done, this is about the amount of paper you have saved (my 12 inch ruler is on the left). Plenty to make a card, a smaller scrapbook page, or as accents for a second, facing scrapbook page.

I hope this makes sense to you. If it only adds to your confusion, leave me a comment and I'll see if I can clarify. Thanks for taking the time to stop by. I appreciate your comments, and if you have a technique or tip you want to share or need for me to find for you - let me know.

I hope you had a very Happy Easter!

Peace be the journey. Cool runnings.

Ta for now, ~ky

Scrappy Sunday Challenge

Hi again! Looks like I've been really busy, eh? Sorta...

I wanted to acknowledge my dear friend Kristen's success in being the guest Design Team member for Paper Craft Planet! Woooo Hoooo Kristen!!

So, her challenge was to create a layout based on this sketch.

Normally, I'm not too good with sketches. I start with the sketch, and then my pictures, paper and "feeling" take me far away.

There's some karma going on here. I was starting on this project, then had to leave to check mail. Well...as fate would have it...I received my order for Unity's Little Sprout kit!! I just *had* to ink it up, donchaknow. Then I stuck little Prima flowers all over the tree with gold Stickles (Ranger) for the centers.

I cut the circles out of SU! paper, as is the border. The rest is Bazzill cardstock (you should know my supplies so well by now!). I used MM paint for the chipboard letters (misc), a scrapbooking paper clip is adorned with ribbon from Michael's, journaling is with my SU! marker, and the ink is Ranger Ink tea dye.

I think I did pretty good with the sketch this time around. You still have some time to play! Get busy! And, thanks for dropping by!

Happy Easter!

Ta for now, ~ky

Here We Are...Hanging Over Again!

Yesterday's hip hop was a lot of fun (when is it not!). Lots of prizes, great stamping deals, and NEW products! YES NEW PRODUCTS from Unity! Check this out!

The new product is called LOVE RUBS. These are custom cut vinyl signs that are perfect for your wall, home window or your car! There are sayings of course, but Angela is also offering an opportunity to have YOUR BLOG URL cut so you can attract attention to your site from your car! How awesome is that?? Click on the ad above to go to Unity's website!

Now for my project: this was a little card I came up with for the Splitcoast Challenge called the Color Challenge. We were challenged to use bashful blue, so saffron, and close to cocoa colors from SU!s color palette.

I adore the way this card turned out. I used the new Birdie Inspiration set from Unity, SU! papers, Bazzill cardstock, Prima and MM flowers, MM ribbon, Dew Drops, and a misc brad. I especially love the 3D effect of the birdie. You can see it better in this shot.Well...thanks again for stopping by. It means a lot to me and I love your comments. When you get done visiting all the other talented hip hop hangover ladies' blogs, come join us for a chat on Splitcoast Stampers at this thread - Hip Hop Hangover Chat.

Peace be the journey - cool runnings.

Ta for now, ~ky

Ashley's Etsy Inspired Challenge #30 Lauren's Store

Ooooh - I love this store. There are so many pretties and shiny things. I just want to pet them all! You can see all her incredible designs here at Lauren Alexander in Etsy.

Ashley's challenge was to use something in Lauren's store to inspire our project. I chose this item: Sweet Tree. I thought it was an incredibly delightful piece. So, this is what I made:

I chalked the sky and grass subtly using Craf-T chalks, stamped the Unity Dream Tree three times (Ranger Ink - Tea Dye, Vintage Photo and Peeled Paint) to give the effect of blossoming branches. I stamped Unity flowers (Nov 08 KOTM) twice, then topped them with Prima flowers, Doodlebug jewels, and Michael's rhinestones. I stamped Unity's deer and birdie (both Nov 08 KOTM) then colored them with Prismacolor pencils. I stamped the delightful sentiment (same Unity KOTM), added MM ribbon, and punched it out with SU!s label punch. The paper is all Bazzill cardstock, except the blue peeking out behind the label (that's SU!).

I hope you've enjoyed looking at the project as much as I enjoyed making it!

Peace be the journey - cool runnings.

Ta for now, ~ky

Kristen's Etsy Inspired Challenge

Kristen challenged us to make a scrapbook page using the Purl store for inspiration. I loved all the cool crocheted and knitted animals!

I used Bazzill cardstock, Basic Grey pp, misc gold star, SU! pens, QuicKutz shapes and date; Creative Memories letter stickers (Black Sunday), MM eyelets, and Ranger Ink to distress the edges of some cardstock.

This little western screech owl came to live with us when he collided with a tree trying to leave the fire area. He broke his wing, close to the shoulder. He eventually succumbed to an infection, but he was a delightful guest in our home while we tried to rehabilitate him.

Peace be the journey - cool runnings.

Ta for now, ~ky

We have a WINNER!

Wow - three contestants with absolutely great projects. It was tough to choose. Very tough.

Eeeeny meeny miney mo... I picked Jen's project! Actually, I thought it was stunning! You can go to her blog to read about her construction of this project.

I love the spring feel of the flower pot, and how she used the Unity Middle School Madness set to capture her cousins as flowers! Very creative, Jen! Congrats!

Alright - back to hip hop!

Peace be the journey - cool runnings.

Ta for now, ~ky

A Scrapbook Page...Finally!

Here's a page I did for the Unity Addicts challenge. Our challenge this week was to make anything but a card.

My hubby ran this race last month. He just missed his target time, but I think he did a fabulous job given the very hilly course. I hope you enjoy looking!

Base PP is Karen Foster Design, light brown paper is SU!, all other is Bazzill cardstock. Chipboard letters are from my stash - no manufacturer info; ribbon is May Arts; Decorative staple is Fastenater; brads are Bazzill; sticker quote is SandyLion; fabric amazing sticker is EK Success; journaling tag is 7 Gypsies; number stamps page bottom, 10k, top right, clock face and back of journaling card (hidden) are all Unity (numbers etc., just my type alpha, time of your life, and heartfelt memories, respectively). Fashionably late is My Favorite Things (twisted too). Chipboard letters were painted with MM peach paint, then randomly inked with Ranger Ink tea dye and spiced marmalade. The same inks, plus black soot were used to distress cardstock and SU! paper. Safety pin is one handed out at the race.

Alrighty - I have stuff to do, and 6 miles to run. I'll post again, maybe later, maybe tomorrow!

Peace be the journey - cool runnings.

Ta for now, ~ky

Ashley is a SUPER SWEETHEART!!

She's issued a call for a guest design team member for June. In case you don't know, Ashley heads the Etsy Inspired Challenge (EIC) each week. Stop by and see what it's all about!

Some news from me...I won the Ambassador's Challenge with My Favorite Things on SCS for this project!

Peace be the journey - cool runnings.

Ta for now, ~ky

Here it is...What you've all been waiting for...

Scrapacat's Scrapbook Strategies

My first official challenge!! Yay!! WAHOO!!

Ok, enough of that.

Here's your challenge, should you choose to accept it:
Create a scrapbook page celebrating someone or something dear to you that is currently missing from your books. Here are your restrictions:

1. use more than one photo
2. journal more than date/time - say why your selection is dear to you.
3. use something you've created for another purpose on your page (like, a card!)

Hint: use just a card face (card front that is not adhered to a folded card) or the full card as your journaling platform. Card faces are great for tucking tags and memorabilia into when adhered only on three sides.

I will be playing, too. The winner will receive Taylor Jones' Spunky Princess set from Unity Stamp Company. Submissions (linked to this post via your blog or a gallery) are due Wednesday, April 8th by 9 p.m. Eastern time. You may use any supplies, images, etc., and your page can be any standard layout size (6x6, 8x8, 8.5x11 or 12x12).

Most importantly - HAVE FUN!

Peace be the journey - cool runnings.


Ta for now, ~ky

And this award goes to...

KRISTEN!

CAROLE!

JIMMI!

SHERRY!

ASHLEY!

Come on down! Put this award on your blog...then pick 5 more to share it with, because...YOU ARE THE BEST BLOGGING BUDDIES! Seriously...I could pick 30 easily, but I wanted to leave you all some people to highlight. Love ya!!

Saturday...what are you up to?

Me? Nuthin...well, ok. I've been thinking about starting my own challenges. These challenges are just as much for you as for me. I want to get back into scrapbooking. I've been on hiatus improving my card making skills. Now, I want to bring the two together. How? Let's explore:

Many of us make card sized projects, because they are smaller canvasses that come together fast. Larger projects, like 12x12 scrapbook pages are more intimidating because of the size and additional planning they require. What if...you used a card as a page embellishment? Any lightbulbs go on for you?

What if...someone sent you a beautiful card that you just can't throw away? A flicker?

What if...you used a card as a hidden journaling piece? Lights?

Can you see where I'm headed? There are a few 'dependable' problem areas for scrapbookers. One is how do you fill large areas of a page with something interesting that still fits with a photo or three? Another is: I hate my handwriting but I know it's important for my posterity and children; or the story is too private to have it just hanging out there in full view... Getting warmer?

Ok. I'm going to create a couple of polls and I hope you will let me know how these challenges can help by participating. I'll be back tomorrow to post those questions, and with a challenge. The challenge will have a reward. The winner gets the Unity Spunky Princess set in honor of Taylor's improvement. Feel free to comment with any thoughts you might have today.

Peace be the journey -- cool runnings.

Ta for now, ~ky

Yet another Hangover!!

I love hangovers much more than I used to. Anyone care to agree??

Here's a little project I did on Thursday. I thought it might bring a smile. I am SO loving all the new peeps who've shown up on HipHop. Welcome!! Bring a friend!

This project was completed for the Unity hip hop Yeah Baby challenge to make a baby-themed card. This could be for a birthday too. I love the colors, and even DH commented that the swirly design and dew drop on the left were visually intriguing (his words, not mine!). The supply list is here on SCS.

The second project was completed for the Unity March 2009 KOTM contest. It didn't win, but I still like it! I still like to color as if I were still in kindergarten! The supply list is here on SCS.

SHIFTING GEARS to My Favorite Things!

This project was created for the April 5 MFT Ambassador #1 challenge. I loved playing with my new stamps, and if anyone knows me, I **love** bunnies!! Here's the supply list.

Well, sweets, that's all I have for today. I hope you're having a very nice Friday!! I will be back with a scrapbook challenge. Anyone game??

Peace be the journey. Cool runnings.

Ta for now, ~ky