Croptober at Apron Strings: Catch up Challenges Week of 10/21

Hey friends!

I decided to just make one post to catch up on the challenges over at the Apron Strings blog from week 10/21. I did two of the layouts and I was going to do the 3rd and I pooped out. I got sick (stomach flu - AGAIN) on Monday and then Tuesday, my son Wyatt started throwing up, and he had the same stomach flu. It was terrible. We laid around watching cartoons on Nick Jr. and cuddled most of the day. Spent hours in bed eating crackers and adhering to the BRAT diet. I hope to not repeat that ANY time soon. I lost precious packing time too! Although I must admit, I LOVED the cuddling and snuggling with my sick little guy (picture below). I had high hopes of using some super cute Fall Jillibean design paper for the challenge on the 25th. :( I hope this weeks challenges allow me to dive into that kit!!

So here are my two layouts...here is the first one from Tuesday10/22. I pulled the polka dots as my inspiration and the brads, I used sparkly chipboard dots instead. And the label...

Here is my 2nd layout from Wednesday 10/23. I liked the repeating pattern of the pumpkins so I used repeating polka dots and repeating Spooky words. Cute retired Stampin Up paper that I have been hoarding ;) I even found a black cat on a cute little Beware die cut. Wyatt was sad because he just wanted milk and to go nigh-nigh. Auntie Caroline tried to hold him for a while. :(

Looking forward to more Croptober Challenges over at Apron Strings this coming week! One of my favorite scrapbooking blogs! :) I hope to do a couple more challenges before I pack up the last of my scrap booking supplies. Move is set for Friday, November 1st!

Two Scrapbooking Challenges Today!

Today I incorporated 2 challenges into 1 scrapbook page. I used Apron Strings Croptober 10/17 challenge and used the Stuck on U Sketches sketch Oct 11-24.
The challenge over at Apron Strings was to incorporate any elements from their 2-page layout....black, white, orange, bats, 31, etc. And here is the sketch from Stuck on U:

Here is my layout: 

 

Wyatt was only 4 months on Halloween and he was such a trooper! His costume was warm. It was actually cool that night and it even sprinkled rain a bit. My sister, her husband, daughter, Wyatt and I were dressed up and went to Chipotle to get a free burrito. (or BOORITO as they called it!) Then we went trick or treating. Not Wyatt lol, he pooped out and just wanted milk. ;) Of course...baby cow...

Apron Strings Challenge 10/16: Color Theory

Today's challenge over at Apron Strings was to use this color pallet or elements to create a card, layout or project. I decided to create a card since I needed to send one to a friend to thank her for hosting a Premier Jewelry show! Here is the color pallet:

 

I used Stampin Up supplies for my card. To me, the colors looked like Sahara Sand, Pumpkin Pie and Pool Party. I even used the Polka Dot design paper in Pumpkin Pie & Pool Party because of the polka dot background. I love polka dots!! It's hard to tell but I did use Crystal Effects on the elephant stamp. This stamp set is retired because it was a Saleabration set, it's called Patterned Occasions...and I love it! Fun color combo! This would be great for colors in a room in the new house...Hmmmm...

 

Apron Strings Croptober: Oct 15 Pinterest Challenge

I can't believe it's been 2 months since I have updated my blog :( Shame on me!! I will be better. So first, we did find out boy or girl about 9 weeks ago lol...and.....

It's a GIRL!!!!

We are beyond excited and just feel SO blessed. Everything is going well and I'm about 25 weeks now. I am getting a progesterone shot every week since Wyatt was about 3-1/2 weeks early. I feel pretty good considering we are also MOVING! BUT....the best news is....we are finally buying our first home. So I feel extra extra blessed that we are able to do this. It has been a rough 4 years trying to get into a position where it would be possible. Just goes to show you, NEVER give up and anything is possible! 

Now, on to the Apron Strings Pinterest Challenge! I created a scrapbook page that used pleated paper just like the card from the challenge. It was a little difficult folding the design paper and it left visible creases, but I just turned it over and it looked great! I actually made a pocket using it so it would hold the map to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. I forgot how much I LOVE to scrapbook!!! 

Apron Strings Scrap Your Stash Day#4

Last one for the night! I am sooo tired and ready for bed. Wyatt has been active tonight, lots of movement going on in my belly! I'm playing along with Apron Strings to Scrap my Stash Day#4! I love this paper by Cosmo Cricket, Early Bird. It's a couple/few years old but I finally got the hankerin' to use it! So cute!

Apron Strings Scrap Your Stash Day#3

Staying up waaay to late to catch up to Day #3....one more to go and I'll be all caught up ;) Here is my layout for the Apron Strings Scrap Your Stash Day#3. Today, working with Pack #3: Select three coordinating patterned papers, journaling cards, alphabet, 3 - 5 flowers and pair that with the first photos that inspire you - old or new.

This paper I love...I used some Teresa Collins here that I bought specifically for my engagement/wedding photos. Love the classic look of black/white/ivory.

Apron Strings Scrap Your Stash Day#2

Today I'm scrapping like crazy trying to play catch up! I'm on Day #2 for the Apron Strings Scrap Your Stash. Today's challenge is #5: Two different, but coordinating colors of cardstock, 2 sheets coordinating patterned paper, stick pin, paper clip, 2 lengths of different ribbon or baker's twine, pre-printed diecut or frame and combine these items with your oldest Christmas photos.
I wasn't really happy with the layout probably because I feel like I had this hodge podge of "stuff" that didn't really mesh well together. But it was nice to use "stuff" I've had for a while! Yay! Room to buy more stuff! hahahaha J/K (maybe) ;-)

Apron Strings Scrap Your Stash Day#1

I'm so behind in the Scrap your Stash! If you want to play along, follow the link! It started Monday, and here I am posting on Wednesday (practically Thursday!) I have had a busy week, but plan to catch up on my scrapping today and Friday! I'll be working on making some cute Monkey baby shower invites with my sister in law tomorrow. 50 of them! I'll post them when I'm done.
But for now, here is my layout for the Apron Strings Scrap Your Stash Day#1. Using Pack #2 (One sheet cardstock, coordinating paper with dots and a floral print, chipboard, 2 tags and 6-8 brads) and combine it with a set of your newest photos.It's my 1st wedding layout I've done. All the pictures are in a photo album and I finally decided to just scrap a few. I really love the black/white and just a splash of red. Those were our colors too. See you back tomorrow for more layouts!!

Oh! And here's a photo of me at 21 weeks! Why do I feel like I'm getting so big, too fast!?

Happy Birthday Apron Strings Day #15 & The Paper Variety

I created a Wedding themed card for the challenge over at The Paper Variety and I added some "bling" which counts as my "sprinkles" for the Apron Strings Birthday Challenge #15.

I used Stampin' Up supplies and created a punch art wedding couple. I got the tutorial for the couple on You Tube. To give it a twist, I made the rose on the lapel with the tiny flower from the Itty Bitty punch pack (2 of them crinkled up). The stamp set is Word Play. I added lots of bling with the pearls and the rhinestone. I love the pearl neckline!

Hope you like my card! I'll probably be making it again for my punch art class. I have 3 weddings to go to this year so I'll need more of these cards!

Happy Birthday Apron Strings Day #14 & Page Maps Challenge

Here's a layout I did for Apron Strings Day #14 Birthday challenge and the challenge over at Page Maps, the Webster's Pages Sketch contest. I must say I don't feel like it's one of my better pages. =( I used 3 pieces of chipboard per the Apron Strings challenge ingredient, which was Fondant! ...And the sketch from Page Maps.
I hope to do better on my next layout... :) I stayed up waaaaay to late tonight! =(

Happy Birthday Apron Strings Day #13

I created this layout for the day 13 Apron Strings Birthday celebration. I had to get in on the fun when Lori said pick five of these:

• Layer Cake
• Cupcakes
• Sheet Cake
• Fruit Filling
• Frosting
• Fondant
• Sprinkles
• Candles

So I picked 5 and today she said to pick 1 and create a layout each day using the corresponding items:

• Layer Cake = Use three sheets of patterned paper
• Cupcakes = Use at least six Buttons
• Sheet Cake = Use Cardstock only
• Fruit Filling = Use Stickers
• Frosting = Use two different kinds of ribbon
• Fondant = Use three pieces of chipboard
• Sprinkles = Use bling
• Candles = Use rub-ons

Today I created a layout using Cupcakes or 6 buttons for my baby boy's scrapbook album. Oh yes! We are having a BOY! :) Already picked a name, Wyatt Christiaan. Here's a picture of our little guy and my layout.

I love this paper...love love love it. I bought the whole kit because it has the cutest owls on it. You'll for sure be seeing more of it :) Oh and here's a picture of my little baby bump at 19 weeks! We already felt him kick this past week - what an amazing little miracle!! We also started the room...will post a before and after picture soon!

Scrapbook Challenge - Apron Strings

Hi Everyone!!

I'm back doing scrapbook and card challenges!! I'm so excited to start knocking out some pages because my pile of memories is getting quite large! ;)
I will post Stampin' Up exclusive layouts/cards here on my business site, and any other misc challenges HERE on my new personal site for my family (soon to be Mr & Mrs Becker in May 2011!).

So here is a challenge from Apron Strings where we can only use piles on our desk to create a page layout. Thank goodness I just had my stamp-a-stack and I had lots of goodies to choose from! I used Deck the Halls DSP, Crumb Cake cardstock, Cherry Cobbler Seam binding and a few pearls. You can find specials on my Christmas items HERE. Check out the 20% discount you can get!

First time flyin a kite!!

**Scroll down for the Friends with Flair post &

Breast Cancer Blog Hop(e)**

Yep, that's right, 34 years old and I had never flown a kite! So, here is my experience I had on Tuesday and a nice little video for you to enjoy LOL. Hope you can hear it, it was CRAZY windy, as you can see from my hair. I look terrible LOL.
Anyway, about my page, I don't know if I like the ribbon on it, but too late HA! I used the sketch at Apron Strings that Lori posted, it was perfect for these pics! I also used the Scraproom Challenge which was to use different fonts in the title. And if that wasn't enough I used Scrap & Stamp's open challenge and used stamps on my page. (Stamps used: Heidi Swapp Alphabet & Banana Frog Arrows - which I won on Mary Macaskill's site!)

Card: One Love One Life

Good Afternoon All!

I made this card for a couple challenges. First up is the Apron Strings color challenge which is to only use the colors in this picture:

The 2nd one is for the Etsy Inspired challenge #59, which is to be inspired by the shop called The Little Red Door. I picked one of their items for sale and got inspired! I picked this charming little country house.


The colors were perfect for my challenge and it reminded me of a shabby little church. So, that led me to my Unity Oct KOM stamps! I used ink distressing because the house looked a little like that with all the speckles. I created a "door" on the front of my card just because I was inspired to do that! :)Hiding behind the door is the church and inside the card I stamped one of Unity's sentiments, perfect for a "wedding" card.

Apron Strings 5 on Friday!

So, it's still Friday (my time!) so I hope this one counts for the Apron Strings 5 on Friday Challenge! ;) But if it doesn't that's ok because I'm not to thrilled with my work. Maybe it's the teal flourished stamped on it, I think it might be too dark of a blue...oh well! At least I got another one of my baby pictures scrapped and the challenge was fun. I had to use:

* 1 sheet of cardstock (DCWV)
* 1 sheet of patterned paper with swirls (My Mind's Eye - Penny Lane)
* 1 swirl or flourish element (stamped image from Stampin' Up)
* 1 circle element (My Mind's Eye - Penny Lane)
* 1 length of ribbon (Maya Road)

Please comment and tell me what you think I could have done differently! I really do need the constructive criticism! So, here is what I came up with...

Apron Strings #10, RSC Oct & Unity Week #3

Happy Monday!
It's a gorgeous day in CA! Just wish I could be outside scrapping! Or be in a sun room. I love the warmth of the sun! But then I suppose I would get sleepy and want to take a nap and wouldn't get any scrapping done! hahaha :)
Ok, so no scrapping just card making here today!
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Apron Strings offered a challenge to make a pink card. I combined this challenge with the Rubber Stamp Chat Challenge HERE and also the Unity Bachelor Challenge Week #3, which was to use polka dots and plaid. I like how this polka dot/plaid card turned out much better than my previous one! I used my cricut to cut the scalloped circles and the paper is Making Memories. The ribbon is Maya Road.

Apron Strings Challenge & Sweet Sketch Wednesday #17

I made a silly Halloween card for the Apron Strings 5 on Friday Challenge and I used the sketch from Sweet Sketch Wednesday #17. I used the fall colored paper that I got from Apron Strings, thanks Lori!! The patterned paper is from Basic Grey.

Seasons Changing - Welcome Fall!

I love summer, but when the nights started to be more crisp and cool and the leaves start changing color and falling, I was happy to see Fall arriving! The change in weather brings warm sweaters, hot soup and scarves for me! I love making homemade soup like pasta e fagioli (pasta & bean soup), zuppa toscana (just like Olive Garden's) and I love to wear scarves! I counted and I have 13 of them and will wear them all with the coming cold weather. :) Apron Strings has offered a challenge to take 4 pictures of what marks the season change for me. So, here they are:


Back to School Signs...Fall Festivals, Book Fairs...



Brand new No.2 pencils! I love the smell of a sharpened pencil!



The leaves changing and falling...



And my ALL TIME FAV mark of the changing season...

A Pumpkin Spice Latte!!!