Beachin'

You know those cute tins that all the flowers come in? (Or sometimes chipboard, alphabets, etc...) That's what I used! This was a perfect way to display the grainy, artsy beach/pier/sunset photo, and the colors are a classic summertime combo! Plus, as an added bonus, the tin is an EXACT match for our beachy guest bathroom. Can't beat it! The shells inside, creating the shadowbox effect, are loose, and are all ones we've found ourselves. AWESOME!

Album in a Can

I made this can when we were building our house. Not only are the can colors the colors of our house, but inside we have samples of the flooring, roof, counter tops, and TONS of photos of other picks. We also have the master key, warranty info, etc. in here. It's a nice little self-contained album in a can.

Random Cards

These are a few cards I've made recently -- a thank you, a get well, and a wedding congrats. The orange thank you is a personal favorite because it was just so cheerful.

Halloween Time

This is the Halloween wall-hanging that I made out of some bargain letters ($1!) I came across at JoAnns. It's really simple, but it looks really cute! The photos don't quite do it justice.

Halloween

This album is a snap to make, and turns out super cute. I haven't finished decorating it yet, because it's reserved for photos from this year. BUT I have a plan. I'm doing our five favorite things about Halloween (candy, costumes, decorations, jack-o-lanterns, movies).

To make a 5-point star album, you need 5 12x12 sheets of double sided paper -- cardstock is best because it's sturdy. Cut each piece into three strips: 1 measuring 12x4, one measuring 10x4, and one measuring 8x4. Mix up the strips for a random appearance. Fold each strip in half, and use one of each size to make a point. Glue the outside edge (edge ONLY!) together. Then glue all five sections together (the full flat section on the back, measuring 4x6) and open to create a star.

This album folds flat for easy storage, and is totally adorable on an end table or as part of a centerpiece or holiday display. I've also made July 4th and heritage versions of this album. To make a star with more points just use extra pages -- one for each star point you want to make.

Elly's Album

These are a few of my favorite pages from my daughter's album. These pages are simpler than I usually do -- since this was a baby album I wanted the pictures to really be the focal point. There are a few sweet, girly embellishments, but other than that the photos set the stage.

10 from 2

Believe it or not, these 10 (5.5x4.25") cards are made from only two sheets of printed paper (plus some coordinating cardstock). I've made these in a ton of different styles, but they're great for quick Christmas cards. My personal favorites that I've made are using pinks and lime green (for Christmas!) but I know lots of people don't like the "trendy" colors, so I've decided to show the more traditional version.

Beats an address book!

This project was born out of practicality. My Mom needed a way to organize all the family dates and addresses in one place: her craft room. This way she could find an occasion, make a card and address it without having to run downstairs to find the correct info. This has the edge over an address book, since it's organized by date. Plus, it's cute!

The biggest problem was coming up with a paper to suit each individual. For my nephew's birthday I chose an orange plaid -- he's always wearing either orange or plaid button-up shirts, so it was perfect for him. For my sister, an organic, bohemian paper fit the bill. I hunted through my stash until I found the perfect paper for everyone. It's a good thing I have so much laying around...

Who I Am

I've been scrapbooking since I was 12 -- so for 15 years. (Go ahead, do the math!) I've branched out over the years into card making, mini albums, and altered items. But the fact of the matter is this: I love paper! And anything that sparkles. And glue. And ribbons. And brads. You name it!

My new favorite product is Shimmer Spray by Tattered Angels. I had seen this in the October issue of Paper Crafts, and KNEW I had to try it. I dragged my sister into their booth at the CKC Phoneix Convention (last weekend) and we both fell in love. Soon everything I own will shimmer and shine. Like it doesn't already from all the rhinestones... I'm a girly girl at heart, I guess.