Friday for a Friend

This Friday I am going to think of something I can do for someone else, and share it with everyone.

I was totally excited to get my comment links actually working like everyone else's do. And not too long after they gotta workin' I received a message from a blogger named Karla saying that she loved the idea of tearing photos... well, this friday is for her........

Karla, I wanted to share another layout with you to encourage you in the tearing of your photos. I know it is a scary thing, but only at first, after you do it you will realize it is a great and easy time saver.
Here I tore the edges then inked them black for more of a timeless distressed look to go with the wrought iron in the photos.

Suggestions: Practice both tearing and inking on a "junk" photo first to get the feel of the photo paper opposed to regular paper. If you are inking your photos edges, be sure to leave time to let them dry so the ink does not get all over the place.

If you have never torn before follow my lead... start at the top right corner (top left I think if you are left handed) and work your way down slowly, always tearing towards yourself. Have fun. I gotta run!

Things that make me go MMM!

This layout totally shows some of my favorite things all in one place. I love a simple clean look, sewing, metal, acrylic paint, my cricut, some good stamps and I love tearing my photos, it gives a nice alternative to photo matting. 

I also think RED is my "happy color". Of coarse there are a lot more things that tickle my fancy as far as scrapbooking goes, but I will share more another time, join me and leave me a comment with your link so I can see how you are ticklish. hehehehe.

Look what I tackled this week

I have been quite behind on my Scrapping for Others work. My dear husband says I should stop waiting till the last minute to do things, but my response is always that I am taking a break to get some rest, but then after I get the "rest" I have to cram :o).

So this week is me cramming. I have three different albums all due very soon, and one last minute Altered Art project to do.

Here is a photo of the custom paint can a client of mine requested as a gift for her Pastor's wife.

And here are some of the layouts from the memorial album I delivered to a friend of mine as a sympathy gift for his wife Lila passing away a year ago of Cancer.

I also set up about 114 photos into 12x12 layout form to get ready to review them and take comments on them with my client tomorrow.

Paper Bag Album Instructions

1. Measure and cut your bags to desired size (mine are 8 1/2 inches). The reason for this cut is to dispose of the thick bottom ends and to have an opening for each layout.

* I am going to use my left over ends as disposable snack holders for my daughter.

2. Cut your desired papers to 7.5 x 6 leaving one inch of space for your binding. (Test these measurements on one bag before you cut everything, just in case you have a different size bag than me.)

3. Distress edges, add brads, eyelets, or anything else that requires your paper to be loose BEFORE you glue it down. (You don't want your embellishments going thru your paper bag, so whatever you insert into the bag will not get scratched up.)

* To glue I used Perfect Paper Adhesive (love this stuff!)

4. Be sure all of your layouts and inserts are completed before binding. (This is so you will know the thickness of your album.) Also be sure to leave the front and back cover unfinished till step # 9.

5. Now stick 1/8" thick strips of foam inside the end of each bag to pad the binding, and even out the album. (Be sure to place them INSIDE each bag to ensure they are not see-able when completed.) Also we are using foam because it is easy to puncture.

6. Mark dots 1/4" apart with a pencil on the uncovered area of each bag where it will be bound.

7. Pre-poke your holes where you made your marks.

8. Sew your album together (I used embroidery thread).

9. Finish front and back cover, and make sure you cover those ugly foam strips!

10. Don't forget to add some fun ribbon to your inserts and maybe a way of closure... I used Basic Grey magnets attached to ribbon under the top paper bag.

These albums make a great gift, this particular album is not only the first one I have ever made, but it is also a gift for my in-laws as a welcome home... they moved to Maui under two years ago, and they just got back two days ago.

Peanut Butter!

Hey Everyone! I'm going to a party, and you're invited too!  It's a great way to get noticed, meet new friends, have some fun, and win great prizes! The party starts tomorrow and goes for a whole week. It's hosted by 5MinutesforMom a great blog managed by adorable twin mommys who promote other mommy's, their websites and blogs.

Now here is what I have done to prepare for the party :o) I baked some very yummy Peanut Butter Cookies! My husband and I agree that we do not like peanut butter cookies, but we like these, I also like them because they are fast and easy to make.
Here is the recipe out of my Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book (11th Edition)...

• Makes about 36 cookies 
• Prep time: 25 minutes
• Bake time: 7 minutes per batch
• Oven temp: 375
  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey or 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 
  • 1/2 teaspoon powder
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

... additional Granulated sugar to coat dough in

1. In a large mixing bowl beat the butter or margarine and peanut butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the sugar, honey, baking soda, and baking powder. Beat till combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in the egg and vanilla till combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in the rest. If necessary, cover and chill dough till easy to handle.
2. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in additional sugar to coat. Place balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten by making crisscross marks with a fork. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 7 to 9 minutes or till bottoms are lightly browned.

Now be sure to taste a warm one for me... ohhh yummy yummy!