Blogged over at Create-it GREEN!

I just posted a quick 'n easy project over at Create-it GREEN... Pop on over and check it out if you like! Here is the link.

Have a wonderful day all!

~

"Daniel, you crack us up!!!!"

Here is a brand new Lo created last night for my DT work at Creatively-Green! The pics was taken before bed one night in January 2007.

Information about this layout...

White Cardstock (CS): unkn. brand
All patterned papers are Piggy Tales: Little Boy Blue Collection (Creatively-Green Scrapbook Store)

Yellow paper is reverse of one of the patterned papers (Piggy Tales also).
Scalloped circles cut from Galley opening invitations using a scallop punch by EK Success (TY Deanne!)

Clay Artz spotted star embellishment: Creatively-Green

Ink: Ink it up! in chocolate Brown by Darice.
Doodles: Chestnut coloured AC Slickwriter.
Lettering: BasicGrey "Two Scoops"

Based on a Sketch by artist Deanne Burton, posted on her "Just my Sketches" blog and created Feb 15, 2009. The sketch was turned one quarter turn to the right for this layout.

Thanks for looking everyone!

~

New layouts!

Have been working on some layouts for my Design Team work at Creatively-Green. Love it! It's a lot of fun using the wonderful papers from several Piggy Tales collections! I always say I am a HOG for Piggy Tales' designs! LOL!

Here is a LO I created yesterday. It's called "Snugglin' with Dad" and ifeatures a pic of Noah at 4 1/2, (Fall 2006) with Pete.

Information on this layout:
TY to friend Heather R for the red Lego Brad.
Silver star brads: unkn.
Mini brads: bazzill
3 turquoise buttons: TY to friend Helen H.
All lettering BasicGrey (Two Scoops)
ALL Patterned papers: Piggy Tales: from Creatively-Green store.
PP's are part of the Chicken Little, Little Red Riding Hood, and Little Boy Blue Collections. Red solid mat on photo is reverse of one of the pp's- from Little Red Riding Hood Collection.
Bright white background is slightly shiny/slick in texture and from unkn source. Notebook paper downloaded free from internet

The second layout I have to show you today is called "45 Years: love you"- these are my parents in law, Chris and Doug, in 2007. They have a wonderful marriage.

Information on this layout:

100% recycled cardstock: from C-G store
Patterned papers are Piggy Tales (Little Red Riding Hood collection) from the C-G store
Red corrugated flower from C-G
Buttons: from Frenchy's and friend Helen H.
Yellow script lettering Pink Paislee
White gel pen: Uniball signo
Numbers: Flair


This layout is based on a sketch by D. Burton at her "Just my Sketches" blog, posted on Feb 15, 2009.

Thanks for peeking at these 2 new creations, everyone!
~

Reassessed my layout goal

I have reassessed my goal of doing 225 layouts this year! (I had aimed pretty high.) I have 143 completed as of this morning, Sunday, Dec 27th...and feel that since I did 146 layouts last year, that 150 would be a reasonable "reassessed goal" for layouts!

I started my cards business and then made a whole whack of cards for that... So... creating new layouts was set aside for a little while. In the year 2009, I have completed 221 cards... so I am happy litle camper. For someone who was not a dedicated cardmaker that is pretty good.

Anyway, Here is my scrapbook ticker for 2009... It still says 225 as a goal but that is OK! Isn't that horse cute? LOL! Thanks for visiting.



LOL ~

This 'n That!!

We have had a lovely Christmas day here with the children! They are so much fun! It was a grey day so we just stayed inside and enjoyed the lights on the tree and sharing gifts and laughs. We had a DVD that was a "roaring crackling fire..." That was very neat! We couldn't listen to the sound effects due to Noah's noise sensitivity but it made for a nice ambience anyway, seeing a "fire" there! LOL

After supper we played games with the older 3 children. Mousetrap and Rak-O were great!
A few things to show you tonight...!!

~Create it-GREEN Blog~

Over at the Create-it GREEN blog, I posted a card that I made by recycling part of a pretty envelope we received from my in-laws with a Christmas card in it.

The Create it-GREEN blog is always full of ideas and really cool crafty projects that are kind to the earth. You can check it out HERE. Be sure to become a follower! It's a great source of inspiration!

~Creatively-Green "Art Supplies with a Conscience" Store~

Next, Here is a Christmas card I made for the girls at "Can-Do Hair and Nails" where I get my nails done! The cardstock is 100% recycled- Creatively-Green carries it.

[A note about the clock...Thanks to Carla R. @ Sisterhood of Scrap, where I help moderate the SOS Forum... In March, when I was a Guest Designer on the SOS Blog, she and her sisters Deanne & Susan sent this set of clock stamps to me. They are by "Just Cr8" -- and I LOVE them! They were perfect for the card I made.]

Below is a birthday card I made for my Mom.

Supplies:
Creatively-Green felted flower is made from wool sweaters, and felted by hand
Patterned paper is from Piggy Tales sold by Creatively-Green
Cardstock is 100% recycled and is sold at C-G
Stamp: Anita's 2002 Sugarloaf inc
ink: Inkadinkado, black
Watercolour pencil: Kimberly by General's, [Primary Colours #700- 6AP: #716 Heliotrope]
Buttons: Frenchy's button bin and my friend Helen H. (TY)
Fiskars border and embossing punch: Eyelet Lace

Today, I was honoured to post the final installment of the Eco-Friendly Holiday Project Countdown on Creatively-Green's Blog. Please feel free to check out all the details here! Here are some photos of the treat jars I wrote the post about.

The recipes for their contents are on the C-G Blog!
Thanks to my dear friend Pam Sandy who made the table runner for me from Moda's Figgy Pudding fabric as a birthday gift back in September... it's so beautiful, I need to take a pic SOON so you can see the whole thing! Pam is so creative!

Our "jaunt"~

The 2 layouts below are a pair I created for an album I am making about our 15th Wedding Anniversary "Jaunt" across the Annapolis Valley. Pete and I went for a day-long drive, stopping anywhere we wanted to, and taking photos of EVERYTHING that we could ever remember saying "We really ought to take a photo of that," about!!!! These photos were taken about 15 minutes from home. They show details of an old building that we had always wondered about the original purpose of.

The layout above was created using inspiration from a wonderful sketch created for the May 2008 Scrapbooker's Club House Celebrity Sketch Extravaganza by "Katie the Scrapbook Lady" (Katie Nelson).

Unfortunately, the SBCH Forum, and with it, all the sketches from the Extravaganza are now gone, but I have many of the sketches in an SBCH Celebrity Sketch Extravaganza folder from the time spent organizing the event. Here is the LO Sketch I used to inspire the LO above. Thanks so much Katie! I was really excited to use this Sketch again!

Layout Sketch created by Katie Nelson, "Katie the Scrapbook Lady" for the SBCH Celebrity Sketch Extravaganza, May 2008

Pages 1 and 2: A building on Highway #1 in Aylesford, Nova Scotia. In this area, we call Highway #1 "the old highway."

All patterned paper: Piggy Tales sold by Creatively Green
All Cardstock is 100% recycled Creatively-Green CS
Pearlized raffia ribbon (tied onto the keys) - Creatively- Green
Skeleton Keys: Creatively Green vintage Die Cuts
Felted flower: Creatively Green
Clock stamp: Just Cr8

This layout, called "Lucky Lucie," is based on a sketch by Deanne Burton. The sketch was posted at Sisterhood of Scrap on June 27, 2009. Thanks Deanne!

Supplies:
pp: Piggy Tales; "Peter, Peter pumpkin eater" Collection- couldn't keep her, item #126
(*Paper edges were distressed with 150 grit sandpaper)
Owl: Clay Artz from Creatively-Green store
C-G gallery invitations made into flowers
Pearlized raffia ribbon used to stitch the flower centres in brown and green
Semi circle and leaves created with C-G cardstock
Journaling block created by flipping over the PT patterned paper to the gold [solid] side
Font: Tabitha
Title lettering; BasicGrey
Title numbers: Flair
Chocolate brown ink- "Ink it up!" by Darice
Black ink- Inkadinkado
Howling wolves: Regal Greetings & Gifts punch (paper from my scrap bin: BasicGrey) Black pen: CM, fine tip

Nauguahyde eyelet trim; unknown brand, Atlantic Fabrics

Adhesives: Large Glue Dots, Pritt gluestick, Make it Special photo splits

(some of...) The pets:

Peter took some cute pics of 2 of our cats yesterday. Tootsie was licking Jessie's face. Isn't that sweet? Tootsie is a LOT younger than Jessie-- he is about 13, we think., and has slowed down a LOT. Tootsie is only 2 1/2. She is looking out for the old fella.

Thanks for visiting!

~

Blessings to you all...

I wanted to share a special card I made, since it is Christmas Eve.

My Mom and Dad-in-law sent us a Christmas card this month in a decorated envelope, showing the shepherds seeing the bright star over Bethlehem the night Jesus was born. I saw the beautiful image on that envelope, and could not bear to throw it into the paper recycle bin! Here it is:

Isn't it pretty?

Here is the card I made from the image.

Merry Christmas everyone.... many blessings for you all.

~

A Delicious Crockpot Recipe!

Meatloaf with Mushroom Sauce
(from "Faye"~This is an internet recipe Ali's big family pretty much all loves!!)

SLOW COOKER

Buy Extra-Lean Ground Beef in bulk and shape patties and meatloaves
just the right size for my family.(Use a fave recipe if you have one.)

Then wrap & freeze them.

METHOD (Ali's way... adapted from Faye's):

Simply mix 1 can of low salt Cream of Mushroom Soup & one HALF of an envelope of no-name Onion Soup Mix together.

Add 1 T Worcestershire sauce. Mix.

OPTIONAL: Drain a can of mushroom stems & pieces.

SAVE 3T of the juice from the canned mushrooms for later in recipe.

Take a frozen, formed meatloaf right out of the freezer.

Put 1/4 of the soup mixture in the bottom of your slow cooker, place meatloaf on top.
Throw in the canned mushrooms if using.

Pour the rest of the soup mixture over the top.

Cut up 4 good sized or 5 small potatoes in big chunks. No need to peel.
Throw them into the crock. No need to mix.

Add the 3 T of liquid you saved from the mushrooms.
If you forgot, or you skipped the mushrooms, it’s Ok, use hot water!

Cover and slow cook on low for 6-8 hours depending on the size of your meatloaf.

The meatloaf keeps it's shape & gravy and potatoes are yummy: All is really good.

Served with a green salad and maybe some peas, you can have a complete meal in minutes.

Any leftovers make great lunches at work. Peter loves taking this leftover as a lunch! Just reheat and enjoy!

~

Creating Green...

I have really been trying to create green lately! I wrote up a post for Create it-GREEN this morning! Here you go... Enjoy!

~

People and projects:

Before the Christmas Concert, Daniel and his teacher Mrs. F. had a chance to get their picture taken! Thanks Opa for the Santa Hat and TY George (our neighbour) for the fun Christmas bears tie!

Daniel and his Grade 4 teacher, Mrs. F.

Daniel and his wonderful Dad

Daniel's "Deer in the Headlights" look! My Goodness!

All 3 of us laughing at SOME hilarity or other! We laugh a LOT here, especially when Daniel is involved!

By the way... it was a humid day...yes, in the winter! My hair ended up a bit wavy- it's usually STRAIGHT or tucked behind my ears- nice and smooth!

PROJECTS:

I have been working like a busy beaver at some Design Team creations for the Creatively Green scrapbooking Store.

Here is a Weekly Planner (left) and my purse calendar (right) all customized using Piggy Tales papers from C-G and some of the awesome keys from the store. The clock stamps are from justcre8 and were a gift from SOS, after I worked as a Guest Design Team Member there in March 2008. Thanks girls! Large monogram: BasicGrey Phresh and Phumky. Small monogram: BasicGrey Motifica.

A couple of cards...




Some of my "Crooked Trees," the whole card is designed using BasicGrey products. Ribbon, Make it Special

The meaning of Christmas ... Luke 2:11. Enjoy this card done in shades of turquoise. I recycled the back of the envelope that my in-laws' Chrismas card came in. I loved that scene on the beautiful Blue! I distressed then inked the edges and BAM! It really added some panache!

Thanks for looking, everyone! HAve a GREAT DAY!!

~

COOKING A DELICIOUS PORK ROAST...

This site shows exactly how I do it. Delicious and yummy.

Oh, and I skim ALL fat and make gravy with the drippings, serve with fresh steamed brocolli and baked potatoes. Delicious! Everyone here likes it!

~

More Design Team Fun!

Let's see some TAGS!

I have had lots of fun the past few days making a variety of TAGS!

Here is a sampling for you...

First, let's "Talk Turkey! "

The Dennison tag that I easily inked and distressed here with my Ink it Up! inks in chocolate brown and khaki is a vintage element and can be found in the Jar Kits at the Creatively Green Store. The turkey is a Clay Artz embellishment. The green corrugated circle, plus the pumpkin eyelet are from a Candy Shoppe Embellishment Kit, also available at the Creatively Green Store. The pearlized Chocolate brown raffia is a best seller!

"Let's get Folksy!"

Next, here are some of my "crooked trees" on a Folk-Art style tag that I designed. The doodling was done by hand using an American Crafts Slickwriter in Chestnut brown. The trees are all Piggy Tales patterned papers, except the dark green one which is made from C-G's 100% Recycled Cardstock. The tag is from C-G and it is vintage- by Dennison. The puffy satin star is by So-Facile Canada. The burgundy raffia is available right HERE.

Folk-Art Crooked-Tree Tag

"Crooked Tree" Tag Set

Here is a set of four "crooked tree tags" I made using Creatively-Green's 100% Recycled Cardstock in yellow, red and forest green. The raffia can be found here. Trees were created from my scrap-paper bin. I just finished making 110 of these tags for orders last Monday!

"Ali's Crooked Tree Tags"

Fir-Tree Tag

This folded tag was created with a scrap of paper from my scrap bin, and a fir tree stamp (D-550) by PSX. The tree was glittered-up using dots of pink Stickles (by Ranger). Ink: ink it up! in Chocolate Brown and Khaki. Black ink: Inkadinkado. Tree-top Star: Dollarama.

A Folded Fir-Tree Tag

And a card!

I have ALSO had the privilege of sketching for Creatively-Green for the past 2 months. There is a Challenge spot on their Forum, called Ali's Sketch Nook! Here is the latest Sketch Nook drawing.

And here is my interpretation of the Sketch... always fun to be able to include an example! By the way, the reds are a LOT more vibrant in real life.

Supplies:
Corner rounder : Creative Memories
Piggy Tales patterned papers
C-G's 100% Recycled Cardstock
C-G felted wool "circles"
Font: Freefrm 721 BLK BT
Ink: Inkadinkado, black #9C16
Tree rub ons, from my friend Sherry, unknown manufacturer
Rickrack: Atlantic Fabrics~ notions scrap grab bag
~

A Gift Bag from a Lunch Sac!

I don't think I've ever had the FUN opportunity to create a gift bag from a lunch sac!

Amy Duff, a co-designer of mine over at Creatively-Green, posted an idea for using lunch sacs for this purpose on the C-G blog on December 7th as part of the Holiday Countdown. It was a GREAT idea! (Check it out.)

It caught my eye, and this is what I came up with, to wrap my niece Sophie's smaller Christmas gift items in.

Gift bag for Sophie

I topped her Christmas gift with the bag, too, like this:

I absolutely LOVED making this and will be creating many more of them! Thanks for the GREEN inspiration Amy!
~

"Teacher Perks!"

I created a bunch of fun items for my Design Team work on Creatively-Green!

I got to use Piggy Tales patterned papers and some of the other fun "green" items that were in my kit!

Here we go~

A set of 6 "Teacher Perks"

(These are my own idea and design.)

These are super-fun to make! Look for a tutorial on Scrap and Share soon!

In the new year, I am going to be including these in my son Noah's "Back & Forth" communication book as a little perk for his homeroom teacher, Educational Assistant (EA) or Resource teacher. It will vary. They are all wonderful people.

A "Teacher Perk" might say: " "Remember to..." and I would add: "Pat yourself onthe back for a job well-done! Thank You!" OR: "Just a note:" and then I would add: "to thank you for the help in tweaking Noah's schedule: it made all the difference!"

Supplies:
2- 3x5" index cards for each perk (Dollarama)
Tombow Mono multi-liquid Glue
Glue Dots (mini)
Turquoise Cardstock (rectangle): Creatively Green Paper with a Past! Creatively-Green Store
Piggy Tales patterned papers from the "Little Red Riding Hood" Collection Creatively-Green Store
Piggy Tales patterned papers from the "Chicken Little" Collection Creatively-Green Store
Piggy Tales paper i.d. strips: long narrow leaves; coloured strips w/ circles on the ends
Red flower with white centre: Clay Artz Creatively-Green Store
Red flower with black centre: Clay Artz Creatively-Green Store
White flower with yellow centre: Clay Artz Creatively-Green Store
2 Pale blue flowers: Creatively-Green Store
White Mini-brad: BasicGrey
Red floral centre: scrap red cardstock: Creatively Green Creatively-Green Store
Black fine tipped pen: Creative Memories
Butterfly punch: Regal Greetings and Gifts
Scallop punch: EK Success (TY to friend Deanne Burton)
Ink: Khaki- Ink it up! by Darice
Buttons: Frenchy's; Wilmot, NS

Thanks for visiting!

~

So sad to report that...

James, the little boy with Autism who was found in the woods after 2 days, has passed away. He succumbed a few hours after being brought to the hospital. He must have been very, very ill... the IWK hosp is an amazing place and can pull a child 'thru' just about anything.

I am so sad for James: his family, his school and local community.

I know that this search adn the horrible way it all ended has rocked our Autism community and certainly rocked OUR world to its' core. This could have been OUR youngest child, Noah... same age, same beauty, same diagnosis and same "type" of little person. For my child to go thru what James went thru would rip out my heart.

R.I.P. little man.

~

Crooked Tree Tags

Ali's Crooked Tree Tags: ready to ship!

I have a little something I developed for cards and tags called "Ali's Crooked Trees." I LOVE making them!
Above are 110 Crooked Tree Tags I created, all ready to ship- 50 were for an order. The forest green is lighter in real life than it appears in the photos. Had to show you gals these! I pkgd them in sets of 10 tags. The label backings all came from cardstock in my scrap bin.
Only used 1 new piece of cardstock for the labels.Here is what they say:
Ali’s Crooked Tree Tags
Made with recycled cardstock & scraps
Helping you “Give Green”
The Perfect Card
10 tag set: $3.50

Thanks for looking, I hope you like them!
~

LITTLE BOY has been found ALIVE!!

The little fella missing in Cape Breton, here in NS, has been found alive in dense brush and snow only 1.3 km from home. He has autism and is 7 years old, so this hit close to home for us. He is in critical condition (was severely hypothermic) & has been taken to the IWK Children's Hospital in Halifax, NS. They will pull him through.

Please pray for the doctors, nurses, little guy (James) and his parents. Thank You all... :) ~

Design Team Search is on at Sisterhood Of Scrap!

They are looking for some new DT members and thus have a DT Call out! it's SUCH a GREAT place! Be sure YOU apply! I have to say with 100% certainty that it is positive, uplifting, and there is NO DRAMA.

Love it!

APPLY!

~

Continue to pray please...

The little fellow with Autism missing in Cape Breton has NOT been found.... they have had to scale back the search but they say they will continue until he is found. Please pray his dog is with him and keeping him warm.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/12/06/ns-missing-boy.html

This touches my heart and I am so scared for this family and their little boy...

Please keep praying for him...
~