Sharing a video/photo creation

I created this awhile back with Smilebox. My Dh gave me the yearly subscription, and I used Smilebox a lot that year. Here is a video/pictorial I made with their easy-peasy system. Love this one sooooooo much, the music was perfection and it went so well with the topic. Enjoy: Here is is... Autumn at the Duck Pond.

This free scrapbook made with Smilebox

~

Sketch 4-13 at Sketches: Creatively Yours!

Using Sketch 4-13 this week over at Sketches: Creatively Yours, I came up with the following layout, using 5 photos from last Spring at Oaklawn Farm Zoo, in Aylesford, NS.

"Cute Zoo Horses"
based on Sketch 4-13
and this week's texture/pattern challenge

Journaling- It’s funny… I never really used to “notice” the horses at the Zoo until we had one of our own for Kate. As soon as we got Oakley in 2007, and then Grace in 2009, I took more notice of these magnificent animals. Pete took photos of them more often, too. They were just more “special” to see and watch.  Even the miniatures at the Zoo commanded our attention! They are such perfect little creatures--Noah knows that, too! Just look at this special photo of him connecting with this baby pony!

Photos: Spring 2012

Journaling by Mom:  Spring 2013

Here's the Sketch I created  for S: CY  this week-

S: CY Sketch 4-13
by Yours Truly

***Remember that there's a wonderful giveaway going on right now at the Sketches; Creatively Yours Blog!  Our Guest Designer Jenifer Cowles has a fabulous prize this month. Come see and participate for a chance to WIN BIG!!!***

Have a great day all!
~

New layouts! :)

Hi everyone, here are a few new creations for you! Enjoy!!!!!!!

"Calzone Supper"
layout created by Ali MacDonald

The sun here was cut from a greeting card!!!!! :)

"Happy 18th"  
layout created by Ali MacDonald

Journaling:    The year you turned 18…
You were riding and working at Rohan Wood Stables
You had a wonderful sense of style
You chose HIM program at NBCC & were accepted
You drove yourself everywhere in the old Camry
You changed your hair colour
Your favourite dessert was Pistachio Squares :)

 "Angus' Fiddle is Home"
layout created by Ali MacDonald

Journaling is a story written by my Mom, Cari Grierson.

A story from the Scotch Colony of New Brunswick

By Cari Grierson

Many years ago, in the early 1900’s in the part of the Colony called Kincardine today, a man called Angus Adam played the fiddle. His daughter, Carrie Irene, chorded for him as she had the gift of being able to play the piano by ear. Carrie married James (Jim) Alexander Grierson, a young officer in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and moved away from her home to live in many small towns in the Province, wherever her husband was stationed. There were three children born to this couple, Roy Allison, Gerald Alan and Carolyn Marie. And as time would have it, the children grew up and had families of their own. Carrie and Jim passed away and the items of their household travelled in many directions 

Much later, in the early years of the 21^st century, Roy’s wife, Caroline also called Cari took an interest in learning the violin. She asked repeatedly where Roy’s grandpa Angus’ fiddle went. No one seemed to remember until one day it was found tucked away deep in the attic of Carolyn’s house in Long Island, New York. It was much the worse for wear, missing bridge, strings, large and small tuners, chin rest and bow but Carolyn packed it up and sent it back to “The Colony” where Roy and Cari now lived. They had given Carolyn the promise that the violin would be restored.

Cari and Roy met with Joe Farquhar, a fiddle maker in the Upper Kintore part of the Colony and asked him if he would be interested in repairing Angus Adam’s fiddle. Joe said he would be delighted to fix the fiddle and added that Angus was a really nice man and had worked with him years before. “But” said Joe,” get it to me soon, I’m 91 you know!” 

Within days Joe had begun to work on the fiddle. Soon he called with a list of items that had to be replaced. When asked where these fiddle parts could be acquired, Joe recommended that Cari go to Paul Smithkey’s house in Kincardine. Paul had many musical items for sale and had all the pieces needed for the fiddle. The amazing thing was that Paul Smithkey now lived in the house that Angus Adam had built in the early 1900s! It was at the very same home where Angus had played that fiddle with his daughter at the piano, that the pieces for his fiddle were purchased, many years later. 

The parts were bought. Joe finished his work. He called Cari one day to tell her the violin was ready and that she would truly love its mellow sound. The fiddle that had come home after so many lost years was ready to sound music in the hills of the Scotch Colony again! Cari plays Angus’ fiddle regularly now and is touched by its beautiful tone. 

"All Boy"
layout created by Ali MacDonald

Journaling is in a list format...

Kind

Artistic

Curious

Creative

Inquisitive

Organized

  

Daniel, age 12

Grade 7

Autumn 2012

~

Cards, Cards!!

This week at S: CY, we featured a sketch by Vikki Whittington.

Sketch by Vikki Whittington
 S: CY Card Sketch Artist

It lent itself to some very pretty cards!

Here are the two that I created!! Enjoy... and be sure to pop by the S: CY  blog!

TY Card created by Ali MacDonald
(Image courtesy of The Graphics Fairy)

Thinking of You card
created by Ali MacDonald

Hope you liked these, and TY so much for popping by here. Be sure to head over to S: CY to see what the Design Team has created! 
~

Recycling Scrap Cardstock for Labels!

Here's a way to reduce paper waste and to add an historic touch to your layouts for years down the road.

Using a “Handmade by…” reusable stamp [mine is by Inkadinkado (#6706-L)], I stamp a bunch of labels on scrap cardstock pieces.

To save "trees," I even use the back of cardstock where I have made “journaling mistakes” for these labels.

Then I trim these and store on my scrap desk in a little caddy, within easy reach.

When I complete a page, I turn it over and glue on a label in a CS colour that “coordinates.” Then I sign and date it.

I also number my layouts using this method. For example, the latest page I created says:
~Handmade by~
"Ali MacDonald" (Signed, not stamped)
LO #56 in 2013 (= Layout #56 created in 2013)
March 19, 2013 (That's the date I created the page.)

Sometimes I also add a "~(HEART) Mom"  (= Love, Mom) to the back of the page. :)

Stamp, ink, scraps of cardstock and pen for the backs of layouts. 

Have a great day everyone! Thanx for popping by! 

~

Sketches: Creatively Yours- A NEW SKETCH!

I created a new sketch this week for S: CY.  :)

S: CY Sketch 3-13

Here's the Color challenge inspiration piece:

Inspirational Image
from
The Graphics Fairy

And... Here's my layout! I was inspired by the beautiful greens in the peacock's tail. I also flipped the Sketch  2 "turns" to the left.

"Last Blast"

Journaling:

In April 2012, when spring had almost arrived in the Annapolis Valley, we had a good old-fashioned snowstorm. Usually winter gives us a rip-roaring “last-blast” in March….but April?! Brrrrr!

Of course the first thing Noah asked for was to go outside. Bryan, as always, was game to help his little brother, and out they went. :) 

Supplies: 

"Victory" paper collection (plaid)- CTMH

Outdoor Denim cardstock- CTMH

"Victory" star strip- CTMH
Mat under Star strip- "Footloose" paper collection: CTMH

Arrow and star corrugated shapes- CTMH

Olive ink- CTMH

Twill- Unknown: my stash

Title lettering- Dollarama: my stash

Chickadee sticker- POSSIBLY American Traditional Designs 

Sweet Leaf CS (CTMH)- sticker mat, lrgst photo & journaling block 

Font: Arial Unicode MS, bolded

We have a contest running right now over at S: CY. You'll have up to March 31st at 9PM AST to share the link to your layout with us. If you do this, we'll enter you in the draw for this wonderful CTMH Stamp set and send you an "I Played Along..." blog badge for joining in!! Go HERE to read all about how YOU can enter!! It's so easy!

And... here's our page on Facebook.
Enjoy- be sure to like us, join in at the Blog and on FB to say hi and let the DT know you enjoyed their work!! Don't forget to enter the contest! Have a super weekend all!
~

Fun, easy layout!

"SPRING is finally here!"
Layout created by
Yours Truly

Hope you are having a wonderful day!

Here's a new layout to share with ya'll...The journaling on this one is done in my own handwriting, & is basically part of the title.

It says:   

Time for the zoo, Spring is finally here!

April 2012

Noah, almost 10

Oaklawn Farm Zoo

Supplies: 

Lots of older supplies used here—Basic Grey lettering—2007 stash Patterned paper from Imagination Project—again, 2007 stash

New Products: 

CTMH cardstock: Gypsy; Goldrush. 

Ink: CTMH Goldrush

Pens: Zig Millenium 0.5 mm tip for doodling  (Another thing that relaxes me! LOL) 

Fiskars edge punch used for scallops.

Enjoy! Have a super day! 

xoxox 

~

Sketch #2-13 at S: CY... AND a contest!

Hi everyone! I posted a brand new Sketch over at S: CY this AM, along with a Sketch Challenge and the interpretations of all our designers. There is also inspiration from our March Guest Designer Lynnette Nagle.

YEP: FREE INSPIRATION!

This Sketch was a fun one to create!!

S: CY Sketch 2-13 created by
Yours Truly

Here's my interpretation!

"A Folk 'Tail'" created by
 Yours Truly
using S: CY Sketch 2-13

Thanks for coming by -- please pop by the S: CY Blog for a treat in terms of inspiration- and a chance to win a CTMH prize at the end of the month!
See you there!
~

CHANCE TO WIN!!!!

Hello to all my Close To My Heart clients, and friends who scrapbook, or make cards….

Just wanted to let you all know that there is a wonderful chance to win an ENTIRE “Close To My Heart” collection including stamps, ink, patterned paper, embellishments, cloth, scissors, an idea book and so much more!!!

Just go HERE: http://www.canadianscrapbooker.ca/jackie/?p=6049 and then leave a comment on the post for a chance to win.

You have UNTIL MARCH 1st at MIDNIGHT to enter! Do it today! It’s easy peasy.

Good Luck everyone! 

Happy FRIDAY! J 

~

GUEST DESIGNER over at S: CY!!

Guess what?
We have a talented Guest Designer over at S: CY this coming month. Please come learn about her and welcome her warmly to the blog on this last day of February.

March is coming SOON!  LOL

I promise, you will LOVE her work!! Who is it?
Well, come see!

We're located at Sketches: Creatively Yours. ALL WELCOME!

Lots o fabulous FREE inspiration for the taking.
See you there!
~

S: CY is back up and running!

A friendly Sketch Blog, where inspiration is free for the taking and where all are welcome to come play, is back up and going strong! Come visit Sketches: Creatively Yours, HERE! 
Here is my newest Sketch, which is numbered 1-13.

Sketches: Creatively Yours
 Sketch 1-13
by Yours Truly

And here's my layout...

 "Choices"
 layout by
 Ali MacDonald
based on Sketch 1-13 at S: CY

The journaling reads:
"Choices"

There came a time in January 2013 when we had to make a decision for Grace’s benefit. It was unexpected, a massive surprise, and put us in the situation where there was only one choice to make. We made it: the only RIGHT choice. Grace came home on Kate’s 19^th birthday, January 12, 2013.

Bless their hearts.

We’re so glad they’re together again. 

Really happy you were here today! Thanks so much for visiting. Please be sure to visit Sketches: Creatively Yours as soon as you can. I also "heard" that in March, there will be a prize available. Hope to see you there soon. 

~

LOAD UPDATE!!!!

Hi everyone!
I have 2 new LOAD layouts to share. I made these for Layout a Day this month... With the guidance and encouragement of Lain Ehmann, we are creating a layout EVERY day!
Here are my  2 newest LOs for February 2013 LOAD... as well as a little freebie for you!
These two pages are posted in reverse order of how I created them because they make up a 2-page LO and I did the second page first! Yep, I am a free-wheelin' gal! LOL

These are photos of Noah at his first riding lesson. Journaling is below each photo.

LOAD DAY 3
 "{Ride}"

Journaling: We started Noah in Therapeutic Riding at Rohan Wood Stables in September 2012. It was a pilot program. 

He went every week, on Sundays, for 10 weeks. We hoped that Noah would enjoy being around the horses, and would maybe get on for a little ride by the end of his sessions. He was already used to horses because of Oakley and Grace, and our regular visits to the barn. Turns out Noah loved riding right from the beginning. He couldn’t wait to get in the saddle!

Photos~ Sept 2012

Journaling by Mom~ Jan 2013

LOAD DAY 2
"Walk On" 

Journaling: These are photos of Noah’s very first lesson with Evelyn, the coach for Free Spirit Therapeutic Riding Association (FSTRA). Noah is riding ‘Bay Willy,’ a Welsh-cross pony.

Although noise at the barn such as rain on the metal roof --and worrying about that noise-- became a challenge for Noah over the course of the 10 weeks, he still really loved riding, enjoying every lesson. He called riding lessons “Pony Club” and liked to trot, which he called “jump.” 

We were so happy we’d enrolled him in “Pony Club” at the “green barn!” He can’t wait until it starts up again in the spring!

Photos~ Sept 2012

Journaling by Mom~ Jan 2013

For anyone who doesn't ride, "Walk On" is a command that we give horses to get them to go forward :)  Hence, the title! 

And... I made up a new 12x12" Sketch for all my LOAD friends! I used it to inspire my LOAD Day 2 layout. Hope you like it... Here you go! 

Sketches: Creatively Yours Sketch
created for fellow-LOADSTERS
DAY 2

Have a wonderful day, everyone! 
~

LOAD Layout #1: Counterfeit Kit used!

Hi everyone!!
I created a layout today based on Lain Ehmann's "Layout A Day" prompt for Day 1... it was to be "speechless" and to use NO WORDS to convey the emotion of the photo.
Well, I decided to use my Counterfeit Kit-- the one I named  "3 Boys and a Girl"  from January 2013 to do up this 5x7" photo that Pete took of Noah in November 2012.
Here's the layout:

"Our enigma"
 LOAD DAY 1

Hope you like this... I scruffed up my picture's edges using my trusty old Heidi Swapp edge distresser and used a large number of CTMH products to round out the Counterfeit Kit.
Some of these were:  the cork star, Chocolate and Dutch Blue cardstocks, and CTMH inks in Corn Flower Blue, Chocolate and Desert Sand.
The "Sweet music" set of CTMH stamps was used for keyboard stamp.
I cut the small flowers and the leaves out of the navy blue pant-hemming scrap (corduroy).
The tiny pearls were from CTMH.
The puzzle piece was from an old kids' Dollarama puzzle and represents Noah's Autism Spectrum Disorder. I distressed it and added ink.
The light blue flowers were blooms I took apart and inked - they also came from Dollarama.
Buttons came from my stash.
I also added some Smooch pearlized accent ink  ink in 1) Moonlight  and 2) Gold Lame.
Thanks for peeking, I hope you liked  my layout!
Please come back again soon!
~

Guess What?????

LOAD: "Layout a Day" the best event EVER for scrapbookers and memory-keepers, started today! It's called "Scraphappier 213".
There are still a few spots left for LOAD213 & they will fill up fast. If you'd like to join, you can click on the happy face icon in the box  to the right of this post and simply follow the directions to get yourself all registered. 

There is still time to get in on the fun, productivity and enjoyment by signing up for LOAD213. Yes: there are still a few spots open if YOU'D like to join us. There are so many benefits to being a part of LOAD-- here are a few that come to mind immediately:
1) Regular scrapping- Ahhh, Love it. :) 
2) Inspiration to get 28 LOs (layouts) done in 28 days- Ahhh, Love it. 
3) LEARNING and encouragement
4 ) All the prompts,  which I save!! Then, I have a set of prompts I can use later. (I have a folder in my email files where I save 'em.) 
5) A group of scrappers to be friends with. A place to chat (private Forum) & share layouts if you wish (private Gallery) .... LOVE THAT MOST OF ALL!!!!! :) 

LOAD is such an awesome experience and so fulfilling. JOIN US!!!!!!!!!! You will not regret it for ONE second!  Be sure to sign up- TODAY!!! See you at LOAD!  

~

Counterfeit Kit Challenge #1

Hi everyone,
Hope your month's perking along famously!
As you know, I've been following and playing along at the CKC Blog this month. Their Challenge #1 was to use a 3-word title, 3 embellies and 3 patterned papers.
I did this- and here's the layout I created for the Challenge!
I called it "Happy Smiley Boy." It was so much fun to do this clean, simple LO!
I was able to use up some older supplies (THREE large scraps of patterned papers from 2007-8), a piece of burlap that I recycled, and some ribbon that I had misplaced, & which had found its' way back to me!
I put this on a background of Close To My Heart cardstock in "Chocolate" and used CTMH Dutch Blue CS to accent the journaling block. A touch of CTMH Twilight ink around that same block, and presto!
I LOVE it!
I used Arial as the font for the journaling. I admit that I use that one a LOT: it's my favorite font for clean and simple LOs.

The journaling reads:  

Noah, you are such a happy person!

You enjoy life.

You smile a lot.

It’s easy to make you laugh, and even easier to make you giggle. J

It makes us, your family, feel good to know that despite the challenges life has thrown at you, you are content.

We love you, happy, smiley boy! 

Photo: Spring 2012

Journaling by Mom: January 2013 

"Happy Smiley Boy"
created for CKC Blog Challenge #1
Layout #4 in 2013

My 3 word title was:
"Happy Smiley Boy"  
My 3 patterned papers were: 
‘Spiffy Mustache’ from Echo Park  “Times and Seasons” Collection

‘Chipper’ jov-129 3 Bugs in a Rug “Jovial” Collection

‘Cheery O’ jov-131 from 3 Bugs in a Rug “Jovial” Collection

My 3 embellishments were: 
1- Frog die cut
2- Burlap Strip
3- Pale blue ribbon
Had a lot of fun creating this page...!! Be sure to check out the CKC Blog for more fun! :)
~

First 3 pages of 2013!!

Hi everyone!!
TY for stopping by. :)
Here they are! The first 2 layouts you see here actually were made to "go with" 3 other  pages I created in September about Noah's Grade 3 class trip to Yogi Bear's Camping Park in mid-June, 2012.

"Move!"
LO #1 in 2013
 Noah and his EAs during the June Grade 3 Class trip! 

"Crafty? Nope"
LO #2 in 2013
 Noah and his mainEAs during  Craft Time during the Class trip

Journaling reads:

Noah, you lit up when you saw a camera even though you weren’t very interested in the crafting station at Yogi Bear’s Campground during your Grade 3 class trip in June 2012.

(You really were a kid who liked having his photo taken!)

Crafting time was the only thing you weren’t totally thrilled about that day. Otherwise, you had a blast doing everything the class had planned!!

BUT: You and Mrs. Sabine look so cute together with your popsicle-stick puppets!

Photo: June 2012

Journaling: Sept 2012

And another layout...

"Time Together"
 LO #3 in 2013
Time in Truro with Oma and Opa

Oma wrote Noah a sweet note on his birthday card. I put it here (in her own handwriting) so we could all enjoy it in years to come. :)

Happy you were able to come by-- see you soon with my Counterfeit Kit Blog Challnge #1!!!!!
Thanks for popping in everyone!! :)
~

Counterfeit Kit Challenge Jan 2013: My Kit!

OK Everyone, here is my first try at following the challenges through the very popular Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog! The Design Team at CKC gave us a scrappy kit to "counterfeit" from our scrapbooking stash.

I have to admit this is a GREAT idea for me, for although I am not a supply hoarder, I have lots. I use my stash but can do even better and am hoping that following along with the CKC monthly challenges will help me do so. :) Here goes!

The kit we were given to counterfeit is called "A Merry Winter."  It was created by Cassie B, who has an Etsy shop HERE.  The word is that she gives GREAT service so be sure to check out what she has to offer!

Now, isn't that gorgeous!?
The counterfeiters ("Master Forgers" as the CKC Design Team is called...) tell us to counterfeit the kit in any way we see fit. 

I  shopped my stash and used a real mixture of items and papers for this one. I even included some scraps, recycled or re-purposed items in my kit. I marked those with an asterisk: * for ease of identification. Being "green" is very important to me as a person, and I really try to be as careful as I can to reduce, reuse and recycle in every part of life.

I will post some pics of my kit for you...now don't be alarmed at the variety! LOL 

Drumroll: I called my kit "3 Boys and a Girl!" 

                     Here are the papers I pulled from my stash! 

YEP: There are 18... LOL!

Paper kit for my "3 Boys and a Girl"
CKC Kit: January 2013

Patterned Papers:

1 sheet of X7139B from Close To My Heart “Typeset” Collection

1 sheet of ‘Yesterday’s News’ from Echo Park “Times and Seasons” Collection

1 sheet of ‘Simple Stripe’ sim-706 from 3 Bugs in a Rug “Simple Pleasures” Collection

*1 PARTIAL sheet of ‘Cheery O’ jov-131 from 3 Bugs in a Rug “Jovial” Collection

1 sheet ‘Chicken Bouillon’ from Jillibean Soup “Chicken Noodle” Collection

1 sheet of ‘Delilah Stripe’ 12DS323 from Bo Bunny “Delilah” Collection

1 sheet of ‘Delilah’ 12D816 from Bo Bunny “Delilah” Collection

*1 PARTIAL sheet of tree pp (? ID #) from Bo Bunny “Delilah” Collection

1 sheet of “Season” phe-835 from Basic Grey “Infuse” Collection

1 sheet of X7150B from Close To My Heart “Victory” Collection

*1 PARTIAL sheet ‘Stripes’ sni-616 from 3 Bugs in a Rug “Snips & Snails” Collection

1 sheet of ‘Sweet Stripes’ TS22007 from Echo Park “Times and Seasons” Collection

*1 PARTIAL sheet of ‘Instill’ INF-829  from BasicGrey “Infuse” Collection

1 sheet of ‘Big Eyes’ #023 from Piggy Tales “Little Red Riding Hood” Collection

1 sheet of X7150B from Close To My Heart “Victory Collection”

1 sheet of ‘Angela’ PA098 from Melissa Frances

1 sheet of ‘Spiffy Mustache’ from Echo Park  “Times and Seasons” Collection

1 sheet of ‘Chipper’ jov-129 3 Bugs in a Rug “Jovial” Collection

Cardstocks: 

All will be CTMH brand and will include the following colors-  

Cashmere

Creme Brulee

Hollyhock

Sunset

Goldrush

Brown Bag

Sweet Leaf

Chocolate

Cotton Candy

New England Ivy

Garden green

*I will be using up MANY scraps of CTMH CS as well, during this month. 

And, here are the embellishments for my 3 Boys and a Girl Kit!

"3 Boys and a Girl" Embellishment kit

Embellies:

Flat-  

*Navy blue corduroy scraps

*Burlap scrap

*Fine Plastic mesh scrap 

Die cut tags and images from Snips and Snails collection- 3 Bugs in a Rug

*Printed cardstock scraps from packaging of American Crafts premium brads

Butterfly (TY to friend Lois) 

Dimensional-

*Tree shape- corrugated cardboard scrap

Brads

*Twine scraps, jute scraps, cord scraps

“Crafts” brand foam lettering (Dollarama)

Cardstock lettering (Make it Special) in pale green (seen farther below)

Opaques adhesive gems/half-pearls: CTMH

Flowers- Prima and Dollarama

Not sure you can see them well in this photo, so here are some of the  letter stickers I pulled to use in my kit.

Letter stickers from Dollarama
used in the "3 Boy and a Girl" kit

I bagged everything up so it'd be easier to use. The bags had been saved from previous scrappy products: Handy!

Bagged embellishment items all ready for use!

Now as you'll notice in my kit, I've purposely included some partial pieces and scraps of patterned  paper. 

As mentioned, there are definitely  a few recycled scrappy and household items! Some of these "green" items include:  American Crafts "brad" packaging cardstock, a "tree" shaped piece of corrugated cardboard that came in a box of glasses we bought, tiny scraps of jute, cord and string, and a piece of dark navy corduroy fabric leftover from hemming Noah's pants! (LOL) Another item is  the fine plastic mesh scrap from the “window” in a potato bag.

I even went ahead and pulled some stamps that I think will be useful for the pages I create using this kit. Those will be a surprise, though! 

I will be creating some sketches this month and some of them may get a workout too! :) I may also use some favorite S: CY Sketches from my friend, Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko from the Sketches: Creatively Yours Blog.  I promise to share whatever sketches I use! 

Can't wait- time to get a move on! 
Thanks for popping by to see and read about my Counterfeit Kit Club January Challenge Kit for January 2013: "3 Boys and a Girl." 

Please do become a follower of my Blog, I welcome you! 
See you soon with a layout for Challenge #1!!