Chatterblog

Designer Card a Day - Kristine Collins

Hi Ladies and Good Morning!

It's bright and early...actually 6:15 a.m. here! Wow! I've been up already for awhile. Someone who will remain nameless was snoring in bed. Instead of laying there, shaking the bed, kicking, or holding my breath, I decided to get up. I turned on my computer to catch up on what went on during my slumber. I woke up to an email full of GREAT projects!

Kristine Collins speaks directly to my heart. I am a scrapbooker, yes. I am a cardmaker, absolutely. That's a HUGE passion of mine. Why? It's simple. I can complete many many projects in one night and feel satisfied. I can share them with friends. I can store then and have them ready to go at a moments notice. I can always have a homemade gift on demand. I love cards. They are personable, and every time I receive a homemade card, I get a very warm and fuzzy feeling inside. It's silly, but it's so true. Dakota (my boy) has an incredible 2nd grade teacher. She is the type that sends home homemade cards with special notes in them at least once every few weeks. I can count on her for that. I received one such card from her just this week thanking me for helping out recently in class. I love her cards and look forward to them. They just speak "classy" to me. A woman who finds enough time to make a homemade card and then is thoughtful enough to give them to her friends, family, neighbors, and students' parents...well, that's just "classy" to me. I love it. Thanks Mrs. McBride (Dakota's teacher) for making my weeks a little more special!

So when I opened Kristine's email to find so many incredible cards...I was a little more than excited. I was ecstatic. You all get to enjoy her inspiration. Now's your chance to utilize your fun papercrafting product in yet ANOTHER way. Challenge yourself to make a card...or two...or three...this weekend. I dare you! You might just have fun, and guaranteed you'll brighten someone else's day. Just promise me one thing! Be sure to take a picture and send me the details before you give it away! **wink**

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"I like to create simple cards mainly but every now and again I enjoy adding a little bit more to them - whether that be some 3d layering, a different shaped card base, some hand stitching or a doodled border to them. The artsy.licous: artsy.licous Fine Illustrated Cardstock  is a really good thickness to use as the card base as well which makes it a simple embellishing task to finish off your card. The chipboard icons are brilliant to use as simple sentiments on your cards as well.

 

Supplies Used:

UR Unforgettable

artsy.licous: artsy.licous Fine Illustrated Cardstock - PEACOCK

12x12 Botanico Pool

12x12 Botanico Trees

Chipboard Layers - Botanico Icons & Brads

Cardstock Alphabets - Botanico

 

You Give Me Wings

Chipboard Layers - Botanico Icons & Brads

12x12 Botanico Tapestry

Luscious Frames - Botanico

 

As Long As We're Together

12x12 Botanico Trees

Chipboard Layers - Botanico Icons & Brads

12x12 Botanico Stripe

artsy.licous: artsy.licous Fine Illustrated Cardstock - PEACOCK

 

Life Is Good

12x12 Botanico Green Oak

12x12 Botanico Flourish

Chipboard Layers - Botanico Icons & Brads

Journaling Spots - Botanico

artsy.licious Slendid Ribbon - WILLOW

artsy.licious Fabulous Brads - WILLOW

artsy.licous Splendid Treasures - WILLOW

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Happy Cardmaking!

Out.

Journal Jenny

Reader Project a Day - Grace M.

This is such a fun idea! When you consider how much time we spend scrapbooking our favorite moments, it's sad to think that those memories are stored away on a shelf somewhere in a binder or an album. Don't get me wrong, I know we get those binders out and page through them sometimes, but wouldn't it be nice if we proudly displayed our works of art in our homes in a fun and decorative way?

I'm looking for those very ideas to share with you, and this morning Grace sent me one way she displays some of her masterpieces in her home. The collage can be mix-match. They can represent various themes, include many colors, and more importantly showcase your particular mood and style you were in at that moment. Kudos to Grace for sharing her "wall" with us.

May you all be inspired. If YOU have home decor ideas of your own, then please send them in! You know where to reach me.... journalingjenny@yahoo.com.

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"I'd like to share a little home decor project I did for my kids' bedroom. We had just moved into a new home and I wanted something personal and handmade to adorn their walls. I chanced upon some Brights Chipboard Matt Stacks. The cheery colors were just the right thing!

 

I arranged the stacks in the color combination I wanted and worked in the photographs. The most fun part was to challenge myself to do a different design using different techniques on each stack. My five and two-year-olds played a part too. For the 'space' stack, I Iet them choose where to place the different stickers. And they absolutely adore looking at their pictures when they were all placed on the wall!"

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Happy Scrapping!

Out.

Journal Jenny

Journal Jenny's Favorite Recipes - BBQ Chicken Salad

This has absolutely nothing to do with scrapbooking, but we all know that when we scrapbook or "crop" we share stories, gossip, and recipes.

So, since I missed your last "crop" session, here is one of my favorite recipes.

If you like a good salad, then you are going to LOVE this! If you're anything like me, you have your favorites for each restaurant you frequent. I know I have mine. I know exactly what I am going to order before I even step foot in the door. No joke.

One of my all-time favorites is the BBQ Chicken Salad from Red Robin. Mmm...just thinking about it makes my mouth water. I made it last night as a matter of fact!

I "googled" it a couple of months ago, and guess what I found? THE RECIPE! And guess what? It tastes JUST as good as the real thing. So why keep it a secret? Instead I want to share it with all of you! That's what girlfriends are for, right?

Okay, here goes, get your paper and pen handy because you'll want to go the store immediately:

2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
2 cups green leaf or iceberg lettuce
1/2 cup chopped red cabbage
1 small tomato,chopped
1 boneless chicken breast half
1/2 cup BBQ sauce

1 cup black beans
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/4 cup French's French Fried Onions (onion straws)
3 Avocado slices (1/4 avocado)
1/4 cup Ranch Dressing

Toss the lettuce and cabbage together and arrange on a large plate. Arrange the tomato on the lettuce mixture at the bottom of the plate. Grill the chicken breast until baked through and toss with BBQ sauce. Heat the black beans on stove or in microwave and then spread black beans over the lettuce on the left side of the plate. Slice the warm BBQ chicken into bite-size pieces and arrange them neatly over the lettuce on the right side of the plate. Sprinkle the cheese over the lettuce on the right side of the plate. Sprinkle the onion straws over the cheese. Garnish salad with 3 slices of avocado. Serve with ranch dressing and BBQ sauce.

This salad is absolutely delicious and only takes a few minutes to prepare. Sometimes I'll buy the ready cooked chicken from Costco, and just heat it real quickly in the pan while tossing with BBQ sauce to save a few minutes.

Since I now know how to make it, I no longer order the BBQ Chicken Salad at Red Robin. I am free to find a new favorite, and when I do, I promise you...I'll be "googling" it too!

Happy Eating.

Out.

Journal Jenny

Just For Fun

Today is a big day for Journal Jenny.

In high school (what seems like ages ago) I was highly involved in school theater. A couple of months ago we decided to put on a musical for our church ladies and women youth. Small production. Nothing big. Easy. I signed up. The story is based on the parable from the bible, "The Ten Virgins."

The story we are telling is about their lives, their traits, and a fictional scene of what could have happened back in their day. I was cast as Jessa - the tenth virgin. The story is sweet and touching...and long.

We have been practicing daily for the last few weeks, and its brought back memories from my high school days. I remember long play practices every night, and then still having to come home and finish my homework. Well, this is very close to the same thing. Except when I get home late at night the dishes or the laundry await me. You can relate. There's always some chore waiting for mom when I get home.

Tonight is the big production. The costumes have been selected. The dress-rehearsal has been run through. The lines have been memorized (for the most part). Journal Jenny is even singing a solo - an entire song by herself. Did I really sign up for this?

Here's the exciting part though. Journal Jenny will have a very special guest in the audience. You see, Journal Jenny has been waiting to adopt her second child now for a few years. We have one beautiful little boy, but we have been "back on the books" for a few years now with several "almosts" that never went through. As of a couple of months ago we have been corresponding with a beautiful young birth mother who hasn't officially "chosen" us. It's going in that direction, and I have a great feeling about it, but without hearing "those words", I'm extremely leery of getting my hopes up. I've gotten them up before only to have them fall.

This cute birth mother who has also become a dear friend and almost feels like a daughter to me has insisted on coming to the production.

So, today is indeed a big day for Journal Jenny - on so many levels.

Wish me luck and I will keep you all posted. My story is yours. I am an open book.

I hope you all have an incredible Tuesday.

Happy Scrapping!

XO.

Journal Jenny

Reader Page a Day - Stacey Michaud

Stacey Michaud - "Ilove the colors of this line!  I cut the felt border to create a frame for my photo!  To add extra interest and say with horizontal paper strips theme, I created a criss-cross ribbon detail!  It was super easy as I simply punched holes directly across from each other, placed in eyelets and threaded using a diagonal approach!  It is tied off on the back!  Journaling is very simple and reads: "Today, you...fought, hugged, screamed, argued & hugged again.  All before 8:00 a.m."

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Personally, I love simple layouts. Don't get me wrong. I have a place in my heart for the more involved intricate ones too. I could stare at them for hours. Before keeping up with the blog I worked with national scrapbooking magazines for nine years. I witnessed so many beautiful layouts. I could look at the designs for hours and hours. I couldn't wait for each of our magazines and unique books to come out. To me, the projects were little nuggets of inspiration waiting to be shared, and I was their target audience.

But there's something about simple layouts that appeal to me more. I love the idea of being able to duplicate a great idea with less effort. Nothing is lost. You still get to use the same great product, try new techniques, and mix colors. Usually it's just not near as time intensive, and who doesn't want to save time? If I can crank out a few more pages because I chose simpler pages to start with, then in my opinion, that's a good thing!

And for that very reason I love Stacey's page featured today. It's simple AND beautiful.

Thank you Stacey for sharing!

For all you other ladies, keep them coming.

Oh, and be sure to watch the blog. We'll be posting a contest this week!!

Out.

Journal Jenny

Melody's Inspiration

You are getting burned out…you know you are…

You had all the right reasons to scrapbook…then got overwhelmed…

PLEASE DON’T GIVE UP!!!

IT'S TIME TO REMEMBER THE WHY!!

Remember why you wanted to remember everything that you are scrapbooking about…remember why you are doing this….

And that the HOW will never matter until you embrace the WHY….

Why should you tell your stories?

Your perfect, unique WHY is right in front of your face, right in your heart….and we’ll help you find it if you need the help….we just want you to find it again….

See how we’re finding our WHY at

Chatterboxinc.typepad.com
Melodyross.typepad.com

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Don't forget why you started, and if you do, at least you know you don't have to go very far for inspiration. Just come here. Join us. We're always here waiting for you!

Happy Monday and Happy Scrapping.

Out.

Journal Jenny

Borrowed Tip - Taking Photos in the Rain

Good afternoon Ladies!

So, I'm sitting here, and it's freezing outside...again. Last week it was beautiful. Warm weather - as high as in the 70's. This week it's been in the 30s and today it even dropped into the 20s. This is NOT my kind of weather. On top of it, it's been raining and snowing a TON! More than I'd like to see. I know, I know, I should be welcoming the rain but who likes feeling frozen down to the core? Not I!

Yet, some of you venture out into the rain for various photo-ops, and I came across this tip I thought I would share. I've "borrowed" it from Scrapbooks Etc. (found at www.scrapbooksetc.com) The last thing you want to do is ruin your expensive piece of equipment (your pride an joy, your memory maker, whatever you want to call it!) because of inclement weather.

Here are some tips to keep your camera safe even in bad weather:

1. Protect Your Lens - A lens hood (available at camera stores and online) can prevent raindrops, dust, and debris from falling onto your lens face and marring your images. A soft absorbent cloth also can come in handy to wipe away stray raindrops.
2. Keep Your Equipment Dry - If you’re shooting with a tripod, protect the camera with an umbrella or shoot beneath an overhang. If you’re shooting without a tripod, a large brimmed hat will deflect raindrops. You can buy a specifically designed nylon bag that has a hole for your lens to peek through, but thrifty shooters can fashion a similar item using a plastic bag or shower cap. Simply cut a hole for your lens and secure with a rubber band.
3. Check Your Settings - Now that your camera is ready for rainfall, you’ll want to adjust your exposure settings to get great results. Because there usually is little light on stormy days, use a lens with a wide aperture and a film or digital ISO Settings of 400 or 800.
4. Use a Fast Shutter Speed - Use a tripod to provide the stability that will help ensure clearer photos. To catch raindrops in midair or freeze ripples in a puddle, use a fast shutter speed and a medium-fast speed film or digital ISO Setting.
5. Go For Overall Shots - Instead of focusing on little details, go for the overall shot that captures the mood of the day. Mist and rain cause a softening effect in photos, which can create a stunning backdrop.

So, if you are going to be out in the rain or snow, at least be smart about it. Protect your camera. See your pictures through different eyes. Imagine what the end product will be. How can the rain, mist, or even snow "enhance" your picture? As always, work with your surroundings.

Happy Scrapping!

Out.

Journal Jenny

Reader Tip #2 - Jana Patterson

"There is more to life than just the birthdays and holidays. Do you ever scrapbook about what makes you who you are? How about what makes your children unique? Each of us has traits and hobbies that make us an individual. Why not scrapbook about every day life too? Grab those products and do a page about your child's bedtime routine. What 5 things are most important to you RIGHT NOW? Well, scrapbook it! How about a funny conversation you had with your child that makes you smile every time you think about it. Pages like this tell our future grandchildren and family members what we are like, not just what we did."

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Kudos Jana. I especially like the last sentence...tell our future grandchildren and family members what we are like, not just what we did. So true and so important. Remember, it's the little things!

I hope  you all have a GREAT weekend and find oodles of time to scrapbook. If you don't just remember to savour the memories you're creating!

Out.

Journal Jenny

Reader Project a Day - Tessah Aihara

 

 

Hello Ladies!

It excites me to post this beautiful collage from Tessah Aihara - beautiful, isn't it? It's only 7 a.m., and it makes me want to go break open my stash and get busy.

I didn't want to change a thing, so here are the steps and some of the supplies Tessah used - in her own words!

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This lo focuses on myself. That explains the title This is Me. I played with my stash and tried different techniques in this layout. I used a printed sentiment from my PC and attach it to the chat balloon I used along with the other sticker sentiments that describes the real me. I used sentiments that well described me.I recycled my Prima packaging and used it as a frame. Thanks Candy for inspiring us to recycle SB packaging materials.  Then I used an old page of a book to add layer.  Also I included one of my favorite quotes- I hope I am your favorite mistake. I have done a lot of hybrid lo since I started scrapbooking. The main reason is my lack of stash to play with. I usually make my own alphas and sentiments on my pc. Moreover I also revealed a quirky side of my personality here in this LO. If you will look at it, you can find a yellow net tied on the frame of my picture. The frame is the prima packaging that I recycled and the yellow net is a mosquito net. That is my mosquito net I used to have since I am 6 years old. I cant sleep without my net. I bring it everywhere I go. Strange huh? LOL! I hope you love this lo.

Materials Used:

7 Gypsies Notting Hill Kensal PP
Making Memories Journaling Book Green
Scenic Route Chipboards Bracket
Sassafras Collection Kit-Owl Pals
Say it in Crystals Pink
Say it in Crystals Red
K&Company Wild Saffron Butterflies Grand Adhesions
K&Company Amy Butler Kit Stickers
Making Memories Tin Collection Funky
Prima Artful Collage flowers
Prima Got Flowers Mystery
MM Mini Circle Brads
Basic Grey Rubons
Maya Roads Clock Ribbons
Colorbox Ink
ribbons
lace
chat balloon
word sentiment stickers
bug stickers
key charm
crochet embellishments
recycled calendar
printed sentiments from my PC - ``I hope I was your favorite Mistake´´

Techniques used:
paper tearing;layering
chipboard inking
stamping

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Happy Scrapping!

Out.

Journal Jenny

A Little Inspiration of my Own

Good morning Ladies!

This last week my husband had the opportunity to play in the Regional Basketball Championships for our church. You have to understand, in our house this is a big deal. My dear husband is 6'4", and basketball is a huge part of his life. If he's not playing it, he's watching it, talking, or reading about it. He LOVES basketball. He was one of those young dreamers who wished that one day he could play for the NBA. Well, that dream sadly never actualized, but he's playing it out with the church.

After a busy season and a few near misses, they took the championship home. No trophy, but t-shirts were handed out to all the lucky winners.

It was a pretty big day for him because other years they had made it to the championships, but they'd never actually taken it. This was a first.

Fortunately for me, I'd been taking pictures all season long. I love digital cameras and action shots. I don't claim to be a great photographer or even a good one, but I am great at taking many, and I know that out of the 10 I take at least 1 will come out pretty descent.

I realized that day though it wasn't just about who won the game, it was about capturing the "little things" that happened on the court. That's when I got "snap happy" with the camera and took some of my favorite pictures. Those are the images I want to remember.

Here are the "small things" from that day that were important to me:

• A picture of the scoreboard. I would have remembered who won. I would have scrapbooked that, but it was a close game, and this was an image I knew Greg would want to remember.
• A picture of all the boys high-fiving after the game.
• A picture of the winners shaking hands with the other team after the game and exchanging words of encouragement.
• A picture of all our injured boys - one of our best players was walking with a limp by the end of the season. Another player had a big band-aid above his left eye. My own sweet husband had gotten jabbed in the nose and had two near black-eyes.
• A picture of the three comrades - the three "all-star" players who helped carry the team. Together they were great, had incredible teamwork, and off the court they are the best of friends.
• A picture of the team before they were ready to pose for the picture. What does that mean? I wanted to capture their personalities - them just being them.

The championships were a family affair. Wives, moms, dads, and kids came every night (sometimes as late as 9 p.m.) and every morning (as early as 7 a.m.) to cheer on their husbands, dads, sons.

I'm excited that I'll be able to preserve this exciting season in a way that my husband will be pleased.

Just don't forget the small things. Sometimes they are the most precious and worthwhile!

Happy Scrapping!

Out.

Journal Jenny