*IBS July Release: You

Good morning!!!

It's DAY 2, of Inspired by Stamping July Release Hop.

This months release are exceptionally amazing!! 

They are trendy, masculine and perfect for any novice and/or expert scrapper/stamper.

For my project today, I am showcasing "ARROWS" 

I have been trying to fill my albums and when I saw this stamp set, I knew how I wanted to use it.

This is my son...Yes, he's 16 and growing!!

These arrows were perfect for this layout!!

Stamping the arrows, towards themselves, really gave focus to the picture.

Love the grungy look of those arrows too, really adds to the masculinity of the layout.  So I had add additional grunge to the page, by creating worn spots and stamping the sentiments that come with this amazing stamp set. 

Here is a is a peek at the two stamps, being showcased today:



So hop along and check out this month's new release and the amazing creations created by the DT.
Trust me you won't be disappointed at all!!!

Joanna
Leah
Deb
Kendra
Grace
Vicki
Irit
Shea
Colleen
Calypso<----You are HERE!
Rose

Stuff to know before you go:

• FREE shipping on orders over $25 for limited time only (July 10th 7 p.m. Brisbane time to July 12th 7 p.m. -- if you live in the Eastern Standard Time zone as I do, it's 5 a.m) Coupon Code: IBSJULY
• SAVE 10% when you buy the bundle of new releases
• BLOG CANDY - chances to win every day from July 6th - 10th.  Leave a comment each day at Joanna's blog for your chance!
• You can check out our July Online Catalog for FREE!
• IBS has a Color Challenge Hop every month -- next one begins July 11th
• IBS has a Technique Challenge Blog Hop every month -- next one begins July 20th
• Joanna makes FREE cut files to go with every stamp?  You can find them in theshop with each stamp set.

Hugs,
Calypso 

*From The Heart Sketch #20

Hi everyone and happy Monday!!!

Today we have a new challenge for you over at From The Heart. 

I really loved this sketch and decided to take it one bot further than I normally do. 

Yes...I made a layout!!!  I am so excited about it too!!  

My son, Buddy loves his Giraffe Michael.  He lives at our local zoo and we try to visit him at least once a month.  The first thing we do is purchase to tickets to feed Michael.  That way Buddy gets to spend a little extra time with his friend.  He's can identify him from the herd in a minute and I think that Michael knows Buddy too.  It seems crazy to say,  but I am so serious.  When we last visited, Michael was at the far East of the den and right before it was Buddy's turn, Michael came and ran the other 2 giraffes that were there.  So it was just the two of them. 

It is such a wonderful sight and feeling seeing Buddy and his pal Michael. 

We just got updated that Michael is also now a daddy to two new calves: Dane and Sunshine!!

So I had to attach this sentiment which reads: "Simple moments make great memories"

So here is this weeks sketch:

EVERYONE who enters will receive $1 to FromTheHeartStamps.com. Use it as a discount, or save them up to earn a free stamp. I'll have a new sketch for you next week. Linky will close on Sunday at 10PM EST. Join us on Facebook and “Like” our page to see sneak peeks of the next sketch.

I would like to enter the following challenge:
Dream Valley Challenge #57
One Stop Craft Challenge #230

Hugs,
Calypso

Kiss GoodBye

 Hi everyone-

Oh....can you hear the pain in my voice!! LOL!!

I am finally getting my little craft room organized and adding some order that will allow me to be productive as productive as I can be!! 

So one of my crafty goals this year, is to complete at least 2 layouts per month!! 

It does not seem like a lot, but I tend to contemplate too much on my layouts, so it will be a good way for me to just start to get going. 

I want to share something special with you. 

This is a layout of ALL my sisters!!  Yes...ALL my sisters...I am the oldest of five. 

The one in the center is the third in of the group and was married two years ago. 

Sorry about all the boobies!! 8) Anyhow...she is due to have a baby in a few months and I am excited about being an auntie for the second time.  I have two boys of my own, trying to have a girl, but in the meantime I love spoiling my nieces and buying all those cute girly clothes!!!  How my heart melts when I see tutu in red with glitter slippers.  LOL!!

This layout was inspire by the song: The Kiss Goobye by Little Big Town. 

I would like to enter this layout in the following challenges: 

Celebrate the Occasion

Color Throwdoown #175

Bling it On Challenge
ScrapFit
Papertake Weekly
(Bling, Blossoms)

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs,
Calypso

My Little Lady

Hi everyone-

I hope that your Tuesday is off to a great start!!!

Today I saw my fourteen year old off to his first day of HIGH SCHOOL!!!!

Oh my goodness.....I cried after he left!!!

He was excited though and so was I!!!!  I can't believe what an amazing young man he's becoming!!

Wait a minute, YES I can... I'm his Mother!!! :)

So I have had this layout sitting here for a few days now...

It's been awhile since I posted a LO and I LOVE Leeanne's (Artful Delight) Sketch this month AND August's Scrapbook Kit!!!! PLUS if you didn't already know this.....She is having a buy ONE, get another FREE sale!!!! Yes....and no additional shipping!!!  Trust me, you won't regret it!!! Click here!!!

So of course, I put August Scrapbook Kit of the month to work!!!!

 I adore this new line and isn't Ms. Maddison the cutest!!?!?!?

Thank you for stopping by today!!! I am off to do Anatomy homework!!!

I would like to submit this into the following challenges:

Artful Delight: ASC #11

Creativee Craft Challenge: Anything but a Card

Paper Creations Ink: Challenge #7: Show us your Flowers

See you again soon!!

Big HUGS,

Chi Chi Memories....Precious Memories

Good morning everyone-

Thank you for stopping by today.

Today, Chi Chi Memories is introducing Sketch #32 and it will run for the next two weeks. 

I rotated the sketch, one click to the right....

I used the sentiment from Happy Carnival digital set on this layout.

I really love how this page came together...it's overall size is 6 1/2 x 61/2, but since I scrapbook on 12 x 12 paper, this will be set right in the middle, or I may decide to offset it somehow...decisions...decisions!! LOL!

I used Summer Days paper and sticker by Echo Park.  The crinkle ribbon I bought from Kim Duran from Paper Loves Glue, who has an Etsy Shop full of beautiful colored crinkle ribbon...I think you should check her out.   I used the tip of a Zva Creative swirl set, to create the look you see below and small Prima flowers. And ofcourse Spellbinder S4-234.

Here is a close up of the pearls and flower:

I will be entering the layout in the following challenges:

The Pink Elephant Challenge #100: Favorite color combo, polka dots and crinkle ribbon.

Sparkles Forum Challenge #11: Recipe

Creative Sketches: CS32C Color!!!!

Critter Sketch #65: Hip to be Square

Paper Romance #51: Anything but a Card

Thanks for visiting today. 

Big hugs, 

Calypso 

Lovely Beauty

Hello...Hello....

I am on a good roll right now and I hope it doesn't end anytime soon, because I am loving my MOJO!!!

I have been working on this layout for a few days, using this sketch from Sketchabilities Sketch #40....and here is the finished product.

The journaling reads:

Walked in to see Ramona with a picture in hand. I told her to cut it all off.  I sat in the chair nervously for 3 long hours. When I finally looked in the mirror, I couldn't believe that it was me.  I looked like a butterfly that just came out of its chrysalis....so brand new.

Thank you for taking the time to stop by today.....and I will be back tomorrow with another special layout for you.

Hugs,

Calypso

Papa's Grandson

Hello everyone-

I have 1 more class tomorrow and my weekend begins!!!  YEAH!!!!

This photo has been hanging on my board for months.  My little one, who is walking really well now, kept messing with it and figured that it was a sign to get working it. This will also be the first layout that I have completed for 2011.  I really need to getting working on these pictures.  It felt good, taking a break from the cards and working on a page.

And this is what I finished with......

Look at those little footsies.

And this is how I used the "Forever Young" verse from Bob Dylan, that is being used as the challenge for this week at Get Picky.

Thank you for stopping by today.

See you tomorrow.

Hugs,

Calypso

Scrapmaster's Challenge Layout

Morning everyone-
I hope that you are doing a lot better than me today!!  I have been sick since Thanksgiving Day!!!  I know I said that I wanted to stay in bed, but I surely didn't think that it would require getting sick to do so!!  That is why we should always be careful what we ask for!!  Buddy was sick first...he had croup....but that scary bark is slowly going away...and now Patrick is getting sick!!!  It's a never ending cycle.

Since the baby is resting I wanted to share with you a layout I did for Scrapmaster's Sketch Challenge!

These pictures were taken in April....it was my first time seeing snow fall!!!  It was a really bog deal to me....and IT WAS BEAUTIFUL.  We actually got 5 inches of snow that night!!

If you look closely, you will see that I actually stamped snowflakes on the photo and on the red vellum!!!  I used Falling Snow Stamp Set from Samantha's new stamp line.

I am entering this layout in the following challenges:
Scrapmaster's Challenge: Sketch
Fantabulous Cricut: Challenge #38: Ribbon (Snow Flakes; Potpourri Basket Cartridge, Snow; Birthday Bash)
Cupcake Inspiration Challenge #87
Easy Craft Projetcs: Challenge #26: Snow

Thanks for stopping by and I'll see you soon!!

Hugs,
Calypso

Crafts by Rowena Sketch #50....FAMILY

Hello my dear bloggers.

I hope that you are having a great day.  It's really gloomy day and I have a Pigeon Pea Beef Soup in the crock pot that is giving off such a yummy aroma throughout the house.

Time for another sketch week.  I haven't told you already....I love Rowena's sketches and I enjoy being on her DT.  I have completed so many layouts because of her and these amazing sketches that she puts together.  So THANK YOU ROWENA!!!

Here is my layout for this weeks sketch:

This is my family....boys, all dressed up at my sister's wedding that took place in June.
I love these pictures and Rowena's sketch was perfect for them.

Here is the sketch:

I hope you will join us this week, I would really like to stop by and visit you.

I will be entering this layout in the following challenge:
Digi Doodle Shop's Best Challenge #29: My Peeps

Thank you for stopping in today and I hope to see you again.
DON'T forget to check out my surprise skydiving video here!!!!

Hugs,
Calypso

Crafts by Rowena Sketch #49...New Haircut

Good afternoon bloggers.

Today I want to invite you to join our sketch challenge over at Crafts by Rowena.
I really enjoyed working with this sketch and even thought I have seen flags on many LO, this is my first time working with them .  I like the page, its simple and I still think it needs something, but not really sure what.

Here is my layout:

And this weeks sketch:

I hope that you can join us this week.

Hugs,
Calypso

CGS 12x12 Layout Sketch #48...Trick or Treat

Hello....Hello!!

I feel like I am pumped up with caffeine....and I didn't even have any today....or all week for that matter.
So anyways....

Rowena has done it again......another great sketch this week!!!  And I think a bit of a name change too...
Crafts by Rowena!! Hum.....I like it!!!

This is my layout for this week:

The web, spider, tombstone and title are from the Happy Haunting Cricut cartridge.
I think the page turned out great, what do you think?

Make sure you visit Crafts by Rowena and check out what the rest of the DT created, because they are not all Halloween related....so you have to go check it out!!

Hope you'll join us this week, because I'd really like to come visit.

Hugs,
Calypso

Creative Genealogy Scrapbooking #47....Max

Hi everyone,
This post is a day late.
My son turned off the firewall to play some stupid online game and ....well we got a virus that was destroying all of our exe. files.  I have so much catching up to do....so lets get started.

Rowena has a very simple and easy sketch for you this week. What I like most about this sketch, is that you can dress it up as much as you want to or keep it simple.  I went with simple this week.

This is our dog Max.  Max....is a Schnauzer mix, that my sister got for Easter back in 2000. 

Visit Creative Genealogy Scrapbooking for some more inspirational ideas from the design team.

Thank you for stopping in today.

Hugs,
Calypso

A+ Graduate

Hi everyone.

I hope that everyone is enjoying their Sunday.

I just finished doing homework and wanted to share this layout with you. 

This is my son Marquice graduating from preschool.  You may think oh well not a big deal, but to us it was.  The year that he started, was the same time that we found out that he had ADHD.  I didn't know anything about ADHD...and mean NOTHING!!!  Went through a trail of medications...including Ritalin, until we found something that worked.  It was a trying time for both of us and his teachers.  With help from his teachers and aides, we got him through it and he graduated top ten in the Preschool class.  Although times were challenging for him, i think he really challenged me to see things differently, because he did.

I am entering this layout in the following challenges:

-Creative Scrappers: Sketch #121

-Artful Delight: Challenge #1

-Stampin' Royalty #37: Stiching

-Sweet Stampin' Challenge Blog #44: Stitching

-Alphabet Challenge Blog: U for Unused Stash (The apple shaker, had it since 2000 something, made for a swap, lifting Rebecca Sowers Movers and Shakers Tags)

-Creative Belli Challenge #100- B themed embellishments (buttons, brad)

-Fairy Fun Friday Week #35: Embossing (the board in the left hand corner and A+)

-4 Crafty Chicks Challenge #3: Wet/Dry Embossing (the board in the left hand corner and A+)

-Sew Many Challenges #27: Embossing Wet/Dry (the board in the left hand corner and A+)

Thank you for stopping by today.

Hugs,

Calypso

Creative Genealogy Scrapbooking #46...I'm so glad you're my DAD!

Hello....Hello...again!!!
Buddy is down for his nap....so I am playing catch on the blog!!!  YEAH!!!

Rowena at Creative Genealogy Scrapbooking,  has another amazing sketch for you this week.  When I first saw it, thought...humm....I will stamp the circles on....but the realized I didn't have any circle stamps or circle punches.  So I really had to think.  So I ended up recreating the layout on the Cricut Studio Design and cut out the circles with the Cricut!! 

I wanted to keep the page simple and yet manly....and so I used Curtain Call Color Challenge, which worked really well in keeping the colors neutral and manly.  None of the colors over powered one another and the focus was still on the picture.

So now, I thought the hard part was over....YEAH right!!  Deciding on a title is always a challenge for me.  A picture can say so many things...and this picture of Patrick has so many memories to it, but I loved it for Buddy's album.  So I started going through my dashboard and saw that Verve Stamps was having a Project Parade and the theme was 'Something Old, Something New'.  I knew that I had an old set from Verve and a new one that I recently acquired and I did. 1) Father Figure...I love this stamp and I love the quote, so I cut the quote into strips and stamped it in between the circles, the title and subtitle all came from the same set. For the next stamp 2) Blue Skies, I used the scroll for the corner of the page.

There you have it!!! It was a lot of work putting this page together, but it sure was well worth it.  Everything came out just the way I wanted it to, too!!!  So here is the page, you've been hearing so much about!!!!

I will be entering this layout in the following challenges:
-The Shabby Tea Room: Week #27: Fresh Living
-Verve Stamp- Project Parade (Something Old, Something New)
-Curtian Call Color Challenge: {Act 47}

So I hope that I have inspired you in someway to give this weeks sketch challenge a try and I look forward to visiting your blog to see what you've created.


Hugs,
Calypso

Creative Genealogy Scrapbooking #45....Butterflies.

Hi-
My morning is off to a great start today.  My son is off from school today, so we will be doing a much needed errand run and then hit the pool, if the sun decided to come out.

Rowena has a great sketch for you this week at Creative Genealogy Scrapbooking and this is my interpretation of it:

I used these amazing Core'dinations cardstock.  I bought it awhile ago when I was working on my sons Halloween layout.  You can distress the edges and reveal the color underneath.

Or you can dry emboss and lightly sand the surface of the embossed area....I love this technique.  And if you lock a the layout again you will see that the title "Butterflies" is done the same way to, except I cut the title with Cricut, placed it underneath, embossed and then sanded.

And you can punch out shape or cut them with your die cut machine and slightly sand around the edges.

I messed up a little with  the butterflies and I may even decide to change it later....But the paper just made the layout.  So put your creative hat on and give this weeks sketch a try.  Rowena sends a little prize package to the winner and you never know.....it could be you, but you have to play.   See you soon..

I am entering the layout in the following challenges:

-Practical Scrapper: White/Color Core Cardstock

-Charisma Card: Challenge #36: Try something new (Embossing over a light source)

-Lots To Do Challenge: Butterflies or Insects (Butterflies)

Thank you for stopping in today.

Hugs,

Calypso

Creative Genealogy Scrapbooking #44...Hold me Close

Hello everyone.
It has been a very crazy week for me....a lot of things going on at the house, in the house and out of the house.  It's just been one of those weeks for me.  Good thing tomorrow is Friday already.

So it's time for another sketch at Creative Genealogy Scrapbooking. 

I really love these photos of the Patrick and the baby in the pool.  I used Bo Bunny Sun Kissed Noteworthy journal tag, cardstock stickers and stickers. I used distressed crackle paint for the background.  Once it dried I used broken china distress ink and stamped swirls.  It's very faint...but the results were very satisfying.  The corners are old school...they are by MM and I have had them for ages...maybe 7 years!! LOL.

So look through your pictures and join us this week.  I'm looking forward to visiting your blog and seeing what you've created.

I am entering this Lo in the following challenges:
The Shabby Tea Room: Week #25: Old Meets New (Old: Corners, New: Bo Bunny Journal Tag)
CES: Challenge #1: Anything Goes
The Pink Elephant: Ella's Pink Scrapbook: Challenge #23: Favorite embellishment and color (Die cuts and blue)
Little Red Wagon: Challenge #44: Paint ( I used distressed crackle paint)
YNS: Challenge #24: Anything Goes
Sir Stampalot Challenge: September Challenge: All distressed (I used distressed ink and distressed paint)

See you soon.
Hugs,
Calypso


Supplies used:

Cardstock: Bazzill
Ink: Distressed Ink by Tim Holtz (Broken China and Dusty Concord)
Paint: Distress Crackle Paint by Tim Holtz (Broken China)
Ribbon: Unknown
Embellishment: Metal Corners by Making Memories
                       Die Cuts by Bo Bunny, Sun Kissed Chipboard
                       Stickers and Alphabet by Bo Bunny, Sun Kissed Combo Stickers
                       Journal Tag by Bo Bunny, Noteworthy Fun in The Sun
Stamp: Misty Swirl Long by Hero Arts

Creative Genealogy Scrapbooking Challenge #43...Me & you.

Happy Friday!!

Our sketch challenge at Creative Genealogy Scrapbooking has posted late because our sketch master Rowena had a family emergency.  Rowena, we hope that everything is OK with you and your family.

This weeks sketch is super simple and cute.  Take a look:

I didn't journal anything because this is my sons favorite picture of us when he was younger, so I am going to let him right his thoughts or memories down.

Isn't that a wonderful sketch?  I think that anyone and everyone should participate this week.
I hope to get a chance to come by your blogs and see what you have created with this weeks sketch.

Have a great afternoon.....I'm off to football practice.

Hugs,
Calypso

Supplies used:

Cardstock:  Mystique, Tiara, High Heels by Bazzill Basic Paper
Patterned Paper: Journey Paper Set by MAMBI
Ink: Distressed Ink by Tim Holtz, Walnut Stain
Brads: Unknown
Stickers: Shimmer Alpha Black by MM
Name Plate: Dots Grungeboard by Tim Holtz
Swirl: Dots Grungeboard by Tim Holtz
Paint: Manila by MM
Other: Classic Gold by Liquid Leaf

Creative Genealogy Scrapbooking #42....True Fisherman

Hello....Hello-

Guess what today is? 




It's time for another amazing sketch week at Creative Genealogy Scrapbooking!!
And I had so much fun putting this page together!!  I'll be honest at first, I was lost and the page just wasn't coming together....AT ALL!!  It was one of those moments where I had to just step away from the project and come back a few hours to a day later.  And this is my finished layout.

My son loves to fish.....LOVES TO FISH and will fish anywhere he can!! To him, weather and location are no deteriorating factor for casting a line.  I hope that he continues to maintain the passion and we will continue to find those fishing spots for him to enjoy and cast that line.

I will also be entering this layout in the following challenges:
-Fantabulous Cricut: Challenge Me Monday #23
-Quixotic Challenge #37
-Critter Sketch Blog Challenge #27

Thanks for stopping by....and I hope to see you again soon.

Hugs,
Calypso

Supplies used:

Cardstock: Bazzill and DCWV

Patterned Paper: I believe it's MME, but I'm not sure....I've had it for a long time

Die Cuts: Fresh Cuts by Bumper Crops, Bait Shop

Cricut Cartridge: Potpourri Basket (Fish Border) and Jubilee (true fisherman)

Ink: Distressed Ink by Tim Holtz, Antique Linen

Glitter: Powderz (Red Fire, Gold Leaf, Green Holiday)

Misc: Netting