Cara Olson Designs

Welcome To the SM Blog Train

2011-05-07T11:00:00.002-04:00

Hello!!! Welcome to Cara Olson Designs, your next stop in the SM iNSD Blog Train. Thanks for stopping by. I've got a freebie for you using the SM Collab, Timeless. Hope you like it.

You've arrived here from Sarah's Blog and next you'll be heading to Sharon's Blog. If you get derailed along the way, go to ScrapMatters to get back on the train.

To download your freebie, click HERE.

Thanks, and enjoy the blog train!

New Layouts with fab new kits!!

2011-05-01T23:31:00.000-04:00

Wow! Sorry that I've been sorely neglecting my blog. :( Life has been so crazy with a toddler who only wants his mama. That's good... and bad. I get nothing else done. :) But I wouldn't trade it, it just makes life a little more... um... rearranged. LOL

So here's a few of my recent LOs and the kits that I used.

The first one is from the April Mix-A-Kit from ScrapMatters. I can't tell you how many mini kits I used to create this, but what a great idea! I loved picking exactly what I wanted to create my own kit and layout. Aren't the colors yummy?? It's so fresh and springy.

Here's a link to the April Mix-A-Kit kits.

Here's one using Chelle's Creations Stitch Me Up Templates 2 and Morning Mist Mist by Jennifer Labre.

Jenn's Kit:

Chelle's Templates:

And one more (I love this kit!!) Zoopendous by Chelle's Creations was used to create this LO as well as Now You See Me Templates by Little Green Frog Designs:

Here's Chelle's Kit:

And Andrea's Templates:

Have a great week!!!

It's a BLOG TRAIN!!!!

2010-11-06T10:50:00.006-04:00

Welcome to Cara Olson Designs' Blog! Happy Digital Scrapbooking Day. You are riding the ScrapMatters Blog Train and you have arrived at Cara's Blog from Lina's blog.

Our theme is "Thankful" and I'd like to take a moment to tell you what inspired me for my freebie - my little boy. He will be three years old the end of this month and he is the apple of my eye. We waited a long time to have such a precious child and I love him dearly. He inspires me every day and I'm so thankful for him.

I've created a template for you today. It works beautifully with the featured kit, Many Thanks, from ScrapMatters. Many Thanks is free with a $20 purchase at ScrapMatters, so *wink* plan your DSD purchases accordingly.

Here's the layout using Many Thanks that inspired the template:

Here's a preview of the template and kit:

The Blog Train has ended its run and is now parked in the station. Hope you were able to grab it!!

New Release day at ScrapMatters

2010-10-22T16:07:00.000-04:00

It's the best day of the week.... it's new release day at ScrapMatters! Here are a few of the new, awesome kits:

Here's a Halloween/Fall kit from Scrapmuss Designs called Lost Kingdom. I absolutely LOVE this kit. The oranges are so warm.

And here's what I made with it:

Here's an awesome new set of Stacks from Chelle's Creations. I don't know what I did before these!!! They're amazing. Here they are:

And here's a layout I made using them. (It's also my entry for Battle of the Creative Teams at DigiScrapAddicts):

Here's a new kit by Jenn Labre, Red Red Wine. Ever since I've gotten this kit, I hum that song every time I look at the kit. LOL I love the rich tones in this kit (not to mention I'm a big fan of great wine!).

Here are some super fun mats from Jady Day Studio - Matly in Love - Set 1. Love these. I can see myself using them over and over and over. And "set 1" implies more than one will be coming... hooray!!!

And here's a layout I made using both of these (my first photoless layout):

This is just the tip of the iceberg this week. Go to ScrapMatters to check it out!

Votes Needed!!!

2010-10-16T20:36:00.000-04:00

Hey Blog followers... Chelle's Creations (and I) need your help! Battle of the Creative teams has started at DigiScrapAddicts.com and we need your votes. Click here to view our layouts for the Week One challenge. Click here to place your vote (for Chelle's Creations - it's toward the bottom of the list). Thanks for your help!!!

Here's my personal layout for Chelle's Creative Geniuses:

New Kits at ScrapMatters today!

2010-10-15T13:23:00.000-04:00

Tis the season for great fall and Halloween kits (among many other fantastic kits!) and this week's releases at ScrapMatters don't disappoint!

First, from Chelle's Creations is Beary Cute. I personally have the Boy Bundle (pictured here), but she's got a simply adorable girl version as well.

Next is Colors of Fall by Creations by Rachael. It's gorgeous!!

Next, there's Lil' Spookies by LawTeeDa Designs. Awesome for cute little ones in their costumes.

And ooooooooh, I love this new collab kit from JennCK Designs and Stolen Moments Designs. Yum! It's called Aviator.

And last, and certainly NOT least is the new kit from Jady Day Studios called My Girl. I loved this kit so much I dug out photos from when I was little just so I could scrap with it! It's absolutely fabulous!!!

Fabulous Template Freebie

2010-10-12T05:00:00.006-04:00

Hello and happy Tuesday everyone! I've created a template freebie for Chelle's Creations today, and I'm also offering it here. Dontcha just love a new template? I know I do. Our lives are so hectic (and sometimes our scrapping mojo disappears just when we need it :/ ), that templates are such a gift. So enjoy!!!

Here's a look at the preview...

Download HERE!

Don't forget to post here to let me know you downloaded the template. Also, link me up to your gallery when you get your layout done so I can come see your beautiful work!

Have a great week!

I'm Hosting My First Speed Scrap!

2010-10-06T23:32:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited!! I'm hosting my first Speed Scrap at ScrapMatters. Come join me on Thursday morning, October 14 at 11 EST/ 10 CST/ 9 PST for a fun speed scrap. Here are the details....

And I *think* this is the participation prize. Super cute, isn't it?

Join me! I'd love your support!!!

Awesome Promotions at ScrapMatters!

2010-10-03T11:46:00.000-04:00

Hey, blog friends... there are some sweet deals at ScrapMatters this week. Check them out at ScrapMatters

New Releases for 10-1-10

2010-10-01T00:23:00.010-04:00

Sorry I've been lax in my posting! Life has certainly been busy. I've got some awesome new releases from ScrapMatters to show you today.

First is Serenity by Happy Scrap Girl. Isn't it gorgeous? The colors are just so beautiful.

And here's what I did with it:

Next, is All Hallow's Eve from Chelle's Creations. I love that Chelle did a vintage kit!!! It's soft, muted colors are so spectacular - and everything looks so pretty. It almost scraps itself!

And here's what I made with it (it's ME in 1974 with my fave cousin Matt! - wow am I old! LOL):

Here's a new on from WM[squared] and Graham Like the Cracker. I love this kit. It's called Family Matters - The Family Tree Collection. I love love love it. It's an AWESOME collaboration. Here's a look:

It took me hours to scrap this page. Not from anything related to the kit, but because it was so emotional for me. It was the perfect kit to scrap one of my favorite photos of all time. <3 Here's what I came up with:

Here's one from a guest designer at ScrapMatters this month, Jennifer Labre Designs:

And here's what I made... yep, this one's me too. In 1973:

New Layouts with fab new kits!!

2010-08-27T02:18:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday everyone! I've got tons to tell you about today since new kits are out today at ScrapMatters. My first one is from Chelle (and it's the one I am totally drooling over - I {heart} this kit!!!) and it's called Sew Crafty. Here's a look at the layouts I made. I made THREE!!!

Next is this week's kit from Ro at Man In the Moon Desigsn and it's called Any Which Way. I am smitten with how bright, fun and versatile this kit is. It's amazing. What did I do with it, you ask? Here's my layout with Ro's kit and paper curves from Happy Scrap Girl's More Than Curves.

And last, but not least is another layout I made for the Extreme Layout Makeover challenge at ScrapMatters in which I featured a template from Stolen Moments - Scraps by Number: Just Call Me Sara and Haynay Designs kit, Falling For Pumpkins.

Have a great weekend, everyone and don't forget to go to ScrapMatters for some new scrapping goodies!!

Man in the Moon's New Kit (Sneak Peek)

2010-08-26T01:45:00.001-04:00

Here's another kit that comes out Friday - Man in the Moon's bright and fun kit, Any Which Way. Here's a sneak peek:

Can you get the gist? Soooo cute! Ro's got a "win it before you can buy it" competition. It's posted HERE in the ScrapMatters forum. You'll have to wait until Friday to see what I did with it! :)

I Made the ScrapMatters Creative Team!!!!!

2010-08-26T01:24:00.000-04:00

Can you hear me shouting from here?!?!! I cannot believe I made the team! What an honor. I'm totally still pinching myself. :) I'm still learning my way around the back-end of the SM site, but I'm thrilled to be on the team with so many creative and talented ladies! I'll keep you posted about awesome new kits coming out from ALL of the SM designers (so great to look behind the curtain - LOL) and will also tell you about some great activites and scrapping challenges. Keep your ear to my blog....

Until next time....
Cara

I can't stand it!!!!

2010-08-22T01:29:00.001-04:00

Okay, so I told you that Chelle's Creations is coming out with an awesome new kit on August 27. And I told you I was creating the Sneak Peek for next week... but I can't wait that long to show you!! This kit is so PERFECT for me. And I do mean perfect. Two of my favorite things: scrapping and [mystery topic]. Heee hee hee. Sorry for the suspense, but I shouldn't really let the cat out of the bag yet. .. oh, okay, since you're going to MAKE me, here's a look at the sneak peek (my first):

New kits!!!!

2010-08-21T01:16:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday, everyone! I've got a couple awesome new kits to show you today. First up is Chelle's Creations new back-to-school kit, called - what else? - Back 2 School. It's so darn cute! Here's a look at the kit:

I love these vivid primary colors. And aren't those felty crayons to die for? So cute. Click the link above to go to ScrapMatters' store to get it. Here's what I made with the kit - Drew's first day of PRE-preschool (LOL!):

Next up is the today's new kit from Scrapmuss Designs. Maria also put out a back-to-school themed kit called Learn Twice. Here's a look:

Aren't those muted tones yummy? I even tweaked my photos to match the tones of the papers. Here's what I did with her kit:

Pick yours up today at ScrapMatters' store.

See you soon! Chelle has something AWESOME cooked up for next week and it's right up my alley. Can't wait to show you the Sneak Peek (which is my job this week). Ro from Man in the Moon also has a super cute kit coming out next week. Stay tuned.....

Wow! Where has the last month gone?

2010-08-14T00:07:00.000-04:00

Holy cow! I'm so far behind here. Life's been crazy with my career 360. I'm taking insurance classes to become licensed to manage risk and coordinate insurance coverage. I've certainly fallen off of the radar. Now that I've finished my last class (for a while, anyway!) and just have to take my last exam, I'll have more time again for scrapping. (That's way more fun anyway!!!!)

I did want to show you a really cute kit that came out today at ScrapMatters; it's called Wizarding Magic. Here's a look:

Isn't it super cute?? If you are lucky enough to get to Orlando/Universal Studios this is the perfect kit to scrap your visit to Hogsmeade or Hogwarts. Plus, the movie is coming out this fall too. OR, it's great for Halloween pictures too. Got get it today!

See you soon! Happy scrapping. :)

It's a BIRTHDAY celebration!!

2010-07-27T01:13:00.001-04:00

Chelle is celebrating her birthday in style.... and we, her CT, are giving away TONS of goodies! From now through the end of the month, visit Chelle's Blog to catch all the great giveaways and play in all the festivities. To whet your whistle. here's my giveaway for Day 7 of the celebration:

You can get the freebie by going to Chelle's Blog or directly by clicking here. Hope you enjoy it! And please stop by here and/or Chelle's blog and show us what you did with it! I'd love to see it.

Are You Chelle's Super Fan??

2010-07-13T02:18:00.000-04:00

Are you a fan of Chelle's Creations... then you will love this new feature that will score you a new product of Chelle's EACH month... for FREE! Yep a FREE product of Chelle's each month! Plus have a chance to win a gift certificate to her store! Wanna see what's up for grabs this month?

What do you need to do? Link up your layouts that you do using her products on the Link Up on her Blog to any gallery you have it posted at - so we can be sure to leave you some much deserved love! The layouts you link up MUST be created during the Link Up period. For this month that will be July 3rd to the 30th.

When should I do it? Each month we will post a new Link Up - after the previous one has finished - simply link your layouts that you create. Just linking one is enough but we would love to see more so feel free to link them all up!

So head over to Chelle's Blog and link up your layouts!!

Madly Scrapping

2010-07-11T23:42:00.005-04:00

It's summer and it's crazy busy. What, with taking my little fish swimming and some surgeries/medical issues, it's been so out-of-control. But here I am to show you a little of what I've been working on. I can't show you everything (sinister grin) because not all the kits I'm working with have been released yet, but you'll see them soon. :)

Chelle of Chelle's Creations has been a machine this month as she's doing a guest spot at The DigiChick in addition to her regular stuff at ScrapMatters... and she is featured at The Daily Digi this month as well. All this and she has children too. She amazes me. Anyway, I've got a Product Flashback featured on her blog that posts tomorrow. Check it out!

It's Christmas in July as ScrapMatters and Chelle has her winter kits on sale 30% off until July 15. Here's her newest kit, Ho! Ho! Ho!

And the layout I made with this super fun kit (the button tree is awesome, isn't it??)

Here's a kit of Chelle's that only available at The DigiChick, Grandpa's Garden. It's so cute.. and perfect for scrapping photos of my little boy and my dad working together at the farm. Here's the kit:

Here's my layout:

Scrapmuss Designs is participating in the ScrapMatters Christmas in July sale too. Maria created a new kit called Knit Me a Winter Mini. It's adorable and on sale for only $2.45! Here's a look:

And my layout:

And here's another layout I did for Sarah Bennett with her kit, Old Glory - a collab with Trixie Scraps. It's very vintage. I really love it. Here's the kit preview:

Here's my layout:

And last, but not least (of those that I can show you today - LOL) is a layout I did for Designs by Tater. I used her super cute collab kit, Yankee Doodle Doo, that she did with Keepscrappin' Designs. It's the perfect kit. It's like it was made for me. I love the little felt people and the awesome alphas. Great kit!

Here's my layout:

So thanks for looking and I hope you found some inspiration here today. :) 'Til next time...

Cara

Chelle's Christmas Sale

2010-07-07T16:08:00.000-04:00

See? Told you my fave designers had kits on sale. :) Chelle's Creations has some fab winter/Christmas kits on SALE. I can't even tell you which one's my favorite because I love them ALL. If I had to pick, I'd choose Gingerbread. Yum. LOL Sled on over to Scrapmatters to get yours!!!

Christmas in July sale

2010-07-07T14:13:00.001-04:00

ScrapMatters is having a SALE!!! Starting today and going through next Tuesday get your favorite things on sale. You know you need to stock up on Christmas-themed kits, right??? Now's the time!

My favorite designers have things on sale! Hooray! ScrapMuss has a NEW kit, Knit me a winter mini, as well as Christmas in your heart mini and Capture this: Christmas photomasks.

See you there: ScrapMatters

Shame on me!!!

2010-06-14T12:06:00.000-04:00

I have been terrible at posting here. I'm so sorry!! I've got so many things going on and everything can't be on the top of my priority list. So unfortunately, this blog has taken a back seat for a few weeks. But, I'm here now, and I've got lots to tell you about! Last Friday, some of my favorite designers released some new kits. So, let's take a look, shall we?

First is this awesome collab kit from Sarah Bennett Designs and Connie Prince called "Just Like Dad." It was featured in the ScrapMatters newsletter (ironically, the same one I was in :)*) and is on sale at SM. Here's a look at the kit:

This is a totally awesome, fun kit to scrap Dad stuff, or anything else, really. Here's what I did with it:

Also last Friday Chelle's Creations released this brilliant kit for scrapping camping trips or visits to national parks called On the Trail. I also used the Word Art Pack for the headline. I happened to scrap a recent trip to the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo. See all the cool things you can do with it? Here's a look at the kit:

And here's what I scrapped with it:

And last, but NOT least, is the kit released Friday by Scrapmuss Designs called Alex in Paperland. I wanted to find just the right photo to scrap with this kit and since it was about "paper" I decided to scrap a paper theme. I caught my little guy in an empty diaper box with his pal, Doggie, and thought it was perfect! Here's a look at the kit:

And here's my page:

I'm featured in Scrap Matters' June Newsletter

2010-06-12T21:23:00.000-04:00

Oh my gosh!!! What an honor... I've been featured in the June issue of ScrapMatters.com's Newsletter. WOW! Here's the link - take a read. My page is toward the end (page 15 or 16 I think).

It's late and I've got to get the kiddo to bed, but I wanted to share this. Hooray!!

Freebie Monday with a Scrapmuss Designs Kit

2010-06-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday, everyone!! I've got a super fun freebie today. I have a serious addiction to Scrapmuss Designs' kit, "Nocturne De Fleur". Seriously... I can't stop using it! It's so versatile with black and white papers and the pops of vibrant colors. If you don't already have this kit, GO GET IT! Plus, it's the featured kit of the month, so it's ON SALE! You'll be surprised at how many things you can scrap with this kit. You can find it exclusively at ScrapMatters.

And now, for the freebie! I created a "framed" word art and a word art by itself.

Download it HERE.

I was inspired by how lovely my garden looks right now, and thought this would be a great cornerstone piece for a layout. I hope you enjoy it. If you download it, please remember to say Spasibo (or Thank You!). Have a wonderful week!

New Releases from Chelle's Creations

2010-05-21T11:35:00.000-04:00

Hi! I've got my head above water for just a few minutes! Long enough to tell you about Chelle's new release today. My BFF Maria will love this kit - it's perfect for scrapping her love of Ren Faires. But it's so versatile - snakes, reptiles, dragons, knights... you name it... even Tiggers. Who knew? LOL

Here's look at Chelle's kit and a LO I made with it.

Get it today and through this weekend and get it on sale!! Go here...

Still plugging away on QOS

2010-05-11T15:08:00.000-04:00

Sorry I've been so quiet... but it's the month of Queen of Scrap. I'm working hard to get as many awesome layouts as I can done and posted before the end of the month. Here are a few I've done:

Queen of Scrap

2010-05-06T02:21:00.001-04:00

Well...I'm sorry I haven't posted since iNSD weekend. Hope everyone had a good one and got lots of scrapping done. For those who rode the Man in the Moon blog train - woot! woot! What fun!!!!

Now the next thing on my agenda is competing in Queen of Scrap at ScrapMatters.com. Survivor is over (I GOT THIRD by the way!!! I was super excited!) now so I needed another challenge to occupy my time. (Time?? WHAT time?) So anyway, thought I'd share my latest layout. It's my new favorite because I love the story so much. Enjoy.

It's a BLOG TRAIN!!!!

2010-04-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

This is your next stop on the Man in the Moon Designs Blog train and I'm so excited you're here!! I hope you're having a great Day-Before-iNSD Day. :) I've got a cluster frame freebie for you made from Ro's new kit, Wild Things. I just love this kit and I hope you will too. Get in in Man in the Moon Designs' Grab Bag during the iNSD celebration at ScrapMatters.com.

I've created a cluster frame for you using Wild Things. Here's the preview:

Click this link to download

Now, on to your next stop. Here's the entire blog train:

Ro

Kim
Bree
Carrin
Melissa
Kendall
Cara <----- YOU ARE HERE
Maria

Birthday Sale at Scrapmuss Designs!!!

2010-04-19T00:13:00.000-04:00

Celebrate Maria's son's 9th birthday by taking 20% off her products on Monday and Tuesday only! What a sweet sale, right?? So on April 19 and 20, go to ScrapMatters.com, click Store and select any of Scrapmuss Designs' products. When you check out, use the coupon code below and get your 20% off. Hurry, sale ends soon!!!

New Releases at Scrapmuss Designs and Man in the Moon Designs

2010-04-12T02:11:00.001-04:00

Sorry I'm a bit tardy in posting my fave new releases this week. On Friday two new kits were released at ScrapMatters.com that I want to tell you about. First, there's a stunning, gorgeous new kit from Scrapmuss Designs called "Music of My Memories." This is such a wonderful kit for scrapping those old family photos - and frankly for anything you want to make a keepsake. It is just so beautiful! Here's the preview:

And here's the LO I created with it...

The next kit is soooo super cute and fun I could NOT stop scrapping with it. (Of course, it doesn't hurt that my favorite pictures to take of my little guy are in the tub. LOL) This kit is from Man in the Moon Designs and is called "Good Clean Fun". Here's the preview:

And here are two of the many layouts I made with this kit:

The text is linked, so go check them out today!!

New Releases at Chelle's Creations

2010-04-03T00:56:00.000-04:00

Chelle released an awesome new kit... just in time for the greatest American season... spring? NO! Baseball season. :) For those of you with T-ball or Little League games - even school and pro games, you have to get this kit. And, as always, Chelle's offering the most common colors as an add-on too, not to mention, the perfect add-on for girl's softball. How great is that? Click here to get Chelle's fun new kit.

Here's the new kit:

Made some papers for my survivor layout...

2010-04-01T01:17:00.000-04:00

I made some papers for my Scrapping Survivor layout for Challenge #2. I couldn't find exactly what I wanted, so I made my own... and I'm sharing them with you. Here's the link to 4Shared to download the blue textured paper. I'll come back and add the yellow/peach paper later.

Download here.

Here's my LO:

Here are the instructions:
Challenge Week 2- The Sunsets and Sunrises

You have been in on this Safari for a few days and nights now. I am sure you will all agree that the Sunsets and Sunrises of the Savanna are absolutely amazing!!

But there is nothing like home is there? I would like you to Scrap a Layout using a photograph of the Sunset or Sunrise in your hometown.

The Rules-

•The LO must have at least one Photograph of the Sunset or Sunrise at your home.

•The Photograph must be the largest of all photos in the LO.

•The color of your LO must be taken from the colors in the photograph. Example- if your sunset is orange, pink, and blue- your paper, elements etc must be orange, pink, and blue. Look through your stash for just the perfect colors goodies- or adjust the hue/ saturation of any goodies to match your Sunset/ sunrise photograph.
Additional Rules-

Deadline for LO to be posted is Monday April 5 - 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

The 10 ladies that have immunity- they still MUST complete and post their LO by the deadline- but they are safe from the vote off.

MUST be posted in the Season 2 *Scrapping Safari* Gallery Challenge Week 2

AND

MUST post in tribal council Week 1 in the forum

LO must follow guidelines of the challenge.

You can use any scrapping goodies you would like- you do not have to use GingerScraps products.

NO templates allowed.

Survivor2 - Scrapping Safari

2010-03-28T01:05:00.000-04:00

I've barely caught my breath from participating in the Amazing Digital Scrap Race 5 when Survivor 2 -Scrapping Safari started! What was I thinking??? Hmmmm... probably that I love to scrap and I love a challenge! This one's a little more serious - there' only ONE ultimate survivor at the end of this competition. I'm hoping it will be me. I'm already working on some alliances. But in the end, it's my layouts that will get me eliminated or to the finals.

Here's the first week's challenge:

You will need to create a LO with a safari theme. We are not monkeying around this year.

This layout Must to include All the following items:
•At least one jungle print paper somewhere on your layout
•Tiki torch
•Monkey
•Foliage (tree or plant)
•The word Safari
•Border (Around a photo or around the whole LO)
•A large title

And here's my layout:

If you want to leave me some love, I'd appreciate it. Click here.
I'll let you know how I do....

New Releases from Chelle's Creations and Man in the Moon Designs

2010-03-23T13:46:00.000-04:00

I've been under the weather, so I'm sorry I didn't get this up sooner... but here are awesome new releases from Chelle's Creations and Man in the Moon Designs.

I just love this kit, Easter Morning, from Man in the Moon and Stolen Moments - isn't the bunny the cutest?? And yum... I could just take a bite out of that chocolate bunny... I think that's why they made the chocolate alpha (with the bites out of it - LOL). I'm inspired to take tons of pictures this Easter so I can use this kit over and over! I find new things to love about it every time I use it.

And although Drew's not old enough to be a basketball star, I really think Chelle's Slam Dunk is so fun! I can see using it with Drew playing basketball in the driveway or being in the gym at the Y. It's surprisingly versatile! Here it is...

Check them out. You will love them, I promise!

Been too busy to post!

2010-03-18T14:12:00.002-04:00

Lots going on... lots of work on creative teams!!! I've got a couple layouts to share and then I'll have something exciting for you on Monday. *Anxious* It'll be great!

Here are some LOs I've been working on,..

This layout is of my nephew, my brother and my dad. I just love it... and ScrapMuss Designs had the perfect kit to use to showcase it, BeautiFALL. You can get it at ScrapMatters. I submitted this layout for Challenge 11 of the ADSR5 too. :)

And here's a layout for Chelle's Creations new super cute kit, The Carrot Patch. You can get that exclusively at ScrapMatters.

Have a great day!

Chelle's Creations new Friday release

2010-03-13T00:28:00.001-05:00

Check out Chelle's super cute release that came out today!! Think of what you could do with all of your Egg Hunt and Easter pictures. Awesome, right?? I especially love the cute little felt bunnies. Cute... cute... cute!!! Here it is:

The Carrot Patch - this link will take you to Chelle's Store at ScrapMatters. Get yours before Monday and you get 20% off her kit!! Buy early and save. :) C'mon... you know it's too cute to live without. LOL

Click on the title link to go to Chelle's Blog.

My Chalenge 9 for ADSR

2010-03-10T09:19:00.000-05:00

Here are the instructions for this challenge:

The first step of the challenge is to look at the color wheel. You and your partner must choose opposing colors on the wheel, so for example, if you pick blue, your partner must use orange. It should be the predominant color in the layout but it does not have to be the only color used.

The second step is incorporate this quote in some way: “Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.” - Mary Lou Cook

You can use any part of this quote as your inspiration. For example, you could make a layout about growing. You could make a layout about breaking the rules, etc. You can use any part of the quotes or words from the quote. The quote itself does NOT have to appear on your page.

The third step is to include the following: You MUST include paint. This item is mandatory.

Then, pick 7 more from this list: swirls, glitter, black and white photo, 2 alphas, something metal, stitching,
patterned paper, funky font, journaling.

Here's my "eye catching" LO:

It's a GOOOOOOOD Day!!

2010-03-06T18:52:00.000-05:00

I just received news today that I'll be joining the Creative Teams for TWO, count 'em, TWO awesome designers: Man in the Moon Designs and ScrapperGirl Designs. I am seriously on cloud nine!!! So not only am I working for Chelle's Creations, but now I get to create for these great gals too. Awesome!!!!

Chelle's Creations new release!

2010-03-06T18:31:00.000-05:00

Chelle just released a beauty of an alpha and just in time for Saint Patrick’s Day! It is Lucky Me Alpha. Check it out! Here's a preview:

Click here to be taken to her store at ScrapMatters.

New Purse on it's way

2010-03-06T18:27:00.000-05:00

I just designed and ordered my next new purse! Love it! Here's a look at both sides.

Want one?? Comment here or go to my Facebook page and we'll start creating YOUR special purse.

I finally got a Speed Scrap in!

2010-02-28T15:42:00.002-05:00

Last night, after months of being absent, I finally was able to participate in a Speed Scrap at ScrapMatters. It was fun! For those of you not familiar with a speed scrap, the host offers you a direction/instruction every 10 minutes for an hour. Here were the instructions for last night...

1. First choose your PIC!. We’re going for a SPRING theme here because I’m sick of rain and I know a lot of you are sick of snow! It’s just gloomy, so find a spring pic or even a snow pic that you can make a spring LO with – because we’re all sick of winter!

2. Choose ONE background paper, plus just one other paper for picture matting purposes. Mat your pic however you like.

3. Frame your picture twice!

4. Add foliage of some kind to your LO.

5. Throw on a scattering of elements – sprinkles, flowers, beads, anything – just scatter away!

6. Use two ribbons and a piece of lace!

7. Finally, title, date, and add your shadows! Embellish some more if you like, and remember you only have until 9:15 PST (12:15 EST) to finish your LO and upload it to the SS #201 Gallery and link it back up in this forum thread.

Here's what I did with it:

Chelle's Creations new release!

2010-02-26T14:59:00.000-05:00

Chelle’s released an awesome new kit “Penalty Box”. It is perfect for any hockey pictures you may have. It would also be great for pictures involving the Olympics and other winter sports! It comes with basic colors and a coupon for one additional color-coordinating mini kit. Get yours today at ScrapMatters. Isn't it FUN?!?!?!?

I'm back on the wagon!

2010-02-26T14:53:00.000-05:00

Hmmm... sounds a little like a 12-step program or something, doesn't it? That's not what I meant at all. LOL. What I meant was I'm feeling better after my last post and I'm back to scrapping and designing again with my confidence back intact. You know, not joining ScrapMatters CT is a bump in the road that I'll hopefully overcome if I apply again. There WERE so many people who applied that I'm sure I wasn't the only one who took it hard.

Okay - ANYWAY, here's my latest Digi-scrap layout which is actually a Disney layout. I started out scrapping our trip with pictures that I liked and decided I needed to be a bit more methodical so that I didn't forget any pieces of the trip to scrap. So this LO is when we arrived at our resort the first day of our trip. Hooray! Enjoy.

ScrapMatters CT

2010-02-23T23:44:00.000-05:00

Here I am... I took a serious blow to my creative ego tonight when I learned that I did not make the Creative Team at ScrapMatters. I keep telling myself that there were more than 130 applicants for 30 spots... and other great scrappers didn't make it either... and they said it was a really hard decision... but I suprised myself with how I am reacting. Crushed.

ADSR Challenge 5

2010-02-22T19:06:00.000-05:00

Here's my challenge #5 LO for the Amazing Digital Scrapbook Race... of course featuring my FAVORITE topic, my little boy...

Here are the instructions:
Pretty Scrappy Recipe Challenge

The requirements for this challenge are fairly simple. Follow the guidelines being as creative as possible using the recipe below. You can incorporate other items into your layout, but you must use at least 6 of the items listed. Since this is the month of Valentine's Day, your special challenge is to incorporate CHOCOLATE into your layout. So, 6 items in the recipe and chocolate!

* 1 ribbon * 1 tree

* 1 button * 1 staple

* 2 papers * 1 set of stitching

* 1 frame * 1 tag

* 1 flower * 1 alpha

SO, I used six elements (see if you can identify them) and my "chocolate inspiration" was the name of the kit... Chocolate Frosted Snowflakes. Plus, the sepia-toned photos make Thumper and Miss Bunny look like Chocolate Bunnies (it is getting close to Easter, after all!).

The Amazing Digital Scrap Race

2010-02-15T02:27:00.000-05:00

It's challenge #3 and I've already got this one on the books.... Here are the instructions:

1. One focal photo with selective coloring

2. 20 or more words of journaling with possible highlights

3. At least one date element!

This challenge was fun - especially since I was baffled about what to do with these photos from Epcot. Once I started rolling, I couldn't stop working on it! I spent 4 hours straight on it - until 2:30 in the morning!! (Boy, Drew's going to be up early and I'll be hurting!) Anyway, it was worth it... I really like how this layout turned out and captured the event. Enjoy!

If you want to leave me some love, click here!

New Releases at Chelle's Creations

2010-02-13T18:37:00.000-05:00

Chelle released a super-cute Valentine sweetie themed kit this week. Here's a look:

See her blog by clicking here: Chelle's Creations

A Few Dreams Come True....

2010-02-11T13:12:00.000-05:00

I know it's been awhile since I blogged, but there has been a lot going on. First, we took our first Family Vacation!! Thanks to my in-laws, we flew down to Orlando and went to Disney World!!!! (It was our Christmas present from them to us - wow, right?) All five of us got to experience Drew's first visit to WDW and see the absolute wonder and joy on his face. It was awesome! I'll attach one of my fave pictures....

Drew, Miss Bunny and Thumper

Okay, the other cool thing is that I'm on the Creative Team for my favorite designer, Chelle's Creations!!! I couldn't be more thrilled! Here's a link to her blog: http://www.chelles-creations.blogspot.com/. Love, love, love her stuff. And now that I'm home with plenty of pictures to scrap, I'll be going crazy!!! Here's my first layout:

And finally... the other cool thing going on right now is that my friend, Maria, and I are doing the Amazing Digital Scrap Race 5. Doesn't that sound fun?? I'm working on my first layout now - Maria's already got hers done, of course. She's always Johnny-on-the-spot!! And hers is awesome (well... because it talks about ME!) - really, it's because it's a beautiful layout. I'll try and link it back up later. :)

Got lots to do. Be back soon. <3

Scrappily-Ever-After

2010-01-07T00:15:00.000-05:00

My good friend, Maria, at Scrappily-Ever-After has some great freebies that she posted to her blog. Check them out by clicking the link. There's a template freebie if you follow her designs on facebook and she also has a really cool calendar template. Go take a look.

Hope Your Holidays Were Awesome!

2010-01-02T20:44:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe that the holidays are over already! I'm not ready for it to be blah blah January. The highlight is that I will be working on tons of projects this month which is exciting. So, if you're feeling blah too, dig out your photos, go through them, and send them to me. Let me create something for you that will lift your spirits!

Happy 2010 to you!

The Exciting Day is almost here...

2009-11-29T23:53:00.000-05:00

My guest spot on WM[squared] Designs' Creative Team begins on Tuesday!!! I am SO EXCITED!!!! Click the link on the title to check out her blog and her awesome products... tell her Cara sent you. ;)

I'm Inspired!

2009-11-13T17:56:00.000-05:00

I got some great news from a friend that has inspired me (but I can't yet share what it is). You'll have to stay tuned to see what news I'm talking about. Anyway, I am so happy and loving life right now -- and I can't wait to do some scrapping to express it.

Have a great day, everybody!

Happy Hump Day!

2009-11-12T01:34:00.000-05:00

I've been so swamped that I haven't had time to scrap. What is it with real life, anyway? I got a TON of new stuff when celebrating Digital Scrapbooking Day and haven't even unzipped them all. I look forward to getting to scrap again... hopefully before December! At least I know I'll get to then, because I'm guesting for the month at WM[squared] Designs. I'm counting down the days!!!! You can visit her blog by clicking here.

Happy Digital Scrapbooking Day from Cara Olson Designs!

2009-11-06T14:36:00.000-05:00

Greetings!!! And happy Digital Scrapbooking Day. It's a feeding frenzy at the digital scrapbooking supply sites I visit - so if you're in the market for some digi-scrap things, I suggest visiting Scrap Matters or your favorite site to make a purchase. If you're just getting started in digital scrapbooking, I suggest buying a little something today or tomorrow since everything is at such a great discount. And remember, you can always download my FREEBIE Christmas paper kit too, to help get you started. My digi-partner, Maria, is also offering some great FREEBIE papers. Check out her blog, Scrappily-Ever-After.

Scrap...scrap...scrap away everyone!

Christmas Papers

2009-11-02T17:58:00.002-05:00

I've uploaded and linked a FREEBIE for you - 10 Christmas papers!! Click on the "Download from 4Shared" links to the right. Soon my partner in scrappiness, Maria at Scrappily Ever After will have additional coordinating papers and embellies. Enjoy! Thanks for visiting my blog!

Happy Halloween!!

2009-10-31T17:42:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween, everyone! Tonight is the annual Defiance Lion's Club Halloween Parade, but I think Big D is still too little to participate. I'm not sure he'd sit still long enough! So, since we didn't get to Granny's for trick-or-treat on Thursday, we'll be heading there tonight. I'll post Halloween Desings within the next couple days. Have a safe and Happy Halloween!!

A recent scrapbook page

2009-10-27T14:36:00.002-04:00

I recently put this page together after going to Sauder Village's Fall at the Farm. It was such fun! This page was done during a Speed Scrap at scrapmatters.com.

Damsels-in-De-Stress Designs and Cara Olson Designs creating collab kits

2009-10-26T15:57:00.001-04:00

Maria (Damsels in Distress Designs) and Cara (Cara Olson Designs) are currently creating some new and very cute digital scrapbooking kits. Stay tuned to see a sneak peek and find out how to get yours FREE!

I'm a Guest Designer for WM[squared] Designs in December

2009-10-26T15:49:00.001-04:00

I'm super excited!!! I'll be using Wendy's kits and designing layouts for her in December! Cool, right? She's got some really awesome things and I can't wait to get my hands on them and start creating. WOW!

Working on my graphics...

2009-10-25T12:06:00.000-04:00

Well, I guess as a designer, I'd better start designing for my own blog, shouldn't I? That's what's on my agenda for today. For now, I'm "borowing" the skeleton of my colleague/friend/awesome inspiration Maria. Thanks, M!! Time for lunch then I'll get crackin'.

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2009-10-24T19:50:00.002-04:00

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