Yankee Clipper Inn

Hi everyone -here is a layout I created using Theresa Collin's Far and Away collection.
I just love the colors and coordinating embellishments!

These photos are from a trip we took at Easter in 2009 to Rockport, Mass and stayed at an Inn.  We met our oldest son there  - who had been away at college in NH and spent the weekend with him. The Easter Bunny even stopped by with baskets :-).

Thanks for stopping by!
((HUGS)) ~ Sherri

Happy Halloween!!

Hi Everyone -  Tonight is "Goosey Night" here in my little neck of Northern NJ. I don't know many places around the country/world that call it that. Some say "Cabbage Night" or "Mischief Night" -but it is Goosey Night where I live!


Since tomorrow is Halloween - I want to share a "SPOOKY" kind of layout I made for a class I taught at a FUN scrap weekend, last week.  I will also be teaching the Water Distress/Tearing Technique at Scrap-a-Doodle Doo's's weekend event THIS weekend - and they will have KITS for sale at the event - and ON LINE - while supplies last!!!

I JUST LOVE Graphic 45's SteamPunk Spells, and I think the Water Distress/Tearing Technique helps to make this layout and the colors of the papers POP!

I also used Punchinella, Ranger Distress Stains, Feathers, and Chipboard Gears which I made SPARKLE with  Zig's Wink of Stella Brush Glitter in Clear - this stuff is SO HOT!!  LUV IT!!

I hope you like it!  Call the store 201-818-7060 if you want a KIT  $25.00 +shipping - while they last!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!


Thanks for stopping by!
((HUGS)) ~ Sherri

Hollywood Studios

Hi Scrappy friends - this is a layout I created using Overlays from Mary Inness at http://www.paperpiecingbydesign.com/  

The overlays are the royal blue color.  As you must know by now, I need lots of pattern and "STUFF" going on on my layouts so I have to admit, I found the overlays a bit challenging.

I knew I wanted to use the white, yellow and blue swirl paper, and some of my photos didn't quite fit in the frames on the diecut, so I used the paper to fill in the gaps, and also as part of the background.  I had some Mickey Head confetti pieces from our trip that I added too. 

I really had fun with these layouts - I hope they inspire you to give overlays a try - they are really a unique way to personalize and capture your special memories.

Check out Mary's website - and LIKE her Facebook page  Original Overlays  to see more of her products.   Tell her Sherri Caramico sent you :-)

Now take sometime for yourself and get creative!

((HUGS)) ~ Sherri

Hawaiian Nights

I want to share another layout I made using the sketch from
Scrap-a-Doodle Doo's October Sketch Challenge with you.
I really love this sketch and had lots of fun using it more than once.

I created this layout to showcase 2 of my favorite photos from our 30th Anniversary Cruise that we took just about 1 year ago, in October 2012.  We sailed on The Disney Wonder, from Los Angeles to the Hawaiian Islands, and back.  It was a 14 night cruise, and it was an AWESOME TRIP!

The photos show Phil and I with our 2 new friends and tablemates, sitting at "our table" in one of the nightclubs on the ship, and then Phil and I dressed up for the Halloween Party.  To say that we had a GREAT TIME, would be an understatement.

I loved using Graphic 45's Tropical Travelogue Collection on this page.  I used a piece of black Bazzill Cardstock for the base, I inked the edges of it with Tarnished Brass Ranger Distress Stain. Besides lots of papers from the collection, I used the coordinating stickers, along with chipboard elements.

I Love all the colors in this G45 Collection and their vintage tropical feel.

Thanks for stopping by!

((HUGS)) ~ Sherri

Hawaiian Mixology Fun!

I had a great scrappy weekend at my favorite LSS  Scrap-a-Doodle Doo, creating and laughing with friends.   I actually finished 3 - YES - 3 layouts!!  - I think that is an all time record for me!!

I want to share one of them with you now. 

The 2 photos on this page are actually the same shot.  I love duplicating photos in different sizes on a layout.  It was taken aboard our 14night Disney Wonder Cruise to Hawaii, in October of 2012, where we celebrated our  30th Wedding Anniversary.

Disney held drink "tastings" throughout the cruise ( for adults of course!) and on this day, we attended 2 of them!  First a Bloody Mary tasting - then this one, a Hawaiian Mixology "Class."

Needless to say, we didn't "learn" much - and our little section of the class was "shushed" a few times!!  - REALLY!  LOL!! - Like those other people were actually going to learn how to mix  ( and then remember how to make)  Hawaiian Cocktails after drinking 5 of them, out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean!!   Besides, our bartender, who by the way was VERY NICE, kept telling us (with a bit of a heavy accent,) that we didn't shake some of these drinks - we should instead "STEER" them, and proceeded to show us a "Stirring" motion.

Anyway - as you can see, we had LOTS OF FUN, and LOTS OF LAUGHS.........

I decided to use all kinds of papers, layers, and a combination of stickers that I had in my stash for this layout.   The layout was all centered around and started with,  the Reminisce Luau paper and the BIG Coconut Drink sticker, that I received as a great give-a-way at a previous Scrap-a-Doodle Doo Weekend event.  I loved how the cherry in the sticker (bottom right corner) complimented the red in my hubby's shirt in the photos.  I decided to mat the photos in red too. 

Since I only had 1 piece of the Luau paper - I cut out the Tiki God and leaves, leaving the bamboo frame.  I glued that to a piece of peach paper from Basic Grey's Marrakech Collection - the other patterned papers were from my stash too and from different manufacturers.  I used the back side of the center of the Luau paper too.  See the strip with the coconut drinks behind the big Tiki God - and the tags.  

All of the edges were distressed to roughen them up - and then inked with different colored Distress Stains.    I also am lovin' using twine or string, and hanging little banners/flags from them - I think the twine used on this layout plays off of the piece of burlap I used - don't you?


Thanks for stopping by -  I hope I've inspired you to play with lots of layers and textures and HAVE FUN documenting your memories!

~ Sherri

October Sketch Challenge "SAY CHEESE!"

Hello my Scrappy Friends!

Can you believe it is OCTOBER already!!  - Here on the east coast there is already a chill in the air and crisp cool mornings are upon us!

I created an "Inspiration" layout for Scrap-a-Doodle Doo's October Challenge - PLEASE head on over to their BLOG and check out this cool sketch!  I hope you will be inspired to play along too!


THE DOO is going to take it easy on us this month and is only using a ONE PAGE CHALLENGE Layout this time. You can even use up some of your scraps for it - but I opted to break in my NEW GOODIES from Simple Stories "SAY CHEESE" line and kicked the sketch up a notch for ya!

I still have lots of photos left to scrap from my 50th Birthday trip to WDW back in September of 2011 - talk about time flying!! LOL!! - so I broke open my "purple bag of goodies" from my favorite ON-LINE and Local Scrapbook Store  - Scrap-a-Doodle Doo - and had a BLAST using my new "haul" of Simple Stories "SAY CHEESE" papers and embellishments!!

Here is my take on the sketch - What do you think?

I JUST LOVE this paper line - well - I kinda LOVE most ALL of Simple Stories paper lines - but combine their GREAT products along with a DISNEY Theme - and YOU KNOW I'M SOLD!!

Above is a close up showing how I layered their chipboard elements, along with fussy cut papers, (the camera which was added with foam dots for added dimension) stickers and even a brad.  I inked the edges of the camera with Ranger Distress Stain - Picket Fence (white.)

Here is 1/2 of the 4"x6" Transparent Overlays that was included as a "bonus" in the 12x12 Collection pack.  I cut it in half and used "MAGIC" as the title. I glued it on by adding straight line glue dots under the black letters. If you look closely, you may be able to see where I added the Clear ZIG Wink of Stella to each of the small white dots - it makes really it sparkle "in person!"

Above you can see where I added the top half of the 4"x6" Transparency, on top of the other paper elements.  I also added some of the stars from the chipboard collection on top of the transparency for added interest too!

Below is the complete list of ITEMS USED:  (Click on the underlined words/links to find them at THE DOO!)

Bazzill Black Cardstock
Bazzill RED DOT Cardstock
Simple Stories Say Cheese 12x12 Collection Kit - using:
#3306 "Believe"
#3314 "2x12 Border, 4x12 Title Strip Elements"
Fundamental Cardstock Stickers
Expressions Cardstock Stickers
4x6 Transparency photo overlay ( Bonus included in the 12x12 Collection Kit)
Say Cheese Sn@p Cuts
Say Cheese Chipboard Stickers
Say Cheese Sn@p Cards
Say Cheese Decorative Brads
Ranger Distress Stain - Black Soot
Ranger Distress Stain - Picket Fences
Zig Wink of Stella "CLEAR" Brush

If you'd like to purchase any of the above products, head on over to the store's website, or just click on the links above.

I hope the layout above and this sketch has inspired you to give The Doo's OCTOBER SKETCH CHALLENGE a try!   So come on - and get Scrappy With It!

GOOD LUCK and HAPPY SCRAPPIN'!

Oct 17th Class at THE DOO Let's "Get Sketchy With It!"

Join me at my next class at Scrap-a-Doodle Doo

Thursday, October 17th, at 6:30pm and LET'S "GET SKETCHY WITH IT!"

Have you ever WANTED to try to enter a SKETCH Challenge/Contest?

Are you NOT SURE what they are all about, or even how to "DOO IT?"

Have you NEVER worked with a SKETCH before and are not sure WHY you would want too?

If you answered YES to any of these question - then....

Please join us on Thursday evening, October 17th at 6:30pm and we'll not only answer

those questions, BUT you will ALSO LEARN how much FUN and VERSATILE SKETCHES can be!  Class Cost is $18.00

In this class, we will show you how to make a 1 page 12x12 layout

using the sketch from Scrap-a-Doodle Doo's October Sketch Challenge.

Here is a SNEAK PEEK - the sample is in the store!

You will ALSO be automatically entered into "THE DOO's"
October Sketch Challenge, and be eligible to be selected (by a random generator,)
to WIN a $10.00 Gift Certificate to Scrap-a-Doodle Doo!

SPECIAL DEAL!!! - DURING THE CLASS  ALL HALLOWEEN ITEMS will be 20% OFF - (excluding classes and kits of the month) FOR STUDENTS ONLY!

The layout you will be making in class will be Halloween Themed,

and will be all ready for you to add (2) 4x6" photos (one Vertical and one Horizontal.)

We will also show you layouts with different themes,

to show you how you can use a sketch over and over again.

(Students will receive copy of the sketch in their kit,

and most elements will be pre-cut for you.)

SEATING is VERY LIMITED for this EVENT!  We hope you can join us!

Please CALL the Store at 201-818-7060 to reserve your seat before they are all gone!

THANKS! ~ Sherri

Experiments in Mixology!

A friend at work told me about a Martini she made with Lemoncello last weekend - I decided to give it a try last night, but tweaked it a little bit. 

 

Here is my version -

I am calling it a "COSMOCELLO" - and it is for sure a KEEPER!!

 

 

 

It is pretty simple to make, and if you are having a party,

you can make it by the pitcher too!

 

2 parts Cran-Lemonade*

(*I found this at the supermarket -it is marked "NEW," if you can't find it - I'd substitute regular Cranberry Juice and increase the fresh lemon juice.)

1 part Vodka

1/2 part Lemoncello

Splash of fresh lemon juice

Lemon rind twist for garnish

 

Enjoy -but be careful - they go down pretty easily!

 

Oct 26th Steampunk Spells 2 page Layout Class - New Windsor, NY

Hi Everyone!   I will have the opportunity to attend a CROP in New Windsor, NY, for the first time, with a new bunch of ladies next month ( Oct 26-27,) and have been asked to be a guest designer / teacher while there!!  I am very excited to meet this group, and to be teaching this class!!

It will feature Graphic 45's HOT NEW "Steampunk Spells" Collection, (just in time for Halloween)  and it will be filled with lots of FUN techniques! This 2 page layout (SNEAK PEEK below,) also features, Flowers, Feathers, Gears, Gems, Punchinella, even a Spider and a Metal Key!!
  
Students will learn: Water Distressing, Paper Tearing, Edge Distressing (with Ranger's Distress Stains,) Stamping, paper layering, and how to get the most out of your patterned papers. All techniques that you can use over and over on future projects too!
 
Class / Kits are LIMITED to 12 - Many components will be pre-cut. Complete Instructions will be included! 
  

I LOVE the colors in this G45 paper line and I'm happy with how this 2 page layout turned out!

If you are in the area, and are interested in attending - you do not need to attend the crop.  Just contact the organizer through the Meet Up Link to see if seating is still available.

PS - If any of you are attending Scrap-a-Doodle Doo's November 1-3rd Weekend Crop - I will be teaching this class there too!

Thanks for stopping by!
~ Sherri

Kissing Daisy!

Here is a layout I made earlier this month.   It highlights photos from my 50th Birthday Trip to WDW, in Sept of 2011 - yes, I know - I am and will ALWAYS be "BEHIND" in my scrapping!!  I am not a chronological scrapper - I work on whatever photos / memories "call to me!" LOL!

These photos make me laugh!  Daisy wanted nothing to do with me at first and was flirting with my hubby Phil something awful!! LOL! - We were happy to be able to see Daisy too - as in past trips to WDW, Daisy's always been "kind of shy" and hard to find.  ( Yes, I LOVE WDW and all the MAGIC and PIXIE DUST it brings with it!!)


I also LOVE to MIX IT UP when scrapping and this Layout incorporates patterned papers and elements from many different manufacturers and includes lots of different textures.  I hope you like it!

 

 

All of the products used on this layout were purchased at SCRAP-A-DOODLE DOO, in Ramsey, NJ - you can purchase from them ON LINE TOO!

 

I used 3 different shades of pink Bazzill cardstock to mat my photos and the entire layout, and 2 of them were Swiss Dot.

 

All of the edges were inked with Ranger Distress Stain, in either Peacock Feathers or Picked Raspberry.

 

I love the Teal Punchinella -don't you?

 

The papers used were from My Mind's Eye - My Girl "Fancy Free" and "Multi Plaid," along with Remininsce "Magical Princess."

 

I added feathers from Bella Blvd, and the wooden embellishment is from Studio Calico. 

 

Add to that some Teal and Pink Bling (which I grouped in 3's to make Mickey heads,) a few flowers, and some Teal Thickers - and there you have it.

 

So try "mixing it up" when you are creating your next layout - it's LOTS OF FUN!

 

Happy Scrappin' !!

((HUGS)) ~ Sherri

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



"Attitudes are the only Disability"

My AMAZING UNCLE, Mr. Robert M. Zito, passed away on the morning of Sunday, August 26, 2012, just a little over 1 year ago.

Today, September 7th, would have been his 63rd birthday.

I have promised myself, that I would not forget, and that I will continue to share his amazing story.   One way we are doing that, I am happy to say, is with a yearly scholarship awarded in his name and memory, at his High School Alma Matter.  We presented the first of what we hope will be many awards, this past May, to a young lady who will be going into the nursing field.

I will share his story every year, to celebrate and remember his life on his birthday. May it provide you with inspiration....


My AMAZING UNCLE, Robert Zito, passed away on August 26, 2012, at the age of 61.  He had been in a wheelchair for 47 years, since he broke his neck in a backyard swimming pool accident, at the age of 15.

Even though his injury defined him as a quadriplegic, he never considered himself disabled or handicapped.

With just partial use and strength in his arms, and the use of just one finger on each hand, he was able to accomplish so many things.

Some things that those of us with the full use of our arms, legs, hands and fingers, would never be able to do, and do on a daily basis.

He drove a 2 door car -before there were handicap vans, and pushed himself in his wheelchair, before there were power chairs.  He would transfer himself by sliding from his chair, to a board, and then into the passenger seat of his car. He would then fold up his chair, put it in the back seat behind him, and slide himself all the way over to the driver's seat, and off he'd go, using hand controls.

We were not allowed to help him - we had to stand there and watch him - He had to do it all on his own.

He graduated from Hawthorne High School with his class in 1968, and then from The Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts. He was a gifted artist. 

He went on to learn computer programming and got a job in New York City, with Met Life as a graphic artist. He drove into the city every day, parked his car, and worked in the Met Life Building, until he was transferred to the Lebanon, NJ area about 15 years ago.  He got married and had a son.

All of this with just the partial use of his arms and 2 fingers.

He touched so many lives by just being Bob.  Just a guy, who happened to be in a wheelchair. He never felt sorry for himself, or complained.  His favorite T-shirt said "Attitudes are the only Disability."
 
He had a way to make people forget about the wheelchair - he never let it define him -he never let it stop him.

He was a strong man who was put to so many tests. Weaker men would have given up long ago. He lived a very full and wonderful life, until his body got the best of him over his last 5 years or so, which were spent in and out of hospitals. Even after he lost a leg from the hip down due to bed sore complications almost 3 years ago, he kept on going. He was even doing community service, helping senior citizens use computers at his local library up until 2 months before he died.

So I ask you, please remember my Uncle Bob and go through life ignoring and overcoming your "disabilities"  - however big or small they may be - don't say you can't do something - have strength and try your best to overcome adversity and reach your goals.  

He was a crazy, funny man who loved life, and loved us. Besides asking for "Spirit in the Sky," "Born to be Wild," and "Magic Carpet Ride," to be played at his wake, he also asked that we BE HAPPY.

So I will ask you, please remember my Uncle Bob and go through life ignoring your "disabilities" - however big or small they may be - don't say you can't do something - have strength and try your best to overcome or reach your goals, and most of all Be Happy.

He fought a good fight, but now it is his turn to rest and no longer struggle. He leaves a hole in our lives, but has filled our hearts with love, laughter and wonderful memories.

This is one of my favorite photos of him, my Mom and I. It was taken in April 2012.

I LOVE YOU and MISS YOU Uncle Bob, I will NEVER forget you, and I will  always try to be strong like you and live by your example.  Thank you for being in our lives.  ((HUGS)) ~ Sherri

September Challenge at THE DOO!

Hi Everyone!   Sorry, I've been slacking in my blog posting, but I've had a busy last 2 months, with a Graduation Party for my son - then vacation prep, and a wonderful 2 week relaxing vacation with my family in August.  I almost started shaking, and going through "Scrap-Withdrawal" these last few weeks, and while I REALLY enjoyed the party and the vacation -I'm happy to be able to get "my scrap back on" again too!

It's the 1st of the Month - so that means it's Sketch Challenge time over at Scrap-a- Doodle Doo!
(FYI - THE DOO - is our Local Scrapbook Store - and an On-Line store too!  They have all the latest and greatest scrapbooking supplies - and lots of hard to find items too.  With THOUSANDS of items in stock - you are sure to find what you need! - Check them out - www.scrap-a-doodledoo.com and SUPPORT our Local Scrapbook Stores!)


They chose a sketch from Pinterest again this month - there is such INSPIRATION on that website!!
(CLICK on all the photos below to see the details)

Now, for those of you that know me - you know that I'm all about layers, and mixing patterned paper.   This sketch was a challenge to me at first, with all that white space!!  After a trip to THE DOO - I found this AWESOME NEW Paper Line "SNAPSHOTS" from Bella Blvd and I just "had to have it!!"  I decided it was perfect and used it to really put my own twist on the sketch by filling that white space in!  What do you think?......

These photos are from our trip to North Topsail Beach, NC, a few weeks ago. We had a great time relaxing, and I had a blast "Snapping Pics!"  I LOVE LOVE LOVE the layered banners!!!  I'm going to have to use this idea on layouts in the future!! 

Here are some close ups for you:

These are Tim Holtz Grungeboard letters that I bought at THE DOO -years ago!  I colored them with Distress Stains, then glittered them with my new  HOT NEW "ZIG" Wink of Stella Brush with CLEAR Glitter - the added a coat of DIMENSIONAL MAGIC to make them even shinier! - By the way D*O*T*D noted on the first photo stands for "Drink Of The Day" - which is a "must have" when Chillaxin' on the beach!

I also used my ZIG Wink of Stella brush to highlight and go over some of the doodling on the Bella Blvd "Family Chaos" paper below, and above on one of the elements that I cut out of that paper, matted, then pop-dotted as an embellishment on the layout.

More Glitter swirls from the ZIG brush, I highlighted the word "together" and glittered all of the heart doodles. You can see a close up of those lovely banners -edges inked with Ranger Distress Stains!
 

Here are the items from The Doo that I used:
Bella Blvd SNAPSHOTS - Family Chaos
Bella Blvd SNAPSHOTS - Point of View
Bella Blvd SNAPSHOTS - Borders

My Mind's Eye "Cut and Paste" embellishment pack

Ranger Distress Stain - Peacock Feathers
Ranger Distress Stain - Ripe Persimmon
Ranger Distress Stain - Black Soot
Bazzill Cardstock 
ZIG Wink Stella Brush -Clear
Scor-Tape
Dimensional Magic
Tim Holtz Grungeboard letters

SO - Head on over to THE DOO's BLOG POST with all the info on how YOU can play along!

Thanks for stopping by!
((HUGS)) ~ Sherri

My next Class "Not so Minnie" Mini Album -9/20/13 - VIDEO SNEAK PEEK ADDED!!

MARK your calendars and SAVE THE DATE for my Next Class

at Scrap-a-Doodle Doo!

When?  September 20th, 6:30PM

Where? Scrap-a-Doodle Doo

             37 C Swan Street

             Ramsey, NJ

             201-818-7060
Class/Kit  Cost : $35.00

 

We will be making a 6"x8" "Not so Minnie" Mini Album

~ Using Simple Stories HOT NEW "Say Cheese" Paper line!

 

 

 

 

I'm SO IN LOVE with this line!!!

 ( go figure huh? - I mean it's DISNEY-ish -so it's a given! LOL!)  I've all ready pre-ordered

ONE of EVERYTHING in this line with Stephanie at Scrap-a-Doodle Doo! 

You can order on line if you are not near by!

 

This "mini" features lots of Flip Up and Flip Out pages and Pockets and Tags EVERYWHERE!  I'll even give you the instructions to re-create it over and over again with any theme or paper line!  You are going to LOVE IT!

 

 Here is a Sneak Peek of the front cover - the sample will be in the store soon.

 

I AM SO EXCITED and I LOVE how this "Mini" came out - so  I actually made a VIDEO with a FULL Sneak Peek for you!!
Check it out - let me know what you think!!

 

I have a feeling this class is going to sell out quickly,  

So - please CALL the store to reserve your seat/kit, 201-818-7060!

 

I really hope you can join me - it's going to be so much FUN!!

 

((Hugs)) ~ Sherri

Everyone deserves a little "me" time!

Well, JULY certainly has been a VERY BUSY month for "me!"   I thought things were supposed to calm down a little in the summer months!!  I guess I will have to wait until our beach vacation in August!!

I spent MUCH of my June and July planning and preparing for my youngest son Jake's Graduation Party.  I made the centerpieces and the luminaries that I shared on a previous post, along with a cool Photo Op stand.  ( I'll try to put a post up with pics and ideas of the event in the near future.)

As a TREAT to "me" - the week after the party, I attended a WONDERFUL weekend crop - hosted by Scrap-a-Doodle Doo!   Stephanie and THE DOO CREW always put on a GREAT EVENT - absolutely TOP NOTCH in every way!

The theme was "Down the Shore" - and most of us, being "Jersey Girls," really felt right at home!!  The weather played right along with the theme - as temperatures on Friday and Saturday were in the 90's!!  But we were cool and comfortable in the BEAUTIFUL Crown Plaza Hotel in Suffern, NY.

I had an incredible time laughing and relaxing with friends.  The food was AMAZING - the chef really outdid himself and even gave us a "Clambake" on Saturday night!

And - my good friend Pattie always makes "THEMED" desserts for the event - just look at these ADORABLE flip flop cookies and floating bear mini-cupcakes!!

HOW STINKIN' COOL ARE THEY!!??

SO -keeping with the "me" weekend theme - I've had these 2 photos of "me" that were taken in 2011 when we visited San Diego.  There was a "touch pond" in Sea World, and they had these incredibly beautiful and unusual STARFISH. ( Rarely am I in a photograph, as I am usually the one with the camera, but my son took these 2 shots of me with one of the neat starfish.)   I kinda liked how they came out, and used the get-a-way weekend as my opportunity to PLAY with the photos and the HOT NEW Graphic 45 Bohemian Bazzar paper line that I picked up at THE DOO a few weeks ago.  I just LOVE how very FUN the colors and patterns are!

Here is my "me" Layout:

Lots of layers, colors, textures, patterns 

- YUP!  That's "me!"  :-)

The chipboard piece is from THE DUSTY ATTIC - I first painted it with Ranger RUSTY HINGE Distress Paint - then sprayed it with layers of Glimmer Mist, until I achieve the colors I wanted.  I used Chalkboard INCHWORM, along with some Glimmer Glam DIRTY MARTINI for the green, and added some bling.  The red flowers were sprayed with LED RED, and the little dots on the end of the flowers were highlighted with Aqua Ranger Distress Stickles.

Here is a close up:

l

I used layers of the Bohemian Bazaar Tags and pockets for both the mat on the smaller photo, and behind it as well.  Then, before adding a piece of fishing net under the flower grouping and over the "me" tag on the left side of the page, I placed it in the upper corner right of the yellow and white polka dot base and sprayed it with Glimmer Mist - to act like a mask.  They kind of "mirror" each other and I really think the more solid and darker color behind the Dusty Attic piece helped to "pop" it as well.  I inked the edges of all papers with either Peacock Feathers or Ripe Persimmon Ranger Distress Stains too!

Here you can see some of the fishing net, and the cool large starfish that I stamped on Bazzill swiss dot orange paper -then heat embossed with cranberry embossing powder.  Can you see the starfish I am holding?  I think it came out pretty close don't you?!!   I was so happy with it, that I made 2 of them and used them both.   Then  I added the real little red starfish was from my friend Pattie -who had a jar of Mud Puddles Sea Life collection and kindly shared her little red starfish with me :-)  The flowers are from my "stash" but are mostly PRIMA I'm sure!  ( LOVE PRIMA FLOWERS!) Can you see the little resin Prima Light Bulb that says "ME" hiding amongst the flowers?

I've had the tag that I used in this layout in my stash for some time - I had Glimmer Misted it with yellows and oranges using a mask  when I was just "playing around" and never found a place to put it.  I thought it worked well with this layout, and added some PRIMA Canvas letters that I painted with Glimmer Mist Chalkboard "Inchworm" and then outlined with a fine point Sharpie Marker.  I added this cool Turquoise and Green fringed ribbon that I got from a cute little Esty Shop called Hydrangea  Hippo, and there are also 2 sprigs of green and clear "Bling Spray" that I purchased from there as well.

So there you have it - my "me" weekend and layout.   I hope I've inspired you to play with lots layers, colors, prints and textures and to most importantly - do something for yourself!  Everyone deserves a little "me" time!

((Hugs)) ~ Sherri

What's for Dinner?

So this post has nothing to do with paper or scrapbooking -but from time to time I've been know to share a recipe or two -as I love to cook (almost ) as much as I love to scrap.  I guess it's just the whole "create" thing!

Tonight I made Tilapia with a fresh tomato, avocado, white bean side dish.  I had a similar version of this as a special at a local restaurant a few months ago, and couldn't wait to make it myself.

Here is a picture .... doesn't it look yummy?!! 

 

 

It's sooo easy to make and I just love the "freshness" of it -  here is how I made it - you can add/subtract whatever you would like and I'm sure it would be just as good:

 

Ingredients:

Olive Oil

1-1.5 Vidalia Onions

4 cloves Garlic

1 lg can Canellini Beans - drained

@ 8-10 small tomatoes

Fresh Basil

Fresh Parsley

1-2 ripe Avocados

Season with Red Pepper Flakes, Granulated Garlic Powder & Salt and Pepper

Tilapia Filets

Smoked Paprika

 

Saute the Vidalia Onion in a little olive oil

When just soft - add 4 cloves of minced garlic, along with 1 large can of white / Cannellini beans (drained and rinsed.) along with salt, pepper, garlic powder and hot pepper flakes.

Add a little more olive oil if the pan seems too dry.

Cook until garlic is just soft - you do not want the beans to get mushy.  Turn off heat.

 

Meanwhile cut up some small plum or grape tomatoes ( I was lucky enough to be able to go nextdoor to my Dad's garden and pick some right off the vine!)  I probably used @ 8-10 of them that were a little smaller than a golfball.  Next cut up / chop the basil and parsley together, and cut the avocados into cubes. Hold all of this together until fish is almost done.

 

In another skillet -heat a small amount of olive oil.  Season the Tilapia on each side with Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder and Smoked Paprika.  Add to hot pan and cook on each side until fish is done/flaky.

 

While fish is cooking - @ 1/2 way through, right before you flip it over - Turn the onion/beans back on, and add the tomato/avocado/herb mixture to the onions and beans and stir lightly until heated and incorporated.  Serve with fish when done.

 

That's it!  Let me know if you give this a try! Add a comment below if you do - I'd love to hear from you and I hope you ENJOY!

 

 

((HUGS)) ~ Sherri

 

 

 

 

 

A Double Dare Challenge!

Hi everyone!  July is here and with the start of a new month, comes a new challenge from my friends over at Scrap-a-Doodle Doo!

I had the pleasure of posting the challenge this month - and since we are halfway through 2013 ( can you beleive it??!)  we thought we'd "Kick July Up A Knotch" and give you a FUN 2 PAGE Challenge this month!!  We also decided to use a sketch we found on Pinterest ( yes, we too spend so many hours there!)   We sure hope you will play along with us this month !  
I DOUBLE DARE YOU!

First - here are all the details on how it works:

We post a sketch challenge each month, (both on this BLOG and on THE DOO's Facebook Page.) Qualifying participants will be entered to win a $10 Gift Certificate to Scrap-A-Doodle Doo. In order to qualify, you must interpret the sketch provided (so we can "see" it!) and submit your entry via Mr. Linky below before the end of the month. Because this is a Scrap-A-Doodle Doo sponsored challenge, ONLY layouts, cards, or projects submitted that use products carried/sold by Scrap-A-Doodle Doo will be eligible to win the Gift Certificate. Because Scrap-A-Doodle Doo has literally THOUSANDS of items from over 250+ manufacturers, this should be easy! :)  Winner will be chosen by a random generator on the 15th of the following month (in this case August 15th) Contest is only open to US residents, but EVERYONE is welcome to play along!

So head on over to the store's website, check out the product listing using the search feature to verify that the products you are using are carried by the store, and then get crafty!! :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 ** CLICK on the PHOTOS for larger views **

Here is July's Sketch - ( It's a cool one right?! I can hear those wheels turning in your head already!)

Oh all the WONDERFUL things I know you guys are going to be able to do with this sketch!

I can't wait to see them!

So without further "A-DOO," here is my take on the sketch -  (YUP, another "JAKE" Layout - I'm still playing catch-up, and making layouts for his High School Graduation book/present - I've only got 2 more weeks left - YIKES!!)

I LOVE how the design of this sketch "moves" you through the photos on the layout - the large circle shape on the left page attracts your eyes first, and draws you to the Title - so you know what this layout is all about 

The other 2 circles seem to "frame" the photos in, or hold them in place, on the right page.  I think the "blockiness" of the patterned papers behind the photos helps to add color ( even though it is monochromatic in my case) and I like how the strips along the bottom kind of anchor everything to the page.

I also had fun adding some "funky" journaling to this layout too -  be sure to click on it to enlarge the layout so you can find it!


ALL of the products / items I used were purchased at Scrap-a-Doodle Doo, but are no longer in stock (other than the Bazzill Card stock)  I used papers and embellishments from Bo Bunny's ZOOLOGY line.  I think this layout would look great with any paper line - especially with the new Bo Bunny SURPRISE! Collection. Since my layout is of Jake's 8th Birthday Party, I could have easily used the FUN new line from Bo Bunny - it is called: SURPRISE!  Have you seen it?   Check out all the great products  Just Click on this photo :

and a list will appear! -REALLY - It WILL - just TRY IT! :-)  You are going to LOVE the colors! There are 2 pages of STUFF!

Well, I hope I've inspired you to GET CRAFTY!!  Don't worry if you don't have circles or a machine to cut them - how about tracing a plate with a marker? or drawing a line and stitching, maybe a ring of buttons or bling? 

So come on - and get Scrappy With It! Head on over to the Scrap-a-Doodle Doo Blog for MORE INSPIRATION from Stephanie - and be sure to LINK up your photo with the Linky Button! 

GOOD LUCK and HAPPY SCRAPPIN'!   Feel free to SHARE with your friends too!