MLSS February Sketch Challenge "You are my Heart"

Hi everyone - I want to share a layout I made for the My Little Scrapbook - Scrapbook Layouts and More Facebook page! February Sketch Challenge.

Here is Sketch:

It is a 2 pager - but I decided to only use the page on the right.

Here is my layout:

This was an important layout for me to make. My husband Phil had a Widow Maker heart attack on August 13th, 2021.  He was moved from our nearby hospital here in New Jersey, to New York Columbia Presbyterian hospital in New York City on August 15th.

He was in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit from the 15th to the 28th, and on life support machines for almost the first week. He was in very critical condition and it was a very scary time. I drove into NYC everyday and stayed from 10am to 8-9pm. 

We are blessed that he was in such a great hospital and that he has an amazing team of Doctors taking care of him.  While he has heart failure due to damage done from the attack, and he has a long road ahead, as has been put on the heart transplant list as a "6" - he is doing so much better and getting stronger.

This photo was taken 10 days after arriving at NYP, 12 days after his massive heart attack.  We have been blessed with so much love, prayers and support. I shared this first photo of him on my social media with Phil sitting up in bed, smiling and giving a "thumbs up!" 

There is a journaling tag tucked behind the photo that I have yet to journal on as it is hard to put into words how I felt that day - but I will journal something eventually.

Anyway - I LOVED the colors and layers from this Simple Stories "HEART" Collection that I used to capture the blessing that I see in this photo. 

Here are some close ups, and a few process photos. I've listed the items used below some of the photos and at the bottom of this post.

YAY Phil!!!  I LOVE YOU!

This chipboard heart and heart beat is from a very cool Etsy Shop "Some Assemblage Required"  I used a teal gel pen to color in the heart beat, and painted the heart with Vicki Boutin Gold Glaze Creative FX and topped it with Nuvo Glimmer Paste "Celebrate Gold"

I love the large chipboard shape that I covered with the yellow patterned paper and then stenciled over it using a Brutus Monroe Jagged Heart Stencil and Ranger Distress Oxide Ink in Salvaged Patina. How sweet are those washi tapes too!

How cute is this heart!!  LOVE that Nuvo Glimmer paste!!

I also used the Distress Oxide Ink in Salvaged Patina with this fun Dotted Line Layering Stencil from Stamper's Anonymous.

You can see the beautiful gold and glimmer from the VB Gold Glaze and the Nuvo Glimmer paste that I painted on parts of the heart.

Look at that Nuvo Glimmer paste shine on that heart!  I also watered down some of the VB Gold Creative FX and splattered it all over the layout.  I cut out the teal "REMEMBER" from another sheet from the collection and popped it up for more dimension.

Below are a few "behind the scenes" work in progress photos for you:

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope I've inspired you to get crafty with it and try something new!

Treat each day as a GIFT as each one is precious!

Be Well and Stay Safe ~ (((HUGS)) ~ Sherri

Items used:

Simple Stories "HEART" Collection:  Chipboard Stickers, 2x2 Elements, Washi Tape, 6x12 Simple Set Cardstock Stickers, Papers used were: I Love You, Forever in my Heart, Treasured Memories, Element #2, I Never Forget, Remember, 4x6 Elements, Forever
Tim Holtz Stamper's Anonymous Dotted Line Stencil
Brutus Monroe Jagged Heart
Ranger Distress Ink - Mustard Seed and Oxide Ink -Salvage Patina
Ranger Distress Stain - Picket Fence, Tarnished Brass
Vicki Boutin's CreativeFX Gold Glaze
Nuvo Glimmer Paste - Glitterati Gold
Thickers - Navy
Some Assemblage Required Chipboard shape

SOS - Sketch Challenge - "Chicago Pizza Tour"

Hello Everyone - I hope this post finds you all doing well!  

It is time for this month's Sketch Challenge over at the Scrap Our Stash Blog ! 

We encourage you to play along with us, using the sketch below as your inspiration - and also be sure to use KRAFT PAPER and at least ONE METAL EMBELLISHMENT!!

I decided to scrap a few photos that were taken at the beginning of February - while on a Chicago Pizza Tour, during a sales meeting that I planned for the new company I work for.

Everyone had a great time, and it was a great team building event. We took a beautiful luxury bus to 3 different famous pizza restaurants in Chicago along with a great guide who told us all about each location, pizza facts, and info about Chicago.  If you are ever in Chicago - be sure to check out Chicago Pizza Tours!!  The photos in this layout are from our visit to Flo and Santo's  - famous for their thin crust pizza.  It was really good -but they cut their round pies into squares in Chicago -  very different than the way we do it in New Jersey!

For my base page, I used a piece of Kraft Resist Paper, from a 12x12 pad of Tim Holtz Idea-ology, that I have had forever!!  I then used a TWC Mini Brick Stencil, along with a Nuvo brush and Taylored Expressions Earl Grey Ink to create the brick design in all 4 corners of the layout.   I also used it to ink all of the edges of my papers, including the torn ones - 

I like how it all came out. 

Here are the sales team members who attended the meeting  - It was so great to be able to put faces to names and voices! Everyone was so nice, and the Pizza Tour was really a hit!   

I created a little tag with journaling to tuck behind the photo of the group.

Here is the back of the tag and you can see the metal brads that I added for the challenge.

You can also see the splatters of Glimmer Mist that I used.

More metal brads some FUN metal Flair, and those cool inked/distressed edges! 

(and those square pieces of pizza too! LOL!)

I used different types and fonts of letters for my title.  I love how it turned out!

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you can find some time to escape and play along with us this month at the Scrap Our Stash Blog!  Head on over there to see more inspiration from the other Design Team members, Contest Rules, Prize Info and where you can link up your layout too! 

I can't wait to see what you will create!!

Items used:

Tim Holtz - Idea-ology Kraft Resist paper pad

Simple Stories - So Rad "Authentic"

My Mind's Eye - Stella and Rose - Hattie n Happy, Polka Dots Paper

PaperHouse - NYC Collection

TCW Mini Bricks Stencil

My Mind's Eye Jubilee and Cut and Paste Brads

October Afternoon - Snapshots Tin Pins Flair

Nuvo Brush

Taylored Expressions - Earl Grey Ink

Jillibean Soup - Mini Alpha - Spicy Social Soup and AlphaBeans - Organic Orange stickers

Ruby Rock-it -Upstairs Downstairs Chipboard Alphas

Glimmer Mist - Jack O'Lantern, Raven, Burnt Red

Dreaming of Vacation - Challenge YOUrself Blog #78

HELLO my scrappy friends.  Sending Love and Hugs from New Jersey. The world is a crazy place right now, and I hope you are all doing well.   This month's challenge from the Challenge YOUrself Blog makes you think about Summer Dreams - and be sure to include a photo of YOU!

Summer makes me DREAM of Vacation - and one of our favorite vacations to take is a Cruise!  I decided to use a photo of my hubby and I from our last cruise this past October. We had a delicious dinner at Le Bistro Restaurant on the NCL Escape - on our cruise to the beautiful Island of Bermuda.  We have hopes to sail again on the NCL Encore this November with our sons.... we will have to wait and see if we feel safe in taking that trip!

Here is where I used the "Dream" prompt in the challenge - I used these Tim Holtz stickers that I have had for ever - to create the journaling on my tag.

I hope I've inspired you to play along with us at the Challenge YOUrself Blog - Please join in the fun - and escape and find a little YOU time this month!

((HUGS)) ~ Sherri

Items used:

Carta Bella "Deep Blue Sea" -Element Stickers, Sea Creatures, Row Your Boat, Anchors Away, Ephemera, Frames & Tags

Carta Bella "Ahoy There" - Sail Boats

My Mind's Eye - By the Sea - Open Seas

Nuvo Crystal Drops - Simple White

Ranger Distress Stain - Blue Print Sketch, Barn Door, Picket Fence, Vintage Photo

Twine

Tim Holtz Idea-ology Chit Chat Stickers

Brads

Challenge YOUrself's April Black and White Challenge - "Hashtag Awesome"

Hello everyone!  WOW - what a difference one month makes!!  Who would have thought so many of us would be staying at home and tying to stay safe from COVID-19.  I am so happy to have my scrappy crafty outlet where I can try to escape from the crazy reality - I hope none of you are directly affected and that you and your families are and stay safe!

This month the Challenge YOUrself Blog is challenging you to use a Black and White Photo - with YOU in it!  I love this challenge - Black and White photos give you so many options - you can either go with any or all colors, or, like I did - stick to black and white and one or 2 complimentary colors.  I chose to add different teals  - papers, washi tape, cardstock, alphas, brads and ink.

I decided to use a photo of my friends and I when we went to NYC last January.  One of our stops was Ground Zero and we took a selfie in front of the Oculus.  I love these ladies, and cherish the fun times we have together! 

Here are some close ups for you - can you see the glossy accents that I used on some of the camera lenses?

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I really hope you and your family are doing well, and staying safe, and that you can find some time to destress from the worries of the world these days.
Please give yourself some YOU time and join us at the Challenge YOUrself Blog - stop by the Blog and check out all of the wonderful inspiration layouts from the rest of the Design Team along with Prize info and Challenge Rules!

((HUGS)) ~ Sherri

Items used:

October Afternoon  - Camera Bag

Echo Park - Capture Life - Good Times

Simple Stories - "Heart" Element #1, I Love You

Washi Tapes

Ranger Distress Stains - Picket Fence, Tarnished Brass, Evergreen Bough, Black Soot

Studio Calico - Chipboard Cameras

Heidi Swapp - Alphas

Selfie Brads

My Mind's Eye - Cut and Paste -Enamel Shapes and Decorative Brads

CartaBella - Snow Fun -Enamel Dots

Tim Holtz Idea-ology Alpha Parts

American Crafts Thickers "Skyler"

Ranger Glossy Accents

"Traditions" SOS January Sketch Plus Challenge

Hello Everyone!  I hope 2020 has treated you well so far!  Half of the month is over already and that means it is time for the 2nd challenge from the Scrap Our Stash Blog for January!  Today we are bringing you this FUN sketch - and have added 2 addition challenges for you.  

In addition to using this sketch as inspiration, 

you need to use CHEVRON patterned paper and something GOLD.

Here is my Design Team Inspiration Layout for you - I used photos from our 2017 Thanksgiving Dinner.  I love hosting Thanksgiving every year, and spending time with our family. This year we were blessed to have some friends join us too!  Besides time together, one of the thing I treasure most about Thanksgiving is carrying on Family TRADITIONS.  

I decided to highlight 3 of them in this layout 

by placing them in the film strip element of the sketch.

The first photo shows our tradition of enjoying Bloody Mary's when everyone arrives, and serving them in an antique cut glass pitcher that was my Great Great Aunt Ethel's.  She passed away at 98 years old, and this year it will be 30 years since she left us!  

Wow, I can't believe that!

The second photo shows the centerpiece of the day - the Turkey stuffed with Aunt Ethel's Stuffing recipe.  The memories this brings back are wonderful.  

We are actually blessed to be living in Aunt Ethel's house and enjoyed many Thanksgiving dinners that she cooked for us here.

The third photo is of the delicious Apple Mutzens and pumpkin pie that my Mom makes. Our son Jake has been helping her make these for the last few years on Thanksgiving morning.  The recipe is from my Great Grandmother Bess, who was Aunt Ethel's sister. 

That platter of Mutzens is always the first thing to disappear!

Here are some more close ups for you:

Thanks for stopping by! I hope the sketch and my layout inspire you to play along with us at the Scrap Our Stash Blog this month - head on over there for Challenge Rules, Prize info and lots more inspiration from our Design Team!

((HUGS)) ~ Sherri  

Items used:

Echo Park - "I Love Candy" Candy Stripe (chevron)

PhotoPlay - "We are Family" - from the My Little Scrapbook Store

  Element Stickers, Forever, Traditions, Thankful, Cardstock Ephemera

Thickers - Kacie

My Minds Eye -"Yes Please" Gold enamel shapes

Close to My Heart - resin flowers

Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher 

Paper Twine

Ranger Distress Stains - Picket Fence, Blue Print Sketch, Fossilized Amber, Barn Door

February SOS Golden Globe Challenge "Love Actually"

It is time for the next "Golden Globe" Stash Challenge from the Scrap Our Stash Blog!  The Challenge is for you to create a layout inspired by the movie "Love Actually" - AND - you must include TWINE on our layout AND the word LOVE in your Title!!  You have until Feb 28th to enter - Details and Prize Info can be found on the SOS Blog!

And here is my layout for the Scrap Our Stash Design Team and for your inspiration.

This is a photo of my hubby and I - "way back when" we first started dating.  Yes, we were High School Sweethearts, and started dating back in 1976. I was 15, and he was 17.  We are one of the lucky ones, as we have been married for 35 years now, and there is no one else I would want to grow old with.  He truly is "My Endless Love."

I use LOTS, I mean LOTS of stuff from my stash!! This photo has been around a long time - ( how is it possible that it was taken 41 years ago??!! )  For the challenge - you can see I used the word LOVE in my title, and a few other places on the page.  I also used TWINE to tie the envelope closed, on the paper key embellishment, and on the cute little heart in the little envelope. I am so happy with how the layout came out.

 Here are some close ups for you:

Oh how I remember that beautiful "sweater-coat." Who else remembers sweater-coats?  I love that one!! Phil had given it to me for our first Christmas so this photo must have been taken in the late winter, early spring of 1977. 
(Although I have to say, I have NO idea where this photo was taken!) 

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you will find some time in this short month, to get scrappy and play along with us at the SCRAP OUR STASH BLOG!

(((HUGS)) ~ Sherri

Items used:

Bazzill Cardstock - Boardwalk Brown

Tim Holtz Kraft paper with resist

Simple Stories "Generations" - Together and Live Love Laugh

                         "Documented" - Chevron

Tim Holtz Idea-ology -Adage Tickets and Big Chat

BoBunny "Timepiece" - Cut Outs

EK Success - Mini Fresh Cuts Stickers, Fresh Stickers, Love Unlocked

Dusty Attic "Wordplay" #3 and #4

Ranger Distress Spray - Tarnished Brass

Ranger Distress Stain - Tarnished Brass, Ground Espresso, Fired Brick

Sew Easy - Bakers Twine

We R Memory Keepers - Sequin Stickers

Queen and Co. - Washi Tape, Nightfall Pearls, Twinkle Goosebumps

Nuvo - Crystal Drops - Antique Rose

Prima Flowers - Engraver

Jillebean Soup - Wood Sprinkles

Ranger Dyed Ink Pad - Cocao

Stamping Up roller stamp

Maya Road - Kraft Envelope

Challenge YOUrself Blog #48 "A Dream is a Wish your Heart makes"

It is time for the next SUPER Challenge from over at the Challenge YOUrself Blog - This month, we challenge you to make a layout that uses your favorite quote as your inspiration and you also must INCLUDE YOU in your layout!  

Check out the Challenge YOUrself Blog for all the contest rules, prize info and lots more inspiration from the rest of the talented Design Team!!

Here is my DT Inspiration Layout for you - I chose the quote "A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes" - It is one of my favorite quotes - and from one of my favorite movies - Cinderella.  I selected that quote and this photo of my hubby of 35 years and I, because he always makes me feel like a Princess!

Here are some close ups for you!

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you play along with us this month at The Challenge YOUrself Blog! I can't wait to see what your favorite quote is and how it inspires YOU!!

Wishing you and your family the 

HAPPIEST of Holiday Seasons!

(((HUGS))) ~ Sherri

Items used:

Base Page - Prima "Flirty Little Secret" - Coy

Prima Flowers - Interlude D

Bella Blvd - Oh My Hearts

Cocoa Vanilla Studio - Free Spirit Flair

Dusty Attic - Floral Corners

Tim Holtz - Small Talk Stickers

Ranger Distress Stains - Peacock Feathers, Peeled Paint, Picked Raspberry

Nuvo Crystal Drops - Simply White, Red Berry, Caribbean Ocean

Nuvo Mousse - Citrus Green, Aquamarine

Adirondack Pearl Paint Dabber

Wink of Stella Green Glimmer Brush