If It's Groovy

Friday is Sketch Day!

2012-01-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to a Friday sketch from Michelle with her example on how it was used in her scrapbook :)Deb♥

Welcome to our Newest Designer, Jean!

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000-05:00

Some of you will have seen Jean on our blog a few times in the last week. She was our guest when she became the latest Pieces and Parts Designer, as well as helped us by participating in our birthday blog hop this past weekend :) WE are excited to start working with Jean and I know you will love her projects! Welcome Jean!

deI am here to prove that scrapping does not have to end just because your kids are growing up! I have a 28 year old daughter, Jennifer, who will be getting her PhD in May! She lives in Phoenix which is too far from Michigan. Rob, 23, graduated from college in May and works in Grand Rapids about 12 miles from home. He has an apartment in the city and wishes he were in Phoenix! Rob humors me by dying Easter eggs, going on pumpkin hunts, etc. all so I have photos to scrap. Jen is good at forwarding me photos of her life there so I can scrap that too. If I were to get caught up, there are always the old photos! I don't know that I have a particular style - it changes all the time. I also enjoy creating canvases. I look forward to meeting everyone here!

Blog Hop Winners!

2012-01-25T21:17:00.000-05:00

If you came by our one day blog hop let me say thanks and how much we enjoyed having you as always! We have a few winners to announce from those of us who were offering some goodies :)Be sure to click on their address by looking down the right side of this page.

My winner is Penny of http://scrap-aholic.blogspot.com/ so Penny please email at groovydeb@yahoo.comMichelle's winner is Lisa MJean's winner is Marianne

I Got Married!

2012-01-23T06:27:00.002-05:00

So, Rebecca, Lead Fiskateer, whom I lovingly call Mrs. Cassidy shared a sketch this month and I just knew what I needed to do. Yep, after almost 18 years of marriage I FINALLY made another wedding layout for my album. About time right? She had circles running down that sketch where on my page you see roses. I water colored those. Any chance to break the watercolor out is always a fun time!!! Thanks for coming by, Deb♥

One Day Birthday Blog Hop!

2012-01-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to If It's Groovy! Yeah it is our 3rd year!!! It is so hard to believe that we have been an active blog this long so THANK YOU for supporting us. We have a little blog hop to celebrate today and we hope you will enjoy as you make your way through each of The Groovy Chick's blogs showing projects made using the letters out of the word Birthday.

I have "B" and decided to make a birdhouse :)

I used papers from Paper Studio, Making Memories "Shopping Bag" acrylic paint, store brands of other colors, and together decorated this little home. I cut the pieces of paper first using a Fiskars Coastal Knife, which I love with it's ergonomical design, then attached them to the birdhouse with Aleene's tacky glue. Before attaching I did mix the paint into the glue so I managed to decorate at the same time as affixing :) I then just finished it off with some embellies, twigs and a bird cut from the same pad of paper used to design the house. To keep the bird from bending too fast I added lots of layers of the same glue to help harden up the paper.

TFL! Now it is time to go by and visit Michelle with her letter"I"

p.s. I am sending a little goodie bag to one person who leaves some luv at all of the blogs on this hop. Not to fret there are 7 ")

Friday Sketch with Heather

2012-01-20T13:36:00.001-05:00

Enjoy Heather's latest!Deb♥

A Retro ATC from Sheena

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

It is so awesome when an artist finds a new passion! Sheena is tapping into that as she comes back today with a new ATC. This is another example of awesome small arts!
Deb♥

I am fairly new at making ATC's, I am enjoying the learning process. ATC's are also a great way to try out new techniques. For this ATC, I was playing with some new stamps and layering different ink colors. This was a lot of fun to make and I love the message to "Enjoy Life".

Sibling Scrapbooking and Some News

2012-01-17T01:14:00.001-05:00

I have a new layout from Jen to share with you today. I think it is appropriately titled considering who is in her pics :) Take a look at her title. I love the mix of glittered letters!Deb♥

In an attempt to preserve as many baby/kid pics of myself and my brothers and family, I have been trying to scrapbook as many as I can before they get lost. This is a page is of me and my two brothers when we were little. I used the funky die-cut (I have been in die-cut paper mode lately..lol!) patterned paper because it reminded me of the colors that were popular when we were kids. Then I just added a strip of coordinating paper and some vintage buttons to go with my theme and some cool fabric letter stickers for the title. Scrap and protect those old family pics!

As Jen has shown her work on siblings, there is news to share. Jen is leaving her second term here at If It's Groovy, because she is adding on to her family. Hard to believe this is her second maternity leave from IIG! We love her and her work and anxiously will await the news of the newest baby to her household. Jen you will be missed, but sending nothing but good thoughts and prayers for healthy mom and baby!!!Deb♥

Pieces & Parts Designer: Jean

2012-01-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

We have another Pieces and Parts Designer for this month and her name is Jean! You can find her hanging out on her blog so after you have seen what she created with my leftovers be sure to click on the link to pay her a visit :) I asked Jean the big question, of course, and here is what she said about being a groovy chick...That is a tough question to answer as I don’t know that I am all that groovy. I love to create and scrap even though it is more and more difficult with two grown up kids! My 23 year old son is quite close by and puts up with my attempt to continue traditions such as Easter egg coloring and pumpkin hunting. My daughter in grad school is good about sending me photos of events that she has attended which allows me to scrap her life at school. I have ventured out the past year into creating canvases and doing more cards. I have learned that I enjoy the process and it is ok if it is not perfect and not to compare! I was lucky enough to attend the US of F in Michigan where I met other wonderful Fiskateers. This is a great place for inspiration!Here is what she has created to share and I have to say that I really cannot say which one I love the best. Having said that I would say she is DEFINITELY a groovy chick :)Thanks to Jean, Deb♥

More Birthday Celebrations

2012-01-12T00:00:00.002-05:00

I am so excited that If It's Groovy has a birthday!!! Here is a card from Jen!
Deb♥

For this card, I used up a patterned paper scrap from a previous scrapbook page.Then I added small letter stickers to spell happy birthday along with some pretty trim at the bottom and matching brads to finish it off. tfl! have a great day!

January is Birthday Month!

2012-01-11T00:00:00.003-05:00

This is birthday month for If It's Groovy, yep it's our 3rd birthday! Hard to believe but true! As we celebrate here is a cute card made by Heather to celebrate another's birthday!
Deb♥

Another card using the Get in Gear stamps from Raisin Boat! So perfect because you can use gears as not only an embellishment on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with trains and cars and machines!! Simple birthday card here for a little boy!

Pieces & Parts Designer: Cindy

2012-01-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone! It has been awhile, but I am bringing back a feature that was so much fun...that of the Pieces & Parts Designer! What happened was before this day came around I mailed my "leftovers" to Cindy and she created whatever she wanted using these things she received :) The only stipulation was to use only white card stock if any was needed which could be altered in anyway with the use of inks, chalks, the like, but absolutely no other embellies. Ready to meet Cindy and see what she created? Well here she is and I bet you have seen her because this girl knows how to hop around the Internet! She is must have the Energizer Bunny as her friend because I really do see her all over the scrap world! It is an honor to have her with us today :)

I asked Cindy what makes her a Groovy Chick and here is what she told me:Creativity is part of my daily life. No matter what I'm doing, I always manage to put my own spin on things and try different approaches or techniques. While paper crafting is my main love, I enjoy a huge variety of crafts. Over the years, I think I've tried them all. My creativity isn't just limited to crafting, as I love inventing recipes and have won quite a few cooking contests. Once you have checked out her projects be sure to leave a comment here and you may be chosen as the next Pieces & Parts Designer :) then hop over to Cindy's blog to say hello :)

Not Just for Laundry...

2012-01-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

When I think about the labor that goes into hanging clothes outside I know that clothespins are needed, but I sure like the way Tammy used hers instead!!!
Deb♥

It's an altered clothespin :) Easy to do...cut some paper to size, file it down on the edges and ink them, and embellish! You can use these on a layout, or add a magnet to the back and use it to hang notes on the fridge, or clip a giftcard to it and attach it to a card :) TFL, Tammy

You're So Negative: Heather

2012-01-06T00:00:00.002-05:00

I like to fill the page when I scrap!! Lots of papers, lots of layering, and, of course, lots of distressing!! So to do a challenge that calls for negative space is a little outside my comfort zone! But I think I was able to accomplish . . . even to my liking! lol
I sprayed glimmer mist on the background from one corner to another diagonally. I then added added the strip of paper with the hot air balloon and words on it. I put a transparency over the pic so the focus would be on my new (and first) great-nephew! I then added some little stickers, a couple prima flowers and a button. The stickers, papers and even punched border are all from Simple Stories Baby Steps Collection. It is so pretty and can be used for boys and girls! Lots of birds and owls in the collection also! I like it so much that I might be willing to leave some negative space more often!! Hope you enjoy and thanks for looking!

You're So Negative:Michelle

2012-01-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

Negative Space/White Space worked great for a opening page for a trip to Garvan Woodlands Gardens. We visited the gardens during our trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas. I haven't used my Creative Memories Custom Cutting Tools in a long time. So, out they came I used one of the Oval and one of the Circle Tools to make my openings in my cardstock.

You're So Negative: Viji

2012-01-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

I had fun creating this one. I created a layout where the amount of positive space is almost equal to the amount of negative space. I used acrylic paint for the background. I trimmed my photos in different sizes to give the layout some interesting lines. Then glued my pictures on the painted area, randomly spaced. Then I placed a piece of yellow card stock on both sides of the pictures to hold it all together. I placed my title and the journaled on the yellow cardstock and that's it! Hope you like what I did! Thanks for visiting IIG today!

You're So Negative: Sheena

2012-01-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

I love layouts with white(or negative) space. When I first learned about “white space”, I took it literally to mean blank, white space on my page, that didn‘t appeal to me. I was glad to learn that white space didn’t have to be white at all and now I love making layouts with white space. This layout was easy to put together once I chose my gold, background paper, I pulled several scraps of blues/grays that I thought would go with the picture. I cut them in blocks and arranged them until I was happy with the design. I finished up by adding my title and date. I love that this layout showcases one of my favorite pictures of my kids.

You're So Negative: Tammy

2012-01-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

A couple of years ago I played with my color settings on my camera at the fair. In the ferris wheel pics, I thought it was cool to focus on the blue of the sky. I used some Pink Paislee paper for the background, and a lot of fussy cut pieces of it too. But I also added a lot of non-traditional embellishments on this page...an inventory tag; a bingo marker; tickets; a milk cap; scrabble tiles; a paper clip; and washi tape. A little piece of Tim Holtz film tape, and a splatter of black acrylic paint and I'm done. Tammy

You're So Negative: Groovy Deb♥

2012-01-01T01:00:00.000-05:00

Negativity is just not a very healthy thing to have in our lives, but on a scrapbook page it can bring a whole new look to our books. I like making these type of layouts now and then since usually my pages have lots of "stuff" :) This lo is of our boy kitty Zorro. He thought he was clever climbing up into the tree looking to get closer to the birds. Look close and you will see a sticker right above his picture. He is quite the hunter let me tell ya! This time the only birds he got to get to close to though are the ones I added to the top of the page!!! Thanks as always for looking and I hope you join in!
Deb♥

January If It's Groovy Challenge

2012-01-01T00:00:00.001-05:00

A new year! A new attitude? So many use the new year to make resolutions and work out problems right? Well, this month The Groovy Chicks will show when being negative is a good thing. We hope you will play along by creating your own negative layout. Email groovydeb@yahoo.com if you too would like to play :)

Keep watching!Deb♥

New Project from Tami

2011-12-31T00:00:00.000-05:00

As 2011 comes to a close have you thought about all the projects you have made this year? I bet there are a lot! How about taking out the year by making something like this one by Tami???Deb♥It's a coaster magnet! I used a chipboard like coaster (you know, for drinks?), covered it with paper and chipboard, filed down the edges and inked them, and then I glued a magnet to the back. These are easy and fun to make, and you can usually find the coasters at your local dollar store :) I used Cosmo Cricket paper and chipboard, and some Stickles. TFL, Tammy

Friday Night Sketch (and Layout) with Michelle

2011-12-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

When I started my Nephew's page I had 2 different photos to use. One more formal and another showing some personality. I ended up using the formal one you can see, but for the mat I just cut off the cover that the picture came in. For the title I used the negative piece left over from cutting my words out on my Cricut. I added the Graduation Cap and Tassel to the empty space on the end. Using the same Cardstock cut a mat for my Nephew's name and mats for journaling or "class of".

Scraps with Viji!

2011-12-29T13:16:00.005-05:00

I know we can all relate to lots of scraps laying around at this time of year...a thought...grab some of the leftover Christmas wrap and then read on for what Viji did with scraps. Maybe you can be inspired to scrap with one type of paper or another?
Deb♥

I made this two page layout using scraps of paper from my stash! I want Sid to do the journaling for this one, so yes it is still not done! But I really want it to be his words..not mine! Using scraps is fun and its a good way to use all those tiny bits of paper you have! Happy Scrapping!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

We here at If It's Groovy so appreciate you taking time from your day to visit and would like to with you all a very Merry Christmas with many blessings!!!

Christmas Card Day 12

2011-12-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

Merry 12th day of the Christmas Card Countdown! Thanks to those who had time to come by :) I saved my favorite for last. I believe Santa is going to be coming to my house tonight, and I hope you also believe in the miracles of Christmas too :)Have a wonderful Christmas Eve!!!Deb♥

Christmas Card Day 11

2011-12-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas Eve Eve! Can you see how I iced my tree with Stickles? I used that yummy stuff as much as I could in these cards!!! Such a perfect snowy feel :)Deb♥

Christmas Card Day 10

2011-12-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorite cards so far for day 10. I continued using the MAMBI products and cut trees from a piece of paper in the line and had fun decorating the snow clouds with a little Stickles!Deb♥

Christmas Card Day 9

2011-12-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

Now how is this for a nice, full wreath? Cute chipboard for Day 9!Deb♥

Christmas Card Day 8

2011-12-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

Bells will be ringing! Yay! Deb♥

Christmas Card Day 7

2011-12-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

It's Day 7 of my Christmas card countdown and I can hardly believe it is almost time for Rudolph to fly through the air with Santa! Are you getting excited too?Deb♥

Christmas Card Day 6

2011-12-18T00:00:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas Day 6...here is another card as I count down to Christmas. Using the Christmas Specialty paper from MAMBI I cut out a tree and then decorated it with a little Fiskars heart punch and added some stars too :) Made for a very easy and fast card!Deb♥

Christmas Card Day 5

2011-12-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

Is it snowy there where you are? No? To add a little snow to my snowflakes made with Fiskars Bling Bling Squeeze Punch, I rubbed a little glue and some Doodlebug Designs Sugar Coating Glitter right on the punched piece, love that stuff! Hope your White Christmas is right around the corner :)Deb♥

Christmas Card Day 4

2011-12-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today is day 4! That means it is 10 days until Christmas! OMGoodness! Hope your shopping is going well :)Deb♥

Christmas Card Day 3

2011-12-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

Trimming the tree is so much fun, especially with Stickles!!!Have a merry day today!Deb♥

Christmas Card Day 2

2011-12-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

Have you put the Christmas tree up yet? If that big project is complete then it is time to create as I have done for day 2 in The 12 Days of Christmas Cards! Take a package of card fronts out and let's roll! I made the rosette by simply fan folding a 1" piece of paper back and forth. Glue the ends and tada a rosette for your Christmas greeting. I also used a Fiskars Apron Lace Border Punch :)Hope to see you tomorrow for my third card~
Deb♥

Welcome to 12 Days of Christmas Cards Day 1

2011-12-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone! It's not too late to make Christmas cards this year and I am going to share mine with you over the next 12 Days of Christmas Cards :) I hope they inspire you to carve out some crafty time and make a small card for someone special to you. Without further ado here is card one. All cards coming up will have been made with Me & My Big Ideas (mambiCHIPS), various punches and stamps. For this I stamped with Martha Stewart's Drippy Goo and a foam gingerbread boy.Have a sweet Christmas! See ya tomorrow :)Deb♥

All About Jen's Groovy Self

2011-12-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

Jen is groovy at 39!
Deb♥

I have, as part of my me book, been trying to do a page of me at each age,so, I figured that I should finally do a page of me @ 39 since in a few months I am going to be 40. Did I just say 40?!...wow I am gettin old! Not!:) Lol! For this age, I just loved the banners on the patterned paper and didn’t want to cover it up so I put my pic in the far corner with my Journaling in the banners then I outlined the two banners to bring your attention to that area of my page and title thus creating a white space above.

Tfl! Have a great day!

Thinking about Gold Yet?

2011-12-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

How about all of those commercials we hear for buying engagement rings during the holidays? Gold Christmas decorations? "Silver and Gold" coming from carolers? And...gold embossing on tags. Try this for your Christmas tags like Heather did!!!
Deb♥

I had so much fun making this tag and playing with some new scrappy goodness. I first started by distress inking the card. I then used embossing ink with the Get in Gear stamps from Raisin Boat. Instead of using regular embossing powder, I used the Tim Holtz distressed embossing powder! Love how the embossing turned out! I then added a Tim Holtz quote to the middle. Tie or staple some ribbon to the top and you have an inspiring manly tag.

A 2 Pager!!!

2011-12-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

So rare these days to see a 2 pager so when one of The Groovy Chicks show up with one I am elated! This is why! Take a look at all the movement on Viji's layout and how well her story is told just with her pictures! I love it! Deb♥

Happy Day! I am in love with Echo Park papers. They are so vibrant and happy, just perfect. I matched up the fence on all the pictures. I did the journaling under the photos. I took one photo and made it the focus of the layout. Banners add so much fun to a layout! This layout is fairly simple,just different pattern papers,banner,arranging the photos differently has made it pop! I hope I have inspired you a little today!

Friday Night Sketch with Heather

2011-12-09T17:00:00.000-05:00

It's Friday so you know what time it is right? Sketch time! Here is a new one from Heather :) Can you see this being used in more than one way? Suppose you change the Fall tree to a Christmas tree? If you use this one please let us see :) Deb♥

Sheena is Going Green

2011-12-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

There is nothing like using our scrappy supplies and the leftovers too! See for yourself what Sheena did :)
Deb♥

I just love when I can reuse something that would otherwise end up in the trash. Look how I used a sticker backing to make 2 awesome cards.

Out of Focus: Viji

2011-12-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

I loved this challenge! Orignal idea was to do a lift off layout, Sid throwing Anurag into the air. So Sid was just clicking some test pics to see if they were out of focus or not! I was just posing for fun :-) Later saw these photos, and came up with Charlie's Angels. I love this movie from 2000 starring Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu! Just a fun layout! I cut out the title on pazzles. The idea was to make the layout look like the poster. Hope I succeeded!

Out of Focus: Jen

2011-12-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

With this page, the pictures seem to tell the story. Even though the two pics were a little blurry the pics still seem to capture the motion of the ride and the expressions on my dd and dh’s faces. My conclusion, my daughter and husband had so much fun on this ride!!

Out of Focus: Heather

2011-12-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

I had such a good time with the kids while they were playing in the leaves! I was snapping pictures like a crazy woman . . . just call me the mama-razzi! I didn't take a second to see how they were turning out. Then when I uploaded them to the computer, I noticed that they all show the movement in the pics. Normally I would get all upset but this time it worked out for me! lol! I particularly liked how this picture shows all the leaves falling around Grant after he had tossed them up in the air. So I decided to scrap these pictures anyway!

I decided to keep this lo fairly simple. I took some Tattered Angel glimmer mist to the background paper.I then added the little leaves that I ended up with from the punched edge and adhered them randomnly. Distressed and inked the Bo Bunny papers, added the title and tree and a little bling and WALA!!!!

Isn't this awesome??? Grant is such a sweatheart!!! Deb♥

Out of Focus: Tammy

2011-12-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

Can you see where my out of focus picture is?? I used it as a base, sort of a journal card, for the title "Play Ball". I thought that would be a fun way to use this picture that I probably otherwise wouldn't have even used :) I used Bella Blvd. paper and some buttons from my stash, and my Tim Holtz tiny attacher. TFL, Tammy

Out of Focus: Groovy Deb♥

2011-12-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

When I sat down to create a list of challenges for myself and the other Groovy Chicks I started thinking about how often good photo moments are lost. When my daughters are on stage acting (Kristen) or dancing (Katelyn) so often the pictures do not come out well. The movement can easily be changed by badjusting the camera, but what if you forget to set it? Also, the lights are a constant problem. I don't want to forego taking pictures during their events so if it turns out bad I am scrapping it anyway! Here is an example of just what I mean. Katelyn was looking too cute in her dance competition clothes, but her arms were so out of focus. I painted on the page with water color pencils and let the picture do the talking. What does it say? To me it said this is one moving girl...to her mom at least ;) Love you Kate!!!
Mom♥ aka Deb♥

Friday Night Sketch with Michelle

2011-12-02T17:00:00.000-05:00

Out of Focus: Michelle

2011-12-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

When I was given this challenge. I had another group of pictures in mind...They were actually taken by my daughter. BUT when I was working on my Fawn Hollow Farms page from last months, Scrappy Style. I found this picture. It was the only one I had of my husband finally relaxed and doing something he loves, fishing. BUT he hardly ever gets to do go! If I am right this is the last time he went fishing for himself and the peace of it. Yup, been about 5 years...The last fishing trip involved a little boy who hooked his hat and knocked his sunglasses into the stream!

I wanted to use this stamp set I had that I have yet to use. So, green cardstock and a few scraps were all I needed. Stamped the images directly on the cardstock. On some scrap cream I stamped the clouds & rocks. I also did a technique called second generation stamping. All you do is ink up your stamp, stamp it once and then stamp again. The second image is lighter due to having less ink, but they blend beautifully. I did the same for the cattails, directly on the cardstock. Then I fussy cut the rocks and clouds, pop dot up two of the darker clouds and placed the second generation cloud behind to show distance.
Try it and see what you can create!
Michelle

Out of Focus: Sheena

2011-12-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

What a fun challenge this was! I know I have taken many out of focus pictures over the years, most of them ending up in the trash. Sometimes we need to think outside the normal to find a cool way to use them. The picture I used on this layout was blurry on purpose, my son had so much fun running for me as I tried to get the shot I wanted. I had an idea in mind and I was hoping to get a shot that would match my idea. It took a few attempts but I am happy with the resulting picture. Before you hit the delete button on your next blurry shot, think if there is a different story it could tell.

If It's Groovy December Challenge

2011-12-01T00:00:00.002-05:00

This month the challenge I sent out to the Groovy Chicks was to create layouts using out of focus pictures. We all have them we just rarely use them. It can be fun! We hope you will dig into your picture stash and play along with us :) If you do just send me an email at groovydeb@yahoo.com and we will throw your name into a hat for a prize package!
Deb♥

Please Welcome Guest Designer, Lizzie!

2011-11-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone! Happy Last Day of November! Did I just say that? Really? Well I thought we would go out with a wonderful Guest Designer to round out our month :) The person I am speaking of is Lizzie! I met Lizzie when she joined my group, The Card Lifters over on the Fiskateer board. She totally inspires me and I know she will do the same for you. She is a very talented card artist! Without further ado let's get started on learning more about Lizzie :)We will start with her bio a questionaire then on to her most groovy projects.Deb♥

Birthday Girl!!!

I'm Lizzie! I'm a twenty something momma of three that lives in Texas! I love doing all kinds of crafty and artsy things! I'm a pretty funky fun loveing lady that is always up for a challenge! I love making cards and crocheting and I'm getting into painting more and more! I also design digi stamps that I offer on my blog for free monthly! I love bringing joy to others and getting them in the crafty, creative spirit!

1.Tell me all about the start of your art, How did your scrapbooking/cardmaking begin? I've always done crafty/artsy things for as long as I can remember. Even when b/4 I was scrapping I was making novelty purses and postcards to sell or just give away to friends! But I started scrapbooking in early 2008 and cardmaking came later... which btw I'm totally in love with doing!

2.Do you have a style that you feel you can relate most to? I have a very funky style that is all my own! It took me a few years with trying new things to come into my own, and I'm happy i did it! If you find a style that works for you and you love doing it, then keep at it! Don't feel like you have to change to keep up with the masses... be you with your craftiness and art!

3.Do you have a stand-by element/paper line or tool that you must use when you create? I have tons of paper lines that I adore! Echo Park, Sass, Oct Afternoon are my top three! As for tools... I love my Fiskars pink handled mico tip scissors! And my Fiskars apron lace border punch!!

4.Do you have a favorite technique? I love to doodle! It adds a special aspect to your work and makes it totally one of a kind! Even if you are mass producing something, like cards, not one will be the same! It's an easy way to add yourself to your project as well!

5.If you could not shop for one year...would your craft space be emptied or would you still have product? I would have like NO cardstock that's for sure! But I would come up with other stuffs... I have TONS of yarn and fabric so I would prolly sew and crochet more! Heck I might even try to knit again for the upteth time! lol

6.Can you tell something about yourself that others would be shocked to learn? I'm a very happy go lucky person... I love being happy and carefree... but it hasn't always been that way for me. I suffer from depression... I've had it since I was a child. So a lot of ppl are shocked to hear that! B/c when you meet me in person I'm super happy and bubbly! And I love being this way!

7.If you could make one outfit out of scrapbooking paper what line would it be from? an outfit? Echo Park Little Girl! I'm not just saying that b/c all my projects are made with that line... i REALLY love it! that yellow they use is my favorite shade of yellow! Not to mention pink houndstooth? /swoon I would make one killer dress and a pair of shoes out of it!!

8.Where can people find you hanging out in Cyberspace? you can always find me on my blog http://ohsnaplizzie.blogspot.com or on facebook... i have a bad game addiction lol I also hang out at Tallyscrapper.com and Fiskateers.com... are you a Fiskateer? you should be!

9.What makes you a groovy chick? B/c I was born groovy! I'm a chick that isn't afraid to try something new! I love taking chances and I think I'm a pretty awesome and funky gal! I'm totally groovy!

Here are the projects I made! There are FOUR of them! The first is a Birthday card made with the heart Fiskars punch (That's Amore) and I did a li'l 3-d effect, it was easy, just punch out alot of the hearts, I did five or six, and then fold them all in half, then glue them all together to make it pop!

The second one is a Happy Birthday card made with a free digi from Make It Crafty from the owners B-day last month.

The next one is an awesome party hat I made! I mean what is a birthday w/o a party hat right? I used lots of Echo Park 'little girl' for my projects b/c well... this paper line is very ME! I love it!

And the last card is a card that I made with a digi that I designed! You can get it free on my blog from Dec 1st - 6th ONLY! And did I mention it's FREE??

Thanks Lizzie! This was fun :)
Deb♥

Friday Night Sketch...on Saturday

2011-11-26T21:24:00.001-05:00

There were a few issues with my internet yesterday so listing the Friday Night Sketch did not happen
:( but here it is now. This one comes from Heather :)
Enjoy!
Deb♥

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2011-11-23T19:47:00.001-05:00

Have a beautiful fun-filled, warm, and family-loving Thanksgiving! We will see you again Friday night with a new sketch from Heather :)

Thanks for all the times you stop in!

Deb♥

Michelle's Little Pumpkin

2011-11-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

Oh how I love "Baby Days" when we can and do take pics of our little babies in many places :) Gosh they are so cute, just like this precious one of Michelle's!!!
Deb♥

We were apple picking late in the season since my son was born on the 18th of September. The farm we were at had a pumpkin patch too. So, we figured "kill two birds with one stone!" So, throughout the pumpkin patch there were these big pallet boxes filled with pumpkins. My husband put Luke in one and started snapping away. The picture really turn out so cute and it was a real "out of the box" thing for my husband to do. I am usually the one snapping the pictures and/or reminding him to get some pictures of me with the kids!
I used some die-cut pumpkins I have had for years floating around. They needed some dressing up. By inking them and doodling some lines on it made the difference I needed. I also cut out some brown vines using my Cricut and added them to the page. Using one of the negative pieces of a cut I stamped my title in pigment ink!

ATC with Sheena

2011-11-21T22:24:00.001-05:00

When did you last create an Artist Trading Card? They can be a lot of fun especially if you are used to working 12x12. Sheena has created a beatiful fall ATC for us :)
Deb♥

I used Tim Holtz new fall distress inks to create this ATC. I just love how the colors blended together. I also used alcohol inks on the metal corners, they started out a bit boring but with a little ink they look awesome. It is amazing how a little ink can change everything.

About Face

2011-11-20T11:01:00.001-05:00

Your face that is! I am looking for a few fresh faces to join the ranks of If It's Groovy. To be a Groovy Chick you will submit two projects monthly, have an active blog of your own, and be a hip, interesting, creative artistic type :) Is that you?

Can you see yourself inside this frame and sharing with our viewers your beautiful projects?

Don't be shy! Email me at groovydeb@yahoo.com with the answer to this question... What Makes You A Groovy Chick? Please include a blog link and link to any other galleries where you share your art :)

Thanks, Deb♥

DCWV Won My ♥

2011-11-19T23:50:00.001-05:00

I am in love! I found ANOTHER DCWV Stack that I HAD to have. It is called Tattered Time and it is just incredible. When deciding on the paper needed to scrapbook my daughter in this abandoned home I knew I wanted something distressed looking. This was the exact thing I needed. With all of the muted colors I think it helped to show off the reds in the colors of Fall ")Deb♥

Friday Night Sketch with Heather

2011-11-18T17:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday before Thanksgiving! Want to get a layout ready and just pop the pics in later? This would be a great sketh to do just that :) Thanks Heather! Deb♥

Bring Back Summer!

2011-11-17T14:56:00.001-05:00

I cannot take it! It is 37 degrees down here in VA today and I am missing Summer so much! I want to see this again!!! Deb♥

Jen's Bird

2011-11-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

Do well call our kids money and bird? I wonder because I hear lots of parents call their kids monkey...and I do that, but the other thing is that I call my youngest Blue bird and here is Jen today talking about her bird too! I guess we must think of cute little baby animals and then relate them to our own cute little babies :)
Deb♥

For this page of my oldest daughter, I just loved how the colors of the papers matched her shirt. I then used matching border and word stickers to anchor her picture on the paper and added the title above( which is one of her many nicknames I call her)and added a bird sticker to go with the title, and that was it a super simple page. tfl!

Vintage Typewriter???

2011-11-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

When I was getting this post ready for Tammy to show her work I noticed how she used her "vintage typewriter". I was loving that font and when I read how she got it, well it really struck me that she is right! Typewriters are vintage! And, to think that typing class was offered when I was in school makes me realize how many changes have happened through these years!!! I must go and get myself a typewriter now ;)Deb♥I recently found some missing photos from my daughter's musical theater shows. So before I started the next book (I believe I've already done FIVE!), I am catching up on some of the old ones. This was her second show, when she was 6 years old (she's 18 now). In this two pager (which is based on a PageMaps sketch), I used Cosmo Cricket - I love doing pages with one manufacturer, because matching is a no brainer, even when it's from different lines (this is two different ones, Nutmeg and Togetherness). I also added a paper doily that I misted, and the journaling page....well, I went to a teacher supply store and they had some of the writing paper on clearance :) I ran it through my vintage typewriter, and done :) Tammy

A Liftateer Project :)

2011-11-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

I believe I have mentioned that I have a few groups going on the Fiskateer message board known as The Liftateers and Card Lifters. Michelle is a member there and when this layout was created I asked her if I could show it over here because it is so pink and pretty :) We all need some color in our lives as the leaves start falling off the trees and Winter brings it's colorless days and nights. This one will definitely brighten up a day! Love it!
Deb♥

I am a member of the Liftateers at Fiskateers.com
The Liftateers honor a scrapbook page every week by lifting it! During week 3 we were honored to lift Vicky #1509. Vicky used a circle element and flowers on her page.
I had just got a bag of clothes from another scrappy friend who has a daughter a year older than my daughter. Becky, my daughter was in the middle of a "Fashionista Designer Showcase!" Trying out her new finds and playing the fashion diva that is my daily morning fight. Anyway, when she came in wearing her pink ladies jacket, all I thought was Grease and which character did she fit best! Becky is a cross between Sandi and Rizzio, but she has her own sass in their too!

I was looking for the right pinks to match some thickers letters I had and found the ladybug paper from a Heidi Grace paper pad. I used a scalloped die cut and a stamp set called Love Bug from Close To My Heart. Stamped a few ladybugs around the scallop and fussy cut another by the corner of my pink lady.

A Classy Wedding Gift

2011-11-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

Sheena has made a lovely wedding gift to share with us today. We as scrapbookers can only wish that we make new scrappers out of our friends and if one received a beautiful gift such as this one then surely they would consider working in and out of scrapbook albums! Awesome job Sheena!
Deb♥

One of my favorite things to make for weddings and baby showers are personalized picture frames. I choose the frame color and material personally for the recipient. In this case, it was a wedding gift for a friend of mine. I like to use white, cream, gray and black for weddings. Sometimes I will add a poem or in this case their initials. I always make a photo mat for them to add their own picture. I stick to standard sizes, usually 4x6 or 5x7, as they are easy to obtain and no extra work for them. After I was finished, I thought the white frame was a little too stark(my husband agreed) so I cut out large corners to add to the outside, I am really happy with the result. I hope they cherish it for a long time.

Friday Night Sketch with Heather

2011-11-11T17:00:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone Happy Veteran's Day Friday! Heather s back tonight with a new sketch for us to try out. Enjoy!Deb♥

11-11-11 Say What???

2011-11-11T00:17:00.001-05:00

I am pretty sure I wrote some time ago about how the numbers 1:11 and 11:11 appear to me on the clocks all the time. Not only do I see them there, but I also see them on windshield stickers, license plates, coupon expiration dates, prices, my odometer, my blood sugar monitor, etc!

Do you have a number too?

Well today is MY DAY! Some say that my angels are trying to reach me. Sounds good to me!

Now of course this is a very important calendar day today and to show who is most important today let me just send a shout out to all of our Veterans :) THANK YOU for your service! Thank you to those who will one day serve and become a veteran. You are all appreciated!!!
Deb♥

Water Color with Viji

2011-11-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

Water Color is such a fantastic way to add uniqueness to any project. See for yourself in Viji's beautiful cards!!!
Deb♥

I used Water Color Pencils and colored the background.I let it dry a bit,then inked up my stamps with brown ink and stamped on the watercolor background. Added some twine, stamped the message and done! Know any more techniques with water color pencils, post a link here! I would love to try them out!

Heather Goes Vintage

2011-11-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

Some of my favorite scrapbook pages are the ones that have a vintage feel to them. Heather's is perfect for the paper line that she has used. Like her, I feel that working with the Timepiece collection is a great start to a wonderful vintage piece of art :)
Deb♥

When I started looking through pictures that I had taken of our family trip to Kentucky over the Memorial Day holiday this year, I just knew that I would be scrapping this picture of my husband and his father that I took while we hiked. I will be the first to admit that vintage is not exactly my type of scrapping. But with this new collection (Timepiece by Bo Bunny), I knew that I could make this happen. So that's just what I did! I used the Timepiece collection and went right to work! I added in some flowers that I had inked and some chipboard embellies and buttons from the same collection. I love how this layout ended up. Hope you do too!!!

My Scrappy Style: Groovy Deb♥

2011-11-07T01:02:00.000-05:00

My style may change from time to time, but I think what best describes me is collagy. Is that a word? I like stuff! Stuff all over the page and stuff in corners. I like to combine things that otherwise might not be combined because that is me :) made this layout at a crop and came home and had to Deborahfy it by adding even more things like the cheer embellishment that wasn't there, the ribbon on the stars, the outlining on one of the stars. See more is better right? LOL!

My Scrappy Style: Jen T

2011-11-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

My scrappy style? Don't laugh but for me it depends on lots of things .it depends on the picture I am using, the mood I am in , the trend I am into at that time..LOL! Lately I have been into diecut papers and simple embellies like my page here of my dd 9 yrs old as a tween.. Here, I just let the paper help me frame the photo added a diecut scroll and a pretty flower to enhance my pic. Simple. That day I felt simple...so my scrappy style ...a little of everything mood and all! :) tfl!

My Scrappy Style: Michelle

2011-11-05T00:00:00.000-04:00

Have you determined what your scrapbooking style is? Well, I have thought about it before, but never thought of one style.
BUT after looking at what I have been doing lately....
I think it is best described as Shabby Rustic Distressed....I think of it as a play on Shabby Chic style. I like inked and/or paper distressed edges, torn papers, inked up BUT usually in neutrals and earth tones, which gives it that Rustic/Earthy feel.

After looking at Scrapbook.com I guess the best fit is a cross between Distressed/Shabby Chic

So, Here is a page I did from one of our many visits to my Aunt and Uncle's property in PA. We would usually visit Labor Day Weekend every year and every once in a while Memorial Day Weekend. My Aunt and Uncle own 150 Acres of wooded and farm land that has a portion that cover half a side of a mountain.
This page is the opening page of our trip Labor Day Weekend 2007. I have been wanting to scrap this set of pictures forever. This was also, my daughter's 1st visit too!
I used a Close to my Heart paper kit called Felicity. I distressed the background cream paper base by inking up the edges. I had used half of one of the die-cut papers in a previous project. So, I cut another die-cut paper in half and divided them up into 2 pieces. Giving me 2 of each pattern to form the die-cut circle background. Cut the fawns and my letters out on the Cricut using a Kraft cardstock. Before I removed the letters from the mat. I inked them up otherwise it would be to difficult to ink each letter. Double Matted the photos using some pattern paper and Kraft cardstock inked edges, of course! Used a cotton twill ribbon, some fibers and a orange button to embellish. Added the moon from a scrap and the inked tag with my journaling.
Journaling reads:
Our yearly trips to Aunt Stella & Uncle Bob's!
This was your 1st visit to the farm as they call
it, Fawn Hollow Farms. For years, I used to go before
the house was even built. Sometimes with my parents
or even your 2nd cousins.

Love how it has that earthy farm feeling.....

Friday Night Sketch with Michelle

2011-11-04T17:00:00.002-04:00

Ready for the weekend? I will be off scrapbooking a few hours from my home and can use some sketches to take along. You too? Here is one from Michelle and a project she completed using it :) Enjoy!
Deb♥

My Scrappy Style: Heather

2011-11-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

I knew this challenge was going to be so much fun the second I seen it!! And honestly, I think I knew exactly what my style is! I love to distress and ink and grunge stuff up!!! Shoot - I live with 5 men, what else would one expect?

So this is my "STYLE"! This picture was taken at a little girls birthday party. She was having a fashion show birthday party. Well, my boys attened as the "fashion crashers"! This is a pic of my little Grant that was taken at the party . . . dressed in his AC/DC t-shirt, a bandana (doo rag) on his head, some chains and cuff on his wrist!

I used some Tim Holtz papers to show my style! (I LOVE TIMMY!!) After distressing and tearing and inking, I layered the papers. I had a diecut star and journaling block but they didn't really "match" the papers. To make them fit into the lo, I took a swipe of 3 different distress inks across my craft mat. I then sprayed them with water and then put my diecuts on them to cover the original color. I then used the Rock Princess cricut cartridge to cut out the skull and title. Added a few mini staples to the project and it was complete!

I have had fun working on this challenge and getting to share it with you! Hope you enjoyed and thanks for looking!!!!! ~ Heather

My Scrappy Style: Tammy

2011-11-03T00:00:00.000-04:00

When we were asked to do a layout with our "scrappy style", I struggled a little. I looked up styles, and didn't feel I fit into one sort of style. I change all the time, and go back to old ones, and love finding new styles to try. So I did mine to show my "scrappy formula" LOL! I have things I do on most of my pages no matter what style I use for that layout.
1. Two pagers. I always do two pagers...an old habit that is hard for me to break.

2. Sketches, I love following sketches. Sometimes I use a two page sketch, and sometimes I use two one page sketches that I think work together. I used a Pagemaps sketch for this, and I used it as a suggestion, and changed it up a little. I love Pagemaps :) Sometimes I like to scraplift too...which to me is like using a sketch.

3. I scrap in order. If I'm doing a book, I hate to scrap out of page order (I have OCD, and it hurts my head LOL!). This summer I decided to work on four books at a time, so that I don't get bored, but I still scrap each one in order.

4. I love to embellish, sometimes to the extreme! I love clustering my embellies too! I used Little Yellow Bicycle and American Crafts on this layout.

My Scrappy Style: Sheena

2011-11-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

What’s my scrapbook style? Hmm, good question. I was not sure what my style was, so I explored the web in search of the answer. At times I was more confused than when I started. In the end, I think I fall into the “classic” style with a bit of “clean and simple”, “distressed” and a dash of “artsy/sophisticated ”. I think as scrappers we are always evolving so it is hard to just put ourselves in one category. Sometimes the pictures themselves dictate the style, more playful photos can lend themselves to a more “cutesy” style, while formal graduation photos may lead you to use a more elegant, sophisticated style. Whatever style you create in, it’s important to have fun and enjoy the process.

My Scrappy Style: Viji

2011-11-01T12:00:00.001-04:00

I love two page,colorful layouts! I don't do vintage. I do very light distressing. I love primary color palette. On this layout, I have done everything which I love. I love making banners, inking the edges, Squeeze Punches, lots of photos, hand written journaling, border punch, and my latest obsession -Bakers Twine!

I used Fiskars Leaf it to Me Squeeze Punch for the leaves. I inked the leaves to give it a more fall look. I did the photo border with the Fiskars Leaves Border Punch. I love how it came. It took some planning to get it all lined up on the corners. I cut the title and the scallop ovals on Pazzles Inspiration. These are some of my favorite pics. I love fall!

I hope you like my layout!I had fun making it:)

November Groovy Challenge of the Month

2011-11-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone! This month we here at If It's Groovy are going to share with you layouts that show our Scrappy Style. Do you know yours? Maybe you are many different styles?
We are ready to show you what style we consider ourselves to be and would love it if you play along! There will be a prize given. Sorry but this will only be open to USA during the holiday months.

Happy Halloween Night!

2011-10-31T12:00:00.000-04:00

Well almost! I will be heading out this evening to a park in my city where there will be a Halloween get together with the other city residents coming out with their kids. Let me show you what Halloween was like LAST Halloween when we went Truck-or-Treating at church. The preacher is dressed as Charlie Brown himself...so cute! My daughter was a China doll and my oldest daughter made quite a scare with her burned up looking grody face! We had fun, but it is onto something new this year since it is a school night.

Take your flashlights tonight!!!
Deb♥

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T00:00:00.002-04:00

It is here! The biggest spookiest night of the year! If you have not made a card for your little goblin let Jen inspire you with one of hers :)She also is showing off an altered frame project that is sure to help decorate the home!!!

Have a wonderful time tonight!!!
Deb♥

From Jen:
Boo! Did I scare you?! Lol! I made this card to spread some Halloween happiness to a friend..To make this card, I just used up my Halloween papers scraps . Added a ghost brad and glitter stickers with a paper rosette and vintage button and wahla! A bootiful card in no time :)tfl! Happy Halloween!

More from Jen:
Happy Halloween!! Today I just wanted to share with you all a frame that I made. I used an old frame I no
longer used and then painted it tan and then used Tim. Holtz black distress paint as the final coat. Let it dry
and watch crackling happen! ( so fun!) Then I ripped a page of text from a antique design book I had and
used that as the matte of the pic frame. Then I added a owl silhouette ( I got a whole pack of silhouette
diecuts in the Halloween section of my dollar store) added some glitter glue over the top of it. Then let is dry
good. Adhere the diecut to the text paper and assemble frame. Happy spooky decorating!!

Halloween It's a Wrap!

2011-10-30T14:00:00.000-04:00

If you are giving away few treats for Halloween don't forget to make a cute tag like Sheena has done for hers!
Deb♥

I recently bought this new Halloween stamp set called "Wicked" I just love it and couldn't wait to play. I created this Halloween tag using the witch and title from it. I used an ink blending tool to make the background and the flourishes were from a stamp set I have had for awhile. It is fun to mix and match stamp sets. I really enjoyed making the Autumn tag. I again used an ink blending tool to create the background with 4 colors of ink . With each leaf I used 5 colors in different spots on the stamp to create the autumn leaf look. I really like the effect. I hope you will pull out some tags, ink and stamps and play today!

Halloween Dinner is Served!

2011-10-30T12:00:00.000-04:00

Ewwww if you have not thought about Halloween dinner yet this is a cool and very wicked way to serve up a ghoulicious meal!!! Just look at the decorated lamp too. Good idea!
Deb♥

I been waiting for a reason to make these cute witch legs for a sandwich platter. Well, the time as come! I am having "Family Dinner" this weekend at my house. "Family Dinner" it has been termed, since there are 7 families that participate in the rotation of having everyone over for dinner. Since it is a few days before Halloween I am running on the theme. Going to tempt my first time making Pea Soup (AKA Witch's Brew), Sand Witch's, Mummy Dogs and some cool Witch's Brew Cupcakes.

Happy Halloween Eve!

2011-10-30T00:00:00.001-04:00

One more day and then it is lots of BOOOOOOO's! Let me show you what Tammy made!
Deb♥

I bought this frame at Salvation Army - I love to repurpose things! It originally had a seashell in each frame, and was matted. These frames are only about 3"x3". I took the stuff out, I also repainted the frames (same color, they needed touching up). I used some Pink Paislee paper for the background - I don't really keep a lot of "themed" paper, and don't have ANY Halloween paper LOL, but I thought this orange was perfect. The letters are black glitter, and are also Pink Paislee. I used Stickles to make a spider web on the top one, and added a spider sticker. The middle one I just glued a bunch of googley eyes and chalked the edges. And the bottom one I added a cute Jolee's scarecrow sticker. My plan is to change it out for each season, let's see if I can keep up on that ;)
Tammy

Halloween Costumes

2011-10-29T14:00:00.000-04:00

Are the idea running around in your head and still you cannot come up with anything? Try one of these from Sheena's children!
Deb♥

I was recently working with some older photos and was frustrated by the composition of the photos. I can't go back and retake the pictures but what I did do was scan in the photos and create a collage. This enabled me to adjust the photos so they had more of the girls in their costumes and less of the background, creating a more balanced layout.

Halloween Dress Up

2011-10-29T12:00:00.001-04:00

Aren't babies just ADORABLE dressed up in their first costumes??? Here is Viji's CUTE son showing off his :)
Deb♥

Anurag is 3 months old in this picture. The dress was a little too big for him. He looked so cute! I used Pazzles Inpiration to cut the Circle and the scallop Circle, the title and the pumpkins. I used stickles to dress up my pumpkins! I am just learning how to use the machine. It has a learning curve, but I am loving it! I had a lot of trouble with the ribbon. I still haven't found a glue which will hold it in place. Suggestions are welcome! I totally love violet and orange together! What do you think?

Happy Halloween! Have Fun!

Happy Halloween Treats!

2011-10-29T12:00:00.000-04:00

"I don't like Candy Corn" has played in my head over and over for the last few years when Nickelodean comes on TV...but the thing about candy corn is that it does make a cute insert for a pop put card. Here is what mine looks like :)
Deb♥

Happy Halloween Eve Eve!

2011-10-29T00:00:00.002-04:00

Some of us around IIG are gearing up for Halloween and would like to show you a few things we made. Are you ready for the festivities? Have fun and be safe as you take the little kiddies out :)

First up is Michelle with a card. Have you made yours?
Deb♥

Friday Night Card Sketch with Michelle

2011-10-28T17:00:00.001-04:00

Michelle is back tonight to show us a beautiful card along with the sketch. Enjoy!
Deb♥

Photo Tray Decor

2011-10-28T00:00:00.001-04:00

This was a gift for a girlfriend . . .

Her niece had recently taken some excellent pics of her kids. I loved the sepia pics and just knew they would go great with the Bo Bunny Timepiece collection I had purchased recently!

I used this collection for all the background papers and for most of the embellishments. The initial letters were some that I have had FOREVER and they were white. So I used some Distress Stain and Ink to change their color to match. I then used some alcohol inks to change the appearance of what was a silver dragonfly (on the E), the chipboard gear (on the T), the brad (by the N) to pull out the hearts and the key on the fence (top right). The metal letters were from an old stash. I used zipdry to adhere them. I cut the gear and the fence using Tim Holtz dies and then whitewashed and inked the fence. The quote on the bottom was from the collection. I used pop dots to add dimension. I then added some bling, buttons and ribbon to dress it up!

What a fun gift and at minimal expense. I had everything except the photo tray ($10 at Hobby Lobby . . . and wait for a 40% coupon hehe). FYI. . . She and her husband both loved it!

The queen of photo tray altering is Heather so she is back to show us one she made :)
Deb♥

Home Sweet Home with Groovy Deb♥

2011-10-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone! It is my turn to show off my hometown! Well, I grew up in Colonial Heights, located in VA. It is there that you will find the headquarters of Robert E. Lee also known as Violet Bank. It is a beautiful landscape that has been maintained for a great many years. In fact, once upon a time when Colonial Heights was not even on a map Violet Bank was our city library. Now it is just used as a museum. The kids heading to school dances can often be found posing on the steps and one of the most fascinating facts about this piece of land is that is is the home of the most enormous tree called the Cucumber Tree! Here are a few pics and my lo :) TFL!
Deb♥

Home Sweet Home with Tammy

2011-10-26T00:00:00.000-04:00

I love where I live, the locals are nice, the tourists can be annoying, but it's all worth it! I live in Huntington Beach, California. We are the next beach north of Newport Beach...the beach city in the television series The O.C. My pictues show some of my favorite places: the middle two are the pier at sunset, and the Newland House...a historical home/museum...which is where I got married. Then, clockwise from the top: part of the boardwalk at the beach; the water tower house (yes, they made a house from an old water tower, it's right near where Sandra Bullock lived when she was still married to Jesse James); our famous naked surfer statue (people always try to dress him!); the harbor; the view under the pier; the wetlands (couldn't find pelicans this day, pelicans are my favorite); the main lifeguard tower on the pier; and a couple of lifeguard towers on the beach. When I took a picture of my layout, it looked flat, so I took another of it laying down to try and show the dimension. I had the idea to do it like those dimensional collage frames, have you seen those? I like the way they look :) I used Bella Blvd. paper (Sunny Happy Skies) TFL, Tammy

Home Sweet Home with Heather

2011-10-25T00:00:00.000-04:00

It's funny that when I first received this challenge from Groovy Deb, I hadn't a clue why people would want to come to the town that I live in. Though it's much bigger then the town I grew up in (and much more shopping options), it just doesn't seem like there is much to do.

So I decided to change it up a bit and do a layout on my hometown . . . the town that I was born and raised in. The town that I visit often (only 20 minutes away). The town that I hold many dear memories of. That town is Fairmount, Indiana. Never heard of it? I am not surprised! However, I bet you have heard of the actor, James Dean. Yup, he was born and raised (just like me except several years difference) and buried in Fairmount, IN. Oh yes, and of course you know Garfield, everyone's favorite lasagna eating cat! Jim Davis, the creator of Garfield, is also from Indiana. So, I took the 2 things that most people know Fairmount for and used that as my pic. This Garfield dressed as James Dean actually stands outside the Fairmount Historical Museum.

But of course I have many other reasons for loving this town, besides the Annual James Dean Run festival and car show that is held every year the last weekend of September - the same weekend that James Byron Dean died back in 1955. In fact, I decided to do my journaling on the reasons I visit Fairmount. A few of the reasons: the Madison-Grant Argylls (a scottish warrior); a town where you can still let your kids ride their bikes all over town without having to worry about them . . . as long as they are still in by dark or call from a friends house to check in; where your friends from elementary school are still your best friends 30 years later; where everybody knows your name . . . and everything about you whether you want them to or not! haha; but most importantly, because that is where a lot of my family still reside.

Bet you didn't know that when you opened up IIG today that you would also get a history lesson! haha!! Hope you enjoyed my short little walk back through time and why I will always call this my hometown, even if I don't currently live there!

Home Sweet Home with Viji

2011-10-24T00:00:00.001-04:00

I had a lot of fun making this layout. Chennai is my home town back in India! It is a colorful place with lots of traditions, festivals, foods, beaches! This layout reminds me of home ! So many fond memories!! Chennai is gateway to the South, and its culture is distinctly different from that of any other city in India. Tamil tradition and culture is essentially the celebration of the beauty, which is exemplified through dance, clothing, and sculptures.

I started out with a white cardstock. Stuck the photo. Then I decided to use my water color pencils and used a good old toothbrush to spray the color on the paper. I covered my photo with a scrap piece of cardstock. You can see the close up picture to see the result. I like the soft colors of the water color pencils. It came out pretty cool. I made tabs of different colors for writing down what's special about my home town! The different colors signify my colorful hometown! Then just stamped on the layout for the title,accent and the border. All the stamps are by Fiskars. Love these ones! Very simple and quick layout. Hope you like it!

Home Sweet Home with Michelle

2011-10-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

We were given the challenge to expose some details about our hometown. Well, my hometown is actually Jen's (IIG's Design Team Member) hometown too! Only thing is I only had some pictures from a winter walk in the woods behind the house I grew up in. But, since I moved recently out of the United States. I have been researching a bit about my new hometown in Canada. I have been researching since my first visit to Bay Bulls, Newfoundland. It is the hometown of my husband who was born in the US but raised in Bay Bulls since he was about 2 years old. I had a good sarcastic laugh one day when my husband and I were driving back in from "out the road." Bay Bulls is located about 30 minutes from the Capital of Newfoundland, which is St. John's. "Out The Road" is a saying in our area for explaining that your going into St. John's. Since there is one major road that goes "out the road" or in the other direction "Up the Shore."

I have to explain for you to get the sarcastic part of my little chuckle of that day. I have to first say there is a bunch of history here!
So, on our way back from out the road. We come to the welcome sign for Bay Bulls, since this challenge was fresh in my mind. I took more notice of another detail on the sign. The slogan or motto....our history runs deep! So, I turn to my husband and say, "Bay Bulls - our history runs deep....So deep it's buried!"
Please any locals take this with a grain of salt! I have visited Bay Bulls since 2004 and I am amazed at the history that is here...it's just that you will find it if your willing to dig it up!
With that said...The history/story/life of Bay Bulls allowed me to create 3 pages and there is still more I wanted to include!
Here are the details that you will not be able to see from the pictures and my journaling.
Bay Bulls is one of the oldest communities in North America and the earliest know English place name in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Appearing on a map drawn by Thomas Hood in 1592.
Bay Bulls harbor was first used by European fisherman in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. By 1635 Englishmen were spending the winter in Bay Bulls.
In a 150 year span, Bay Bulls was the site of numerous conflicts between European nations. Raids, looting, pillaging, burning of structures and immediate rebuilding was the way in that time period.
After these battles some now historical landmarks were left. A British frigate, The HMS Sapphire, now can be seen in the harbor during low tide and in the logo of the town. Also, declared as the 1st Newfoundland and Labrador underwater marine historic site.
Roman Catholics and Protestants were the majority faiths. Both churches were burned in the 1700's. The Roman Catholic church was rebuilt immediately by 1820's a priest visited regularly but not until 1890 was a church built and still stands today. At the gates stands pieces of those historical landmarks left from battles. Cannons left over from battles with the French serve as pedestals for statues of the Saints, which gave way to the famed "Canonized Saints of Bay Bulls."
The harbor is a very busy place; between boat tours for whale watching and a ecological bird preserve, fishermen coming and going to the rich fishing grounds of the Grand Banks and fleets of ships coming in for servicing the oil rigs.
Bay Bulls is the beginning of a scenic drive called, The Irish Loop and part of a 540 km coastal hiking experience called the East Coast Trail. The trail links 32 communities together and leads to two more landmarks in Bay Bulls; the Bay Head Lighthouse and The Spout, a natural wave-driven geyser. Lastly, is a memorial that was erected for fishermen who were lost at sea during the same storm that was made in a movie, "The Perfect Storm." Bay Bulls was the departure point and return port for their boat.
Thanks for reading and look forward to my 1st trip out to The Spout hopefully coming this winter!

Home Sweet Home with Sheena

2011-10-22T00:00:00.001-04:00

When I thought about what I would do for this challenge, the image came to mind of traveling from place to place collecting postcards. I used google to find pictures of the various places I wanted to feature and I printed them out. I used an old city map that I had to create the background. I tore the edges and used distress inks to age it a bit more. Doing this project reminded me of the fun things we have to do around our town. I think I need to plan some outings and take advantage of them. What fun things are there to do in your home town?

Home Sweet Home with Jen T

2011-10-21T00:00:00.001-04:00

Lacey twp., NJ is the town I call home sweet home or a.k.a. my hometown. I love living here for all the reasons listed on my page and for many others too like the schools are great and our town events are so fun! Glad you got a glimpse of my town! Let’s see yours.

October Challenge Coming Tomorrow!

2011-10-20T21:40:00.002-04:00

Hi Groovy Girls and Guys!

Tomorrow will start our October challenge. Are you ready? The Groovy Chicks and I will be showing you all about our homes and we would love to have you join in! Now this is not about your home as in your house, but instead it is all about your hometown. I am a fan of travel so it is always cool to see what makes your hometown a special place. History of your town is so important! Perhaps you will be inspired and start scrapbooking as the town historian. Ask your library about it...they may need you!!!

See you at 12am where we will begin this challenge. If you would like to enter. Send yours to groovydeb@yahoo.com to be enter for a prize donated by me!!!
Deb♥

Enjoy Life.

2011-10-17T20:30:00.004-04:00

A really great idea for a title, short and sweet, to the point :) That is exactly what Heather has done with this awesome 2 pager :)
Deb♥

Can't believe how long it has been since I done a 2 page layout!! Not sure why either because that is all that I used to do!! When I came across these pics of my husband snowboarding this winter, I liked them all and knew it was time to do a 2 pages again so that I could include all the pics without cropping anything out of the pics!

I loved the picture on the left side. Though it looks as if it is off center, that is part of what made it my fave!! I decided to make that the focus by putting it on one page. Then I cut the other 4 pictures down to "fit" each other and adhered to white cardstock. You can also make a collage in your photo programs to print like this. I however did it manually.

I knew I wanted to keep the lo simple. My husband does not like it when I over embellish lo's about him!! Especially when I use flowers and feathers! lol! Most of what I used on this layout was a paper collection (Pebbles I think?). I cut the "Enjoy Life" from the cricut and cut the shadow. I used buttons instead of the dots for the j and i. I inked a chipboard snowflake white and then added some stickers in the collection to the points. The 4 circles down the left side were stickers in the collection that I pop dotted to give some more dimension to the page. The last thing I did was use my white gel marker to make dots around the edges of the ????? (don't know the name of that shape - haha).

Some times it is best to just use the KISS method when Scrapping!!! KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid . . . or as I prefer to call it . . . Keep it Simple Scrapper!

Deborah aka Dance Mom

2011-10-15T18:00:00.001-04:00

I am a Dance Mom! Do you watch that on TV? I love watching and see what the moms will do next! I am so glad that at the studio my daughter dances for that thee is not the hoopla going on as we see in the show!

So in my role of dance mom I try my best to capture Katelyn dancing and posing for the camera as often as I can :) Here is a picture that I took but there were way too many people in the background so I faded the background and I love how it turned out...then there was fitting one more picture on the layout. It was not going to happen so I cut her out and put pop dots behind her and it looks like a paper doll of her :)

TFL!!!
Deb♥

Friday Night Card Sketch with Michelle

2011-10-14T17:00:00.000-04:00

Hey Card Makers and Scrapbooking Enthusiasts! Michelle is back with a great card sketch! Enjoy :)
Deb♥

Way Back Then

2011-10-11T21:19:00.004-04:00

It is so hard to know that my nieces and nephew are all grown up! As much as they have each changed so has my scrapbooking!!! Back in the 90's scrapbooking was nothing like it is now. We worked with pre-made decorated papers in 8.5"x11" more times than not. We did not have the amazing chipboard and other embellishments that are so often found today to make us ooh and ahh either. I thought it would be fun to share a few of my 1990's pages of my nephew running off to Kindergarten and how my niece was so broken hearted because she could not go too. Don't laugh! OK, go ahead I am lol!!!
Deb♥

Sheena's Collage :)

2011-10-10T20:57:00.001-04:00

I just love using photo collages. I really like having a lot of pictures on my pages and using a collage is a great way to achieve that. I have a program on my computer that I use to create my collages, then I can print at home or upload them to have them printed for me. Another way that I create collages is by using my punches to punch uniform pictures and arrange them in a grid. You can also trim your photos free hand and arrange to create your collage. However you do it, working with collages is an efficient way to use the many photos we all take.