Staying Home because of COVID 19

Blogland I am willing to bet by now you are just as tired as I am because we are all doing our best to stay home. I miss my normal routine, although I don't like being chained to it either. I am a SAHM who has been homeschooling for umpteen years and I have one daughter at home to take care of. She is a dancer so we are at dance three nights each week, then Saturdays too for practice of opening and finale...usually.

Dance came to an abrupt halt when our governor finally made the decision to close down VA. I have watched as the numbers grow each day in every city and county in my state. Numbers of people who have gotten the disease, struggling and those who were lost due to it. It is unreal. I have never in my many years seen anything like this. I hope we never do again.

The schools closed down and to the kids who were looking forward to prom or senior trips, this must be a huge let down, but it is nowhere as bad as those who are watching their family lose battles to this dreadfulness.  This too shall pass I keep hearing, yet more and more people are going out and spreading this mess without even realizing it.Still I remain hopeful that many good things have happened because of this.

Let's See:

1.Families have spent more time together than they ever might have imagined!

2.Hubbies got projects completed that were way down the Honey-Do list!

3. No school where you pick up a zillion germs!

4. Saving money on gas! It is like $1.49 where I live. That is not much more than it was in the mid-nineties!

5.Churches have made a lot more podcasts that reach those who cannot get out!

6.People are actually being nicer when you speak in public. Strangers are being polite! It is WILD!!!

7.Grocery stores are actually cleaning their carts!

8. People are SCRAPBOOKING and CARD MAKING!

I hope whoever YOU are that still reads blogs is staying safe and well, and your friends and families too!

Deb💙💗💚💜💛

I really don't know if anyone is out in Blogland, but if you are there, THIS is my favorite holiday, because it is ours! HAPPY NSD  TO ALL! Have a great day!!!

Challenging Myself Again :)

I have participated in a duo blog challenge today! The challenge is over at Rochelle Spears and she joined forces with Scrapping with Stacy. There are clickable links to their blogs below my layout. Go say hello!

Rochelle drew a sketch with the bonus twist of using plaid paper and her blogger friend asked for words from the very awesome song from Trace Adkins “ You’re Gonna Miss This”. I really LOVE that song so I chose the words, these are done good times, representing lunch with my niece and great niece. They moved six hours away to SC and I really miss those good times. So this is for Nicole and her precious little one Adah.

Rochelle
Stacy

5 Years

Dear IIG Readers,

A lot has changed since my last post here on the IIG Blog. I had lost my mom when I felt like I had to say goodbye to the blog world. Since then I lost my dad. then my older sister followed. Countless pets and then a stillborn daughter born to my daughter. Loss is hard for me.

LOSS..


 I need to change the trajectory of my life because my scrapbooking has been my outlet and even that was taken from me. My ability to be creative was just missing. I miss IIG and I miss one of my favorite scrappy websites that closed during this period of time too,  the Fiskars Fiskateer website where I had so many creative friends to share and participate with.

TODAY I am breaking through the dark cloud and playing again! If you are still here, HELLO! Say hi and share with me how you've been. You just can't know how much it means to me to have arty friends across the world who share in this passion!

See you soon!
Deb❤️

7 Months

7 Months since I blogged. Wow! I cannot believe for 4 years of my life I practically made a post daily and now this much time has passed. I actually got excited to log back in. Maybe just to read where I was 7 months ago and see if anything has changed.

Well, I am over the tiredness of the hysterectomy, but that took about 4 months. Whew! Glad those days are behind me and really glad to not  have the "issues" that caused the surgery to begin with.

One daughter has gone to college to become a nurse.What a transition for both of us, but I admire her courage and strength, but freak at her stress.

One son and his love has had a baby. I'm a GRANDMA! What???

One daughter turned nine and continues to grow in her dance, friendships, and beauty.

One daughter is working in a medical office doing exactly what she should be doing since she is a caring young lady.

One husband, NO this is not SISTERWIVES! He still works his self silly, and loves every minute of it.

Then there is me again. The night owl who seriously cannot sleep at night, who has taken over the young daughter's GS troop, plays taxi to the 9 year old for GS, cheer, and dance. Watches after the four animals and the house. Yuk. Enough said on that.

When do I scrap? Not enough, but I would rather make memories than always have to scrap them. I am only a few months behind on my scrapping and that is pretty good right? Is anyone out there really reading this? No? That's ok I just need to write!

I did this 2 PAGER recently and find that I have made more room for the double page layouts lately much to my scrappy friend's Gay's surprise! She always creates doubles! Anyhooo, this is from my young'n's Mother Daughter Tea where some of the dad;s acted as our  butlers. That is my hubby front and center pouring for us.  Wish I had a butler in real life! See ya, hopefully before 7 months is here again!
Deb♥

Baby Days

It's been a month since I last blogged? WOW without the team being around I just went on a mental vacation but I did not realize how fast the days would go by!

Thought I would come share  a layout I created tonight when going through some old ultrasound pics of my girls. I had weekly ultrasounds when I was pregnant with Katelyn and I journaled that inside of the die cut of the pregnant mommy. Isn't it cute? I bought that a few years ago and just never got around to using it. Sometimes if you don't feel that the right paper fits with an embellishment, hang onto it and the right paper will come out. That is what happened in this case. I love the ♥  paper and immediately thought of baby pictures. I am so glad to finally have gotten another layout done for the baby book for baby #2!!!

Here is how it all turned out :
Deb♥

Shannon's January Sketch

Thought I would share what was shown over on Shannon's blog for January.

Here is her cool sketch:





Here is what I made after seeing it :) Don't ya love Katelyn's eensie weensie tiny polka dot bikini? Here and her bud are making something yummy while I had some time to myself...always needed!

Remembering Audrey Hepburn

As I was playing along with the wonderful designers at True XOXO I created this for their latest challenge. The challenge was to allow for the late great Ms H to inspire us. She had a beautiful  quote that I thought would go well  with this layout of my daughter as Prom Queen Candidate.

The most important thing is to enjoy your life - to be happy - it's all that matters.
Audrey Hepburn

Here in this school system the band nominee likely wins each year because they have the majority of votes. That's good for our band to have that many members with it being a sort of small school, but the other candidates sort of get an honorable mention. C'est la vie! The fun is participating and my daughter reveled in her moment :)

Thanks for coming by!
Deb♥

Tearfully Saying Goodbye

It is with a bit of sadness and a heavy heart that I wrote today to say that If It's Groovy will no longer have a design team. Through NO FAULT of their own,  I have decided to stop having a  DT here on IIG, only because I need some time to slow down. Since my mother;s passing at the end of July I have not taken the time I feel as though I personally need to sort through what all happened,  why, and how broken hearted I am.

My father needs me around more to help  him. I am busy with my kids and every time I talk to my dad he seems stressed that I am busy running them up and down the road to do the things that are normal to them. This shows me that I need to spend more time there and away from my computer  too.

It's not just that, I am trying to recover from a hysterectomy a few weeks ago and although my incisions are doing well,  I am more tired than I have ever been and I think my body is screaming for me to chill out.

I will miss each and every designer who has come through the proverbial doors of this blog. These ladies have been so helpful at so many times. I truly hope in the fours years since I started this blog that you have been inspired and had fun watching to see what our new challenge would be. We certainly have had a lot of fun. Please visit each one on her  blog and  see what is coming up  for her next :)

Take care everyone and know that I am grateful for every one of you who have been loyal designers and followers.

Peace,
Deb♥

Happy Birthday Rochelle!

They say it's your birthday...ROCHELLE! I am so excited to start something new here on IIG and it will begin with our designer Rochelle. I have given the designers a copy of their birth flower and asked them to use it to create a birthday page using that flower to inspire her. Here is the January flower and then you will see what Rochelle created :)
Deb♥






Happy Birthday to me!!! :)  I am "Celebrating Me" for my birthday with this layout inspired by my birthday flower - Carnations.  I made the carnations myself using this tutorial on youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=DBE7zwtS1CI.  I also altered the doily by misting it and by accident (LOL) aging it with tears and burn marks from the dryer I was using because I was too impatient to wait for it to dry!!!  However, I LOVE how it call came together! :)  Lastly, I use an older but favorite sketch by Amarily Doria sketch. (http://amadrian8.blogspot.com/p/double-layouts.html) :)
 

"Pinteresting" ideas with Kelly

Kelly chose as a birthday extra special gift for us this month to go out out on Pinterest and find something that needs to be shared! As crafters we all love quick tips and I think  she has found some very interesting tips for us!
Deb♥

While searching for some interesting and informative tutorials on Pinterest, I came across 4 that inspired me and that I wanted to share.

The first one I found was a fabulous write up by Ann Whitfield about many of the inks/ink pads available to use as well as tips for them. I found it extremely informative and realized I still have so many thing to try with inks! :)

Pinterest link: http://pinterest.com/pin/255157135109247689
Original Source: http://spiritofcreativitytutorialblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/rubber-stamping-tutorial-1-ink-pads.html







The second one just seemed like such a time saver! In this article, Jennifer Blomquist shows us how to tie the perfect bow with a fork each and every time. I thought it was adorable and wanted to share for those that are like me and waste a ton of time trying to tie those tiny bows! :)

Pinterest link:  http://pinterest.com/pin/255157135109150150
Original Source: http://scrapbooksteals.stealnetwork.com/wp/2012/08/14/perfect-fork-bow-how-tosday




Then there was this super cute tutorial on how to make your own envelopes by Emily Pitts over at Simple Stories. There has been a few times when I wanted a custom envelope for a card or hidden journaling instead of the regular plain envelopes. I can't wait to give this one a try!

Pinterest link: http://pinterest.com/pin/255157135108886701
Original Source: http://simplestories.typepad.com/simple_stories/2011/10/anenvelopetutorial.html


And finally, this one really caught my eye! Repurposed cardboard boxes made into adorable hanging file folders. Now that is using what you have in a creative way! :)

Pinterest link: http://pinterest.com/pin/228979962275396858/
Original Source: http://smallfryandco.blogspot.com/2011/07/hanging-file-boxes-repurposed-from.html



I hope these give you some inspiration to try something new this year! :)

Guest Designers Wanted!

Remember that this month we started a Flashback Challenge where if you participate in it by the 29th of January that you can be our guest the following month(s)! Wendy is here today to show you  how you can participate.

This is what was asked to use as inspiration to create anything be it digi, traditional, hybrid, altered arts, etc.

 

And now Wendy's layout :)

Bow Making with Kelly

As part of our birthday celebration, Kelly would like to share how to make your own beautiful bows. Let's get started!
Deb♥

Time to celebrate some more this month and save some money by making your own bows out of scrapbook paper, old magazines or wrapping paper. :)

I came across 2 different types of bows you can create using scrapbook (thin!) paper, magazine ads or wrapping paper. I absolutely LOVE this as you can make it with any color/print you like and you are recycling, not to mention it is super cheap. :) I made all of the following bows in 30 min and I believe it could be even quicker as I was taking pictures, etc. Also, these bows are larger than the bags of cheap bows you buy, averaging 4" for the paper bows and about 6" or larger for the curly bows. Ok, let's get to work and make our bows.

How to make a Paper Bow out of scrapbook paper or magazine ads:

Materials needed:
paper trimmer
stapler
glue dots or ATG Gun (I used glue dots on the scrapbook paper and ATG on the thin, magazine paper)
scotch tape (optional)


Step 1: Cut 9 strips of scrapbook or magazine paper 3/4" width.
Leave the 1st 3 strips full length.
Cut one inch off of the next 3 strips.
Cut two inches off of the next 2 strips.
Cut the last strip down to 3 1/2" long.





Step 2: Twist the strips and gather in the center, then staple together. Use scotch tape or a glue dot for the smallest center piece.





Step 3: Arrange the 1st 3 long pieces on top of each other, gluing in place. Continue until all pieces have been added in order by length with the small circle in the center. I used scotch tape to to hold the circle together, then a glue dot to put in place.

Here are 3 different magazine ads and bows from the same steps above (love reusing/recycling and look how vibrant the colors are!):




How to make a curly bow:

Same materials as above.





Step 1: Cut 6-10 thin (1/2" worked great for me) strips out of magazine paper or wrapping paper (great for leftovers!)
Step 2: Use your scissors to curl the paper just like you do for curly ribbon that you buy.


Step 3: Arrange all of the pieces in the center together with your finger and staple or tape. I preferred to staple since I was adding another on top of this to give a larger bow.
Step 4: Attach the curly ribbon with tape to your gift.


I thought this would make a great birthday bow and how awesome that it came from one magazine ad in my scrapbook etc. magazine! Please give this a try as I think you will find it SUPER EASY AND QUICK and the possibilities are endless!!! Not to mention how your bows will be so unique!

Sketch by Brenda Day 7

OOh how I personally have loved all of the sketches Brenda created for our birthday month! She is skilled there isn't she? Well  it is time for her final one of the month. Enjoy! Remember if you use them email groovydeb@yahoo.com and  we will happily show your work right here on IIG!
Deb♥

Happy Birthday IIG from Jean Day 7

Here is Jean's final hand-made flower to show us. Hasn't she done an amazing job al week? Thanks Jean! There were so many great ideas for our crafting projects :)
Deb♥

1. Measure a length of ribbon or lace about 10 - 12 inches.
2. Using a running stitch, sew along the top edge.
3. Pull tight and make a stitch sewing the ends together.
4. Add a button or other embellie to the center.

Sketch by Brenda Day 6

Oh! A Double Pager by Brenda today!
Deb♥

Happy Birthday IIG from Jean Day 6

Here is day 6!
Deb♥

1. Cut a strip of paper approximately 12 in. by 2 in. One edge can be punched if desired.
2. Accordion fold going back and forth.
3. Adhere the ends together.
4. Push down in the middle forcing the outer edges down and out.
5. Glue and add button.

Sketch by Brenda Day 5

I know you are loving Brenda's sketches! Me too! Here is her 5th :)
Deb♥

Happy Birthday IIG from Jean Day 5

I really like this one!!!
Deb♥

1. Cut 5 circles of different sizes. They do not have to be perfect. 2. Distress edges by sanding, tearing, inking. 3. Punch hole and secure with brad. 4. Crinkle and bend to add dimension.

Sketch by Brenda Day 4

Enjoy  Brenda's next sketch :)

Happy Birthday IIG from Jean Day 4

Enjoy Day four from Jean!!!
Deb♥

1. Cut or punch 3 flower shapes in different sizes. 2. Mist until damp. 3. Using a brush handle roll flower edges so the largest is under and the next layer over. 4. Let dry and assemble.

Sketch by Brenda Day 3

Hello! It's Day 3 in Brenda's sketches :)
Deb♥

Happy Birthday IIG from Jean Day 3

Enjoy Day Three of Jean's Hand-Made Flowers! Deb♥

 1. Cut apart an old zipper. I just folded it in half and then half again. 2. Cut a cardstock circle for the backing. 3. Form a loop with the piece of zipper and attach to the circle either with tape gun or by sewing. 4. Make a base of loops. 5. Continue a second layer of loops filling in the holes. 6. Use a needle and thread and tack the center. 7. Add a button or other embellies.

Sketch by Brenda Day 2

Ready for Day 2? If you use a sketch for a layout we want to see! You can email groovydeb@yahoo.com!
Deb♥

Happy Birthday IIG from Jean Day 2

Yesterday you heard that Jean is making flowers for our birthday party! Here she is with more!
Deb♥


1. Select a pattern paper with flowers.
2. Choose flower or flowers.
3. Cut out.
4. Cut between petals, ink and  scrunch for dimension.
5. Cluster on layout.

Sketch by Brenda Day 1

As a birthday present for our friends, Brenda has a week of sketches prepared for us! You will love them! Here is day 1!
Deb♥

Happy Birthday IIG from Jean Day 1

This week the lovely Jean will be showing hand-made flowers as her contribution to this most awesome birthday! Celebrating our 4th is incredible!!! I hope you are enjoying yourself :) Deb♥



Instructions from Jean:
1. Punch 8 scallop circle shapes
2. Mist or drag through water and put a brad in the center.
3. Begin to scrunch each layer up toward the brad.
4. Continue with all layers.
5. Arrange to your liking and let dry.

Happy Birthday If It's Groovy Day 7

It's If It's Groovy's  birthday! I asked Heather to create birthday cards for this week. Please stop by each day as each day will have a birthday gift offered to YOU as we celebrate!!! All you have to do is a leave a message for us in the comment section each day and you will be entered into a drawing to receive a goodie envelope!!! Today is the final  day so I send out a huge THANKS to Heather who never fails to make amazing cards as she has done for the week of celebration :)
Deb♥

Happy Birthday If It's Groovy Day 6

It's If It's Groovy's  birthday! I asked Heather to create birthday cards for this week. Please stop by each day as each day will have a birthday gift offered to YOU as we celebrate!!! All you have to do is a leave a message for us in the comment section each day and you will be entered into a drawing to receive a goodie envelope!!!

Happy Birthday If It's Groovy Day 5

It's If It's Groovy's  birthday! I asked Heather to create birthday cards for this week. Please stop by each day as each day will have a birthday gift offered to YOU as we celebrate!!! All you have to do is a leave a message for us in the comment section each day and you will be entered into a drawing to receive a goodie envelope!!!

Happy Birthday If It's Groovy Day 4

It's If It's Groovy's  birthday! I asked Heather to create birthday cards for this week. Please stop by each day as each day will have a birthday gift offered to YOU as we celebrate!!! All you have to do is a leave a message for us in the comment section each day and you will be entered into a drawing to receive a goodie envelope!!!

Happy Birthday If It's Groovy Day 3

It's If It's Groovy's  birthday! I asked Heather to create birthday cards for this week. Please stop by each day as each day will have a birthday gift offered to YOU as we celebrate!!! All you have to do is a leave a message for us in the comment section each day and you will be entered into a drawing to receive a goodie envelope!!!

Happy Birthday If It's Groovy Day 2

 

It's If It's Groovy's birthday! I asked Heather to create birthday cards for this week. Please stop by each day as each day will have a birthday gift offered to YOU as we celebrate!!! All you have to do is a leave a message for us in the comment section each day and you will be entered into a drawing to receive a goodie envelope!!!