Inspiration at Home

Our design team member Kelly has come to the end of her contract time with IIG and she has some final projects to share with us today. Let me say that Kelly has been wonderful to work with and has created so many projects that you should still visit her at her personal blog to see what she will be doing next :)

In the meantime a big thanks to Kelly and well wishes!
Deb♥


There have been times where my desk has become a pile of “s-crap”. For months. Yes, months. Sure, I can go to the internet or look through my pages of ideas that I’ve ripped out of magazines, but what has helped me re-fuel is to look at the “everyday”. After all, isn’t that why we scrapbook? Save some time, save your money. Look around you. What can you find to inspire you? A cereal box? A bible verse? A pair of shoes? A shower curtain?

While we may have wonderful memories from vacations, weddings, and graduations, “everyday” is where we spend most of our time. And, sometimes it’s not enough to see those memories in scrapbook form. We need to let our creative juices pour out into other things…our jewelry, paintings, walls, gardens, furniture. After all, we are not just scrapbookers. We are artists.

I’m hoping to inspire you to make your creative juices pour out.

My first source of inspiration? My bathroom tile. I hate it. Wait, HATE is such a strong word. I really, really, really, really do not like my bathroom tile. I look at it and it screams 1966! It’s cream colored with light brown flecks (which look like freckles) and every so often there is unique tile that really screams 1966! It looks like… gear shaped snowflakes?! And while I really, really, really, really do not like it in my bathroom, I’ve used it as a source of inspiration for a scrapbook page.

Here is a picture of my tile (I told you, 1966!!!)










Here is the page that it inspired.



Headline: Ugly tile inspires A Whole New World. I cut square cardstock “tiles” and fleck painted them by putting brown paint on an old toothbrush and rubbing it against a piece of plastic. After they were dry, I ran the squares through a Cuttlebug embossing folder (Swiss dots). I used Spellbinder nesting dies and Sizzix snowflake dies and assorted punches to re-create that “unique” tile design.




Right now, go look at your bathroom tile. Go. Right now, I’ll wait…Hopefully, yours is newer than 1966. But ugly or not, let it inspire your next scrapbook page. And, come back and show us your tile inspired art.

Be inspired every day, by the everyday.



Inspired Every Day Project 2
It’s hot as ever, and when looking for inspiration, I’m thinking of the cooler days to come. Today, my inspiration is in the garden. Underneath those leafy, tall stalks lay pebbles of color. I love growing Indian corn in the garden because there is a surprise in every ear. I will never be able to create anything as beautiful as God’s shiny jewels, but I try. Scraps become small circles, and the small circles become kernels. Crimped papers become leafy husks. What’s growing in your yard that can inspire you?





Be inspired every day by the everyday.

Another Groovy Birthday This Month!!!

We have another Groovy Chick birthday and it's Jen T. Her special day has arrived!

Go by her personal blog here and see what's new in her world :)

Happy Birthday Jen!!!

Sunny Days

.

The sunny days seem to be behind us, or at least the warm sunny ones where I live. It is so nice to see that the sun shines in other areas so that I can dream about feeling that warmth and wearing shorts with flip flops every day!
Deb♥


A day at the park for my family...We went to a park in San Diego County, CA called Cayamaca Rancho State Park. We had a picnic, played ball, played peek- a-boo, my daughter ate some dirt, we played on the playground equipment and ended the day taking a scary first ride down the slide! Oh, and the shirt I was wearing was so gorgeous with my matching jean capris that had a cool embroidered design on the back, but that shirt was so annoying with it's flopping around and such that I had to just donate it!!!! Crazy the things we remember, eh?

This layout was done using my Cricut Expression with the Celebrate with Flourish cartridge and I embossed the blue cardstock corners with a swirly Cuttlebug folder. I used 3D foam squares to make the die cuts pop off the page. The tags where cut using a punch that cuts three sizes of scalloped tags.

Natalie

Get Ready to Shed Tears

October as we all know is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Last year I started a tribute on IIG to do what I called Pink Out asking The Groovy Chicks, to share as many pink layouts and/or projects as they had. This was to be shown in honor of those who have fought the battle and lost, as well as to those who fight with a capital F-I-G-H-T.

Groovy Chick Jeannie has put together an amazingly beautiful Pink Out video for everyone to share in together. PLEASE take the time to listen to the beautiful words of songs by Mercy Me playing as you take a look at the women we have lost, women we love still, the women who are not even grown women yet.

Sorry we could not show this in October, but EVERY month should be October when it comes to this cause!!! We are in this together, so please fight for the cure so that WE Women stand united against the uninvited!!!

Special thanks to Groovy Chick Jeannie for her hard work!
Deb♥

Free photo slideshow generated with Smilebox

FOR THE BIRDS: KELLY (and a Tutorial)

Another great layout using punch art to make something and this month, our theme being birds, well see for yourself how cute Kelly's are!
Deb♥

From Kelly:
Whooo's smarter than this 5th grader? Well, maybe his mom. What's a gal to do when she doesn't have an owl sticker or embellishment? Recipe for an owl...a rectangle with rounded corners, a 1/2 circle, a tulip punch for claws, 2 different heart-shape punches (beak and wings), a "splat" punch (for a tuft of hair), and some googly eyes. Whoooo needs to buy an owl? Not me!

Friday Night Sketch from Natalie!

Each Friday Night this month I will be showing you a new and exclusive design by our very own Natalie. Come in from work, relax for a minute, and then get creative! It's a wonderful way to start out your weekend dontchathink?



Would you like to take on the challenge of using her sketch? Feel free and then be sure to email me at groovydeb@yahoo.com and I will show it right here for all to see!

Back in August Natalie had already drawn this sketch and used it as we showed layouts for National Sandwich Month. Wanna see? Here is a link back to it :)

Land of the Free, Because of the Brave- An Interview

Hey Everyone! Happy Veterans Day! I asked Lead Fiskateer Cheryl from Fiskars to have a chat with me. Although Cheryl represents Fiskars and the Fiskateers with their colors of orange and green, when I first online met her I knew she also had a passion for three other colors: Red White and Blue.; I know you will love her as much as I do when you read what she shares today in this interview :) Thanks to all of you for stopping by and now I bring you Cheryl...

Hi Cheryl, Thank You so much for agreeing to be my inspiration for the Land of the Free, Because of the Brave Blog Hop. Since I first met you there was one thing extremely apparent to me, one, that in your position as Lead Fiskateer that You are the "heart" of a wonderful community that stretches across our nation and many others. Secondly, You have a sense of American Pride that I find extremely endearing. I love this country and am so proud to be a citizen and I know you do too!

Hi Deb. First, I want to say thank you for the encouraging and loving words. I do love this country and the principles it was founded upon. I'm grateful I live here and can first hand (having lived overseas for six years) tell you that it is a wonderful and beautiful land!

Thank you!

Nation. To me that word means so much and I am absolutely honored when I see the Red, White and Blue American flags flying. Will you tell me what is is like for you?

I love seeing flags flying and patriotism displayed in a proud manner. The 'Grand Ol' Flag' has endured many a things and it's symbols of fifty states united, democracy and freedom stand tall. One thing that saddens me is when you see people in this land disgrace the flag. Our armed services have sacrificed for the symbol of 'Old Glory' and the freedoms the flag stands for! Long may she wave!

Have you or your family members served in our military? What branches?

My grandfather and several great uncles served in the Army, I have a brother in law that served almost thirty years in the Navy, my dad served in the Vietnam War in the Navy as well and my husband served as a Marine in Operation Desert Storm and Shield. I have several dear friends who also serve in different branches in the services. I'm so grateful that all of my family returned from their duties overseas. I'll never forget welcoming my husband home from the Persian Gulf. A memory of yellow, red, white and blue, tears, love, and pride engraved in my mind. We even had a military wedding . . .


















How did having family serving affect you and how you feel about being an American?

I grew up appreciating the sacrifice that those who serve in the armed forces provide for us as Americans. I also grew up with a respect of those that serve and the principles they serve for . . . this country, freedom, and more. I'm assuming that may be why I married my husband (partially).

I grew up in an area where there were two large Marine Corps bases (El Toro and Tustin) and the town was buzzing with young men and women who serve our country. Jet fighters would fly over our home and it reminded me of feeling protected. They have since been closed but it was such a big part of our history here in Southern California.
Again, I'm grateful for being an American . . . first hand I've seen what an impoverished country is like and experienced lack of freedom. While America today has some issues . . . I am grateful for freedom and the people in our nation from the farmer or cowboy to the NY business man or Amish family member.

In our hobby of crafting we preserve so much of our personal history with day-to-day activities, have you spent time also scrapbooking travels in your role as a Military Supportive Wife and friend? If so, what type of emotion was evoked by scrapbooking at times such as those as personal as being in places far from your loved ones? Did your crafting hobby help to subside during those times or allow for you to meet others sharing in this hobby?

When my husband was away in the Persian Gulf I didn't scrapbook however I have preserved memories of this time and my father's service in the Vietnam war since. I want my daughter to share in the pride and joy (although frightening at times) experienced when a loved one serves his/her country. I work in public service/law enforcement and still have the opportunity to serve our country and community and that also gives me a since of joy. I have also scrapped many of these memories and even shared my skills in scrapbooking to help fund raise for the military, our troops overseas and the community.

On Veterans Day as we honor those who have served in our military is there someone special that you would want to talk with us about? Pictures?

I'd love to share one of my favorite pictures with you of my dad and his best friend on a beach which was bombed days later. To this day they are still the best of friends. It's amazing the bond of serving together (especially in war) creates. My father had two daughters and so did Terry . . . both families (united by war basically) are close and have enjoyed sharing one in another's lives. I think this is the only photo we have of them in Vietnam and one we cherish!
















Do you have special ceremonies, parades, celebrations that you participate in on Veterans Day?

Each year at my daughters school they hold a Veterans Day parade. They ask relatives that have served in the armed services to join their school age family members and walk in the parade. It gives teachers, parents, spouses and other family members the opportunity to recognize these men and women for their sacrifice and service! It's a fun parade!
We also enjoy our annual Fourth of July parade here in Lake Forest. We've been attending for at least twenty years and enjoy all the patriotic festivities surrounding this event. It's a favorite every year and another opportunity to recognize those that have served past and present for our country. Our family also loves all things American . . . hot dogs, baseball and Apple pie :)








Thank you for taking time with me today. Many wishes for a Happy Veterans Day and Thank You for all that you do to be a concerned, loving, caring and giving citizen who truly shines with love of her country and what she stands for, Land of the Free, Because of the Brave.

From sea to shining sea, as citizens I am hoping you'll thank that man or woman who serves or has served our country. God bless America!

One last thing from Cheryl and that is a quote she loves by our 16th president...


America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.
Abraham Lincoln

A Few More Hours...

...and we will have us a full fledged crop happening here and 19 other blogs so come on back at Midnight!

Thanks to all of our Service Men and Women as well as their families for all of the sacrifices you make so that we Americans can endure our freedom! I hope our blog hopping shows you ALL how much we ♥ YOU!
Deb♥

It's One Thing or Another

Last week my 15 year old was stressing BIG TIME because her straight A average is in jeapardy. I talked to her for a long time about it and how amazing she is to me; How proud she makes me, and how being a sophmore and never bringing home B's or lower has been just outstanding. I made this card to leave for her on report card day as a reminder because it really is so important to her to keep her GPA high for college in the next few years. What a good girl! Please inform me of scholarships if you know of any she should apply for!

This 4 panel card has removable pocket tags and was inspired by a member of the Fiskateer board. I think I am changing gears though and am going to use it as an embellie after she reads it...if she lets me use it for a page. Always have to record events and that includes the ones she is not exactly thrilled with right?
Deb♥

FOR THE BIRDS:HEATHER

Here is a beauty for Heather's lo for our challenge this month :)
Deb♥

I have been playing with masking and just knew that i wanted to try this for this challenge. I had some old October Afternoon rub-ons left over from a previous lo so I thought this would be a good time to use them! I love the color brown and enjoyed putting the cream and orange with it! Then I had to have a picture so I found a picture of myself that my 4 year old Jackson had recently taken of me! I changed it to sepia to go with the lo! I plan to use this layout in my "Book of Me".

What I haven't decided yet is what the little birdie told me! I am thinking it may be my secrets to happiness! Just can't figure it out yet! Help me out here . . . What are your suggestions? What are your secrets to happiness? In fact, my challenge to you is to scrap a page about yourself telling about your secrets to happiness! But don't forget to include the birds so it meets the monthly challenge!!!!

Hope you enjoy my layout and I hope you find all your secrets to happiness.
Heather

Break out a Magazine for This!

Jen shares an excellent idea today!
Deb♥



Recycle your scrappy mag.--Making good use of your old scrappy magazine is as easy as making a card. With this card I just loved the patterns and the design of this Prima ad from my old scrappy magazine that was getting ready for the recycle bin. So I punched out the square designs with my square punch and hand cut out the title shape and arranged them on a plain white card base added some doodles similar to the ad ,some foam letters stickers that I embossed and then ya have a recycled stylish card :) tfl!

Friday Night Sketch from Natalie!

Each Friday Night this month I will be showing you a new and exclusive design by our very own Natalie. Come in from work, relax for a minute, and then get creative! It's a wonderful way to start out your weekend dontchathink?



Would you like to take on the challenge of using her sketch? Feel free and then be sure to email me at groovydeb@yahoo.com and I will show it right here for all to see!

Stamping and Flower Soft

Have you seen this awesome product called Flower Soft? Let's take a look at how Kelly uses it with the steps below and thn forming a perfect card!
Deb♥































Sometimes dry and heat embossing just aren't enough. A design needs some PIZAZZ! I'm sharing my first experiment with Flower Soft. Using this large stamp, I dabbed on 3 different colors of ink...(remember to "HUFF" on your stamp to make sure it's moist right before you stamp onto your paper). Once I have my image stamped, I randomly select areas to outline with my fine-tip glue pen. I shake on some Flower Soft (I'm using "Heather"), let it adhere, and then shake off the excess back into the container. On this last photo, I heat embossed the stamped outline of the bicycle with black sparkly embossing powder, and then just added the Flower Soft for the flowers in the basket. I placed it inside a window card and groovy! Now, if it was a really GROOVY bike, it would have a yellow and lime green flowered banana seat, just like mine did when I was 8. However, since I am no longer 8 years old, I think this Flower Soft added just the PIZAZZ I was looking for!

Happy Birthday Jeannie!!!

Our Groovy Chick, Jeannie is having a birthday today! Sending a shout out that it is a scraptastic day!!!

Go visit Jeannie here ")

Giveaways~ We All Love Them!

Friends go here to Clear Scraps and leave a comment, tell them I sent you so we both have a chance to win :)
Deb♥

Let's Check in with Heather!

Our resident design team member Heather, mother of 4, including TRIPLETS, has her hands full taking care of the children and fitting scrap time in on top of her job so I asked her to help us understand how she does it all. Let's hear from this Mega Mom :)
Deb♥




Who Am I You Ask????

Welcome!!!! First let me begin my introducing myself . . . I am Heather! I am a wife to Shane, mother to Payton (12) and Carter, Jackson and Grant (4 year old triplets)! I am the owner of a very loving and patient black lab named Otis! I am an aunt, a friend, a co-worker, a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter and SO much more then that! Above all else, I am a Christian!

Just a quick author’s note (hehe) . . . when I say, “The Guys”, just know that I AM talking about our whole family!!! Not because I am an outnumbered mom being the only female with 5 “Guys” and a male dog, but because our last name is, you guessed it, GUY! Love the way I can use it as a play on words!!!

So, back to where I was at before that little side note . . .



I often hear the words, "I don't know how you do it!" Well, truthfully, I don't either most days! All I do know is that God must have some great expectations of me because my life is in His hands! So, all I can do is trust that He will continue to not give me more than He and I can handle together!

Another one I hear quite often is “How do you have time to scrap?” Yes, I work fulltime as an HR Manager at a manufacturing facility. Yes, I am a mother of 4 boys. None of that means that I can’t have (or deserve) time to myself occasionally either! I MAKE time for the things that I enjoy doing! Scrapbooking for one!! I will admit that I don’t get much of this done during the work week so I definitely take advantage of the time on weekends while the kids are napping or after the kids go to bed!

There are many other hobbies that I enjoy besides my scrapbooking addiction! I love to read!!! Yes, I enjoy a good book of my own but I also love to cuddle with my boys and read them a good book! I love to go fishing with my hubby and kids! Anyone who thinks that is relaxing needs to try taking 4 kids fishing on one boat, and make sure 3 of the kids are 4 years old! But the joy in their faces when they catch a fish makes the entire stressful day worth it!!! I also love to bake!! My boys LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to help make cookies and bread! They are even wonderful about helping with laundry!!!

So, you see, that is what this is all about! Not just sharing my scrapbooking layouts & etc, with you but also sharing the special moments, the mayhem and mischief of multiples, some lessons learned (some the hard way) and overall finding the daily joy in the life that God has given me!

So, again, welcome to my little corner at If It’s Groovy!!! I hope you enjoy the adventures and scrappy goodness that I will get a chance to share with you!!!

FOR THE BIRDS: NATALIE

From Natalie for our For the Birds Challenge :)
Deb♥

Bliss is having my daughter in my life. It is so much fun watching her discover things for the first time. Her curiosity and facial expressions are the subject of many conversations in our household. I love getting close-up pictures of her so that I will never forget her baby face. That flawless, innocent, bliss!
I used K and Co. paper and embellishments from the Brenda Walton collection.
Natalie

It's Election Day!

Was your voice heard today? Hurry down to the polls and make a difference. Sometimes it only takes one vote and that vote could be yours to see things working in your favor or see changes that affect the lives of our families :)

Take advantage of your privilege and right :)

Deb♥

FOR THE BIRDS: GROOVY DEB♥

Once Upon a Time...



There was a little girl who was in love with a boy who had a prom at the local hotel, The Jefferson. They had big plans for after the evening's events to come back to his house, take a nap and then head to the beach, one of their favorite things to do together. This was his prom date the day after that awesome evening. The year was 1986 and it was a beautiful day to compliment the time they had the night before! LOL! Groovy Deb♥