A Stamped Layout...

I just created this "You are a Blessing" layout for "Scrapping Everyday Miracles" Sketch Challenge. I also had to incorporate a toothpick flag...which I've never done before...cute idea, huh?

I inherited a huge amount of acrylic stamps from Pete's mom, and so decided that I should use some of them on this layout. I myself have a large supply of stamps that I think are adorable but don't use much (especially on my layouts), but I really want to put all of these awesome stamps to good use...so my goal is to start trying to incorporate them more into both my scrapping and my card-making.

Here's the sketch (from PageMaps) that we were to work off of:

For this layout, I decided I really wanted to use the owl stamp, but I don't really have a huge supply of the nice markers (like Copics) that are the "in" thing to color with right now...so I decided to try doing some creative layering with different patterned paper to "color in" my stamped images. With the owl, for example (see 2nd photo)...I stamped the image four times....once on the yellow patterned paper, once on the orange, once on the red, and once on white. Then I cut out the pieces from the paper I wanted to use and glued them all together. I really like the way it turned out...and I did the same thing with the larger flower. I also stamped the tree branch, the separate leaves, the smaller flower, the "Whoo Loves Ya?" saying and used alpha stamps for the title. I truly enjoyed using a variety of stamps on this layout, and am excited to get back to stamping...this was where I started with my love of paper crafting about 13 years ago.

Brown polka dot patterned paper (Imaginisce), Blue polka dot patterned paper (My Mind's Eye), Yellow patterned paper (Bella Blvd), Multi-striped paper (Echo Park), Clouds (fussy cut from Echo Park paper), Orange patterned paper (Crate Paper), Red paper (Unknown), Other patterned paper (October Afternoon), Owl, "Whoo Loves Ya?" and branch stamps (Sandylion), Flower stamps (Sandylion), Leaf stamp (Hampton Art), Alphabet stamps (Autumn Leaves), Border punch (EK Success), Circle punch, Corner rounder, buttons, twine, foam tape

"I Love Being Your Mom" Layout

Over at the "Scrapping Everyday Miracles" blog they are having a challenge to create a layout about something you're passionate about. What am I passionate about? Ellie! I love being her mom...everyday she makes me smile...I am so blessed to call her my daughter! So, here's my layout:

My friend Anissa (AH Photography) took these photos last spring...

(DOUBLE CLICK to ENLARGE)

Supplies Used: Light pink (background) patterned paper-Authentique, Light pink polka dot paper-BoBunny, All other paper-Making Memories, "Love" Letters-Heidi Grace, Green Alphas-"Thickers" (American Crafts), Orange baker's twine-My Mind's Eye, Orange Ribbon-Bazzill Basics, Heart punch-Stampin' Up, Scallop edge punch-Stampin' Up, Splatter stamp-Stampin' Up, Ink-(Autumn Rose) PaperTrey Ink, 1-1/2 inch circle punch-Fiskars, Date Stamp-Smash! line (K&Co), Staples (Swingline)

Samoa Bars

It's Girl Scout cookie time...and Samoas (and thin mints) are definitely the Girl Scout cookie of choice around this house. Well, my friend Emily made these awesome Samoa Bars for our small group awhile back and they were soooo yummy that I asked her for the recipe and made them for the staff and teachers at Ellie's school last month. They were definitely a big hit, so I thought I'd share the recipe with you (she got the recipe from a blog called C and J's Good Grub...candjsgoodgrub.blogspot.com).

Samoa Bars
*Makes 30 bar cookies.
Cookie Base:
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

First, make the crust. Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, 

or line with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together sugar and butter, until 

fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. Working at a low speed, gradually beat in flour 

and salt until mixture is crumbly, like wet sand. The dough does not need to come 

together. Pour crumbly dough into prepapred pan and press into an even layer. Bake

for 20-25 minutes, until base is set and edges are lightly browned. Cool completely 

on a wire rack before topping.

Topping:
3 cups shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
12-oz good-quality chewy caramels (I used one 14 oz. package of the Kraft brand)
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons milk
1 cup semisweet chocolate (chocolate chips work fine)

*Cara's Note: I chose not to do the drizzle thing in the piping bag---see below, so

I did more like 2 cups of melted chocolate chips and just put it all over the top

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Spread coconut evenly on a parchment-lined baking 

sheet (preferably one with sides) and toast 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, 

until coconut is golden (mine took about 25 minutes). Cool on baking sheet, 

stirring occasionally. Set aside.

Unwrap the caramels and place in a large microwave-safe bowl with milk and salt. 

Cook on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stopping to stir a few times to help the 

caramel melt. When smooth, fold in toasted coconut with a spatula. Put dollops 

of the topping all over the shortbread base. Using the spatula, spread topping into

an even layer (I kind of had to use my hands on this part to get it into an even layer). 

Let topping set until cooled. 

Then melt chocolate in a small bowl. Heat on high in the microwave in 45 second 
intervals, stirring thoroughly to prevent scorching. Put melted chocolate into a 
piping bag or a ziploc bag with the corner snipped off and drizzle bars with chocolate 
to finish. Let chocolate set completely. When set, cut into 30 bars with a large knife
 or a pizza cutter (it’s easy to get it through the topping). Store in an airtight container.

A Tribute Layout...

After losing Pete's mom, I wanted to do a special layout for Ellie's scrapbook...this is what I came up with. I kept it simple, because I wanted the focus to be on the words and photos.

Patterned paper (including fussy-cut flowers) from Bella Blvd.

Star Birthday Card

I made this birthday card for my Grandpa this year...

I found this paper on clearance at Craft Warehouse, and I love it! It's from Theresa Collins (one is a banner paper, the other has the stars). The stamp is from CatsLife Press. The twine is from PaperTrey Ink.

We'll Miss You Nanny...

Pete's mom (aka Ellie's Nanny Carol) passed away last weekend...total shock to our family...she was only 67, healthy, still working, in good physical shape...and now she's gone. It's definitely a bit on the sad side of things around here...but we're hanging in there. 

Ellie and I will miss crafting (and shopping for crafty stuff) with her! She was an awesome person! Kinda unreal to us that she's not with us anymore. 

Ellie and Nanny Carol 

Summer 2011-Sisters, Oregon