Here come the ABC's

There's a song by They might be Giants "Here come the ABC's". I did two paper piecings this morning that are giant monograms, a B and C (beautiful and cute) and I was supposed to be working on a layout for the contest... :-S





Paint... Hmm... I need to put this idea I have about using paint for the contest page into a concrete layout. Not a layout ABOUT concrete, but... oh, you get the idea...





I DID get a layout done last weekend during my scrapnight! WOOHOO!

Here are links to my new paper piecings... Chaos is ensuing in the next room. Sunday night at 9pm is not the time to blog, apparently! LOL
B is for Beautiful -
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140087797120
C is for Cute (and CHERISH, too) -
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140087676647

I have got to get the Elsie challenges done, too. I have not been taking photos at all -- can you believe I neglected to take ANY on Valentine's Day? What in the heck is my problem?!? My camera is sitting right here on the desk.

Goal for the week: Take 10 scrappable photos. (Is scrappable a word?)

Have a great President's Day and I hope you have something to inspire you this week to take a photo!!

Dece

Pieces for the Weekend 2/9

Well, instead of cleaning my scrap room I found myself putting pieces together. Hmm. THAT is a problem my kids have too... When they're supposed to be cleaning up their toys they start PLAYING with them! ;-) Ah well, I'll work on it more tonight after I swear myself off of the computer and have a little dinner. Very little as I made very delicious cookies this afternoon in honor of Valentine's Day and they're too good to resist!!

Here are my pieces up for auction over the weekend. The "Wish" one I made tonight in the past 2 hours... (while I was cooking, too! Goodness me...)

Precious Baby Boy -http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140082940540

Hugs and Kisses -http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140083323442

Hunnybun Love -http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140083829646

A for Adorable -http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140083830946

Wish came True Baby Girl - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140084495951

Tomorrow... My big goal is to get at least one layout done. Three shapes... I see a heart, star, and circle in my future! :D

Have a great day!
Love, Dece

What a Wednesday

Happy Wind's Day, Piglet. That was one of my favorite lines from the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. To see that loveable bear of very little brain wish Piglet a Happy Wind's Day as the breeze went from gently swaying to lifting pooh Piglet high up into the air... I've watch the video far too many times as a Scrap-At-Home-Mom!

As far as scrapping goes I have not done a lot in the past week. I have half-finished paper piecings sitting on my table with the mulberry paper all fluffy and sweet, just waiting to have the limbs of the bears attached and given tags and titles. My pieces from last week did not sell which leaves me feeling a little deflated. It's hard to get energized to make more when I'm not sure what to make. Hmm... time to get my brain that feels like Pooh Bear's.. full of fluff and stuff... past the doubts and onto the working it out.

Christi urged me to enter some contests today so I did that. Back to the Lottery's slogan... You can't win, if you don't play!
The contests: http://www.creatingpages.biz and http://www.amillionmemories.com

Anything to get me dedicated to scrapping!!

I'm sure everyone goes through stages in their lives where they feel their minds clouded. I am in one of those stages right now. If I just knew what I wanted to do or make or scrap or accomplish, I could do it! Instead I feel like a bear full of very little brain, my head is foggy. I need something to focus on. So, perhaps a contest that does not vote me out but encourages me to accomplish a task each week will get me out of this fogginess and back into a creative zone.

And maybe if I cleaned this scrapping room I might feel more like scrapping, too!! ;-)

This Saturday night I'm having friends over for our monthly scrap night. Wish me luck for getting some of my OWN scrapping done, too. And not worrying about cleaning feverishly in the days beforehand. Are they really going to be inspecting the baseboards??

Have a great week and happy scrapping! Here are my relisted auctions. The boy piece set is changed... I dressed it up...

Hugs and Kisses - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140083323442

Precious Baby Boy -http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140082940540


Love, Dece

New Paper Piecings 1/30

Hi everyone!
I have 3 auctions up on eBay. If you have a moment, please take a look. There is a title piece as well as 2 full layout sets. With my DD in 5th grade it seems as if every time I turn around there is another field trip, another club to join, or another "fun" thing she wants to do. That means it's time for Mama to get paper piecing! ;-)

Be Mine - (BIN Available!)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140078409705

Sweet Baby Girl - SOLD via BIN!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140078856839

Sweet Baby Boy - (BIN Available!)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140080322815

Hugs and Kisses - (BIN Available!)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140080734957

Thanks for looking! If you are looking for a specific theme or title, please email me! I'll be happy to work with you! I've had MANY satisfied custom orders!! http://www.geocities.com/deceinaz/paperpiecing.htm

Have a great day!
Dece Gherardini - dayzeedesigns

Two layouts, one day? WHAT??

Okay, so they're probably not the best most publishable layouts in the world, but I finished 2 layouts today! (and I folded a basket of laundry... I'll work on the other basket after I pick up kids from school) AND I did a paper piecing set yesterday, too. I've been unable to write the way that I like so I've used my mornings to try to create layouts...





AND Hannah can be on the computer while I scrap, so it's win-win for both of us. Now if she'd just stop saying "LOOK MOM!" at every game she's playing on Nick Jr. then it would be even more productive.





I want to do two more layouts this weekend. Wish me luck!





I'm just glad I got something accomplished scrapping wise...





I wish you all a happy scrappy weekend!!

Love, Dece

Be Mine... and other Valetines

The week is half-way through and I have yet to get my "scrap" on... I worked on paper piecings this morning and early this afternoon instead of doing laundry, cleaning the house, or any of the other things I should have done! :-S

Right now I have two auctions up on eBay... One ends tomorrow and the other is brand new today. I've got five more bears here, not dressed or attached to any specific layout theme, that I will work on in the coming days. I see a baby title in the future, maybe one boy and one girl. Something a little different than these sweetheart bears.

Here are my current auctions:
*ends Thursday!* Love Always Valentine Bear (BIN available!)-http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140076082563

Be Mine (BIN Available!)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140078409705


I'm going to work on the Elsie challenges in the coming days. I want to have all 4 done for January as well as a couple of other layouts... Simple is good, right? Remind me that the layouts need to show emotion and feeling, not be about getting published or going over the top with embellishments!!

Oh my goodness, I thought I could work on the computer for a few minutes but my kids are not letting me! :-S I am so ready for a retreat of some kind... Even just for a day! ARGH!

Thanks for reading my little blog... I appreciate the kind words and thoughts...
Love, Dece

I Scrapped!! WOW!

Yesterday afternoon when there was an hour left before the kids got out of school, I told myself I had to get scrapping. So, I scanned some wedding photos, played with the Optikverve plug-ins, and printed photos out. There's a CK call for wedding layouts, so I thought I'd give myself a chance... I also did a couple of the Elsie F challenges with this... The b&w photo, the hand-made chipboard flourishes (two are chipboard, two are cardstock because I needed more and did not feel like cutting chipboard! ;-) ) and so I feel like I had a direction to go.

I do not feel confident with the simple title, LOVE, but I'm not very good at amazing titles.

I finished the layout this morning... Do you like my updated torn flowers? I think they turned out quite nicely... A little old school tear-art with some pretty papers. :)

Now to get at least three more layouts done in the next week or so. I finished my custom paper piecings on Friday, too, so I need to work on the paper piecing side of things as well. I want to get Tony something nice for our anniversary and so that's what I'm working towards...

Anyway... YAY I scrapped! :) Now it's time to make a grocery list and make dinner!

Bears and other ramblings...

Well, I had every intention of scrapping some pages for myself, but I did not get that far. I was checking out the Elsie F weekly challenge and decided I would make some chipboard for myself (week 4 challenge) ... So I spent an inordinate amount of time printing out some flourish dingbats onto cardstock, x-acto-ing them, tracing them onto chipboard, and then x-acto cutting them into the chipboard. Then I got out my beautiful Clearsnap Catseye inks and inked the heck out of the chipboard! They're red with pink highlights. Now, to get them onto a layout! ;-)

I have another auction that began this morning. I've been in such a creative zone this week! Using red, pink, and hearts is a natural thing for me... The latest bear I made is out of mulberry paper (my first experimenting with mulberry for bears... I haven't used this stuff in a million years it seems!) If you have a moment, check it out! :)

"WUV U" Love Valentine - (at opening bid, ends this morning)http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140073586364

Hug and Kiss Valentine - (has BIN available!) http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140075432874

Love You Valentine - (at opening bid!)- http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140075738269

Love Always Valentine Bear (BRAND NEW TODAY! BIN available!)- http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140076082563

As always I'm willing and able to do custom work...Titles, paper piecings, albums, pre-made pages, let me help you! ;-) I'm going to start working on some custom pieces today, but I've got to squeeze in a layout for myself, too!

Thanks for looking,
Dece Gherardini - dayzeedesigns

Three Bears

Let me tell you the story of three bear paper piecings... Three bears lived in a cottage in the woods. A Mama Bear, Papa Bear, and two "beary" cute baby bears...

No, I'm kidding. I'm not going to tell a story about these ADORABLE paper piecings I made this week! I'm just going to give the URLS for the auctions...


"WUV U" Love Valentine - (at opening bid!) http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140073586364

Hug and Kiss Valentine - (has BIN available!) http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140075432874

Love You Valentine - BRAND NEW THIS MORNING! Has BIN- http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140075738269

As always I'm willing and able to do custom work...Titles, paper piecings, albums, pre-made pages, let me help you! ;-)

I'm also on a mission to get some of my own layouts done. I have a great idea for a picture of my grandparents kissing in the orange groves... Do you ever have a fantastic idea for a layout and you're afraid to even START on it for fear that it will not meet your expectations? That is how I feel about this layout...
So, that's when it's important to scrap SOMETHING... Get out an inspiring photo and just go scrap crazy... I also want to get layouts done for the wedding layout call at CK. I don't know if they're doing the call for an issue or a book... Time to get out my beautiful wedding photos and let those inspire me. It's hard to believe it's been 7 years already... Where has time gone?? When I was a kid the days lasted forever... Saturday was the WORST because there was nothing to break up the monotony. There were only so many hours of cartoons in the morning and then Dad would watch old black & white westerns. YUCK! Now, Saturdays are gone in a blink as we rush around, trying to get the housecleaning done, errands, grocery shopping, and maybe, if we're lucky, a meal thrown in there somewhere...
Okay, it's time for me to get started on my day. If I get my chores done early I can use my "creative time" while kids are at school to scrap! ;-)

Thanks for looking,
Dece Gherardini - dayzeedesigns

A Chip off the old Board

There's a great new contest at ScrappersAnonymous this month

CHIPBOARD!! http://www.scrappersanonymous.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9118

For this contest, your entries must be a layout - no cards or altered projects this time.
Each person may submit up to two layouts for the contest.
Layouts can be any size, and can be one or two page layouts.

-Your entries need to have been created during this year - 2007 -

-Your layout must have chipboard products from TWO different manufacturers. If you make your own chipboard embellishments, then you may have one homemade piece and one from a manufacturer. (you can use as much chipboard as you like, this is the minimum)

-At least one of your chipboard embellishments must be altered. There are MANY ways to do this...paper, stickers, ink, stamps, paint, jewels, flowers, or brads are just some ideas. This is where we want you to get REALLY creative....let those juices flow and show us what you've got!

-Remember we NEVER restrict where you can post your layout entries to our contests....SHARE SHARE SHARE your talents, we are not selfish!!

Oh and I guess there is one other thing you might be wondering about....the PRIZE!!!

Well, we've got a nice package of chipboard embelishments from AWESOME companies - Unique Pages, Everlasting Keepsakes, Lil Davis, as well as a FUN blank board book by C & T Publishing (the DT doesnt even have these yet!)

So if you are game, pull out that chipboard and GET TO SCRAPPIN!! When you have created a masterpiece, upload your entries to the Jan Layout Contest folder in the gallery.

If you have any questions please post them here!! http://www.scrappersanonymous.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9118

HAVE FUN!!

PS - Be on the lookout for some awesome chipboard creations from the DT this month too!

Here is my layout:

Scrappy Stuff December 13

Wow! It's been a busy week for paper piecing! I had a 5 duplicate order that kept me busy this weekend ... so I've been trying to get some new pieces up this week. I have some adorable "snow bears" that are ready for Christmas! They're white, paired with beautiful Basic Grey and Chatterbox papers, and just gorgeous! Check them out!

We Believe -- new THIS MORNING!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140064682725

Holiday Memories warm even the COLDEST of days -
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140063965594

Are you looking for a specific theme or holiday? I'd be happy to help! Let me help you get those lastminute SCRAPBOOK GIFTS completed!! Mini-books are a great gift for mothers, grandmothers, aunts & friends! I have a week until the kiddos get out of school -- which means that I've got time to scrap for you! ;-)

Here's a question for you to answer... What is your favorite Holiday color combination?
Traditional Red & Green? Aged Red/Green? Blue & White? Red & Gold? Silver & Gold? Post a comment and let me know!

Have a great day!
Dece - dayzeedesigns

Paper piecing for Birthday Parties

Hi everyone!
I hope your first week of December is going great!
I'm paper piecing my way to afford my daughter's birthday party. YAY! LOL
Here are links to my FOUR eBay auctions.
Most have bids, so do not wait to the last minute! ;-)
Once they're gone... they're gone!

Baby's First Christmas - (has a bid, ends TODAY!!)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140059233011

Tis the Season - (has multiple bids)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140059974869

Birthday Wishes - (has a bid)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140061653737

All Hearts come Home for Christmas - (has a bid)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140061658041

Are you looking for a specific theme or holiday? I'd be happy to help! I'm mailing out a 12 x 12 layout I made for Jennifer D. of Florida today in a Thanksgiving Theme... She's thrilled with the paper piecings and the layout! Let me help you, too!
Have a great day!

Dece - dayzeedesigns

December 1st! Scrapbook Musings

It's Friday... and it's December 1st. I was a very good girl and not only did I mail my Secret Santa gift today, but I also created and completed a new paper piecing which I put up on eBay. It's inspired by a card I saw on a Scandanavian Scrapping site that I adore -- not that I can read everything that is written there, but I understand beautiful ScrapArt when I see it!!
My current auctions.

Birthday Wishes -http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140058887883

Baby's First Christmas - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140059233011

NEW TODAY! Tis the Season - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140059974869

I have some designs sketched out but I take so much TIME when I sit down to paper piece that hours pass and I wonder what has happened to the last hour, two hours, three hours... I am considering turning on the Christmas Music livestream from http://www.987thepeak.com and keeping that on while I work. I need something to get and keep me in a holiday spirit. ;-)

I'd love to hear what other people are scrapping and what you're looking for in PAPER PIECINGS. :)

Happy Scrapping...
Dece - dayzeedesigns

SCRAPBOOK Paper Piecings 11/29

Two days in a row I have a new paper piecing up for auction on eBay. Wow! 8-)

Baby's First Christmas -
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140059233011

It's cute... Tear bears with beautiful Chatterbox paper. I bought this Cbx paper a while ago but I haven't used it until now. I really would like to get scrapping for ME again...

OH and I hear that CK has suspended the Birthday Idea book. I'll be posting my birthday pages at http://www.scrappersanonymous.com as soon as I get my supply lists typed up. I've been sitting on those layouts for months now. :-S

I'd love some comments about the paper piecings. Please, please, please! Reinforcement!! LOL

Love, D
p.s. I'm going to be working on Thanksgiving pp's for hire, so if you have any requests... now is the time to put them in! :)

Paper Piecings... 11/.28

I have reverted back to what I know... It has been so long since I paper pieced and I discovered I kind of like it! Some scrappers make cards. I make paper piecings. Card makers send them to friends who appreciate them. I make paper piecings to sell on my paper piecing group and on eBay.

I made this one today:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140058887883

I have a stack of paper piecing plans for titles and the little creatures to go with them. There is something relaxing about working on a title and pieces for someone else. :)

Paper piecing is what afforded me Christmas in the past, trips to see friends, and scrap supplies. I hope it can get me through this very lean time when my babysitting job is getting more and more sparse!!

I am willing and able to take requests for specific titles, themes, and off-eBay sales.

And, as always, I welcome your comments and suggestions!!

Dece -- dayzeedesigns (my eBay user ID)

KI Memories SCRAPBOOK CONTEST!

KI Memories
July-Aug Layout Contest at http://www.ScrappersAnonymous.com
Sponsored by KI Memories http://www.kimemories.com (I bet you could have guessed that )
Contest begins: July 15
Contest ends: Aug 15

KI Memories products have long been a staple in the scrappy stash of most scrappers! And every time they come out with new lines, I am astounded at the AWESOME-NESS of them (is that even a word??). Their latest line “COLOR THEORY” that was released in April of this year is no exception! The papers are double sided, textured, and come with fun rounded corners in daring, bold patterns as well and soft and subtle ones!! The embellishments and alphabets that go with them are PERFECTLY coordinated and easy to use….making stunning layouts is easy when you have wonderful products to play with!

So, scrappers, here is your chance to win some of this AWESOME new line of products!!

This is a product driven contest, so there is no theme or technique you must use….the design is ALL YOU, BABY!! To enter this contest, simply create a layout (one or two pages is fine) in 12x12 or 8.5x11 using KI Memories products and upload to the July/Aug Contest Gallery at http://www.scrappersanonymous.com./ Over 50% of the products on your layout need to be KI Memories products, but they do NOT have to bee the color theory line….it can be ANY of the paper/embellishment lines, even from way back. Each person is allowed TWO entries, and each entry MUST be created during the contest month. Also a reminder that we do not expect you to keep your layouts exclusive to us, once uploaded to our gallery, you can post them anywhere else you want…share, share, share your talent…we love it!!

We will have one Grand prize winner voted on by the DT and Shannon Tidwell of KI Memories!! We will also have two winners by random drawing. The Grand prize winner will receive the prize pack pictured below!!!!!!! A BUNCH of the new COLOR THEORY papers and embellishments ($50 retail value). The drawing winners with each receive a “Trendy Tin” from the color theory line (also pictured below). So what are you waiting for!? Pull out that KI stuff (you know you have it!!) and get to scrappin'!! This is a prize worth trying for!!!!

Sakura Contest June 15-July 15

CONTEST! CONTEST! CONTEST!
Doodle Delight Sponsored by SAKURA www.gellyroll.com
Contest begins: June 15 Ends: July 15
Handdrawn doodles and penwork is the big CRAZE in Scrapbooking and Card making right now!! You can doodle just about anything in any color!!
Here are a few examples.....
Swirls Hearts Flowers Squiggles Dots Fourishes Paisley Stick figures Dashed Lines Hash Marks Can you think of others??
You can doodle on your photo, on cardstock, on patterned paper, on embellishments, on chipboard, and inside your journaling!! Now that you are thinking DOODLES, you are all set to create for this contest!!! Create a layout or card or altered item with DOODLING (I bet you could have guessed that, LOL)!! You dont have to doodle the whole thing, but we'd like to see more than just one or two squggles on your project.
Have fun creating NEW projects for this contest...do not enter previously created art. Then post them in the gallery in the June/July DOODLING DELIGHT contest folder.
The prize: Are you ready for this??? There will be two winners for this contest!! The judged winner will receive an ENTIRE set of Sakura's Permapaque Pens!!!!!!!!! There are TWENTY COLORS!!! You can doodle till the break of dawn and never run out of options with this set!! The design team has been working with these wonderful pens and are having a BALL!! Check out the gallery for some FUN examples!! You will get one of EVERY color seen here ....
TWENTY....and it comes in a handy carrying case with a handle!!
We will also have a winner by random drawing from all eligible entries who will recieve a set of DOODLED DINGS stamps from Sassafrass Lass along with a WHITE sharpie!! Doodled Dings (you know you want them!!) Get to DOODLIN' folks!! If you need ideas, Last months CK had an article about doodling and here is another article too http://www.scrapjazz.com/topics/Techniques/Penwork/907.php Dont miss the gallery here too....some fantastic doodling in there!!

WUBE Contest!! May 15- June 15

I am so excited about a contest... The prize is WUBE paper... The theme is fathers and is using the sketch I created. How cool is that?? A sketch I drew is the sketch for a contest!!
There are only two entries so far... I hope more people enter it. The deadline is June 15th. I do not think a 2 page sketch is too hard to work with -- and with Father's Day coming up, a tribute page to Dad, Grandpa, or a page for my girls to share their feelings about their Dad would be a great way to show how much they love him for Father's Day... Better than a tie or a pair of socks, right?
I have some of this awesome WUBE paper and made a few layouts with it... The distressed words are great for a quick layout. I really like how the one I made about Emilie came out -- it's kind of fresh and funky, just like her.

With only two entries thus far and four prizes, it looks like someone's going to win BIG! LOL

Have a HAPPY SCRAPPY day!

IMAGINATION UNLEASHED!
Sponsored by WUBE
http://www.WubiePrints.com

Contest begins: May 15
Ends: June 15

This is a contest with a few twists! (Like a pretzel, but better!)
We want to see your best layout featuring the FATHERS in your life. Whether it
is your father, your husband, grandfather, your father figure, you get the idea.
Now, here’s twist #1:

You must also use this 5 photo sketch to inspire you:

http://www.scrappersanonymous.com/PHOTOPOST/showphoto.php?photo=13345

The prize:
A set of WUBE papers. 24 sheets of 12 x 12 paper and 4 sheets of 6 x 6 magnetic
papers (these were the talk of the town for good reason at Winter CHA in Las
Vegas!!).

And now for twist #2!:

By entering this contest, you agree that if you are the winner, you will use the
WUBE paper on a layout, or altered item AND a card within 2 weeks of receiving
your prize and post them to our gallery. And you will also write a review of
these papers in our review section under WUBE!

There will be FOUR winners!! So get scrapping about the men in your life and win
WUBE papers, it’s that easy!! You can enter as many layouts as you wish!!

Upload your layouts into the Imagination Unleashed Category in the gallery
http://www.scrappersanonymous.com/PHOTOPOST/showgallery.php?cat=621

This is a great sketch, and a great prize....DONT MISS OUT!!!