Mother, May I?

I love the way this layout turned out! The colors, the pictures, just everything! This was a layout that I designed (with the help of Cherish - Rise & Shine) for my "The Months Fly By Series" workshop that focuses on the Monthly Word Puzzle Stamp set. I can't wait to see what my students come up with theirs!

For a supply list, detailed pictures, & to read my journaling, visit my website: https://tonyasheridan.myctmh.com

For those who are following my Month Long Crop Challenge...here are my completions:
#8 - Use a design never been used before from Cherish.
#10 - Use 7 brads on a layout.
#23 - Enter CTMH's Scrapbook & Share Contest.
#25 - Use two edge anchors.

Memorial Day Fun!

As an afternoon surprise, I treated the kids to water-balloons on Sunday! Knowing of course, that Uncle Mike would be there; and hoping that with that info., that he would be the target and not myself! We had a great time! The balloons we had must have been super balloons as it took all of our efforts to burst them! Abby ended up with the last balloon and of course wanted to keep playing with it! lol! A great evening of fun!

Tinkerin' Challenge #10

Tinkerin' Challenge #10 :
Create a background using the random stamping technique.

The pattern used for this card was the Wishes Just Right Pattern. (posted with copyright permission).

I love the stamped circle image over the B&T paper! This combination was in the Tinkerin' Workshop To Go and I just had to try it with a card! For the Sunflower cardstock, I used the brayer to apply uneven ink which blended well with the paint splatter appearance on the paper itself.

Other products used: Tinkerin' Level 2 Paper Pack, Gear Up My Acrylix Stamp Set, Clover Meadow, Sunflower & Sunny Yellow Exclusive Ink, Badge Buttons, Sunflower & Sunny Yellow Cardstock, Rubber brayer.

Attention All Card Markers...
Through Saturday, May 30th purchase the new hardcover how-to-card book Wishes and receive an assortment package of 9 Envelope Flats (1 of each size) and one package of flats in the size of your choice! That is a total of 19 envelope flats! (See page 97 in the Summer Idea book) This awesome new book from Close to My Heart is a must have for card makers and scrapbooker's libraries alike! Filled with amazing stamping techniques you will not want to put it down! The book also comes with a fantastic CD that has envelope templates and much more! Order your copy today! Need a few other things too? If your total meets $75 (including the cost of the book), then you will also receive FREE SHIPPING! And these make awesome gifts!

Tinkerin' Challenge #9

Tinkerin' Challenge #9:
Use rub-ons to create a sub-title or journaling!

I used the All-Out Adventure Rub-ons with this layout! For me, these are my favorite so far! Not only do they come in an assortment of three colors (White Daisy, Chocolate, & Black) but they have images that compliment the new paper collections! How awesome is that!


I used several of the (black) arrows on my sub-title/journaling piece, several of the gears (White Daisy) on my pictures, and the letters/phrases on my sub-title/journaling piece! I love that I was able to use the White Daisy letters to write out Icie's name, and then use the same letters in black to do the journaling! A definite win, win for me!

Tinkerin' Workshop To Go

Below is the Layout that Close To My Heart Created that I based my layout from! This is what I love so much about these exclusive workshops...you can "tweak" where you desire, but you still have beautiful, balanced, layouts to build from! And, all of the designs, are exclusive designs that are not featured in any of our How-To or Idea Books! (click image for detailed images).


Products I used are: Tinkerin' Level 2 Paper Pack & My Stickease, Badge Buttons, Holiday Red Craft Buttons (from the Summer Collection), Sunflower Embroidery Floss (from the Yellow & Orange Assortment), Field Trip My Acrylix Stamp Set, Gear Up My Acrylix Stamp Set;, All Out Adventure Rub-ons; Colors featured Twilight, Sunflower, Sunny Yellow, Clover Meadow, Holiday Red.

If you would like to do some Tinkerin' on your own and create this fun workshop, let me know! I can arrange it for you, or you and some friends!

And for those of you who are following my National Scrapbook Day Challenge--for this layout, I completed the following challenges:
#18. Used an item from a Stickease Sheet
#24. Used Floss or Sassy Strands on a layout.

Crop Thinking!

I have been working all evening in my office trying to get the "artsy" flair that I am looking for: an art studio for myself with an art space for my children as well. And all the while, creating a space that our family can enjoy together. This has been quite the challenge I assure you! So, as I am in the middle of this huge project, I started thinking about all of these "extras" that I have. What to do with them is my challenge. And I came up with two solutions!

First, I have challenged myself to use up many of my scraps to make cards...so for this, I am challenging myself to make 500 cards by Labor Day weekend (soon I will have a link to my new website where I will have my handmade cards available for purchase--thanks to my awesome computer tech brother Michael!! loL!!--so stay tuned for that).

and Second, I decided to have a fun new sale at my next crop! A quarter sale! Everything on the table will available to purchase for just a quarter per item! And since this crop is benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, all of the quarters will be donated toward my Team In Training fundraising efforts. Crop-goers can also participate! Do you have extras that you no longer need? You too can bring yours along and donate them to the cause ("clean out, with a greater cause"!). For anyone who wants to take this opportunity to get organized, I will hold a special "Clean out for a Cause" door prize! An My Acrylix storage case! Bet you didn't see that one coming?? lol! You will receive 1 ticket for every 5 items you bring in. And so everyone is a winner, for every 25 items that you donate, you will receive one new craft jar. If you want to participate and are in need of plastic bags etc. I do have some that I am more than happy to share. Or I can arrange to pick up your items and package them for you. Whichever is easiest for you and your schedule. All items donated will be available at the June and July Crops then leftovers will be donated to Morning With My Friends Preschool. Any questions..just e-mail me!

So, how far did I get tonight? 17 "quarter" items, and 7 cards made!

Make sure you save your quarters in case you find a must have on the quarter table!

Tinkerin' Challenge #8

Tinkerin' Challenge #8-

Use a badge button!

These fun fun "badge" buttons are exclusive to the Tinkerin' collection & they add a bright spot of color to any project! Here, the badge was added to the top of a simple metal tin--it was the perfect way to add a sentiment to the project!

To create, measure and cut, a strip of paper to fit the side of the tin. Adhere with Liquid Glass, Zip Dry Glue, or Red Line tape. Fill container with candy of choice. This one was filled with M&M's that coordinated with the colors in the paper. Using a very strong adhesive (Glue Dots, Red Line Tape) adhere the badge to the center of the clear lid. And there you have a cute little inexpensive gift that you not only created with your scraps, but also will warm the heart of the recipient! Perfect for a congratulatory gift!

Memorial Day Weekend is finally here! With a Fun challenge!

I don't know about all of you, but I have been looking forward to this weekend for sometime now! Having my husband home that one extra day makes a difference! We have lots of outdoor projects that have put off because of rain, so now, with what looks to be a clear weekend, I am hoping to make some progress! And, I am hoping with the extra help around the house, that I can log some extra miles this weekend!

Just the same, I have lots of un-finished scrapbooking/papercrafting projects that just need that last little touch to be declared finished! So, I am challenging myself, and you, to finish up some of those loose ends! Take a picture of before and after, so you can share the bragging rights at our next crop! I challenge you to finish THREE (papercrafting) projects this weekend! Send me an e-mail with what you did, and the pictures, and I will enter your name a drawing for a fun Tinkerin' prize. You have from now until midnight on Memorial Day (and I am referring to Memorial Day, 2009!) Have fun!! And happy weekend!

Announcing New Upcoming Event!

I am postponing my Tinkerin' Challenge this evening to instead post my new upcoming Animal Cookie Event! There has been such a great response to my Tinkerin' Event, that I decided to do a similiar event in June--the Animal Cookie Event! All through the month of June, I will donate $1 for each Animal Cookie, or supporting product, to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I will also be positing artwork on my blog all month long to inspire you!

So to give you a little teaser...Here is a card that I designed for my Mega Card Workshop next weekend! The design came from our new Wishes book!

Tinkerin' Challenge #7

Tinkerin' Challenge #7:

Using the stipple brush.

When creating this card, I used the stipple brush. When using ink to distress, the stipple brush creates a different texture/pattern on the paper verses my typical sponge daubing. To create this effect, generously brush the stipple brush over the exclusive ink pad of choice. Next, with pressure, brush the ink over the edge of the paper. Note: it is a good idea to have a scrap piece of paper underneath your work space. Above, I stippled the edges of the White Daisy cardstock with Clover Meadow exclusive ink, and the edges of the sentiment with Tulip Exclusive Ink. Enjoy!

Want to try this fun technique? Receive a $1.00 off the purchase of the Texture Tools or $3.00 off the purchase of the Distressing Kit. Offer code: stipple-blog. Special valid until May 31, 2009. To order, e-mail me at: inallsassiness@juno.com.

Supplies used: Tinkerin' Level 2 Paper Pack, Stipple Brush, Tulip Exclusive Ink, Clover Meadow Exclusive Ink, Sunflower Exclusive Ink, Tinkerin' Badge Button, Dimensional Elements, Glue Dots, Say It In Style Stamp Set, Sunflower brads (from Autumn Harvest Assortment) & Cardstock: White Daisy, Clover Meadow, Tulip.

Card layout from Wishes.

Tinkerin' Challenge #6

Tinkerin' Challenge #6:

Try using the Window Circles in a non-obvious way!

I created this fun art tin and art book for one of my son's friend's birthday tomorrow. I love the way it turned out! And I am guessing, knowing Nicholas, that I will be making another one tomorrow for him!

Art Tin and Art Book (drawing book)

Front of tin.

Back of Tin.

Art Book (drawing book).

Supplies used: Tinkerin' Level 2 Paper Pack

Oxford Color Ready Alphabet

Clover Meadow Exclusive Ink & Dauber

Tinkerin' My Stickease

Circle Window Charms

Buttercup Ric-Rack

Composition Book & Paint Tin

Note: The tin was filled with art supplies.

"I woooov you Mommy"

Abby said her first full sentence this morning.."I wooooov you Mommy"!! I don't think there are any four words that could have been sweeter to hear today or words that could have meant more! I woooov you too Abby--blueberry face and all!

Tinkerin' Challenge #5

Tinkerin' Challenge #5:

Add a personal touch to a sticker or stamped image by stitching it!

To do so, position a piercing pad under the image. Use the piercing tool, and following the lines of the image, puncture holes every 1/4" or other desired width. Stitch a backstitch through the holes with coordinating Embroidery Floss.

Cupcakes & More!

The new Art & Soul aired yesterday and I watched in in amazement! First, it has some awesome ideas for Father's Day, but that was followed up on an awesome segment of making these adorable cupcakes! Cupcakes being such a hot trend right now...I am sure you will want to watch and see all the fun! And the best part...there is a complete instruction sheet that you can print off to make your own cupcakes! I am thinking that this will be an awesome workshop in June!! So if interested, stayed tuned!!

Mother's Day Celebration!

This year, because I worked most of Mother's Day, the children and I celebrated on Monday. We went to this little park that is near our house, and spent the afternoon there. Originally, Nicholas just wanted to go to see if we could find any ducks from the duck race the previous Saturday--he thought since we bought a "duck" that it was his to keep...couldn't grasp the idea that we just sponsored the duck!! We only found one or two, but much to Nicholas' surprise, there were REAL ducks to see instead! It was a wonderful afternoon! We swung on the garden swing, fed the (real) ducks, ran races on the path, and just enjoyed being together!

I'm going to a Crop!! Wahoo! But what do I take?

Excited about an upcoming crop? But overwhelmed by how and what to pack? Here are a few tips that might make your experience more enjoyable!

First, remember this is supposed to be fun! Don’t get so stressed with the packing element that you can’t have fun!

Cash – Make sure you take a little bit of cash with you for vending machines, raffles, cash-and-carry items that may be available, or for other incidentals that you might not have planned for …”I’m out of white cardstock…does anyone have a piece I can buy from them??” etc.

Camera- that’s a given! But you would be surprised how many people forget them! It is great to have a camera to take pictures of new friends made, as well as scrapbooking ideas that you don’t want to forget! Crops are a great resource for inspiration!

A small first aid type kit – throw in a few band-aids (those trimmers can be tricky things after 12-14 hours of trimming!), Advil / Tylenol, lip balm, tissues, small hand lotion etc. A small pack of baby wipes are great too! And don’t forget any prescription medication that you might need.

Extra “layered” clothing – you never know what the temperature might be, and it might vary as the day passes by. Wearing sandals…take a pair of socks in case your feet get cold. Add a light sweater/sweatshirt in case you get chilly. Remember, you will be cropping for a long period of time, you want to be comfy too!

Comfort items – pillow? I pod (if allowed) – make sure you take ear buds with you as most crops do not allow you to use without. Bottled water and or drinks - if not provided: make sure they have lids or caps! Light, non-messy snacks and candy—for a little boost when you need it! The little single packets of lemonade or individual tea bags work well too!

Now for the scrapbooking things…
When preparing, know that you might have your own 6 foot table, but you might also be sharing a 6 foot table! You might not have as much room to spare as you are accustomed to.

Before taking a die cutting system, check to see if one is available. Often they are & sometimes there is a small charge (again, where the cash comes in handy). If you have a favorite font, and it works with the projects you will be working on, bring that along.

Pack lots of adhesive! All of your favorite types. Make sure you have at least one refill, if not two, for each. I.e. Glue Dots, Ditto Tape Runner, Xyron X machine (or all sizes if you use all of them!), Liquid Glass, Foam Squares, Vario Tabs…whatever you regularly use. Remember, if you are well prepared for the crop, you might get more done than you normally do, because ½ the work will already be done. Understanding this, you might also go through more adhesive in the duration.

Bigger items…do you use a self healing mat to work on? Make sure you pack your favorite trimmer! Do you use a book holder? Or a small light? (Is there electricity available for this?) Xyron machines?

Tool Caddy – use what works for you! I keep most of my tools all together in my caddy—adhesive, rulers, portable trash can, Xyron “X’ machine, etc. Other things to consider: a sharpie, photo craft knife, post it notes, cloth, tweezers, scissors, trimmer blade refills, needle, corner rounder, pencil, eyelet setter. Then I can pick up and go!

Idea books, How-To-Books, magazines for inspiration! Post-It flags work great for flagging items that you like or want to refer back to!

Now, for the actual projects:
There are lots of ways to pack, but I find what is the most helpful is to not pack my whole scrap room! Decide what you want to accomplish while you are there. Be realistic! Remember, you will most likely want to chat, see what others are doing, and socialize…that’s part of the fun of crops! Once you decide what you are going to be working on, focus on packing for that.

Print off your pictures. Find the paper you would like to compliment with the pictures. Give yourself some options. Bundle several shades or designs that would work with that project. Look for embellishments and or ribbons that would work well with your layouts. Once you have all of this gathered, pack them together. The plastic storage cases with a lip closure from Iris work great. They are a little larger than 12x12 and about 2 inches thick. This makes it easy to pack everything you need and the depth works great for embellishments etc. I am now in love with their photo cases as well. So when I am packing it everything is together and most importantly, my pictures won’t get ruined from the weight of the neighboring things. I also use craft jars!! I don’t usually take my whole case, just the jars of embellishments that I will be using with the projects that I have chosen. Include in the box, any ink pads or markers that you might use, so you don’t have to take all that you own. I can get two of these 12x12 cases in my rolling tote with room to spare.

One last tip for packing…I find that it is easier if I can choose projects that have the same or similar color schemes to work on. For i.e. if I choose to do Easter 2009 I know I will have several pages I will want to do for each child. This is ideal for a crop as I can pack lots of related items within the same color scheme so I will, in the end, have more choices. Compare this to taking a 2 page layout in pinks purples and princesses; a Christmas layout; My son’s first soccer game; and a Beach layout. Most likely, I will not be able to cross use the embellishments/colors that I pack, and will need to take much more with me!

Hope this list helps you prepare better for your next crop!

Compiled by Tonya J. Sheridan, Independent Consultant Close To My Heart

Iris Case packed & ready!

Use the small photo cases for photographs

& craft jars filled with coordinating embellishments.

Pack coordinating ink pads, markers, stamp sets

& additional embellishments that coordinate and might be used.

B&T (or patterned papers), possible coordinating cardstock choices, and stickers.

Tinkerin' Challenge #4

Tinkerin' Challenge #4:

Round some edges...it just makes life more fun!

Tinkerin' Matching Cards! See previous post for instructions to re-create.

Tinkerin' Challenge #3

Tinkerin' Challenge #3:

Use scrapbooking scraps to create a piece of altered art!

Note to self: Maybe it started with Disney's movie "Wall----eeeeee" (as Gabe says it)...or a favorite Mickey Mouse Club House episode when a robot visits...or Mommy's fun new Tinkerin' paper that she has been making cards for Send Love Today with...I am not sure what exactly sparked this new-found interest in robots...but the boys are hooked!

So, running with their interest, I decided to create this fun matching game for Nicholas and Gabriel. The case, is actually a photo case by IRIS that I found at Michael's for about $2.

To recreate:

1. Cut a 5 1/4"(horizontal) by 3 3/4" (vertical) piece from the striped paper. Round all of the corners. Choose a robot from the Tinkerin' My Stickease. Position on the right side of the B&T paper.

2. Cut a 2x3" piece of White Daisy cardstock. Round all of the corners.

3. Mask the "Robot Power" stamp so that just the word "Robot" stamps to the paper. Stamp in Tulip Exclusive Ink.

4. Drop down approximately 1" and mask the word "Power" to the paper. Stamp in Tulip Exclusive Ink.

5. Using a tight adhesive, adhere the Title card to the B&T paper--this should be to the left of the robot My Stickease.

6. Next, using the Liquid Glass, adhere the B&T piece to the top of the plastic photo box. Use a sponge brush, cover the entire B&T piece with Modge Podge. Allow to dry.

7. Allow to completely dry overnight.

To create the inside cover--cut the same size of B&T paper as used on the lid. Adhere with Liquid Glass to the inside lid. The seams should line up with the one on the opposite side. Embellish with craft buttons as desired. Use mini-glue dots to adhere the craft buttons. If choosing to Modge Podge the inside lid, paint on the Modge Podge (and allow to dry completely before adhering the buttons.

To create the matching cards:

1. Cut out 12 (or more if desired) "cards" from the White Daisy cardstock. These should be 2x3" each and all corners should be rounded.

2. Stamp a robot image onto each of the cards--two each of each of the three robots and two of each robot in each of the supporting colors (Clover Meadow, Sunny Yellow, Sunflower, Twilight).

3. Select a B&T paper for the backs of the matching cards. These should all be 2x3" and the corners rounded. Run the B&T paper through the Xyron. Adhere to the back of the White Daisy robot cards. Trim off any excess.

4. Next, run each of the cards through the Xyron with a laminate cartridge. Trim off excess.

Tinkerin' Challenge #2 -- hot off the press from Wishes!!

Tinkerin' Challenge #2: Use an edge anchor on your next piece of artwork! In this card, the edge anchors are really what make the card PoP!

This fun card, was created with our brand new, HOT OFF THE PRESS, How-to-Book Wishes! Mine just arrived today, and I have to say, hands down, it is the ABSOLUTELY BEST card book I have ever seen! Close To My Heart, or non-Close To My Heart! I wanted to put everything aside and create every card there! I had a horrible time just choosing one!! There is a tip, or technique, on almost every page! Even if you are not a card maker, this book is a must -have for every scrapbookers library! Speciality stamping techniques and beautiful artwork are just the beginning! Wowsohers!

Okay, so now that I have shared my amazement with you! Here is how to re-create this card!

1. Begin by cutting a 3x6" piece from the B&T paper. Choose a corner that has the paint dabbing for greater effect. Using a sponge dauber, and the Clover Meadow Exclusive ink, ink all of the edges.

2. Cut a 1 1/4" x 4 1/4" piece of Sunny Yellow cardstock. Using a sponge dauber, and Sunflower Exclusive ink, ink all of the edges. Position, and adhere, to the B&T base as seen in picture.

3. Cut a 1 1/2" x 3 1/4" piece of Clover Meadow cardstock. Using a sponge dauber, and Clover Meadow Exclusive ink, ink all of the edges. Position, and adhere, to the Sunny Yellow cardstock.

4. Using White Daisy rub-ons, transfer a sentiment onto the Clover Meadow cardstock. This should be on the right side reading vertical.

5. Cut two pieces of Sunflower Embroidery Floss approximately 6 inches long. Thread one through each edge anchor so that the floss is on the inner hinge. Slide the edge anchor over the center of the Clover Meadow cardstock (at the top). Secure with a brad. Take the floss off to the back sides at angles. Adhere on the back side with glue dots. Repeat for the second anchor.

6. Stamp the robot image onto White Daisy cardstock with Sunflower Exclusive Ink. Using fine tip scissors, trim out the image so that a little of the white edge shows. Adhere to the card with foam squares.

7. Adhere card front to a Sunny Yellow card base measuring 6x6" and scored at 3x6".

Supplies Used:
Wishes Card Confidence Program, "Name Plate"
Tinkerin' Level 2 Paper Collection
Clover Meadow, White Daisy & Sunny Yellow Cardstock
Clover Meadow & Sunflower Exclusive inks
Love Letters Rub-ons
Rustic Edge Anchors & brads (Sunflower)
Yellow & Orange Assortment Embroidery Floss
Robot Power Stamp Set

Month Long Crop Challenge!

Your Challenge Sheet…25 challenges!

Complete all 25 challenges and earn a free stamp set (A, B, C, D) or $20 worth of Exclusive Ink Pads & Markers Free! The details...you can send me pictures of your "challenges" , or show them to me--either way! And you can send them to me as you complete them, or all at once! If you need clarifications, shoot me an e-mail! The list was created by two of my monthly crop scrappers and myself to give you a bit of variety! So, take the challenge and treat yourself to a great gift! The clock is running! You have from now until May 31st to complete my challenge! And I will be doing the challenge with you! Check my Blog weekly for my challenge completions!

Triple mat 1 complete Layout.
Hand journal any layout.
Make layout with pictures cut in different sizes.
Use ric-rack in a layout.
Hand stamp a title.
Make a design border from stamping or punching.
Design your own layout complete with embellishments.
Scrap a design never done from the Cherish book.
Scrap a design from the Reflections book.
Use 7 brads on a layout.
Create a 3 layered flower or other embellishment.
Triple Mat a photo.
Create a monochromatic layout.
Use a dimensional element frame on your layout.
Use an oval ribbon slide.
Use an arrow photo clip.
Stamp a word on your layout.
Use an item from a Stickease sheet.
Use a scalloped edge using the corner rounder.
Use a flip-flop on a layout.
Use your badge button.
Use 3 clear buttons.
Enter CTMH’s Scrapbook and Share Contest.
Use floss or sassy strands on a layout.
Use two edge anchors.

Good luck! Your can do it!! And have fun with it!

Tinkerin' Challenge # 1

Tinkerin Challenge #1 :

Use a corner accent in a non-traditional place.

In this card, the corner accents, are dropped slightly (about 1/4" on both sides) from the actual corner that is being used. This allows the background to show through and actually brings more attention to the corner accent itself. Try it yourself! Or, find your own non-traditional place!

To recreate this card:

1. Cut a 5x10" piece of Clover Meadow cardstock. Using the sponge dauber, and the Exclusive Clover Meadow Ink, ink all of the edges of the front, and inside, of the card base. Score at 5x5". Fold at score mark.

2. Cut a 4 3/4 x 4 3/4" square from the B&T striped paper. Using the sponge dauber, and the Exclusive Clover Meadow Ink, ink all of the edges of the front, and inside, of the card base. Center and adhere this B&T square into the middle of the front of the square card base-the lines should be running horizontally.

3. Cut a 3 1/2 x 3 1/2" piece of Clover Meadow cardstock. Using the sponge dauber, and the Exclusive Clover Meadow Ink, ink all of the edges of the square. Center, and adhere, this square on top of the B&T paper.

4. Cut a 3 1/4 x 6 1/2" piece of Twilight cardstock. Using the sponge dauber and the Exclusive Twilight ink, ink the inside edges and the front edges. Score at 3 1/4 x 3 1/4" and fold. Stamp the "What a Blast" sentiment in black on the bottom of the inside of the card piece. Adorn the remainder of the space with the gear stickers.

5. Using the sponge dauber, and the Sunflower Exclusive ink, ink the corner accents. Position one in the upper right corner (about 1/4" from the top and side edge) and the second in the bottom left right corner (about 1/4" from the top and side edge).

6. To create the robot, stamp the image on White Daisy cardstock in all three exclusive inks: Sunflower, Twilight, and Clover Meadow. With fine tip scissors, cut out the shoes in Sunflower, the body base in Twilight ink, and the parameter of the body in Clover Meadow. Adhere the shoes and the body to the green full stamped image. (The Xyron "X" machine is awesome for this.) Position the robot into desired position on the front of the Twilight flap.

7. Adhere, and center the bottom of this folded flap to the inside of #3. Note: because this flap will be opened and closed frequently, strong adhesive should be used on this piece. On this card, Bead Bond Tape (red) was used. It forms a tight bond however repositioning is not an option.

8. Attach a large Holiday Red Craft button in the bottom right corner of the flap. This is adhered with mini-glue dots and is positioned so that only 3/4" of the button is adhered to the card. There is a little over-flow, to speak, that functions as a tab for opening. A second feature is that the weight of the button, helps keep the flap down.

9. And there you have it! Enjoy, and if you come across any stumbling blocks along the way, e-mail me at: inallsassiness@juno.com and I will be happy to help you!

Supplies Used: Tinkerin' Level 2 Paper Pack, Tinkerin' My Stickease, Holiday Red Craft Buttons, "Robot Power" Stamp Set.

The Tinkerin' Event is Here!!

What is the Tinkerin' Event you may ask? In celebration of National Scrapbooking Month I will be posting challenges and artwork for using the Tinkerin' collection all month here on my Blog! Look for a Tinkerin' Challenge each Monday, Wednesday and Friday! There might be a contest thrown in too...you never know! So stay tuned, and check back frequently!

In addition, I am doing a little Tinkerin' on my own this summer--Training for the Chicago Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon on August 2nd with Team in Training for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society--so all month long, $1.00 from each Tinkerin' product purchased will be donated to my Team in Training Fundraising Efforts.

I'm Officially in Training with Team in Training!

For Chicago's Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon on August 2nd! Team in Training is an awesome organization that raises funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! I used to love to run, and dreamed of running in a marathon. I ran a half-marathon once before (in Ann Arbor, MI of all places!!) but then got too busy with my career, getting married, and starting a family, and I never reached my dream. So recently, I taught a scrapbooking workshop where we created our own Bucket Lists and running a marathon was near the top of my list. I had been toying with the idea to start running and conditioning again, even contacted Team In Training for information, but that was about as far as I got. The pamphlet is still on my desk. UNTIL, my girlfriend, and college roommate, Heather posted on Facebook that she and her husband were joining Team in Training to run in this race in honor of her mom, Karen Blackmon, who has beaten Lymphoma. Karen has always been like a second mom to me and played a significant role in my life. That was the push that I needed to say yes. So, I registered and here I am. Excited, exhilarated, and a little fearful at the same time. I am hoping to accomplish this for so many reasons--to fulfill a dream, to get back in shape, and most importantly to raise funds so that a cure can be found. If you'd like to follow my progress, visit my Fundraising page often. This is the first step, to training for my marathon.