Snow makes the best decorations!

I have never liked snow. 1--it's cold! 2--it's wet & cold! 3--still cold!  Growing up in the panhandle of Texas, we had our fair share of snow. Mom would bundle us up and throw us out the door. The boys would dig tunnels and make forts for their day-long snow ball fights. I would walk around a bit and be ready to go in. But mom wouldn't let me...I needed to play with the brothers. So I remember sitting on the porch, crying. Making my own icicles--which made me colder!
  Today, I am still cold all the time. Even in summer!  But I have fallen in love with snow...but only looking at it through my double-paned windows. I donned my heavy clothes and journeyed out to take a few pictures of the snow. (my scrap tools are mostly at the store, so no creating over this long weekend)

 We have 4 artificial trees on our porch, 2 large one and 2 on either side of the door. The snow on the branches is a great touch. I couldn't have done it better.  And here at The Funk's Botanical Garden we have constant updates on the pool.  So who could resist a picture of the snow drifts on the edge of the pool and the ladder? (The water is now a nice thin coat of ice...no we never long enough freezes  ice skate!)
  Hope you enjoyed the winter wonderland.
But for me, I'm Dream' of warm weather and sunshine...you keep Dreamin' too.

Pammie Kay

Yesterday I got a chance to create!  Working at The Paper Crafts Store gives me a bunch of great products to choose from!!  I have been dying to play with the large Pop Bottle Caps from Maya Road.  I don't have the jumbo ones, but the large one.

   I have been making a lot Christmas cards with the new Kaiser Craft  "St. Nicolas" collection.  Of course, there are always scraps.  So I started putting different pieces together....and I like it!
 
 A 3" punch makes it easy to cut a background. I cut this out of the leftover corner of  "Santa Clause". It goes without saying that everything  I add, has a touch of inking to  it!  I usually prefer to use Walnut Stain Distress Ink.

  I love to fussy cut with my new Elizabeth's Crafts Fine Point scissors.  I have arthritis in my right thumb, and the ease of these scissors allows me to craft longer. So I cut out the bells in the corner, leaving a couple of leaves for texture. I outlined the edge of the bells with my Jelly Roll Stardust Pen. It adds a light shimmer. Some foam dots for more dimension holds it into the bottle cap. I didn't like the fact that the paper base "gapped" around the edges.  So I added a thick band of gold Stickles around the edge. I stamped on black card stock some sentiment and embossed it with white.Some bling to make the berries more prominent, satisfied my desire for more sparkles!

 My Crop-a-Dile punched a whole with ease through the top edge of the pop cap. I used a string of embroidery floss ( with a bead tied to the inside) to hang it up. I love the way it turned out...and with the Pop Caps selling for only 75 cents, it makes an amazingly affordable gift. I need to make one for my mailman, hairdresser, Shirley next door, our land lady....this list goes on!

So, with the weather threatening to shut us in...grab your supplies and create something special for your gift list.
   I'm Dreamin' of two days of crafting...you keep Dreamin' too..

Pammie Kay

Tell Santa what you want...

A little  more Genevieve and then I'll move on!  

Genni was cute...but she needed more.  She needed a Christmas list!  So I grabbed my faithful roll of kraft paper and set about making one.  I tore the edges and inked them to make it look older.

     Then off to my Pazzles machine to cut out words. I love the freedom of choosing any font on my computer to be able create a variety of looks.And I can "weld" them together or add an outline so easily!  Did I say I love it?  Because I really do.

    Lots of scraps later, I had the desires of Genevieve's heart written and glued to the list. I think it turned out cute.  Now to finish the window!

So Genevieve & I are Dreamin' of crafty gifts...you keep Dreamin' too.

Pammie Kay

Getting ready for Christmas

I know, it isn't even Thanksgiving yet. I am usually ready for Christmas around the 4th of July!  But in my defense, it takes a while to create store displays and classes...and cards...and ornaments... I have been in a small creative block. I can blame it on running the store and having to do all the non-creative things there. But the reality is probably stemming from the fact that my scrap room is still not in shape.  I have nowhere to escape and be alone with my favorite tools and papers.  I have started again, and have high hopes for a space to play!
    I do have something to share today.

 I said I was creating store displays. Genevieve has once again been transformed for the season.  For those who don't know, Genevieve is the store's wire mannequin. She has no real purpose but to bring a smile.  I started with her skirt. It was going to be to be made of kraft  paper, with accents of paper on her ruffles. But then I went for wide ribbon at the Dollar Store and saw the double-sided wrapping paper! I cut the paper into a strip, fan folded it, and stapled the two layers to a "waist band" made of kraft paper.Then I stapled it around her waist and with my scor-tape, tape the 2 edges together.  I covered the waist band with a strip of  mesh and then made a simple bow to bring it all together.
   But now, what to do with the bodice? It needs to be paper, we are a paper crafts store. I tried to "sew" a top from the paper, but it was TOO MUCH!!  So simple it is. So I strung some lights around the top.  Done!  Well, not quite.  It was too simple. Okay, then let's add some decorations.  The poinsettias were fussy cut from our new Kaiser Craft St. Nicolas line.  The whole page is full of beautiful flowers.  Punch a hole in the middle and TaDa!  A flower bodice.  Some of the flowers, I double cut to give dimension.

Tomorrow I will show you how she looks in the window.  I had to buy some snow and add some other paper crafted items.  It still isn't finished...but it's not Christmas yet!   

Until then, I'm Dreamin' of a White Christmas....you keep Dreamin' too.

Pammie Kay

Just an update on Genevieve

  In Oklahoma, this is tax free weekend...a sign that school is about to begin.  I remember when I was a kid that "back to school" seemed like a death sentence!  No more bike riding, the fish in the pond would have to wait till weekends as would camping at Lake Keystone.  Summer was such a magical time when you lived in a town that time forgot.
   So because of tax free weekend, all my customers were out spending their money on shoes, jeans and the perfect shirt for the first day of school.  And I was a little bored!  (until crop time, and we had a great time) I took time to continue getting Genevieve ready for retreat.  She is gorgeous!

 She inspired me to finish the window in pink style, with a "sheet" of pink lace, a pink flower bucket filled with pink & white daisies, and (though it doesn't show well in the picture) spirals of pink curling ribbon!  It is dreamy.  All it lacks is the sign about the retreat, that will not be back from the printer till Tuesday.  Overall, I am very pleased.  Hopefully it will draw attention to the store.

Time to get around and go to the store. Saturday's at the store are dedicated to me - - I am going to work on some of my own pictures.  It seems that I don't have time to create on my own, now that I am back at the store.  I have to get back into blog hops and challenges.  I miss my blog world friends. 

   But until then, I'll keep Dreamin' about the retreat and 20 more people registering!

You keep Dreamin' too.

Pammie Kay

Passion for Pink Retreat

Genevieve, the store's mascot, is getting ready for "Passion for Pink" retreat. She didn't want to go too punk (although I think she would be able to pull it off!) but I talked her into changing her style a bit. She is donning her pink satin bustier that is topped off with palest pink organza flowers.A tulle bow just under her bust really accentuates her figure I think. Her tulle skirt will be updated with hot pink curling ribbon.I think she needs some crystals, but don't know where those are packed in my scrap room!

     The retreat plans are coming along wonderfully!  I have ordered the paper for the goodie bags...snacks are planned (most important thing for some of us), I have many donations for the fundraiser, and I have started on the layout for the Saturday afternoon class. The only thing that is lacking in registrations.  I have 7 registered so far....but I would love to have about 20.  So go to the website and register now.  Bring a friend.   

     Are you ready to retreat? Genevieve and I are. Remember....early registration only lasts until August 15th!

Christmas in July

is at the store this week. I have been overwhelmed with the new products that will be rolled out next week by the paper manufacturers.  And all I want to do is buy Halloween & Christmas things.  Only problem involves the fact that I have lots of last years' paper, and no racks to put new collections!  What's a girl to do?  
  I  know we need to buy more racks. But it is much easier to to move the paper out! So Patty & I have decided to have a Christmas Card Make-Take, every day for the rest of the month!!

 Patty sends out lots of card each year for their busy Keystone German Shepherd Kennels.  Simple & easy is the the key to "mass producing" cards for her list.  A strip of red, black & white cardstocks, and a buckle and letters cut out of glitter paper.  That's it Dreamers.
   You can stop by the store and choose this as your $1.00 card of the day.

 

 Some of you know that I have very curved lenses in my glasses (I guess because of my astigmatism?) and I live in a curved world.  Then add trifocals to the mix and I can never glue a thing down straight. Rulers slip & slide and  pencil marks never erase completely. We have the perfect tool right at hand.  I simply put my card even on my trimmer, as if I were going to trim it.  Then I have a stable straight edge, so my words are awesomely level.  There you go...a dollar card and a tip!
    Don't forget to come by the store for a make-take.  Ask me about our retreat...cause I have LOTS to tell you about it.  Read more on a web site by clicking here.
  I'm dreamin' on a cure for Cancers....
 You keep Dreamin' too.

Pammie Kay

A Place to share my dreams: Passion For Pink Scrap Retreat

A Place to share my dreams: Passion For Pink Scrap Retreat

Passion For Pink Scrap Retreat

Three Cheers for the Red, White & Blue.

I admit it...I love the 4th of July!  It used to be a time at our house to go to the lake, cause mom was afraid of fireworks. I think that really they couldn't afford to buy them for us and they were banned at the lake!  I can't say I am any fonder of them than she was...but my family LOVES them!
    Every year, they gather at our house (ok, we have a pool) and swim, cook out burgers & dogs, and then end the night with a fireworks display in our back yard.  As the kids have gotten older, their friends have been added. And their softball teams have been added. And their employees have been added!  Last year we had roughly 57 or so people!
     The party doesn't start till late afternoon so we can have family swim before hand.  Steve cooked all evening and then settled into a lawn chair to watch "the kids" blow up their paychecks...I mean the fireworks!

 and what a display we had!   

    I am starting a new business. A scrapbook retreat & design business.  The name is The Dreamer's KlubHouse Design & Retreats.  Our first retreat is September 6, 7, & 8 at the Embassy Suites in Tulsa.  You can find the information here.  And I am also kicking off my Dreamer's Kit program on the 8th of July.  My first kit will be an Independence Day  layout.  You'll need to check in to see it. 

   No layouts today, just felt like talking.  I pray that you will all be safe this holiday and take a moment to think of the early founders of our country.  They fought for our right to freedom, many laying down their lives.  

God Bless The U.S.A.!

Keep Dreamin'

Pammie Kay

A Little Card

to show you today.  In my last post, I showed you the tag that we made for out make-take in the Green Country Scrap Run.  Well, my friend Patty bought some of the PK Glitz and was inspired to use it on her Mother's Day Card.

    She gathered up her supplies. Fuchsia Glitter Glitz, Prima flowers, and vine ribbon from Creative Impressions.  She had some purple paper that we all got at a Saturday night crop at a Creating Keepsakes Convention. We got about 10 sheets each....they were cleaning out their stock.  It goes a long way and she may be the first of us to ever use it! 

      She mounted the purple mat on a mat of Bazzill Basics that is scattered white flowers.  I love how it just gives a little movement behind the large lavender mat. She made her butterfly with a stamp, Glitter Glitz, and Wonder Film.  

And  then just layered it together!  What a darling card.  It was for her Mother-in-law and I am sure she adored it.  

     Sometimes when I am surrounded by such creative ladies, I get really inspired to create.  We had a great weekend at the National Scrapbook Day crop.  Even though I was sooo busy with all the Scrap Runners, I managed to finish a 2-page layout.  I cherish the moments when I have my girlies around and we giggle and create.  I dreamed of being back here with "the girls" the whole time I was in Chicago.

 Dreams do come true!

You keep dreamin' too.

Pammie Kay

May Sketch Challenge

Good morning Dreamers!  Grab a cup of coffee and join me...I'll wait.  And wait is what you have had to do to get a challenge out of me!  I was SOOOO busy get ready for the Green Country Scrap Run.  It was a great success...I had 122 runners in the store...not counting my regulars who were busy helping me.  By the way, thanks Patty, Lisa, Adeline, Berna for all your help before and during. God has blessed me with such great friends and customers.  

    May's challenge is so easy, but you will have to be quick to get it done by the deadline, May 31 by midnight CST.  

   I admit, sometimes (almost always!) I find paper I love and then just stare at it wondering what to create with it.  So I turn to sketches to give me a little inspiration.  I love sketches because of the versatility they give me.  Each one can become 4 different layouts....just turn it 90 degrees and the look changes! 

   So I want to challenge you to use them enough to get comfortable with them.  Deal? I don't have a lot of followers yet, so I hope you will send a link to your friends to get them to join us.  I love blog love.

   I found this sketch in the February Page Maps. Becky Fleck has so many wonderful sketches there.  I love to grab some and I save them in a folder on my computer.  

So, here is the sketch ......

And here is my interpretation of it...

It all started with the tag!  This is the tag we made for The Run as our store's make-take. We stamped the butterfly on acetate using StazOn, applied Wonder Film, sprinkled Fuchsia Glitter Glitz from PK Glitz on her and fussy cut her out. I wanted to repeat the doily on the layout, but my alphabets from Fern & Forest (by LYB...all paper and embellishments are  from this collection) wouldn't fit.  So I opted to go with a square one I had.  A little trimming and it works wonderfully for the mat. A little pearl bling from ZVA added just the little charm needed.  

    So, the challenge is to use the sketch to make your layout.  Simple.  Use any paper you want.  Then you need to send a picture online to me.  You can leave me a link in my comments if you post it on your blog. Don't have a blog?  You can post it on my Facebook wall here or even send it via email here.   

     Almost forgot!!!  There will be a prize to one randomly picked player....5 sheets out of the Fern & Forest Collection from Little Yellow Bicycle!  Please share this with your friends.  

   I can't WAIT to see what you all can come up with. Monday I will be showing a couple of cards made by Patty for her mother (can't show it before Mother's Day, where is the surprise in that?!)  

    Until then...

Keep Dreamin'

Prairie Chic...finally continued!

     Please accept my apologies for keeping you hanging around like this...I had a sweet Aunt in Texas pass away during this process. She was a "Hometown Hero" recipient and well loved in her community for her unselfish giving and friendly personality. (I will be doing a tribute layout in her honor soon) Her death has caused a hole in many lives and hearts.
       A few tears, a trip to Texas, and the never ending "changing of the store " around to make room for new products has been a major distraction.  Back on Task!!  What were we talking about?  Oh yea, Prairie Chic, by BoBunny.   I set out to make this layout, with every intention of sticking closely to the layout that the designers at BoBunny had made....here is where my inspiration came from...

   Well, I didn't.  I started touching all the yummy papers, the stickers, bling!  My mind went to some awesome pictures of my mom and her cousin...my mom was true Prairie Chic.  Born and raised in western Oklahoma in the same home her mother was born in....a house built after her grandfather homesteaded during the land run of 1889. It was the 1940's and pin-up girls gave all young women dreams of stardom.
And here is my layout....

Prairie Gals

   I used Prairie Chis as my base, cutting around the boots, so I could slip a mat cut from Corral under the toes.  I heavily distressed that block.  I fussy cut the top of Calico for the top and inked the edges to soften the white core. The Mason jars were too clear, so I filled them in with Sepia Glossy Accents (see below} . It is a little dark, but so were the antique ones of those days.

Some handmade flowers with Stickles and bling, vine ribbon by Creative Impression, a couple of fussy cut flowers...and it was done.  I honestly only spent about 1 hour to create this.  And you can come by the store and pick up products to make your own.
    Mom dreamed of a glamorous life...you keep dreamin too.

Pammie Kay

IS IT MARCH ALREADY??

   I can't believe it!  Where is the time goig?  Remember when you were a kid and the days clicked by soo  slowly?  And now the calendar tells me we are a week in to March, when I just took the last of my Christmas decorations down last week.  Oh, wait, I did just take my angels and Nativity scene down last week!  I love it so much!! My Grandma Gash would leave it up year round...reminded her of baby Jesus!  And now I have her set, which my mom made in ceramics class in 1978.  Now it makes me think of the 2 of them!  Good memories.
    Speaking of memories....are you getting yours on paper? With the store it seems that I hardly have time...I miss scrapbooking every day. I am working on a layout using the newest BoBunny collection, Prairie Chic.  It also reminds me of my mom!  She grew up in a poor dirt farmer family 6 miles east of Woodward, OK.  But the glamour of Hollywood always seemed to call her.  I have tons of pictures of her striking a pose that would've made any pin-up girl blush.  And they were always with a clapboard house or the old barn behind her.  Even one on the wheel well of the tractor!!  Very sexy indeed.

   Like I said, it isn't finished yet, but here is what I have....

    The main sheet of paper I chose has the clapboard look to it...the sides are scattered with things you would find around a farmyard...old car tags (why did we never throw those away?), some boots, and scattered flowers.  The back side of this paper is bright! I fussy cut around the boots so they would overlap my large mat of barn wood. I always ink lightly to take away that "fresh cut" look.  

This collection comes with fantastic 

dimensional stickers, one that I am using 

just beside the boots.  It says "Moments in time"

and is layered banners, topped with the paper lace.

Another sheet of paper I used was Calico.  I primarily used the bottom side...again fussy cutting all the way across.  It is full of "lace" roses, mason jars, birds  etc.  I popped it up on chipboard and on foam dots to create the deep shadow. 

I added stickles to the roses and Glossy Accents to the mason jars. Dimension is so important in my layouts.  And is easy to achieve without adding bulk.Inking around edges (which is different than getting it dirty) adds a slight visual difference.  

    So there you have it...so far.  I need to make copies of two photos.  They are the only copies of pictures from the 40's.  I love preserving my past...one layout at a time.   

   I would love to see some of your layouts.  You can join us on Facebook at The Paper Crafts Store.  It's a place to see all our new products and get some great tips.  Hope to see you there.  Until then......

Keep Dreamin'

Pammie Kay

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?

A whole year has gone by since I last blogged?  I miss my on-line friends so much.  And I have decided that I enjoy blogging more than the stuff that I've been doing instead!
   That's not completely true....I am running the scrapbook store again, hanging out with my grandsons, enjoying living back in Oklahoma.  Yes I do enjoy that.  We are slowing taking back our house after letting our 30+ son live in it for 3 years...but many things are still in boxes.  Mostly my scrapbook  stuff is still in boxes.  Soon that will all change!
     I don't have a lot to share other than hello my friends.  I know I will have to work hard to get a following back. Sounds like a challenge to get creative!  Challenge accepted.
  This is also going to be the blog that I send my customers at the store to.  So from time to time you will get an insight to what's going on at The Paper Crafts Store.  And I wilt l be looking for a design team, to help with store things.  I know how creative you ladies are...and I don't care if you are local or not.  It is talent I will be looking at.
    So Dreamers, it is good to be talking to you all again.  I am going to go do something creative...so until later..
     Keep Dreamin'

Pammie Kay