Just me My Soldier and our 4 little chicks

from this to that.

a few years ago i found these at the flea market in waco.

 

sidenote:oh how i MISS going to flea markets. i miss it so much and hope to get back to it soon.

anyway...

they were like 25 cents for the entire stack. i really liked the delicate pink roses and wanted to use them somehow.

but i haven't done anything with them. they've been collecting dust for a couple of years.

until I saw this:

this photo is from Jenni's booth at CHA. i squealed when i saw these and said "I MUST DO THIS!!!". which is funny b/c i hear that doris at jbs knew i'd say that. :)

jenni has designed silhouette rub-ons this release. i got about 10 of the little girl ones in my box...that made me giggle. wonder why? heheh

 

i love love them, but wasn't sure how to use them. once again, that is, until i saw how the queen herself used them!!

and voila!! my version, the all girl version. HEE!

super simple, took me all of 10 minutes.

I plan to hang them in a collage with plate hangers.

i'll share another pic when i get them up on the wall!

i'm so stinkin' stinkin' proud of myself for using those plates.

thanks, jenni!!

happy monday.

xxo

 

scrappy sunday- 1/30

paper- bazzill swiss dot in salt

alphas- american crafts lullaby in blush, sassafras

doily die cuts- martha stewart

cake- glitz

rub ons- studio calico

around the house

a few iphone pics from the past week or so

in other words, the most random post ever:

 

catie busting loose:

 

Ranger Sadie:

 

aaaaaargh!!! lunch at the pirate's house last weekend:

 

i found sadie like this the other day. crashed on the couch with one of the babies binkies in her mouth. i was very confused by that, but still thought it was pretty cute. heheh!

 

we've been saving empty toilet paper rolls forever and have finally amassed enough to start doing crafts with them!

so far we have made flowers:

 

and we are slowly adding to a "menagerie" making a new animal every day. birds, butterflies (yes, sadie's has no face, she ate it off...psycho!!), octopuses (uh, is that a word?) , and a random creature comprised of feathers and googly eyes. we are working on rabbits today.

 

Lucy Claire in a cute new onesie (and it's 0-3 months..YAY!)

 

baby wearing:

 

puzzle piecing:

 

 

tandem bottle feeding (GO SADIE- that's a hard one to master!!!)

 

i also took a few snapshots of decor/things around the house. i've been meaning to do this for a bit.

i've said it before and i'll say it again (um, it just took me way too long to type that phrase. i kept writing "i've said it again and i'll say it before"). anyway, moving on. my mom is the queen of vignettes. love this one above the window in my kitchen.

 

by the stairs:

 

came in the mail yesterday:

 

first thing you see when you walk in the door:

 

this is the top of our bar and it makes me so happy.

 

 

 

another cool thing my mom came up with...

using a vintage folding ruler and old ornament clips to make an art holder for the frig:

 

random post alright. oh well, i am feeling very random and scatterbrained these days. heeee!

happy saturday!

xoxo

 

candy shoppe

It's that time again! The February kit is up at Studio Calico.

For some reason I always LOVE February kits. Last year it was Baker's Dozen, this  year it's Candy Shoppe.

And it's oh so sweet! Okay, that was cheesy. Moving on.

I ordered all three add-ons, Studio Calico paper, and more color.

Some other things I used this month..

JBS Ink in lemon drop

Versafine Ink in onyx

1 1/2 inch circle punch

Martha Stewart 3 in 1 butterfly punch

Martha Stewart glue pen

American Crafts .03 Precision Pens

 

The reason I had to order more SC patterned paper? The fabulous collaboration with Crate Paper this month. I love the happy colors and beautiful patterns!

I tried to do a layout with the main, and one with each add-on.

 

sweet lucy

(8 1/2 x 11)

using the main kit, candy shoppe.

martha stewart 3 in 1 butterfly punch.

I think this one is my favorite this month. I just love the photo, love the SC/Crate floral paper and the SC/Crate exclusive stickers.

I just think these colors are so happy and pretty. I smile every time I look at this layout.

 

I punched some kraft butterflies and I must say, I really like the way they look layered on the kraft cardstock. They needed a little something "extra" and the rhinestones fit the bill.

 

 

a beautiful disaster
(12x12)

Made using Candy Shoppe

my minds patterned paper, label sticker, and buttons are from add-on 4, lollipop .

I took advantage of the snapfish 99 prints for 99 cents deal a while back, and ordered all of our photoshoot pictures.

You will see me scrapping with them lots from now on b/c: a. they are gorgeous b. my printer is out of ink c.my camera battery is broken.

These happy photos went perfectly with the rainbow SC/Crate paper.

Actually, all of the paper on this layout (with the exception of the red dot paper which is my minds eye) is SC exclusive.

See why I just had to buy the more sc paper add-on? :)

note: you'll want to attach these awesome thickers with some extra martha stewart glue pen (or an adhesive of your choice)before you stick them down. they are gorgous but don't stick that well.

i love thickers, but i sure do wish they had better staying power! i've taken to just automatically adding extra adhesive to them before i stick them down.

i thought the sweet little rhinestones made the perfect accent to the patterned paper.

 

 

you+me

(12x12)

made using add-on one, licorice twist

1.5 inch circle punch

versafine onyx black ink pad

i love the vintagy, graphic vibe of this add-on. This add-on makes it super easy to make a striking layout.

you can't go wrong with black,white, and red.

 

real honest to goodness stamping...can you believe it?! i stamped on white cardstock using versafine ink, and then punched circles using my 1 1/2 inch circle punch.

i then layered thickers, buttons, and pieces cut from patterned paper over the punched circles.

 

cbh

(12x12)

made using add-on two, jawbreaker.

oh, how i love these KI memories calendar pages. sigh. i can't stop using them!!

my first cate page!!! i love her wild eyes. :)new babies always look slightly panicked.

i cut thin strips of varying lengths from patterned paper, and layered them with flowers, basic grey tabs, and a jbs die cut journaling card. simple and sweet.

 

he knew

(8 1/2 by 11)

using stamp and tab from jawbreaker, rhinestones from candy shoppe, alphabets, sticker, and trims from lollipop, patterned papers from pulled taffy.

JBS Lemon Drop Ink

Another happy page. AND MORE STAMPING??? what in the jose is going on? Something's in the air this month!

 

I stamped the hexagon pattern on the cardstock using JBS lemon drop ink. I really like the tone on tone look it created.

I then cut hexagons from patterned paper and layered them on the background, using pop dots to add some dimension.

Again...rhinestones embellish the patterned paper.

There's really no rhyme or reason to the background, I just had fun.

 

no one says no to a princess

(12x12)

made using add-on four, lollipop.

Another simple one...doesn't really need an explanation.

I think this add-on is my favorite. If I had to choose one, I would have chosen it. It's just so bright, and happy.

 

 

I LOVE these sassafras flowers. I need more, must find them somewhere.

So there you have it! As you can see, I was inspired this month. And I had so much fun creating.

Happy Friday!!

xoxo

s

 

 

 

sweet sweet babies

this past weekend we were SO very fortunate to be a part of a photo shoot.

a group of amazing women and amazing photographers (from a photography message board) came to savannah for a get together/retreat.

they asked if they could use the girls as models for a photo shoot.

my answer? a resounding YES!!

i had a wonderful time. i met a blog reader, Jill, and I made a new friend in my area, Anna.

The fabulous Jill Jarvis sent me the  photos below...many more to come!!!

Hope you'll indulge me as I share these precious photos.

Happy thursday!

xxo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 this one will be my announcement...LOVE the doilies. shocking, i know. ;)

 

 

sc blog hop winner

#539

Lynette C said...

Lovely lovely layouts!

Reply January 26, 2011 at 02:18 AM

Lynette- You did not leave me any way to contact you, so you need to email me at stephaniehowell8(at)gmail(dot)com.

If I don't hear back soon, I'll have to draw another winner.

thanks!

a few of my favorite things

since i did an updated tour of my craft room the other day, i thought i'd do an updated list of my favorite supplies.

this is probably the question i get asked most often, so hopefully some of you will find it helpful!!

i use a wide variety of things on my pages, but here are the things i keep coming back to. i did not list patterned paper, b/c i don't have constant favorites, or at least ones that are still widely available.

i didn't link any of these, that would be too time consuming. but i did give you enough info to google them!

my favorite stores:

studio calico

two peas in a bucket

a million little things

scrapbook.com

 

adhesives:

basic dry adhesive that i use on every single layout....i've tried many if not all and i keep coming back to this one. it is, in my opinion, the best.

for embellishments:

favorite wet adhesive...to reinforce the back of chipboard letters, for ribbons,etc:

also for ribbons:

Paper Trimmer:

Fiskars Euro Trimmer:

Scissors:

Fiskars Micro Tip:

Rub On Tool:

EK Success:

 

Inks:

Jenni Bowlin for Ranger:

 

versafine onyx:

for inking papers, colorbox chalk ink in creamy brown:

 

Spray Ink:

 

 

albums:

american crafts cloth d-ring albums in 12x12 and 8.5x11. i use the american crafts brand page protectors as well.

 

Journaling:

American Crafts precision pens in black, .03 tip:

Chatterbox Journaling Genie #1 Basic:

 

Cardstock:

Usually Bazzill Basics. Sometimes I will use American Crafts. I love the dotted swiss cardstocks by Bazzill:

 

Labels:

I hoard these JBS labels. I have every color she's ever made and I've been using them for years. They are the best.

 

the new labels by studio calico are destined to be a classic favorite as well:

 

Ribbons:

I purchase satin ribbon rolls from craft supply stores. Hobby Lobby and Michael's usually.

 

bakers twine:

 

 Alphabets:

I keep buying American Crafts thickers in the Lullaby font over and over and over. I can't even tell you how many I've bought. My favorite is the sunflower color, but I also love the blush and gray.

 

JBS alphabet stickers:

 

 

Studio Calico stickers:

 

Die Cut tags/accents:

Martha Stewart doily tags:

Punches:

Stampin' Up! scallop punch and heart to heart punch:

Martha Stewart Scallop Dot Edge Punch:

Fiskars Apron Lace:

 

Martha Stewart 3 in 1 Butterflies, Classic Butterfly:

 

Buttons:

JBS vintage buttons:

 

dimensional accents:

JBS butterflies:

 

Studio Calico Notions:

 

Sassafras in a stitch blossoms:

basicgrey bloomers:

 

Pearls and Rhinestones:

Prima:

 

K and Co:

Camera:

Canon Digital Rebel xti:

Lens:

50 mm 1.8

Printer:

HP Photosmart C4385:

Computer:

Photo Program:

 

there you have it! happy wednesday!

xxo

 

 

what in the jose??

**sc blog hop is the post BELOW. please do not post on this one to be entered!**

ki memories sew cute calendar paper, american crafts tag, my minds eye buttons, studio calico countryside line (labels, stickers, veneer hearts, patterned paper, chipboard letters, letter stickers)

 

 

what in the jose? from stephanie howell on Vimeo.

Studio Calico Blog Hop!!!!

Hey y'all! Welcome to my blog! Today I'm participating in the Studio Calico Blog Hop...we are celebrating the release of two new lines, State Fair and Countryside.

I was lucky to be able to create using Countryside, which is easily (no doubt in my mind) my favorite SC release to date. It's right up my alley with its color combinations, florals, and birds. i adore it.

 

I have a couple of layouts to share that I made using the line. This one is for the booth at CHA...It's pretty minimalist, but I just wanted to showcase the notions.

It goes without saying that I love the notions. This release has pink and yellow ones. Sigh!

But I've really fallen in love with the alphabet stickers. I love love love that loopy font!

this one uses all countryside as well. i really adore the colors that april chose for this line. they are so fresh and happy.

above you'll see the papers, alphabet stickers, label stickers, die cut paper, and fabRips. the pink houndstooth fabRips make my heart happy!!

i'm so happy that they made plain label stickers this time. it's something i've been asking for for a bit!!

 

now the fun part...one lucky winner will win a new set of notions AND the Addy alpha I love so much.

 

 

if you'd like to be entered in the drawing, leave a comment on this post.

the giveaway will be open through wednesday, january 26 at midnight EST.

make sure to check all of the team member's blogs...we are all giving something away! you can see the list on the SC blog.

well, i guess it's time for you to be on your merry way. hop along now!!!

up next? susan!

good luck...hope you enjoyed this little preview of Countryside!

have a beautiful monday!

xxo

s

scrappy sunday- organization

happy sunday y'all!

for scrappy sunday this week i thought i'd focus on my scrap room and some of the ways i have things organized.

i have to apologize for the cruddy pics...but my camera still isn't working. so grainy iphone pics it is!

lots of you asked to see photos. it's not possible to take a photo of the room overall...it's very small with double doors. it's the office type room downstairs.

the closest i can get is taking photos of each part and then talking about them.

First up is this wall.

 

I use an old gum rack (from a convenience store I'm sure) to store my larger punches.

 

 

Above the rack is a vintage bible rack from a church pew. I rotate layouts for display here:

 

Next to the rack is a vintage flour tin that I store my thickers in. It's the perfect size!

 

A dish drying rack holds more punches:

 

Along this wall is where I actually do my scrapbooking.

One of my mother's wonderful friends (hi nancy!!!) gave me this AMAZING sideboard type piece of furniture. and i still can't believe my luck...it's the PERFECT height for scrapbooking, not to mention it's darling.

The big knobs are perfect for holding SC crop bags filled with current projects or kits.

I store my albums underneath...I don't have a bookshelf in a family area of my home, so they'll have to live here for now. They are at a height that the girls can get them out and leaf through them, and i love this.

 

hobnail glass cups hold tools, scissors, etc...a floral frog holds pens, and a three-tier basket is for wooden stamps, stamp pads, and acrylic blocks:

 

Vintage sewing machine drawers hold adhesives, rhinestones.On top of the drawers are muffin tins that hold buttons and tiny embellishments, and a small vintage tin holds washi tape:

 

 

I like to use my milklass collection to house small odds and ends. Labels, small embellishments, etc.

 

I just hung this 7gypsies receipt holder on the wall and i LOVE it here. It holds photos, inspiration pieces, etc:

 

In the corner by the table is a small art corner for the girls. The drawers hold paint, brushes, letter stickers, papers, pom poms, sequins, magazines for collages,markers, etc.

They like to "scrapbook" with me.

 

On the wall across from my table is this UGLY target computer desk that I had in college. I want to paint it and repurpose it, but believe it or not I haven't gotten around to it. HA! Oh well, it works.

A book display rack holds layouts for display. I haven't put anything on these display pieces (white scale and 7Gypsies piece) but I'll get around to it eventually.

 

I recently bought a couple of these chalkboard wall decals and i love them. I don't remember the brand name, sorry! I write assignments on this one. There is another one in the living room that i write quotes on.

 

On the table is an old wooden drawer/paper holder from a paper company. my mom gave me this for my birthday one year and i love it.

In the past it has held letter stickers, but now There's not anything in it. I might use it to hold work in progress pages.

 

On top of the wooden piece is my stamp holder that holds my mister hueys, a floral frog collection, and a vintage chip rack that holds random embellishments.

 

Under the table are my 8 1/2 by 11 albums, a vertical patterned paper holder,  and a bunch of Iris 12x12 scrapbooking cases. These hold cardstock, design team pattern papers, SC stamps, and several are empty waiting for projects.

 

In the corner is my dress form (i pin pretty prima flowers on it, it's a great place to display/store flowers and pretty stick pins).

Also in the corner is turning greeting card display. that i bought at a store in waco that was liquidating its merchandise. I put bulky punches here as well as random letterpress cards i buy.

 

On the floor is an old basket (i believe it was a gym type basket that held small balls). This is where I put all of my JBS product.

 

Last but not least is my computer desk,

and my favorite way to display layouts...an old crib bed spring (or whatever the heck that thing is called).

 

 

Whew!! so there you have it. nothing fancy, but it works for me!! I'm so glad to have a room at all!

Again, I apologize for the grody (grody? what am i...13??) grainy, yellow pics...but it's that or nothing. hehe.

 

Have a beautiful Sunday!

xxo

s