Monday, April 13, 2026

Pokémon Gift Card Holder


had a last minute request to create a Pokémon gift card holder so I pulled out my Creative Memories circle cutter and some paper scraps and just went for it!


Is it perfect? No. Would I change anything? Yes, definitely would but only for future Pokémon gift card holder requests!


Watch the YouTube process video to see how it was created.





Friday, April 10, 2026

TGIF; Thankful Friday #408

 


Hello and happy thankful Friday! This week has been loaded with lots of out-of-town family time. I'm so grateful, I mean thankful, for the ability to travel with gas prices at $5+ per gallon; physically able to handle 12+ hours of drive time and the time.

Woo hoo for retirement once again!

What are you thankful for this week? Please share in the comments.


Thursday, April 9, 2026

Print then Cut Title

 

I've made plenty of titles using Cricut and a lot of them using the print then cut function. I needed a custom title for this layout so I created one!

I could have used the regular cut function but when you have small words and/or fonts, it makes sense to print then cut it.


Watch this video for some basic directions.


I used a lot of random beer paper scraps and stickers to create this two page spread. The title is so perfect. I just love it!




Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Happy Birthday Knight


I received a fun die set from DoCrafts called Knight and Dragon with my DT package from Jenlee Schoolcraft. I was so excited to use this since it' a challenge to create masculine cards and my nephew's birthday is around the corner so this is for him.

After cutting out the dies using my Sizzix Big Shot, I had to decide how I was going to finish the card. I decided to grab some paper scraps and create a background scene.

Watch the process video to see how it was created.

Didn't this turn out so cute? Ahem...manly? The cloud paper is perfect for the sky and using three different shades of green make the landscape more interesting!

If you are interested in budget friendly, low-cost crafty products, you gotta check out the Jenlee Schoolcraft webstore. There are new and gently used items on the site at excellent prices! If you use the coupon code, Dorlene, you will receive an additional 10% off your total!


Friday, April 3, 2026

TGIF; Thankful Friday #407

 

Happy Thankful Friday. This week I'm thankful for book recommendations. One of my friends recommended that I reread the classics starting with The Grapes of Wrath. I just completed it on Thursday and I absolutely love it! 

I know it's a classic and as an adult (I read it the first time in high school), I completely understand now. It was so good! If you're a reader or even if you're not but want to read a really good book...read this one!

So thanks to friends and family who recommend books!

What are you thankful for this week?

Easter Step Pop Up Card


I stamped and colored these cute Easter images before I even knew what I was going to do with them. They were given to me from a friend who was getting rid of some of her crafty things. Aren't they so cute?!?


I always like to create fun fold cards when I can so I went through my Monthly Card Kit binder and created a step pop up card.


During Covid closures, I started a remote monthly card kit with a live broadcast. It was so fun! In fact, you can see more of the cards by clicking the tab above or HERE.

Measurements:


Watch the process video:


Pretty easy, huh? Will you try to make one yourself?

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Using Pocket Page Inserts on a 12x12 Layout


Who would have guessed that I found the perfect embellishments for a 12x12 layout using pocket page inserts? These colorful inserts helped give a festive feel to my granddaughter's preschool graduation photos. I put together these pocket page inserts years ago I believe for a swap. I only found them because I was looking for something else. The bright colors really stood out and grabbed my attention.


I used a sketch from Scrapbooking the Day Away which made this layout easy to finish. I was sitting in a Zoom call and didn't want to get up so I used the insert cards for the handmade title as well. I wrote the letters and then cut them out. I love how this title turned out. 

What do you think?


You can watch the process video on YouTube:


Scrapbooking The Day Away is an all things scrapbooking website that is a great place for community, tips, techniques, sketches and general sharing of ideas. There's a free and paid membership. Go check it out!

Friday, March 27, 2026

TGIF Thankful Friday #406

TGIF and Happy Thankful Friday! This week had lots of activity but the thing I'm mostly thankful for this week is a massage I booked on Wednesday. I've needed one for a while and I'm so glad I booked it!

Definitely hurt in many places, but getting those knots out was so nice. I don't know when I'll book another, but I'm hoping sooner than later.

My advice to you...if you're thinking about getting a massage...do it!

What are you thankful for this week? Let me know in the comments!

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Using Glitter and A New Tool


Hi there! Do you like using glitter in your projects? I'm a so-so user. In other words, I can do without it but mostly because of the mess it often time leaves.

I received a bottle of beautiful green glitter from Jenlee Schoolcraft which I was really excited about, and it also prompted me to buy a new tool...a glitter vacuum.

We'll get to that later, but first, the card!

Watch the video for the process, but basically, I used a combination of clear embossing powder and the Nuvo Pure Sheen glitter to create the card background. I heated two layers of the clear embossing powder before adding the glitter. In a sense, I am making my own glitter paper. The embossing powder absorbed the glitter so it has a slick finish to it.

Once that was complete, I colored and die cut these cute parrots for the focal images on the card. As an afterthought, I probably should have made these birds a different color, but the greens are different shades so it's still super cute! 

Products Used:

Glitter: Nuvo Pure Sheen Olive Green Glitter (Jenlee Schoolcraft)
Stamps/Dies: birds2stamp from The Stamps of Life
Clear Embossing Powder: Stampin Up!
Glitter Vacuum: Recollections from Michaels
Alcohol Markers and Cardstock from my stash

If you are interested in low cost, budget friendly crafting supplies, click over the Jenlee Schoolcraft website. You'll find an assortment of new and slightly used products that vary from stamps, dies, embossing folders, glitter, embellishments and so much more. Use the coupon code, Dorlene, for an additional 10% off your order

Product Review:

Yes, I love it! I made a mess of the embossing powder and glitter but this little vacuum had no trouble picking up all of it! This, my friends, is a great buy! Especially if you're like me and forget to put an under paper on your work area. I got this with a coupon and it was about $11 (normally under $15). Not bad at all!


Monday, March 23, 2026

Easter Sunburst Layout


I used most of my Easter/Spring patterned papers to create two 6x12 sunbursts for this two-page spread. Isn't it so bright and fun!



It took me a bit to figure out how to do it (watch the process video for a great tip), but once I did, it was so easy.

Once the sunbursts were done, all it needed was cute embellishments made from Printable Cuttable Creatables and the Cricut.

I used a cake topper that I made for 2024 Easter for the title. If you want to see more about that project, click HERE.

Will you try to make your own sunburst?

Friday, March 20, 2026

TGIF; Thankful Friday #405

Hi there and happy Thankful Friday. Another week is ending and another week to be thankful.

This week I'm thankful for family. I know I say this a lot but this time I mean my extended family. The other day one nephew texted me about a photo we saw and then last night I received a text from a different nephew about March Madness (Mayhem). 

I truly believe our annual virtual marathon has ignited closer relationships but also realizing that we are all so important to each other. Life is short why not communicate with those we love!?!

I know, a little cheesy but I truly am thankful for these random texts and comments.

What are you thankful for this week?

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Go Bananas Layout; Scraplift Yourself


I am scraplifting myself with this two page spread of my granddaughter's first T-ball season. Do you do that? I mean why not?

It definitely makes it easier to complete a layout when you have a sketch in mind.


There are 8 pictures here. I think I'm mostly excited about using two washi tapes on it! The baseball paper is 6x12 on the left side and 4x6 on the right. I used Cricut cuts for the embellishments on the left side and to cut the circles.


This is a fun layout that really concentrates on the photos. I love that!


Watch the process YouTube video for this layout:


The other two HERE and HERE.


Monday, March 16, 2026

Stamped Background Card


Have you tried stamping your own patterned paper? It's so fun and easy. I received this older two step stamp set recently and knew I wanted to use it instead of patterned paper for a card idea.

Watch the process video:


When stamping a background paper, I usually start in the middle then fill the piece but for some reason, I just chose a corner and just went for it! Always start with the larger stamp and then fill in with a smaller one.

I cut this 5x7 piece into a 3.75x5 panel and then cut it at a diagonal. What I should have done is cut that diagonal below the right side corner but it wasn't an entire oops.

I ended up wrapping some twine and adhering a double loop twine bow to (sort of) cover it.


The card is so pretty I think even without the bow would have been fine.

What do you think about the yellow mat and twine? I originally wanted to use purple but couldn't find a shade that matched the ink. I think the yellow was a better choice anyhow.

And the second card which was created by cutting the leftover piece into four equal pieces. I added two pieces of scrap cardstock on one of the panels before adhering to the yellow base.


It's hard to tell but each card has clear Stickles in the center of each flower. It's so pretty!!


Friday, March 13, 2026

TGIF; Thankful Friday #404


Happy Thankful Friday! This week I'm thankful for the first baseball game of the season. Last night was my granddaughter's first coach pitch game and it's so exciting to be out at the field, listening to the crack of the bat, smelling the fresh cut grass, enjoying sunflower seeds and the bright sun.

My son is coaching the team this year and it's a bonus to see him on the field again. This is my favorite picture taken of the game:


Remember even if it's a little thing, there is always something to be thankful for! What are you thankful for this week?

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Rainbow Crush YT Hop; Mint Green


I wasn't sure if I was going to participate in the Rainbow Crush hop this month but luckily I found mint green in my stash! Here's my layout and my video:


#scrapbooking #scrapbooklayouts #rainbowcrushhop #scrapbookprocessvideo

Welcome to Rainbow Crush – a Social Media hop where we share projects that feature a color of the rainbow each month! This hop is hosted by Tara on her Facebook Group.  Anyone is welcome to play along.  This hop takes place on the  2nd Wednesday of the month!  The color for March is mint green!

You can sign for the next month’s hop over on the The Paper Snob Community Facebook group: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepapersnobcommunity/

INSTAGRAM:

Brandi:  https://www.instagram.com/scrappy.boymama/

Tina:  https://www.instagram.com/tinamcmmvr/

Simera:  www.instagram.com/scrappysimi

Laurie:  https://www.instagram.com/scrapbookingbits/

Tammy: www.instagram.com/handcrafterhaven

Here is the YOUTUBE PLAYLIST for this hop! All the videos in one place!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCfSqErOPJor_bX3Yr0VsTcZySabrMX4N


I went through all my wooden/brown embellishments to find something that sorta went with the theme. This was a hard one! I did find some mintish enamel dots that coordinated but luckily those triangles gave this layout all the love it needed!


Be sure to watch the playlist and leave a comment on the hop videos. There are some great scrapbookers participating!  



If you're interested in a fun, informative and easy going Scrapbooking's community, check out Scrapbooking the Day Away. You'll find a free and paid membership available. Click HERE to get there!


Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Double Z Gate Fold Card; Jenlee Schoolcraft

When I received the recent Design Team packet from Jenlee Schoolcraft, I wasn't sure how I would use the Santoro A4 Decoupage Pack. Boy, was I surprised when I opened the folder and found some beautiful 3D images. Well, what I should say, is the fixin's for 3D images.

These are beautiful and I couldn't wait to use them! I decided to use the little girl in the green dress since it is March and St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner. I opted to create a fun fold card as well.

Measurements for the card is as follows:

  • White cardstock: 5 1/4 x 11 scored at 1 3/4 and 3 1/2; turn to the other side and score at the same measurements and another piece cut at 3 1/4 x 4 1/4
  • Color Cardstock: (2) 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 and one piece at 1 1/2 x 5 (I used green)
  • Coordinating Cardstock for mats: 3 1/2 x 4 1/2 and 1 1/4 x 4 3/4 (I used Metallic Gold from CutCardStock)
  • Patterned Paper: 4 x 5 1/4 and 1 x 4 1/2 (very old Stampin  Up paper)

Watch the video for a better understanding on how to put the card together.

Isn't it so cute? I wish you could really see the 3D effect on the girl image. It's a WOW factor for this card!

The white cardstock Z fold mechanism is adhered only in the center area to the flat 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 base. It leaves plenty of room for a greeting/message.

If you are interested in cost effective craft supplies, look no further than the Jenlee Schoolcraft website. There are new and slightly used products available for purchase at great prices! Use my first name, Dorlene for an additional 10% off your total order. What a deal!


Friday, March 6, 2026

TGIF; Thankful Friday 403


Hi there and happy thankful Friday! This week flew by and I'm not sure why. This week I'm thankful for unexpected holidays. 

Did you know on March 3rd it was National Pancake Day? Me either! We took our granddaughter to her dental appointment and stopped at IHOP afterwards. Lo and behold they were offering FREE pancakes for the holiday!

I tried to get the girls to take a posed picture but they didn't want to stop eating! Ha ha ha it's all good!


What are you thankful for this week? Let me know in the comments.

Thursday, March 5, 2026

Month in Review; Retreat Freebies


I had so much fun putting together this Month in Review two page spread. All the items with the exception of the cardstock bases are from the Freebie Pile at a retreat that I attended. 

I love the Freebie Table for two reasons, the first is obvious...free stuff and second, I like to contribute to get rid of my goods too. Win-Win



Each paper strip is 2x12 and I adhered them across the two bases. Most are crooked but there are a few straight ones. I don't know why someone got rid of these papers, they are so fun!


Once I added the strips and the photos, I created clusters to embellish. I used the Cricut to cut the FEB for the title on the left side.

Watch the YouTube process video to see how it was done!



Sunday, March 1, 2026

LTCCB March; JJ Tag


Hi there. It's the first of March and time for another six week challenge at the Love To Craft Challenge Blog. This fun blog is for all kinds of crafters. You can submit any project as long as its a crafty one!

For this month's project, I decided to share the watercolored flower I created on a store receipt for my Junk Journal.

I love making something out of nothing or in this case, something out of something that would have been trashed.

Here's the piece:

And here's the video showing how it was done:

Isn't it fun! I even made use of the painters tape that was used to adhere it on the page. The majority of this tag was created by using watercolor paints. I also used a black ball point pen, some white acrylic paint to create splatter and white, purple and green paint pens for outlines and the words.

Now it's your turn. Create something...anything and link it to LTCCB. But before you do that, take a peek at the DT creations for some inspiration!

Link your project by April 15th!