Tuesday, July 21, 2026

AIW Themed Layout; Jenlee Schoolcraft


I love the challenge of working with different items and this Alice in Wonderland Stamperia paper pad from Jenlee Schoolcraft was definitely a challenge for me. 

I decided to create a layout using photos of my youngest granddaughter trying pickles for the first time. I know, I know. This has nothing to do with Alice in Wonderland but I was thinking along the lines of an unbirthday. 

She loves pickles so this ended up being quite a unbirthday treat! See... it works!


I call this a Paper Pad Party since the majority of the layout came together by using all elements from the same paper pad.

Watch the YouTube process video to watch this layout come together. 


If you are interested in budget friendly low cost crafty items, be sure to check out the Jenlee Schoolcraft store. Use DORLENE as a coupon code to get an additonal 10% off!




Friday, July 17, 2026

TGIF; Thankful Friday #422

Happy Friday and another week to be grateful. This week I'm grateful for yoga. My youngest granddaughter turned three on Wednesday and I just happened to see a post advertising for a yoga session that morning. It specifically stated that it was tailored for toddlers.

How fun! So, we went to check it out and participate. It was a good time and the instructor was fabulous.


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

Iron Crafter YT Hop; Rub Ons


It's time for another Iron Crafter Challenge on YouTube from The Paper Snob Facebook group. This month the item to use is Rub Ons. I was pretty excited to see this because I bought this Simple Stories Disney rub ons a while ago with no plan for using them. Technically, this is not a Disney layout but I think it still works! What do you think?

My layout:




And my video:


More of the hop below:

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#ironcrafterchallenge  #embellishments #scrapbooking #useyourstash

Join a fun group of crafty people each month as we take on the Iron Crafter Challenge! Each month Tara from @thepapersnob will select a challenge ingredient to use on a layout.  This hop goes live on the THIRD FRIDAY of the month. We will have a hop on YouTube and Instagram to show how we used the challenge ingredient(s) for the month. 

The mystery challenge for July is to use rubons on your layout (or cards).

Instagram:

Tina www.instagram.com/tinamcmmvr

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

Simera:  https://www.instagram.com/scrappysimi/

Kathy:  https:www.instagram.com/kacarr61

Tammy: https://www.instagram.com/handcrafterhaven 

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

Lauren:  https://www.instagram.com/creative_happy_hour

Karin:  https://www.instagram.com/kadas_scrapbooking

Here is a playlist with ALL the videos of the YouTube creators:

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

If you want to learn about the mystery item and play along, come over to the Paper Snob Community Facebook group:

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


Monday, July 13, 2026

Watermelon Canvas Painting


I don't know if you know but I host painting events at my home and for other people/organizations. I try to play around with new ideas so I have projects ready to show before the events happen. With that in mind, I tried to paint a watermelon with a bird but if you watch my newest YT video you can see all the changes that happened before it was all done.


What do you think? Do you like the final painting?

I think it's fun and whimsical and love it!




Saturday, July 11, 2026

TGIF; Thankful Friday #421

Happy Saturday. Yes I forgot (again) to post what I am thankful for yesterday. It was a crazy week since we spent a day and night at Great Wolf Lodge for my youngest granddaughter's birthday.

That's what I'm thankful for this week. The fact that we get to spend so much family time together and we're not missing out on these precious moments. How lucky are we?

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

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Rainbow Crush, Coordinating Colors

This month on the Rainbow Crush YT Hop challenge, we had to use coordinating colors. I may have taken the easy route, but I used Red and Green.  So...you guessed it...Christmas!

See the links below for all the hop details.

My layout:

I created this layout using photo cards we received for the holidays. The title was created using my Cricut and the stamps are from my stash. They are from Stampin Up! and since they are still on wooden blocks, you can tell how old they are!

The paper collection is from My Minds Eye.

Be sure to check out my video but especially the other scrapbookers. Hop along, leave comments, and be inspired by all the different layouts.


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.  This hop takes place on the  2nd Wednesday of the month!  The color for July is to use complimentary colors on your layout.  You are only required to use 75%.  

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:

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

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

Sheri: https://www.instagram.com/sheriluvs2scrap22/ 

Kathy:  https://www.instagram.com/kacarr61 

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

Simera:  https://www.instagram.com/scrappysimi/

Kaitlin:  https://www.instagram.com/keptinteal/

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

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLY94zWcI3o6w

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Rice Paper? Now What?

When I received this Stamperia rice paper from Jenlee Schoolcraft, I wasn't sure how I was going to use it. But after holding it and pondering, I thought...oooh a drapery card.

I've made this card before as part of my Monthly Card Kit using regular cardstock patterned paper but this rice paper drapes so nicely!

I also used a chipboard sticker also from Stamperia. I'm going to be honest with you. I don't do vintage very often. In fact, most times, I steer away from it.


I used patterned paper from Prima Marketing which has a vintage vibe too.


To make the drapery:

6x2.5 scored at 3.25, 3.75, 4.75 and 5 1/8"
Before folding on the score lines, measure 1.25" from the bottom right corner on the right side (note, whatever the height of the drape, make a mark halfway up the right side) and then trim a triangle from the bottom right side at the 3.25" score line to the mark you just made.
Fold at the score lines accordian style.

Add adhesive to the top to adhere to the card front.


If you're looking for inexpensive budget friendly crafty supplies, look no further than Jenlee Schoolcraft. They stock new and gently used items just ready for you to look at and purchase.

If you're a new customer, use code NEW20 for 20% off or use DORLENE10 for 10% off!

Be sure to check out the process video and make your own drapery card!

Friday, July 3, 2026

TGIF; Thankful Friday #420

Happy Friday! And happy thankful Friday. This week I'm thankful for another successful painting event.


We painted frogs and they turned out so cute!


I'm thankful that people have confidence in my painting and teaching capabilities. I have so much fun and so do they. BONUS: two of my granddaughters and my daughter-in-law were there!


What are you thankful for this week?

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

LTCCB 80th Layout


It's been six weeks and it's time for another Love To Craft Challenge Blog challenge (LTCCB). The cool thing about this challenge is that you can share any crafty project. So if you're a sewer or painter or anything else, be sure to link your project before the deadline.

This time I decided to submit a layout. I used the little bit of materials from one collection and then found a coordinating paper pad that I had in my stash to supplement it.

It matches perfectly!

Be sure to watch the process video on my YouTube channel. If you're not already, hit that subscribe button. I'd appreciate it!

Close up of the cluster on the left side:

Be sure to go to the LTCCB site so you can check out the other DT projects and to link your own before the August 15th deadline!

Monday, June 29, 2026

Fruit Bowl Junk Journal Spread

When removing a label on an apple, I really looked at it and thought I'd like to keep it for my junk journal. Well pretty soon I started looking (and saving) more and more until I started adding them to a page. 

Once that was full, I cut and adhered fruit from a grocery store ad on the opposite page.

And that led to me to ask, what now?  Well you can probably guess that I decided to play with acrylic paints to create my fruit bowl.

I've seen paintings where the artist creates their backgrounds this way...a little muddy because of the layers of colors and I decided to try it. I like how it turned out but in the future I think this is something I'd like to do with my fingers and not a paintbrush. I didn’t like the hard edges that the brush made. And the white covered too much of the teal so I used a wet wipe to remove some of it. I'll need to practice more with this technique!


What do you think?

The YouTube video doesn't show when I added the labels, but I did add Mod Podge to seal them to the pages.

*Don't ask me why I put two avocados. I had green out and my mind just went there!


Friday, June 26, 2026

TGIF; Thankful Friday #419


Is it Friday already? This week went by so fast. On Tuesday I took my two youngest granddaughters for a little road trip and sleepover. We visited my uncle and aunt but also lots of cousins and two of my sisters. 

I'm thankful this week for that mini reunion and also thankful that the girls had a great time as well. 

We're definitely going to go back soon since they got along so well with their little cousins!


What are you thankful for this week? Please share!

Thursday, June 25, 2026

Designer Deep Dive YouTube Hop


This month's designer is Basic Grey. When I saw that, I knew exactly what paper collection I was going to use. I've had this Sweetpea Alyssa collection for years!

I've never used it and I honestly don't know why not. 

My layout:


My video:

Some close ups of the clusters:



Here's all the hop information:

************************************************************************

#designerdeepdive  #scrapbooklayouts #scrapbooking #useyourstash

Join a fun group of creators each month as we take on the Designer Deep Dive Hop! Each month Tara from @thepapersnob will select a designer or manufacturer to use on a layout. There will be some alternatives for some of the designers just in case you don’t have this designer or manufacturer in your stash.   You are not required to use 100% of this designer!  This hop goes live on the FOURTH THURSDAY of the month. We will have a hop on YouTube and Instagram to show how we each used the designer for the month. 

The designer/manufacturer of the month is: Basic Grey

Instagram:

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

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

Kathy:  https:www.instagram.com/kacarr61

Karin:  https:www.instagram.com/kadas_scrapbooking

Here is a playlist with ALL the videos of the YouTube creators:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCfSqErOPJop4EgvR0iWjeFlifzjZWdW5

If you want to play along, come over to the Paper Snob Community Facebook group:

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



Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Baby Girl Card; Jenlee Schoolcraft

I realized that I needed to add baby cards to my stash and seeing this big cuddly bear was a no brainer!  This stamp set by Tonic from Jenlee Schoolcraft has the cutest bear and accessories.

This A2 card was folded in half and then in half again to give this a little fun fold.


Alcohol markers were used to color the bear and the Sissix Sidekick cut out the hearts. (See how I cut three hearts and stacked them for just a little dimension?)


This YouTube video will show the process. Check it out!


Jenlee Schoolcraft is the place to shop for budget friendly crafty items. There are new and gently used items. Take a look and before you Check Out, use my first name, Dorlene to get 10% off your order.

Friday, June 19, 2026

TGIF; Thankful Friday #418

Hmmm. I think I missed a week but that doesn't mean I wasn't thankful, it just means I was busy (and out of town).

Which is what I'm thankful for this Friday. Thankful for being home! And getting a new addition to our family!

My nephew and niece just had their first baby on Wednesday. She had an intense labor but both mama and baby boy are fine. I am thankful for that but mostly because they gave his middle name after my son, his cousin.  

This makes me so happy and thankful because I know how special Tony is to his cousin. And it's such a heartfelt tribute to him. 

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Donut Card for Nat'l Donut Day


I posted this card on my IG on Sunday, June 7th because apparently it was National Donut Day. This card went through some "I don't know if I like it" moments but I kept going and eventually ended up with a card that I loved.

These faux postage stamp collection cards are so fun to create. I used my Cricut to cut the base and all the mats & pieces needed to complete the card. I went ahead and cut pieces for three cards even though I only used one set (for now).

You can find the Design Space file HERE.  *This is going to give you the paper portions but not the stamped images.

I may go back and add some sprinkles but as of right now, it's done.

Be sure to watch the process video to see all the steps.




Friday, June 12, 2026

TGIF; Thankful Friday #417

Hello and Happy Friday! Another week has passed and another week to be thankful. This week, I'm thankful for unexpected visits.

My niece and family came to visit on Sunday so we decided to partake in a little county adventure. We went to a local apricot orchard and picked some apricots. It was a beautiful day and quick trip but the time we shared was great.

I have to tell you, this U-Pick thing has really hit our family. I was always so against it, but my granddaughters love it and I think we eat more than we actually put in the buckets.

We picked blueberries the week before and it was like eating candy. So good!!



By the way, our town is the Apricot Capital of the World so of course we had to pick apricots. Honestly, if someone would challenge us now, they'd win because unfortunately, most of our orchards have been replaced with homes.

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

Red Roses and Generational Stamping


Apparently today is National Red Rose Day and I wanted to create a beautiful stamped card. I found a Altenew layered flowers stamp set on the Trash/Treasure table at a crop. I KNOW! I couldn't believe it either!

I only have one red ink pad so I used generational stamping to create shades of red for these roses. Some turned out better than others but they are all so pretty.



It's hard to see in the photos but there is some dimension on the middle front rose that was fussy cut from the sheet that I stamped.

Watch the process video to see how this card comes together. I used the MISTI for the sentiment and swirly lines. I wasn't going to take any chances with the stamping after all the work I did!


What a beautiful card for a wedding!


Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Rainbow Crush YT Hop; Blue

It's time again for another Rainbow Crush YT Hop. Each month, Tara selects a color and we create a layout with at least 70% of that color. This month, the color is blue.

 Here's my layout:

The collection I used is a 6x6 pad by Authentique called Felicity. I focused on the butterflies for this fun layout.

Since I only used items from this paper pad, I'm calling it a Paper Pad Party. 

The strips on the bottom are 2x6" each and the horizontal strip is 1". Watch my video and then continue watching all the other participants!

Check out all the hop details below: ********************************************************************************************************

#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.  This hop takes place on the  2nd Wednesday of the month!  The color for June is BLUE!

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:

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

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

Sheri: https://www.instagram.com/sheriluvs2scrap22/ 

Kathy:  https://www.instagram.com/kacarr61 

DawnLyn:  https://www.instagram.com/dawnlynsdesigns/

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

Simera:  https://www.instagram.com/scrappysimi/

Karin:  https://www.instagram.com/kadas_scrapbooking 

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

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCfSqErOPJor1MJ0vkdz4XFWS51-j9r9f




Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Minnie & Marmalade Card; Jenlee Schoolcraft

I received the cutest stamp sets from Jenlee Schoolcraft called Minnie & Marmalade from Tonic Studios. For my first June project, I created a beautiful card using the paper piecing technique using Minnie and a purse accessory. 

Minnie's dress was pieced by stamping and fussy cutting the dress with paper scraps from Echo Park Our Story Matters 6x6 pad. The technique is pretty simple since this was a simple design. I used alcohol markers for her skin, hair and shoes. Colored those in before adhering the pieced dress.

To finish off the card, I used more paper scraps from the same 6x6 pad, a white arch and an enamel bow from Eyelet Outlet.

How sweet!

Watch how it's put together on my YouTube video:

(I had an ink oops on the bag label, but watch the video as I just color right over it!)

If you're not already a subscriber, I'd love for you to subscribe. I have many different playlists so go ahead and check them out!

If you are interested in budget friendly new and/or slightly used crafty supplies, look no further than Jenlee Schoolcraft website. There are so many different supplies that you'll need to add to your stash. And if you use my first name, Dorlene as a coupon code, you'll receiving 10% off your total order.