Spotlight Sunday!

What is your Real Name? Abigail Grimaldi



What are you Known as in "forums"/"blogs"? Scrapbookaholic By Abby or just Abby Grimaldi


Short Bio ~



I am 37 years old but do not feel that age AT ALL!!!!! LOL I have been happily married for 15 years and have 4 beautiful kids! Three boys (14, 12 and 9) and my little princess who turns 3 this month! I got my BA in Spanish Literature from Cal State University, Fullerton and my MA also from there. My MA is in Education with a concentration in Reading, I also have a Reading Specialist Credential. I love being in school! As a student and as a teacher! I started working in schools since I graduated high school as a college tutor. I became a high school Spanish teacher right after graduating and have left the field a couple of times to stay home with my kiddos. Teaching for me is the BEST! I love the interaction and connections we can build. I starting teaching in 2000 and 11 years after my students still remember me!! They call me, message me!! I just decided to pursue another MA, this time I will get it in Spanish! I am really excited about that! I lived in East LA up until I was 11. My dad started to get concerned about his kids being around the wrong crowd and decided to take us to Mexicali!!! Yes, Mexico!!! I was the "gringa"!!! LOL Came back to Pomona, CA around 15 years old and was there until I moved here, Plumas Lake, CA. It is a newer town north of Sacramento, CA. I am starting to love it here... only because I don't have to deal with ANY traffic! If there is one thing you have to know about me is that I am a HUGE family person! and that has been the hardest of moving 7 hours away from my family!!


My favorites:
hmmmm I was just asking myself that yesterday!! I LOVE cooking and baking!! If I have a favorite food it would have to be "enchiladas de mole", I know some of you guys are probably going "what?" My favorite colors would have to be black and brown. Places: hmmm I love visiting my mother-in-law in Mexico... it's a very small town about 1 hour north of Mexico City.
What is your favorite Craft?
Anything that has to do with scrapbooking and card-making
How Did Discover Scrapbooking (or Craft?) I don't remember! It started when I got married and then had my kids.... I saw things and bought stickers and little albums and started my collection. Left it for a while and then a few years back my BFF encouraged me to get the Cricut and the rest is history!!!

How did you learn to do Scrapbooking (or Craft?)
I learned scrapbooking by watching others! Took a couple of classes for some layouts.


How Long have you been Scrapbooking (or Crafting?) Full blown scrapbooking... I would say since 2008


What "style" would you describe your Personal crafting?
Playful and Bright


Do you do any Digital Scrapbooking or other digital media art?
I have tried digital scrapbooking but It does not do much for me! Other digital stuff... I am getting into Photoshop and making buttons! I am loving it!! I am thinking of taking some courses to do my own blog designs!!



What are your 3 favorite projects and why?
one of them is a card I did for Emma's throwback Thursday using Peachy Keen faces (Turkey Card) and the cowgirl and cowboy layouts!


What are some of the drawback to the craft you find? It does take time away from family!


What are some of the enjoyments to the craft you find?
The smiles on people's faces when they receive that special card or layout! and of course all the beautiful comments people leave on our posts!! I always say that comments are what feeds us bloggers!


Do you use sketches?
Yes I do! I have done about 4 of them.... I like it!


Where do you find Inspiration?
When it's cards I am doing, I get inspired by the papers and stamps I am using. For layouts it's the pictures!



Do you belong on any "Design teams" now or in the past?
Yes! Here they are in order:


Joy's Life


ScrapTiffany


Cooking With Cricut


Sweet Sassy Diva


Paper Playtime


Family Fridays


Flaunt It Fridays


My Creative Time


Sassy Lil Sketches


Peachy Keen Stamps (Guest Spot)


Kich N Bleus designs (Coordinator)


When you loose your "mojo" how do you get it back? I start looking at pictures!!


Can you briefly describe how your process of creating begins? Such as with color, theme, etc choice?
I start with the base card... usually it's craft or black and then I bring out the patterned paper I will be using and I have to bring out all the papers for that collection I have! and i have to be honest and say... I do waste a lot of paper!!!


What are your top 3 favorite tools?
In order:
1. Tim Holtz Distressing Ink!!
2. ATG gun
3. super sharp scissors

What are your Top 3 favorite embellishments?
I am always using ribbon, buttons and BLING!!!!

What are your some ideas you share with others?
I am just starting to get into Make The Cut and buying SVG files vs. Cricut cartridges is a lot less expensive!! Try it out! You will love it!


What advice would you give to a newbie just starting in this crafting?
Research what is essential to start scrapbooking. This is a very expensive hobby!


Any organizational tips you'd like to share?
LOL funny! I am bad!!!!!! Specially now that I don't have my own space! I have a little corner in one of my boy's room and I am taking over little by little!! One thing I am trying to do and I am loving is make sure you PICK UP after EACH project!!! it doesn't matter if you will use that pen, glitter, glue again! PUT IT AWAY!! Also, I have on my desk one of those 6-drawer plastic containers (8.5x11) stacked up on the edge with all the essentials and I LOVE IT!!!! Those little round thing that go on the desk..... really?! You can't fit anything in those things!!!


Any Budget Cost cutting tips?
really?? that is one of the questions??! LOL JK Go to your local Big Lots/Dollar Tree they have tons of crafting supplies!! My Big Lots has Basic Grey gallore!!!!! The 25 sheet packs of the same paper or stickers for 3 dollars!!! 12 x 12!!!


What made you decide to start a Blog, website, Facebook Fan page, etc?
My BFF started hers and I said "Ah what the heck" so I gave it a try and I will be celebrated my 1st year Blogoversary this March 19th!! I will had a blog hop to celebrate it!!!


What are the web addresses to all your places?
I have 2 blogs http://www.scrapbookaholicbyabby.com/ and http://www.scrappingsweets.blogspot.com/ (Cricut cake blog)


Do you sell any of your crafting projects?
I started..... started is the key work! I sold one card on Etsy and 3 to a lady!! I am starting to get everything ready to offer a monthly class in my neighborhood!






Anything you want to share that wasn't covered.
I am the coordinator for my sister's designs Kich n Bleus Designs! I am very proud of her and have pushed her to get them out there so people know how truly talented she is! I am the one in charge of her blog and design team!! We have some exciting things coming out!!!

Sketchy Saturday!

Welcome to Sketchy Saturday!

This week's Sketch's:

A Sketch is an "idea" or "inspiration" to get a layout or card done. You can turn the sketches 90* either way or 180* to get a different "look" add a little more embellishments, use different emebelishments or shapes to fit your pictures.

For DESIGN TEAM Inspiration check out thier blogs:

Renee 's

Amanda's blog

Sarah's Blog

Samantha's blog

Amy 's Facebook Page

Now its Your Turn! Create a New Layout or Card from the Sketches enter your project in the Inklinz below to enter to win! This week's Prize is a Fun Mystery Grab Bag (value approx. $25) of Scrapping Supplies!

Tax Day Blues Blog Hop!

Don't let Tax Day (April 15th) give you the blues!

The hop will be hopping today (Friday), April 15th, through Sunday, April 17th.

Join our blog hop, where you should have come from Jackie's Blog: http://mybasketofscraps.blogspot.com/  If you happen to come to the hop in the middle be sure to start at the begining where creative and crafty bloggers will be showcasing their cheerful, blue creations, including cards, scrapbook layouts, jewelry and more starting at Angie's Blog http://atuttletime.blogspot.com/

I created a Tshirt for my daughters upcoming birthday. She is so in love with the Jonas Brothers and we are always teasing her how obsessed she is and I found this cute saying. I cut it out using my MTC (Make The Cut software) using arial and aresol fonts. I used black flocked vinyl from Expressions of vinyl. You need to iron it on fairly quickly and not let the iron stqy on too long. as if you look closely at my work you i messed up the O thinking i'll just keep the iron on there just a few seconds longer just to be safe! NOPE! thier site said "X" amount of seconds they were right. I love how it came out and it was very easy to use this vinyl and fun!

check out Expression Vinyl site for your vinyl needs HERE!

You can purchase your own Make The Cut Software HERE!

though, sadly, it is no longer sold compatible with the Cricut unless you purchased it prior to March 16, 2010.

Before you hop onto the next blog hope you become a new follower, if you aren't already a faithful one :)

I love reading comments they sure do make me smile.

I have aCTMH stamp set up for blog candy.

To see more about this Hope For Japan Stamp set go HERE!

you are now off to  Leah's Blog : http://www.leahscarddesigns.com/

Here is a list of in case you should get lost:

1. Angie,  http://atuttletime.blogspot.com/

2. Ellen,  http://cardmonkey-business.blogspot.com/

3. Tristan,  http://tristans-time-4-crafti...n.blogspot.com/

4. Tammy,  http://nestingpretty.blogspot.com/

5. Elaine, http://ExpressionsByElaine.blogspot.com/

6. Natalie,  http://momm2my3girls.blogspot.com/

7. Angelia, http://angeliaspapercrafts.blogspot.com/

8. Belinda,  http://www.beeshiveofdrama.blogspot.com/

9. Mary G., http://marebearscraps.blogspot.com/

10. Wendy, http://gilbyscraftster.blogspot.com/

11. Jackie, http://mybasketofscraps.blogspot.com/

12. Jill, http://thescrapoholic.blogspot.com/

13. Leah, http://www.leahscarddesigns.com/

14. Mary J., http://maryjaminski.blogspot.com/

15. Tiffany, http://mysweetlemonadedreams.blogspot.com/



16. Monica, http://scraps2treasure.blogspot.com/

Spotlight Sunday!

Today I am honored to be a Guest Blogger over at Madison's Blog!  I haven't been doing well at keeping up with my Spotlight Sunday's so I thought as of Today I will be spotlighting someone every Sunday! Today in honor of Madison's Birthday Celebration She will be Spotlighted today!

What is your Real Name?

Madison Womack

What are you Known as in "forums"/"blogs"?

Madcrafter

Short Bio ~ 

I am a high school student.  I enjoy all things craft related.  In addition, I play volleyball for my high school team.  There’s nothing like a great bowl of pasta with vegetables.  I hope one day to have to my own successful business as both a graphic designer and interior designer.

What is your favorite Craft?

My favorite craft at the moment is designing and creating greeting cards.

How Did Discover Scrapbooking (or Craft?)

I started making greeting cards to raise money so I could play club volleyball.  I loved it so much I kept making cards.

How did you learn to do Scrapbooking (or Craft?)

I would have to say I watched a lot of You tube videos and taught myself.

How Long have you been Scrapbooking (or Crafting?)

I have been designing and creating cards since November of 2009, or just over one year.

What "style" would you describe your Personal crafting?

Oh, I would have to say that I like to make “Funky Cards.”

Do you do any Digital Scrapbooking or other digital media art?

I haven’t ventured done any digital art yet.

What are some of the drawback to the craft you find?

The drawback to crafting is that is can get costly.  There are so many cool products and new products coming out all the time and I have to tell myself “NO!”

What are some of the enjoyments to the craft you find?

I love spending time with my mom crafting.  We have fun crafting together.  And I like looking at all the cards I made.

Do you use sketches?

Sometimes I use sketches, like if there is a challenge on a blog.

Where do you find Inspiration?

I typically find inspiration in the events that are happening around me.

Do you belong on any "Design teams" now or in the past?

Yes, I am currently on the design team for Cooking with Cricut.  I was recently named as Honorable Mention in the Design Team Call for Robyn at My Pink Stamper!  That was really exciting. I was also a design team member for Heartstrings.

When you loose your "mojo" how do you get it back?

I take a break and bring a cup of hot chocolate!

Can you briefly describe how your process of creating begins? Such as with color, theme, etc choice?

It all depends.  Typically I have a purpose.  A need I am filling.  I start with the need.  I try to visualize a finished project.  I take it back to the beginning and see what it will take to get there.  I pull paper and embellishments and most often it comes together from there.

What are your top 3 favorite tools?

I love my Cricut, Gypsy, and Cuttlebug☺

What are your Top 3 favorite embellishments?

There are so many.  I love adding gems, gel pen stitching, and flowers.

What advice would you give to a newbie just starting in this crafting?

I was there too!   You have it in you.  Don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes.  Not everything will work the first time.  This is a subjective hobby.  If you love it, it is perfect!

Any organizational tips you'd like to share?

I am a neat freak.  I never to go bed with a messy craft room.  If you can start the day with a clean space you will more likely to step in the space and work☺

Any Budget Cost cutting tips?

Be creative and resourceful.  There are a lot of fun things around you that you can use.  Save old greeting cards that you might have easily tossed and use the blank white side for card stock.  Just keep your eyes open.  You will be surprised at what you find.

What are the web addresses to all your places?

My blog address is: http://www.funkycards.blogspot.com/

Do you sell any of your crafting projects?

I do sell my products.  I will soon have an Etsy store but for now I sell all my products on my blog.

If so, where can one purchase them? (websites email, etc.)

http://www.funkycards.blogspot.com/

Be Sure to check out her Blog!

In Honor of My Dad Blog Hop

Welcome to In Honor of My Dad Hop!

If your Here for Sketchy Saturday, Scroll on down to the next Post below.
Hope you check out Th Honor My dad Blog Hop too!

Otherwise,You should have Hopped on over from Jessica's Blog, if you happen to stumble upon the hop Start at the Beginning at Jen's Blog 

My sperm donor is not a "dad" I'd consider one to honor, unless your in the mob, which I am not part of that lifestyle, nor do I want to be.  My parents were divorced when I was a mere year old and separated when I was 6 months old. It was very clear even til this day, i am that unwanted child for my Sperm donor. That's what I call him now a days. Sadly, no one knows where he is today or even whether he's alive or not. I did have a few good years when my oldest was born with my Real Dad but he went back to his ways again, if he ever stopped?  Anyways, growing up my friends' Dad was the closest thing I ever had to a "dad" he I always hold dear to my heart. He passed away when I was in the 7th grade :(   Then when I was all grown up my mom finally found an Angel! Someone who treated her like a Queen! He was so perfect for my mom and it was great to see my Mom smiling and truly happy.  Not only was he great for my mom he was the best Javic (grandfather in Polish) My kids call him Ja-Ja. He treated my kids like they were his real grandkids. He was just awesome!! Yes, he too died after surviving esophagus cancer, he died too young and too soon of a brain tumor.  

The project I did today is about both my "dads". I wrote a "poem" about my first "dad" the year he died. Which later in Senior Year in Poetry class influenced two poems I wrote, which oddly was written for the my First "dad" Mr. B. but also applies to my 2nd "dad" Curt.  They both were ill at a young age and taken from the Earth from their disease.  So I have finally put these into a project that will be framed and hung on my walls in "memory" of them.  It was a very hard project to do because of all the wonderful memories we have together and wishing they were still here to see so much more that I only pray they are watching from heaven with their smiles.

 

 In case you can't read the "Poems"

The First One which the other two were inspired by is

Wishing You a Happy Father’s Day

You are the father I will always remember. I had a father all my own though he was never around.  When I was a Child, nobody understood me when I was young; nobody even tried, except for “my dear father”. You took me under your wing as if I was yours. You showed me the path that led to happiness. You’ve helped me through many struggles. You always lent me a helping hand, and made me feel right at home. Though you were ill you were like a clown, a guy who always wore a smile upon his face.

I remember the day you left forever. Though you did not want to go, but it was your time. All I thought was I never told you, “thank You” and “I love You”. Now it was too late, I had no second chance. I too, never wished you a Happy Fathers Day.

On Father’s Day, I place a single red rose upon your grave. I stand blankly staring at slate of rock with engraved upon it is your name. I hear you playing your guitar, singing your country songs you use to sing to us on quiet summer evenings.

Remembering this, remembering the childhood, you made so great. My Childhood was never all that great, though you make it worth remembering.

Though you’ve been gone quite some time, your still alive in my memories and in my heart. Though, I am lost without you here by my side.

Happy Father’s Day Dad!

Dedicated to Mr. Bishop

1984

The Other two were written my Senior Year for Poetry Class

This disease runs through his veins

I ask God, why did you pick him?

Pick on someone else, and him be.

Go away I pray, yet it still remains.

My anger burns inside like a flame

He’s just began his life can’t you see?

I thought life would be a cup of tea.

I was wrong, but we have no one to blame.

I don’t ever want to say good-bye

What will I do? Does anyone know?

The memories of him, I will save.

I never know what day he’ll die.

His time has come, he must now go.

I will always remember you and visit your grave.

Though sick, you were like a clown.

You taught me to laugh and to smile.

Thoughts of you turn my frown upside down.

Though sick, you were like a clown

Lucky I was, it was you I found.

You’ve been gone now for awhile

Though sick, you were like a clown

You taught me to laugh and to smile.

Thanks for Hopping By! Hope you enjoyed my project! remember to tell whoever it is you need to tell That "You Love them" Before its too late. If they taught me nothing else its that.

Before you go, you may enjoy the Rose MTC or SVG Rose File I made for my Tartan Day Blog Hop which alos, is a project about my 2nd Dad. I had a Rose cut for this project but didn't like how it went with it. So here are the Links if You have a 3rd party software for your cricut or a electronic cutter

FREE MTC ROSE FILE HERE

FREE SVG ROSE FILE HERE

You are Now off to Martha's Blog

Here's The whole Blog Hop List

Jen ~ http://creativearmywife.blogspot.com/
Paula ~ http://www.owlbescrappin.com/
Haidee ~ http://created2bunique.blogspot.com/
Tanya ~ www.ScrappyScavenger.blogspot.com
Erin ~ http://www.spantastikreations.blogspot.com/
Pam ~ http://pammejo-scrapbookflair.blogspot.com/
Jessica ~ http://thecreativestamperspot.blogspot.com/
Karel ~ http://www.kareljcreations.com/
Liz ~ www.tryin2craft.blogspot.com
Shannon ~ www.purplellionpaper.com/blog
Leslie ~ http://leslierahye.blogspot.com/
alina ~ http://neverstopscrapping.blogspot.com/
faith ~ http://faithfulecreations.wordpress.com/
jessica ~ http://thatzuneek.blogspot.com/
jill ~ http://thescrapoholic.blogspot.com/  <<< Your are HERE
martha ~ http://pattisscrapingtime.blogspot.com/
debbie ~ http://scrapbydebbie.blogspot.com/
becky ~ http://beckscricards.blogspot.com/

Sketchy Saturday

Welcome to Sketchy Saturday!

This week is a NON- Design Team Challenge. Hope you Enjoy the Sketches!

TARTAN DAY BLOG HOP 6TH APRIL 2011

Welcome to Gill's blog hop for Tartan Day. The Hop starts at Gill's Blog Here. If you've come from Faith's Blog, your hopping in the right direction, if you've just stumbled here be sure to start at the beginning.

The theme of this hop is Tartan Day and here's a link to read up on what it is all about what we are doing on this hop is bringing together a select few people from all over the world to take part and for them to create a project with an element of tartan on it.

This is a hop with a difference as along the hop there are letters to find in the postings - not all blogs have the letters but if you gather all the letters then at the end of the hop assemble them to create a "scottish themed word". If you then return to Gill's blog and enter the Mr Linky at the bottom of the post (do not reveal the secret word yet). After the hop Gill will contact someone at random and ask them to email her with the word - if correct they win some lovely candy.

For my project, I have created an acrylic  projects for this hop.I made this for my mom. I thought this was a great way to give her a good memory of my step-dad who had Scottish heritage. He was an angel from the heavens! He was so great to my mom and for my mom. He was taken too early and we all miss him dearly.  My mom doesn't have many pictures of Curt or of them together. I found this picture of them dancing at my wedding. The project just fell together. The papers i swear just jumped out at me and i knew what I was going to do. It was a matter of finding a rose i could easily cut using MTC. Which you can find below for FREE in both MTC & SVF File format. I cut the rose peices out of plaid papers.

I used CTMH Plaid papers from several retired collections. CTMH Irresitable Chipboard, and Chipboard hearts. Check out my CTMH Website HERE.

Freebies expire after awhile and are removed as a Free download.

Sorry Freebie Has Expired

Check For $ale Tab or My Etsy Store for Possible Purchase

downloads are only available for a limited time.

So there we have it and  hope you enjoyed it !

Now back to the hop -There are a lot of talented crafty women on this hop and I hope you enjoy looking through their hop entries. So now please hop on over to Lisa's Blog  for the next tartan creative project.

Don't forget about the hidden blog hop letters and remember to collect all the letters from the hop and assemble to form a Scottish word then return to Gill's blog at the end of the hop and enter the Mr linky (not revealing the word) for your chance to win candy from her.

Here is the line up in case you get lost along the hop.

 Gill  http://creationsbygillm.blogspot.com/  

2.  Linda   www.thefruitofmyhands.blogspot.com

3.  Lisa G  http://lisagarrow.blogspot.com/

4.  Martha  http://pattisscrapingtime.blogspot.com/

5.  Vicky  http://the-artful-codger.blogspot.com/ 

6.  Anita  http://www.anitaandbugs.blogspot.com/

7.  Ann  http://ann-icklehaggiscraftspot.blogspot.com/

8. Amanda   www.scrapanddash.com   

9.  Debbie  http://debbiescrafttime.blogspot.com/

10.  Haidee   http://created2bunique.blogspot.com/  

11.  Valerie  http://canonburycreations.blogspot.com/

12.  Margaret http://diamondgirlcards.blogspot.com/  

13.  Becky  http://beckscricards.blogspot.com/ 

14. Laura  www.makinprettythings.com

15.  Jenn   http://www.memorieswithjen.blogspot.com/

16. Sharon http://craftyscot.blogspot.com/   

17.  Beckie  http://beckiedreyer.blogspot.com/

18.  Faith  http://faithfulecreations.wordpress.com/  

19.  Jill  http://thescrapoholic.blogspot.com/

20. Lisa P  http://handmadewithlove-lisa.blogspot.com/

21.  Alethea  http://lilodesigns.blogspot.com/ 

22. Nancy http://blog.fancywithnancy.com/

MTC Monday ~ DT Challenge

MTC Monday

The MTC/SVG Design Team are given the Collection of Files and they choose the image(s) of their choice to do their Inspirational projects for you. Be sure check out their Inspirational Projects on their blogs or Facebook, they'd love new Followers and maybe leave them a lil love. We all love reading comments and So does my Design Team.

This week's MTC Files (also available in SVG) is

Check out the Design Team's Inspiration by clicking their Links!

 Jenn 's  Blog ~http://jennscrap2.blogspot.com/  

        her FB~   www.facebook.com/Cardstockandcoffee

 Nancy 's Blog ~  fancywithnancy.blogspot.com 

Jenni's blog ~ http://jenniskraftykreations.blogspot.com/

 Doris & Kimmie 's FB ~ http://www.facebook.com/pages/2-Funky-Crafters/190262861004288?sk=wall#!/pages/2-Funky-Crafters/190262861004288?sk=wall

To Purchase The Collection  :

Don't have MTC (Make The Cut) yet? 

As of March 16th MTC by settlement no longer is compatible with the Cricut. If you already have MTC it will still work with your cricut, you just can NOT update MTC or Cricut Firmware. As PC will have MTC disabled in their firmware updates.  

For Info about MTC check it out by clicking the picture below

or to Purchase the User Friendly Software click this picture below and Already the Savings Code is in there! $58.36 for the software! Considering How much you spend on ONE Cartridge Not a bad deal, when for nothing you can add most any true type font to cut right away.

You can Also check out Lettering Delights for SVG Files and also get 9 Free fonts just look off to your left on my blog and click the correct blinkies to bring you there.

 

If you would like to enter the challenge To win this cute stamp set

Either Purchase the file(s) or download the Free File and Create a Project using one or more of the borders and add your link to your project to the linky below.

You'll Find a Card and Layout sketch here every Sat. Every week you'll find inspiration from either myself or my Design Team. This week will be The Design Team Inspiring you with their Creations from the Sketches That I've drawn up.  You'll have the opportunity to enter in the Challenge by linking your creation at the bottom to the linky.

Here are the two Sketches, One card and One Layout along with pics of the DT inspiration, be sure to check out their blog posts to see more about their inspiration and leave them some Love. Click the Picture to be able to go to the DT's Blog or Fanpage.

Samantha's  blog ~ http://cricutbutterflies.blogspot.com/

Amy 's  ~ http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Amy-Kate/164287750287027

Renee 's Blog-http://lastingmemoriesrg.blogspot.com/
                 
 Amanda's  blog - www.scrapanddash.com
                
 Sarah's Blog ~  http://simplyshaddock.blogspot.com

 

Now that you have some inspiration and the sketches, its your turn.  You need to go to each of the Design team Blogs (or Fanpage on Facebook), Follow them (if you are not), leave a comment about their Saturday Sketch and then make a new card or layout using one of the Sketches and come back and enter your link below to enter the challenge to be eligible win A Prize!

This week's prize is

Make sure your entry is linked beore April 8th Midnight!