Party Planning Series

Do you like parties?  I LOVE parties - planning them, throwing them, going to them.

I have always enjoyed getting creative with my parties and would like to share them with you!  I am hitting the archives and sharing with you some of my best party ideas and tips.

 

Look for Lukeyloo Create's new Party Planning series coming soon.  Some themes will include:

• Mickey Mouse Birthday Party

• Pirate Birthday Party 

• 1990's Throwback Birthday Bash

• Scooby Doo Birthday Party

• Dinosaur Birthday Party

• Invitation Templates

• DIY Decor Tips

• And MORE! 

   

Scrapbook Challenges Sizzlin' Summer 2016 Sketch 01

Sometimes the creativity just flows and everything comes together.  This was one of the those times.  The layout was inspiring. I found my paper right away - Close to My Heart Lolly Doodle paper pack. And the picture was more than just right -- it was perfect.  I had a ton of fun putting this layout together in less than 30 minutes.  Wow! Can barely believe it myself.  The more I get into scrapbooking, the less I care about perfection. It's all about recording memories and enjoying some relaxation time as I do it! 

My Scrapbook Layout:

 Scrapbook Challenge's Sizzlin' Summer 2016 Sketch 01 layout:

You can follow along with their Sizzlin' Summer 2016 Challenges by visiting them here.

DIY Hello Kitty Mermaid Dirt Cake

Three of my most favorite things combined this week for one awesome party: my sweet daughter Aubrey, Hello Kitty and dirt cake!  I made this cake her second birthday party and it was a huge success.

Here are some details on the cake:

- I used this recipe for the dirt cake. Although I opted for vanilla wafers instead of Golden Oreos. I should've went with the Oreos as I think the frosting would have added some sweetness and texture. I also double the recipe except only used 3 pudding boxes and one container of cool whip.

- The Hello Kitty was made using this Sizzix die from a friend.  I then used a circle punch and some creativity to turn her into a mermaid.

- I used a glass trifle dish instead of a bucket

- The palm tree was purchased from Party City

- I added a cute "happy birthday" banner from my Bella Blvd scrapbook stash

- The ice cream cone was an eraser I bought from Walmart

- The sunglasses were also purchased from Walmart in there doll section. So cute!

Another close-up:

Scrapbook Challenges Sizzlin' Summer 2016 Sketch 05

I have a love/hate relationship with this page.  First, I loved the santa paper - so cute how it framed the page.  I also liked the overall color scheme and the pictures.  But I had a horrible time figuring out how to incorporate the loopy-loo's in the original sketch.  I still don't love the brassy color of the trim but, heh, that's ok.  Not every page needs to be my favorite.  Completing a layout in less than one hour with the two littles sleeping is always a win in my book!

My Scrapbook Layout:

 

 Scrapbook Challenge's Sizzlin' Summer 2016 Sketch 05

 

You can follow along with their Sizzlin' Summer 2016 Challenges by visiting them here.

Liftapalooza 2016: Natalie & Lessons in Letters

Happy Days are here again!  I had time this morning to complete another one of Scrapbook Challenge's Liftapalooza sketches.  This time it was Natalie's sketch.

Here is her version:

What I loved most about her page was how simple and effortless it looked. It also made good use of patterned papers.  I came up with this fun version:

The hardest part was deciding on a great phrase. I used some cute Pink Paislee wood veneer letters.  Unfortunately there was only one letter of each in the package besides some commons ones like the "a" and "e".  I had to be creative with the words I chose so I had enough to finish.  On the bright side, choosing the right patterned papers was a breeze.  This part I typically struggle with.  Choosing the kite embellishments (impulse buy from Michael's) made finding the right card stock easier... something I'll need to remember in the future.

Until next time!

Liftapalooza 2016: Ali Scrapbook Challenge

I'm back in the saddle again.... the scrapbooking saddle that is!  With two under the age of two and a super-energetic boy who just turned 7, I have ZERO time to scrapbook.  This week I had a bad case of "create-a-page" itch and discovered Scrapbook Challenge's Liftapalooza post at just the right time.  I have been following them for a couple months now and was excited to try a challenge.

The first designer on their "Main Stage" was Ali.  This was her page:

Using Ali's inspiration, I created this page:

Is this my best work?  I hope not!  Is it the best I can do right now with my current life demands?  You bet.  I am hoping to keep up with all the fun at Liftapalooza!

Mother's Day Card - Unscripted Sketches #249

Haven't done a Sketch It Saturday in a long time so I took advantage of some new stamps I got at huge scrapbook resale event in my local area this morning.

 Some Items I used:
CTMH Frames Borders Tags Stamp Set
"For the Record" paper collection
Sizzix embossing folder
Red Copic Marker
Memento Black Ink Pad

PTI Stripes Challenge - Hello There card

A quick challenge for PTI's 7th Anniversary - challenge today was to add stripes.

Products used: Papertrey Ink's Mini Bloom stamp set (sentiment), Claudine Hellmuth Creative Layers stamp set (stripes), Terasa Collins Family Stories Enamel Dots, Cat's Eye Chalk Ink, Cricut, SCAL2

Screw It - I Am Doing It Today!

I recently read a great post on an easy Advent Calendar made of paper rings at Blissful & Domestic's site.  I love her site.  She keeps it simply, easy, and, most importantly, fun!  She had some great ideas on each ring for the activity of the day.  You can read her post HERE.

So it's already December 3rd.  My rational, A-Type, no-fun, practical personality would say to wait and try this next year.  It's too late and you don't have time to make one?  Plus what if you don't do the activity for the day?  It will be a disappointment. But my mommy side says "SCREW IT - DO IT NOW!  Who cares if you are a couple days late?  Lukeyloo would love to count done each day and even if you miss a day or too some is definitely better than none.

Taking time for fun and family doesn't have to be perfect or done the right way.  The best memories are often made when things get a bit hairy.  Staying lighthearted and enjoying the Christmas season with Lucas is where I want to be!

My Goal Today - Make a Advent Countdown!

Wish me luck.

Baby Card Using Papertrey Ink's Boutique Borders Baby Collection

Happy Saturday!  This card was created based on Sketch Saturday's #284 Sketch.  I used PTI's Boutique Borders Baby Stamps and Die and LOVED them!  My first Sketch Saturday entry was so, so funny to do! Here's Sketch Saturday #284 Sketch I worked from:

Saying "Thank You" Without Stamping

This thank you card was based on a sketch for Mojo Monday's #318 Challenge.  I started the card with stamping in mind but ended up not stamping at all --- a rare thing for me.  Here are some supplies I used:

- Stampin' Up Beautiful Wings Embosslits die
- My Mind's Eye Lost & Found 6x6 Paper Pack - Madison Avenue
- "Thank You" Rub-on - The Paper Studio
- Pink Gems - The Paper Studio
- Square Die Cut - Heidi Grace Daydream Collection
- Embossing Folder -Quickutz

The Mojo Monday #318 Sketch was this:

It was fun participating in this challenge - even if I didn't stamp anything!

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday

A fun little card I made for Papertrey Ink's Make It Monday #139.  The challenge was to use border stamps to make a square.  I used the only border die I had from the Boutique Borders - Baby stamp set.  I also used the Think Big Favorites #12 for the "happy" stamped 3x.  The birthday die is from PTI as well.  I pulled out the Close to My Heart's Whooo's Your Valentine to make a chevron border in the background.  It was painstaking but I like the result. It was a fun challenge and the first one I have done!

Inspired Freedom Coaching: My Personal Experience

I thought I would take a moment to share with my readers a powerful experience I had this summer completing "life" coaching work with Inspired Freedom, LLC.  It is small business started by a good friend, Jessica Stickel.  Before I dive in, let me give you the backdrop on why I was doing a little soul-searchin'

Back in February 2013, I was laid off from my job of nearly 10 years.  I worked in the retail support industry doing corporate training for many large retailers.  I loved a lot of what my job was all about: travel, flexible schedule, working from home.  This career worked great for me and, most importantly, for my family.  My layoff didn't come as a huge shock - department stores had been floundering for months, years before but nonetheless it was a huge blow to my ego and turned my world upside-down.

I was now delegated to being a mom, searching for jobs online and writing resumes (a lot has changed in 10 years), and taking my spot in the virtual unemployment line.  I had no direction.  I had no "Aha" moment that Oprah so often speaks of.  I had no true passion I was just waiting to dive right into.  I think a lot of people are like this as well.  While I would love to say I always wanted to pen a novel, become a interior decorator, or work for a non-profit that is not the case.  Nothing was tugging at my heart saying "Do this with your life"

Lack of Direction + Lots of Free Time + Being Home All Day With a 3-Year Old = Losing Your Mind.

Inspired Freedom to the Rescue!  One of my besties Jessica Stickel was starting her own personal life coaching company at the time and I jumped at the chance to work with her.  Jessy is A-MA-ZING!  One of those people that have traveled the world, have the kindest heart, and make everyone around them feel special.  I wanted to drink whatever grape koolaid she was drinking and offering.

My life coaching with Jessy was such a wonderful experience.  At first, we discussed the usual - goals, problems, etc.  A funny thing happens though once the sessions continue on.  You begin to learn more about yourself than you ever thought.  I started to realize all the negative self-talk I was giving myself.  How I use these "beliefs" to keep my stuck in the mess I was in repeating the cycle over and over.  By the end of sessions not only did I gain insight into the authentic "Katie", I also learned how lessons on staying and living with abundance.  Actual skills I could use to live the life I was meant to live whether I knew my true passion at the time or not.

 Jessy & I canoeing on Lake Winnebago Thanksgiving Day 2012 for our self-titled "Turkey Paddle"

As I look back, I often wonder "Could I have truly discovered my passion if I was still unaware of who I was?"  Must one know themselves before they can be themselves?  This experience was unbelievable and life-changing for me moving me past being laid off, feeling lost, or just being "a mom."  I am Katie and your going to hear me roar!

Jessica Stickel offers amazing life coaching packages at her website: http://www.inspiredfreedomcoaching.com/ or you can visit her on Facebook

Halloween Purse

 This fun & spooky purse was made using the Luxury Handbags kit from SVGCuts.com.  This purse was fast to put together and an easy project if you haven't dabbled much in paper crafting.  My mom & I had a great time making our "purses".

The Power of the Mind

Just brushing my teeth this morning.  Staring at a certain man's whiskers around the faucet.  Wondering my house is unclean all the time.  But maybe it isn't dirty?  Maybe my attitude says it's dirty but in reality is completely acceptable as a tidy Midwestern home.  I think sooooo...... 

I thought I would share this quote I came up with yesterday while shopping with Lukeyloo at Walmart.   We were in the clearance section and amazingly there was toys on one side of the aisle and craft items on the other... my perfect world!

Free Writing

This is a little free writing I did tonight in the midst of a storm at my house.  I got home 7:30 pm from work and Lukeyloo cried, and whined, and disagreed from the time I opened the door to the time he went to bed (or as he is going to bed crying right now).  Trying to remember as Gretchen Rubin says "The days are long but the years are short" but finding it quite hard right now.  I wrote this free writing to express the turmoil I feel tonight, at this moment:

Jumping off a cliff. Drying up a storm. Toes, feet, toes wriggling ready to go.  Gray stone smooth and white traces of gold fill up the flight to the staircase I seek my random of choices.  To the the staircase I venture far from home.   Cross-winded are my lungs, my thoughts, my heart.  Unsure of each wobbling step with the wobbling ankle.  Trees go by as I drift. Chunks of ice follow the stream.  The birds above so certain of their direction.  I would not dare to follow as fakeness is not a path to my destination.

Sitting at the airport in Kansas City on a business trip

- Katie

Butterfly Artwork by Hart Things & Butterfly Wings

Yesterday, Lukeyloo & I went to our first Farmer's Market of the year.  We visited my friend Liz Bladorn's booth with her amazing artwork and totally fab setup.  I had to purchase this beautiful butterfly print of her's.  The frame is what pulled at my heart saying "buy me".  The butterfly is amazing with trees in it's wings.  This beauty is already hung in the dining room.


Liz has a great blog you can check out HERE.  It is called Hart Things & Butterfly Wings.  She does amazing photography, graphic art, and is truly inspirational.

Whimsical Flower Card

I was in a fix to make a cute, quick card for my sister Emily for Mother's Day.  She is Lukeyloo's godmother.  I found this card below on Pinterest and used it as my inspiration.  Click HERE to visit the site that the card is from.  It is in what I believe to be Russian but the pictures helped translate! 

 This is my version of the card....

I let go of my A-type personality and free-hand cut the circles using the Joy Ride 6x6 Paper pack from Cosmo Cricket.  It helped to cut one size and then use it as a guide for the other patterns of the same size.  I folder craft paper to make the stems and used a simply tan paper that I scored using the Martha Stewart scoring board for the "pot".  To make the pot, I scored to lines on each side. I then folded and glued the first fold on the inside.  The pot was looking a little boring so I added some sticker words from the Authentique Blisful line.  I love the saying!

Joy Ride 6x6 Pad - Cosmo Cricket Authentique "Blissful" Diction Stickers Scotch Quick-Dry Tacky Glue

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