Nichol Spohr LLC

Project 365 | 2010 (March Review)

It's time for another month in review where I check in with you all on how my Project 365 is going. I read the best quote with regards to Project Life/365 this month (I wish I could find the link to who originally said this). 

"Project 365/Life Close Enough".

This is my new mantra. There have been a couple of days where I just didn't get a photo but I made up for it with other photos that were "close enough".

A great example of this:

Last month I missed February 19th. I have no idea what happened that day. None. BUT I had really hoped to take a photo of Payton with this little note her Elementary School Principal had given her telling her that she had received a 100% on her State Match Assessment Tests. We lost the note so I printed up a sign for her to hold and took a photo (a month later). But this still tells a story from February that I don't want to forget. I love that.

Here are some favorite photo shares from March 2010. To see all of my March photos, you can check them out at Shuttercal.com HERE. 

Ethan and Payton's newest obsession: Zhu Zhu pets. I didn't even know what these were when my friends were talking about finding these for their kids around Christmastime. Now we are the owners of four of these little critters. They are actually kind of cute and fun. What I love: Ethan helps himself to his sister's Zhu Zhu pets while she's at school. Just look at that grin. 

Daddy and Brenden at the March 3rd KU game. What I love: This was Brenden's only request for his birthday and Dad came through. They had a blast.

 

Bathtime with froggy. Ethan doesn't take many baths due to his eczema (showers are better...less time in the water drying out his skin) but he begged tonight and I let him. He was so happy! What I love: that the froggy in his hand is in focus and the rest is somewhat blurred.
  

 

"Mom! Take a picture. I'm Handy Manny!" How could I not? What I love: his expression + I have a whole bunch more photos with equally as precious facial expressions.
 

Skiing with cousins, Daddy and Grandpa during Spring Break. What I love: just because I didn't go doesn't mean I didn't get a fabulous photo! Way to go Daddy!

Lemon Cream Cheese Cupcakes. My fav! What I love: just a random weekend treat that Ethan and I made while the bigs and daddy were away skiing.

 

New floral arrangements Ethan and I put together over the weekend. What I love: how bright and springy these make our house feel.

  

Little Cutie Clementines. Ethan has been gobbling these up. I bet he eats 4-5 daily. What I love: I had to snap this quick as he was snatching them up almost faster than I could get a photo.

 

Ethan was diagnosed with Asthma today. Finally after a few weeks of doctor visits, a trip to the ER for breathing treatments and lots of worry. So happy to know what we're dealing with. His very first nebulizer treatment at home with his brand new machine. What I love: documenting life as it comes. 

Ethan and Daddy playing a little Nintendo DS. What I love: just a daily activity here lately. These boys love Mario Brothers. 

 The sun coming up as I was driving home after taking the kids to school. What I love: I snapped this with my little point and shoot that I carry in my purse. I just pulled over and snapped it quick.

The weather has been gorgeous here the last couple of days. The kids have spent as much time as possible outside. What I love: those gorgeous blue eyes. 

Snapped this quick after Ethan's pre-school Easter party. They dyed and hunted eggs and got treat bags. I wanted a photo with his mask. He said, "I'll wear the bunny mask tomorrow okay?" He was NOT happy but I threatened a nap so he complied. ;) What I love: I have photos of all 3 of the kids at this age that are very similar. I feel a scrapbook page coming on....

That was March.

Bring on April!

 
 

Menu Plan Monday | 3.29.10

 

Monday: Pork Mostaccioli. We're having leftovers from Friday tonight. It's a busy night so the no prep for the main dish will be a huge help. 

Tuesday: Quick Chicken Noodle Soup. I like soups year round and so does the family. I made this one a couple of months ago and we all loved it. Lots of fresh veggie goodness with the chicken and noodles. Yum.

Wednesday: Summer Steak Kabobs with Veggie Pull Apart Bread. This has been a family favorite for years. The kabobs are good, yes. But the bread...the bread is SO yummy. I serve the kabobs over rice. It doesn't have to be summer yet to enjoy this meal. ;)

Thursday: Taco Thursday with chips and Restaurant Style Salsa. This salsa from Pioneer Woman is a HUGE hit. With kids. With hubby and hubby's friends. ;)

Friday: Steak Fingers. My mama's recipe. Always a family favorite.

Saturday: Creamy Shrimp Alfredo. SO yummy. I add crab meat in addition to the shrimp. :)

Last week's new recipe(s) review: 

Peppery Pasta with Arugula and Shrimp: DELISH. I will be making this again and again. In fact, when I asked the family for suggestions for this week, the bigs and daddy all requested this again. ;)

Chicken Carne Asada Tacos: Thursday night was a bust and the kids and I ate out. I completely forgot Payton had a cheer team performance in a neighboring town and I didn't plan ahead very well. oops! 

 

Glass Etching (a Silhouette Project)

eta: Apparently the apostrophes are not necessary in the words in the quote. It was a mistake in the design and has since been corrected by the Silhouette Team. They are great. :) I am not an English major (obviously) and so I didn't notice it before creating the design for etching. Etching is permanent. However, since it didn't bother me to begin with I won't be trashing the mirror. ;)

Did you know that Silhouette sells etching cream?

And that creating your own etched project is super easy? 

I know I didn't until just recently. :)

I purchased a mirror at Hobby Lobby last week at 50% off.

I cut a couple of Silhouette designs from vinyl (removing the positive image), then used transfer paper to move the vinyl to my new mirror. 

Glopped (that is a technical term, ha!) on the etching cream using a foam paintbrush, being sure to keep the cream on the part where I wanted the design etched. 

Waited 5 minutes and then carefully wiped up the remaining etching cream with paper towels, washed the rest off with warm water, wiped it dry and removed the vinyl. 

A little glass cleaner and this is what I had (sorry for the less than stellar photos. hard to get a good shot of a mirror!):

 

Silhouette Blog | March 22, 2010

 
 Silhouette Blog | March 22, 2010

Silhouette Designs Used: 

•  leaf_branch_C00009_27205
• phrase_dont_waste_your_todays_on_tomorrows_C00194_19547
  

Other: 

• Mirror (Hobby Lobby)
• Etching Cream (Silhoeutte) 10% off this week only

Have a great day!

Menu Plan Monday | 3.22.10

 

So, I am implementing something new (for me) into my blog this week. My friend, Melanie, participates in this Menu Plan Monday so I thought I'd give it a shot. I have been loving the Motivated Moms Planner she hooked me up with and this is just another way to keep my life organized. ;) And if you know me, you know how I love to be organized. 

Monday: Simply Lasagna. This lasagna recipe has been a staple at our house for a couple of years. It's a family favorite. I substitute cottage cheese for the ricotta because that is what I have on hand most of the time. And I use fresh parley, not dried. It makes a huge difference in taste. 

Tuesday: Peppery Pasta with Arugula and Shrimp. This is a new one I tore out of the recent Cooking Light magazine (I can't find it on their website yet to link it). We love pasta dishes and I liked the ingredients in this one. I'll report back on whether this was a hit or miss next Monday. 

Wednesday: Cherry Tomato + Ravioli Soup. We love this soup. All of us. I think I have already made this four times since January. I did cut back a bit on the tomatoes last time just because the kids tend to pick them out. De-li-cious. I could eat this every single day. 

Thursday: Chicken Carne Asada Tacos. Thursday's have been taco night for as long as I can remember. Usually I just go for the easy ground beef + seasoning + shells + lettuce, tomato, cheese but this week we're gonna try out a jazzed up version.  Another recipe from the April issue of Cooking Light.

Friday: Pork Mostaccioli. I made this a month or so ago and it was a HUGE hit. It makes a ton so I will totally be freezing part of the meat to save for another meal. :)

weekend new recipe review: I made the Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Rolls Saturday night. They were DE-LISH. However, I did opt to use a different frosting recipe. Not because I didn't like hers (I could probably eat the whole bowl of it) but because the coffee ingredient had my family turning their noses up. So I made the powdered sugar + milk kind. The family gobbled them up. I sent one pan down the street to my inlaws yesterday and the remaining two cake pans to work with Chad this a.m. I don't expect any to return. ;)

 

Stampin' Fun Friday (the Saturday Edition)

I've been playing with Hero Arts Stamps and Copic Markers again. They work perfectly together. I am completely addicted to Copics. And coloring. And of course, stamping. :)

I wanted to play around with these new card bases created by Loni Stevens for Silhouette. There are a lot of different shapes available but for this card, I chose to go with a more traditional rectangular shape. On these cards, the flap opens to reveal a space for a greeting or to write a personal message.

 

  
 Supplies:

• Curly Flowers (Set of 3) Remountable Rubber Cling Stamp by Hero Arts
• Cling Dots Remountable Rubber Cling Stamp by Hero Arts
• Classic Messages 2x3 Clear Design Stamp by Hero Arts
• Clouds Wood Mounted Stamp by Hero Arts
• Grass Layering Papers by Hero Arts
• Celadon Layering Paper by Hero Arts
• Neenah Classic Solar White Cardstock
• Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
• Soft Pool Shadow Ink by Hero Arts
• Soft Leaf Shadow  Ink by Hero Arts
• V12 Pale Lilac by Copic
• V15 Mallow by Copic
• V17 Amethyst Sketch Marker by Copic
• Y35 Maize Sketch Marker by Copic
• YG03 Yellow Green Sketch Marker by Copic
• YG06 Yellowish Green Sketch Marker by Copic
• Spica Glitter Pen Baby Blue by Copic
• Floral Mixed Accents by Hero Arts
• Ribbon by KI Memories
• Fringe Scissors by Martha Stewart
• Silhouette SD Digital Craft Cutting Machine
• Corner Chomper Crop-a-dile

Instructions:

1. Die cut the card base from Grass Layering Paper using the Silhouette (rectangular_card_base_wflap_C00232)19547).
2. Die cut the center flap from Neenah Solar White Cardstock using the Silhouette and same design as above.
3. Stamp the front of green card base with Dots Cling stamp and Soft Leaf Shadow Ink. Round corners.
4. Apply adhesive around inside edges of card (everything but the center flap), fold in half to secure.
5. Stamp the center flap (white) with Clouds Design Block stamp and Soft Pool Shadow Ink.
6. Stamp cling flower stamp over cloud stamped image. Stamp flower again on a scrap of Neenah Solar White cardstock.
7. Color in flower (on both stamped images) with V12, V15 and V17. Trace stamp lines with Spica Glitter Pen.
8. Color in leaves (on both stamped images) with YG03 and YG06.
9. Cut out leaves and flower from scrap paper and layer over center flap colored images, slightly curling the ends for dimension.
10. Color in remaining area of flower using Y35.
11. Add gems to center of flower.
12. Stamp greeting as shown.
13. Use Martha Stewart fringe scissors to make layered grass from Grass and Celadon Layering Papers.
14. Wrap ribbon around "grass" and tie in a bow.
15. Add personal greeting under flap. 

If you're looking for great, easy to understand (plus comprehensive Copic Marker information), check out Jennifer McGuire's blog post from February 28. It has tons of great information!

Have a fabulous night!

Wonderful You. (a Silhouette layout)

I shared the link in yesterday's blog post to this layout but wanted to share it here as well.

This is a super simple layout featuring a favorite photo of my daughter when she was just four. I used photo actions from The Pioneer Woman. I used the soft and faded action + slight sharpen for the photo.

Everything but the ribbon and stitching was created with the Silhouette.

• The branches, flowers and title are all new Regular Cut Designs by Karla Dudley.
• The photo mat (I customized it for my page) is a Regular Cut Design by Kerri Bradford.
• The tab (also customized) is a Regular Cut Design by Loni Stevens
• The rhinestone number and border are Rhinestone Designs by Silhouette.

To soften the die cut elements (to coordinate with the soft feel of the photo), I die cut several of the designs from vellum as well as cardstock and layered the vellum on top.

 

(c) Silhouette Blog | March 17, 2010

Silhouette Rhinestone Designs Used:

borderlines_2405
  

alpha_script_1_4_2398

Silhouette Regular Cut Designs Used: 

photomat_2069

 

flower_stalks_C00003_27205

word_art_wonderful_you_C00023_27205 

leaf_branch_C00009_27205 

 

dragonfly_tab_C00212_19547

I think that if I had to, I could scrap with only my Silhouette and paper. ;)

I just can't say enough good things about this machine. It is a gem. 

Have a great Friday!
 
 
 

Loving Life (a 2peas layout)

Hello, my much neglected blog.

Get ready for lots of new stuff + posts and videos you've been asking for over the next week or so.

Today's order of business? A new layout share. This layout features lots of my current (and past) favorite scrappy things. Silhouette Die Cutting + My Little Shoebox Flying High Collection + simplicity of white cardstock + vellum. 

To see this layout at Two Peas, click HERE.

(c) Two Peas in a Bucket

Silhouette Designs Used:

phrase_loving_life_2444

 

handwrittings_today_C00004_27205

 

House_of_3__scalloped_banner_C00051_23444

 

heart_garland_C00032_23444

 

Supplies:

• Tweet! Flying High Collection Paper by My Little Shoebox
•  Birds Eye View Flying High Collection Paper by My Little Shoebox
•  Miles High Flying High Collection Paper by My Little Shoebox
• White 12x12 AC Cardstock Pack by American Crafts
• Black 12x12 AC Cardstock Pack by American Crafts
• Away We Go Cardstock Die Cuts by My Little Shoebox
• Flying High Cardstock Die Cuts by My Little Shoebox
• Anytime Messages Clear Design Stamps by Hero Arts
• Thoughtful Messages Clear Design Stamps by Hero Arts
• Black & Clear Big & Bossy Jumbo Embossing Pad by Ranger
• Zing! Cricket Opaque Embossing Powder by American Crafts
• Zing! Mustard Opaque Embossing Powder by American Crafts
• Zing! Aqua Opaque Embossing Powder by American Crafts
• Black Precision Pen 01 by American Crafts
• Silhouette SD Digital Craft Cutting Tool
• Thick Media Replacement Cutting Mat by Silhouette
• Photo Corner Medium Embossed Punch by Martha Stewart
• White 1/2Inch Foam Squares by Herma
• Clear Buttons by CTMH
• String

I traced around the die cuts and the layout with the American Craft .01 Black Precision Pen. I layered vellum over the cloud paper to tone it down a bit (helps make the thought bubbles "pop").

A few notes of interest:

• Karla Dudley is now designing shapes for Silhouette. Perfection. I am in love with all her designs! HERE is a layout I did with some of her shapes.
• Check out THIS page by Kerri Bradford. This gal is a true gem, great friend and fabulous designer. Love her! (Plus if you read the post you will see that Silhouette is now offering FONTS!!!! Whoohoo!)
• How about some more inspiration from Miss Kerri? THIS page is ah-mazing! LOVE it.
• Check out Jennifer's fabulous idea using Hero Arts gems & pearls HERE. Love this girl.
• I love everything Mary MacAskill creates. THIS is no exception!

Better run. Need to hit Hobby Lobby for a project I have coming up next week on the Silhouette Blog. :)

More soon!

Silhouette Sketch Pens + Copic Markers (flower cards)

Sketch Pens.

 

I have owned these bad boys for a year, I think, and have only broke them out once or twice. But I do believe that they are just another in a long line of Silhouette addictions. I, mean, could this machine get any better?!!!? 

Silhouette is having a March Madness event this month. Check out the details HERE.

Here is my sample of using the sketch pens with Copic Markers (from today's Silhouette Blog post):

 

(c) Silhouette Blog | March 11, 2010

 

(c) Silhouette Blog | March 11, 2010

(c) Silhouette Blog | March 11, 2010 

(c) Silhouette Blog | March 11, 2010

 
(c) Silhouette Blog | March 11, 2010

The sketched images are perfect for coloring in. 

My favorite thing about these? 

It's like getting a stamp set of 4 images for .99!!! And you can make the designs ANY size you want!

Instructions: 

1. Use the black sketch pen to sketch the flowers and leaves on Neenah Solar White Cardstock (great for coloring with Copic Markers).
   
2. In the software, remove everything but the outer line of the image, change the sketch pen for the blade, and cut.
   
3. Color the sketched flower images with Copic Markers.
4. Ungroup both sets of images and manipulate them to work within the card design.
   
5. Sketch each of the flowers again on a white cardstock base, this time sketching the "thank you" image as well.
6. Once the flower is sketched, leave the paper in the machine and die cut the card layer.
7. Once the images are cut, slightly overlap the flowers on the die cut front, so that the sketch design is still slightly visable.
8. Color the title, stitch around the layering piece and adhered it to the die cut card, adding some gems and glitter glue.

Silhouette Sketch Design:

sketch_flowers_C00036_27011

 

Silhouette Regular Cut Shapes:

6-card_kit_elegant_C00394_20509

 

thank_you_casual_C00030_23445

 

Other Supplies: 

• Phoenix 12x12 Trio Pack by Bazzill
• Neptune Dotted Swiss 12x12 Cardstock by Bazzill
• Neenah Solar White Cardstock
• Copic Markers (B000, B02, B05, Y35, YG03, YG06, YG09, R24, R27, R29, Baby Blue Atyou Spica Pen)
• Silhouette Sketch Pens
• Silhouette SD Digital Craft Cutting Tool
• Diamond Stickles Glitter Glue by Ranger
• Blush Mixed Accents by Hero Arts
• Sea Mixed Accents by Hero Arts
• Clear Buttons by CTMH
• String

More sketch ideas to check out:

• Check out Kerri's awesome page HERE and she shares fabulous tips on how to set up your page, change cut/color lines, etc. This is a super resource. 
• The background on THIS layout blows me away. So simple yet packs a punch. I *heart* this. Kerri, if you're listening...MORE backgrounds like this. Pretty please? ;)
• I absolutely, positively adore THIS layout. Check out how great the cut design and sketch design look together. That Kerri, she ROCKS.

Better get moving. 

Kids have conferences here in a couple of hours + they get out early and then Spring Break begins! Whoohoo! 

Have a great day!

Silhouette Heat Transfer (t-shirts)

Have you seen the new heat transfer material from Silhouette? It is my newest favorite thing. Oh, the possibilities!

For fabulous ideas on what can be done with the heat transfer material from Silhouette check out these links:

• How to's, t-shirt ideas, hoodie and general information
• Fabulous t-shirt, baby onesie ideas (Rivka Wilkins). Really classy stuff.
• Great guy t-shirt (scroll down a bit)
• Great how-to video HERE

Here are a few tee's I made for the kids:

 

(c) Silhouette Blog

 

(c) Silhouette Blog

This tee is perfect for this little guy. Many a day do I think he needs his own "caution" sign. ;)

I used all flocked heat transfer on this tee.

Silhouette Design:

sign_caution_1813

 Another tee for my little guy. I *heart* this design by Loni Stevens. I used red, white and yellow flocked heat transfer material.

 (c) Silhouette Blog

 (c) Silhouette Blog

Silhouette Design:

smiley_face_whatever_C00181_19547

 I made this butterfly tee for Payton. All white flocked heat transfer:

(c) Silhouette Blog

(c) Silhouette Blog  

Silhouette Designs:

fly_C00029_23851

designer_butterfly_C00035_23067
 
  
 

I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone for your prayers, kind emails and thoughts during my grandmother's passing. I truly appreciate your kindness. Hugs to you all!

Making the Most of Die Cutting Machines | March 2010 (featuring the Slice & @dearlizzy))

This month's die cutting class features the Making Memories Slice. 

I know I said this before when I shared the sneaks but I think the following projects are my favorites so far this year. Very colorful, springy and fun.

All the die cuts except for those tiny, tiny butterflies were created with the Slice + different design cards. So easy and fun. 

(c) Two Peas in a Bucket

(c) Two Peas in a Bucket

(c) Two Peas in a Bucket

The photo actions I used on the picture of my daughter are from Pioneer Woman. Specifically the action, Lovely & Etherreal, for the dreamy, soft look on this photo.   

Supplies:

• Giddy Grasshopper Dear Lizzy Collection Paper by American Crafts
• Sweet Strawberry Dear Lizzy Collection Paper by American Crafts
• Dragonfly Dance Dear Lizzy Collection Paper by American Crafts
• Picking Pansies Dear Lizzy Collection Paper by American Crafts
• Swallowtail Social Dear Lizzy Collection Paper by American Crafts
• Honeydew Hop Dear Lizzy Collection Paper by American Crafts
• Kraft 8.5x11 Cardstock by Bazzill
• Dear Lizzy Shiny Flair Adhesive Badges by American Crafts
• Mini Paper Clips by Tim Holtz
• Clear Buttons by CTMH
• Cling Dots Remountable Rubber Cling Stamp by Hero Arts
• Modern Lines Wood Mounted Stamp by Hero Arts
• Ali Edwards Simply You Stamp by Technique Tuesday
• Date Stamp
• Stamp Inks by CTMH (Tulip, Sorbet & Juniper)
• Uni Ball Signo Gel Pen Bold Point by Uni-Ball
• Slice Machine Starter Kit by Making Memories
• Slice 12x12 Glass Cutting Mat by Making Memories
• Slice Noteworthy Design Card by Making Memories
• Slice Basic Shapes 2 Design Card by Making Memories
• Slice Animal Crackers Design Card by Making Memories
• Classic Butterfly Craft Punch by Making Memories
• 3-In-1 Butterfly Craft Punch by Making Memories
• Tiny Attacher by Tim Holtz

The topiary is just the right decoration for Spring and Easter. And I promise it was easy peasy to make!

In addition to the die cut flowers, I purchased a styrofoam ball, two styrofoam discs (to fit inside the ceramic pot) and a dowel stick.

 (c) Two Peas in a Bucket

(c) Two Peas in a Bucket

(c) Two Peas in a Bucket  

The two discs were placed in the pot and I simply pushed the dowel rod in all the way, then I pushed the round styrofoam ball down on the other end. I secured it with a little hot glue. I tied a yellow grosgrain ribbon around the rod and shredded some scrap paper in our paper shredder to create "custom matching grass". 

The rest of the directions are near the end of the how to video below:

Supplies for topiary:

• Giddy Grasshopper Dear Lizzy Collection Paper by American Crafts
  
• Sweet Strawberry Dear Lizzy Collection Paper by American Crafts
  
• Dragonfly Dance Dear Lizzy Collection Paper by American Crafts
  
• Picking Pansies Dear Lizzy Collection Paper by American Crafts
  
• Swallowtail Social Dear Lizzy Collection Paper by American Crafts
  
• Honeydew Hop Dear Lizzy Collection Paper by American Crafts
  
• Friendly Fern Dear Lizzy Collection Paper by American Crafts
• Cheerful Cherry Dear Lizzy Collection Paper by American Crafts
• Puddle Play Dear Lizzy Collection Paper by American Crafts
• Lazy Ladybug Dear Lizzy Collection Paper by American Crafts
• Humble Honeybee Dear Lizzy Collection Paper by American Crafts
• Beehive Brunch Dear Lizzy Collection Paper by American Crafts
• White Vintage Sew On Buttons by Jenni Bowlin
• Orange Viintage Sew On Buttons by Jenni Bowlin
• Red Vintage Sew On Buttons by Jenni Bowlin
• Pewter Stick Pins by Jenni Bowlin
• Antique Stick Pins by Jenni Bowlin
• Shell Stick Pins by Jenni Bowlin
• Cream Stick Pins by Jenni Bowlin
• Iridescent Maya Mist by Maya Road
• Slice Machine Starter Kit by Making Memories
  
• Slice 12x12 Glass Cutting Mat by Making Memories
  
• Slice Basic Shapes 2 Design Card by Making Memories
  

Click HERE for the PDF handout and more information.

To chat about this class, please visit the Education Forum at Two Peas HERE.

Wishing everyone a fabulous weekend. I will be posting some things I didn't get around to sharing during the week on the blog this weekend, so stay tuned!