Valerie O'Neall

Baby "B"

2012-03-05T08:00:00.001-06:00

Some good friends asked me if I take pictures of their beautiful family with their newest addition. Of course I said YES! Here's some of my favorites:

In case you missed it

2012-03-03T00:00:00.000-06:00

Check out my tutorial on the Little Black Dress Kit Club blog. You can make quilted stars too!

Little Black Dress February Kit

2012-02-07T08:00:00.001-06:00

Five layouts and a tag (look for the tag later this week) this month with the Little Black Dress February Kit: Life's A Game.

I got out my Quickutz diecutting tool....yes, I said Quickutz...remember those? It's the original blue one, not even a Squeeze. Anyway....I used the photo corner die for the chevron look on the "rays". Love the colors with the black and white photo.

Little Black Dress February kit--patterned paper: Crate Paper, Glitz, & Sassafras | small alpha stickers: October Afternoon | white trim [non-kit items: kraft cardstock: American Crafts | punchinella mask: The Crafter’s Workshop | paint: Liquitex | Quickutz photo corner die, sewing machine, & thread]

Look for a tutorial and hopefully a cutting file regarding this next layout on the Little Black Dress blog later this month. I'm obsessed with that quilted star/flower shape I created. I'll show you my inspiration behind that embellishment in the tutorial too. I want to put them on everything!

Little Black Dress February kit --patterned paper: October Afternoon, Glitz, Crate Paper, Sassafras | small alpha stickers: October Afternoon | corrugated alpha: Jillibean Soup | buttons [non-kit items: cardstock: American Crafts | Silhouette SD machine, thread, Studio Calico Mister Huey | geometric flower pattern created by me and cut with Silhouette SD]

Played along on the Studio Calico blog last week and completed this challenge. I had actually planned on doing this layout anyway this month, so it was simply perfect timing.

Little Black Dress February kit--patterned paper: Canvas Corp., Crate Paper, & Glitz | feather & button [non-kit items: white & kraft cardstock: American Crafts | font: Lobster 1.3 & Helvetica (cut with Silhouette SD) | label punch: EK Success | stamp: Studio Calico | ink: Stampin’ Up | vintage typewriter, sewing machine, & thread]

I created this 3-D star in the Silhouette Software this month too. Very simple to do--just put some score lines through a star shape.

Little Black Dress February kit--patterned paper: October Afternoon, Glitz, Canvas Corp., Sassafras | small alpha stickers: October Afternoon [non-kit items: white cardstock: American Crafts | 3-D star shape created by me in Silhouette Studio Software and cut with Silhouette SD | Studio Calico Mister Huey | starburst circle punch: Creative Memories | vintage typewriter, sewing machine, & thread]

I cut around the negative star shape from the above layout for the stars on the below layout. I always challenge myself to use a few scraps and the negative shapes when using my Silhouette or punches. It really allows you to stretch a kit and get the most out of it. Loving the font Blackout right now.

Little Black Dress February kit--patterned paper: October Afternoon, Glitz, Canvas Corp., Sassafras | “L” tile

Little Black Dress: January Kit

2012-01-09T08:00:00.027-06:00

It time to showcase the Little Black Dress January Kit! Here are my layouts for the month. My Silhouette SD got quite the workout this month.

I think this is my favorite layout this month. Love the photos, love the scattering of shapes, love that little boy so much!!

Little Black Dress January kit--patterned paper: My Mind’s Eye, October Afternoon, & Crate Paper | small alpha stickers: October Afternoon {non-kit items: white cardstock: American Crafts | alpha stamps: Studio Calico | mist: Maya Road | vintage typewriter, Silhouette SD machine, sewing machine & thread}

The title on the layout below reads, "We know it hasn't been easy and we are so proud of you. Look who's talking." These photos are very now, from December 1st to be exact. I've never taken photos during Lucas' speech sessions, but glad I decided to that day. We are so grateful that our pediatrician caught Lucas' speech issue so early and so thankful for the early intervention services (SPICE & our therapist, Dawn). He's come such a long way this past year.

Little Black Dress January kit--patterned paper: Crate Paper, October Afternoon, and Studio Calico | ribbon {non-kit items: font: Arial Bold (title block) & Century Gothic (journaling) | title arranged in Illustrator & exported to Silhouette SD | cardstock: Die Cuts with a View | white mist: Studio Calico | sewing machine & thread}

Check it out, it's a TWO page layout (with 10 photos....I think that's a record for me)! Can't remember the last time I did one those. Lucas LOVES his train set. It is a daily activity for him. He loves to put track together just to take it apart and rearrange it. His tracks don't ever go full circle yet, but I'm so glad he's so independent while playing with it. I was going to use the positive train shapes I die cut with my Silhouette, but decided I liked the negative lined up better. I just stitched along the top of each rectangle and left the rest of it to "hang."

Little Black Dress January kit--patterned paper: Studio Calico, Crate Paper, October Afternoon, My Mind’s Eye | small alpha stickers: October Afternoon {non-kit items: kraft cardstock: American Crafts | alpha stamps: Studio Calico | mist: Maya Road | Silhouette SD, sewing machine, & thread}

Then I decided to get a little messy with the next two layouts. Added some paint and quite a few layers.

Little Black Dress January kit--patterned paper: October Afternoon, Crate Paper, Studio Calico, Glitz, Melissa Frances | small alpha stickers: October Afternoon | bunny piece: Jenni Bowlin {non-kit items: Silhouette SD machine, vintage typewriter, doily, Tim Holtz tiny attacher, white paint, sewing machine, & thread}

This one includes a photo of my mom with my younger sister (in her lap) and me in the background. We were helping my mom at her house a couple weeks ago, and I opened the cedar chest up and found this picture. I love the carousel, and that it includes the three of us.

Little Black Dress January kit--patterned paper: October Afternoon, My Mind’s Eye, Glitz, Studio Calico | small alpha stickers: October Afternoon | plastic flower & number brad {non-kit items: cardstock: American Crafts | Tim Holtz tiny attacher | Silhouette SD machine, sewing machine & thread, tab cut from file folder, & white paint}

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T17:54:00.000-06:00

Little Black Dress December Kit: Devious Darling

2011-12-08T08:00:00.001-06:00

Another great kit from the Little Black Dress kit club showed up at my door this month. Here's my layouts:

Dum Dum

Little Black Dress December kit patterned paper: My Mind’s Eye (others), October Afternoon (polka dot), & Crate Paper (stripe) | small alpha: Glitz

{non-kit items: punches: Fiskers (star) & Creative Memories circle cutter | American Craft Thickers sprayed with seafoam green Maya Mist | white cardstock and vintage typewriter }

First Easter

Little Black Dress December kit patterned paper: My Mind’s Eye (others), Crate Paper (yellow floral) & Glitz (bird) | small alpha & stickers: Glitz | layered chipboard sticker: My Mind’s Eye | dictionary page, ribbon, buttons {non-kit items: punches: Creative Memories (starburst circle) & EK Success (scalloped circle) | sewing machine & thread}

Pulling Up

Little Black Dress December kit patterned paper: October Afternoon, Pink Paislee, Crate Paper, Glitz, & My Mind’s | sparkly yellow glittered circles {non-kit items: white cardstock: American Crafts | starburst circle punch & circle cutter: Creative Memories | vintage typewriter, sewing machine, & thread | inspired by Leann Pearce’s layout found at http://thepaintbrushgoesspottie.blogspot.com/2011/11/basic-grey-share.html}

Spaghetti

Little Black Dress December kit patterned paper: Glitz (yellow), October Afternoon, My Mind’s Eye, Crate Paper (stripe) | dictionary page | stickers: Glitz {non-kit items: alpha stamps: Studio Calico | punches: EK Success (small circle) & Creative Memories (starburst circle) | Silverware shapes cut with Silhouette SD | Tim Holtz tiny attacher | pens: Sharpie & Copic Multiliner | sewing machine & thread}

Splish Splash

Little Black Dress December kit patterned paper: Glitz (yellow dot), Pink Paislee (aqua), October Afternoon (blue), Crate Paper (stripe) | tiny alpha stickers: Glitz {non-kit items: kraft cardstock: The Paper Studio | font: Blackout cut with Silhouette SD | sewing machine & thread}

It's that time again!

2011-11-16T15:55:00.001-06:00

The November Little Black Dress kit screamed Christmas to me (and I got a Halloween layout out of it too). And I really needed to get some Christmas photos scrapped so it was a win-win situation.

SUPPLIES: Little Black Dress November kit—patterned paper: Authentique & Crate Paper | big alpha: Jenni Bowlin | small alpha: Glitz | other: brads, pronunciation book page [non-kit items: punches: Fiskers (star) & EK Succes (border) | Studio Calico Mister Huey | Tim Holtz tiny attacher]

Scrappy Sunday

2011-10-02T22:36:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to share a layout I created this weekend. I was dying to use my new Fiskars star punch. Love the effect I created with it.

Little Black Dress Kit Club

2011-09-20T13:33:00.001-05:00

I'm so excited to announce that I'm one the newest design team members for the Little Black Dress kit club. I can't even tell you how exciting it was to receive one of their kits in the mail and know that I get to see the kit before everyone else! Here's what I did with the kit, and I still have enough supplies left for a couple more layouts.

Supplies: Little Black Dress September kit— paper used for background: Prima | alpha stickers: Sassafras | crossword page | patterned papers: BasicGrey, Crate Paper, and Studio Calico | trinket pins [items used that are not from kit— paint: Plaid | pen: Copic Multiliner | layout inspired by artwork by Alex Koplin (found via Pinterest)]

Supplies: Little Black Dress September kit— ribbon | playing card | patterned paper: BasicGrey & Sassafras | chipboard accent [items used that are not from kit: kraft Paper: The Paper Studio | butterfly punch: Martha Stewart]

This is how Lucas blows bubbles

2011-09-12T09:00:00.001-05:00

Hey! It's Monday. This should brighten your day.

bubbles from Valerie O'Neall on Vimeo.

Inspiration du Jour

2011-09-07T15:27:00.000-05:00

Head on over to the Craft Gossip Scrapbooking blog and see my most recent layout featured. This is the second time I've been featured on the blog. Thanks Francine!

[Oh, and p.s., this isn't my big announcement! It obviously been postponed a couple days, but hopefully will be coming soon.]

A couple new layouts

2011-09-04T22:32:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile. Here are a couple new layouts. And coming tomorrow I have a big scrapbooking announcement, so be on the lookout for that. I can't wait to share the news with you. Hope you are having a nice relaxing three-day weekend!

These next two layouts were made for the class I taught in August at The Keepsake Element.

cardstock: Bazzill | patterned paper: Crate Paper, Bo Bunny, & Bella Blvd. | alpha stickers: American Crafts | pen: Copic Multiliner | other: Tim Holtz tiny attacher, baker's twine

My First Photo Shoot

2011-07-18T08:42:00.000-05:00

I haven't taken a photography class since high school when we still used film and darkrooms. That one class was magic for me, and I decided I must have a darkroom in my future house. Well, things have changed a bit. I've had my Nikon DSLR (D50) for 5-6 years now and have hardly ever moved out of auto. I've been wanting to get more comfortable with shooting manual again, and some friends of ours gave me a good reason to brush up on my skills. Here's a few of my favorites from my first "official" photo shoot on Saturday:

I can't deny it, I am SO pleased with how these turned out! Photography has always just been a hobby for me. I'm not looking to start a "full blown" photography business, but it looks like I may have lots of opportunities for more photo shoots in the near future. ...And I'm totally looking forward to it. I had so much fun!

In the spotlight

2011-06-21T14:52:00.000-05:00

One of my most recent layouts is featured on the Club Ck Blog. Go check it out! (It's the layout titled Curtis Orchard).

Currently...

2011-06-20T15:32:00.001-05:00

Enjoying some quiet time while Lucas naps.

Listening to David Cook's new album here. I pre-ordered of course, and can't wait until my disc arrives!

Addicted to Pinterest. You can find my boards here.

Surfing design-seeds.com. Looking for color palettes to use in our home.

Looking for things do/places to stop on our road trip to Idaho this summer to visit some friends who moved out there earlier this year. Can't wait to see a new state.

Praying for a friend who's in the hospital right now, laboring...awaiting the birth of her first child. Can't wait to meet baby Kai!!

Hoping my handy husband has my vehicle in working order again soon. It's no fun knowing you can't go anywhere even if you wanted to.

Looking forward to finishing off the gluten free blueberry crisp I made yesterday for the father's day family cookout. There's just enough left for the three of us to enjoy after dinner tonight. Yum!

Dreaming about owning my own instax camera sometime soon.

I hear a little boy waking up. Here's a picture from Friday night. Enjoying some much needed time with daddy.

TWO

2011-05-23T22:42:00.000-05:00

My baby boy turned TWO today!

It's been awhile

2011-05-13T21:44:00.000-05:00

This page was so quick, it's so simple, and I like it that way. Can't believe this little guy is going to be TWO in 10 days!

Next Class at TKE

2011-04-13T16:22:00.000-05:00

My next class is May 12th at The Keepsake Element. You can call the store now to sign-up. We'll be making this fun embroidery hoop layout. Most of the paper is from Crate Paper's new Neighborhood line.

she is finding her way

2011-03-24T19:09:00.000-05:00

Finished a mixed media canvas today: She is Finding her Way (9"x12"). Look for her in my Etsy shop soon.

a completed project

2011-03-16T15:34:00.000-05:00

I am currently taking an online class by Christy Tomlinson—The SheArt Workshop. I have several backgrounds completed now. They look very grungy and boy to me and I'm just not sure how to finish them yet. My first completed project is a set of magnetic alphabet letters for the refrigerator. I've been casually looking all over for one of those cheap plastic sets, but have only found a number set. So, I decided to make my own for Lucas. I found a package of plain paperboard letters at Michael's and decided to apply my mixed media skills to them. I love the way they turned out and Lucas is having fun with them too. Below is a series of photos of the different layers I added to get to the final product.

Inspired by....

2011-03-10T16:08:00.000-06:00

I was inspired yet again by the fabulous Kinsey Wilson. The layout that inspired my layout below can be seen HERE on the Crate Paper blog.

I love that background paper so much I ordered five more sheets of it the other day when allscrapbooksteals.com had the MME Alphabet Soup lines 60% off.

yes, just another page

2011-02-26T22:56:00.000-06:00

It was such a dreary day here. Definitely an afternoon nap kinda day. Can't believe March is nearly here, but looking forward to spring like you wouldn't believe. It's been such a cold winter with SO MUCH snow!! Our little boy is ready to go run around outside in some warm sunshine.

I'm excited about Monday. I signed up for Christy Tomlinson's SheArt mixed media class. And I am also excited to announce that I have almost succeeded in my quest to not purchase any scrapbooking supplies during the month of February. Only two more days. I can do it!

Such a simple page, but thought I'd share anyway.

That Hair

2011-02-24T20:18:00.000-06:00

I love, love, LOVE this page!! I decided to try Studio Calico's weekly sketch challenge for the first time.

Studio Calico Sunday Sketch Challenge 2/13/11 (I flipped it upside down)

C is for Chicken

2011-02-15T14:20:00.000-06:00

My latest layout. It doesn't really feel like me, but Lucas really likes it and that's all that really matters.

SUPPLIES patterned paper: Crate Paper (background), October Afternoon (yellow), Cosmo Cricket (green floral), Studio Calico (off-white), Sassafras (numbers) | chipboard hen & rooster: Martha Stewart Crafts | letter "c": Cosmo Cricket | frame & stickers: Crate Paper | chipboard alpha: Basic Grey | ribbon & pen: American Crafts | accordion lollies: Silhouette (shape: accordion_lolli_C02660_1) | border punch: EK Success (bracket) | white paint: Liquitex | other: shipping tag, thread, button, twine

currently

2011-02-14T16:28:00.000-06:00

loving : the quiet time I get while my son naps
loving : this warmer weather. It's in the 40's!!
wearing : jeans and a comfy sweatshirt
deciding : what to make for dinner....probably lasagna
eating : a handful of pretzel M & M's
cursing : our big puppy for treating our couch as his new chew toy
planning : how to decorate Lucas' new room that now has drywall!
sorting out : ideas for the updated LFYC web site
wondering : if we're ever going to celebrate my birthday (Lucas was sick last week)
anticipating : sharing my favorite bottle of wine with the hubby tonight after our son is in bed
loving : that my son woke up just in time to dance with Ellen
wishing : you all a Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm on a roll

2011-02-12T14:28:00.001-06:00

Not only is Lucas on a roll, but I'm on a roll with another page completed.

cardstock: DCWV | patterned paper: Crate Paper and Basic Grey | punches: EK Success and Creative Memories | yellow letter stickers: Jenni Bowlin | black alpha stickers: American Crafts | stamps: Studio Calico | pen: Copic Multiliner | ink: Memento | white paint: Liquitex | other: thread & sewing machine

So I have goal this month, and it's a really good goal for me: to not buy any scrapbooking supplies. I have plenty (and that's an understatement) of supplies, and need to focus on what I have. Think I can do it?

Did you know...

2011-02-09T15:17:00.001-06:00

Did you know that if you cut the border made with the EK Success Large Circle Border Punch in half, it makes a large postage strip border?

So proud of myself—I figured that out all by myself during that Snowpocalypse we had last week when we were all stuck inside with cabin fever. I scrapped a two page layout and a single page layout. I really love that border punch!! Can you tell? I've used it on every layout I've made since I purchased it.

Some Design Work

2011-01-26T16:04:00.000-06:00

Matt and I worked at Life for Youth Camp in Vero Beach, Florida for almost 2 years. I have the privilege of taking care of all of their design work for Summer Camp each year. The brochure has been done for awhile which is what I'm sharing with you today. …And I can't wait to share the t-shirt artwork with you, but I'll have to wait until it is all finalized. If you have kids and live in Florida, you should look into sending them to LFYC for a week...or two...or three. They will have a blast!

You can view the entire brochure here.

What a fantastic idea!

2011-01-14T10:25:00.000-06:00

So I recently discovered that Lucas likes to fill Scout's bowl with the dry dog food. He spent about 30 minutes one day just dipping the cup in the food and carrying it the bowl and back and forth and back and forth. So that got me thinking.....
My dad got him a water play table for his first birthday. What if we filled it with rice? Then my husband had an even better idea—what about dried corn (since it's free and we have a wagon full of it in the shed)? Lucas loves it (and mommy loves it too because it keeps him so busy)!! He loves to fill up the little cups or bucket and then pour it back out and start all over again.

First Page of 2011

2011-01-08T13:13:00.000-06:00

Here it is, my first completed scrapbook page of 2011.

In other news: I'm still trying to decide on my one little word for the year. …And can you believe we still have one more family Christmas to celebrate!? Tomorrow evening our holidays will officially be over.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T12:50:00.000-06:00

Lucas is loving his new toys! We're enjoying our day at home and the fact that we don't have to go anywhere (except maybe outside to do some sledding)!

SUPPLIES: Adobe Photoshop CS4 | patterned paper: Echo Park Paper Co. Hybrids Everybody Loves Christmas @ JessicaSprague.com | fonts: Screengem and Scriptina | kraft banner & photography: Valerie O'Neall (me)

Sugar Cookies

2010-12-22T19:42:00.000-06:00

I spent the majority of my morning decorating these:

They're not my best work, but they will have to do. I thought I would try Martha's recipe this year. She hadn't failed me yet. Now wishing I would have stuck with my original recipe. I like it a lot better. My frosting wasn't as shiny as usual either.

My husband tonight asked me at dinner why the snowman had a broom. I said I don't know, I thought Frosty had a broom—my dad always made his snowmen hold a broom. I handed him the cookie cutter and asked him what he thought it was supposed to be. He thought it was supposed to be a scarf. It totally could have been a scarf and I felt extremely dumb for a second for making Frosty hold a broom—"like a witch" as Matt said. Then I started singing the song in my head and redeemed myself when I told him it was in the song. "Down to the village, with a broomstick in his hand…"
I win!! …Although, next time I may draw scarves instead.

page #2

2010-12-22T19:22:00.001-06:00

Three days until Christmas!? Really?! I only have two pages done.

software: Adobe Photoshop CS4 | font: Kingthings Typewriter | stitching (recolored): Katie Pertiet Messy Stitches @ Designer Digitals | all digital elements are by Katie Pertiet @ Designer Digitals: wooden mitten, snowflake, frame, snowman, label | patterned paper: Echo Park Paper Co. Hybrids Everybody Loves Christmas @ JessicaSprague.com

time for some Christmas music

2010-12-14T16:17:00.000-06:00

My sister-in-law, man can she sing! This is a clip from the Christmas concert at the church she attends.

She lives in Nashville and you can check her web site for shows if you're in the area.

December Album

2010-12-13T12:48:00.000-06:00

I had fully planned on doing a December Daily album again this year. I set all my supplies aside in a separate box, and then the first week of December rolled around—and I had not touched any of it, but I had been taking photos. I think I've finally settled on doing an 8x8 digital album this year. Some days we are just plain boring and not even an ounce festive around here—and on those days, I don't know what to make a page about. Therefore, I'm not going to stress about it or force some Christmas spirit. I'm going to try and make a page a day from now on, but some of that will be documenting days I've missed. Here's my first completed page about our first big snow and how Lucas was not thrilled—mainly about having to wear his boots.

software: Adobe Photoshop CS4 | font: Kingthings Typewriter | tape: Pugly Pixel | paper: Katie Pertiet Good Day Paper @ Designer Digitals | stitching (recolored) Katie Pertiet Messy Stitches @ Designer Digitals | tag: Ali Edwards Winter Celebrations Element Kit for Shutterfly | photo frame: Rhonna Farrer Mini Birthday Frames @ House of 3 | snowflakes: Heidi Larsen Glittery Flakes @ Little Dreamer Designs

Keeping it Simple

2010-12-13T00:54:00.000-06:00

Yay for new photos! I'm done going through all of Lucas photos, and received the first batch from Color Inc. about a week ago. It felt so good to scrap for fun again, but I find it's always a little difficult to find my "groove" again after a break. So here's to an easy, simple, clean, effortless looking layout to start things off.

Check back later today for my first December Daily post (I know.... crazy late, huh? I have some explaining to do).

Black Friday

2010-11-25T18:51:00.002-06:00

Please consider buying handmade this holiday season. To help you out—I'm offering a special 30% discount on everything in my Etsy store.
Coupon code is "black30"
This offer is good through Tuesday (Nov. 30).

Happy Thanksgiving!

Blog Hoppin'

2010-11-11T00:00:00.007-06:00

I'm so glad you stopped by today, and hope you enjoy my items. There are 3 papers and 2 journaling spots for you.

I also have a couple digital items for sale in my Etsy store—the full kits are on sale for $2.00 (what a steal!) until Sunday, November 14th. …And as far as my non-digital items go, there are quite a few items that ship free in honor of the upcoming holidays, so please consider hopping on over to see what else my store has to offer as well.

UPDATED: The blog hop is now over. You can find the mini kit in my Etsy store for only $1.00

Check this out

2010-11-09T23:37:00.000-06:00

Check out these previews!! I bet you can't wait to get your hands on all this digital goodness. The blog hop is Thursday.

Announcing...

2010-11-01T10:32:00.000-05:00

A blog hop! Look for a free mini kit from me right here on my blog between those dates!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T22:18:00.000-05:00

Isn't he the sweetest ear of corn you've ever seen?!

We had fun tonight--just made a few stops to the homes of family and friends. Happy Halloween!

It's done!!

2010-10-26T10:49:00.001-05:00

The Trick or Treat kit is new in my Etsy shop today. Now I have a new design project that I must finish this week, so it will probably be a little quiet around here (as usual).

share the love

2010-10-14T15:14:00.001-05:00

It's *share the love* week over at The Anderson Crew's blog.

They are in the process of adopting a little girl from Ethiopia, and are having a fundraiser. Donations can be exchanged for entries into a fabulous giveaway of five different bundles full of handmade goodness.

I don't know this family and just happened upon their blog via Smile and Wave. …But I do know they love God, and that's what matters. I've already subscribed to their blog, and look forward to hearing more of their adoption story.

Photoshop Tip: Fixing Red Eyes

2010-10-11T16:52:00.000-05:00

I learned this tip for fixing red eyes during my summer internship in prepress during my college years. This technique works great for me, and I haven't ever had to search for another way.

1. Zoom in on the eye area of your photo.
2. Using the sponge tool, adjust your brush size to the approximate size of the pupils you are trying to fix. (Just a standard, hard round brush is all you need.)
3. Set your flow to about 50% (this may be the default, I'm not sure).
4. Click several times on each pupil until the redness disappears.
5. TA-DAH! No more red eyes!!

How easy is that?! Hope it works as well for you as it does for me.

so inspiring

2010-10-09T23:38:00.001-05:00

LOVE the guest designer over at Studio Calico this month—Kinsey Wilson. I'm so inspired and can't believe she does most of that stitching by hand! She has two fabulous blogs which I suggest you follow for some amazing inspiration. And she is so generous in sharing some of her handstitching techniques.
http://kinseygirl.typepad.com
http://www.kinseygirl.typepad.com/handstitch

from this post

Almost Finished

2010-10-07T15:37:00.000-05:00

I've been working on digital kit for Halloween. I put the patterned papers in my Etsy shop today. Consider this the sneak peek for the full kit.

World Card Making Day

2010-10-02T22:04:00.000-05:00

We celebrated World Card Making Day today at The Keepsake Element. This is the card I created for everyone to make. It's super simple, and perfect for any teenager. Patterned paper and stamp is by Imaginesce, white paper is Bazzill, and teal is Coredinations. Letters were cut with a Cricut using the Mickey Font cartridge. I used the Basic Grey Precision File Set to distress the edges of the letters, and of course one of my most favorite tools—Tim Holtz's Tiny Attacher.

If this doesn't make you smile...

2010-09-29T15:11:00.000-05:00

something was REALLY funny from Valerie on Vimeo.

His giggle is so contagious! I spent at least the first minute before I started filming laughing along with him.

My Next Class

2010-09-23T14:43:00.001-05:00

We all know at the store how so many of you love to stamp and make cards using Copic markers. Have you ever gotten the chance to play with the Copic Airbrush System? During class, you'll get to make two different layouts both featuring a different line by My Mind's Eye (Blackbird and Lost and Found). You'll get to create your own patterned paper, stamp on canvas, and color fabric Thickers—all with Copic markers. Even though we're creating scrapbook pages, the techniques taught can also be applied to cardmaking or any papercrafting.

Location: The Keepsake Element
Date: October 12
Time: 6:00

Call or stop in the store today to sign up.

Recommended Supplies: Copic markers (C6, C10, BG18, BG32, and BG72), scissors, paper trimmer, Glossy Accents, tape runner

Optional supplies: Mini Mister filled with Copic blending solution

look what came in the mail today!

2010-09-01T15:32:00.001-05:00

I ordered this from Olive Manna's lovely shop on Etsy. I first heard about Olive Manna on Elsie's blog. I have been wanting colored baker's twine for a loooong time, but didn't want to commit to purchasing whole spools. Now I have a little bit of each color. I can't wait to play! …Now if I just had all my photos edited and printed =p

And if you were wondering—that photo in the background is from when Matt and I worked at camp. It was me vs. him and the kids brought money in for a good cause. I lost that year and got covered in "worms 'n dirt" (you know… the Oreo and chocolate pudding dessert kind). Fun times!!

latest layout

2010-08-31T10:07:00.001-05:00

Can you believe it!? A blog post two days in a row!
I'm so behind in my personal photo editing and printing, and I'm trying to get caught up. I currently have 2,759 photos of Lucas that were taken over the past 15 months—and that's even after some purging. Still have a lot of purging I'd like to do. Despite an unusually busy weekend, I did find some time to complete a page.

Woodgrain Coredinations Cardstock and Studio Calico patterned paper from Studio Calico's Joyland kit | green cardstock: DCWV | notebook journal tabs: Heidi Swapp | patterned paper (white/lt. blue circles): Crate Paper | border punch: Stampin' Up | starburst circle punch & lt. blue pen: Creative Memories | alpha stamps: Studio Calico Carter Set | fonts: Learning Curve Pro and Kingthings Typewriter | stamp ink: Stampin' Up | other: canvas, sanding block, thread

Yay! First full kit is for sale

2010-08-30T00:42:00.000-05:00

My first full kit is for sale in my Etsy shop. It's perfect for scrapbooking outdoorsy summer photos. I hope you like it! I also added a basic brush set too.

My first mini kit!

2010-08-21T14:53:00.001-05:00

At the beginning of the summer I took Jessica Sprague's Art of Digital Design Class. All my class materials have been submitted, and I passed the test. I wanted to offer you my mini kit for free. Soon I'll have the full-size kit available in my Etsy store. I've been wanting to do digital scrabook design for awhile and this was the perfect jumping off point for me. Look for more kits and products for digital scrapbooking in the coming months.

Download Mini Kit

If you downloaded the kit, please leave me a comment and let me know. I'd love to get an idea of how many people have stopped by.

What's more fun than new toys?

2010-08-06T22:06:00.000-05:00

Lucas's bff recently turned one and had us over to celebrate last weekend. Can you believe these two are only two months apart in age? Lucas is huge!!

What's more fun than brand new toys?? ....Apparently the cooler full of ice!

Brook Canvas Wall Hanging

2010-07-23T21:00:00.003-05:00

UPDATED: NEW DATE!!
August 26th at 6:30 The Keepsake Element
cost: $25

Learn a fun and unique way to display a photo on your wall. We're going to take basic blank canvas and turn it into a page you can display in your home. No advanced sewing skills are required. Anyone can do this! We'll be using papers and accents from Crate Paper's fabulous Brook line. Can be adapted to fit in a scrapbook as well.

Please bring a favorite 5x7 photo to class along with a sewing needle, white craft glue (such as Aleene's), scissors, and tape runner. And if you have these items, please bring them as well (not required): circle tool or punch for 2.5" circles, paper piercer, pinking shears or fabric scissors, metal ruler with quilting rotary cutter and mat, Ranger glossy accents, and scalloped circle punch.

Call or stop in the store to sign-up.

stargazer lilies

2010-07-14T00:18:00.003-05:00

The entire kitchen smells like these right now and it is wonderful! I find myself spending more time in the kitchen just so I can smell them—browsing the newest issue of Martha Stewart Living and enjoying our new tabletop as well. Stargazer lilies are my all time, number one, favorite flower. …and I even grew these myself!

P.S. Information on my next class at The Keepsake Element is coming soon.

Stocked Up

2010-06-22T12:06:00.005-05:00

I found some Crate Paper on clearance, and I stocked up. I love, love, LOVE Crate Paper! Their patterned paper has great designs, great colors, and is the perfect weight and texture. You should check it out if you're not familiar with it. The Keepsake Element has ordered a portion of the Brook collection for my next class, so be looking for that soon. In the meantime, I did some playing around with my new paper and created two new layouts with some old photos I found recently while cleaning. I love these layouts and photos and couldn't be happier with how they turned out. They're 8.5" x 11" format which I haven't done for awhile.

Patterned paper: Crate Paper and Basic Grey | chipboard: Lisa Bearnson (numbers) & Basic Grey (V) | punch: Martha Stewart (butterfly), Stampin' Up (scallop circle)l | paint: Plaid | font: CK Ali's Writing cut with Silhouette | other: crochet trim, sewing machine, and thread

enjoying today

2010-05-31T15:27:00.004-05:00

Lucas took a nice long nap and then Daddy took him to run some guy errands, so I've been enjoying some creative time and finished a page. I completed this page fast too! I think it's a new record.

and THANK YOU to all the service members who are and have served this great nation!

latest digital pages

2010-05-10T14:10:00.004-05:00

supplies: Katie Pertiet (designerdigitals.com): floral edgers sampler (brush), color inspiration 5/9/10 (slightly recolored), color challenge 0/13/09 (tag), color challenge 9/6/09 (white paper), stitched up frames no. 2, messy stiches-blue | Mindy Terasawa(designerdigitals.com): color challenge 5/31/09 (turquoise) | Leora Sanford(littledreamerdesigns.com): flowers on a string | fonts: oblik bold, kingthings typewriter, and gyparody

supplies:Katie Pertiet(designerdigitals.com): Good Day paper, Packaging Inspiration Sticker (cloud image), Loosely Labeled Dates, Stitched Up frames no. 2 | Mindy Terasawa(designerdigitals.com): Color Challenge 05.31.09 (yellow), Everyday Inspiration 02.01.09 (turquoise--recolored), Everyday Inspiration 04.12.09 (grey), |Chat Freebie 11.13.08 (diamonds--recolored) | fonts: CK Ali's Hand, Sketchetica, Kingthings Typewriter

my first gocco attempt

2010-05-07T15:10:00.006-05:00

I successfully burned a gocco screen on the first try! I think my background in printing, specifically screen printing, seriously boosted my confidence in this task. Now when it comes to choice of ink, I failed miserably. I've been reading a lot of forums about gocco related "stuff" and someone said they successfully used versatex screen printing ink instead of gocco ink. I thought I'd give that a try since I could order it through Dick Blick and it would be here the next day. It was just way too thin. I cleaned up the screen and tried some plain old oil paint next, but I wasn't happy with the color.

Eventually after all the messing around with ink and colors the screen got clogged and I couldn't push any ink through so I gave up. I wasn't about to burn another screen and I need to get these invites in the mail, so I don't have time to find and wait for gocco ink to arrive.

I redesigned the text and printed it out on an inkjet transparency and attached it to the photo instead.

the Gocco

2010-05-05T02:08:00.003-05:00

Now that is an entirely different story. I've had a Gocco B6 (that I purchased off Ebay months ago) sitting in its box under the upstairs guest bed for entirely way too long. No immediately out of the box for that tool. I've had the hardest time deciding what I want to print with it. Well, I'm finally going to dive in tomorrow. I need to finish Lucas' birthday party invites. Wish me luck! I'm off to Youtube to see if I can find a good tutorial for burning screens.

It's here,

2010-04-22T21:33:00.004-05:00

it's out of the box, and it's up and running!!! I even finished a page with it already!

Items from Studio Calico kit, Joyland:
Bazzill kraft cardstock | patterened paper: Crate Paper (turquoise), Sassafras (banner), 7 gypsies (newsprint) | chipboard: Maya Road

other items not from kit:
ticket stub: Quickutz | brads & rub ons: Basic Grey | "3" chipboard: Lisa Bearnson | Tim Holtz tiny attacher | pen: Creative Memories | mist: Tattered Angels | fonts: Oblik Bold & Louisianne Black | other: jute & paint

Upcoming Class

2010-04-20T10:14:00.004-05:00

I've posted this before, but there's some updated info I've added. Last time I checked, there were still a few spots left, so call today to reserve your spot!

I'll be teaching my first class at The Keepsake Element. We'll be making this mini album that can be made for either a father or mother.

You can view the album on Flickr as well.

The class is April 30th at 6:30.

Please bring these supplies with you: a white craft glue such as Sobo or Aleene’s, foam brush, 1 in. paintbrush, sewing needle, Xacto type craft knife, ruler, cutting mat, scissors, tape runner or your preferred adhesive

and if you have these supplies, you can bring them too (optional): your favorite shape punches and border punches, circle cutter, glossy accents, crop-a-dile, Tim Holtz tiny attacher, small paper trimmer, gel medium

Another page

2010-04-17T13:33:00.006-05:00

made using the April kit from Studio Calico.

products used: items from Studio Calico's Joyland kit which includes: patterned paper: 7 gypsies, Sassafras, & Crate Paper | rhinestones: My Mind's Eye | cardstock: Bazzill (blue) | chipboard alpha: Cosmo Cricket
other items not from kit include: punch: EK Success | cardstock: DCWV (brown) | brads: Basic Grey | Tim Holtz tiny attacher | other: thread, paint,
pinwheel template from this post at Style Me Pretty.

I posted this layout in the Studio Calico gallery last night and I'm thrilled with the positive comments that just keep rolling in.

...and I caved and finally purchased a Silhouette! The anticipation and waiting on shipping is just killing me. I need to clear off some desk space for it right now so I can hook it up as soon as it arrives. I used to create all my page titles in Illustrator, print them off on cardstock, and then cut them out with an x-acto knife. Talk about time consuming! I've been wanting a cutting machine like this for sooooooooo long!

another clip to share

2010-04-15T20:41:00.003-05:00

so I was watching Ellen earlier this week and saw this clip and just thought it was so cool I had to share it with everyone.

2010-04-12T12:43:00.003-05:00

You really must take the time to watch the above clip. It's from the Easter service at our church. It was absolutely amazing. Our God is an awesome God!

Today I....

2010-04-10T22:51:00.004-05:00

scrapbooked! Yay!

I ordered a kit from Studio Calico for the first time. It looked like the perfect kit for scrapbooking boy layouts. I've been watching their kits for months and finally decided I deserved to splurge a little (since I've been doing so well with our grocery budget thanks to Money Saving Mom. So today I challenged myself to sit down and use only elements from the kit, and with the exception of just a couple items, I did it.

much needed

2010-03-27T23:15:00.003-05:00

I did some spring cleaning today....
to my blog.

Like the new look?

so excited!

2010-03-26T23:00:00.005-05:00

I'll be teaching my first class at The Keepsake Element. We'll be making this mini album that can be made for either a father or mother.

You can view the album on Flickr as well.

The class is April 30th at 6:30. The cost of the class is $15.00.

Please bring these supplies with you: a white craft glue such as Sobo or Aleene’s, foam brush, 1 in. paintbrush, sewing needle, Xacto type craft knife, ruler, cutting mat, scissors, tape runner or your preferred adhesive

and if you have these supplies, you can bring them too (optional):your favorite shape punches and border punches, circle cutter, glossy accents, crop-a-dile, Tim Holtz tiny attacher, small paper trimmer, gel medium

It's about time...

2010-02-16T23:08:00.003-06:00

...I post a design project. I've been doing a lot of design work lately, and have so many things to show you all. Here's an older project that never made it's way to my blog.

A Special Valentine

2010-02-15T00:19:00.006-06:00

Isn't he the cutest!

Photo frames are by Rhonna Farrer at House of Three. Patterned paper and banner is by Liz Tamanaha at Paislee Press Designs. And photography by me, Valerie O'Neall.

Help Haiti!

2010-01-18T17:01:00.004-06:00

My heart and lots and lots of prayers go out to the people of Haiti and everyone involved!

Our church has been working with a church in Haiti for the past 20 years and has several connections within the country. Several members of Eastview Christian Church were actually in Haiti when the earthquake struck, but with God's protection were kept safe and made it back to the states safely last Wednesday. Eastview has set up a relief fund and 100% of the money given goes directly to Haiti (there's no administrative fees!).

To donate money please send all checks to:
Eastview Christian Church
Help Haiti
1500 N. Airport Road
Normal, Illinois 61761

Checks can be made payable to Eastview Christian Church with "Help Haiti" in the memo line.

Read about Eastview's Plan of helping Haiti

The Finished Product

2010-01-10T16:20:00.004-06:00

It's done!!

December Daily

2009-12-12T13:58:00.006-06:00

So I am only 12 days behind in posting my December Daily pages. For more information on December Daily, visit Ali Edward's blog. I purchased a Christmas Art Journal from Eve to help get me started in the process because with Lucas around now--everything takes me twice as long.

scrapbooking again

2009-11-06T13:13:00.006-06:00

It feels so great to get back into scrapbooking. And I have such an amazing new subject to scrapbook too!!! Matt is happy to see I've moved on to something bigger and better than our cute little dog.

My handwriting......

2009-09-22T16:59:00.004-05:00

Has been turned into a font!!! I submitted my handwriting to Amanda at Fonts for Peas over a year ago, and about a month ago I got an e-mail telling me she had turned it into a font. You can find it here: scroll down and look for "Pea Valerie"

And while you are there check out her other great fonts. You can download any of them for free. They are great for scrapbooking!

Thanks, Amanda!!

Honorable Mention

2009-08-24T18:48:00.004-05:00

I was awarded Honorable Mention at the sixth annual Downtown Festival of the Arts in Champaign, Illinois on August 16th. The "award is reserved for those artists that have shown originality in conception and execution, high quality of workmanship, and excellence in design" (as the letter I received states). Not too bad for my fifth art show!

Downtown Festival of the Arts

2009-08-13T17:42:00.004-05:00

Saturday I'll be in Champaign showing my art at the Downtown Festival of the Arts. Above are some new pieces I will be showing. Hope to see you there!

Can you believe it?

2009-05-04T09:34:00.004-05:00

Only 16 days until our due date! The baby could decide to come at any time now. I usually try to keep the blog business related, but thought it would be fun to share some pregnancy thoughts (especially since I'm sending a lot of you here for the poll). A couple weeks ago people were commenting about how fast the past 9 months have gone for them and I agreed—once I got past the first 16 weeks, the time really did go fast. Now that I'm so close, my feelings have a changed a bit and it is feeling more like an eternity waiting for this little one's arrival.

What I'm looking forward to once he or she finally arrives:
1. bonding and being a family of four (can't leave Scout out)
2. sleeping on my stomach again
3. weighing less than Matt again
4. eating Avanti's gondolas (the one down the road needs to bump up it's opening date!!)
5. a not so limited wardrobe
6. using only one pillow instead of four
7. no more heartburn, acid reflux, and swelling!

Money Creek Travel

2009-04-25T11:23:00.005-05:00

Here's my latest logo design. It's for my mother-in-law's new business venture. Consider visiting Money Creek Travel when booking your next vacation.

Spring Bloom Sneak Peek

2009-03-20T00:19:00.005-05:00

As promised, here are two sneak peeks of two new pieces that will be for sale at the arts festival at the Bloomington Sale Barn this weekend.

Summer Camp at LFYC

2009-03-06T08:58:00.006-06:00

Have I really not posted since October??? (I was dealing with first trimester "ickiness" back then.) Glad I'm way past that, now I'm looking forward to that crazy nesting time to kick in.

The Life for Youth Camp brochure has been complete for a few weeks now. It's up on the web site and ready for viewing. You can view the whole thing here.

Latest Scrapbook Page

2008-10-13T17:32:00.008-05:00

It's been a really long time since I have done any scrapping. Although, I think about it constantly. This page has been sitting on my desktop, unfinished, for about two months, and today I decided it was time to finish it.

Supplies— Software: Adobe Photoshop CS2; Patterned Paper all by Katie Pertiet at designerdigitals.com: Simple Comforts Paper Pack(tan), Web Challenge Freebie 8/24/08(brown), Simply Botanicals Paper Pack, Web Challenge Freebie 7/1/07(recolored)(turquoise); Square Label(recolored): Ad Challenge Freebie 10/01/06, Kellie Mize at designerdigitals.com; Stitches: Messy Stitches Blue, Katie Pertiet; Stitched Frame(recolored): Vintage Dreams Retro Diva Kit, Lori Barnhurst & Michelle Coleman at littledreamerdesigns.com; Floral Bird Frame: Krafty Cut Frames No. 3, Katie Pertiet; Small Tag & Staple: Lil Bit Tags, Katie Pertiet; Paper Clipped Journal Box: Ad Challenge Freebie Dec. 2, Lynne Grieveson at designerdigitals.com; Chunky Torn Paper Edges: Anna Aspnes at designerdigitals.com; Ruled Alpha(recolored): Lauren Reid at littledreamerdesigns.com; Small Journaling Label(recolored): Journaling Challenge Freebie 9/14, Andrea Victoria at designerdigitals.com; Font: Amy*Rica Script from http://www.kevinandamanda.com/scrapbook/fonts/fontsforpeas/.
Note: all products listed by Katie Pertiet can be found at designerdigitals.com

Etsy Update Tonight!

2008-09-20T10:33:00.005-05:00

New Items will finally arrive in my store tonight—sometime between 7 & 9 pm central time. But first I must mow the yard.....not fun.

Finally......

2008-09-05T17:28:00.007-05:00

A new post!!! So I think I am officially bad at this whole blogging thing. Been thinking about posting for weeks now, but just haven't gotten around to it. It's time to showcase a couple new projects I completed for the show in Champaign back in mid-August.

More for Sugar Creek

2008-07-10T11:30:00.010-05:00

In Progress....

2008-06-27T12:25:00.008-05:00

Only 14 more days until Sugar Creek! Still working really hard and hoping I'm going to have enough items ready. Here's what I'm working on today. Looks like i'll be spending a lot of time at the sewing machine this afternoon.

I think I'm going to have a hard time letting this one go. Loving it already!!

I obviously have had Vero Beach on my mind lately.

Working on some new flower pins for the upcoming shows, as well.

Sneak Peek

2008-06-05T10:27:00.008-05:00

Just thought I'd give you a sneak peek of something I have been working on for Sugar Creek. It is currently untitled. The picture isn't the greatest—please ignore the glare on the glass. I've got several other great pieces in the works that I'm really excited about.

Four Horsemen Paintball

2008-06-02T16:43:00.007-05:00

Currently working on a web site design for Four Horsemen Paintball. Trying to squeeze it in between projects for Sugar Creek. I should have it functioning as the week progresses. Please check it out at fourhorsemenpaintball.com

Yay for David Cook!!!

2008-05-22T10:57:00.010-05:00

David Cook at the end of year Craftsmen's Club BBQ at Dr. Rankin's house in May 2004.

At the House of Blues in Chicago during Graph Expo 2003. That's me in the red jacket and David's the one in the back row with his arms in the air.

Yes, it's true, I know David Cook and have been religiously watching American Idol all season. We both attended the University of Central Missouri where he and I attended Craftsmen's Club meetings when I was president of the organization. I occasionally went to The Setlist in downtown Warrensburg to see he and Bobby's band play when he was the lead singer of Axium.

Most Recent Work

2008-05-04T16:36:00.006-05:00

This was created as a gift for my mother-in-law's friend, so sorry, it's sold. I'm really pleased with it, it was difficult to part with.

Two for Two

2008-04-23T22:26:00.004-05:00

Can you believe it!!! I got my acceptance letter for the Sugar Creek Arts Festival. So mark your calendars for July 12 and 13 and visit www.mcac.org for more info.

So excited!!

Spring Bloom Success!

2008-03-24T09:25:00.003-05:00

So my very first show was a success!! Thanks to all who stopped by and especially to those who made a purchase.

Spring Bloom Sneak Peek

2008-03-14T21:32:00.005-05:00

Next weekend is the Spring Bloom Arts Festival at the Bloomington Sale Barn. The above images are a sneak peek of one of my pieces for sale entitled Beautifully Unexpected. It's a piece of cotton that has been wrapped and over-dyed numerous times in different colors to achieve the final result. I loved the resulting piece of fabric and couldn't bear to cut it up and incorporate it into something else, so I chose to embellish it instead with embroidery and beads. It's been stretched over a 12 x 16 inch frame like a piece of canvas.

I've been working really hard on new pieces and am really excited about the finished results.

Spring Bloom Arts Festival

2008-02-22T09:39:00.005-06:00

I can't remember the last time I was so interested to see what a piece of mail said. Yesterday I got an envelope from the McLean County Arts Center, and I was selected for my first juried art show!!! I'm so excited, but now a little overwhelmed. I have a lot of work to do before March 22. Yep, March 22 at the sale barn, come on out and stop by my booth!

Latest Business Card Design

2008-01-25T14:31:00.001-06:00

This is my latest business card design. It's for my sister-in-law. The information has been smudged for her privacy, but you can still visit the web site and listen to her amazing voice.

LFYC T-Shirt

2008-01-02T15:59:00.001-06:00

Not only did I get to design the brochure, but I also got to design the summer camp T-shirt! The bottom design was the first draft and the top design is most recent draft. As you can see, the theme for the summer is "Wake Up!."

Items are now for sale in my Etsy store!!!

2008-01-02T15:30:00.002-06:00

Finally! I have uploaded items to my Etsy store. To view and/or purchase my lovely artwork, please visit voneall.etsy.com. There is also a link over to the left. I'll be uploading items all week.
Happy New Year!

LFYC Summer Brochure

2007-12-15T10:53:00.001-06:00

Here it is! The cover of the Summer 2008 Life for Youth Camp brochure. This is the third consecutive year I have designed the brochure for them. When all the editing is completed I will post the entire brochure to the camp web site at www.lifeforyouthcamp.com. Sherri, the camp co-director sent me a wonderful note concerning the brochure, "We absolutely love it. God has certainly blessed you with talent. GREAT JOB VALERIE!"

Surgery Center Luncheon

2007-12-10T11:26:00.000-06:00

Here are the beautiful centerpieces and invitations I made for a recent Bloomington-Normal Surgery Center luncheon. The centerpieces received rave reviews and have generated other similar projects.