Back In The Game!

Good day readers!!

As you may have noticed... I took a somewhat lengthy sabatical from posting on my blogs. Sorry about that! A change of job description and added work load, coupled with a CRAZY personal life left me with little choice. I believe, however, that it is time to get back in the game!

I have BIG plans for this summer regarding my garden, yard and catching up/finishing many projects that have been on the go for years. Some posts you can look forward to (hopefully) are:

Garden:

-Transplanting wild Saskatoon Bushes

-Transplanting Raspberries

-Experimental potato growing...in sacks and old tires!

-New garden beds being built and cultivated...

-Rocks, rocks and more rocks! I am planning on expanding the use of rocks in our yard! (check out last years posts: here here and here)

-Pruning and Plant Care, etc.

-Produce Preservation, etc

-'Green' living tips

Crafts:

-My Wedding Album!

-Random Scrapbooking

-Rag Rug completion (hopefully!)...after about 11 years...

-Knitting

-Painting & Home Reno's

-Sewing/Quilting

Other:

-Organizational and Garage Sale Tips

 -Yoga Information

-TRAVELS

-and all the other random 'scraps' that make up my life!

Check back soon to see crafty updates here, and don't forget to check out my new book reviews at The Benterud Bookshelf.

I also now have a TWITTER page!! It is new so there has not been a whole lot of activity yet...but I would love to have you drop by and leave me a tweet @pbenterud!!

Happy Scrappin'!

LAST CHANCE!!! Free Gifts with purchase of "My Mother The Man-Eater" TODAY ONLY at amazon.com

Today is the official Best-Seller Book Launch at amazon.com... receive FREE GIFTS with your purchase TODAY ONLY!!

Buy MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER  at amazon.com on Feb. 24 (TOMORROW!!!) and receive tons of free e-gifts from the author and other generous supporters! Here’s how! 

Add link:

http://www.tracykrauss.yolasite.com/book-launch.php

Happy Scrappin'!

TODAY ONLY!! FREE GIFTS with purchase of "My Mother The Man-Eater"

Don't forget to pick up your copy of MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER  at amazon.com on TODAY and receive tons of free e-gifts from the author and other generous supporters! Here’s how! 

http://www.tracykrauss.yolasite.com/book-launch.php

Happy Scrappin'!

Book Launch TODAY at amazon.com - My Mother The Man-Eater... Free Gifts with purchase!!

Tracy Krauss, author of ‘edgy inspirational’ fiction, is launching her book MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER on Feb. 24 at amazon.com.  You can help Tracy achieve ‘best seller’ status by purchasing the book at amazon.com TODAY!

About the book:

Loaded with humor, action, intrigue and romance, My Mother the Man- Eater is the story of a woman whose search for meaning in life finds an unexpected outlet. Joleen Allen is on the hunt for a man. Unfortunately, every time the mother of five meets one, he falls for one of her daughters instead! At forty-four, Joleen has lived a tough life. She became a mother at 16, and her five daughters are now grown. Her ex-husband, Harold, is out of prison and back in the picture, looking for revenge. He’ll stop at nothing – even murder – to ruin Joleen’s reputation as well as her relationship with their daughters. My Mother the Man-Eater makes for some truly tempting and redemptive reading.

About the Author:

Tracy Krauss is a prolific author, playwright, director and artist. Originally from a small prairie town, she now resides in Tumbler Ridge, BC, known for its scenic mountain vistas and many waterfalls. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon and currently teaches high school Art, Drama and English. .

BONUS!

Buy MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER on February 24 and receive loads of FREE e-gifts from these generous supporters:

Sample chapters, short stories, children’s books, and magazines from acclaimed, best selling and debut Christian authors, such as April Gardner, Shawna Williams, Shellie Neumeier, Sana Edoja, Delia Latham, Ray Lincoln,  Stacy Padula, Elaine Cooper, Stacy Juba, Lisa Lickel, Joann Durgin … and more!

Plus – free manuscript critiques, manuscript editing, and marketing and promotional tips from journalists, editors, authors and speakers, Lorilyn Roberts, Linda Yezak and

Bonnie Way

.

And – beautiful downloadable art cards courtesy of artist and author Brenda Hendricks.

All if you buy your copy of MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER at amazon.com on Feb. 24!  These free gifts are valid on Feb. 24 only. All the links will be operational on the ‘Book Launch’ site at www.tracykrauss.com/  Click HERE for more details  link: http://mytinyurl.com/d3srfsw1f1/  

DISCLAIMER: This Best Seller book launch has been coordinated with the help of the ‘John 3:16 Marketing Network’ and many other generous supporters. The free gifts are deliverable electronically over the internet or by email by individual authors and supporters. They are not in any way associated with, nor deliverable by, amazon.com 

Happy Scrappin'!

BOOK LAUNCH TOMORROW!!! My Mother The Man-Eater and Free Gifts with purchase at Amazon

Good day readers! TOMORROW is the much anticipated Amazon book launch for my Mom's newest release: "My Mother The Man-Eater".

For all of you that have been thinking of buying this book, TOMORROW (February 24) is your lucky day! If you purchase the book through amazon.com TOMORROW ONLY you will be eligible for

FREE GIFTS WITH PURCHASE!

These gifts include FREE first chapters of newly published books, FREE Art Cards, FREE editing/critiques for your own manuscripts (limited number of pages), FREE short stories from BEST SELLING authors, FREE marketing presentations and MUCH MORE!

Once you have purchased the book on Amazon follow the link below to receive your FREE gifts:

*FREE GIFTS*

You may choose one or ALL of the FREE GIFTS listed!

Do like free stuff?
1: Go to Amazon
2: Purchase "My Mother The Man-Eater" by Tracy Krauss
3: Get your FREE GIFTS

 

The Author Tracy Krauss with her newly published book "My Mother The Man-Eater".

Don't be shy! Head over to Amazon.com TOMORROW and support an up and coming local author!!!I Don't forget about the many Free Gifts available to you!

If you can't buy the book yourself, encourgae those you know or even your local library to purchase a copy to be put into circulation.

Happy Scrappin'!

Can a girl ever have too many Aprons???

I love Aprons!!! In case you didn't know. Most people who know me, know this fact...that is why my sister made a FABULOUS 'tomato apron' for me for my birthday last year...check it out!

And why she gave me another AWESOME apron for Christmas, which she bought at the Grande Prairie Farmers Market from "Shawls by Li":

The straps are really neat! They actually criss cross over the shoulders and then feed through the waist tie... so that you can adjust them to fit your body!

My Mother-in-law also likes aprons, so guess what I decided to make her for Christmas?

That's right...an apron!

I REALLY loved this apron, and wanted to keep it. It fits really well, is comfy to wear and is beautiful to boot! Guess I'll just have to make another one... I found the pattern and the fabric

at a local quilting shop, 'Piece by Peace Quilts' here in Fort St John.

The pattern is called "The All Day Apron"...because you can wear it comfortably all day!

Isn't this fabric gorgeous?!?

I absolutely LOVE the colours... it is so sunny and cheerful and just makes me happy to look at! This Apron would brighten up even the most drab kitchen!

Again, I had great intentions of taking pictures throughout the sewing process and posting a fabulous tutorial... but you will just have to visit Hawadaere for an apron tutorial, because I got too caught up in the joy of sewing and forgot to snap pictures. So... here is the finished product!
I had some trouble with the neckline, and think when I make it again I will just buy bias tape.

I adapted the pattern a bit... adding an angled double pocket to the right side instead of a single pocket. I really like how it turned out...

Have you made any fun projects lately? I'd love to hear about or see them! Thanks for stopping by, and Happy Scrappin'!

Yoga!! Bag and Eye Mask...

As you may have gathered from my post on the weekend, I have become a little obsessed with Yoga! I went 13 times in 15 days... everyday except Monday (and only because I curl on Monday's at the same time as Yoga practice!). Anyway... over the weekend I decided I needed to make myself a yoga bag and eye mask. I had this FABULOUS material I bought in Thailand in 2006 that I haven't found the 'right' project for...until now!

I didn't have a pattern, so I just decided to "wing it". The eye mask was perfect, so I made one for my sister-in-law-partner-in-yoga, Sonja. This is a VERY easy project and does not have to be exact!

Cut out a square of material (I used flannel). Sew three and a half sides closed and turn inside out. Fill with rice. Do not over fill, as you want it to lay flat across your eyes. Carefully sew the last half-side closed.

Now measure a piece of material (doubled-up long ways) about one inch wider and a few inches longer than your ricebag. Hem the ends. Sew the wrong side closed, with overlapping flaps. Turn right side out. Insert ricebag and head to yoga!

The mat-bag was even more spur of the moment... I laid out my rolled up mat and cut a piece of material a few inches wider than it needed to be to wrap around the mat. I sewed on a large pocket and strap, closed up the side seam, and then box-stitched the bottom of the bag into a square.

 I love the material and the mat fits fine, but there are a few changes I will make to the next model. First, I will add some dimension to the pocket. This one is flat against the bag and once the mat is in, it is pretty hard to fit anything into the pocket. I may try to sew a round bottom onto the next one, as well as maybe use a thicker canvas-like material for the body of the bag. We shall see! It turned out well and I am very excited to go to Yoga with my new goodies!!!!

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Scrappin'!

Norwegian Crafts (a little late!)

Wow! I cannot believe that it is February already! The winter months have been flying by and leaving my in the...snow. Since Christmas it seems like we just haven't been able to slow down. I had some big changes to my job, whihc have left me busier than ever, and Kurtis has been working out...basically all of January and February! I have been lucky to have a precious few days with him since Christmas! And, besides all that boring-busy stuff, I have found a new passion! Yoga.

I have taken up yoga with a vengeance. I have gone to a Yoga every day except Monday (because I curl that evening during Yoga!) for the last two weeks. I bought a membership and I am hooked! Obsessed might be a better way of putting it. I crave Yoga. But, better than that, I feel great! I am even craving healthy foods and lots of water! What a wonderful activity, that ANYONE can do! I would encourage everyone to try it, who knows, you may be like me and not know what you are missing out on!

Anyway... it is good to be back in the blogging world. I have a couple of crafts I need to show you (from months ago now!).

Back in November, my Husbands family has an annual get together called "Norwegian Weekend" in which we all get together, cook Norwegian food all day, and have a gift exchange of Norwegian-esk goodies. This year I decided to make our gifts... so... I made a pillow. My favourite kind of sewing is 'paper piecing' because you can make really neat/intricate designs fairly simply. I started bymapping out the letters "NORWAY": (*NOTE: if you are paper piecing letters, be sure to write them backwards!!)

 I meant to take pictures during the sewing process, but I got caught up in the moment... so here is the finished product. Back view with a large slit to insert the pillow and then a really fun large button to close the opening.

 Front view:

 I then had to make a late night trip to WalMart to find a pillow that would fit inside...and here you have it! A bright and fluffy NORWAY pillow! (PS: It was a hit!)

 I had to make a second gift...so with the scraps left from the pillow I made some crazy quilted pot holders! For a great tutorial on how to make pot holders, visit Hawadeare!... this is where I got hte idea, and man, is it easy and fast to do!

Uncle Chester, at 92 years young, he was the oldest Viking at our get together!

And here is Mia, our three year old baker... great Lefsa rolling skills start young!

The Viking men...

Me and my very own Viking...

Jody and her kids made an awesome Viking birthday cake for Elroy's 60th... you should have seen it all lit up!

Well, that's it for now. Welcome back to ScrapArt by Pris... I look forward to sharing the scraps of my life with you again!

Happy Scrappin'!

Christmas Break

Well folks, that time of year is upon us and ScrapArt by Pris is taking a Christmas break! Wishing you all a safe, happy Christmas season and a wonderful New Year!

See you all in 2011!

Happy Scrappin'!

Winter Inspiration

I thought I would share another "Winter" layout that I did. Unlike the last layout, this is done in very warm and non-typical winter colours... but I think the contrast is neat! It makes winter seem a little less cold and gloomy!

What have you been inspired with throughout the winter months?? Link those layouts over at Lasting Memories!

Happy Scrappin'!

Challenge #19- Winter Theme

What is more wintery than shoveling off roofs and going to Ice festivals?? Nothing!

Again I used my favourite paper pack from Creative Memories, "Make A Wish!" I also used Creative Memories snowman and snowflake stickers, and of course my lovely cricut to cut out the title for this lovely winter themed page!! What do you think when someone says "winter?" Link your layouts over at Lasting Memories and check out what the Design Team came up with!

Challenge #18- Christmas Inspiration Photo

This week's challenge at Lasting Memories is to create a layout Christmas inspiration. These pictures are from last year at my parents house in Tumbler Ridge. I love these pictures... because you can see all the boys working in the kitchen! :) I did this layout in typical cold colours to depict winter...I used the awesome "Make a Wish" paper pack from Creative Memories... love it!

What does Christmas Inspiration mean to you??? Link your layout at Lasting Memories so we can all see! 

Happy Scrappin' !

Challenge #17- Layers & 3D Effect

This week's challenge was to use layers and 3D. On the below layout, you will see that I used several matting layers on my photos, as well as pop-dotted some pictures and the two word/title bars.

What can you do with layers and 3D? Be sure to check out what the rest of the Design Team came up with over at Lasting Memories, and link your layouts!!

Challenge #16- Recycled Items

Recycle It!! Yay, I love to recycle and I loved this challenge. I used photos from my cousin's wedding this summer and I recycled all of the ribbons and flowers from the reception. Yay!

It is easy and fun to recycle.. try and link your layouts at Lasting Memories!

More Fun with the Cricut!

I couldn't rest with only having shown you ONE layout using my cricut... so here are some more I have been pumping out!!

This first layout is some more pictures from our Saskatchewan trip this summer. I just love the layered effect of the cricut letters...

This next one might be my new favourite layout! I love how 'uderwatery' and blue it is! I had some 'water' paper that worked perfect for this! And the "Life's A Beach" cricut font was obviously perfect! What a fun day! We enjoyed the float so much we did it twice that day!

This last layout is pictures from when Hubby's cousin got engaged. We were comissioned to secretly take picture from afar... very fun!

I used the "Storybook" cartridge to cut out the 'bubble' (what are those things called again??) and then cut out arouns the cut out, to make another 'outline'. I also used the 'Storybook' cartridge to cut out the saying "A Wish Came True". I think this page suits the event quite well! Congrats Jen & Jaime!

What have you scrapped lately using a cricut, or any other cutting machine?? Link your layouts at Lasting Memories... but hurry! You only have until this Saturday to link your "Cricut" layouts!

Happy Scrappin'!

Challenge #15- Use Your Cricut

This week's callenge at Lasting Memories was to use your cricut...oh  my gosh! How could I choose between all of the layouts I have done lately using my cricut!! I use it on almost every page, and I love tham all!
My husband took these gorgeous sunset pictures while he was out at work in late June. I wanted to feature them on a page, but I didn't want to take away from the natural beauty of the pictures. I finally decided on this super simple layout...

This particular font is called "Caligraphy"...wow! Stunning! I used a swirly thing from the "Storybook" cartridge...another of my favourites!
Simple, clean, breathtaking. What more can you ask for in a layout?

What have you made with your cricut (or any other custom cutting systems)?? Let us see your creations by linking your layouts over at Lasting Memories!!

Happy Scrappin'!

I love to PUNCH!!

I just couldn't stop punching!!! Here is another one of my favourite "Punch" pages!

For this layout I used my trusty Creative Memories "circle" punch. 

I took a strip of paper and punched random circles, layered it on top of pink paper and then used the cricut to print matching letters.

 I then used the punched out circles (plus a few more) to create a wavy border on the opposing page.

Of course I HAD to use my cricut... to make these lovely coordinating flowers! 

 A perfect little girl page! I hope this has inspired you to use your PUNCHES! And remember, you have until this Saturday to link your "punch It Out" layouts at Lasting Memories! 

Happy Scrappin'!

Challenge #14- "Punch" It Out

This week's challenge at Lasting Memories is to "Punch" It Out!

I absolutely LOVE how this layout turned out!! This is the cover page for my second 2010 album. This year I decided to put a calendar page into my scrapbook for each month. I still need to fill in the events on this one...

I punched out each individual square with my Creative Memories one inch square punch in matching Creative Memories Leaf paper. I then Chalked around EACH square. What a great rustic/autumn look!! I then stuck all of the squares together and vuala, a beautiful, custom calendar page with a nice fall look!

I LOVE the look of the chalking around the adges of the paper!

It is just that easy to createa beautiful calendar page using a simple punch! What have you punched out lately? Let us see it by linking to the Lasting Memories challenge!
Happy Scrappin'!