JAMSquared

Author Archives: Jennifer

Slobber Time

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When I wrote the title, the phrase Hammer Time came to mind. However, I don’t think Jessica is capable of doing an MC Hammer impression just yet, but she sure would look cute in some pants like his.

Instead of Hammer Time, it’s Slobber Time. For Jessica, Slobber Time is all day. Everything goes into her mouth you know. Lately, that includes as much of her books as she can fit in her mouth. This makes story time a little difficult. Here’s a little video showcasing some slobber time.

Imaginisce March Sketch

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Each month Imaginisce hosts a layout sketch on their blog challenging you to use their products. Here is the March sketch.

March Imaginisce Sketch

The journaling reads: Jessica was only a few hours old when she met her Nanny and Papa, and then Uncle Jason and Aunt Julia for the first time.

My Take on the Sketch

I was very inspired and made a corresponding second page in addition to my take on the sketch. All these sketch challenges are forcing me to get my butt in gear in terms of scrapbooking Jessica. This was my first time actually using rub-ons and they were much easier than I thought they would be. This is also my first effort at combining two pictures into one.

Two-page Spread

Paper: Imaginisce Fairest of Them All, Bazzill Basics Strawberry Splash
Accessories: Imaginisce Fairest of Them All chipboard and rub-on embellishments; blue sparkly brad from my stash

Fuzzy Wuzzy Birthday Easel Card

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My nephew turns two on Sunday. We will be attending his birthday party on Saturday. I wanted to make him a card he can enjoy and hopefully won’t tear up. This card meets the requirements of two challenges. All That Scraps Weekly Wednesday Challenge #21 is to make an easel card using stamps found in the All That Scraps store. Although technically I’m late on the ATS challenge. I thought I had until 10 PM, but I forgot to notice that it was 10 PM EST. Oops. The Sweet Stop Sketch Challenge #48 is to use something fuzzy on your interpretation of their sketch. I made the little puppy dog fuzzy with flock. I wish I had colored the spot on the puppy’s face with a darker brown before I flocked him.

Fuzzy Wuzzy Birthday Easel Card

Stamps: C.C. Designs It’s My Birthday; Stampin’ Up It’s Your Birthday, Headline Numbers, On Your Birthday
Cardstock: Stampin’ Up Whisper White, Pacific Point, Summer Sun, Always Artichoke
Designer Paper: Stampin’ Up Good Morning Sunshine
Ink: Stazon Jet Black; Stampin’ Up Always Artichoke
Accessories: Fun Flock Caramel Latte Tan; Inkessentials Glossy Accents (dog nose); Stampin’ Up Pacific Point striped grosgrain ribbon; googly eyes; dimensionals; embroidery floss

A Cherry on Top Cricut Contest

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I’ve been browsing some scrapbooking blogs recently and have been very inspired. When I saw this contest on the PageMaps Blog, I immediately thought about doing a daddy time layout. I had a great picture of James and Jessica (although I had already printed it out at 5×7) and I could easily journal about how I appreciate daddy time. It was a great opportunity to start using the supplies I bought when I went to the scrapbooking convention last September with Kristy. I’m really happy with how the layout turned out. The deadline is March 25th and there are already a bunch of fabulous entries, but maybe I’ll win.

Prize and Sketch

Daddy Time Layout

Paper: Fancy Pants Little Sprouts, Bazzill Basics Guava Sensation
Accessories: American Crafts fabric Thickers leaf; Maya Road velvet blossoms; Basic checkered ribbon
Tools/Techniques: Nestabilites Standard Circles Large; Stampin’ Up scallop border punch

The journaling reads: Jessica, you so enjoy time spent with your daddy. I appreciate how your daddy time gives me time to get crafty, do chores around the house,  or even just take a shower.  13 days old, Oct. 29, 2009

Cinnamon Crackle Cookies

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Last week was KidStuf week at SHPC. I had been eyeing this recipe and thought it would be good since I could give half to KidStuf and keep half for us. James and I both liked them, but they are a slightly crispy cookie and James prefers softer cookies. Somewhat similar to my Mom’s Sugar Drop Cookies, but crispy.

Cinnamon Crackle Cookies

Cinnamon Crackle Cookies

Source: The Taste of Home Baking Book, but you can also find a printer-friendly version here

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
  • 2 teaspoons grated orange peel (I omitted since I didn’t have any oranges)
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel (I used slightly more since I omitted orange peel)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • additional sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a large bowl, cream the butter, softening and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and extracts. In another bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, cream of tartar, nutmeg, orange and lemon peel and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture.

Shape into 1-inch balls; roll in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Yield: 6 dozen (I only got 5.5 dozen.)

Ready to Go in the Oven