Posted: Tuesday, September 8, 2009 | Posted by Alicia | 0 comments

For those of you who have followed my newbie blog - a BIG change is coming today! My sister Danielle and I are combining forces and creating a new blog, scrappybetties. We've added our posts from the individual blogs but as of today our individual blogs, everyday artist and prATle are not going to be updated and will soon disappear!

It's going to be all about what we do - a lot of paper crafting, digital scrapbooking and whatever new and fun art project flips our switch.

It will be filled with challenges (aka sibling rivalry) prizes (mine will be better of course!) and lots of super cool learning moments (for both of us and hopefully for you!). We also hope to have a mini-newsletter and PDF tutorials in place soon and will give you the low-down asap!

As with anything in life, the site is a work in progress so if you know of a cool widget, smart shortcut or cool project - share it with us. Please take a minute to visit our site today and subscribe, share on your FB pages and leave some love for us!

Who Likes the Simple Cards? Let me know!

Posted: Monday, September 7, 2009 | Posted by Alicia | Labels: , 6 comments


Another leftovers card. Who likes the simple cards best?
Leave a comment and let me know.

The sun is a one-of-a-kind, which means that I cut it out free-hand. Which means there are no two alike! I've been thinking of making some short video tutorials and such, I would love to show my good friends that come by and visit how I made the sun. It's easier than you think!

{prATle} is combining with everyday artist!

Posted: Friday, September 4, 2009 | Posted by Alicia | 0 comments

For those of you who have followed my newbie blog - a BIG change is coming today! My sister Danielle and I are combining forces and creating a new blog, scrappybetties. We've added our posts from the individual blogs but as of today our individual blogs, everyday artist and prATle are not going to be updated and will soon disappear!

It's going to be all about what we do - a lot of paper crafting, digital scrapbooking and whatever new and fun art project flips our switch.

It will be filled with challenges (aka sibling rivalry) prizes (mine will be better of course!) and lots of super cool learning moments (for both of us and hopefully for you!). We also hope to have a mini-newsletter and PDF tutorials in place soon and will give you the low-down asap!

As with anything in life, the site is a work in progress so if you know of a cool widget, smart shortcut or cool project - share it with us. Please take a minute to visit our site today and subscribe, share on your FB pages and leave some love for us!

Hip NOT to be Square, part Deux

Posted: | Posted by Alicia | Labels: 2 comments


My second attempt at altering the standard sized card. I rounded the top and left a small connection to keep it hinged together.

Here's that cute little sun again, but remember, it's like a snowflake, not exactly like the last. I tried a little white embossing powder on the edges of the cloud. It seems to give it more of a "floaty" feeling. Again, there's that cute little cloud.

Hip NOT to be Square

Posted: Thursday, September 3, 2009 | Posted by Alicia | Labels: , 3 comments



So I had this "brilliant" idea, let's play with cards that start-out standard size, but I alter them in some way. Here is my first effort. I actually think it is super cool. So did my 14 year old Meagan, she even smiled and giggled when she noticed it was slanted. I have achieved greatness in her eyes!!!! At least for now. The flower is it's own little piece of awesomeness, brought to my attention by my uber-talented sister Danielle Donaldson. a.k.a. CK 2005 Hall of Famer, Scrapbook Product Designer and currently a Super-Awesome Digi Product Designer. Check out her stuff on ScrapArtist.

I made several of these flowers for her, I will link you up when I see what she has done with them. Can't wait!

Your the Best Quicknote Set

Posted: Wednesday, September 2, 2009 | Posted by Alicia | Labels: , , 2 comments


This little box was made up from scoring here and there, and slowly developed into what it is. I love making little boxes, they feel so perfect and complete. I think I really want a Score-It. If any of you have one or have used one, let me know if you think it is worth the $ and time.

Yes... there is that cloud template again. I wasn't kidding when I said I only use what is on my desk or right in front of me. That's why you will generally see at least one item/color/etc. from one project pull over into the next. I think I must be to lazy to get up and get different stuff. ;)

This little box stands all on its own, holding twelve 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" note cards and envelopes. The cards have a white space on the inside for writing, and are non-gender specific. It's just what I wanted.... I am exploring different applications for this new member of my personal creative family.

Four Layer Flower Card

Posted: Tuesday, September 1, 2009 | Posted by Alicia | Labels: , 5 comments

Here we are, September already. The colors of this Amy Butler paper reminds me of a late summer. Indian summer. I'm going to ease into Fall this year, I certainly hope it cooperates.

Again, I used my Cricut to cut 4 flowers, 2 each of 2 different sizes, then added a delightful metal detail from Stampin' UP!. Don't forget to curl the petals of the flowers, I like to use the barrel of a pen to keep them consistent, and to help me not to crease the paper.

Hot Pink, Black and White on Parade

Posted: Monday, August 31, 2009 | Posted by Alicia | Labels: , 14 comments



Three for one today. I stayed up way too late last night just playing with all these pieces that I had all over my desk. I wanted to make a simple card for the Caardvarks challenge this week. The only requirement - Hot pink, black and white. I can't say where the inspiration came for these, except that I ran across an old never-opened colluzzle template. The funny thing is that I like the "accidental" card, the card made of leftover pieces, the best. Which one do you think it is? I will draw a name from those of you who guess correctly and you will get your pick of these lovely lovelies sent to your own little mailbox. Leave a comment with your guess!


More Amy Butler, Thanks a Bunch Card

Posted: | Posted by Alicia | Labels: 0 comments


some more Amy Butler Lucky Flowers goodness. Aren't the colors just scrumptious?

I cut the leaf on my Circut, planning to use it on another project.... well, this is where it landed.

Posted: Friday, August 28, 2009 | Posted by Alicia | 2 comments



This patterned paper had me at "hello", well at least that's what it would have said if it could have talked. Isn't it just yummy! It came in a big, thick pad from Micheal's (totally used my coupon).

A little different concept applied to this card. I get on a 3 x 6 kick and that's all I can do for a while. This one is a tri-fold 3 x 6, just so I can show off the wonderful two sided paper. Amy Butler does most of the work for me, just add a saying and some ribbon ruffles and call it done.

Moxie Fab Challenge/Wednesday

Posted: Thursday, August 27, 2009 | Posted by Alicia | Labels: , , 5 comments



The Moxie Fab challenge for Wednesday was: CUTE. I guess "cute" is in the eye of the beholder, this is about as "cute" as I get. Seriously, who wouldn't smile at a Christmas tree made of hearts, really. My usual problem with focal points like this.... where to put the greeting. I like where it landed, notice the little trick with the corners of the "warmest wishes", I slightly rounded the corners with a sanding block. Super easy way to soften-up the piece (I did it to the green piece too).

Moxie Fab World Challenge/Thursday

Posted: | Posted by Alicia | Labels: , , 6 comments

Here's another for Moxie Fab. The challenge called for classy and elegant, with a little bling. I was so star happy that I decided to make an ornament too, it's really just a bunch of stars(12 to be exact) with each point bent and glued to the next. I like these colors for Christmas: Kiwi, Pacific Point, black and white, feels clean and sharp. What are your favorite holiday colors right now? What do you think the big trend will be this year?