Make Take Murder

A couple of years ago I found a new series of mysteries that also involved scrapbooking. I came across the first book of the Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-n-Craft mystery series, Paper, Scissors, Death.  I really enjoyed reading this book and quickly purchased the second book in the series, Cut, Crop and Die.  Not only do I enjoy reading about Kiki and her adventures in the scrapbook store, a couple of my friends also enjoy the series.  Last year when the third book, Photo, Snap, Shot came out, I quickly purchased the book and read it right away.  I just had to know what was happening to Kiki and her family as soon as possible.  I have been anxiously awaiting the fourth book, Make, Take, Murder that was due out this spring.  I had the book on my Amazon wish list and was just waiting for the release date of May 1st, when I was delighted to find out that I had won a copy from the author's blog.  My autographed copy arrived yesterday, April 22.  Of course I had to begin reading right away.  I finally set the book down mid morning when I finished the book. 

Kiki is dumpster diving for her lost paycheck when all of the sudden she finds a severed leg in the dumpster.  After a call to 911, things really start to heat up.  There is a threatening message left on the store's answering machine.  Kiki is convinced that she doesn't have time to investigate the possible murder of the leg's owner, when the murder women't daughter stops by with some books to help Kiki find the killer.  Other smaller plots that are developed through out the story include Kiki's love life, and domestic abuse.  With at least three different men pursing Kiki she has a choice to make, Detective Chad Detweiler, Ben Novak, or newcomer Detective Hadcho.  Throughout the story Kiki is also learning about domestic abuse that has occurred with some of her friends.  She discovers that she doesn't really know her friends and co-workers as well as she thought that she did.  In the end Kiki decides to start looking for a way to help those that are caught in  domestic abuse.  Needless to say, I am now counting down to the next book in the series due to be released Spring of 2012.

  Good morning.  Last month I joined the Scrapping Stampers Sketch Design Team.  I really love the sketchs.  I was so excited when I saw this month's sketch but alas time got away from me.  Need to get more organized with my job (new position), house and other things.  Sounds like a good summer project doesn't it?  Anyway Shannon is so awesome that she is giving away two prizes on her blog.  1 for the design team member that sends the most people, please comment that Colleen sent you and 1 for a lucky commenter.  You and I both have a chance to win some fun blog candy.

Don't worry I am still going to use this sketch, as I totally love it.  

Something new

So for the past couple of years I have dabbled a little bit in basket making.  Usually I make them in a group or class effort.  Today however I decided to try my hand and making my own basket.  I didn't have a pattern or instructions for this basket. Granted it is a small napkin sized basket but that is what I wanted to make.  I think that it turned out really cute.  I make have to make some more up for gifts.  They would be perfect to place small themed items in for a gift holder.

March pages done

Just a few of the layout I have created this month.  So excited, Sarah's cheer album is almost complete. I just need to scrap the pages from the awards potluck this past week.  Will get them done as soon as they come in.

Grace Crop March 2011

We have started hosting  27 hour crops at our churches campgrounds.  The camp has two retreat centers.  These centers have a large area that is perfect for cropping, A fully stocked kitchen, two bunk areas that both sleep 20, two bathrooms and showers.  Just perfect for  a group of scrappers who need to get a lot done.  We usually start around 4:00 pm on a Friday night and go until 7:00 pm on Saturday.  Every time we have a crop the planners ( myself and two other ladies) try to do something different.  We have had make n takes, contests, prize drawings and this time t-shirts.  Normally we have between 20-30 scrappers but this time around only 10 were able to make it.  A great time was had by all and we have decided to try and expand from twice a year to three times a year.  Plus we are going to try and have a 2 night 3 day crop this summer. 

I am so excited to be designing for a new sketch challenge.  There are several wonderful designers on this site so make sure that you check out this blog and all of the wonderful designers.  Head over to The Scrapping Stamper to see all of the creative ideas.  Here is the March sketch.

  And my take on it.  Sarah was a member of the pit for the high school musical.  They performed the Music Man.  Since I couldn't get a picture of the pit I chose to scrap this cast picture instead.

Wow, 2 awards

For this award I need to list 8 things you don't know about me and award 8 different people

For the 8 things about me
1. I play the clarinet and alto clarinet
2. My nickname in high school was bashful
3. I became a CM consultant without ever seeing the company or scraping a page.
4. I love cooked spinach.
5. I always wanted to be a teacher
6.Besides sewing and scrapbooking, I can also knit and crochet
7.I really miss having a dog, but we just don't have the space or time for one.
8. My favorite sport is Volleyball.

The second award is the

and is designed to showcase new blogs or blogs that you really want to share with others.

I now need to pick 8 bloggers to receive the first award and 3-5 bloggers to receive the second award.  Since I getting ready to go out to a show, I will pick my receipents later. 

Thanks Ann for awards.