Cookin' Up Creations

Scrapbook challenges and Dairy Month in Wisconsin make for a perfect pairing! June, celebrated as Dairy Month, shines a spotlight on the state's rich dairy heritage, from farm-fresh cheese to community milkshake socials.



For scrapbook enthusiasts, this opens up endless creative possibilities—capturing vibrant county fair memories, documenting visits to local dairy farms, or designing layouts featuring iconic Wisconsin cheese. Whether it's a themed challenge that encourages scrappers to incorporate cow prints, milk cartons, or rolling green pastures into their pages, or a personal project celebrating family traditions tied to dairy, this month offers inspiration galore. A scrapbook challenge centered around Dairy Month could push crafters to experiment with farm-themed embellishments, nostalgic photos, or heartfelt journaling about their favorite dairy treats. It’s a chance to preserve the flavors and festivities of Wisconsin’s dairy legacy in a fun and artistic way!

A new Blue Plate Special challenge is posted each Monday (sketch), Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Participants have until the 3rd of the following month to complete and post their creations in the Cookin' up Creations Gallery.

Prize will be a $20 Gift Certificate to their favorite online store (random drawing).....



Welcome to another Sketch Monday here at Cookin Up Creations. For today's Moo-ments to Remember/Celebrating Wisconsin Dairy Month, I decided to focus on the Wisconsin part of the challenge, particularly Middleton, Wisconsin. Why? Because Middleton, Wisconsin is the home of the American Girl Doll headquarters! My daughters LOVED playing with their American Girl dolls. These toys were an important part of their childhood, and they spent many hours playing together with their dolls. This layout features my daughter's first trip to the American Girl Doll store in Chicago, Illinois and the moment she received her first American Girl Doll. So, for today's challenge, not only am I challenging you to use this incredible sketch from the talented Rochelle Spears from Sketches in Thyme, but also to create a project featuring you or your loved one with their favorite toy. Maybe it was a special gift like my daughter's doll? Or perhaps it's a grown-up toy like a car or a boat? The possibilities are endless! Because a star is a part of the American Girl logo, my additional challenge to you is to use a star somewhere on your project. I'm excited to see how you all interpret this challenge.

Here is the sketch...



And here is my project...

Stephanie fun challenge. Cute page

So cute! Great take on the sketch!

I used this sketch. It's a fun one to work with.

The story behind these pictures. I worked at Archivers in Middleton, WI, and had a customer who worked at the American Girl Center in Middleton. My granddaughter wanted McKenna as her Christmas present because McKenna was a gymnast, just like her. I was asking my customer about the doll, and she informed me that it had sold out by Dec. 5 and there were no more to be had. I relayed the info to my daughter so she could prepare my granddaughter. A few days later, my customer walked into the store and handed me McKenna along with 2 extra outfits and told me I could have it all for $25! It had been a return from an online customer, and normally, the doll would have been put in the inventory for their annual warehouse sale, but because of our conversation and friendship, she wanted my granddaughter to have a Christmas surprise. I'm not sure who loved it more... my daughter or granddaughter, who were both truly surprised and very thankful to my friend.

Patti wrote: Tue Jun 24, 2025 8:28 am

The story behind these pictures. I worked at Archivers in Middleton, WI, and had a customer who worked at the American Girl Center in Middleton. My granddaughter wanted McKenna as her Christmas present because McKenna was a gymnast, just like her. I was asking my customer about the doll, and she informed me that it had sold out by Dec. 5 and there were no more to be had. I relayed the info to my daughter so she could prepare my granddaughter. A few days later, my customer walked into the store and handed me McKenna along with 2 extra outfits and told me I could have it all for $25! It had been a return from an online customer, and normally, the doll would have been put in the inventory for their annual warehouse sale, but because of our conversation and friendship, she wanted my granddaughter to have a Christmas surprise. I'm not sure who loved it more... my daughter or granddaughter, who were both truly surprised and very thankful to my friend.

ah what a beautiful story. cute page, Patti

Fun challenge!!

Patti wrote: Tue Jun 24, 2025 8:28 am
The story behind these pictures. I worked at Archivers in Middleton, WI, and had a customer who worked at the American Girl Center in Middleton. My granddaughter wanted McKenna as her Christmas present because McKenna was a gymnast, just like her. I was asking my customer about the doll, and she informed me that it had sold out by Dec. 5 and there were no more to be had. I relayed the info to my daughter so she could prepare my granddaughter. A few days later, my customer walked into the store and handed me McKenna along with 2 extra outfits and told me I could have it all for $25! It had been a return from an online customer, and normally, the doll would have been put in the inventory for their annual warehouse sale, but because of our conversation and friendship, she wanted my granddaughter to have a Christmas surprise. I'm not sure who loved it more... my daughter or granddaughter, who were both truly surprised and very thankful to my friend.

Great story, Patti. Love your interpretation of the sketch!

phillisw wrote: Tue Jun 24, 2025 11:57 am

Patti wrote: Tue Jun 24, 2025 8:28 am

The story behind these pictures. I worked at Archivers in Middleton, WI, and had a customer who worked at the American Girl Center in Middleton. My granddaughter wanted McKenna as her Christmas present because McKenna was a gymnast, just like her. I was asking my customer about the doll, and she informed me that it had sold out by Dec. 5 and there were no more to be had. I relayed the info to my daughter so she could prepare my granddaughter. A few days later, my customer walked into the store and handed me McKenna along with 2 extra outfits and told me I could have it all for $25! It had been a return from an online customer, and normally, the doll would have been put in the inventory for their annual warehouse sale, but because of our conversation and friendship, she wanted my granddaughter to have a Christmas surprise. I'm not sure who loved it more... my daughter or granddaughter, who were both truly surprised and very thankful to my friend.

ah what a beautiful story. cute page, Patti

I remember when you worked at Archivers. We used to go to crops there on Friday night in a nearby city. What a truly magnificent gesture from your customer. Such a great ending to your story.

Sketch, starfish, about my kids' toy pail and shovel.