A Little Scrap of Time

The Holiday Season is over....but not for October Afternoon Holiday Style

2012-01-19T20:56:00.003-05:00

Well Christmas and New Years may be over, but now is the time to sit and scrap all those holiday photos, whatever it is that you may celebrate. We all get so caught up in the season, we all take so many pictures with the intention of getting them scrapped.....AND then, suddenly and quickly the season is over, and the excitement and enthusiasm has died down. Well, don't let it! Even if it is just a couple of pictures on one layout, get it done. Break the rule of "ALL OR NOTHING".....just do a little something.

When I saw the October Afternoon "Holiday Style" paper, I just knew that I had to have it. I am the most devout fan of OA in general, and LOVE everything. Even if I don't love it all on first sight, I usually land up buying each and every sheet of the paper in the collection....and, slowly, ever so slowly fall in love with each and every sheet.

Both of these layouts were inspired by various sketches. I tend to use the sketch as a kind of map to get started, so that I am NOT looking at blank page longingly and not knowing quite where to start. It is amazing how much a sketch helps to just get going. I also LOVED using all the little goodies to layer and embellish. Some people are always wanting to hold onto that one little piece, but remember, that there will always be another one little piece that you will love just as much. Use your stash, enjoy using it.

Last Week of Project Life 2011

2012-01-07T22:57:00.006-05:00

Well, here it is.....my last week of Project Life 2011.

I can't account for all 52 weeks, only because I started this around Easter, which brought me to completing 36 weeks by the end of the year. I can't begin to tell you how very self accomplished I feel, when I sit down and flip through these pages. I also did NOT allow myself to fall behind with this project, and for the weeks that I really didn't feel like embellishing too much, and just wanting to get it down, I am grateful that I did. Yep, some weeks look far more decorated, embellished and colorful than others, but at the end of the day, what really matters, is the story this book tells, rather than the "prettiness" that surrounds it.

So, here we are....the first week of the New Year just over, and I am glad to say, that as I write this post, I have also just completed week one of Project Life 2012!

If you are thinking about embarking on this outstanding adventure in scrapbooking, I encourage you to stop thinking about it, and just start it. The whole idea can seem a little bit intimidating, but I assure you, that once you start, you will ask yourself why you didn't start it all earlier. There are also so many wonderful bloggers out there who post there weekly project life layouts, that provide so much inspiration. If at any point, I sit down to do my weekly layout, without feeling inspired, I simply look at any one of these blogs, which sometimes give me the "where" and "how" to get started.

I use tons of bits and pieces of whatever I have. It truly is a great way of getting rid of stuff, alot of old stuff, that may never have gotten used up. I have also since learnt how to purchase, download and use stuff digitally, which is something that I never thought for one second that I would ever be able to do. Project Life has opened new doors, where I have learnt new things.

I have also discovered these outstanding little journaling cards and tags, which I have fallen in love with from Elle's Studio....I can not begin to tell you how much I love them. But I am even more excited to to tell you that in the next week or so, they will be available for sale at Stamping Bella. Just looking at them all will be enough to get you, to want to start your Project Life.

Don't wait, don't hesitate...each day, each moment is precious!

Document it!

Life is Good

2011-12-13T08:44:00.003-05:00

I am one of those people who believe that it is okay to admit to myself "I like what I did", and I truly can say that about this layout. When this paper came into the store, I knew exactly that I wanted to do a layout with it, using the little squares as a sort of house for different elements or pictures. I started off by just stamping that fabulous "Ali Edwards" stamp, and going from there, just wanting the pictures to show a little of OUR everyday life. It is wonderful to have photographs that document the ordinary everyday, and these photos were all taken to include at different times in my Project Life. There is no denying that the "special occasion" pics are just that.....SPECIAL! But it is these everyday moments, that we tend to just forget, never print the pics for and sure as anything never do a scrapbook page with. Well, it is these pictures that have NOW become a huge part of my scrapbooking process.

It is the "wonderful ordinary everyday" that I want to be able to look back at, or my family to be able to look back at, and remember.

I encourage you to do a layout depicting a little of the everyday goodness in your lives. Nothing fancy, no special occasion, just the simple everyday stuff.

Wishing everyone a holiday season filled with health, happiness and time to craft.

Breaking the Rules

2011-11-23T21:47:00.006-05:00

It seems as though we have some imaginary rules that hang over our heads, meaning "Project Life" is intended to be to documented every week, so that is "THE RULE", that we believe we need to follow and live by. Well, have I got news for you!!!! I broke the rule! But, really, who's rule? Seemingly, my own.

Whilst I was putting together week 29, I realized that I really did not have to much to say or show for it.....and after much agonizing and seeking out permission from fellow project life, partner in crime, Helen, I decided it was OKAY to combine two weeks together in one spread.

I mean really, as if some "Project Life" police are actually going to come to the door and question the fact. Also, I told myself that it was just better to get it done, rather than fall behind. In all the years to come, who is going to notice, care or pay attention to the fact that weeks 29 and 30 were together.....if anything, they will be grateful that there was documentation of these weeks in our life, rather than none at all.
Once I had given myself permission to go ahead and do this, it really made doing these two weeks very easy and fast to actually do. I also have to be completely honest in saying my greatest inspiration for my Project Life is referring to, and sometimes copying ideas from Lisa Truesdell's blog (http://gluestickgirl.typepad.com/). She is the most awesome "Project Lifer", and in fact, did a complete post on her whole process of getting together her pages.

Some advice....if you are thinking about, and comtemplating this remarkable documentation process for the new year ahead, do yourself a favour and check out her blog.

And, if you should see some similarities....you know, I was peeking at hers.

I encourage everyone to embark on "Project Life", we only got one life, it is an important one....DOCUMENT IT.

Another Back to School layout

2011-11-17T20:03:00.002-05:00

Well it was only a couple of months ago, that I actually scrapped the back to school pics from last year, so I was determined that this year I would get the job done before the end of the year. This layout was based on a sketch that I pinned from pinterest, and I had also set myself the goal of mixing and matching papers and embellishments that were from several different lines. As I always say, there is something wonderful about using up stash that has been sitting for a while. For this layout, I managed to use Studio Calico paper, October Afternoon and Fancy Pants.

Sometimes it can be so difficult to sit down and just get a layout started. My answer to that is always the same..... "If you don't know where to start, simply start with a sketch"

Fancy Pants goes Back to School

2011-10-30T18:17:00.003-04:00

Ok....so sometimes a line of paper and embellishments comes along, when you say to yourself,

"mmm, I think I got to have it all." Well, more often than not, we got to have it all, for all the lines that we love. I have to say, I purchased the entire "Fancy Pants", "Its the simple things", line, which I took away with me to Hong Kong to complete my mini book whilst away. Then, the Back to School line came out, and again, I purchased all the goodies. Sometimes I just find it so much easier, when everything is made to mix and match, and I don't have to sit with all my STUFF, and sort through to decide what goes on the layout. This layout was totally inspired by a digital layout, that I had seen on the "oscraps" blog (I love there digi stuff), however, I am also definately NOT a digital scrapbooker. It is nice to be able to take a digi and scraplift it, using all your favorite papers and embellishments.

As much as I love using everything from the same line, I am also kind of setting myself a little challenge for the next layout I do. That is, using papers from several different lines on the same layout! For sure, a little more thought involved in that. However, as I have said before, I LOVE being able to use older papers in order to get rid of stuff, and make room for new.

I encourage you to challenge yourself to something new!

Don't spend to much time thinking about what you are going to do....just DO IT!

Week 25 and still going strong

2011-10-16T16:55:00.006-04:00

Yep, week 25 of Project Life, and still loving it.

So much so, that this week I will be ordering my kit for 2012. If you haven't seen what the choices are, I suggest you wander over to Becky Higgins Blog and check out the choices. Either Clementine or Cobalt. Any suggestions?

I have to say that I have drawn a ton of inspiration from reading Lisa Truesdells (gluestick girl)

blog posts. In fact, I was totally motivated to go out and get myself a typewriter, just because her journaling cards just looked so absolutely fabulously cool with typewritten font. (I do know that can also be done on the computer.) If you haven't checked out her blog, you absolutely should.

I will still admit to the fact that Project life is a time consuming endeavor, however I also still BELIEVE a very well worth endeavor. I have gotten into a groove of getting it done, simply by starting on a Thursday evening (provided I have time), printing a couple of pics from the week till that point, and then continuing on a Saturday or Sunday. I have also discovered that in the whole Project Life process, I have found myself grouping goodies, stickers, journaling cards and embellishments in a certain spot all together, so that I can simply pull out my "project life" box and get going. IT IS FUN, IT IS REAL, IT IS A DOCUMENT.

I have said before, and I will continue to say, that it NEEDS NOT be complicated. It is however you want it to be. Looking back, there are definately some weeks that are more embellished and decorated than others. I have also allowed myself permission to combine two weeks, if I have neglected to take enough pics to fill up for one week. This whole "Project Life" thing is wonderful....I am so glad to be doing it!

What's my style????

2011-10-05T21:15:00.003-04:00

I can't tell you HOW many countless hours I have spent looking online at various art journaling blogs, trying so hard to learn, copy and incorporate ALL that I see, into my art journal.

For that day, there is nothing quite like it, and I think to myself "OMG, I want my pages to look just like those".....example, Pam Garrisons pages. Until the next day, and the next style that I see. From paint, to doodling, to collage, to just plain old journaling. Trying so hard to find the one technique or type, that I can truly say, "that's my style". Well guess what.....I have finally given myself permission to acknowledge the fact that I can just carry on enjoying the process, whatever that may be, without having to try and fit myself into a style or mold. I mean, I like it all, so WHY do I have to limit myself to just one specific look. There is something to be said for doing a little bit of everything. Our mood changes on a daily (or hourly basis), and that can be reflected in the type of page we just feel like doing. I am okay with the fact, that ALL my pages are different....I'm learning to like that! And like I always say....there are no rules in art journaling, there is no right or wrong.

Just let yourself go within a blank page, don't spend so much time thinking about what its supposed to look like at the end, don't rush out and buy things because you think you should.

Use what you have and enjoy the process.

A layout challenge

2011-09-25T20:04:00.003-04:00

Well if any of you have seen the new line of Amy Tangerine Papers for American Crafts, you will understand where my idea of a layout came from. I was at work and kept hinting to Emily that we needed to look at this really cute Amy Tangerine line. Finally, enough was enough....we sat down together and looked at all the paper and goodies. CUTE....REALLY CUTE!

There was one style of paper that had some print on the left side with clouds kinda over it. We didn't order it, however, Emily did put the idea into my head that it would be a great challenge if I could do a layout, with the same idea, using some "Stamping Bella" stamps.

Now how perfect is it that the "I AM script" and "Cloudy hanging block" actually exist, within the line of the greatest stamps in the world.

It was a great starting point for my layout, and without a doubt a challenge for me. Especially that there was nothing, like a sketch that I had in mind to go from. I just sat down, decided to use paper that I had, and went with it. You know what? I kinda like the way it turned out. I also proved to myself that I don't always NEED to have a sketch to get started. The best way to get a layout started, is to just sit down, challenge yourself by pulling out a few papers and a few embellishments, and JUST DO IT!

Wishing you all everything wonderful for the week ahead.

Art Journal Monday

2011-09-12T21:50:00.003-04:00

Wow, September 12th.....really? When did that happen? Didn't the Summer just begin?

WHERE DID IT ALL GO, and so fast?

So here I am, kids settled in back at school, Honk Kong vacation just a memory, longer nights, shorter days, you know, back into the whole routine of life. In the whole scheme of things, it is very easy to get "swallowed" up into this everyday routine, so much so, that we seldom have time to enjoy or participate in our leisure activities, simply because at the end of each day, we may also be just to tired.

Now you see, over at the Stamping Bella blog....there is this fantabulous "Art Journal" Monday thing. So each week Emily kinda dishes out something to get the juices flowin' on the page.

The prompt for this week was using your favorite quote. So here is mine.

Don't let the whole art journaling thing intimidate you, there is NO right or wrong, it is what it is, it's what you feel, it's what translates from the heart and soul right at that moment. There is no method, there is no medium that says "this is for ART JOURNALING". It is what you FEEL!

Now I can only encourage you to pick up a book, any blank book, and get started!

You will be glad you did.

"SMASHED"

2011-08-23T21:41:00.004-04:00

C'mon people, how can you NOT want, need, have to have a "smash" journal!

It is imperative, a must, a definate!

Even if you plan to NEVER stick a thing into it, the pages are simply beautiful...you will enjoy looking at them, amongst all the supplies you also look at, and rarely use.

For those of you who are not familiar with Smash or have never seen any of the products. It is the most outstanding line of scrapbooking/journaling "STUFF" (for lack of better word), that has been marketed in such a way, that makes you just WANT to HAVE it all.

I guarantee after watching the little video snip on the "SMASH" blog, you to, will want one.

I remember in high school taking a plain, undecorated composition book, bought from the drugstore, and simply sticking absolutely every single thing, that had an iota of meaning to me in it. I mean from gum wrappers to notes passed in class, to movie stubs and napkins from restaurants. I can truly say that was definately the beginning of "scrapbooking" for me.

So now, years later......along comes "SMASH".

I like to think of my Smash book as simply a place to put anything that appeals to me...where there is NO right or wrong way of doing it. Where I can simply just glue or tape something in, that would have otherwise gotten lost or have not had the importance or look for a scrapbook page. How many times have you torn out a recipe from a magazine, and shoved it into your purse, only to re-emerge a year later as something you can't read or remember tearing out?

Well now you can just "SMASH" it in.

Wishing you all a wonderful last couple of weeks to "SMASH" before the Summer is done.

Hong Kong Mini Book

2011-08-09T10:07:00.008-04:00

How cool is this....I am still halfway across the world from home, and I am able to do a blog post. It blows me away! All I can say is thank goodness for iphones, macbooks and cameras. Those would have to be my top three possessions I would take to a deserted island.

I bought the "fancy pants" brag book, and decorated the front cover before I left. I also packed several of the papers and some embellishments from the "it's the simple things" collection, as well as a couple sheets of sassafras letter stickers and 7 gypsies 97% complete stickers. I figured that packing just a small collection of goodies, I would be able to do my book along the way.

So here it is.... I am glad to say that I have kept up my mini book (and project life) on a day to day basis.

I have either had some pictures developed at the one hour photo print stores, which I have then picked up later in the day en route back to the hotel, or I relax my very weary feet over coffee whilst I wait for them.
The small pictures that you see, I have printed those out on my little handy dandy portable "pogo" photo printer. I have to say that this has been quite a useful thing to have with me. I actually love it to just be able to print out a quick pic.
I knew that I wanted to do this book whilst being away, because the truth of the matter is, that once home, the chances are it just never gets completed, either because the busy routine of life does not permit the time to sit down and complete and entire mini book, and more so, after a trip, the excitement is kinda over along with the end of the holiday.
My pencil case was packed with just a few things: a tape runner (and refill), small scissors, mini stapler, journaling pen and a couple of rolls of happy tape. However I also did pack my paper trimmer. Yep, that's it!

I hope that the next time you are going away, you will prepare a little bundle of goodies to take along for the ride with you!

WEEK 13 of Project Life

2011-07-26T22:35:00.003-04:00

Wow....I can't believe I have finished Week 13 and have kept up to date with this. I know that I have said several times before how much I enjoy doing my Project Life, but, let me say again....I think that this is THE GREATEST and most HONEST way of scrapbooking, without actually scrapbooking. You see, the difference is, that with doing a traditional kind of layout, we got to find the perfect picture, which is sometimes very posed; and then we need to match it to the paper, make sure we find just the right embellishments.....and now that we have gathered the goodies, we have to sit down and ACTUALLY do the layout. Whereas, with this little gem of Project Life....every picture, good or bad can make the cut. WHY? because it's LIFE!

It's the normal, everyday kinda stuff that, as much as we would like to, we never get around to scrapbooking. I am also extremely excited to say that as of Friday "Project Life" is going to Hong Kong. Yep, it's traveling to a new continent for two whole weeks.

So here is my spread for Week 13! And if any of you ever think you would like to do something like this....stop thinking, and just do it.

DOUBLE PAGE

LEFT SIDE

RIGHT SIDE

How can you NOT love HOMETOWN SUMMER

2011-07-16T16:43:00.002-04:00

In my opinion, this collection falls nothing short of OUTSTANDING.

Its absolute cuteness, charm and whimsy combined with the quality of the goods....simply won't disappoint. Not sure if any of you are familiar or ever scrapped with the great quality and design, of what used to be "Collage Press". Well, Hometown Summer is the wonderful collaboration of Collage Press and Pink Paislee. I guarantee that you will find the collection as wonderful as I did. The package of die cuts and borders is sure to please, with LOTS and LOTS of cuteness and colour. Perfect combination for Summertime kinda pics.

I knew that this paper and goodies would be just right for pictures that I wanted to use.

I also just picked a sketch, the first sketch I saw, without looking further. That way it does not become overwhelming or confusing to sit down and start a layout. I find that the more I look for the "perfect" sketch, the more time I waste, and the less likely I am to actually get anything accomplished.

So here it is....my "Little Neighbourhood Watch" layout. MMMM....where did the time fly? Those little peeps in the layout are almost going to be 16! WOW!!!!!

Remember, your layouts are almost like a biography....get them done. Someone, later on will be glad that you did.

Sharing some Project Life

2011-07-06T18:14:00.003-04:00

I am currently on Week 11 of Project Life, and still loving it!

Yes, it is time consuming.....but only because of the amount of time that I CHOOSE to spend doing it. I find myself taking pics of all sorts of everyday moments.....moments that NEVER would have made it to a scrapbook page. It is these "everyday" moments that I look at, and am grateful to have captured. I am also now so incredibly aware of taking pictures, almost all the time....which is where my iphone and I have bonded even more closely.

FULL TWO PAGE SPREAD

Basically, I try really hard to keep up with this, so that I am not left doing the entire week all on one day. If there is a picture that I know I want to include, I simply print it out, and immediately and put it in. Same goes for all the goodies that I may collect on a day to day basis...such as movie stubs and receipts that I may want to include.

LEFT SIDE

RIGHT SIDE

It is easy for me to say that "Project Life" is definitely something that, at this point, I can see myself doing on a yearly basis. I mean, how great will it be for one day, my children to look back upon, and see all the "little moments, that helped make life big."

Here's to all of you, and your little moments.

Getting from idea to page

2011-06-23T15:48:00.002-04:00

Yesterday at around this time, a layout kind of "sprung" to mind.....meaning, I knew in my head what I envisioned it looking like complete, and exactly what I was going to use.

I immediately knew that I wanted tone on tone letters coming out of a Maya Road envelope, and filling out a page. I also knew that I wanted to highlight the initials of my kids by using red.

So, I got started by just putting the envelope on the page, die cutting some letters and scattering them. The plan changed....I decided to then use the negative of the letters, partly because I liked the way it looked and partly, I was a little lazy to keep die cutting.

Everything just went from there. I remembered that little pink card card being in an October Afternoon pack of goodies, and pulled out a few boxes of embellishments.

I have to say, that this layout looks NOTHING like the way I envisioned....BUT, I LIKE IT.

Wishing you all a little inspiration and alot of Sunshine.

Some pretty pink paper from Girls Paperie

2011-06-12T20:34:00.002-04:00

WOW....June already? Where is the time going? Life just got really, I mean REALLY busy. It is definitely both my favorite and my worst time of year...only because there is SOOOOO much going on, but also getting ready to wind everything down for the Summer. You know, dance, exams, end of school, being taxi to children....that kind of stuff. Which leaves little time for the leisure, crafting stuff. So here is a layout I did a couple weeks ago using some Girls Paperie Paper (paper which I love).

If I remember correctly, this layout may have started from a sketch, and then kinda worked itself out. I know that I have said before, but sketches are without a doubt my very best starting point, especially when I know I want to do a layout....and don't have a solid idea in mind.

Wishing you all a wonderful last couple of weeks till school is out, and there are no more school lunches to make and pack till September.

Who says rocket ships and space are just for boys

2011-05-27T16:44:00.003-04:00

No way....ROCKET AGE rocks!

Most people walk into the store, and at first glance may think, they may not have a use for rocket ships and space kinda paper, BUT, I beg to differ. Just open your minds, think outside the box, think outside the lines, and think of the LAYOUT possibilites that this FANTASTIC line of papers offer. So far I have managed to do two separate layouts...neither of them boy or space related. Part of the line is also, this great little pack of goodies called "miscellany", which comes with lots of little odds and ends which are SOOOOO good for some clustering and embellishing.

Look closely at the word "LOVE"....I wrote the word in pencil, used my paper piercer to poke holes and then handstitched it. Got to say, I quite like the result of that.

Wishing you all a weekend filled with some time to create.

Happy scrapping, happy crafting.

Never forget the simple things.....

2011-05-22T19:00:00.004-04:00

'm walking on sunshine , wooah

I'm walking on sunshine, woooah

and don't it feel good!!

YEP...that just about describes the way I feel right NOW!

YEP.... those are my feet up on the patio table, after a hard but wonderful day of filling planters, I mean LOTS of planters (about 33, so far) with all sorts of beautiful flowers.

I have to say, that this long May weekend, happens to be one of my favorites, weather permitting of course. It signifies so much....the beginning of the end of another school year, the closeness of Summer, longer days...a SLOW down, a STOP and BREATHE kinda feeling. We are so programmed to always be on the go, rushing, picking up, dropping off, doing, going...that so seldomly are we able to just sit down and enjoy the fruits of our labour. And that, my friends is what these pictures are.

Wishing you a wonderful remaining weekend filled with simple pleasures.

PROJECT LIFE....WEEK TWO

2011-05-13T23:35:00.004-04:00

Ok, I have to say that the whole "Project Life" thing can be totally addictive.

I am still so super excited about it, because it is just such a great way to scrapbook the pictures that would never get scrapbooked, without actually scrapbooking. If that all makes much sense.

I mean, it also makes me super aware that even though I may think that everyday and every week is really basically the same....it really isn't. It's the small things that make each day different. I look at these pictures, and I keep thinking to myself...and I keep saying to myself, that I am just so grateful to have found this whole scrapbooking thing. It really is kinda like an autobiography, an ongoing story of everything about us.

I have actually found it quite difficult this week to sit myself down and do a layout, simply because I am LOVING this whole "Project Life" documenting the "little everyday things".

So here is my Week Two.

FULL TWO PAGE SPREAD

LEFT SIDE

RIGHT SIDE

Wishing for a week of sunshine and smiles.

Project Life

2011-05-05T09:05:00.004-04:00

Well after looking, following, reading, scouring and stalking everything PROJECT LIFE.

After realizing that one can start at any time of the year, that JANUARY is NOT the rule for beginning, after reading more and more bloggers who participate in this project, after discussing and debating the subject ad nauseam with Helen (partner and participant in crime)...I finally decided that I just had to do it to. Now let me tell you, this kit is super amazing. You actually get a 12x12 album, the page protectors enough to complete the year, a rolling date stamp, and boxes of the most fabulous journaling cards.

I LOVE the idea of one day being able to look back at our LIVES, you know, the ordinary everyday, simple things. The pictures that don't necessarily ever make it to a scrapbook page, the receipts of what we spent, reminders and ephemera of places we went.

So this is it....for a year. MY PROJECT LIFE.

DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD

CLOSE LOOK AT LEFT SIDE

CLOSE LOOK AT RIGHT SIDE

I also added the insert from the Newspaper for my Week One, with the Royal Wedding headlines. It is great to be able to take different size page protectors as additional inserts.

Going outside my comfort zone

2011-04-30T16:57:00.003-04:00

There is no doubt about it, I absolutely LOVE sketches. I also like the simple task of scraplifting. Just makes everything so much quicker and easier. No guessing, no matching, no moving papers around and about the page. But every now and then, I also like to just put a photo on a page and go with what comes to mind. Without, a plan, or an idea. Sometimes its a product that gets me going....and I have to say that with this layout it definitely was the product. I am a huge fan of Studio Calico stuff, and even if I don't necessarily know immediately what I will do with it, I do know that it will make it to a page some time sooner or later. The reason that I call this post "going outside my comfort zone", is because, although I love sprays and rubons....I don't always feel comfortable using them. I know WHY I don't either!!!! They are permanent, really permanent. The whole idea makes me nervous, NOT because of the commitment of putting them down on the page, but because, if I make a mistake or not happy with a result, I am stuck. Mistakes and all.

So this is my layout....a whole layout FULL of Studio Calico goodies. Then some BRAVERY of spraying tattered angels, and if you look really closely over my writing, you will see that it is less than perfect. It is not where I wanted or intended for the spray to go. But I had to let go of that wanting perfection, because years from now, or even tomorrow.....my children will never realize or know that that blob of spray was NOT supposed to be there. They will look at the layout, read the words and be thankful.....thankful to know what there mom was thinking and feeling.

I encourage YOU to go outside your comfort zones, to embrace imperfection and to let go.....just a little.

A scrappy weekend

2011-04-24T14:20:00.003-04:00

What a wonderful long weekend, filled with lots of relaxation, food and scrap time.

My scrapping goal for this weekend, was to accomplish three layouts that I have had in my head for the past couple of weeks. Well....mission accomplished.

Now, I am not always such a big fan of ALL basic grey, however, I absolutely LOVED "wander", and knew that I was going to use it for this layout. I was not quite sure exactly what I was going to do, so I simply just pulled out the entire collection, and took it from there. There are so many elements within this paper, that are easy to cut out and use to embellish. It is hard to look at a "busy" piece of paper, and imagine how and where to use it. Sometimes, it is good to imagine it in small pieces, simply as accents or embellishments.

Have to say that this collection pack allows for alot of that kind of thing....cut around a shape, pop dot, and VOILA!

Wishing you all a Happy Easter, and a good week ahead!

Just some "Stamping Bella" Love

2011-04-15T18:05:00.003-04:00

K...so, maybe I could get used to using some stamps on layouts! Getting a little more BRAVE to do so. But, how could you resist them "circle stamps". Did I even mention that they fit with some punches? I love this set of "Julies perfect circles" How much fun one can have with these?

Well, I got to say that this layout started from just stamping the circles on a plain ole piece of white cardstock...just an experiment, you know. However, this experiment kinda turned out to be a finished layout. The possibilities are endless for some circles....I mean REALLY endless. You might be seeing a few layouts that are involved with these circles. Also, nothing quite like getting to use some of our older paper. I LOVE that!!! OUT WITH THE OLD....IN WITH THE NEW!

Anyway, wishing you all a GOOD PASSOVER, A HAPPY EASTER and a WONDERFUL whatever it is you may celebrate.

Some new Stamping Bella stamps are coming

2011-04-03T19:16:00.003-04:00

And I love them.....

Can you see them?

You see where it says "this is US"

You see where it says "this is YOU"

YEP

Those are them.....the new "Stamping Bella" Stamps.

Just to let you know that there is also a "this is ME" in the set.

So much fun doing this layout....especially getting to use paper from the new Crate Paper Portrait Collection. Have to say that this layout was actually inspired by a picture that Emily had showed me from from Pinterest, just of tumbling frames. It is great to be able to take something from somewhere else and use it as inspiration for a layout. Whether it be colour combinations, fonts or design principles....there is inspiration all around us. It is just up to us to see it, notice it and apply it in some way or another.

Wishing you all a week filled with inspiration!

Still Loving the Lille Collection

2011-03-27T17:37:00.002-04:00

I have to say that no matter what, I love 7 gypsies....even if, I don't always know quite how to use it, or what to do with it. This layout actually started from looking at a sketch (as most of my layouts do). However, by the time that I had finished it, it looked NOTHING like the sketch.

Once I had placed all the paper, I pulled out my entire HUGE box of 7 gypsies stash, with the intention of using some to embellish.....but then I thought to myself...."MMMM, lets get some Crate chipboard instead". It is my constant mission to keep using stash on hand. Hence, you will notice "Tim Holtz" filmstrip ribbon and "KI memories" stickers.

By the way, I also LOVE that new edger punch.

Wishing you all a week of accomplishing something creative!

February 2011 Photo love Layout

2011-03-20T16:19:00.002-04:00

As you know, I have decided to try and participate in the Two Peas Free Monthly Challenge called "Photo Love", with Shimelle Laine...so here is my 2 photo layout.

I have to say, that I really enjoy this challenge, simply because, other than the sketch, and the number of photos required for each month....one can use any papers and embellishments that one wants.

I love the new 7 gypsies "lille" collection, and with a sketch as a guideline, I found it much easier to use the papers. Looking at these papers, they are simply stunning....BUT, busy...oh so very BUSY. Busy enough, that they can be a little intimidating to use, that we may question...um...um...um....not so sure HOW to use them. Now, don't think that you can just buy one of each sheet! NO SIRREE!!! because you need the back and the front. As busy as one side may be, the other side is simply essential to have as well. So if perhaps, you are not quite sure how to use a "BUSY" paper, just start with a sketch. If you have not already looked at the "Photo Love" Challenge, I encourage you to do so....and I especially encourage you to participate.

Wishes to all for a week filled with sunshine and good things.

A two peas sketch challenge

2011-03-10T17:46:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to share my one photo "sketch layout" challenge from Two Peas. Every month a challenge is posted, starting off using one photo for the first month, two for the second, three for the third....you get the picture....12 photos on the 12th month. I have actually never participated in any kind of challenge before, but because I really like "Shimelle".....a Garden Girl, I did want to participate in this challenge. I started off by just picking the photo that I wanted to use and going with it. Sometimes, it is quite overwhelming to decide on which papers and embellishments to use, so the simple thing is pull out everything from one manufacturer or paper line. That way, you are guaranteed that everything matches and co-ordinates.

For this layout, I pulled out my entire "Cosmo Cricket" stash, picked a colour scheme and enjoyed papers and goodies that I have not seen for a long time. You know, some of the older stuff.....(we all have some).

So here it is....

I hope to continue in this challenge each month. Having the sketch definitely takes the guesswork out of where to start.

Wishing you all a day, a week, a month of good things ahead!

Making Room for the New (stuff, that is!)

2011-02-21T13:22:00.002-05:00

Well, I know that all the really nice new stuff from CHA will be coming along soon, and overwhelming me in every which way....SO....for the past few weeks all the layouts that I have done, have all been with stuff that I have. YEP, you heard right......NOTHING NEW!

Using all my stash, allows me to clear out, take inventory and make room for all the goodies that I know I will want.

This layout was inspired by a sketch, and I just knew that this Girls Paperie Paper was exactly what I wanted to use. It truly is amazing to see exactly what we have hidden in terms of paper and embellishments. I was just waiting for the right time and place to use this. In fact, this is the second layout I have done with my "Girls Paperie" stash. So, I hope that for everyone who reads this, that you pull out something old and make it something new.

INSPIRATION everywhere

2011-02-13T13:47:00.004-05:00

THIS

IS WHAT INSPIRED

THIS

The above water bottle is what sits on my desk at work, right in front of me....every single day!

I look at it, I read the little sayings on it, I fill it twice a day, and I am very inspired by it.

Not only inspired from the "wellness" aspect, but based on the above layout, from a creative aspect as well. Like I have mentioned sometime before, I am not the biggest user of stamps on layouts, BUT I really loved the idea of trying to do a stamp collage looking attempt. I have to say, I quite like the end result.

Wishing everyone a week filled with sunshine and smiles.

Just a little plain and simple....with a polaroid stamp

2011-02-04T22:28:00.003-05:00

K. let me first begin by saying this layout is totally done on white cardstock....really hard to tell by the below picture......BUT...............look closely...........really closely.............

DO YOU SEE THE STAMP?

Yep, my favorite, the "stamping bella" polaroid stamp. I mean c'mon, how can you NOT love it?

How can you NOT want to own it?

So simple, yet so stately (is that a word?) I just have to say....I LOVE THAT STAMP!!!!

There is so little on this layout, yet, in my mind....it says so much. I have to agree with the saying "less is more". Sometimes, we feel so obligated to fill our page with so much...simply because we have so much, or because there is so much empty space which to fill. However, with this layout, I was just so satisfied with the simplicity and cleanliness of it, that I just did NOT feel the need to clutter it up and layer it with embellishments (which I usually love to do.)

I encourage you to do a layout....using less, to create more!

Loving KI Memories Calender Die Cut Paper

2011-01-30T13:19:00.005-05:00

Ok, so when I first saw these absolutely adorable die cut calender pages from KI Memories....I had this vision, that I would like to try and use one every single month for the next year. I mean, how cool could that be? Twelve sheets of paper, twelve different ways...not to mention twelve guaranteed layouts for a year. C'mon now, that could really be more than some of us actually do. So this is my "January" layout!

I have to say that I really do like this paper. When I first took it out on my desk, I kinda thought "MMM", but after looking at it, placing my picture where I did...I then looked at the empty little squares as a kind of grid, which made it easy for me to then move forward. I also pulled out some really old KI paper, that I always loved enough to never want to part with.

Wishing everyone a wonderful week ahead, filled with some tiny little time to create!

Using some Stamping Bella "Scrappy" stamps

2011-01-22T16:12:00.002-05:00

Well I honestly have to admit that I am not such a stamper on layouts. I kind of forget that I do have some "scrapbooking" stamps, and I neglect to use them. I also have to say that I am not so confident when stamping directly onto the layout. I always have this fear, that the stamp just won't stamp quite right, and then that will be the end of what was, and the beginning of an internal rage (that I ruined the layout, forgetting its just paper.)

Now you see, Emily challenged me a little....asking me to use some "Stamping Bella" stamps on a few layouts, that she could take along to CHA with her. CAN YOU SAY PANIC!!!!!!!!

Well this layout was inspired by a teeny weeny little sketch that Emily drew out for me. With her idea to use the "Labels Collection 1". So here it is.......

AND

I LIKE IT

I actually stamped the labels on a second piece of paper first, cut them out, and pop dotted them on the layout....that way there allowed ZERO chance for anger to reign within.

I will be posting a few of the layouts that I did using "Stamping Bella" stamps over my next few blog entries. I encourage you to include some stamping on the next layout that you do!

Get stamping, get scrapping, get happy!

First Layout of 2011

2011-01-15T19:32:00.003-05:00

Well what better way to start a first layout of the new year, by reviewing the previous year?

So here it is..... SNAPSHOTS TO REMEMBER 2010.

I have to say that I have definitely been a devout fan of Cosmo Cricket for quite some time, however I can also honestly admit, that I have not really loved there last few releases. AND THEN....I saw Circa 1934. I fell in love with it! Not sure if it was because the names of the papers were after old movies stars like Gable and Chaplin, or the colour scheme or the patterns...I will just say ALL OF THE ABOVE. I think that when I bought it, I did have the idea to do a year in review page with it (which I do every year)...but I was NOT exactly sure what.

Now because I am also such a devout fan of Studio Calico Sketches....you can just guess what happened next. Yep, you guessed it! Circa 1934 made the sketch! AND HERE IT IS.

So here's to hoping that YOU to, do a year in review layout....one day you will be glad you did!

Never Say Never to Starting Something New

2011-01-07T16:13:00.004-05:00

FROM THIS

TO THIS

TO THIS

Yep, like I have said before...I never believed that quilting is something that I would ever be interested in, or caught doing. Well, I was wrong. I love the whole process of choosing the fabric, piecing it together and coming out with something finished in the end. You know, kinda like a scrapbook page. I am finally finished this quilt that I have made for my daughter, Hannah, and I can honestly look at it and say to myself "well done". I know that she is only fifteen, I know that she loves the quilt, and I know one day she will appreciate it and treasure it even more than she will now. I also hope that one day, my children will find hobbies and interests that are as fulfilling to them, as mine are to me.

I encourage that this year maybe one for YOU, to try something NEW....something that you may never have thought you would or could.....give yourself the opportunity.

A Little Bit of Jenni Bowlin Red, Black and Beige

2010-12-23T17:21:00.003-05:00

I LOVE JENNI BOWLIN PAPERS.....and I don't always know quite how I am going to use them. So this layout was originally inspired by Shimelle, who had posted on her blog a layout with the little 4x4 papers. Well guess what????? Yep, I actually had some of those little papers lying around, and was determined to use them. The other thing that I love, is getting to use some of the product that I have purchased previously, and which has been sitting for a while. I have to say it is kind of cathartic to use up scrapbooking stuff, especially because we all have soooooo much.

For this layout I pulled out my box of red and black embellishments (all my embellishments are sorted in lovely ikea boxes, by colour), and got to use some little things just lying around, waiting to grace a page. That is also the beauty of sorting little goodies by colour....you get to see what you really have, and use up some of the older pieces that you may have forgotten about.

Lately I have been working very hard on finishing a quilt for my daughter, so I have not had much time to work on layouts. I am hoping to get some time to do that in the next couple of weeks. In fact, I have also been thinking of some of my scrapbooking goals for 2011. One of them being, is that I would like to do a monthly layout highlighting and documenting that month. Now, we all know finding time for creativity can be a little difficult, so I will settle then on doing it every couple of months....BUT, I will start it. The other thing that I hope to do is Ali Edwards big picture class on "one little word"for 2011. I love the idea that at the end of the year, I will have an entire book dedicated to that one little word, which I had picked for myself.

What about all of you? Do you have anything on your scrapbooking horizon? I would love to hear if you do.

To all who read my blog....I wish for you and your families a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season, and a year ahead filled with creativity and good things.

My Mexico Mini Book

2010-12-09T17:35:00.008-05:00

It is finally done.....needless to say that it was started about 18 months ago.

Last Summer Making Memories put out this little mini book, which I just loved and had to have. I knew that there would be pictures from a trip sometime in the future that would move themselves onto the pages. Well shortly thereafter, one of my fave (amongst many) bloggers, Shimelle, featured the same little mini book online. So I got it together and embellished all the tab pages that came within. Can't tell you how cute and tempting it looked after it was done. JUST RIGHT for some trip pictures.

Then last September, I went on a trip to Australia and even packed the mini book in my bag with me, thinking that I would kinda start it and gather souvenirs and goodies from the trip and start it then. Well, the mini book followed me home, still bare with tales to tell.....Went straight back on the book shelf.

THEN.....

Our family Summer vacation was booked for Mexico, so down came the mini book, and this time I was determined to fill the pages......So here are just a few of them to see, filled with lots of memories of a time and place.

So want to get comfy with Spritz on a layout

2010-11-27T17:22:00.002-05:00

Everywhere I look for inspiration, I see spritz, spray, and mist on a layout. Sometimes just in a little corner, sometimes all over the place....and I sit and I stare. I wish to myself that I had the confidence to spritz on my layouts as well, other than just covering chipboard with the stuff.

I also noticed that alot of the time, the negative image of the spritz really looks quite amazing as part of the layout, as opposed to fine misting all over the place. So Emily gave me this great idea, why don't I use tags to create the effect I wanted. VERY GOOD IDEA from da bella.

There was NOT so much thought when and where I placed the shipping tags, partly because this was all going to be an experiment, rather than a finished product. Normally after some experimentation at "Bella HeadQuarters", these things find themselves laying on the back table, until such time a cleanup is in order....and then they make way into the garbage. However, I did take this little experimentation home, and was determined to turn it into a layout.....and you know what....I LIKE IT!

The other great thing that I like about this, is that I purchased NOTHING NEW for it. I simply went home, put the paper on my table, pulled out my box housing "brown" embellishments, and remembered I had some older Sassafras paper that I liked. I also ended up using paper from My little Yellow Bicycle (ruler on edge), embellishments from Crate Paper (Restoration Chipboard), Wooden Flowers (Kaisercraft), Maya Road Kraft Envelope (of course, stamped with "SCRIPT" stamp, from Stamping Bella, and various little alphas.

Sometimes, I am all about the "SKETCH", and just when I think I need to depend on one for ideas, I surprise myself....because, there really is NO RIGHT OR WRONG WAY for a layout to look. So if you have a few bottles of spritz lying around (AND I KNOW YOU DO), just get going and see what you come up with.

HAPPY SPRITZING, SPRAYING, MISTING.....

Sew Easy....and So Many Possibilities

2010-11-19T21:41:00.005-05:00

Have to say, "much excitement" over the new sew easy tool, and all the associated goodies.

Now, I also have to be honest in admitting that I don't usually go bonkers over new tools and stuff...you know, coz' they tend to be a little more costly, and my mentality dictates that I would rather have "LOTS" of things (like paper), than one thing. Sometimes, there is an exception to this rule. The sew easy, I did want. What a great tool, let me tell you. Options allow for six different heads....all very reasonably priced...and I LOVE the coordinating spools of floss that you can purchase. Just all so incredibly yummy.

This is the cross stitch head that I used at the top of my layout.

The zig-zag stitch that I used a little on the bottom

AND THE LAYOUT

BTW...the layout looks a little crooked...so for this I apologize...my picture taking skills need a little improvement. Now you might be thinking if you got a sewing machine, who needs a sew easy? The stitches look so very different....it's a whole different look. Floss vs thread. Thick needle vs thin needle. I really like it.....and I think you will to.

Wishing you all a weekend filled with sunshine and some time to do something crafty.

When you just don't want to think on your own....

2010-11-07T19:08:00.003-05:00

.....think SCRAPLIFT!

Well, let me tell you how grateful I am that some other people have put together layouts, with products that I have loved and purchased. I remember when American Crafts Abode line came out....I just had to have it. Every time I looked at the paper, at the thickers, at the cute little house and button embellishments, some kind of layout would spring to mind. However, since I bought all that stuff, there has been way to much NEW to concentrate on the old. So today, as I was cleaning and organizing a little of my scrap space, I came across an older AC catalogue, and was thrilled, I mean really thrilled to see the reason that I must have saved it. Yep, the layout that you see below. I would love to give credit to the person who did it. I can't because there was no name attached, so therefore, whoever you are, that designed this for American Crafts, thank you. It was so enjoyable just sitting there doing this layout, without having to think about where anything was going to go....I had it all in front of me. The only thing that I changed from the original layout was maybe the colour of the chipboard button, more thicker words above and an additional circle, so that I could add some journaling.....and VOILA! I mean, c'mon, how easy is that. So, to you my peeps, if you ever just want to sit down and do a layout....SCRAPLIFT one.

The other thing that I did this weekend, was begin another quilt. I am doing this one in a class, which I am really excited about. I will now get to learn how to go about doing certain things properly....like being able to use a rotary cutter as a left handed person. Yep, up until now, I did not know the blades on those things rotated to the other side to accommodate a leftie. I just walked around my dining room table a million times to cut fabric. NOW... I don't.

Could not help but take a picture of the fabrics that I have chosen for this new quilt. I really have to say....I LOVE THEM. Fabric is beginning to remind me alot like scrapbook paper, and a quilt, the finished page. I hope that my colour combo makes you as happy as it makes me.

So my friends....give yourselves permission this week to sit down and just SCRAPLIFT.

Wishing you all a week filled with everything wonderful.

We all have a little bit of chipboard pieces.....NOW DON'T WE

2010-10-31T15:44:00.002-04:00

I know you guys have some chipboard pieces, just hanging around, waiting to occupy space on a page. I was just simply waiting for the right time to use the maya road pieces from the baking set. We all have lots....lots and lots and lots of chipboard. Now it's time to use it.

Sometimes, I find we just don't use what we have, because we are not quite sure HOW to use it or WHAT to do with it. You know what, peeps? There doesn't have to be instruction. Just use it the way you want to. All I did was spray my Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists, which by the way absorb into the chipboard just beautifully. AND VOILA, thats it. I know that you will not be able to necessarily see that it comes shimmery, but trust me it does. So, I encourage you to use some chipboard on your next layout. Stamp on it, gesso it, spray it, paint it......OR JUST LEAVE IT. Wishing you all a wonderful first week of November, filled with something that makes you all happy.

AND.....if you still don't know what to do with a polaroid stamp

2010-10-24T21:28:00.002-04:00

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the polaroid stamp! How can you not NEED this stamp?

I have to admit, that sometimes, I find it quite difficult and challenging for me to use stamps on a layout. In fact, I get stressed about it, and am never quite sure where, why and how I should incorporate stamping with scrapbooking (I feel the same about spritzing and spraying). However, this stamp, I could use in so many ways, and I guarantee, that on every single layout it would look different.

I decided to use the polaroid stamp to highlight and show some of the pictures from the Summer. As I sit here blogging, looking at the layout, several other things come to mind.

How much fun would it be to stamp on patterned paper, use the centre as a journaling block or use pattern paper on the inside. Really, the ideas are endless.

This week I encourage you to use a stamp on your layout, or use something that you maybe "scared" of or not so comfortable using or doing. You will be glad you did.

Wishing you all a very Happy Halloweenish week ahead, filled with chocolates, smiles and sunshine.

When some kind of wonderful comes along.....

2010-10-17T14:27:00.007-04:00

YEP....I AM TALKING ABOUT SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL STAMP!!!

Look closely at my layout..

LOOK EVEN CLOSER

Ok, so you get what I am saying about the stamp? Look at that Polaroid Frame! Is it not outfreakingstanding? How do you live without a stamp like that? When I saw it, I have to admit that a million different ideas came flooding into the scrapping area of my brain. In fact this is one of two layouts that I did in the same week using the new Stamping Bella, Polaroid Frame stamp. Certainly a match made in heaven....the stamp and October Afternoon Seaside Paper.

I guarantee that the stamp, will turn your not so great pics taken from miles away, into a wonderful showcase of memories on a scrapbook page. Don't forget that the stamp also allows room to journal for each photo. For this layout, I simply stamped with stazon on the remaining photo paper that I had used to print my pics.....I then pulled out my "handy dandy" exacto knife and cut the middle section of the paper, so that I could place it however I wanted it over the photograph. Like I said, peeps....every now and then some kind of wonderful comes along!

This stamp sure is my wonderful for right now......

Wishing you all, a happy scrappy some kind of wonderful week!

Did I ever say how much I LOVE SC

2010-10-08T21:14:00.004-04:00

Well, if you not quite sure what SC stands for.... I will say it LOUD and CLEAR.

STUDIO CALICO!

You have no idea how much I LOVE that paper. You also have no idea how much I LOVE using that paper.

My entire layout was done with just a couple of different sheets from the documentary line, including the outstanding letters with which I did the title. So often we buy STUFF....lots and lots of STUFF, and then some more STUFF. Every bit of STUFF that goes with an entire paper line. C'mon, you know what I mean. We start with the paper, and then, of course, you know every pack of embellishments that match the line. Well, look carefully! This layout has got no stuff on it. That's one of the reasons WHY I love Studio Calico paper. There is just so much on the paper, that one can actually cut around, pop-dot and use as an embellishment. The cameras, the arrows, the letters.....all just cut out. And take one little guess where you can get all this yummy, scrummy stuff.....yep....Stamping Bella! Which reminds me....something GOOD is gonna be happening there! Like a fantasticus stamp release....so make sure you keep your eyes wide open.

To all of you.....I wish a wonderful long "Thanksgiving" Weekend....surrounded by good food, family and friends.

Stranded in the UK and no funds...but got Crate Layout

2010-09-27T21:07:00.002-04:00

Well, until this morning I always thought of myself as a fairly intelligent person, until around 11.00 a.m, when Helen called me to tell me, if I knew that an email was sent out, saying that I was stranded in the UK and needed money. Mmmm, got me thinking. Yep my totally unintelligent side stepped right forward and reminded me of the email that I replied to yesterday. An email that asked me to reply to "yahoo' with my login name and password, to ensure continuation of my account. Well, as I was doing so, I actually questioned myself, knowing that I was STUPIDLY responding to this....and continued to do so! So peeps, don't do what I did....and freely give out some personal information....

Much of the day was then spent correcting, panicking, stressing, testing, emailing, facebooking, retesting and re emailing. THE END RESULT....a new gmail account, and starting my face book....ALL OVER AGAIN. But, the good thing is that I am not stranded in the UK, waiting for money....and just to prove it, here is a layout that I LOVE.

I believe that it is quite fine to stand back from ones own work, and admit to liking it. Kinda the same way, we should be able to accept complements. I did this layout using the "Restoration" papers and all the goodies that went along with it. If I have not already mentioned ten thousand million times..."I LOVE CRATE PAPER"!!!!!!!

DID YOU HEAR ME????

JUST IN CASE YOU DIDN'T....

I SAID...I LOVE CRATE PAPER

So to all of you, I wish a week, filled with song, dance, laughter and everything wonderful

This weekend marks the beginning of a new quilt

2010-09-19T17:51:00.002-04:00

Like I have said before....I am very unclear about when and how I started to quilt, and I never believed that I would ever say the words, "I quilt"......

FIRST LESSON

never say never

So this is the beginning of my second quilt. I found the pattern in a magazine and headed off to buy the fabrics....WELL, the lady at the store advised that the pattern might be a little more than I was able to do as a second project, without ever having done a quilting class.

SECOND LESSON

the more someone tells me I can't do something, the more motivated I am to do it.

(why doesn't someone tell me I will NEVER lose weight?)

I guess that one could say a pattern is much like a recipe, so I followed directions with cutting my fabric.....easy peasy! Then came the little challenge, of what quilters call "half square triangles". After practicing on a few scraps, determined to do it....I DID IT. Yep, half square triangles, with no lesson.

THIRD LESSON

if you really want to do something.....YOU CAN!

Yesterday, I decided to start sewing my squares together.....I sewed and I sewed and I sewed, and the next thing I knew, I sewed the entire quilt top. AND I LOVE IT!

I just wanted to share the beginning of this project with you, and look forward to showing you my second complete quilt. Don't worry, I have already started gathering fabric for my third one.

Just looking at all the colours together makes me happy, reminds me of patterned scrapbook papers that I love. I am happy for all the hobbies that occupy my time.

Wishing you all a wonderful week filled with time for you to enjoy YOUR hobbies.

Why wait....when there is Crate?

2010-09-13T19:58:00.006-04:00

What I really mean by that title is...Why wait to do a winter or Christmas layout, when Crate Paper is in my favorite store (Stamping Bella), right now?

So, looking at all this STUNNING paper, I could not resist the urge to pull up some of last Winters pictures. I mean isn't that what scrapbooking is all about....we eventually have just the right picture to match just the right paper. Let me tell you people.....YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHING, I MEAN NOTHING, AS FABULOUS AS THIS CRATE PAPER RELEASE.

I have to say this line is outfreakingstanding....really all three of there new lines.

Please NOTE....so proud of myself. I used the Stamping Bella Stamp "Capture the Moment", and stamped it on the back of one of the papers, FROSTY (to be exact). C'mon, doesn't it look like it was part of the paper and was supposed to be there?

I urge you all to get really scrap happy with the new Crate Paper, and start creating.

Enjoy your week, and don't forget to make a little time for yourself.

Sometimes you just know....

2010-09-05T17:06:00.004-04:00

And for this, I knew exactly that I wanted to use the "Believe Tree" stamp, from Stamping Bella.

I absolutely love this stamp, along with the "I am Script" stamp.

I am also very proud to say, that for this layout, I used everything that I had at home, and DID NOT, I repeat, DID NOT.....run out and buy anything new. I pulled out some of my big maya road chipboard letters, and used the script stamp with tattered angels mist, to stamp over them.

I really like the way that it looks, and have not done that before. I was kind of not wanting the letters to have a solid look of paint or spritz.

I also had in mind that I was going to use the pink paislee paper, simply because I loved the colour combinations of the browns and yellows. I started the layout by simply stamping the tree, right where you see it, and went from there. Just some pretty patterned paper, a bunch of butterfly punches, a shipping tag (btw...everyone needs to have these), and some ink.

YOU SEE....nothing fancy here!

I got to say, I really enjoyed doing this layout, partly because I just sat and did it....no sketch, no idea, no lifting. I also realized that I did not agonize over it, where every butterfly should be placed, and where every scrap of paper should be stuck. It felt liberating to just do a layout.

I hope that you all have a wonderful labour day...For those of you whose children are going back to school, I wish for them a great start to a great school year. I wish for YOU, a labour day filled with family, friends, fun....and a little creativity.

To Whom I have Never Met

2010-09-01T22:49:00.002-04:00

Of course, one must keep their moleskin (or other journal) with them at all times....you never know when inspiration may hit. Or when, simply, someone else's words make you just want to write and write and write.

Well, this was exactly where and how this journal page came about.

The words of someone else, whom I have never met, but just exchanged conversation with....was the prompt for this page.

I had this picture saved away in my stash for quite awhile, waiting for the right time or journal page on which to use it....after looking at it for so long, I decided that there is no such thing as "the right time". It's all about the "here" and "now".

So there I went, just sticking it in the middle of a page, knowing that the "right" words and the "right" time would find there way onto this journal page, and sure enough, they did. There are so many things I would like to say to the woman who inspired this page. She will know who she is, if she ever reads this....and for now, all I can say is "thank you". You have made me look a little deeper, think a little harder and question everything a little more.

I do know that, had I not been carrying my moleskin around with me, these words, feelings and emotions would have never been put on paper....I would have moved past her words, that moment, that day....I would have never remembered the way her words made me feel.

Moments, memories and feelings are fleeting....capture them, all of them.

One day, you will be glad you did.

Waiting for the right layout to use the stuff

2010-08-29T20:26:00.002-04:00

August 29, 2010

Last Summer I decided I wanted to go into one of those little photo booths in the mall, you know, the one where you sit down, close the little curtain, and hope that NO ONE saw you going in on your own. C'mon, you know exactly which ones I am referring to. Either because you did what I did, or you saw some lonely person going in there alone, to smile at there reflection. Well those little pics were my intention for a layout last summer....guess what?

They sat in my wallet for a whole year.....just waiting, hanging out and waiting.

Well little did I know, but those photobooth pictures were actually waiting to meet American Crafts chipboard frames. FYI, those frames were also just waiting to get the lucky position on a layout. My point.....we, as scrapbookers have so much STUFF, which of course we justify, and have every intention of using......AND WE DO......even if it's a year later.

So, this week pull out something that you really could NOT wait to use and enjoy.

Have a wonderful week filled with something creative.

Just a little journaling (and don't it feel GOOD)

2010-08-21T16:47:00.003-04:00

August 22, 2010

Well, it certainly has been a while since I posted a journal page, so here it is!

And my inspiration for this page.....a quote that I ripped out of a magazine. However, let me NOT forget to mention that LOTS of journal pages are sprouted out of quotes. I have to say that quotes found in books, magazines or overheard are definately some of the best journal prompts. They make us think and write about things that we may not have thought to write about on our own.

Some people have asked me if I ever worry about what I journal, is being read by others....well, my take on that is, sometimes WHAT or HOW we may write is interpreted different ways by different people, who have NO idea what was running through my mind, or what I was thinking whilst journaling. I also feel that there is so much on an art journal page, that others are fairly distracted by the colours and images.....It is also okay to do a page that remains 100% private, that others need not see.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend full of something creative.....

a DOODLEBUG kinda day

2010-08-11T08:51:00.002-04:00

August 11, 2010

THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT DOODLEBUG

THAT JUST MAKES ME WANNA SMILE

How could one NOT love all the colours, patterns, stickers and die cuts from this line. It also just so happens that blue and green is definately one of my very favorite colour combinations.

For those of you who may have received the last issue of "Scrapbook and Cards Today", look on the back cover. Look familiar? Yep! There advertisement was definately the inspiration for this layout. How many times do you find yourself taking a particular picture, just so that you can use the papers you have just bought to match a layout you have just found to lift? Well, sometimes, our little kidlets don't always co-operate to strike a pose to please the paper.

No worries....coz' I know that you also have boxes and albums of older pictures. This is where I found this picture of my now 14.5 year old.....tucked away with the pics from before I started this crazy, insane addiction.

Remember....never be stressed about something that you are supposed to enjoy doing!

Find the time....a little bit of it each day, to put towards your creativity.

Well...can't wait! Just two more sleeps and then MEXICO here I come.

Who says it needs to be in order.....and some exciting news

2010-08-04T20:05:00.006-04:00

August 4, 2010

So if any of you have ever found yourself thinking...."better scrapbook in order", "can't do this layout, before I do that layout"....THINK AGAIN, MY FRIENDS.

Look carefully at my layout....picture taken the day the kids went back to school last fall, scrapbooked and journalled August 2011. Yep, almost a full year later. AND GUESS WHAT???There are NO scrapbook police (contrary to what you may believe). I am not a firm believer in too much structure....one should always have the freedom to pick and choose what makes one happy. Who said, that as as scrapbookers, we have to do layouts in chronological order. We don't......it is just the pressure that we put upon ourselves. So, around sometime last fall, I put this picture, along with the papers and embellishments in my favourite zip a file pockets, knowing that the time would come, that I would work on the layout. Here it is....I like it, and I hope that you do to.

NOW FOR SOME BIG NEWS

I am so super excited....I mean REALLY excited.....very, very excited. Like, I can't believe it excited. STUDIO CALICO PAPER IS ON THE WAY TO STAMPING BELLA.

You got to be excited about this too. It is definately one of my very favourite papers in the world. Never looked forward to a Monday as much as I am looking forward to this coming Monday.

Enjoy the rest of the week.....

Just working on a few things.....

2010-07-25T17:46:00.002-04:00

July 25, 2010

It's a beautiful Sunday afternoon, I am sitting in my backyard, enjoying the fact that I CAN sit outside and BLOG. This post is also one to celebrate ALL that I am currently working on.

So, as you can see from the above picture, there are just a few projects on the go right now. I also adamantly refuse to sit inside and craft, when the sun is shining outside. With that philosophy of mine, I have come to accept that I do lose some precious crafting hours in honour of Summer, sunshine and good weather. Well, at this point in time, my crafting goals for the weekend have definately NOT been met. On Friday afternoon, I did write in my little handy dandy notebook, (which just happens to be a moleskin) what projects I wanted to accomplish on the weekend. Don't ask me how I just became a quilter, but it kinda just happened. I think my good ole' friend Agnes, printed out a "how to do your first quilt" from Susan Weinroths Blog, which also happened to be on the same day as Emily, Agnes, Dianne and I went on a little field trip to a fabric store. So, after looking at all the BEEUTIFUL fabrics, I decided that I definately needed to quilt, because fabric was NOW scrapbook paper. In and amongst spending some fabulous time with Zoe (my eight year old youngest, but most mature), I managed to get some quilting done....actually more than I expected. I was clearly NOT going to sleep until all these rows down and rows across were joined. AND NOT, I might add, as easy peasy as I expected. Helen, if you are reading this, I pulled out row 4 about 4 times.

Looking at the above picture, I am grateful for all these wonderful hobbies, that bring me so much enjoyment and fulfillment, but that will also leave behind a story with every single piece, page, layout, picture and quilt. I never allow myself to believe that I am to busy for some time to craft.....it can be as short a time as the five minutes it may take to glue things down......but it's my time.

I wish you a week of enjoying all the unfinished, and soon to be finished projects on your desks.

Remember, don't stress about it.....take a few moments each day to enjoy your time.

Time to Fly a Kite

2010-07-18T18:08:00.005-04:00

July 18, 2010

I got to say.....I LOVE OCTOBER AFTERNOON!!!!!!!!

I don't know about all of you, but....how can I find more hours in my day?

I thought that I had my crafty schedule all figured out....Wednesday was supposed to be for inspiration journal, Monday for other forms of art journaling, and maybe a couple other days were designated for scrapbooking. NO SIRREEEEE.......does not quite work that way. As you can see from my last post, it's been a while since my last layout.

This one was inspired by one of the Studio Calico Sunday Sketches from a couple of weeks ago. I have been hoarding and holding onto the October Afternoon papers, and decided that this layout would be just perfect from the "Fly a Kite" collection.....

By the way, look carefully at the top of the layout....the "today" and "remember" memory block stamps, from Stamping Bella..It was the first time that I have used them this way with coloured ink. The idea came from one of the Scrapping Bella Babes (Jill Sprott). If you have not checked out her blog....you really should....her layouts are super fantastic.

Well, just off to see "Despicable Me" with the family.....and to all of you.......

WISHES FOR A WONDERFUL, HAPPY AND CREATIVE WEEK AHEAD.

Tales from the Scale

2010-07-07T17:32:00.003-04:00

July 7, 2010

So here I go again.....back to Weight Watchers, and celebrating my return with a layout.

Don't be fooled with the term "lifetime" member....it simply means, come back and get weighed at any time....so long as you are within your two pounds of goal weight, you don't pay. "LIFETIME" member DOES NOT mean.....once you reach your goal weight, you will necessarily maintain it for a lifetime.

Now, if I am not mistaken, several blog entries ago, I recall doing a journal page, called "Accountabily and Goals"....remember? Well, that too, was a celebration of a Weight Watchers return. However, the celebration went on, and I never returned.

This time, I had it all figured out....I was going back to the scales, simply because I had a layout in mind, which incorporated the October Afternoon Paper, which I have been saving for just the right time. Not to mention the Tim Holtz ruler ribbon. I mean really, how many times have we dressed for an occasion, just so that we could get the picture, to use the product. Yep, that's EXACTLY why I crusaded myself back on this journey (NOT).

Got to say....look closely at the left hand side of the page.....just LOVE using the little manila tags. Guess where they came from? Yep, none other than my favorite scrapbook store in the entire world.....in fact, that's where everything came from.....STAMPING BELLA.

Hope that you too, are all working on a layout, that you specially took pictures for, in order to use that paper that you bought.

I AM

2010-06-30T18:09:00.003-04:00

June 30, 2010

The "I am" stamp.....

Well let me start by saying that I could hardly contain my excitement at the i am stamp.

I mean really, that stamp is a must....and I knew immediately just what I wanted to do with it.

As mothers, as women, as crafters.....how many many times have you quietly said the words to yourself "who am I"?

Well this stamp says SO very much in just two LITTLE words.....

It can describe an emotion, an age, a feeling, as well as all the roles we play.....and heaven knows, we are many things to many people.

Take time....reflect....think about who you are?

Think about the layout you can can do with the "i am" stamp.

Just do it......get the stamp, and do the layout....

By the way....FYI....I know exactly just where you can get this stamp.

Inspiration Everywhere

2010-06-28T21:10:00.002-04:00

June 28, 2010

I saw this quote in a magazine, and could not help myself from cutting it out....and using it for my inspiration in this art journal page. I also have a rule with myself, that I generally like to write the words out, as opposed to just cutting and pasting them. I always feel that part of the art is the actual writing itself.....BUT, here, I decided to break the rule. I mean which voice inside my head said that I was NOT supposed to cut and paste words. I made that rule myself....and in the world of art journaling....RULES JUST DO NOT APPLY.

So in terms of inspiration, I have found myself ripping up adverts in magazines, which I sometimes file and put away, because in some way, they have inspired me, whether it be because of colour or design. As I have said before, allow yourselves to be inspired and to use an idea on a scrapbook page, journal page or card. Sometimes even just a colour scheme is enough to take the guesswork away and just get started.

Enjoy the week.....and enjoy Inspiration Everywhere.

Buzz and Bloom Bubbles

2010-06-21T21:26:00.002-04:00

June 21, 2010

YAY......to the first official day of Summer! and to a Buzz and Bloom layout complete.

So when this big piece of bubble chipboard came into the store....I just knew that I had to have it. I also knew immediately that the circles would be filled with paper that made me happy and pictures to go with it. As you all know, we excitedly buy a new goodie and immediately think that we are going to use it ASAP....in fact, we sometimes buy two of that goodie for the "just in case". Yep, and that's exactly what I did with this. As I have said before, the Buzz and Bloom Chipboard is totally fun to play with.

I first applied a layer of gesso and then some paint.....and then I arranged and re-arranged paper and pictures over quite a few days....y'know, till you get it just the way you want it.

So here it is....my layout celebrating a wonderful weekend playing, creating, learning and being inspired with Donna Downey.

Have a great week filled with sunshine and laughter.

A Little Bit of 7 Gypsies meets October Afternoon

2010-06-13T17:35:00.002-04:00

June 13, 2010

Can't tell you how many times I kept picking up the 7 gypsies vintage receipt holder.....not sure if it was because I loved it, or because I proclaim myself a "gypsy girl", and must LOVE everything the gypsies come out with. Well, after the deliberation of "should I, or shouldn't I"..., and having looked at the example at the back of the box...I decided to pair my two fave brands right now.....

INTRODUCING

7 GYPSIES

OCTOBER AFTERNOON

FEATURING

THE VINTAGE RECEIPT HOLDER

So, here it is......and I got to say, I LOVED doing it. It really was a fun project. I have to confess though, that I did draw my inspiration from the back of the box of the receipt holder. The wonderful thing about doing this project is that, I got to use alot of product that I already had, and would not necessarily have used.

So for those of you who have the receipt holder, and are not sure what to do with it.....JUST DO IT.

Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead, filled with sunshine, laughter......and some time to create.

C'MON GET HAPPY NOW (and one more sleep)

2010-06-03T16:12:00.003-04:00

June 3, 2010

HAPPY....did someone say "happy".....just doing the "happy dance"......around and around.

One more sleep......for what? THE FINAL COUNTDOWN......the final countdown to what?

...............DONNA DOWNEY...................

So here it is, an art journal page to celebrate the way I feel right now.

I really can't wait for this weekend, starting tomorrow, especially that the excitement has been building and building. I mean ridiculously so. Starting from when boxes arrived in the store, which had a sent from Donna Downey address. Just thinking about this weekend, makes me smile all over. Three days of classes filled with everything I could possibly dream of doing and being with people that all have the same excitement for the event that I do.

So here's to me, to you, to paint, to spritz, to canvas, to colour......but more importantly....

Here's to the person who made this all possible, the same person who makes my everyday wonderful and fills it with laughter, and makes me wish the journey will never end. Here's to you Emily!

"If you want a rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain"

2010-05-27T19:18:00.005-04:00

May 27, 2010

I just loved the Kioshi paper when I saw it....and knew exactly which layout I wanted to use it for. The soft gentle colours...a palette of pastels reminded me of my rainbow pictures from last Summer. However, I will say, that the pics of the rainbow are NOT exactly wonderful. I remember being in such a rush to just quickly take them. I LOVE rainbows, and have never had a camera with me when I have previously seen one. I was determined that no matter how bad the pictures were....come hell or high water, they were going on a layout with this soft, pretty and dainty looking paper. I was inspired to do this layout by one that I had seen in the Spring Edition of "Scrapbook and Cards Today", by Lisa Dickenson, where she too, used rainbow pictures. My placement and size of the pictures was definately scraplifted, along with the idea of different pattern paper behind.

Now, scroll down and look closer.....much closer...

THIS CLOSE.........

See the stamps??????????

I love them and was able to incorporate them into part of this layout for expressive journalling purposes. I used "beautiful" definition block, as well as label memory block. These stamps are a must. Never underestimate the use of stamps in a layout, especially all the definition stamps. They are expressive and can sometimes be all that you need, if you don't like the journalling part. Go ahead, try something new....something that you wouldn't usually do.

"See My Garden, See My Soul"

2010-05-25T18:22:00.004-04:00

May 25, 2010

I know that by looking at the above pictures, you may be asking yourselves, "where is the scrapbook layout?"...."Is this an art journalling entry?".....NO SIREEEEE!

This is a whole other part of me.....my garden. This was the most wonderful weekend....I spent so many hours planning, arranging, re-arranging and planting my garden. In my eyes, gardening is yet another creative outlet, we are able to express ourselves even more, in the plants that we buy, and how we arrange them. Do you like your flower beds and pots symmetrical, neat and tidy? OR a little, you know....wild, wooly and all over the place. Well....I have to have pots on my patio.....EVERYWHERE, grown and overgrown. In my opinion, one can never be surrounded by too many plants and flowers. There is nothing more relaxing to me, than coming home at the end of day, going into my garden, and gathering my thoughts.

For those of you who love this too, I wish you a warm, green and colourful Summer, and for those that are NOT too green thumb inclined, just start off with a small window box or planter. You will feel happy watching the fruit of your labour grow, flower and flourish.

There is a BUZZ and BLOOM over at the BELLA BOO-TIQUE

2010-05-18T17:34:00.016-04:00

May 18, 2010

Well there is chipboard and there is chipboard.....and then along came BUZZ and BLOOM, which definately gives new meaning to the word "chipboard".....it is nothing like what I have ever seen, touched, spritzed, painted and played with before. It is nothing short of outstanding. Not only is it fabulous to use, but it comes in shapes, fonts, words, flowers.....name it? Where, o, where can you get it.....TONS OF IT? None other than my favorite place in the whole wide world....STAMPING BELLA. You see, one thing, amongst many, that I love about Emily, is that when she see's something she likes....she goes full steam ahead....and we usually have just about everything.

For this layout, I used the "celebrate life " stamp the new Basic Grey Elements Paper and trims, Tim Holtz filmstrip, and Buzz and Bloom Fonts.....shelby, tubby, vette (upper and lower case), as well as Up the Garden Path and On Cloud Nine. I also spritzed the chipboard with Tattered Angels Marshmallow, which just gave such a pretty sheen. Right now, I got to say, that this Buzz and Bloom stuff is really Buzzin' and Bloomin' all around my head....can't think of much else.

Hope you get to experience this chipboard stuff.....you'll love it....I guarantee.

K.I.S.S

2010-05-12T19:13:00.008-04:00

May 12, 2010

What does K.I.S.S stand for.....you may ask?

KEEP IT SUPER SIMPLE

I have to say, that this is definately one of MY very favorite layouts. Not quite sure what makes it so....but if I look at it, I think it is the simplicity of it....just some pattern paper, some pictures and minimal embellishments. We scrapbookers are hoarders, collectors and gatherers...we complain about the amount of paper we have, AND YET, we are unable to stop ourselves from buying more....so really that is another reason why I love this layout. I can take any paper from my favorite collections and easily apply them to this layout. I bet it would look totally different if I did....not only that, but I would also use some of the older stuff to make room for the new. We are inclined to want to put everything on a page...just because it is all soooooo beautiful, we have bought it all to match, and we MUST use it. NO SIRREEEE! don't always be tempted to empty out your stash and attach it to every spare space on the page. I guarantee you that the embellishments you bought to match a certain collection, you will land up using elsewhere where you least expected to. I encourage you to make something simple and using something a little older in your stash. We all LOVE the new stuff, but DON'T FORGET the old. And now, my countdown begins.....can't wait for the Donna Downey classes over at Stamping Bella ....I am sooooo super excited and have already put my name down for all of them. Can't wait.....if you have not checked out these classes, you should, you REALLY should.

Accountability and Goals

2010-05-06T19:34:00.003-04:00

May 6, 2010

How many times have I heard myself say "the diet starts on Monday?" You know how super skinny I would be if I actually lived what I said. You know how many Mondays I have eaten my way through.....just justifying it and saying to myself..."Thank God, there is a Monday every week." I can not tell you how many times I have walked up those stairs, telling myself " I can't believe I am here again." Yep....good ole' Weight Watchers. The journey through that door is way too much of a familiar one. Even becoming a lifetime member a number of years ago, here I go again....

I have learnt that losing weight is NOT only about the exercise (what...did someone say exercise), and healthy food choices, BUT also about accountability. For those of you who are lucky enough to NOT be familiar with Weight Watchers (GRRRRR), one is supposed to write down what one eats....yep ACCOUNTABILITY, and that I believe helps one achieve goals. Hence, my above journal page....by doing and posting this page even makes me more accountable....I have announced and journaled my intentions. I am accountable by way of anyone asking how I am doing at WW.....(but please don't ask....just in case). Every week I am now accountable to that damn blinking scale and the little Weight Watchers patrol that stands behind it. If any of you have a goal...no matter how big or how small, write it down, somewhere, anywhere. You are more likely to achieve it that way.

But no matter what the diet is of the week....I can guarantee, that at around 4pm, every afternoon, you will always hear Emily or I yell across the store "what's for SUPPAH?"

So here's to me, you, accountability and reaching for our goals.

Another Sketch Layout

2010-05-03T18:02:00.008-04:00

May 3, 2010

Here is another layout that I did based on a Studio Calico Sketch. I especially love when they post the sketch with no layout.....WHY????? you may ask! Simply said, it takes away the temptation to scraplift....there is NOTHING I can copy. I am therefore forced to use the products and imagination that I have. For this layout I used the Stamping Bella Scrappy Stamps...which are the Round memory block and Today memory block. I LOVE these stamps for journalling. Very often, I hear people say that they don't include journalling on there layouts, because they don't like there handwriting. Firstly, remember....your handwriting is UNIQUE....in years to come, someone will really love that it is authentic, it is real and it was a part of YOU. These stamps are great for journalling because they do not require alot of writing. It can be as simple as the date, the day and a thought.

I encourage YOU to do a layout based on the space in which you craft....I know it is an important part of our lives...it is where we hide out and spend all the spare time that we can. It is definately MY best spot in the house (besides my garden.)

Go ahead and do a layout.....don't just think about it!

The Agony and the Ecstasy of a sketch

2010-04-28T17:14:00.013-04:00

April 28 2010

Does one really need to reinvent the wheel? How much easier it is to work from a sketch? Why I refer to it as the agony, is because, how many times do you arrange and re-arrange each piece of paper and element to make it look JUST like the sketch. I have spent countless hours agonizing, moving bits of paper and embellishments around on a page....never quite satisfied until I have tried every available option....BUT, the truth is, in years to come, no one will ever wander if the flower looked better on the left or the right....should it have been letter stickers or die cut alphabet? All that will matter is the beautiful page that told a story....and then the ecstasy (or satisfaction) follows.....THE FINISHED LAYOUT.

This layout was inspired by one of the Sunday Sketches from Studio Calico. I really love following these. They take the guess work out of getting started, and let you use, and enjoy all the paper that we so lovingly hoard and complain about never using. For my journaling on this layout I used the label memory block from Stamping Bella, as well as all the Dear Lizzy paper and embellishments. By the way, I really loved making the fabric flower.....wish I could make a whole garden full of them....fun to try, if you haven't already.

I urge and encourage you to take a sketch and JUST DO IT. I am already working on the next Sunday Sketch. Hope to post it soon.

"Please Sir....may I have some more"

2010-04-25T11:26:00.004-04:00

April 25, 2010

Are we EVER satisfied with what we have? Is it human nature to always want MORE? Does it make us greedy for wanting more? And how much of the MORE, are we actually in charge of for ourselves? Sitting down to do this page, I realized that I spend alot of time complaining about how much more of this or that I want....but the truth is, I am capable of changing certain things and habits to actually accomplish some of the MORE that I am looking for. This week, I hope to keep in mind some of the things that I have journaled about, and be more responsible to myself and complain a little less....and accomplish alot more.

I will start working on putting together "my week in the life", as well as finishing a layout currently on my table, with some of my best American Crafts Dear Lizzy paper. Hopefully, will post it later this week.....

Enjoy your day, and think about what YOU want MORE off, that you CAN provide yourself.

What to do with WASHI

2010-04-21T18:20:00.009-04:00

Washi (和紙^?) is a type ofpaper made in Japan. Washi is commonly made using fibers from the bark of the gampi tree.

Really who could not love washi tape .....it replaces ribbon in every way, shape and form. Not only does it replace.....it is actually so much better. WHY? you may ask. The answer......there is no dilemma on how to stick the stuff down....it is tape, so therefore, it is adhesive. Another advantage.....it is paper, so one can just tear it, as opposed to having to use a scissors. I mean c'mon, admit it....there is always that battle to get the ribbon to not unravel and have those tattered edges. Of course, with washi tape and all the different widths and colours it comes in, one can also layer it. Simply said..... I LOVE WASHI TAPE.

This layout was based on a sketch that Kelly Purkey had during her week of sketchbook. Wherever strips of patterned paper were used, I simply replaced them with washi tape. I also used the Jillibean white corrugated letters, and 7 gypsies 97% complete stickers.

BUT....best of all.....look.....look closely. Even closer now! Check out the stamp "information", which came from the new labels collection 1 set. I mean really, who could NOT want this set for journalling, and for those of you who don't love to journal, this set is great.....allows for just a matter of a few words. By the way.....you can also journal and stamp on WASHI.

Hope that you all get to use some soon....it's fun, you will like it and I promise you will want more of it.

Celebrating Eight

2010-04-19T17:47:00.007-04:00

April 19, 2010

Well, I have to say, that I am a little late in celebrating eight....Zoe (my youngest) turned eight years old last November. I have been procrastinating in doing her birthday layout, partly because I did not LOVE the pictures I had, and I was not sure what paper to use. Now, I happen to be a fan of Jenni Bowlin Paper, which I love to buy, but I don't always seem to use. BINGO....Agnes, came in and showed me a layout which I kind of scraplifted.....I don't know where it came from or from whom it came....but I got the circle idea from it. So, thanks to whoever you are.....
For this layout I used Jenni Bowlin Afternoon Tea, Jenni Bowlin By the Yard, Jenni Bowlin Mercantile, Jenni Bowlin Saloon and Sheriffs Office.....all available from Stamping Bella.
BUT....I LOVE each and every definition stamp, and would like if every letter of the alphabet was represented with a word definition.... (now that's alot of rubbah). On this layout, I used the Birthday Definition Block, as well as the Scraplines tickets (which come with cake please, happy birthday and party animal.)

Also, this is Day one of the "Week in the Life"....hope you playing along too.

Here's a good week to all, and thanks for all the comments....it certaintly is very motivating and nice to read....

Just a Little Bit of this and a Little Bit of That

2010-04-17T17:26:00.006-04:00

April 17, 2010

Well I did say that I would be posting and including some other stuff that keeps me busy...so HERE IT IS....yesterdays page from my art journal. Now if someone would have mentioned to me five months ago, the term "art journaling", I would have looked at them rather blankly, (Emily knows that look), and thought "huh". Well it was not until i discovered that it is the next best thing, or maybe on a par to scrapbooking. There are so many different approaches to doing and completing a page....sometimes I don't even know what style is really mine, and I incorporate alot of what I have seen and learnt all on one page. I have also stopped worrying so much about what the finished page will look like, and am allowing myself to enjoy the process more....I mean after all, it's my journal, housing my words, thoughts, emotions, lists etc...on the decorated page. Now if this all seems appealing, I urge you to check out Teesha Moore's Blog...that is what truly inspires me.....as well as Kelly Kilmer.

Remember, there is NO right OR wrong in this process...."JUST DO IT."

Also, I am really excited about starting Ali's "Week in The Life"...in fact, I can't wait....I rushed around today at work excitedly gathering the papers that I thought I would be using. The only problem is that, I declare myself, the ultimate Ali Edwards copycat, and NOT being able to have the EXACT same papers she showed, did throw me into a little panicked frenzy....however, with a little help from my friends Agnes and Diane, we were able to put together a group of seven papers which I love. "Week in the Life" really is a wonderful way to document our everyday lives....and I urge and encourage everyone to do it....you will be glad you did.

2010-04-15T21:51:00.006-04:00

COLOUR ME HAPPY

April 16, 2010

So here I am finally, in a world I never thought I would be. I truly have to say a BIG thank you to my two fans, Emily and Helen, who if it were not for them and there encouragement, I would have never entered this little land of blogspot dot com. I am here and glad to be able to share with all (even if it is just Emily and Helen), all the wonderful musing of my daily life, which include just the everyday, art journaling, scrapbooking and of course the enthusiasm of where I spend most of my days, at Stamping Bella......Well this all brings me to the title of my first blog entry COLOUR ME HAPPY. I did this layout inspired by all the wonderful stuff we call "Happy Tape", I mean who would not want to own all these rolls of fabulous colour. However, just sitting and doing my layout, reminded me of all the things I truly am happy for....the simple things....the things we tend to overlook when daily life and exhaustion take over.

Sit down and think about it....think about something that makes YOU happy RIGHT NOW. Take a picture of it, write about it, document it....turn it into a scrapbook page.....c'mon.....I CHALLENGE YOU. You will be glad you did in the years to come.

I also used one of the stamps from the new Stamping Bella Scraplines, the label block "Photo of the Day"....got to say, I just love this set.

And now an apology.....my photography of layouts is terrible....sometimes crooked, sometimes cropped, however, I do make it one of my goals of this blog to improve on those skills....so I hope that for all who read this....you stay with me on this wonderful journey, and to the two people who I know will read this first......THANK YOU, I COULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU.