Sketchy Saturday > July 30th

Another week of Sketchy Saturday at WeScrap and this week, I was lucky to work with this great sketch from fellow iTeam member, Jennifer Benoit.

I changed it slightly by replacing one of the photos with 8-1" photos and I moved the entire paper/photo element to the lower left quadrant.  Here's my layout:

Supplies:  Bazzill Basics cardstock; Bo Bunny patterned paper and chipboard; Cosmo Cricket alpha stickers; myStamp BOX stamps (Symbols); StazOn ink; Tim Holtz filmstrip transparency; Martha Stewart Crafts border punch; McGill punch (tab); Glue Dots; Heidi Swapp distressing tool; WRMK Sew Easy too; American Crafts Slick Writer; Sharpie; staples.  Main photo by Amanda Lepage.  Smaller photos by Connor Sykes.

When we were in Niagara Falls, Connor kept bugging me to take photos with my new D300s.  To say that I was a little leary is an understatement.  This was the first real chance I had to use my new camera and I had visions of him breaking something or worse, dropping it.  However, I had to realize that my baby boy is now 11, going on 12 and was becoming a responsible adult.  So with several warnings about keeping it around his neck and always keeping his hands on it, I handed it over while Amanda and I waited in line for our Maid of the Mist tickets.

I was delighted when I uploaded the photos and saw what he had taken!  It's amazing how children can have such a different viewpoint when it comes to photography.  I cropped some of his photos into squares and printed them out in black and white.  I also cropped Connor out of a group photo of the four kids, taken by Amanda, and printed that in black and white, as well:

I popped the photos of people and left the others flat.  Connor's photo is mounted on a folded card, which hides journaling (yet to be added!):

Using myStamp BOX camera stamp and StazOn, I added a small cluster in the top right corner.  I also distressed the edges of the layout and added a small tear to the upper edge:

Thanks, Jen, for a great sketch - it was just what I needed to break out of my slump!  I love how this turned out!

If you'd like to play along with this great sketch,  you can check it out here on WeScrap and enter to win a fabulous prize!

Playing catch up...

Has it really been a whole week since I last blogged??  I was doing so well at the beginning of the year, too!  Ah well, I'm still trying to settle in to working 5 days a week again!

We're off in the morning to visit Gary's cousin, Melanie, who's flown in from England to visit my mother-in-law, who is still in the hospital, seven weeks after her surgery.  I have never met any of the English relatives and Gary hasn't seen any of them in years either, so although I wish it was under better circumstances, it will be nice to finally place a face with the name!  We're only heading out for the day, so I suspect that we will all be so tired tomorrow night!

I have several posts on the go, waiting patiently for me to finish and publish them, but for now, I will have to leave you with a synopsis of what's to come ...

1)  Connor had another two teeth pulled today - that's all four canines in two weeks!  Details about why and pics to follow...

2)  More toothy news - Aili has lost both of her front teeth!  Add it to the missing tooth and let's just say that she had quite a breezy smile right now!  Her lisp from the missing front tooth is adorable and I will try to interview her on what she thinks about this all and share so you can hear it, too!

3)  Pics and news of my sister's fundraiser in June will be coming soon!  She and Sarah surpassed their goal easily and were overwhelmed by everyone's generosity.  The local paper, the Sunparlour News, used a few of my photos in a write up  so I'll share a link to that as well.

4)  I haven't really had a chance to share our vacation photos or experiences with the Lepage family when they came down at the beginning of the month!  Fears were overcome, fun was had and lots of money was spent! :)

5)  Last night, we surprised Connor with his iPod for which he has been saving up.   His face was priceless!  He was so excited and kept saying, "You guys are the best!"  We were expecting to buy it in Toronto at the Apple store where his uncle works, but Gary ended up finding a great deal here in Windsor and snagged the last one. Too bad, because I would have liked one, too!  Guess I'll have to hold out for my iPad... :)

And just a few reminders and tidbits to share with you...

Registration is open for the Great Canadian Scrapbook Carnival!  There are two locations, Calgary and Edmonton, and my fabulous CS teammates will be on hand, teaching some incredible classes!  Join the crazy girls I love:  Jackie Ludlage, Cathie Allan, Christy Riopel, Allison Orthner, Connie Nichol and Susan Weckesser!

If I were closer, I'd go!! Heck, who knows... I may still show up! :)

And the last thing I'll share is the "Deal or No Deal" contest that is going on over at WeScrap!  We are taking signups until Sunday night, I believe, but don't quote me!  You can read more about it here in the forum... come on out for some fun and get inspired by the contest challenges!

Okay, that's it for me - it's super late and I have a few finishing touches to put on a layout for tomorrow's Sketchy Saturday challenge!  See ya on the flip side!

Leave Your Legacy: Child of God

Welcome to a new Leave Your Legacy challenge! If you're new to my blog, welcome! You can learn more about my Leave Your Legacy challenge here.

In searching through some of my old baby photos the other day, I came across a bunch of photos from my baptism.  I sat, in rapt silence, thumbing through them.  Wondering if the officiating priest is still alive?  I think he was still alive for my mom's funeral, albeit retired.  Remember how my niece looked on her baptism day, wearing that same baptism gown.   Marveling at how strong and handsome my uncle, my godfather, looked - a seemingly impossibility based on his present state of health.

As an Italian who was raised Catholic (aren't we all?), I have been to scores of baptisms.  But it wasn't until my own children were baptised, that I understood the true meaning of the ceremony.  That God is accepting you into His family, with open arms and promised to love and protect you forever.

Kinda like we do with our kids.

I figured that becoming one of God's kids deserved a little attention...

Here's your challenge this week:
Scrapbook your baptism photos, and describe how you feel today about your faith.  If you don't have any photos, use a photo of your current church, temple, synagogue, or other religious building that you attend.  If you are non-denominational, journal about your reasons and how it came to be - did you grow up, not following a faith, or did an event cause you to change your mind?

Here's my layout:

Supplies used:  Scenic Route patterned paper (turned over to use plain kraft side); Fancy Pants patterned paper, cardstock stickers and glitter clear die cuts; myStamp BOX stamps (Funky Circles, Mini Alphas); Versamark ink, Ranger embossing powder; Marvy Uchida, Fiskars and Creative Memories punches; Cosmo Cricket chipboard alphas; Maya Road kraft journaling tag; May Arts velvet ribbon; Glue Dots; Lasting Impressions piercing template; Bo Bunny button; Marvy Uchida pen; jute, staples.  

I created this layout using the Vanity Fair kit from WeScrap, and for the myStamp BOX Sketch Challenge, using the layout sketch from my wildly talented team member, Allison Cope.  Sadly, I didn't get my layout photographed in time to be posted with the team.  Be sure to check out their interpretations, as well as Ally's card sketch and the DTs interpretations on the blog here.

My journaling, which is hidden, reads:

Looking at these photos now, some 43+ years later, I realize that my faith has, and always will, be a part of my life.  I was baptised and raised Roman Catholic.  Attending a Catholic public school, religion was something present each and every day, whether it was the "Our Father" prayer recited every morning - back when it wasn't considered offensive to some - or the required religion classes, or the masses held in celebration.

Over the years into adulthood, the rite of churchgoing ebbed and flowed again and again.  But while the act of worshipping in God's home was not always present, I always held faith.  I always believed that things happen for a reason and that He has a grand plan laid out for each and every one of us.  

Sure, it was hard to see the reasons sometimes.  Like when I found out that my little cousin, only 22 years old, took her own life because she thought it would end her problems.  Or when Mom was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and underwent surgery, just days before Connor's first birthday.  And when after successfully beating it and living cancer-free for four years, she found out it had metastasized in the fatal form of lung cancer.  It's hard to see the big picture during those times.  

But even though I question my faith during these low moments, I still draw solace in the fact that God loves me, unconditionally.  And that He can see the bigger picture.  And that I am, and always will be one of His children.

If you'd like to participate in this year long challenge, please share your layout below, using Linky Tools, by 11:59pm EST on December 31st, 2011. Please see the Leave Your Legacy page for guidelines, before linking here. Winners will be announced on January 1st, 2012.

Seven Sunday Blessings

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or more!
It's been so long since I've posted my Seven Sunday Blessings!  June 5th, to be exact!  It's definitely not because I don't have anything for which to be thankful, though - that's for sure!
For this week and those prior, I am thankful:
1.  That my sister's tea party was a great success!!  She and Sarah put some much heart and soul into it and it's nice to see that it was rewarded - especially for a charity so near and dear to our family.
2.  For the successful report cards that were sent home this year.
3.  That summer is here!!
4.  That we are lucky enough to send our kids to camps to which they WANT to go!! Cartooning, Scrapbooking, Soccer, Lego Robotics and So You Think You Can Sing and Dance. to name a few!  Instruction in the morning and then swimming all afternoon - my little fishes are going to be happy, TIRED campers! :)
5.  For the opportunity to share my love of photography with some great teens in the Oakville area - thanks, Elise, for contacting me!  I had a blast with them!
6.  For my mother-in-law's strength and determination, as she continues her battle with cancer.  She's now moved to a physio therapy ward and is gaining strength to take on chemo and have another go at this stupid disease...
7.  For the 12 days that we got to spend with our Saskie friends:  Amanda, Russ, Renee and Curtis.  We loved having you here, Lepage family, and we want you to move to Ontario!!! :)
8.  For our safe and FUN trip to the GTA with those same friends!  Lots of driving and thankfully, no mishaps!
9.  That, on that same trip, Connor overcame his fear of roller coasters at Canada's Wonderland and went  on to enjoy the day, even riding the Behemoth with Russ!
10.  For Tim Horton's Iced Capps, in 38*C (100*F) weather!  'Nuff said!
11.  For homegrown raspberries, still warm from the garden.  Yum.
12.  For Ikea.  (do I even need to explain why??)
13.  That I bought my hubby his prized BBQ for Father's Day - because now he cooks dinner most nights!! :)
What have YOU been thankful for?

You Know Who You Are...

Source: blondebirdie.com via Denise on Pinterest

Summer Vacation Travel Journal!

This month, my project that I shared on the myStamp BOX blog was a travel journal that I created.

As you may know, my bestie from Saskatchewan came to visit us with her hubby and two kids, so we planned a mini-vacation to take them to see the sights of Ontario.  Because our children are close in age, we thought it would be fun to create a mini travel journal for each family and combine our photos and stories to add to each other’s journals so we could share the memories!

Amanda was able to finish her journal pages (less any photos that she would then print out and add once home) during her stay here, but I had other DT deadllines and only had the chance to bind my pages together and complete the covers.

Front:

Back:

Supplies:  Recollections cardstock; Little Yellow Bicycle patterned papers, transparent die cuts and glitter stickers; myStamp BOX stamps (Passport to Adventure, Seal It! and Mini Pennants);  Tsukineko and Ranger inks; Ranger embossing powder; Tim Holtz ticket;  Doodlebug Designs alpha stickers and glitter; Dymo tape; 9x12 manilla envelopes; PrintFile negative sheet, baseball card sheet protector, cancelled stamps, jute and chipboard sheets - all from my stash.

I used 9×12 manilla envelopes, white cardstock, and various inserts for my pages. I punched three holes in the spine and threaded double strands of jute through and bound it all together.

It now sits on my workbench, patiently waiting for me.

I'm teaching a workshop in Oakville on Saturday at the Public Library for their Teen Centre, and have to work on Sunday to catch up for period end after being away for over 2 weeks, but I'm hoping to work on this journal a bit at a time and get it done by the end of the month - hopefully!

I'll be sure to share it when it's complete!

More Vanity Fair!

Yesterday, I shared my mini album that I created with the WeScrap Vanity Fair kit.  

Today I have another project to share - this quick and easy layout:

Supplies used:  Bazzill Basics cardstock; My Mind's Eye patterned paper; Fancy Pants cardstock stickers, Cosmo Cricket chipboard alphas and letter stickers; myStamp BOX stamps (Border Lines); Ranger Distress Ink; American Crafts Memory Marker.

Super simple layout for me!  And I'm still not sure that I'm entirely comfortable with it - I want to go back and pile on the layers of embellishments!  But it was quick and it's two more photos that are scrapbooked so I'm liking that part of this "return-to-my-roots" simple style for now!

Thanks for looking - be sure to check out this kit and prior kits here in the Etsy store and take advantage of their summer sale!

WeScrap July Kit > Vanity Fair

Yesterday, the iTeam from WeScrap revealed their designs with the Vanity Fair kit.  Here are my designs - I created a mini album and a layout, with a few more in the planning stages!

I created the mini album using this tutorial as a guideline.

Supplies used:  Bazzill Basics cardstock; Crate Paper, Fancy Pants and Basic Grey patterned papers; Cosmo Cricket chipboard alphas and letter stickers; Fancy Pants cardstock stickers; myStamp BOX stamps (Seal It!); Martha Stewart Crafts punch; Maya Road kraft journaling tag; Glue Dots; KaiserCraft rhinestones; Studio Calico wood veneer hearts; Dymo labeller; May Arts velvet ribbon; chipboard (for covers).

I wanted to make a 4" album, rather than a 3", so I experimented a bit.  The folds didn't work out exactly right, but hey, live and learn, right?  I ended up with only three workable pages so I just adhered the excess together and left it at that.

Keepin' it real, people.  Keepin' it real...

Here are the three pages I did end up with:

I'll share my layout tomorrow!

This was such a pretty kit!!  Lots of yummy papers from a mix of manufacturers, which I always like, and some great coordinating embellishments - you can see a list of its' contents here on Etsy.  It's only $19.99 and don't forget about our summer sale - purchase this or any other kit (listed at $17.99 or $19.99) and you will receive a free Limited Edition kit, valued at $27.99!

Be sure to check out Sarah's and Jen's projects, too - they rocked this kit!!

I hate Goodbyes.

Source: firstgraderatlast.blogspot.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Today, Amanda and the kids head to the airport, after having spent 12 days with us.  We are all going to miss all of them.  But hardest hit will be Aili.

She and Renee have developed a big sister/little sister relationship right from the start, since they are sharing the bunk beds in Aili's room.  Renee is so sweet and patient with her and Aili just LOVES Renee.

Photo by Amanda Lepage

Really, we are all going to be sad.  We have had so much fun on this holiday - lots of laughs and giggles and downright fun was shared.  And it's uncanny at how alike our children and husbands are!

We'll miss you, Lepage family - come back soon!!

Leave Your Legacy: Turning Point

Welcome to a new Leave Your Legacy challenge! If you're new to my blog, welcome! You can learn more about my Leave Your Legacy challenge here.

Every once in a while, if you are fortunate enough, you will hear something and it will change your life.  Forever.  I'm not talking about the first time you hear, "I love you" from your true love, or the sounds of an accident that you'll never forget, although these examples are inarguably momentous occasions.

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In my case, I am talking about something that Oprah said during the final taping of her last episode.  Now, I was not a faithful Oprah watcher.  Truth be told, she sometimes got on my nerves, with her hootin' and hollerin' and always checking herself in the monitor.  But that last show was probably the best one I've seen  and she said something that struck a chord:

I’ve talked to nearly 30,000 people on this show, and all 30,000 had one thing in common: They all wanted validation. If I could reach through this television and sit on your sofa or sit on a stool in your kitchen right now, I would tell you that every single person you will ever meet shares that common desire. They want to know: ‘Do you see me? Do you hear me? Does what I say mean anything to you?’

Understanding that one principle, that everybody wants to be heard, has allowed me to hold the microphone for you all these years with the least amount of judgment. Now I can’t say I wasn’t judging some days. Some days, I had to judge just a little bit. But it’s helped me to stand and to try to do that with an open mind and to do it with an open heart. It has worked for this platform, and I guarantee you it will work for yours. Try it with your children, your husband, your wife, your boss, your friends. Validate them. ‘I see you. I hear you. And what you say matters to me.’

[via La Vita e' Bella]

And just like that, it stuck with me.  Left me wondering about it, rolling it around in my mouth like savouring a Werther's candy.  It made me realize that I do sometimes (shamefully) only listen with half an ear, instead of devoting my full attention to that person, validating that "Yes,  I see you.  I hear you and what you say matters to me."

It has prompted change in my life, and I am grateful to Oprah for that.

Here's your challenge this week:
Scrapbook about something that has brought about change or that has touched your life in some significant way.  It can be a monumental change, that causes you to make life-altering decisions, or a minute change - it's up to you. 

We have company with us for two weeks (hence the delay in posing the challenge this week), but I am hopefully scrapping in the near future and will add my layout when I am done!

If you'd like to participate in this year long challenge, please share your layout below, using Linky Tools, by 11:59pm EST on December 31st, 2011. Please see the Leave Your Legacy page for guidelines, before linking here. Winners will be announced on January 1st, 2012.

Featured on Card Patterns

We Scrap was a sponsor for Card Patterns, a blog devoted to card sketches, and Ally asked if I'd be willing to complete a card for Sketch #122.  I was honoured to be asked!  You can see the Card Patterns design team's take on the sketch here, and here is my version:

Supplies used:  Bazzill Basics and Recollections cardstock; Echo Park patterned paper; myStamp BOX stamps (Tree for All Seasons); Versamark ink; Glue Dots; Ranger embossing powder; ribbon (unknown).

I stamped the tree trunk and flowers on white cardstock and embossed, using clear embossing powder.  I then punched a few flowers and a bird on the same cardstock and fussy cut them out.  I attached them randomly to the image, using foam dots.

If you need some card inspiration, be sure to visit Card Patterns - lots of yummy eye candy to see, too!

myStamp BOX Summer Showcase!

Oops, we've been so busy preparing for our visit with the Lepages from SK that I've sorely neglected my blog!  They arrived on Thursday and we've been enjoying each other's company and catching up!

But I want to share a link with you to the myStamp Box Summer Showcase - full of inspiration and bright colours!

For my project, I created pinwheels!  Because after all, they just scream "summer fun"! Especially when they are created with bright fun colours....

I started with 6" square pieces of smooth white cardstock.  As much as I love my Bazzill, I have a hard time getting a crisp image when stamping on the textured cardstock.  Choosing my favourite summer colours of Tsukineko ink and a variety of mSB stamps (Itty Bittys, Funky Flowers, Symbols, Colorful Companions, Seal It, Repeat After Me and Wishing You Sunshine), I stamped both sides of the squares.  I wrapped unsharpened pencils in ribbon, attaching with Glue dots as I went along.  Using a hat pin, I created my pinwheels using these instructions.  After creating the pinwheel, I added a couple of beads to the back of it and pierced the eraser with the hat pin.  Using pliers, I bent the pin down and covered the sharp tip with a bead of glue, using my glue gun, to protect little fingers.

Easy peasy!  And a great summer activity to create with the kids!

And now I'm back to visit with my friends - I will update more this week!