Another School Year Over!

Before leaving for work today, I managed to snag a couple of photos of the kids, since I wanted to compare them to our first-day-of-school photos taken by Gary in September, to see how much the kids have evolved in ten months:

Connor hasn't changed much.  Still sporting the buzz cut, he's grown a few inches and seems to have broadened in the shoulders a bit - I guess swimming approximately 10,000 meters a week will do that to a person...

As for this little miss:

She's definitely changed over the course of the year - she has teeth, for one thing! :)  Her hair has grown about four inches and she's sprouted up quite a bit too!  I have to watch what I say now, because she goes around saying, "Mom, look!  I'm all legs!"  Which is what I say when people comment on how tall she is... LOL!

As you can see, they were quite excited for the last day of school...

Pure unadulterated glee.

That was the general consensus around here this morning.  By all.

Yep, even the parents!

Gary took today off, a much-deserved break after the stress and long days of their latest IT project at work.  He took the kids shopping to pick up fixin's for a BBQ on Sunday and then out to my sister's pool for some fun in the sun.  

I, on the other hand, had to work. Boo hoo.

But don't feel too sorry for me, as I finally finalized plans for a shorter work week this summer!! YAY, ME!!  I'll be working three days a week, instead of five... so excited!

Oh, and to think of all the extra time I'll have to scrapbook and blog!!  When I'm not off on some adventure with the kids or sunbathing by the pool of course...  Can't wait.

I may not want to go back to five days a week in September... :D

Coming Soon...

to the It's a Sketchy Challenge gallery - an exclusive CS publication notice!



When I was collaborating with the web designer on the new It's a Sketchy Challenge gallery, I thought it would be fun to have an exclusive graphic that our readers could use!

It is soon to be up in the FAQs section of the gallery, but feel free to Ctrl click (or right click for you PC users) and Save As to save it to your computer.  You can use it to replace images of your soon-to-be-published layouts that you have previously uploaded to your blog or in online forums and galleries!  How fun!

Thanks to Jenn Steinhauer for creating this beautiful graphic!

From the Archives

I was going through some computer files a few nights ago and found these photos from a project that I had completed with one of the first WeScrap kits that I had received.  For whatever reason, the DT projects weren't featured so I never shared these photos on my blog.

Using the Bazzill mini album, I created four wall hangings...

 You'll notice that the boys in our family are camera shy - I couldn't, at the time of designing, find any suitable, face-on photos of them!  Once I get photos, I will probably link cards with jump rings before hanging, as shown - or maybe I'll attach them to a canvas and hand them in a diamond shape somewhere in our home. 

I can't really list all of the supplies, as most items were from a WeScrap kit, which is no longer available on Etsy.  I know the paper is Basic Grey, along with the paper clips, and the kraft journaling blocks look like Jillibean Soup.  If anyone can help with the other items, I'd appreciate the info!

Have you ever created art for your wall with your scrapbooking supplies?  Share a link in your comment!

Tuesdays with Our Team

Have you checked out the Canadian Scrapbooker's blog lately?  Every Tuesday, one of the design team members features a project, new product, etc.  And today, it's my turn! :)

One of my projects for the Fall 2012 issue was the Sealed with A Kiss article again.  I love creating for this section - I get to use great new products and create fun cards!  Perfect for ramping up my mojo...  especially since it's been so long since I've had a chance to be crafty!

Here's my card - for step-by-step instructions and close-up photos, check out Jackie's Tuesdays With Our Team post here:

Supplies:  Bazzill Basics cardstock; Bo Bunny and Glitz Designs patterned papers; Martha Stewart Crafts and Marvy Uchida punches; Heidi Swapp paper piercer; Tsukineko ink; Glue Dots; Bank Gothic and Aquarelle fonts.

You can view previous weeks' posts with my fellow teammates HERE.

Meaningful Mondays

Time to introduce something new!

Each Monday, I'll share a quick quote, piece of art, photo, etc... of something meaningful to me.  Just to celebrate life, because we only get one.

Unless you believe in reincarnation, I guess.  And then, never mind... :D

I found this beautiful piece of art on Pinterest.  The artist, Rachel Awes, has some fun colourful pieces of art in her store - go and check her out!!

Happy Father's Day

to my "big" kid!

On behalf of our chidren, I want to say....

Thanks for being Kind Dad - offering sympathy or empathy as needed. 

Thanks for being Loving Dad - doling out kisses and hugs generously

Thanks for being Encouraging Dad - showing them that they can do whatever they set their mind on.

Thanks for being Strict Dad - setting fair rules and enforcing them when I need backup.

Thanks for being Roughhousing Dad - wrestling and tickle fights are more your thing than mine.

Thanks for being Techno Dad - with all the coolest toys and gadgets.

Thanks for being Musician Dad - instilling within them a love of music in all genres.

Thanks for being Experiment Dad - willing to try new ideas and encouraging them to think outside the box.

Thanks for being Silly Dad - corny jokes withstanding, of course...

Thanks for being YOU.

Wishing you a wonderful Father's Day - Love you lots, 

S, C & A

Pssst... did you hear?

Canadian Scrapbooker magazine is being featured on the Die Cuts With a View (DCWV) blog - they have a great giveaway going on right now - check it out HERE to win!  Add your comment before Sunday night for a chance to win!

And... if you read their most current post, they are having their first ever design team call!  Anyone thinking about throwing their hat in the ring?

I Feel The Need...

The need for speed!

Oh, come on - tell me that that quote doesn't pop into your head every time someone starts that sentence... (oops - am I dating myself when I say that I probably have seen this movie so many times that I can recite most of it from memory?)

At any rate, I do feel the need - the need to share some love!  Thanks for those faithful visitors who stuck with me over the last few months when blog posts were virtually non-existent - your comments make my day!

So just because I can, I'm going to share the current issue of Canadian Scrapbooker magazine with someone!

Leave me a comment with your favourite quote from Top Gun before 11:59pm on June 24th, 2012 and I'll draw a winner to receive a copy of the Summer 2012 issue.  To make it a bit more challenging, you can't use the quote mentioned above!

BONUS:  If you play along with our Inspiration Elevator challenge this month by uploading a link, you can earn an extra chance to win! ;)

Inspiration Elevator - Challenge 2

Welcome to our second Inspiration Elevator challenge!

You may recall from last month's challenge that the purpose of this challenge group was to take our scrapbooking to the next level, to stretch our creative process and to grow as artists by embracing challenges that make us think, work and grow. 

This month's challenge was issued by the very talented Laura Whitaker. Here's a sampling of what Laura asked us to do:

"For my challenge, I wanted to get back to the root of scrapbooking a little bit, back to the preserving of memories; to encourage you to look at your photos a little more closely.  We all have cute photos of the sweet-faced children and beautiful family members, in our lives, that we can scrapbook.  But I want to challenge you to choose a photo that tells a story or evokes an emotion, something a little different than our children playing or family members posing.   

We all have heard that a picture speaks a thousand words.  Chose a photo that was taken from behind the subject, preferably one in which you cannot see their face.  Maybe you have chosen not to scrap a particular photo in past because you couldn’t see the subject's face very well - this is the perfect time to use that photo.  The story then becomes the focus and not the face.   Next, tell the story that goes with the photo via your journaling.  This way when our families look back at this page years from now, they will truly be reminded of the moment."

Here's my interpretation of Laura's challenge:

Supplies:  Bazzill Basics cardstock; KaiserCraft patterned paper, rubons and stickers;  Just Cre8 stamps (Worn Out Journaling); Tim Holtz Distess and Tsukineko inks; Basic Grey and Cosmo Cricket alpha stickers; American Crafts Memory Marker; thread.

Journaling reads:
Connor, your baby sister has always looked up to you.  As soon as she began to walk, she would toddle after you.  Over the years, she has become more independent and I know that she tests your limits daily.  Be patient with her, son – despite her bravado and feisty temper, she really does depend on you to guide her through life.  Many of her life lessons will be learned by watching you.  I know it’s a big responsibility, but you are so strong, caring, funny, independent, smart and kind – everything that she will learn, with you to follow.  Photo ~ 2005/10  Journaling 2012/06

Here's a close up of the journaling:

I think this may be the first layout in over a year that hasn't had foam dots somewhere on it!! :)

What an incredible challenge!  I have scrapped this photo before, closer to when the image was taken and I only had a title with no meaningful journaling.  Now, six and a half years later, scrapping this photo has so much more meaning.  Thank you, Laura, for the inspiration!

My fellow group of artists have been working all month as well to create gorgeous and inspiring designs. Here`s the list of my IE friends and I hope you'll pop by and see what they have created and perhaps take a moment to say a word or two.

Laura Whitaker

Christa Uttley

Audrey Yeager

Lisa Moen

Laurel Seabrook

Carolyn Wolff

Cathy Harper

Ann Jobes

Lisa Spiegel

Joanne Burton

If you decide to play along, leave a link to share your design - we'd love to see what you create!

Just Can't Get Enough

of this song!!!



I've been a fan of Karmin (or Amy and Nick, as I like to call them...) since Gary first introduced me to this cover of Gaga's Born This Way.  He admitted to having a huge crush on Amy...

I guess I won't bore him with the details of my hot mess of a crush on Nick, then...

Exclusive Offer, Anyone?

If you have been to ScrapFest and have visited us in the Canadian Scrapbooker magazine booth, then you may have seen me using this little baby:

So many people asked me about the Sony S-Frame.  Not only is it a beautiful digital photo frame, it's also an awesome tool for scrapbookers!  And not just unorganized-no-photos-to-scrap-for-a-project-so-I'd-better-sort-through-and-print-one-ASAP scrapbookers...

NOT me, of course.... ahem.

I'll be honest with you - I get 99% of my photos printed at Blacks or Green Pixel Printing (check Melissa out - love her printing!)  But I love having this little printer on hand when I need a photo - like when Aili nonchalantly calls out as she's heading to bed, "Oh and Mom?  I need a photo of our family for a project we're doing in class tomorrow..."  Grrrr....

And not only can you print a 4x6 print in less than 40 seconds but you can also print multiple sizes, like  a full 4x6 sheet of wallets, or 2-4x3 photos that I just recently printed for a layout:

(Of course, I can only share a sneak peek because this layout will be published in the Fall 2012 issue of Canadian Scrapbooker magazine - in my new column!  So excited to share, but that's another post for another day... (soon!))

Anyhow, because the good folks at Sony are so wonderful, they are sharing an exclusive offer for Canadian Scrapbooker readers only - check out the link to save!

More Cards to Share

In May, Canadian Scrapbooker hosted a Card-a-Ganza in which the design team showcased sixteen companies by creating a variety of Mother's Day cards.

This was a difficult assignment for me.  Truth be told, I procrastinated a bit because it was my first Mother's Day for which I did not have a mom to honour - my mom passed in 2004 and my mother in law, this past August.

I finally did get a couple of cards done but then of course packaged them up to send to the magazine and completely forgot to snap photos first (again)!  I've had them back for a few weeks but am finally getting a chance to blog and share them.

Here's my first card:

Supplies:  Bazzill Basics cardstock; Magenta patterned paper; myStamp BOX stamps (Straightforward); Tim Holtz Distress ink; Spellbinders Shapeabilities dies (Foliage); My Favourite Things Die-namics dies (Mini Rolled Roses); Ranger Color Wash; Glue Dots; The Twinery twine; doily from stash.

The other one I completed was a tri-fold card that I have seen some friends make.  It looked so interesting that I thought I'd try it!  You can find tons of tutorials on the web - just Google "tri fold card".  Here's my version, using the Colour Me Softly line from Magenta:

Supplies used:  Bazzill Basics cardstock; Magenta patterned paper; Spellbinders Nestabilities (Standard Circles - Large) and Shapeabilities dies (Foliage); My Favourite Things Die-namics dies (Loopy Bloom, Mini Rolled Roses); Marvy Uchida scalloped punch; Glue Dots; Making Memories rhinestone brads.

Using my printer, I printed the sentiment, "Happy Mother's Day to someone who is like a Mother to me" onto white cardstock, making it more suitable for those who are missing their moms on Mother's Day.  This is what the tri-fold looks like when opened:

Happy Belated Mother's Day to all of the moms and pseudo-moms out there!  Be sure to check out my CS teammates' and guest designers' cards, too, for inspiration:  Christy (here and here), Jayme (here and here), Jennifer, Connie (here, here and here), Kelly (here, here and here), Cari, Jackie (here and here), Kim and Katharina.

Sealed With A Kiss - Spring 2012

You may remember my post about my "In Deep Sheep" layout that was featured in the 1 Stamp, 5 Stampers article in the Spring 2012 issue of Canadian Scrapbooker magazine.

Well, I was also featured in the Sealed With A Kiss card section, but had sent off my cards in such a rush, that I had forgotten to photograph them!

So no time like the present to share, right?

Using the Audrey line from My Little Shoebox, I created three cards.  The first card used a white scalloped card from a Studio G pack of 10 that I picked up at Michaels' for $1.50!  I very simply covered the front with patterned paper, fussy cut a silhouette from the paper, matted it with ruffled trim and more patterned paper and voila:

Supplies:  Studio G shaped card; My Little Shoebox patterned papers; Maya Road ruffled trim; Glue Dots; Spellbinders Nestabilities dies.

This neutral card is another simple one, but I like the subtlety:

Supplies:  Bazzill Basic cardstock; My Little Shoebox patterned paper, 3D roll-up papers, alphas and cardstock stickers; Heidi Swapp distressing tool; Glue Dots; Me and My Big Ideas rhinestones; twill from my stash.

This last card is my favourite - I think it's the stitched clouds that do it for me!  Or the bright colours against the kraft background.  All I know is that it makes me smile.

Supplies:  Bazzill Basics cardstock; My Little Shoebox patterned paper, alphas and die cuts; Glue Dots; ribbon and vintage lace from my stash.

I have a few more cards from the Card-a-Ganza! to share tomorrow... thanks for looking!

Inspiration Elevator

A few months ago, a wonderful new friend (and talented scrapper!) asked me to join a group of women to take part in a monthly challenge.  I was humbled and excited to be working with so many talented people!  Together, we are Inspiration Elevator, or IE!

According to Christa, "IE is a group of like-minded scrappy friends who want to raise the bar in their own creative process through unique challenges that we issue to each other once a month. These won't be run-of-the-mill challenges and we hope you will join us each month and be inspired by the innovative designs we create."

Last month's challenge, posted on May 15th, came right in the middle of chaos around here:  sick child, work overload, deadlines due and swim meets.  While I missed participating at the time, I still wanted to share Christa's challenge:

For this two-part challenge, first create a new design reflecting YOUR style.  This design should be quintessentially YOU:  Are you a sewer on every layout?  Painter? Do you like a patterned paper or plain background? What makes a "you" design? 

For the second part of the challenge, you must use a NEW product or technique that's inspiring you right now.  Washi Tape?  Paint?  Dies?  What new products have you inspired?

I will add my design here once I have it completed, but please visit the other IE designers for more inspiration!

Ann

Audrey

Carolyn

Cathy

Christa

Joanne

Laura

Laurel

Lisa M

Lisa S

Check back on June 15th, when we will all reveal our June 15th challenge!

So Excited to Share!

Remember how I mentioned that I had something new and exciting coming up?

Well, I'm happy to announce that the big day is here!

A few months ago, Jackie, my editor from Canadian Scrapbooker magazine, asked me to work with our web designer and create a new forum for our monthly It's a Sketchy Challenge.  Well, she did all of the hard work - I only had to troubleshoot and be bossy about what I wanted to see.  (Thanks, Jenn, for your patience!)

So I'd like to introduce you to our new It's a Sketchy Challenge forum!

If you've been playing along each month already, you can upload your previous designs up in the appropriate sections (here for April, and here for May).  Prior months' inspiration can be found on the old site here.

If this is all new to you, you can play along with our It's a Sketchy Challenge for June!  Check out the Before You Begin section, before you... well, begin!  And FAQs (frequently asked questions) can be found here to help you with any questions you may have.

Then you can begin!  You can view the sketch in the June 2011 section in the forum here.  Use the sketch directly as shown, or use it as a starting point to create something entirely different!  Everyone is welcomed to participate, but if you use a Canadian manufacturer (and list it in your supply list when uploading), then you will be eligible for a chance to be published in an upcoming issue of Canadian Scrapbooker magazine!  And who wouldn't like that?!

I hope you will all join me in playing along with the monthly challenges and in leaving some love for those who do upload their designs.  Can't wait to play long, too!