Scheduling the Summer

Ahh...the summer has started!  Swim lessons are a daily occurence and there is a relaxed feel to things.  Except when my two children are arguing, fighting and running around our house, even though we have a gorgeous backyard.  I need to schedule them up a bit.

or else, I will go crazy.

TV can go on first thing...must be off around 9:30.  Nathan is actually learning the art of sleeping in.  I am proud of him.  Ella on the other hand...

I made a little chart for them.  You know, things like Read for 20 minutes, play inside, play outside, computer, swim...They check off when they do it.  I might cut some raffle tickets up with each activity and do a drawing a few times each day, make it fun for them instead of just Mom telling them what to do!

These two little gems...I adore them.

I used the July My Scrapbook Nook kit to make this layout.  I think it is my favorite kit...love the OA and the canvas Maya Road tags!  Yummy!  Go here to sign up for a subscription!  Don't forget to tell me if you sign up based on my recommendation...I will enter you in a raffle for a $25.00 gift certificate to the shop!

Fun news...It's Just Paper is the featured blog over at Scrapbook Layout ideas...cool and thanks!

Off to enjoy the summer afternoon!  I hope you do the same!

Goodies, goodies!

Well, besides the obvious goodies in my life (Steve, Ella and Nathan)...I am looking forward to many good things!  A big ole box of new Teresa Collins, a swimming pool, and the company of good friends in just a few short days.

We are hosting a mini college reunion...think tents in our backyards.  Think friends who are so special and important.  This is the crew we used to go white water rafting with each summer.  We all have families now, so a backyard party is in order these days. 

Summer vacation in and of itself is a goodie.  No setting the alarm for a couple of months.  Now all those things on my to-do list can get checked off...and that is a good thing.

Sharing a new layout today.  These pictures are of Ella on her fifth birthday.  I have a stack of pictures to scrap and I would say that 75% of them are of Ella.  I think I feel guilty about that.  She just likes to have her picture taken and can even hit some poses.  Nathan complains and makes funny faces when the sun shines in his eyes.  A mother's dilemma...

I used the new Let's Celebrate line from Webster's Pages.  Such a fun line...the DT truly adores it.  For me, the green paper stole my heart!  It is shipping soon so be sure to check it out and preorder!  I used the circles paper to build my little paper flowers!

I simply just cut and then layered a bit, placing a new Sparkler in the center!  There are truly amazing flowers that coordinate with this collection and I can't wait to get them.  In the meantime, make your own to add a unique touch to your page.

And, of course, there are a million things things that can be hand cut to add something special to your work.  I can't wait to see the new Webster's CHA goodies!

Hope you have a good day!

Spooling Around....

Scrapbooking has been difficult to get to these days...long days at work and lots of busy evenings.  When I have had the chance, I just want to have some fun!  I want to explore and try out new things! 

I got my hands on some adorable wooden thread spools from Maya Road...they are included in the June kit over at My Scrapbook Nook (don't forget about the $25.00 gift certificate you could win from me if you sign up for a subscription!).  The spools are small...and very dimensional.  I wondered how to use them on a project!  This is what I came up with...

I wrapped some baker's twine around the two spools and then tied the ends together.  It adds a cute little effect on the layout!  I kept the rest of the design simple to show off that amazing Petaloo flower!

CHA is just around the corner and I can't wait.  My Teresa Collins box is on the way and I can tell you that the new collections are just awesome...one has stole my heart away!

And, Webster's has revealed one of five new collections!  The Let's Celebrate line is now available for pre-order.  Honestly, the DT has loved working with this line and all the new embellies...run to get it!

Hope you find some time for spooling around this weekend!



Let's Celebrate: Sparkle and Shine!

Can't have a party without some kinds of sparkle! A disco ball that makes the event festive or the pretty jewelry that tops off the perfect party dress!

Same goes with scrapbooking, right! Every page needs the just right accessory! That is what Webster's Pages Sparklers and Whimsies are for! Brandin sent me some purty Sparklers in all colors and sizes to go with the new Let's Celebrate collection. I wanted to put them in the limelight...so I used a bunch on my layout!

Here we go! Again, I created a more graphic, even funky, Webster's layout using the B-side of papers. If you have a simplier style, be not afraid. The colors and patterns of the papers in any collection can be used in smaller amounts or strips to make a project! And the B-sides just rock!

See, I told you it was a bit funky and free!  I started with two Hipsmatic photos and built from there!  To make the Sparklers really stand out, I placed them against a white backdrop.  The burst of pink and green give the white space some pop! 

Aren't these little gems so beautiful!

So many of you have joined in the fun party game we have going on.  It is called 'I spy'! Every day the design team will showcase a new product!  Today, it is all about the Sparklers and Whimsies (hmmm, I wonder who has used those on their blog...)! 


Check out the Design Team creations and then click on the little 'I Spy...Let's Celebrate!' badge! You'll be taken to a new thread where you can tell us all about the yummy new product you saw :)  Be sure to follow the instructions on how you can play along for some INCREDIBLE PRIZES!

And be sure to visit the rest of the DT blogs...you never know who might have created today!  Each and every project is divine!

Happy spying!

Let' Celebrate: Trims and Netting

You have arrived at the party and have been amazed by the theme. I am sure you saw the amazing papers in the Let's Celebrate line!? The colors are vibrant and the patterns just make you want to scrap. It is time to look around now and notice the special touches that make this party spectacular. These little details are like the bows on the presents! What present is complete without beautiful wrapping: such as the *NEW* Netting, always fabulous Trim and trendsetting Bloomers? We will get to that in a moment! But first, amazing news...

In honor of the new collection we are hosting a week long launch party at InspireME, complete with games, prizes, surprises and more! Starting Monday, June 20th and ending Friday, June 24th and you can have a chance to be a part of daily giveaway prizes and the grandest prize of all the ENTIRE Let’s Celebrate Collection! You can find all of the fun and festivities in our Let’s Celebrate forum.

We have a TON of fun activites planned for the week, starting with a little game called, 'I spy'! The design team has been busy creating with all the new goodies and we have created some yummy projects....We will be showing off our creations using the NEW line each day this week, and every day we will showcase a new product!

All you have to do is check out the Design Team creations (including mine -just below), and then click on the little 'I Spy...Let's Celebrate!' badge! You'll be taken to a new thread where you can tell us all about the yummy new product you saw :)

Also, be sure to follow the surprise instructions on how you can play along for some INCREDIBLE PRIZES!

Now, introducing the new and quite fabulous netting and trim from the Let's Celebrate collection! I used two different trims and the green netting on this layout! I also focused on using the B-sides of each paper! You can make graphic and linear layouts with the Webster's products! No fussy cutting here, but the patterns and little embellishments more than make up for it!

I created a gathered "big top" like ribbon for the top of my layout! Using small elastics, I simply cinched the green netting at the middle and the two ends, wrapping a little elastic around each! I made the yellow flower from a piece of trim! I adore, adore, adore this trim! I rolled it up and put a beautiful Sparkler in the middle (more of that to come tomorrow!). The bright pink is also a velvet trim that is thick and lovely!

So much fun! Puts you right in the celebrating mood!

Now, click on the badge below to see what surprise is in store for you!

Celebrate good times!

The Party is About to Begin

The party over at Webster's Pages is about to begin!  Come Monday morning we have so much fun in store for you!  Your first stop upon waking up is the Let's Celebrate thread over at Inspire Me!  There, you will get the party details.  No party would be complete without pretty decorations and fun games, not to mention cupcakes!  It will be a blast so be sure to check it out!  On Tuesday and Wednesday, I will be sharing two new projects using the Let's Celebrate line...which is awesome!  Bold and bright...it was so easy to use!

Party has been a big word in my house this weekend!  On Friday, we hosted our staff end-of-the-year party!  It was great fun and I was so happy to be able to share my home with my work family!  It really is a special staff and we have been together forever!  We were rained inside, but it all worked out.

Saturday, Steve's friends were over and the party continued all weekend.  Can you say there is cleaning to be done!

And, of course, today is Father's Day (hence my positive attitude about having a man party this weekend). I wanted to share a layout I just made for my dad.

I used Teresa Collin's On the Edge collection for this...perfect for masculine projects!  I am expecting a big ole box this week featuring the upcoming stuffs and I can already tell that I will be in love!  Check out more projects featuring On the Edge in the June newsletter.

Well, off to start that cleaning!  The next party starts soon!



Ready to Celebrate!

Are you?  I am so up for a party!

Well, Webster's Pages is in the celebrating mood! 

We will be celebrating the NEWEST release and we want you to join us! The celebration will be kicked off this upcoming Monday, June 20th over at Inspire Me!  There will be a spectacular LIVE chat Monday night! If you've never attended our chats, trust me...It's crazy fun and we believe in the saying, "the more the merrier!"
Can't make it to the chat? You can still help us celebrate ALL week as we showcase sneaks of new product, projects, and of course, give away prizes!

You definitely don't want to miss this celebration!

Two Peas in a Pod

Funny thing...at Ella's fifth birthday party she insisted on wearing her Ugg boots.  Now it was a warm day and she was wearing an adorable rainbow colored sundress to match her rainbow theme.  I suggested she change those Ugg boots, but she insisted.  She is convincing like that and it was her birthday so I accepted it.

Who shows up to the party wearing a summer outfit and Ugg boots...?  Alyssa, of course.  My niece who just turned 15, which I am in admant denial of...15, no way.  And she is a gorgeous 15.  I was there for her birth and when she was a difficult 3 year old. 

Ella and her are two peas in a pod.

I was inspired by some recent images on Pinterest when creating this.  Think bows made out of tabs!  I just started looping and glueing.  It was fun and random and I think the effect is cool!

I used the June kit from My Scrapbook Nook to create this!  Don't forget that if you sign up for a kit subscription from now until July 30th, you will be eligible to win a $25.00 gift certificate to the shop.  Be sure to let me know that you signed up because of my recommendation! 

Happy Tuesday!



Even at 40...

Amazing how life can bring you lessons and new experiences at age 40.  How you can be transported back into time and have a shift in your thinking.  How one sentence or sharing a memory or meeting a new person can open you up to a different perspective.

Me at 40.

I have a fresh start of sorts at age 40.  I am the healthiest I have ever been and hope to have a fabulous summer, keeping up with my kids!  And I have had the chance to open myself up to new friends and a sister I only knew through photos and Christmas cards.  I would have expected it to be difficult or uncomfortable, but it was natural, easy.  She is wonderful, so full of life and love for her family.  It made me look at our father in a new way and I totally appreciate that opportunity.  It was a special day that I hope is followed by more special days.

At 40, I can still heal.



Let's Make a Deal

Ahh...Saturday and I am glad!  I have done little scrapping this week and I need to spend some quality time with my stuff!  I have lots of a gorgeous My Scrapbook Nook kit sitting right in front of me!  It is a purty one!

Here is a project I made with it recently! 

I am enjoying playing with design and placement of things!  As you can tell, I went top heavy on this layout!  I like the effect!  If you would like to see how I created this page, check out my class at the Nook right here!

Now on to the deal!

If you sign up for a Nook kit subscription anywhere between now and July 30th, I am offering the chance for you to also receive a $25.00 gift certificate to the shop!  When you sign up, be sure to tell Pam and Leah that I sent you!  Tell me as well by leaving a comment on my blog or emailing me!  Once confirmed, that will enter you into a raffle where you could win the gift certificate!  There are yummy add-ons each month and other goodies that you could scoop up with that free cash! 

I love the kits and I know you will too!!!!

And, be sure to check out Brandin's post over at the Webster's Pages blog...she is giving away two Warehouse kits...get there fast, this won't last long! 

And there are more up for sale!

Gotta love a deal...

Once Upon a Sketch

Nadia Cannizzo, my good friend and teammate from the Nook has a fantastic sketch blog and runs monthly challenges for anyone looking for inspiration!  Along with a sketch, she provides a journaling prompt.

Wouldn't you know that Webster's Pages is one of the sponsors this month!  Play along and you could win a great prize from WP!  I decided to join in the fun and created this layout using Nadia's sketch!

I love to handcut unique shapes and patterns from paper!  I think that is why my love affair with Webster's rages on!  The rose cluster and the circles are from different sheets of paper!

I check out the sketch, challenge and prize, visit Once Upon a Sketch today!

It's June

Time for school to almost be out for the summer, time for tball to wrap up...time for a new kit over at My Scrapbook Nook!  Here it is:

It is full of Lilly Bee...which I love, love, love!  Call me a huge LB fan!  Plus some Petaloo, Webster's and Maya Road!

Here is my first layout!  I went 8.5 X 11 to shake it up a bit. 

 

Sigh...flag banners.  I just like how they add pattern and movement to a layout.  I like to hang ones at different lengths to make things free!  Straight lines with a twist!  This layout documents my love for chocolate eclairs!  Not that I have eaten one in the past 90 days, because I have have no junk...but it would be hard to resist!  They bring me right back to my childhood!

I have another layout to share soon...and many more ideas.  Now only if I could find a couple of hours...

Pink Paislee Love

so...it is no big secret that I love Pink Paislee...what a year I had with them.  I admit...I was heartbroken to not continue on, but such is life.  It was a fabulous treat to get a box of goodies when Rebecca generously sponsored ScrapStreet.com Magazine last month.  Felt like old times.

I jumped in and made three layouts using Soiree!  I have since ordered all the other collections and am in love...now if only the summer would start and I could get to using it!

Here is one of my Soiree layouts:

Nathan had a superheros party this year and it was a blast!  I love this group shot and it worked perfectly
here! I handcut the whole shape from a sheet of the paper!  To add some detail that wasn't so bold, I stamped a border!

Of course, I created a banner for the corner.  Sorry, this trend will never die for me!

Ahh, Pink Paislee...always in my heart!  This is a fun collection!  So bold and bright!  I will share some more in the next few days!

Happy Thursday!