Be My Guest: Punky Sprouts

I always love the opportunity to work with different companies...there are some diverse and gorgeous products on the market!

I had the chance to work with one of Punky Sprout's mini albums, Soul Sprout.  It is the perfect size and it comes with a variety of pages...most chipboard, one tag and one canvas page.  It was a blast to mix it all up.

Here is what I created!

I made a mini about our favorite summer memories!  I used this fun, bright line from Carta Bella called Alphabet Junction...a real treat that was included in my box along with the album.

I layered patterns and stickers from the collection, focusing on using numbers on each page.

I love this tag page so much...a perfect spot for journaling.

I know I will appreciate the memories that this album shares, especially when the kids are grown up.

I am honored to have been a guest designer for Punky Sprouts!  Be sure to head over to the blog and website to learn more about their great products!

Friday Farewell: I will miss it

So the news hit a few weeks ago that My Scrapbook Nook was closing its doors.  This special place has been my home for the past four years.  I served 8 consecutive design team terms there.  That is after Leah gave this newbie a chance back in 2008.

I remember trying for so long to make a kit club team.  It was heartbreaking to get rejected over and over again.  I found the Nook and was so welcomed by everyone.  I decided to try again.  There was so much competition. 

I remember a funny story...I was on the boards reading about how emails for the short list were being sent.  I waited.  Checked.  Checked again.  I did not get one.  Totally bummed does not describe it.  But then...I saw my name on the short list up on the boards.  Oops...that was the first heart attack Leah gave me! 

The next one would involve a happy heart...an invitation to join the team.  She saw talent in me, embraced my work, encouraged me and spoke kind words.  She gave me a chance in an industry that seemed to have closed doors.  So many opportunities have come since and I owe much of my success to my time at the Nook.

The community has been amazing.  In an industry that can be full of drama, we took a different route.  We built each other up and supported each other.  It is like having your own cheerleading squad, rooting for you even when you don't believe in yourself.  I will miss the dear friends I have made.  I know we will stay in touch in other places...but it stills feel weird.  It is like moving to a new town. Some of my favorite moments involve welcoming the new girls on to the design team board...to be a part of that excitement and then to build relationships...great feeling. 

The Nook will be open until the end of September and Pam (who has been so generous and wonderful to work for) has a great kit planned.  I have designed with the beautiful August kit featuring Carta Bella...my last kit.  Here is my tribute to the Nook.

 

I view my time at the Nook a true blessing.  It was a place that helped me through rough times, celebrated each joy and pushed me to achieve my goals.  I will miss it more that words can say.

 

 

Monday's Musings: Happy Life

So happy right now...life is about big and small moments. 

Watching Nathan's eyes widen when he saw the Jefferson Memorial.  He read the walls and just took it all in.  I sat back and watched him as he absorbed it all.  He is a learner.  He is a dreamer.  He wants to be the President one day.  I love that he has big dreams, where ever they take him.

Watching my children play with their cousin, Riley, who they just met.  Riley runs around calling out Ella's name and it is the cutest thing. Ella is so helpful with Riley, which warms my heart.

Cooking dinner with my brother and hanging out in the kitchen with both of our families.  Because in his words, "that is what families do."  I am so lucky to have delved into this part of my life.  I really feel blessed and thank Sara for opening the doors.

Life is about talking and realizing how much you have in common.  Having people open their doors and hearts to us as we do the same. 

It makes me happy.

A recent card that fits the situation...

 It makes me realize how life really can change if you change in big and small ways.