Creating, But Can't Share

I made nine layouts in five days and put them all in a box to ship.  I am working on more, but I can't share yet...

My mojo was so pumping these past two weeks.  I love those moments when layout ideas pop into your brain or when you visualize a layout.

I did make this layout in between assignments this week.  It uses Crate Paper Pretty Party...what a cute line!

I layered some frames to make this and used that little flower cluster!  I think that one is from an older collection...I have a ton of Crate and love how it all works together.

I am off to Chicago next week, but will hopefully be posting some layouts.  I will be back with CHA photos!

Can't wait!

Tuesday's Tip: Who Needs Big Pieces

Happy Tuesday!  It has been a long, but fun week already!  I have been scrapping, but everything is under wraps right now...why?  There is a new girl in town!

She has some new outfits...new accessories like these stickers.  I am swooning!  Brandin O'Neill has done it again! 

To see the papers, new journaling cards and more stickers go to the Webster's blog!  You have to visit all week as many good things will be revealed!  I will have a layout to share and...I may have a bit of a surprise for you too!

Before these gorgeous beauties arrived at my doorstep, I was playing with Crate Paper Pretty Party and some older collections.  I made this layout:

Who needs big pieces of paper...these days, just give me some fun embellishments and interesting strips of patterns and a layout will be born!  I wanted a center cluster on this page and wanted to use both photos.  A large mat would have been too heavy for me so I went simplier.  Piecier.  That is not really a word, but it works.  I used many goodies from the Nook April Grab Bag.  Pam offers these each month for a great price!

Off to relax!  The only thing I need is a big nap!

Monday's Musings: Committment

I made a life-changing decision about a year ago this month.  I was determined to get fit and healthy.  To stop feeling icky in my clothes.  To do something instead of talking about doing something.

Making a committment is hard.  It takes dedication, consistency, will-power and goal setting.  It was not always easy, but I did it anyway.  Who would have thought that a box of discs could make such a difference for me.

I proved something to myself.  I made myself proud.  It became so much more than just fitness.

This past month, I was moving on to part two of what I started.  P90X2 was released and I decided to try it.  I felt awesome, strong, capable.

Maybe too much so because with only 9 workouts left after 12 grueling weeks, I overdid it.  I was hurt.  There was no choice but to rest and be patient.

Life changes in ways we don't always want it to.  It has been hard waiting, going slow.  But I think it is symbolic of life...what we want isn't always what we end up with.  There are bumps in the road and how you choose to go over them is what matters.

You can turn and decide to go in another direction or you can climb that bump, slow and steady. 

I decided it was high time to scrap this topic.  To put on paper what my kids have seen me conquer for a year.  I hope they learn about committment and effort and what effect it can have.

I used the April My Scrapbook Nook kit to create this!  It features Crate Paper Storyteller!

It was time to recognize this...and make myself realize that this is a way of life...

fast and furious or slow and steady...

Behind the Page: String it up

Or should I say, yarn?  I am bringing you a page today using the Storyteller line from Crate Paper...it is featured in the April My Scrapbook Nook kit.  There are so many cool things in this kit!  I have loved every second of it.

I had this picture of Steve and his friends for a long time.  Once I saw the map paper in the Storyteller collection, I knew I had to use it.  It was busy so I decided to simply cut a few of the images out and place them on the clean, woodgrain paper.  I created the cluster of tags along the bottom.  It was cute, but way too plain. 

So the title came...from all corners.  To me, that black brad represented the center point...our backyard this past summer.  I decided to run some thread from the corners to the brad.  Twine didn't hold enough weight so I found some yarn.

Do you know how hard it is to get the ends of yarn through a small hole.  The hole became a big hole...hence the brads.  This was the end result.

I didn't actually have the red tag or the green one in my original design.  However, after I placed the yarn, the bottom needed more weight.  So I chopped and cut and glued. 

Sometimes, a layout evolves...comes about because one decision triggers another.  I love the process!

Getting Party Ready

Seems to be the theme right now...getting ready for Easter Brunch on Sunday, getting ready to go to Georgia for my sister's wedding, getting ready for Ella's sixth birthday party.

How can she almost be six?  It floors me.  We do backyard parties, small with a limited number of guests.  I like to plan the dessert table and events.  Of course, I don't love choosing a theme with Ella because she changed her mind 753 times. 

We decided to combine a fairy tea party.  Garden motifs, butterflies, wings.  It should be fun.  I just need to nail the details down.

I was so excited when I received a grab bag from My Scrapbook Nook.  Pam has set up a monthly deal where kit subscribers can get it for a great price.  I was sent the April one, which looks like a mini kit full of Pretty Party by Crate Paper.  How fitting.

This paper is all about the party list so I put it to use right away.  I love to document the daily stories.  I hope Ella knows how much work goes into planning her parties...she will know how much I love her!

 

I am soooo into mixed font titles right...

I had finished this layout without this yellow strip and button.  I thought it looked good, but when I looked the next day...it had no pop.  So I addedthe strip and button.

Speaking of partying, we are celebrating the release of a new product at Webster's Pages....Blueprints journals.  The concept is awesome...

Webster's Pages {blueprints*}daily "A Mother's Love" Journal from Webster's Pages on Vimeo.

Everything is coming up party!!

Monday's Musings: When It Counts

Yes, they bicker like crazy in our home.  They are loud.  They fart and then laugh about it.  They slam doors and say they don't want to be near each other.

But...then they leave.  They worry about each other.  They calm each other.  They are polite and caring.

I love it...

When it counts, they are there for each other.  Even when we are not looking.

As a mom, that is the most satisfying and proud feeling.  It does my heart good.

I went with a feeling on this layout.  I saw that tag about little moments and I matched this picture in my mind.  Then, I let my thoughts go.  And I told the story with a loong title.

I am very into triangles right now...which you will see over the next few weeks.

I added all those touches that go with love and everyday, small moments.

I used the April kit from My Scrapbook Nook to make this layout!  There is a DT call right now and I can't encourage you enough to apply!  It is a fabulous community and I couldn't love it there any more than I do!

Speaking of things I love, Teresa Collins released a new collection today called Sweet Afternoon...it is soft and lovely!  You need to go check it out here!

Happy Monday...make it count!

Monday's Musings: What You Love

Before I get to musing, I wanted to remind  you to leave a comment here to be eligible for a prize in the Nook Spring Bloghop!  Now onto today...

What topics do you scrap about?  Do you include enough All About Me layouts in that mix?  I found myself doing just that this weekend.

Maybe because I feel busy right now...like time is not mine and free time is limited.  Maybe scrapping about what I love brings me some "me" time. 

The other thought that pops into my mind is that I want to mix up the scrappy process as much as possible.  Push myself and the creativity.  I decided to simply walk around my house with my phone and snap away.  What struck me as important?  What do I reach for each day and don't even think about doing it?  What defines me?  I snapped and sent my photos to be printed.

And now, I feel refreshed.  Maybe it is taking time to record a story specific to me.  I think that mostly it is the change in topic, the use of photos I don't always scrap.  It felt good to make this.

Simple, not even that important in the grand scheme...but one day when I am gone and my kids read this, they will have a piece of me. 

I used the ruffle trim in the April My Scrapbook Nook kit on this tag.  The trim is bulky and full...I wanted the texture of it without having all that material.  So I cut off the extra tulle so it was mostly the thread...I like how it looks.

Of course, the story.  That is what this hobby is to me!

I used this gorgeous kit to make this layout!

Full of Crate Paper Storyteller...I am inspired!  You can be too:  New members who sign up will receive the May kit for FREE and A beautiful October Afternoon Grab Bag Kit. After a year paid subscription your 13th kit will be for FREE! 90.00 Value for free!

whatcha waiting for?

At Home: The People

Sundays At Home usually mean decorating or DIY projects.  But, today I want to focus on the people at home.  A house is a home because of those we let in and those we love.  Yes, I have been sprucing up for spring and changing things up around my most lived in rooms.  But, today I would like to share a story about an influential person in Steve's life.

This person surely made his childhood memorable.  She showed him that you can have a second home due to the kindness of neighbors.  The expression "it takes a village" was meant for Betty.  I had the chance to snap some pictures of Ella with Betty this past fall.  I realized that she doesn't know Betty's story.  It needed to be told.

Here is the journaling:

I used Crate Paper on this one!  It was actually for the March Color Challenge, but I messed up the date it was due.  I am all about messing up my days this month. 

That's okay, because I am focusing on the bright moments and all those that I love!

Top 10 of the Year

Before I welcome in the New Year, I wanted to look back on 2011...it was a great scrappy year for me!  I joined two amazing teams and remained on two that I adore.  I played around with my style a bit...further trying to get in my groove.  It seemed to work on a productivity level...knowing who you are as a scrapper allows you to work freely and quickly!

This year, I had many favorites.  Some speak to me because of the design and others because of the story!

Here we go:

This is a recent one...I love the bold pink and how the hearts worked out.  I am so excited about the Clean & Simple Webster's line...

I love this photo of my son...it is my absolute favorite!  I love the randomness of this design too (ironic since it features Crate Random).

I adored my entries for the Bella team...I was actually between this one and another I did, but it is out for pub...so this one it is!

I just like how free this one is and that side strip...makes me happy!

Again, something about the banner and the clustering...I know, it is a Crate layout!  I really love their stuff!  Crate are you listening...I love you!

A sentimental one...Trish and I go back a long way...I really struggled with this paper line by My Mind's Eye for a few days...then it all just happened and I was so thrilled with this...

 

Same My Mind's Eye line...I meant to do a sunshine ray thingy here...didn't work and this is what I ended up with...love those accidents!

I just love the loops on this...shows off the patterns!  And I love Lilybee!

This one has such a story...it means the world to me!  Webster's Pages....

I think the photo on here makes me swoon...and I love the black, white and red!  This is using Teresa Collins!

I think this is my favorite from the year...it just speaks to me on all levels.  I got that "I love this" feeling as I made it! Those dresses...I LOVE them... Webster's Pages!

It has been a productive year...I can't wait for the next one!  I have a bit of a fresh start with a new look for the blog...now onward to creating!  Here's to many more layouts to come!

Happy New Year!

Behind the Page: Seeing Smoke

or maybe ice...what do you see then you look at the blue patterned paper below?  I saw the zigzags and immediately went to icicles hanging down on a frozen winter day!  That warrants cutting, right?  Can't have icicles without falling snow so that was next!

I love looking at hidden ideas and themes within scrappy goodies.  Folks in my field might refer to that as figure-ground...there may be figures or images in the background!  Looking with curious eyes makes scrapbooking interesting!

I recently created this layout for a class over at The Nook.  It features the beautiful Dec. kit featuring Crate Paper. 

I love those little houses so much and wanted to integrate them into a layout!  This idea was triggered once I found my firetruck Santa pictures!  I decided to enhance the houses by making some smoke!  The pompoms of the Crate trim easily transform into puffs coming out of the chimney.

To finish it off, I addes some strips and a brad!  Small touches that make it complete!

I am so ready for winter break...I am needing a perspective change and know that one is just around the corner...just like Santa!

Hugs!

Tuesday Thoughts: The Unexpected

Ahh...the unexpected.  We have had an "unexpected happen"...money stuff.  A big ticket item is needed and it is not something we were thinking about.  Boy, does something like this cause stress.  The holidays are here, the renovation occurred and everyday costs are up.  This unexpected makes my head spin.

I guess it is one of those things you deal with.  You pull up your big girl pants and move on.  I have a great husband who is smart and careful.  It will be okay. 

The holidays are meant to be a time of celebration and reflection, but they leave me stretched and tired.  So I am looking for ways to stand still for a moment and get my head on straight.  I hit my Insanity workout like a maniac tonight.  I will say that exercise brings me to a different place...I am calmer and more settled after.  It is worth every sweaty and hard second.  And I will try to go to bed early for a few nights.  I made myself stop tonight and just look at my kids as they ate dessert at the table.  They were laughing and happy.  I absorbed that energy.

Other than that, I am thinking about a stiff drink and maybe hiding under my covers. 

I know that won't work so I think I will stare at this happy face and let it all disappear!

How I love this picture of my son!  It made our Christmas card, which I just ordered at the last minute.  Yep, I told you...overwhelmed.  You can sense his inner spirit!  I used Crate Paper's Random here...most of those colors are pinks and yellows, girl colors.  But there are some great boy hues as well!  That denim...swoon!

I went with a circle theme here...the banners and circles and scallops reminded me of a happy circus!

Sounds like my life right now...unexpected stuff and all!

Thursday Trending: Side Stripe

not to be mistaken with Side Swipper...and, yes, now I am singing the theme song from Dora!

I am a bit tired...crazy speed scrapping, parent teacher conferences and lots of Christmas festivities!  But it is all good!  I have been letting go and just trying new things...cutting without over-analyzing.  Maybe being in a frenzy has helped that.

One trend that I am loving and using is the extreme side stripe!  That thin piece of patterned paper along the left or right side of the layout!  I feel like a side stripe serves an important prupose...it stops the eye from leaving the page and it gives balance.  You can see the side stripe on my Everytime layout on the post below.

It is also here! 

I used the December kit from My Scrapbook Nook for this layout!  The boards are back up and we are so happy to be together again.  I used those words purposely to match the theme of the layout!  To balance out the photos and the big ole snow globe, I tucked some snowflakes and little strips underneath.  I think it grounds all those random elements.

Something about the side stripe that gives a vertical perspective to things. 

I am liking it lately.  What is trending in your world?

Monday's Musings

Sometimes I think we go too far with our children.  Maybe we are making up for things we lacked as kids or we think there are certain holiday events we have to engage in because the "list" says so. 

Disney is the perfect example.  We pushed and trudged and planned and exclaimed, "look at that!"  The kids loved it, but at a certain point, they wanted something simplier.  Nathan asked to leave the Magic Kingdom so he could go swimming in the pool. 

We take our children on the Polar Express every year.  I look forward to buying them new pjs and meeting all of our friends.  My kids have a great night.  Funny thing is that it is not the Polar Express train or Santa or the singing that gets Nathan most excited.  It is the simple, old-fahioned train set that is set up in the waiting area.  I can't drag him away from that. 

It is the whole "buy them new toys, but they love the box" syndrome.  I am going to try to be better about reading my kids.  I am going to try to meet their simple needs.

I caught these photos on my iPhone...not the best, but they tell the story!  I used the Dec. kit from My Scrapbook Nook to complete this layout!  It features Crate Paper's Peppermint.  Fun collection perfect for December!

On to simplier times...