I'm here to live outloud!

Echo Park Chritsmas Layout class.

Hi there everyone!

Just a quick note about the class on Dec. 14th. I have 8 spots left at the Scrapbook Studio. If you want to make lot's of layouts regarding Christmas or winter theme, come join us. You will make lot's IN class and have lot's of material leftover to make more layouts or cards, whatever you like. In class we will do a double page and 2 single pages. Each student's kit includes the Echo Park collection kit as well as Epoxy Brads. AWESOME~

The layouts are in store if you would like to see them. Here's some sneak peeks.

Should be fun!!!! see you there!

Leica

 

Crop & Create Winnipeg

The time is so close to start registering for the event in Winnipeg. Woohoo! I can't wait. Such a great time I am going to have with old friends and can't wait to make new ones.  Like I've mentioned before, each event in each city is tailored towards the actual city. We are doing our best to make each one unique, special and fun! 

If you are in the Toronto Greater area, you can still register for the Markham event in January here.

But let's discuss Winnipeg! We have a few new teachers travelling in for this one, and I am sooooo pumped!

Here's the details:

Crop & Create - Winnipeg (click for more details)

We are excited to invite 150 of our closest friends to join us in Winnipeg  for two days of inspiration, education and pure fun! Come crop and create with some of the best teachers in paper crafting. Join Becky Fleck from PageMaps, experts Vicki Boutin, Kelly Goree, Kathy Thompson and join special guest Caroline Lau from Maya Road for fabulous  classes that are full of tips, tricks and techniques for every level. With 24 hours of cropping time, a chocoholic feast, great prizes, special make n’ takes and so much more, this exclusive event promises to be a weekend all about creating with our closest friends…YOU...and one that is not to be missed!  Oh wait, did we mention there will be a marketplace with 6 great stores too?  And did we mention that the Marketplace will be open to the public?  Yes, Crop & Create Winnipeg is going to be a very special Crop & Create event!  We can’t wait to see you there.

March 23-24, 2012

Delta Hotel, Winnipeg
Registration opens December 5th!

Early Bird rate is only $139! 

Our two new teachers are:

Caroline Lau- Owner of Maya Road

This is so cool to have Caroline Lau join us in Winnipeg. She worked with us at Scrapfest in the Scrapbook & Cards Today Magazine booth. The lineups to meet her and take her make 'n takes were HUGE! She completely went out of all her demos, and I can vouch for it, they ROCKED!!!! I made myself 3 new luggage tags, a few rockin zipper pins, sadly I missed out on a few others. Lord knows I tried to slip in and quickly make all her demos, but man our booth was SWAMPED! Like never a minute to slip away. So a weekend with Caroline was fun!!! I LOVED looking at her beautiful mini albums! Maya Road ROCKS!!!

Check out the Maya Road blog: (psst, right now is a MASSIVE WAREHOUSE SALE you might want in on. Just sayin')

 

Kathy Thompson- writer for Scrapbook & Cards Today

How exciting is this? Like Canada's rockstar of photography instruction. I think the most sought after photographer known for her distinct eye in detail when taking a photo and timeless style, but then also being able to create show-stopping clean graphic design layouts. It was no wonder that a few years ago American Crafts snapped her up that fast. Now YOU can follow her as well in her regular article “Photography for Today’s Scrapbooker”  in Scrapbook & Cards Today! I can't wait to meet her in person, I have admired her for a very long time!!!!! 

Want to follow her  blog? Here's the link...prepare to be inspired!!!!!

 

 

And the rest of the fabulous educator team (these girls are with us for quite a few shows! Rock on!)

Becky Fleck: owner & designer of Page Maps, Editor of Scrapbook & Cards Today Magazine

 

Becky is the master of creating scrapbook & card sketches that are realistic, offering both simple and detailed sketches also offering them in all different ways; double page, single, multi-photo, single photos. They simply are the greatest guide for scrapbookers. Her classes are awesome helping inspire you to interpret sketches in ways that are easy to understand. I LOVED the layouts she taught in Saskatoon, and at Scrapfest. Yummy! I can't wait to see the new layouts she came up with for Winnipeg. Speaking of which, have you seen how Sheri Reguly was inspired by Becky? If you haven't check out THIS post, I think you will be pleasantly inspired to try this sketch, I know I am. (actually I'm almost done it, teehee, hard to stop when you are excited to create!)

where to find Becky: Page Maps blog

Kelly Goree- designer for Basic Grey & regular contributor/writer for Scrapbook & Cards Today Magazine

Southern charm is the best way to describe her. Her classes a full of such great tips and ideas. She has a very classic style, and the subtle little tips she teaches add such punch to a layout.

I simply adore Kelly and have had a blast working with her a few times, great giggles, fun times! My favourite part about Kelly is how she gives you such a peak into her own life through her teaching and her blog. She is an amazing football mom, who can take FANTASTIC photos, **envy**, if you don't believe me, check out the fabulous NEW 2012 Calendar that is the perfect gift for yourself or the scrapbooker in your life.  She is one of the designers in it. 

Kelly's blog

 

Vicki Boutin: designs for many industry manufacturers & now Author!

Vicki is one heck of an awesome girl!!!!! I have taken many of her classes, and am lucky to call her a dear friend. Her classes always offer so many details. You will learn a CRAZY amount of stuff, seriously. My house is filled with her home decor classes, and I am constantly getting compliments on them. 

Her layouts too will give you such an insight to what her book will be like. Can't wait till it comes out!!!!!  I really like how her layouts always have a great flow to them. 

 

her blog:

 

Kimber Mc Gray-4 time Best Selling Author & fabby designer over at Jillibean Soup

 

I got to know Kimber more in Saskatoon and boy did she have us laughing!!!! This girl is funny, totally crack me up! (However, she did help pull a practical joke on me, so need some good ideas to return the favour. lol)

Anyways, everyone knows I don't always feel that card making comes naturally to me. I tell you this though, it DOES come natural to her! Her cards are like little miniature works of art that **almost** dance for you. seriously. They move, they pop, they slide they spin. They ROCK!  I LOVE that you walk away with so many realistic ideas and ones that are totally created with practicality in mind; great costs and time spent on them. 

her blog

In Winnipeg we are offering  something a little different. We have a big marketplace, with many vendors in their own ballroom. We are so excited that stores from all over Manitoba will be joining us. This room will be for our crop attendees as well anyone who would like to come and shop the best of Manitoba in one room! Yes we are bringing them to YOU! Cool. come and go as you like, we hope you find something you like.

 

***** Just a tip, if you are even thinking of taking a class, don't hesitate signing up. I was hoping to get a kit from the last crop & create classes and they were all sold out!!!!!

Now that was a long post,so sorry. I just couldn't wait to share, I am PUMPED!!!!!

 

Update on Forrest Television (lol)

Again, our household has a few more changes, Jim starts a new work contract this week for the new BHP mine. Serious work till March. We are STOKED! Of course sad that he is working out of town again, HOWEVER, it is only 1 hr away and we can always zip out to see him. Plus it has benefits. Finding him housing proved to be a little tiresome, however, it did work out. He is boarding at a sweet elderly ladies house who apparently has some good dry humour, she had Jim giggling quite a bit, and of course I had myself a good laugh when she told him her rules. No fornicating or using her stove or he's out. Apparently she had bad experiences with both scenarios with previous houseguests. I told Jim I think we could abstain. lol. Never thought I would hear that line ever again in my life, especially not being married almost 12 years. lol.

**On another note, we went out to the farm to finish the doorway for the igloo...wait for it...the glue gun wouldn't work! EI YI YI!!! Another one apparently bites the dust. It was so warm too. darn! But we did get one row done.

Check back later this week for my Angry Birds invites, they are cute! Sorry I just didn't get them uploaded today, just a huge checklist to complete before Jim leaves again.

On another note, I have some classes coming up at the Scrapbook Studio (343-0550) in the next few weeks. Phone the store if you are interested.

Tomorrow's class is all about Tattered Angels. We are going to glimmer mist lot's of different surfaces, learn misting techniques, and make some new flowers I've never taught before. EXCITING! Pretty hands-on, don't wear your best clothes. This class is NOT an advanced class, it is consumer friendly meaning you get out of it what you put in it. I will teach the proper ways to spray, give tips, it will be constant handson techniques, bringing in masks, creating backgrounds. I am there to answer any questions you may have. If you want to step it up and try out some things, please do, I want it fun and can't wait to see what we create! You will also walk away with 2 full size bottles to keep practising and creating at home. SUHWEET!

Here's a few sneaks for the other classes:

Mistletoe Ball: December 4th 1pm

HO! HO! HO!-  An Echo Park Christmas class- In this class we will make 4 layouts. One double page, and 2 single pages. I will also give you the sketch of both single pages in case you want to turn those into double pages... BONUS! PLus, can I share a secret? Everyone in this class is getting the entire Echo Park Collection pack and matching epoxy brad set (and they are GORGEOUS). Limited numbers though!!! So check and see if there is room.

Plus I am sooooo excited about my upcoming classes in the New Year. The Monthly Art Journal one has me REALLY tickled! But you know me, I'm never happy unless I'm creating art, so you will continue seeing layouts, and altered stuff from me.

Well, must go, so many things to keep checking off my list for today!

 

 

 

Snow Day, voting, pottery barn

First off, showed a few of my fave Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L products over on their blog today. Stop by and check out the layout if you would like, features a new Authentique line.

How was everyone's weekend? Ours was GREAT! No traveling, only one sport game, and I am glad too. I wasn't feeling really up to par.  I adore that Jim is back home, he let me sleep in both Sat & Sun am and woke me up for breakfast both days and boy was it nice. Burning the candle at both ends was starting to take it's toll on me. I do feel a little refreshed. Of course until today hits and then the greuling schedule is back on. LOL. I think for kicks I am going to take a pic of my calendar for this month, and show you.  If someone says theirs looks the same I will feel FANTASTIC knowing I am not alone.

Today I only have 2 Tae Kwon Do practices, 1 soccer game, 1 board meeting and 1 scrapbook class teaching meeting.  (oh did I mention those take place too between 5:30-9pm) Toss in there a day where I have the usual running around, a few work phone calls, groceries,a nd picking up photos. Not as bad as a Tuesday, but almost...

Thank God I voted in the advance polls, not sure where I would've fit it in today! Did YOU vote? I hope so. Can't have an opinion unless you vote. I find my stance of politics is this, each politician is out there and going to suit someone's needs and wants. My wish list of wants probably isn't what the next person's looks like, I have no desire to influence anyone nor do I enjoy arguing with anyone. It's kind of like religion, I believe in it, I want to follow a path, I want to be guided, not lied to, but sometimes you have to believe in things you can't always see and hope for the ultimate outcome. In the same aspect, I will not be the one telling you which religiong is right or wrong. Use your heart and head to guide you.

I love the first day of snow, don't you? Especially when it isn't really cold. LOVE LOVE LOVE! We had fun playing in it for the afternoon!

Yes, we eat snow here.

Have I ever shared this layout before? I forget. lol. It's been so long since I blogged, I can't even find my blog schedule.

 I spent a little while uploading photos to Black's. 10 cent 6x8's, uh hello!  but the best part of my day was giggling at facebook. Are you a leader, follower or lemming? fun times just surfing...

but in one quick click of the finger on facebook, and you all of a sudden are on Pottery Barn site. thank you Catherine for introducing me to this fabulous store. It gives me nice eye candy to look at. I was smitten today with the bedding section. little things can please a person in the day.

or this. yummm.

 

seriously, I must get off the computer, get off the computer. is it working yet? lol

 

Igloo pt.2

so if you have been following our igloo building adventure (this post) we are almost done. Only the entrance way archway needs to be complete, but we ran out of daylight.

but we put a light in it and man was it cool! Unbelievably, it was sooo warm, I really truly was putting th insulating foam in the cracks wearing only a tshirt. I am really pumped to see how it holds out for winter.

 

One more day and a few more jugs and we will be finished!Everyone has asked us for instructions, I will write them once we are complete. There are a ew things we would change. Lessons learned. But if you are considering it, start saving jugs now. It tool us almost 2 years to save and that was with LOT'S of family & friends saving for us.

Here's few more Hallowe'en moments I want to share with you guys...

I can't believe how many pumpkins we saw that looked like this. Gave me a giggle, kinda grotesque but funny.

This pumpkin was neat.

Here were a few of our little house decorations IN the house.

I forgot to show you my fave house from Monday. LOVE it!!!!

Well must go get ready for the night. It's family movie night at our school. Can't wait! we are watching Rio. a cute little movie.

 

JoAnn's chains

I recently was asked to be a part of a cool gig this past week. It was to create signage for the chain store JoAnn's that would be in every store. That is AWESOME! 

I was given a few guidelines:

Everything had to be Core'dinations, NO patterned paper, simple, minimal embellishments, no sanding, no distressing,no inking, nothing "extra".

Was it possible? The last few years I wasn't really true to my style, I conformed to meet the needs of the assignments or product given. Because not one, NONE, zilch of my fave, fave fave layouts were ever published I realized that I had to change my style to be liked by others if I wanted to be published. So now lately I've been trying to re-evaluate what is my style???? Do I know it at all? Or do I need to figure out what kind of style I want.I had only submitted 1 project  for publication since March, and I had even forgotten about it till today. I guess Spellbinder's had mentioned to my Editor today how much they liked my card. So I simply will wait on pins & needles to see it in print. It  felt great to have that little skip in my stomach again. Reminded me of about 7 years ago when I was a part of a Baby Book. 

The timing of this assignment was actually soooo appropriate because I have been changing my life for the better. Improve improve improve. To create something with the very basic of tools took me back to the beginning of my scrapbooking. Where there wasn't an abundance of product, embellishments, paper, etc. So I was excited to accept the challenge, but then immediately nervous to see if I actually could create something I'd be happy with.

As it turned out, I enjoyed myself immensely. It was Freeing. I created a handful of samples and THREE were picked up!!!!!! I was elated. I was hoping for one. So once I see the signage I will share with you.

Here were my entries:

I actually think I will toss a challenge out there. DO you think you can figure out which 3 were picked up? I will send out some Fabulous Adhesive prizes. Maybe even Core, if I can find a full pack that I haven't touched!(my fave thing about this assignment was I could use photos I love, they didn't have to be new & unseen. SUHWEET! )

1.Sweet Sarah

(supplies: Core'dination cardstock, Prima flowers, May Arts ribbon, Recollections alphabet, American Crafts Thickers, Bo Bunny brad, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L EZ runner, Fiskars border punch)

2. our kids

(supplies: Core'dinations Cardstock, American Crafts Thickers & slick writer, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L  EZ Runner)

3. she stole our hearts the minute she was born

(supplies: Core'dinationscardstock, Americna Crafts Thickers & slick writer, Fiskars heart punches- 3 sizes & border punch, scrapbook Adhesives by 3L)

4. grade one

(supplies: Core'dinations cardstock, American Crafts Thickers & slick writer, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L EZ runner)

5.Riley: 7 yrs old

(supplies: Core'dinations Cardstock, Fiskars scallop square punch, Chatterbox buttons, the Twinery twine, American Crafts Thickers & slick Writer, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L EZ Runner)

6.Taylor

(supplies: Core'dinations cardstock, EK Success punches-border,flowers, Fiskar circle punch, American Crafts thickers, Sakura gel pen, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L EZ Runner)

7. Beckett (this one just photographed sooo dark, sorry! It is actually grey and navy.

(supplies: Core'dinations Cardstock, American Crafts Remarks stickers & slick writer, Scrapbook adhesives by 3L EZ Runner)

8. Moves Like Jager

(supplies: Core'dinations Cardstock, Fancy Pants buttons, Ranger Stickles, EK Success border punch, Maya Road die cuts, American Crafts Thickers, Sakura gel pen, Fiskars border punch, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L EZ Runner)

9.You three make our life ...Colourful

(Core'dinations cardstock, Pink Paislee alph stickers, Fiskars circle punches- 3 sizes, sCrapbook adhesives by 3L EZ Runner)

10. 9 months old

 

Supplies: Core'dinations cardstock, Fiskars border punch & heart punches, American Crafts Thickers & Slick Writer, Scrapbook adhesives by 3L EZ Runner)

11. day in the park

(supplies: Core' dinations Cardstock, American Crafts Thickers, EK Success border punch & flower punch, Fiskars border punch, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L EZ Runner)

simple. a refreshing change. although I had fun, I still love how you can spice up a layout with pp. HOWEVER,  Core'dinations cardstock was a fun challenge to use without distressing. lol

Nothing like a good challenge!

 

 

Hello.

Is it me you're looking for?

ok, Sherri, when you put this on facebook today, I giggled and giggled and then realized, Hello, this isn't funny. It's the situation of my blog right now. gone, hidden, disappeared, blah, blah blah.

I almost gave up on blogging, not because I didn't want to blog, but because the lack of technology in our household that prevented me from blogging. Shaw=stone ages for us. Never once could we have internet, tv and phone at the same time for 3 days in a row. So it became frustrating and we came to not rely on anything technology in our house. Yes very silly, why didn't we change right away? Well for a couple of reasons: It is such a pain in my ARSE to move our entire library wall to change back. And finding time in our schedule to accommodate someone being there to even let them in. Next to impossible. Besides throwing in any possible changeover charges. I was willing to give a second chance, third, fourth, apparently hundreds. Well not any more. Our day finally came to change 2 weeks ago and I am beyond happy! Woohoo.

Fingers crossed, we are glitch free...

Hallowe'en was AWESOME! Such a warm warm night, and of course we scored unbelievable amount of candy. too much, way too much. Embarassingly to say I threw out an entire cauldron full from last year. Jim bugged me and said we should hand it out. I asked did he want our house egged? The novelty of candy is there for a few weeks then thank heavens it tapers off.

Of course you know I dressed up, I always do. Whether it is to hand out the candy or if it is walking around with the kids door to door. This year our best buds joined us and we had a BLAST!

Somehow I lost time in the day and was left with less than a handful of minutes to focus on my face, but this is where 12 min. got me and dollar store face crayons. Needless to say, I have realized it is time to break out my cosmetic grade face paints. I used to face paint soooo much in previous years, and have taken many classes on face painting, and if you want to do something right  you need the right tools, or at least ones that are worth more than an buck and don't break every second. lol. Before when we used to have crazy adult parties, and reasons to paint our faces...now with kids I see we are going to have many more reasons to do it. 

So here I am a dead witch and my zombie little red riding hood. I told her not to laugh so that she has a serious scary face, but that is hard for our family. we laugh way too much.

Here's more serious,and the blood she added herself.

Riley a good natured samurai.

Jager...wait for it. Spiderman AGAIN!!!!!!!! seriously let's retire the red/blue spiderman, the black spiderman. We've spidey 3 times now!!!!! but this time it was different because he had muscles!!!!!

Our pumpkins were very plain this year. We went to Winnipeg as a family and that didn't leave us much time to spend the day carving. But I was pretty happy.

hmm, so now that I am back blogging, I am going to try and pick up on sharing with you more. Have to get myself back into the routine...

Today 2 blogs have me on them, I'd love for you to go and check them out.

Basically Bare

Vinatge Street Market

Some fun little things from our Halloween.

Check back a little later. I'm working on blog posts for this month. I've got lot's to show. I've been gone awhile. So if you've given up on me...I'm BACK!!!!!

of course, I have news, you know it!

 

 

it all started with a little request from Jager...

when he was in preschool. Mom, can we build an igloo? The Gr.1 class did, and I want an igloo. So I thought, why not, who am I to say no? So we are coming on almost 2 years and we have saved milk jugs FOREVER!!!! My poor parents shed was almost impossible to get into. The process of rinsing the jugs, letting them air out, and then putting the lids back on and putting them in the bags became something all of our family could do in our sleep now.

Well this past Thanksgiving weekend, we started the feat of igloo building. A few tools of course had to be purchased. high intensity glue guns, hundreds of glue sticks, the hunt for the perfect flooring. Afterall we wanted it to last in the weather and the kids not to get slivers.

Then began the long process of hauling all the bags to the "location".

It is nestled in my parents backyard, between beautiful trees and fence. And the best part, we can see into it from the kitchen window. That is called strategic planning. So now, my dad give the kids their first lesson in geometry. creating circles with a marker and a string once they find the middle. Their igloo has a diameter of 8ft. you know roughly the perfect party size to hold all the kids. lol

One other thing I would like to point out, we did have an excellent engineer on site to figure out the figurings!!!! Thank goodness for dads. I happen to think I am very blessed, but when I see him with my kids, man I realize how lucky they are. Imagine, grandparents that wantt o be a part of their ives, ones that watch their sports games, or tae kwon do, ones that come to their birthdays, ones that just well PARTICPATE in our kids lives. THANK you mom & dad. They always say it takes a village to raise a child, well I think my kids are blessed to have you guys in their lives.

Once we drew out our guide right on the panelling. We got out the glue guns and used the hottest setting as possible and away we went and glued the jugs right to the wood. 

Everybody had a job. Jager was the glue man. We went through over 225 glue sticks so far, so having him close by was a necessity. We were changing glue sticks almost every 5 jugs. Riley was actually getting very good at gluing and blowing the jugs up with the air compressor.

but there is always time to be funny...

of course then pipsqueak wants a picture. (during this time you can see how productive I was. lol. I easily get sidetracked.) And of course this is the day our little 3yr old decided she was riding a bike with no training wheels. Woohoo!!! So armed with a helmet and mojo we helped her practice. Such determination. She did pretty good, At least at the farm, the ground seems softer, not like city concrete/pavement. She only has a few bruises.

To keep the kids busy instead of getting bored, we asked them to practice their adding and subtracting. We actually didn't know Jager could count that high. insert HUGe proud parent moment here. We had them arrange the jugs into groups of ten.  Let's just say this is only the first dump of jugs, we made 5 more car loads. lol.

progress is starting to be made. Kids are getting excited!

4 levels so far, 3 hrs later. we are on a roll. Then the light starts to disappear, we break a glue gun, decided to call it quits. Mom of course has an amazing feast ready for us to eat. I LOVE my MOM. holey camoley the lady can cook! 

Day 2. We are back at it, now with more glue and a new glue gun. Being in use for hours upon hours, really kicked the glue gun in the butt. You can really see progress now. The sides are tilting in more, the door is starting to be formed. However, we did a slight miscalculation, next time make your seventh layer a little more tilted. Otherwise it gets taller . Not a bad thing, you just need WAY more milk jugs.

of course, new day, so that means new photos. lol. Today Jager is Batman. Nothing like a good ole black garbage bag to do the trick. 

Serious, the end is in site??????

little pipsqueak was getting settled right in. Jager now had a new job, making sure all the lids were on. He wanted to be in charge of this so he knew which colours were next to each other. He is thoughtful that way. Just like when he made his birthday guest list, he said he was going to invite a group of girls to play with his fave because he couldn't always be there to play with her. He'd have to entertain everyone.

Speaking of birthdays, man do they suck or what??? First off, what's your policy on inviting the kids that don't invite yours? Recently my kids weren't invited to a party, and maybe we were just forgotten, who knows. always give the benefit of the doubt. However, it SUCKS seeing my kids sad that they didn't go. It is actually the worst feeling ever. So of course, now they don't want those kids at their parties. ei yi yi. the drama starts so early. I can totally understand if you are only having a tiny amount of kids, but really when you had 45 guests???? Anyways, a real eye opener. And so I will abide their wishes and only invite those they want at their party. I thought we should've extended the invitation. However, the kids said, "mom there's no point".  Jager goes, "but we've been invited every year". Riley goes, "yeah probably cause they just wanted gifts from us. "We give good gifts. uggh! HEART BROKE, over and over! Not sure what I'm more upset about, the sadness my kids feel for being left out, or the fact that Riley is becoming "hardened to how some people behave nasty". I want his innocence still.

Anyways, I distinctly remember my husband saying this idea was all mine, and he'd watch us build it. I laughed, knowing full well he was excited to see the outcome and that he'd never sit for a minute. He is that awesome, help always kind of guy. The look of seriousness, probably fixing my mistakes. lol I make lot's.

This would be, my "wife is driving me crazy look". he makes me laugh all the time. More likely I can't repeat what he just said, but of course I was fully smiling.

as you can see, our igloo now stand at approximately 5 ft+ tall. Most likely between 6-7ft upon completion. HOWEVER, we RAN OUT OF milk jugs. Who'd have thought over 500 jugs would not be enough. So I am making a request to any local peeps, please save me you milk jugs, just give them a rinse, save the lids and I will come pick them up!!!! I f you are a scrapbooker maybe I can thank you with supplies! We want to finish it before snowfall, and think we are about 60 jugs short. THANKS SO VERY VERY much!!!!!

I will show the completed igloo when I can. thanks for tuning into our latest family adventure.  We are living the life, experimenting, making mistakes, having fun and living in the moment...are you?

I promise...

one day I will return to faithful blogging. Lol.  Serious, my life has been a whirlwind of change, excitement, travel, kids growing, husband working away from home, and well jsut a gazillion things.

to do a recap of the highlights.

Crop & Create- The first one was held in Saskatoon the last weekend of sept. Of course not without glitches, but at least everyone pitched in, the glitches were dealt with and we had ourselves a crazy fun time! 

Our photo booth definitely was my favourite. I can't believe how sily we all got. But man, I know this album is going to be my favourite one I keep on my desk.  It's not often that you get to surround yourself with fabulous women, teachers of the highest caliber and forget that you are there to work. It just seemed like one heck of a big party.  

(So if you have some of these crazy pics to share, please email me scrap-mommy@hotmail.com, I definitely want them in my collection!)

Here's a few of my faves. we took some "normal ones", then we took some crazy ones. all I know are the giggles didn't stop.

The coolest thing is we are coming to a city NEAR YOU!!!! We are taking the Crop Create show on the road all across Canada (with the possibility of one U.S. city as well...teehee!) and we are sharing the Scrapbook & Cards Today LOVE. Now that one event is under our belt, we are going to be making it bigger and better, and it is exciting!  

Then all the fabulous teachers flew home and I was a little sad. It is so nice to be able to hang with fabulous women. We spent a few hours shopping and then a little bonding at night watching Bridesmaids with our popcorn we picked up at the mall. Total fun time. 

Check in tomorrow. I am going to share with you the building of our igloo. We are about 60 milk gallons short of completion, so if you ahve any that are rinsed out with lids, I will so come pick them up from you!!!! Sorry to be that pain that asks for clean ones, but after having to open them to clean them, I did have a few dry heave moments that I don't want to relive. uuggh!

Spellbinders Blog Hop this week!

 

Welcome to the Core'dinations and Spellbinders Blog swap!!

 Are you ready for a week long blog swap filled with loads of inspiration? Well, you came to the right place. Spellbinders and Core'dinations have teamed up and created gorgeous projects just for you. But...a blog swap wouldn't be the same without give-a-ways, right?

Core’dinations will be giving away FOUR paper packs in total!!!

Here is how you can win: 
1. Visit the Core’dinations blog and leave a comment every day, Monday the 26th through Friday the 30th. We will give away two packs to TWO lucky winners.
2. Like us on Facebook and comment to win a paper pack.
3. Visit the Core’dinations Designer’s blogs and leave a comment. We will be linking them up on the Core’dinations blog throughout the week and will choose one random designer’s blog to pick a winner.

Make sure you visit the Spellbinders blog for more details on how to win some of their awesome dies.

Insert your project here and whatever details you can give them about how you created it...the more the better. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here are the links for Spellbinders to hyperlink on your blog

Website: http://www.spellbinderspaperarts.com/Home.aspx
Blog: http://www.spellbinderspaperarts.com/Community/Blog.aspx
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Spellbinders

 

Seriously if you aren't leaving your name on all these places, I think you must be crazy. teehee. I love the CORE products, don't you?

So this week I am showing you my little Sarah box. I made one for Ireland earlier thisyear, and had intended to put a mini album in it of her...but it became her little purse. She loves it so much that I don't want to use it for anything else now. But when I received some fabulous pictures of my niece Sarah. I knew that the perfect little mini album was one that would be contained in her own "purse". 

I used Spellbinders products & Core'dinations throughut this entire little mini album. And I LOVE the outcme. Surprisingly, it wasn't colours that are "me", but for sarah's 1 year birthday party last week I made her an album and had lot's leftover, so I created a couple pages and this project. Hope you like it.

I started out by painting the entire outside & inside of the box. Lavendar outside (Kaisercraft paint) white inside. Then I ran the white brush over the outer edges of the box to make it look a little distressed. I did paint some of the metal fixtures lavendar & white, knowing full well some would wear off and some would stay on. I like that weathered look.

I adhered the Core Impressions Basic Grey-Ornate line down on the box with Scrapbook Adhesives- Adhesives sheets.  (super handy sheets I tell you!!!!! I used them for my flowers too and because I did a lot of punching on the edges of paper, these sheets are the most perfect thing for adhering them down!

You can't see, but I did use a spellbinders circle die to create a base for this lacy part. I wanted to stay within the circle and it was a good guideline. The layered rectangle dies are PERFECT for matting photos. I just didn't emboss them cause I knew you wouldn't see it anyways.

  I used these throughout the whole album.  It was perfect since I made up quite a few mini pics.

This purse is so deep that I put all the leftover pics that I made up in the bottom. I made extra mini, 4x6's and 5x7's for future design projects, and my parents album, etc. I am stoked because now when I am looking for a picture of this precious peanut, I just need to look in her purse. 

I found the perfect mini album to build on. It's from 7 Gypsies. You are suppose to use these little mini elastics, however I robbed them last year for a project I did with my dear friend Vicki Boutin in November.  *** for those of you looking for something to do next weekend, don't forget Vicki along with Becky Fleck, Kelly Goree and Kimber McGray are going to be in Saskatoon for the launch of the inaugural Crop & Create. We had space and would love to have you join us! click here for more details.***

As you can see I did incorporate quite a few punches in this album. I didn't have any "edgeabilities" but if I had I would surely have used them to crete the same type of look.

such as...

be still my heart. I adore those.  but I did have fun with the flower dies.

 

I have a little room to do the journaling. That is always important!

Something you may not think of when you create mini albums is to include the photo cd. But with these FANTASTIC Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L Photo CD pockets, you will never lose your photos again!

 

 I LOV that you can decorate and personalize them.

(I find that while you may back up your photos on an external harddrive, this is such a handy storage too in case anyone ever asks you to borrow the cd. 

 

Thanks for stopping by my blog today! Don't forget to leave a cmment for a chance to win. Also go to these places to for more chances to win...

 

Website: http://www.spellbinderspaperarts.com/Home.aspx
Blog: http://www.spellbinderspaperarts.com/Community/Blog.aspx
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Spellbinders

 

CROP & CREATE IS ALMOST HERE!!!

 Before I get to today's LONG post, I must say, that I am in the groove of singing as loud as I can, music is cranked, 3rd qurter of income tax is ready to go to the accountant, 1 load of laundry left, I am having a FABULOUS Monday. Hope you are too!

I am really really getting excited! The very first Crop & Create event is going to be here just around the corner.  ALL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS EVENT CAN BE FOUND HERE.

                                 

I don't know about you, but I get sooo inspired when I take fabulous classes, meet new people, get a chance to see cool things. It makes me feel rejeuvenated and want to scrap more and get those memories documented!

I don't know how many times I've said it before, can you believe the talented teachers we have coming to SASKATOON?? i can guarantee this has never happened before to have this calibre of teachers in Saskatoon at one time!

It has been fun seeing where the teachers are making their flight connections to get here. We aren't quite the big city where all flights fly into. Kelly Goree is coming up from Kentucky, Kimber from Indiana and Becky from Montana and Catherine & Vicki coming from Ontario, let's just say a few connections are being made. lol

Have you seen the sneak peeks from the teachers?

I will show them here in case you haven't had time to slide by Scrapbook & Cards Today website.

I will do a quick review of the teachers, the class descriptions and the sneaks. We do have a few spots open in the classes for any last minute registrations. We'd love to have you!!

Kelly Goree

 (I still get shivers knowing that Kelly is coming to Saskatoon. Years upon years ago I fell in love with her style, and then the first time I met her I was in awe. She really is that adorable Southern girl who has an awesome sense of humour, fabulous smile and just has her act together!!!! I know I've told this story before, but the first time she left a comment on my blog I was tickled pink, thinking it was random. Then I got an email from her awhile later and well let's just say I archived that baby for awhile!!!  I still get excited when I see her in a magazine! Her style is iconic. I was pretty impressed that this celebrity remembered me. Now throughout the years, we've taught together and have become friends and I am so blessed! I can't wait to hear what you guys think of her classes!!!)

 

 

Paper Mix-Ology!

Are you that scrapbooker who collects sheet after sheet of beautiful patterned paper but has no idea how to mix them together on your scrapbook pages? Are you too afraid to cut into that gorgeous sheet of paper for fear that you won’t be able to “make it work?” Does the idea of using even more than one sheet of patterned paper at a time completely freeze your scissors in mid-cut?! Well, fear not—this class is just for you! Join our patterned paper expert, Kelly Goree, as she takes the mystique and mystery out of using those papers once and for all. In this class you’ll create two double-page layouts that will teach you the fundamentals that will have you mixing up patterned papers as easy as 1-2-3!

Teacher: Kelly Goree
Duration: 2 hrs.
Friday: 8:00 – 10:00 pm
Sponsors: Pink Paislee, Studio Calico
Welcome & Supply List  

sneaks:

 
The Designer’s Dozen

We all hunt for those cherished tried-and-true recipes that not only make our lives easier but make us look like we’re Martha Stewart to boot! It’s those favourite go-to basics that save us time and stress in the kitchen and it’s no different when it comes to our scrapbook pages! Join Kelly Goree for a fabulous "scrapbooking baker's dozen!" Well known for her bold use of color, pattern and design, Kelly will teach you how to take your layouts from delicious to extra-yummy with twelve basic design tips! In this class you’ll learn about techniques such as the “rule of thirds” and “focal photos” while you create three fantastic layouts guaranteed to be a hit with those you love!

Teacher: Kelly Goree
Duration: 2 hrs.
Saturday: 2:30 – 4:30 pm
Sponsors: Bazzill, American Crafts, BasicGrey
Welcome & Supply List  

Kimber McGray

 This girl ROCKS this industry with her clean and classic style. Most known for rocking the cards or maybe  for her chart topping books. Yep, she has just finished her latest book, so that will be excited when it comes to print.

I know I am putting all her bestseller books on my Ipad so I can take her everywhere. Her books can be found at Amazon.com (in hard copy) and Itunes for the tech saavy girl!

I have met her at CHA and she really knows her stuff. I CANNOT wait to lear from her card classes. For anyone who knows me, making cards doesn't come naturally. I take longer to make a card then a layout. Much more thought. So I would love to walk away with more confidence and ideas on how to create magnificence on a small scall. Can't wait Kimber!!!! Here are the covers of her books if you are on a hunt for them!

Kimber's Classes:

Flowers CAN bloom all year!

Flowers can bloom all year long and they don't require watering or even a green thumb! Join Kimber McGray and create a garden of blooming embellishments made from different mediums such as fabric, ribbons, zippers and yes, papers, too. In this class, you will make four fabulous cards adorned with beautiful, hand-made flowers, as well as two floral lapel pins perfect for any occasion. Bring your garden indoors and watch it bloom!

 

Teacher: Kimber McGray
Duration: 2 hrs.
Saturday: 11:00 – 1:00 pm
Sponsors: Jillibean, Core'dinations, Maya Road, Stampin' Up!
Welcome & Supply List

sneaks:

Christmas is coming card class!

No matter who makes your "Naughty and Nice" list this year, they will be thrilled to receive one of these handmade cards! It's never too early to get a head start on holiday cards and these little gems are sure to be a hit. From gift card holders to snow globe shakers to cards that pop (up!), join Kimber McGray for terrific card-making class filled with tricks and techniques right out of Santa's workshop!

 

Teacher: Kimber McGray
Duration: 2 hrs.
Saturday: 6:00 – 8:00 pm 
Sponsors: Jillibean, Core'dinations, Stampin' Up!
Welcome & Supply List

Becky Fleck

Now this OUTSTANDING artist has redefined our industry. I personally truly believe this. I have taken many a class from her, and I will admit to be the ultimate worst student in her class cause I am pitiful at measurements. I'm a free bird that wings it with finger ticks to mark my cuts. She is a graphic artist that provides you with the most accurate instructions I have ever seen for projects. Very precise and you leave with the most phenomenal results. So knowing that I am on the opposite spectrum as Becky for how we measure and cut, I walk away from her style with something different. Her talent to create sketches that you can easily adapt to your own projects is the best tool a scrapbooker can have. I feel that they really are the "bible" for our industry. Really, do you want to always be reinventing the wheel, a must to create something brand new never seen before on every project???? I don't. I mean sometimes it is required of me for work, however, for my own personal fun and scrapping, I LOVE following Becky's Page Map Books or website for inspiration on how to rock a layout.  You can order both her books from AMazon.com but hurry they only have a handful left! (they ship immediately too)

 

If you have ever wondered how to interpret sketches you see THIS IS THE CLASS FOR YOU!!!!  

Double Up! My Favourite PageMap sketch

Love sketches? Then join Becky to create a fabulous two-page layout based on one of her favourite PageMap sketches! Students will learn terrific techniques and time-saving tips, and walk out of the class with a fantastic multi-photo page. But that's not all! With the leftovers, you'll also create a beautiful greeting card based on one of Becky's favourite CardMaps, perfect for any occasion. 

Teacher: Becky Fleck
Duration: 2 hrs.
Saturday: 8:30 – 10:30 am
Saturday: 2:30 – 4:30 pm
Sponsors: Fancy Pants, Doodlebug, Bazzill, American Crafts
Welcome & Supply List

sneaks:

Last but definitely NOT LEAST!

Vicki Boutin

Canada's favourite scrapbooker. She is that instructor that everyone loves. Her style is timeless, beautiful. Her teaching style is efficient, classes are PACKED with goofies and you never get stressed. She really makes you feel good in her classes and you walk away with amazing projects. She is returnig to Saskatoon for the 3rd year in a row with a track record of sold out classes, we are proud to say we did create larger class sizes to accomodate more people. I am proud to say she is one of my best friends in this industry, LOVE LOVE her quirkyness, her eye for design and photography and just her personality. Always the best laughs ever!!!!

And guess what????? She just came out with her own book!!!!! And let's be realistic. How many of you scrapbookers are going to start from scratch on white paper and create an entire scrapbook page EVERY time you scrap by inking and stamping? For me, once in a blue moon. It is a lot of work. But how many of you buy those AMAZING stamps out there, and would love to learn how to do all those techniques out there on your layouts. This book is going to show you lot's of tips & tricks for the realistic scrapbooker/stamper. This book is for everyone who wants to learn how to add a little spice to their scrapbooking through mixed-media techniques and unique stamping ideas. I've pre-ordered mine on amazon.com (It saves you 34% off book price. CANNOT wait till it arrives!)

EASY, DETAILED, EXPERT Layout Workshop

From beginner to advanced and everything in between! This is a class based on the popular column featured in every issue of Scrapbooks & Cards Today magazine. Students will start with the basics of building a layout and from there they will learn tips and tricks on how to take a page from good to great in class Vicki Boutin style! A few fun techniques will also be explored while completing three 12 x 12 layouts! Giveaways and good times will abound!

 

Teacher: Vicki Boutin
Duration: 3 hrs.
Friday: 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Sponsors: Bo Bunny, Core’dinations, Studio Calico
Welcome & Supply List

Technique Savvy Workshop

It’s time to dig in and get your hands dirty! Together with Vicki, students will explore a plethora of fabulous techniques including tricks with fabric, a little resist, art medium ideas, tissue manipulation and more! Students will layer stamps, inks, mists, glitter and more. These wonderful techniques are going to be “dressed” up and displayed in a most interesting manner! If you are open to learning new things and having fun then this class is for you!

 

Teacher: Vicki Boutin
Duration: 3 hrs. ($10 kit fee due at time of class)
Saturday: 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Sponsors: Maya Road, Harmonie, Ranger
Welcome & Supply List

Last but not least, I am excited to welcome Catherine Tachdigan- founder of Scrapbook & Cards Today Magazine. I am so excited for her to come to our fabulous city. She created the concept of this free magazine as a way to help stores thrive, to help the consumer learn, find inspiration and be able to seek inspiration without having to spend a huge cost. And especially in this modern day of recycling and saving pennies, it is AWESOME that wherever you are in this world; YOU can read the magazine (and all past issues) ONLINE for FREE. If you decide you would like a hard copy of it, you can get that from your local store (but be quick because they are free, they do disappear fast) or you can get a subscription where you ONLY pay for the shipping costs. You won't regret this choice, that's for sure!    

If you would like to submit for their next call, here is the submission requests:

Call for submissions

"wonderful winter call"

Scrapbook & Cards Today is pleased to announce its “Wonderful Winter” call.Scrapbook & Cards Today is a beautiful, seasonally inspired free publication that can be found in both Canadian and US independent scrapbook stores. It can also be downloaded internationally, in its entirety and for free, by visiting www.scrapbookandcards.com.

Scrapbook & Cards Today would love to see your artwork—including layouts,cards, and altered projects with the following themes:

• holiday celebrations
• winter fun-both outdoors and in
• the "perfect" winter day
• Valentine's Day!

Scrapbook & Cards Today is also looking for:

• winter cards
• gift tags
• holiday gifts
• well-balanced, double page layouts
• multi-photo layouts

Becky Fleck’s sketches are always inspiring and this one is no exception. Download the sketch at http://www.scrapbookandcards.com/documents/SCT_dec_2011_sketch1_5x7_card.jpguse it to create a greeting card and then submit it to us for possible publication! Please put “winter sketch” in your email reference line.

organization

Are you perfectly organized or have you found a way that helps curb your messy ways? Share your tips and tricks with us so you can help others in the same situation. Photos as well as written submissions are welcome.

something special

We are always on the lookout for a “special” project to feature in our “something special” column. If you have created something outstanding, be sure to submit it for us to see.

Be a part of the fastest growing scrapbook publication! Submissions can be made at www.scrapbookandcards.com/submission1.html or atideas@scrapbookandcards.com. Compensation includes a fabulous goodie box from our sponsors plus two copies of Scrapbook & Cards Today! Please include your name, address, phone number, email address and supply list. Please ensure that all files sent are under 500KB. Summer CHA artwork and projects will be considered. This call ends October 3, 2011. We look forward to seeing your work!

This call ends October 3rd, 2011.

We look forward to seeing your work!  

Now one last thing to talk about:

Our Crop & Create facebook page is INTERACTIVE! What does that mean? It is for absolutely ANYONE to become a part of. ANYONE can win, it is not just limited to those who are attending. Every Monday of Sept. we are posting challenges. One card- by Kimber McGray and one layout (sketch created by Becky Fleck but a layout created by me). We would LOVE to see your work. We have lot's of prizes to giveaway!!!! All you have to do, is do a project or multiple projects. The more you enter, the more you win. then take a picture, and upload it to our facebook page for everyone to see. It's as easy peasy as that.

This weeks sketch is:

here is my take of it.     I used ALL of Jillibean soup & the matching Core'dinations cardstock. (Thanks Miss Barb Riley for the pp!)

Here is the card sketch!

and Kimber's card:

LOVE the sentiment. how funny!

This crop is just where it's at. 2 nights of a luxurious late night snack- fri (chocoholic feast) and sat a dessert buffet.

Friday night, 5 manufacturers have sent us up make n takes to do for FREE! THANKS!!!!!

Also we have a special guest flying in fro the states to spend the weekend with us demo'ing a HUGE NEW PRODUCT!!!!! prepare to be excited!

 We are also pretty pumped to have 2 loca scrapbook stores onsite. Scrapbook Studio ( a brand new store) located on Primrose Drive, and Just Scrap It in Sutherland. They will be there to add to your cropping experience. Plus we might have one more guest from Stampin up! SUHWEET!

Well today sure was a long post. so sorry, I just had so much goodness to share. Can't wait to see at the end of the month. 

September is HERE!!!!!

woohoo! I am so pumped.

This month is the big kick off to our first ever Crop & Create!

 It is taking place in Saskatoon.

I am going to talk about Crop  & Create on today's post,and even if you aren't attending please stay tuned. On the Crop & Create Facebook page we are hosting a couple challenges EVERY single week of September. These contests are open to EVERYONE.  Not just those attending, everyone you know.  So let's get started on how it works.

 

Every Monday, we will announce a card sketch & a layout sketch on our CROP & CREATE facebook page and we will also announce the winners . We also may toss in other challenges in there. So you will have to stay tuned. We were given SOOOOO many prizes to give away and we want to spread the love from our super awesome Manufacturers that we think just rock! 

The Card challenges are being hosted by Kimber Mc Gray. Kimber will be joining us in Saskatoon for the first Crop & Create. She is the author of 3 Bestsellers and soon to be one more... The first card challenge she posted today is:

 

Here is the first layout challenge. These layouts are brought to you by Scrapbook & Cards Today Magazine; created by Becky Fleck-author of Page Maps 1 & 2. 

This is MY take on this sketch. I ADORE this sketch so it is definitely going in my fave collection. Can be interpreted soooo many ways!

Also for this first week you have another way to win. Simply send your friends to our facebook page and "like" us and make sure they say "----" sent me. You will also win a huge prize. This month we have sooooo many prizes, lot's to go around. So enter as many times as you would like. We are so blessed that our manufacturers think this event is such a great idea that they have rewally spoiled us, and anyone who might be interested in attending one day.

 

Keep in mind, if you are from Saskatoon or area, we do have space available to still attend. The hotel has been super accomodating to us too. We sold out of a few classes so fast that we asked for more room, did a little shuffling and by acquiring a larger room we were able to open up our attendance to hold more people. So it's not too late to join us.  

Crop & Create is the first of a classy, creative event that will offer you many ways to have fun, and take classes. We pride ourselves that we have brought some of the best educators in our industry in. These ladies have travelled all over the world educating, and/ or have become authors. They will be on site to sign your books if you would like and they are looking forward to having fun with all of you! Our swag bag is something that is exclusive to us, not a loot bag that is a mismatch of older product thrown together in a bag given to you. This SWAG BAG has been prepared by Becky Fleck who has customized each and every bag so that you walk away with a fantastic surprise. It is the first of its kind in this industry to receive as a swag bag. The manufacturers LOVED our concept and jumped on the chance to sponsor it. We can't wait to see what you think of it.

We are having a meet & greet, late night dessert bar, make n takes sponsored by major manufacturers and they are FREE to you!!!! Woohoo. We have a few contests that will take place. Some will be released next week so you can start preparing. We will send out all class supplies/tools needed for your classes next week. 

We have started putting out sneak peaks of classes on the Scrapbook & Cards Website. Please join us!!!

Saskatoon event facts & details (time schedule for classes, registration, info)

sneak peeks

 

Check back all this week for more updates on the crop! Make sure you hit our facebook page, it will definitely be worth your time.

I am so proud of this event. The concept is brilliant of bringing amazing to local cities. Scrapbook & Cards Today has set an industry standard to constantly be there helping out the local stores and promoting manufacturers to bring EVERYONE knowledge & information that is free to you. You can find them ONLINE and see their magazine for FREE. Or if you are interested in a hard copy edition, you can get them free with purchase in participating scrapbook stores and last but not least. You can get them as a FREE subscription-you just pay the shipping cost. How awesome is that????? I like that they want to bring you the best quality in sketches to help you create, articles and substance that relates to what the manufacturers are releasing. Check them out today,you will NOT be disappointed. Then make sure you check out their blog & facebook page. They give out BRAND NEW product (not old stuff from years before) EVERY SINGLE FRIDAY!!!!! HAve you won yet????

 

Take Care,

I'm off to create fun and memories with my family today, how about you?