I'm here to live outloud!

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!