Makeup to mud in 3 seconds flat

Teenager. 13. O.M.G.

don't worry, I am dealing with it. I am a mom of a 13 yr old. Here is the page I made for Riley's scrapbook album.

The hearts were leftover from a whole bunch I cut out for a Sizzix blog post. I layered them over top of each other in similar ways, but yet different. 

Here is a sneak from that post. Hey, just a thought, if you aren't into blog posts, but still want to se my art- I am going to try really super duper hard to post on leicaforrestscrapbooking on Facebook, or at my pinterest site Leica's scrapbook layouts.

Thanks for checking this out!

Leica

Sneak Peaks!

Sneak peaks! I am in heaven.

Did you hear? My fabulous friend Vicki Boutin has finally come out with her own line!!!! Make sure you ask your local store to bring her in!!! She always stands behind such fabulous products. I worked teaching for American Crafts for years, their quality is impeccable, so I look forward to getting to play!!!

See ya tomorrow!!

Leica

Charming...

Going strong a week later. My personal challenge of 30 days of posting. One week in, I think I can, I think I can...

SEI Dill Blossoms. 

Let's have a moment to wish SEI was still around, and then let's have a moment when I realized I could not live without using this paper in more layouts, that I bought a kit on Ebay a few years ago. I have worked on 16 different design teams over the past 18 yrs. So I have been supplied with everything I have ever wanted. But every once in awhile you NEED some product from other companies. This was one for me. I think I would buy it again if I saw it right now. Like seriously.

So here's a secret. I couldn't possibly waste any bit of this by layering and covering it up, so I gutted it. Everything under the blue is cut out. How smart is that? It also helps on making your page less bulky. I do it all the time!!!!

Toss on a few journaling spots, stickers and you have a very quick layout put together. I love strip journaling too. Great way to use up leftovers.

Thanks for looking. 

Leica

First Nations artist inspiring me!

another glimpse of art that I am doing with my Grade 1/2's. Johnny Marceland- A Saskatchewan artist. His work is beautiful and unique. We have many pieces in our school, I feel blessed to walk by it every day.

Here is his work:

 

 

Here is a sketch he did, so I took the sketch, copied it as exact as I could and put my own colours into it. So much fun to paint in the likeness of other artist's. You can learn so much!!!

Stay tuned, later in the year I will show you what the kids paint!

Thanks for looking!

Leica

Family photos

colour colour colour

My passion!

For this layout I used some oldie but goldie papers from a Canadian company called Harmonie that used to be around. miss them. They had an unique style!

This layout is already so busy with flowers in the patterned paper, but I thought why not make a few pop making them only out of coordinating card stock?

So break out those Stephanie Ackerman Sizzix flower die and Tim Holtx vines and have fun!!! 

Sizzix Bigz Die - Flower #4

Sizzix Bigz Die - Garden Greens

Sometimes I ink things, sometimes I do random wigglylines. For example- check out the flower centres and around the main photo. Gives a different look. :)

Try it!

Leica

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Twirling with no worries!

this girl.

She can act so mature, then you realize...she is still your baby girl. Spinning and laughing, twirling and feeling her shirt lift. LOVE THIS GIRL!

Sometimes I can't believe, how lucky can I be that I was blessed with children from both sexes.Each are so unique. But she is like  my own personal doll that I can play with her hair, dress her and a touch of makeup for special occasions.

The Sizzix die I used on this layout is so Universal! Cut the base of the tree and then cover it in hearts for Valentine's. Or snowflakes for winter, etc. I have been thinking of doing a layout over the seasons. Wouldn't that be epic? Here is the die.

Sizzix Bigz Die - Tree w/Flower, Heart & Leaves

You can see that I really cheated out on journaling. They are all stickers or rub ons. But they are all words that I feel describe her.

Thanks for stopping by. 

Leica

Day 5 of my 30 day blogging goal.

On a roll...

Changing it up today. gonna show you my interpretation of  Ted Harrison.

I teach Grade 1/2. 

I am an art educator/consultant. I refuse to let kids just "colour" without meaning and thought. They can in free time, and for their own leisure. However, when I can capture their attention for a designated period of time- we are going to study Canadian Artist's, more often than not First Nations Artists that have made an impact. I also throw in a few worldy artist's now and again to study line and colour, design and purpose.

This weekend I had prepared some samples for when I teach it to my class in a few months. While painting, my 8 yr old daughter says,"I know who you are painting like- Ted Harrison". 

 

I said... WHAT? HOW DO YOU KNOW?????

 

Her teacher is teaching them all about him. She explained how none of his colours mix, they are pure colours. Lines separate the colours. The shapes are simple. They ware colourful. They show kids playing hockey AND nature. She has been creating them all week at home. This time adding penguins. Her own twist.

I have said it a few times. Some teachers are a blessing, some teachers "get it", some teachers are creating future people that will be something! I have always believed that the arts is important. Now more than ever!

Here's a few of my fave paintings that I will share with the kids...

 

Baby, its warm outside!

holy cow batman, it is warming up in Saskatchewan. Like 25degrees warmer. -40C has been really putting a damper on things. Indoor recess for most of Dec and January is stressful. I loved walking around outside and letting the kids play in the snow. Please hope it stays for awhile!

Speaking of warm- this dude. He warms my heart. I simply do not know how it has been possible to raise the kindest and most gentlemenest (I know that isn't a word, but I can't find one that fits as well) of people. He is just an outstanding guy.

He turned 13! I am a mother to a teenager. Good grief all mighty. I AM GETTING OLD. But then my fabulous intern pointed out that I was the same age as her parents. ouch. But that's ok. I am embracing this age.  I really truly have had the best life ever.

It can only get better. When I created this layout, I knew it was favourite coveted paper worthy. I also knew that he speaks volumes to the "home is where your heart is" saying. So I put 2 houses on for us. He has my heart. I hope one day I will be as kind as him. seriously. I have a tainted heart.He is pure.

sizzix dies used:

Sizzix Framelits Die Set 6PK w/Stamps - Tags & Words

Sizzix Originals Die - Hearts, Primitive #3

 

 

this die is on my wish list: share your wish list, I would love to see it!

Sizzix Bigz Die - Hearts & Scallop

The houses I think have been discontinued. So sad. They are adorable! But all good things must come to an end. Sizzixwill make some new dies. guaranteed! always better and improved!

 

Thanks for looking!

Leica

The Mothership is calling...

This is Jim's standard going on almost 20 yrs phrase whenever I go to the hairdresser. The first time he saw me in foils he was like,"WHAT ON EARTH?????"

Now, he says the mother ship is coming for me. Funny guy. and actually he is crazy funny. like tummy busting funny. So I laugh with him, but finally after all these years, it warranted a layout.

I used a few of my absolute staples from Sizzix. for example, the red polka dot banner is HUGE! Like love it HUGE!!! But I cannot find a link anywhere. A lot of my friends always say, I wish they made it in the framelits- well they do now!!!

Sizzix Framelits Plus Die Set 16PK - Banners #2 16 different banner sizes!!!! Can't get any better.

I use it to add patterned paper to layouts in a different look. Here the red broke up my chevron very nicely!

The tag on top of the banner is Sizzix Bigz Die - Tags #5  I think I use this tag set the most. It contains 2 sizes. I also did some fussy cutting wight he flowers, and for the life of me can't remember the name of the flower die I used. I will look it up! 

Here is some closeups:

so this is 40!

I am going to try to have 30 days of art on my blog. I have the materials, now just to upload them into posts! Eek! Can it be done? Let's try. Why not begin 40 days of art with me turning 40?

I used a picture of me wearing glasses. Thankfully, I only need them occasionally when I read. But, it is a big change for me.

What is 40 bringing me?

• I am trying worry less about things I cannot change.
• I am trying to invest in my family more. Like not just show up to events, but actually making our little moments significant as well. I already photo document everything. Now journal. Write what I am thinking and feeling. Let these kids know my thoughts. Maybe one day they will want to know?
• Ireland getting hearing aids really was a wake up call for me. The reality is she may wear hearing aids for the rest of her life, or she could wake up deaf tomorrow. We do not know what the future holds. I think this brought our family closer together. The boys really stepped up to help and protect her more this year. I know it made me realize- wow!!! life can change in a blink!! I started taking Sign language classes. I will make this my lifelong learning. 
• My job- tough. not gonna lie. But it has also introduced me to the strongest, supportive teachers I have ever met. I hope to be inspired by these colleagues for the rest of my life! I am blessed that some have turned into really amazing friends outside of school!
• I have changed my outlook on friends a pinch this year too. I am only putting into relationships what I am getting, then hopefully I will feel less hurt. Invest in those who invest in me! new motto. I am a very social person and am very fortunate that I am surrounded by lot's of amazing acquaintances & friends, and luckily really have an outstanding life, but this year I had a few times I just needed a closer someone there for me, just to let me cry, hear and support me. I didn't realize how long and often I had been that person for others, it was weird when I realized I really needed to call someone and felt at a loss. Forging stronger relationships this year has been my #1 priority. And in turn- appreciating those that are giving me the love!
• I am going to continue to learn. I am going to get a Masters in Assessment in Spec. Ed. Hopefully it won't be near as hard a it was in 2014.  I think it will help me to my ultimate goal!
• purge more- in general. working at King George has helped me with that. I donate everything we no longer need to the school. We have such high needs that is never ending. Even things like sheets, towels, pillows, etc. That was freeing.
• multitask less. I am a queen of multitasking. It has a hold on me. I want to be better at things, not just doing them with half effort. My husband never multitasks, and he has become such an amazing cook. Like epic. I am envious. 
• try to get more sleep. I have been working so hard at this. At tone time I never even considered going to bed before 1, 2am. Ever. Now I am making a solid effort to be in bed by midnight or sooner. That is big for me. Insomnia has consumed my entire life. 

OK, if you have read this far and are still with me, join me tomorrow. I promise I won't ramble forever again.

Mwah! xoxox

Leica

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