30 in 30 Promotion Giveaway Winner

Heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped me spread the word about 30 in 30 Scrapbooking - September 2012. Because of your enthusiastic help getting people informed, we have a great group of participants, and I cannot wait to get started with the challenge.

I drew a winner this afternoon for this bit of yumminess from the Winter Wonderland collection by My Mind's Eye...

...and the winner is Wendi!

Please contact me at your earliest convenience, Wendi, so I can get your goodies in the mail to you.

Pick of the Month - August 2012

It's no secret I love me some autumn. So when I was cruising around my LSS and spotted a new autumn collection from a new paper manufacturer, I was thrilled.

I picked up these four sheets, two the same, of the Sugar Hill collection from FarmHouse Paper Company. I love tones of color and the patterns, and I'm certain these will coordinate well with other fall collections.

Those are the B sides of the papers, and I absolutely adore the one with the text background and little cluster of leaves. In fact, I may have to have at least one more sheet of that one.

Now, I usually don't select a pick of the month without having put it to use, but I know these papers will not be in my stash for long, especially because I'm getting ready to start scrapbooking my wedding in earnest. (Yeah. It's only been TEN years!)

What about you? Got any cool products or techniques or something else you're really psyched about right now? C'mon and share!

Favorite Photos - August 2012

This month, I didn't take very many photos at all, probably because August is my least favorite month of the year. The heat makes me cranky, makes me want to curl up in the air conditioning. So I don't do much in the last month of the summer, and there is a dearth of photos.

Still...I took a few:

I was standing near my Mom's bedroom window and caught sight of the lovely summer sky. By the time I got downstairs and outside with my camera, most of the pretty color had faded already, but I captured what I could, a fleeting memory of one sunset.

There he is, the love of my life. The anchor that keeps me sane. I love that smile. I love him.

Our friend Amy couldn't make it to Mom's party, so she gave the gift to me when we met for coffee. I love the smile on Mom's face. So full and genuine. I'm glad I get to be the daughter of this great lady.

I took a few hours one afternoon to do some necessary shopping and paused for a lovely lunch at Panera. I ordered clam chowder, but the person taking my order misunderstood, and I got summer corn chowder instead. Talk about serendipitous mistakes! That stuff is tasty! Last time I had Panera, just a few days ago, I ordered it on purpose because...yum.

Now that we have a generator that will guarantee our sump pump runs, now that I don't need to worry about flooding in the basement, I can enjoy the rain. Beautiful downpours like this one make me happy.


Pretty sure there'll be quite a few more photos to share in September, especially with the beginning of my favorite season. Leaves are already turning, and once it cools off, I'll be snapping away...

Last Call - 30 in 30 Scrapbooking - September 2012

Less than two days remain before 30 in 30 Scrapbooking, September 2012 edition, begins.

Which means there's still time to sign yourself up. All the details are right here.

I hope you'll join us.

Breakfast at Hyatt Place

My 2nd to last layout with the Studio Calico kits I've been using for a couple weeks. I did use some Distress ink and some Glimmer Mist, but everything else is from the kits.

I'm hoping to have a little time today to create the last of the layouts I've planned to create with the kit supplies, and I also need to do a little prep work for some of the 30 layouts I'll be creating in September.

I'm pretty psyched to get started...

New Discovery - August 28

This morning, with coffee cup nearby, I was reading blogs and discovered a "new" website for us paper-crafters that I didn't know about.

Papercrafters Corner.

How did I miss this?

Very cool site, and this week is buttons week over there, so be sure to check out all the nifty ideas for getting more of those adorable little buttons on your layouts and projects.

I'm going to be checking in at that site often.

****

Also, don't forget: 30 in 30 Scrapbooking -September 2012 gets off the ground on Saturday. There's still time to sign up, and there's still time to enter the giveaway, which ends on Friday.

Greatest View - A Giveaway

So, badges are all the rage in scrapbooking these days. I've used a few that were included in kits, and while they aren't my absolute favorite embellishment, they're kind of growing on me. The ones in the photo above, from Greatest View, are the cuteness, yeah?

And guess what? There's a giveaway! Click here to get all the juicy details. I'm participating, not just because a girl's gotta love a giveaway, but because I like helping people spread the word about what awesome stuff they're doing. Definitely check out the shop, too, because there's a lot of yumminess in there. Badges and twine and pins and those adorable little bags that are so popular right now.

Something New - Autumn 2012

September is coming, and mine is bound to be a busy one! In addition to the September 2012 edition of 30 in 30 Scrapbooking, which is going to be a blast, I'm going to be doing something new.

Art journaling.

These are the blank journals I've chosen, found in a little art store next to a Dairy Queen. On sale, they were about $22 for both of them, a savings of 40%.

And yes, there are two. Because I'm not embarking on this new artsy adventure solo. My Mom is going to join me, and I'm so excited to get started. I ordered some supplies from Simon Says Stamp, and I'll be sorting through my stash for other things to use. I've bookmarked some art journaling blogs for inspiration, and Mom and I are going to get started on the first day of autumn, September 22nd.

I'm counting the days...

Announcing 30 in 30 Scrapbooking - September Edition

30 Scrapbook Pages in 30 Days

Last June, I embarked on a new adventure, a scrapbooking challenge I created called 30 in 30 Scrapbooking. (Click here to read all about it.) While June's edition was a trial run, it was awesome, especially since four talented scrappin' babes joined me. We created wonderful pages, preserved some memories, and had fun doing it.

Fun is what 30 in 30 Scrapbooking is all about, and the next round starts September 1st, just two weeks away.


The Challenge and the Prize

So, you may ask, what's the challenge? Bascially, you create 30 scrapbook pages in 30 days, no daily requirement.

But here's the cool part. For the September edition, there's going to be a prize drawing, and the winner will receive a $30 gift certificate to her favorite online scrapbook store.

Nifty, no?


The Introductory Offer

But here's the even cooler part: as an introductory offer, the September 2012 edition of the 30 in 30 Scrapbooking challenge is absolutely free. That's right. You can participate in a fun, productive challenge, preserve some memories, perhaps make a few new friends, and possibly win a prize.

At no cost to you.

How awesome is that?


The Rules and How to Participate

Please be sure to read all the rules and FAQ's at the new blog I've created for 30 in 30 Scrapbooking, and feel free to email me with any questions you may have.

You're probably wondering how you can participate. It's easy. All you have to do is email me, and I'll send you an invitation to the Yahoo group where you'll upload your completed pages, chat with the other participants, and hopefully be inspired by some prompts, page challenges, and other resources that will be available on the message board, hopefully getting your creative engine revving.


The Giveaway

Want to help me spread the word? You could possibly win this little bit of yumminess from the brand new My Mind's Eye Winter Wonderland collection:

Just tell someone about 30 in 30 Scrapbooking, linking to this post, then leave me a comment saying that you did so. Blog about it, post on Facebook or a message board, Tweet about it, email someone, whatever works for you. Let me know in the comment how you spread the word, and I'll put your name into the drawing.

Easy peasy, right?


I'll draw a winner on August 31, 2012.

I really hope you'll join me for this adventure. I think you'll be glad you did.

Coming Soon...

...a giveaway to help kick off 30 in 30 Scrapbooking - September Edition!

Want to help me spread the word and possibly win a prize in the process?

Of course you do!

First Studio Calico Kit - 3 Layouts

The August kit at Studio Calico, which is already sold out--these kits are popular, scrappin' babes!--is the first one of my new subscription to the kit club. I wanted to try to create some layouts using just the main kit and the add-on I bought to go with it, but I wound up using a Studio Calico kit I purchased from Two Peas awhile back to supplement. So far, I've created four layouts. You can check out the first one on this post, and here are the other three:

Mother Daughter Smiles

(Supplies: Ink by Colorbox. Cardstock by Recollections. All other supplies, Studio Calico kits.)

At first, I wasn't sure the green and yellow would work together, but once I got the layout complete, I loved that contrast and how it complimented the other paper. Because I wanted to stick with the kit supplies as much as possible, I punched circles out of one of the patterned papers as embellishments. This is the only layout of the three that I didn't use any other supplies except for ink and a bit of card stock to matte the photos.

Two Sound Asleep

(Supplies: Ink by Colorbox. Buttons by Making Memories and unknown manufacturer. All other supplies, Studio Calico kits.)

I realize this is not a great photo, but I'm posting it anyway. I'm really digging the red in this kit, little splashes of it really brighten things up! And those chipboard buttons: adorable, no?

Oh, Oh, Oh, Cake!

(Supplies: Ink by Colorbox. Marker by Stampin' Up! Glitter by Stickles. All other supplies, Studio Calico kits.)

This is so different from my usual color style. I very rarely work with black and white. But I like how this layout turned out. Just enough red to brighten up the muted black and grey tones. I added frosted lace Stickles to the letters, as well as the chevron border on the left and the little bit of chevron paper at the top. It doesn't show up well in the photo, but in person, it adds just enough dimension.

And oh, that cake was yummy...

At 44

At 44

(Supplies: Card stock by Recollections and Stampin' Up! Patterned paper by Little Yellow Bicycle, Echo Park Paper, DCWV, Making Memories, and unknown manufacturer. Butterfly die by Lifestyle Crafts [formerly QuicKutz]. Butterfly punch by Martha Stewart Crafts. Sentiment sticker by Little Yellow Bicycle. Letter and number stickers by American Crafts. Gems/pearls by Queen & Co. Ink by Ranger. Stamp by My Mind's Eye. Spray ink by Studio Calico.)

There's some old, old stuff on this page! Challenged to match the photo to patterned paper--there's a lot going on in that picture!--I raided the scrap basket and came up with some pieces I wasn't sure would work together, but I'm really happy with the finished page. This is a page I started doing once a year, usually with a birthday photo or one taken near that day. I like the opportunity to "check in" with myself as I get older, identify things that are important in my life with each passing year, see how I grow over time and what remains a struggle. Butterflies represent transformation and transition to me, so I definitely wanted them on this page.

For the Love of Rain

For the Love of Rain

(Supplies: Card stock by Recollections. Patterned paper by Echo Park Paper, Little Yellow Bicycle, and unknown manufacturer. Letter stickers by Bella Blvd. and K&Company. Stamps by Hero Arts for Studio Calico. Epoxy and dimensional stickers by Little Yellow Bicycle. Brad and tape by My Mind's Eye. Gems by Me and My Big Ideas. Printed tab by Ormulu. Die cuts by American Crafts. Word sticker by K&Company. Mist by Studio Calico.)

I love these photos of myself enjoying the rain. I love that I used older paper from my scrap basket that I still love, that I was able to use part of a scrap with the word "love" printed on it for part of the title. I love that I used up some old epoxy stickers still lingering in my stash.

And I love that I'm still inspired by Shimelle Laine's Starting Points, which really help provide a springboard for my own creativity.

First Layout with Studio Calico Kit

I finally took the plunge and signed up for a kit subscription to Studio Calico, and the first kit arrived day before yesterday. I actually ordered one of the add-ons, too, which included an alphabet stamp set that I know I'm going to use a lot. Both kits are full of great supplies, and I was inspired to get started creating yesterday morning.

Here's the first layout:

(Supplies: Marker by Stampin' Up! Chalk ink by Colorbox. Spray ink by Glimmer Mist. Brads, unknown manufacturer. All other supplies from Studio Calico kits for August and special class kit by Studio Calico for Two Peas in a Bucket.)

My plan was to stick with the main August kit and the add-on I bought as much as possible. I did wind up digging into a special Studio Calico kit I purchased from Two Peas awhile back. The colors coordinate well, and I love the wooden embellishments on this page. I love how easily this page came together. When I sat down to get started, the photo blended so well with the papers I was already drawn to use, and I really dig the three journaling cards in a row.

I've completed another layout, but I ran out of good light to photograph it, and today? It's grey...all day long. But I have two other layouts to post, coming soon, and there's bound to be an announcement about 30 in 30 Scrapbooking for September any day now.

Update - August 8

Believe me, I do realize that I've neglected my blog lately. Most of the end of July was tied up with plans and preparation for my mother's 80th birthday celebration.

Our 24-year-old air conditioner died in the wake of this terrible heat we've been having, the week I was planning to go on a cleaning spree to get ready for a houseful of people.

Talk about stress!

With all that behind me, though, I'm starting to get back into the swing of normal, everyday life, and here's what's going on with me right now.

- I more-or-less completed my 12 Days of Summer album, and the sad news is, I don't like it very much. Yes, it documents those 12 days, and that is valuable, but it isn't very visually appealing to me, which is why I haven't posted photos yet. I am percolating ways to improve it, and once I do, photos will be shared.

- Yesterday, I received the first kit in my brand new six-month subscription to the Studio Calico kit club. I've had my eye on that club for some time, now, and I finally decided to take the plunge and join up. So far, other than a little glitch in the delivery of my first kit, I like the SC club very much. Did you know there are forums at the Studio Calico website? I'm meeting nice people there. Check it out.

- Also yesterday, I got to participate in a great sale at Archivers. 43% off all stamps, and I picked up some good stuff. A 43% coupon was also emailed to me, so I picked up the album I'll be using to scrapbook Mom's party, her gift from us. I just went with an American Crafts 3-ring 12x12 binder. Nothing fancy outside, but there will be fanciness inside, don't you worry! :)

- While shopping at Archivers, I discovered they had the brand new, drool-worthy collection from Bo Bunny on the shelves. Apple Cider is prettier in person than the on-screen previews, and the only disappointment was they didn't have the collection pack. A helpful employee checked for me, and it's on back order at Bo Bunny, so bummer. But I did pick up a few pieces of paper, the flower pack, the die cut pack, and some bling. Luscious, and I can't wait to start making pages with it. My eyes are peeled for Two Peas or Scrapbook.com to carry it. I can wait...patiently...maybe...

- Even with all the shopping and chasing down my package from Studio Calico yesterday, I had some time to actually create a scrapbook page. Do you get rusty when you haven't scrapped in awhile? Sometimes, it feels a bit awkward, getting back to it when I've been on even a short hiatus. Writing is like that for me, too, even though I journal and write other things, like blog posts and emails, regularly. It's different, putting words together to tell a story, I guess. Anyway, I hope to have at least one layout up later today, possibly two. It feels good to be scrapping again, playing with paper.

- My next big project, before we zoom right into 30 in 30 for September, is to complete my Mom's album about her birthday. I'm going to include photos from the party, memorabilia, the index cards I had people write for her, birthday cards, and other photos and stuff from her actual birthday. I'm going to go with some papers from October Afternoon, possibly a few from Echo Park Paper, and I am looking forward to getting that done. Eventually, I'll also be able to complete the 31 Things album. Getting photos assembled and printed for that project has proven more time-consuming and tricky than I ever would've imagined, but I keep reminding myself to relax, let things take the time they take.

What's going on in your life, scrappy or otherwise, these days?

30 in 30 Scrapbooking - September Edition

Just a little announcement: the second round of 30 in 30 Scrapbooking begins in less than a month!

More details soon, along with information on how to participate, a little surprise, and a contest.

Stay tuned...

Favorite Photos July - A Little Late

July was one of those busy, busy months with birthdays and a party and people visiting from out of town, and I'm still trying to catch my breath and catch up with all of that behind me.

Here are my favorite photos from July:

I finally managed to sit down with pins and thread and a needle and do some mending that I've been wanting to do for a really long time, cropping one pair of jeans, turning another into shorts, and repairing a favorite pair from several years ago. I don't sew often, so it was awkward, but I got everything done, and that made me happy.

Getting to be with Daniel always puts a smile in my eyes. Here, we're enjoying dinner on his birthday, which happened to fall on date night. Being together is such a wonderful gift.

After many dry days, rain at last!

For Daniel's birthday, I took him on a getaway to a nearby hotel. We relaxed in the courtyard with some tasty beverages and soaked up the warm air and almost-quiet.

Happy 80th birhtday to my sweet little Mommy. Family came in from out of town, and friends joined us to celebrate a wonderful woman who has touched a lot of lives.

Little Mommy at 80, laughing with her grandson at Claddagh. They're good friends, and that makes me happy.