Happy Holidays!

I hope the holidays are going well for everyone. I know we had a wonderful Christmas here in Mississippi. This was my year to host our annual family breakfast (Mom cooks everything), and add in the Christmas Eve supper, and the Christmas night turkey dinner, and you know I've gained at least 10 pounds!

I'm working on kit prep for the Lasting Memories retreat, and I have a few photos to share. The first is the cover of the birthday mini album, and the second photo contains 3 sneak peeks of the layouts we'll be creating in "Details That Count", a Christmas themed class. I talked to Julie today, and several of the classes for the weekend are sold out, with a waiting list. If you are hoping to order a kit from any of my new classes, call Julie at Lasting Memories, or Emmalie at Crop Paper Scissors in Waco (links on the sidebar). I can't promise these will be available later in the year.

And, the last photo - well, that's Zeke doing what I wish I could do on this overcast, cold day :)

Birthday mini book

I'm waiting on Scenic Route rubons, so this is just a little peek at the birthday mini book. This class also includes a double page spread. I used a Maya Road 5.5"X4.75" chipboard album (5 pages, 10 sides), and KI Surprise papers (love them!) with all the usual goodies - you know, buttons, brads, rhinestones, and glitter! This class is exclusive for Lasting Memories and limited, so if you are interested in a kit, give Julie or Barb a call. I know they will be glad to ship. I'm also kitting this class by the page for ease in assembling without me :)

Little bit of Love

Something about the 70 degree weather we've been having put me in the mood to finish up my "In The Mood For Love" class projects - three 12X12 layouts with Scenic Route Loveland and K&Co glittery goodies :) Click on the photo for a larger view. I think I'm going to "love" this class! Getting excited about my trip to NY. I had so much fun with the Lasting Memories crew earlier this year, and I expect nothing less this time around. Hey, I'll be there on my birthday! Think they will help me celebrate? :D Next on my to do list - birthday mini book! (and my tree isn't finished, and neither is my shopping or my handmade Christmas gifts for my sisters and mother, BUT I've got 12 days until Christmas!")

something is broken at blogger

So when I tried to upload a holiday banner, it looks BAD...let's hope they fix it soon. In any case, no snow here in MS, and not likely to get any either. The closest I get are little snow people that decorate my tree (or half decorate my tree since I'm not finished.)

ads for NY

Spent the morning creating some little ads for my classes at the Lasting Memories retreat. Photos of the project mean I'm finished with it. Photos of the kit mean I'm still working on it. And, a simple title ("Details That Count") means I have to receive the product before I can even photograph a kit! lol It's all good, and I like designing classes. Gives me a break from other stuff. I've heard so many awful tales of flying/airport delays I'm worrying a bit about that, but it can't be helped. I can't walk to NY or Texas! I'll be driving to Nashville in April for the SE Event, so no worries there - oh, except teaching 100+ ladies four times in a row :)

Go Helio and Julianne!!

Yes, Marie is adorable, and Mel is talented, but H&J were talented, entertaining, adorable, and fun to watch, all season long. I didn't vote, but I thought about it, lol. Who are you rooting for? (and you must admit that doll dance was weird - even my 12 year old thought so)

Scenic Route Loveland

Gathered together some really nice items today. I plan to use these things to create a class titled "In the Mood for Love". Scenic Route knows how to do it right, don't they? :D And K&Company has the most beautiful frosted/glittered chipboard and glittered stickers that match perfectly. I'm going to sprinkle in some sequins for a bit more sparkle. Sorry I don't have more to share this week. A big project is taking up all my time and energy.

Happy Thanksgiving!

My mom and sisters and I began planning our Thanksgiving meal today. Ham, turkey, and chicken and dressing topped the list, but sweet potato casserole, lima beans, and more goodies were not far behind. My girls want chocolate cake and more chocolate cake (so what's new?) I've also been scrapping a lot, but not a lot I can share.

I talked with Julie in NY, and we firmed up plans for my visit to the Lasting Memories retreat in mid-January. Barring any bad weather, I'll be celebrating my birthday with Julie, Barb, and friends that I met up there my last visit. Hoping to make some new friends too! I'll be teaching 5 classes - a good mix of mini books and layouts. Looking forward to it!

Home and Family class peek

I'm teaching a couple of limited classes next spring. Limited means I'm only teaching it at 1 or 2 stores. This one is for my Waco and Savannah trips - a darling altered metal container with a mini album tucked inside. We are using the K&Co Margot collection - yummy! And it matches my living room :D I'm working on a birthday class next for Lasting Memories in Somers, NY - a mini album and a 12X12 double page spread. Be watching for peeks later this week!

something scrappy

Have you seen the new K&Co Wild Saffron line? It's not my usual, and yet, I'm having the most fun scrapping with it. This is a little peek at a project I'll be doing in one of my classes next spring - a 4X10 ring bound album.

if you didn't know I was country

then this will surely give it away ;)

My brother did us the honor of cooking our supper....turkey in a garbage can. And, it was delicious! This is actually our second time to be treated. But, this time, I documented the procedure, and he didn't dodge my camera a single time, lol. I'm not big on turkey, because it is usually too dry, and doesn't have a lot of flavor. But, he does such a good job. I ate two helpings, and I wasn't the only one.

And in case you are wondering, I AM scrapping. I'm just working on things I can't share. I'll be designing my spring classes this next month, so be watching for peeks of those things!

Fall TV

I'm a tv watcher. Admitted addict. And movies! Don't get me started on movies, lol. When I talk about these shows, don't think I actually sit in front of the tv and watch every one. I also iron and watch tv. Clean the kitchen and watch tv. Scrap and watch tv. You get the idea? In order to see some of the new fall shows, I've watched them on my laptop (because they show at the same time that I'm watching something else, and I don't have tivo).
Favorites:
Dancing with the Stars - watched only a bit of previous seasons...just couldn't get interested. But, something about this season grabbed me. Rooting for my favorites, Sabrina and Helio.
Friday Night Lights - we want more Kyle!!!
Samantha Who? - saw the first show - it was funny, and I'm hoping it continues that way.
Survivor China - better than last season, for sure.
Without a Trace
want my Medium back!

Still giving it a shot:
Heroes - enjoyed last season....something about this season isn't clicking
Grey's Anatomy - huge fan of past seasons....what's wrong this go-around? I'm just not loving it.
Private Practice - I should like this show. Why isn't it on my "must see" list?
Prison Break - so very much wanted to love this season. I'm a fan, but I'm disappointed so far.
Bionic Woman - watching this one on my laptop. And it's not bad.
Pushing Daisies - weird. Very weird. And yet, I'm watching it, lol. Maybe it's just so different than anything else, and the lead character is sweet, and Emerson is a hoot.
Shark - they changed up some players...not loving the new guy working for him.
Journeyman - it could be better. Don't like the ex showing up in the past, and it doesn't have as much depth as it could.

Gave up on or dislike:
Carpoolers - although I find bits of it funny, it's mostly not my sort of humor
Chuck - liked the first show, and it's gone downhill since.
ER - didn't watch last season, and not watching now
CSI Miami, CSI - these shows used to be on my favorite list


Okay, so what am I missing??

cards

Enjoying fall, ya'll! Hope you are too :)

So, let's talk tv. New shows you like? Shows that are not on your "gotta watch" list, but you are giving them a chance? Some you won't waste your time on? Let me hear from you!

More on my tv watching in the next post.

before and after

The power of Photoshop :) Click on the photos for a larger view. You see, with a digital slr, I could adjust some in-camera settings to get different out-of-camera results - contrast, color, sharpening, and saturation, for example. Instead, I prefer to shoot at a lower contrast, lower saturation level, and edit afterward. In the top photo of Michaela, it didn't take much to make the photo more pleasing - a bit more color and contrast. In photo #2, I adjusted the color, correcting for too much yellow, and added contrast, which makes Zeke pop out of the photo. In photo #3, I corrected for some underexposure (caused by the backlighting), and boosted the color. Very small corrections that make a difference in the printed photos. And everyone has preferences - you can tweak your photos to please yourself!

my camera equipment

Amanda asked about my camera, and I've had others ask too, so I thought I'd do a quick post about my equipment. I shoot with a Nikon d80 dslr. My lens bag contains the 35mm f2.0, the 50mm f1.8, and the 85mm f1.4, all primes. I'd love, love to own the 17-55dx, but that's a chunk of change that I don't have. Think I could convince hubby it would make a great 20 year wedding anniversary gift? lol That is just 7 months away! Regardless of the type of camera you own, I believe there are 2 keys with ANY digital photograph - get the best exposure possible (this includes the most accurate white balance) and editing. Editing is the biggie, because you can correct for color, saturation, contrast, and sharpening. I'll post a couple before and afters for you, to show you the difference. I use Adobe Photoshop 7.0, but a less expensive version that will give you great results is Photoshop Elements.

Family Life Mini Book pt. 3

Thanks for looking!

Family Life Mini Book pt. 2

I need to add a few more photos to my book, and add the journaling too. I also sewed the buttons after the photos ;)

Family Life Mini Book *retired* pt. 1

I typically teach a project 4 or 5 months, before designing all new classes. I'm about to get knee deep in my spring class designs, so I thought I'd share a few of my past projects. This mini book begins as a bare 7Gypsies tag album, and becomes this colorful, interactive mini book. K&Co Amy Butler blue and green papers, A2Z black and white print (one of my FAVS!), and 7Gypsies stickers.

a few cards

A thank you card with SEI papers and a bit of a different take on a baby card with Mustard Moon papers, Deja Views rubon, and Foofala buttons :)

Simply Southern Success

The trip was a success all around! My eight classes went off without a hitch - unless you count the eye infection I developed on Thursday, before leaving at 6am on Friday morning, lol. Corinne Arnold, the event coordinator, was a joy to work with - so organized, detailed, and calm - from the time she asked me to teach, right up to the days of the convention. I know it took many, many hours on her part to make this convention go so smoothly for the instructors, the volunteers, the vendors, AND the guests. The volunteers were wonderful! This includes all the ladies working the show - registration booth, information counter, door attendants, teaching assistants, and ticket takers. Each of them was helpful and friendly. And, I KNOW I had the best students in the place :D Couldn't have asked for a better crowd. I truly appreciate each person who sat in my classes and smiled back at me - even though I looked a little rough with one red eye ;) We did have some scrappy fun! I admit my legs and feet were feeling the strain of 2 days on the concrete floors, but that's what my comfy couch is for :) I had friends there who took me to lunch, ran small errands, and gave me support throughout the 2 days. Thank you, thank you! And last, but not least, a little about my roomie, Kathy Fesmire. She is not only a talented scrapper and instructor, but she's also a sweetie. After the long day Friday, with my eye giving me trouble, and my legs hurting like crazy, I went back to the room, instead of going to a movie like I had hoped. Kathy and I talked and ate steakburgers, and I didn't miss that movie for a minute! Thanks, Kathy, for not being a psycho, lol, (inside joke there!)

wrapping up the kits!

I'm in the final stages of prep for my classes at SSSC. Whew! And just in time, too, as I leave on Thursday night. Huntsville is just a 2 hour drive, and it's a good thing, as I have boxes and boxes and boxes of kits that will ride much better than they will fly (and cheaper too). This is a last peek at the "So Very Beautiful Mini Album" class. This one sold out quickly, so we added a few more seats...there might be 1 or 2 left. If you are interested in any of the kits from these classes, contact Corinne at 615-969-3991 today. They will no longer be available after today, and I won't be teaching any of these classes again (and no leftover kits). Excited about seeing old friends and making new ones! I lived in Huntsville for 3 years, and I'm looking forward to hanging out for a few days.

for the cook

Since I don't have many layouts to share these days, I remembered I could share some cards/gifts I did earlier this summer. Found this note pad on clearance, and I created a wrapper, complete with wooden spoon.

favorite scrappy tools?

After this weekend, I've fallen in love with a new tool. How did I live without it?! The BasicGrey Magnetic Precision Mat Kit! Remember, I scrap on my bed. I'm constantly bumping things (paper, photos, embellies) out of place, and if I have to move off the bed (hubby does sleep there occasionally, lol), then it gets jumbled. Or if my girls run in to say something or show me something, they invariably bump my "stuff". With this magnetic mat, I can play with my components, and even prop the layout up, and walk across the room to look at it and check for balance (which I often do after a layout is finished/everything attached). I'm in LOVE! Even if I scrapped on a table, this would be invaluable. Thank you, BasicGrey, for a favorite tool!

Scrapping buddies

I know one thing - scrapping buddies make this hobby the BEST. I was thrilled to see 3 of mine yesterday at a crop in Birmingham (hi, Janet, Audrea, and JoAnn!) In the past, we would get together every 3 or 4 months. But, it's probably been a year and a half since most of us were able to spend any time together. Scrap Etc. (the store that is doing the sold out Scrap Etc. 2008 Event in Nashville next April) did the crop and provided the food (it was yummy, too). I met some new friends, and had a great time...and I scrapped! lol I've worked today on tweaking and finishing those today. It felt good to do some pages :) Did you get to scrap this weekend? Do you like weekend crops?

Hello, Tuesday!

I know it's been a quiet blog. I've been working, and working, and working. I just can't share any of it, so it makes for a boring blogpost. I started prepping kits for my Simply Southern classes almost 3 weeks ago, and I'm down to the 10 days prior to the show. Still kitting here...and enlisting all the aid I can find (poor dh). I'm preparing over 250 kits, and some are mini books that have lots of little pieces. To give myself a break, I just finished bagging up 60 door prizes. Yes, you read that right - 60 prize packs. For each class, my students will have a 1 in 3 chance of taking home a little goodie packet. Product from K&Company, Mustard Moon, Heidi Grace, Autumn Leaves, and Karen Foster to name a few.

Halloween shopping?

Some people start shopping for Halloween costumes long before October. No, not me, but some people, lol. I snapped photos of a bunch of friends at our church Trunk or Treat last October (layout seen in October Scrapbooks Etc.)....and the way they were dressed HAD to have been planned in advance! I love this sort of layout - truly "slice of life" around here :)

She had a great one!

Mother's birthday surprise party was exactly that - a surprise and a great party! I wanted to share a more recent photo of us (my photos from the party did not turn out). This was taken last fall, and that is my sister, Debbie, between us.

A few more

Mom layouts :)

in honor of my best friend

My best friend is turning 60 tomorrow. She also happens to be my mom :D I thought it would be good to pull out some layouts from the past that feature her (not enough of them, I can tell you, and I plan to remedy that). First up, an 8.5X8.5 album I created several years ago, with some of her childhood photos. Lots of sewing and distressing on these pages. She sewed for me, and her mother loved sewing too, so I wanted to incorporate that aspect into the album.