projects for Paper Crafts

Received some projects back from Paper Crafts this past week along with my complimentary copies. Their magazine is AWESOME, don't you think? So many wonderful ideas not only for cards and altered items, but ideas that can be applied to layouts and mini albums too.

Be sure to check out their latest issues!

Exciting online extravaganza!

I'm thrilled to be part of BHG Scrapbooks Etc.'s new online event called Scrap-A-Faire. Here is the link so you can listen/read/learn all about it!!
http://presentations.inxpo.com/Shows/Scrapbooks/Website/home.htm

Lots of product info, techniques, wonderful classes, and top-notch instructors.
I'm honored to be teaching 2 classes - Supply Smarts Girl and Supply Smarts Boy using gorgeous papers and embellishments from Chatterbox. More details coming January 1st when registration opens!!

And that is my cutie, Michaela, on the banner of BHG's home site:
http://www.bhgscrapbooksetc.com/ I created that mini clipboard for K&Company using their adhesive rubons and glitter.

Be watching for more sneak peeks of my spring classes. The next 2 weeks are going to be WORK, WORK, WORK. I'll be traveling to Right At Home in mid-January - on my birthday to be exact, and it will be my first time to Mass. Let's hope there are no blizzards, ok? :D This Mississippi girl would freeze to death!

Crop-Paper-Scissors in Waco, TX, will be my first stop in March teaching my all new spring classes. Hope to meet some of you there!

Very Merry Christmas, and talk to you after the holidays!

Warmest holiday wishes to all!

I've been under the weather. Not working/scrapping, not blogging, and my shopping and wrapping isn't finished either. But, it's not Christmas yet ;)

I wanted to share a few photos of some of our favorite ornaments on our tree this year.

I also wanted to wish all of you who read my blog the safest, happiest holiday season possible. May God's richest blessings rain down on you, your family, and friends. May we remember the great love He showed for us by sending His Son and our Saviour, Jesus Christ, to earth, that we might have life everlasting with Him. Merry Christmas, friends!

because I believe in the power of prayer

I ask that all my friends pray for a boy named Joey. Our prayers for his health and happiness can make a difference. Also remember his family and his caregivers, that they might have strength, wisdom, and much love during this time. Thank you, friends.

blog neglect

My blog has been suffering, huh? Sorry about that. I will make up for it by giving you a peek at a new class I'm developing. I'm working on quite a few, hence my silence lately. In addition to visiting stores next spring, I'm also hoping to teach at some events. I plan to be at Scrapfest in Mandeville, LA, in March. It is my goal to offer EIGHT classes. I know, I'm nuts! Are you a fan of black and pink? I am :D

and they lived

Scrappily Ever After! I visited SEA this weekend for a day of classes and fun, and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Lisa and Bonnie have a beautiful store in Mandeville, LA, with a selection of products that I couldn't resist (I tried to be good as dh was looking over my shoulder). Thank you to both Lisa and Bonnie for inviting me, and to their wonderful customers who scrapped and laughed along with me on Saturday. I look forward to visiting Mandeville again next March for Scrapfest with all new classes!! Check out http://www.scrapfestproductions.com/ for details coming soon. I have a feeling another familiar face will pop up on the instructor list also ;)

my favorite scrappy colors

Blue and green! So the December Poppy Ink kit was right up my alley :D

And you can see a peek at my dill pickle living room walls, which I'm lovin'!

December?

How can November have flown by so fast?! I've got 3 words for December - I'M NOT READY, lol. I may not have time to post over the weekend, so be sure to check out the December Poppy Ink newsletter (www.poppyink.com). I had such fun with Heather's blue, green, and black combo for December! Lots of sparkle too. If you've been wanting to jump on the PI wagon, you need to preorder January by clicking on the preorder button, and you can choose 1 month, 3 month, or 6 month subscription. These preorders are available at approx. 12AM mountain time (1am central, 2am eastern). They go really fast, so if you don't see the preorder button, they've already been swooped up. This is also the time you can grab Add-ons for December. They sell out quickly! Heather is working on a new site, and hopefully, in the near future, she'll have plenty of kits to go around. She's trying to keep it manageable right now, while working on the new site with great features. PI is worth the wait :D

And I know there are A LOT of you who got a kick out of my early layouts ;) Next time post a comment. I love hearing from scrappers all over the world.

five years ago

You guys took me seriously! lol I normally have about 25 hits by 10am and I have almost 150 this morning :D You just can't wait to see my moldy oldies, huh?

Okay, so here is my story: I began submitting in the summer of 2001. About 3 months later, September, I think, Simple Scrapbooks requested the left side of a 2 pager for their magazine - "Joy of Discovery". About a month later, Paperkuts requested "Big Steps for Little Feet", and it actually appeared in print before "Joy". You might notice they are both layouts of my youngest, Michaela...and yet most people seem to "know" my work by my oldest, Olivia, lol. I've never counted up how many pages of each have been published. They don't keep count either :) It's probably pretty close. Olivia has been on 2 covers. I'll show you those on another post later. I would like to get Michaela on a cover if at all possible (a girl can dream, right?)! I just thought it would be fun to celebrate my pub anniversary by showing where it all started.

little lace

ETA - I can't get the first layout to load fully, but if you click on it, it will show the full page.

I've been working on new stuff, but nothing I can show. So, I thought I'd post some older ones that I love. "Shine" was in Memory Makers last spring. I pulled out this expensive bit of lace leftover from my sewing days and put it on a page with lots of ribbon and pink. Totally girly page here :D "Swim" is a layout design I never tire of - 3-5 photos across the page. And I enjoyed using some HS tape on that one.

And tomorrow, I'm doing a REAL blast from the past - my first 2 published pages ;) All the way from 2002!

Mandeville, here I come!

I've been busy getting prepared for my classes in Mandeville, Louisiana, this week! Very excited about the trip, and meeting Lisa at Scrappily Ever After, her staff, and her customers :D I've never been to south LA, so it will be all new to me. I'm also in the midst of preparing my new spring classes that I will begin teaching next March. I need to get those ready before the holidays. December and January are not my most productive months...meaning, with girls here I find it hard to do scrapwork, lol. Add to that decorating, baking, shopping, family time, and just sitting with my feet propped up and it doesn't leave much time to scrapbook! And I've got a surprise coming up that demands some attention too ;) Yes, it is scrap-related, and I promise not to make you wait too long.
On the Christmas front, I have begun my shopping. Hoping to get that finished really early, so I can do some handmade gifts later (when the malls are so crowded). I'll put the tree up after my trip this week. The girls can't wait. I'm thinking about buying some lights for outside...the girls have asked the last 3 years, and Rich made the mistake of saying he'd put up whatever I brought home! lol We'll see about that ;)

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope you and your's have a safe and wonderful holiday! Enjoy the food, family, friends, and fellowship!

moments to grab

Chatterbox makes some of my most favorite scrapbook supplies. I combined their paper and alphabet stickers with a bookplate from BasicGrey, and a bg from Cosmo Cricket.

happy feet

Have you seen it? You HAVE to go see it. The movie is wonderful! We laughed, sang, and danced in our seats. You AND your kiddos will love it!

poppy day

In addition to being a scrappy day, it's been a poppy day :D You know how much I look forward to getting my Poppy Ink kit in the mail. It's one of my scrapping joys - the thing I do just for me (well, and for PI, too!) And, since I have several other irons in the fire this month, I thought I should start working on something - you know, check some things off of my "to do" list. Little did I know that once I started, I wouldn't be able to stop! So, 3 layouts and 1 mini album cover later...I'm feeling that "I accomplished something today!" high. Okay, so there are still dishes in my sink, and piles of ironing, and that kitchen floor could use a mopping...but, hey, I couldn't help it! I think that is why I'm still scrapping 8 years later. Because the joy is still there. I still love putting my photos onto paper and telling the story, while making the page look pretty. No other hobby has lasted this long.

News and sale

One of my favorite online sites for shopping, inspiration, and friendships announced they were closing yesterday (Down Memory Lane Co). Jill has always been top notch in customer service, as well as being a great person and friend. She's having a huge sale, with some awesome deals. I should know, because I shopped already :D So, pop on over to www.downmemorylaneco.com and check out the sale. I send my best wishes to Jill and her family.

album in a tin

After I posted the card keeper, I realized some of you might not have seen this album in a tin that I created for Creativexpress.com. This is for Olivia to document a year in her life with notes, memorabilia, photos, artwork, anything she wants. Each month has a layout on the backside for a photo and journaling. I attached a couple samples of those.

card keeper

Are you looking for Christmas gift ideas? I created this card keeper for a friend, and it can be seen in the Dec/Jan issue of Paper Crafts (love that magazine!) I should do a couple for Christmas gifts, because I really enjoyed it. Are you creating any handmade gifts this year?

new kitten on the block

And Puddin' isn't really thrilled, lol. Puddin' is our 2 year old cat that is accustomed to having the place to himself (since his mother, Prissy, came up missing in June). But Taffy is such a relaxed, loving kitten, I'm sure he'll warm up to her. The girls are in love!

Two

My two. One is home very sick today...the other scampered onto the bus when it arrived, but she seemed hesitant to leave her sister. I am blessed...sleepy, exhausted, but blessed. This layout appears in the MM Quick and Easy Scrapbook Styles idea book.

Destination Fun

Older photos that I wanted to scrap. Created this one at a crop with friends....would have never thought it would get picked up (CK Scrapbook Idea Annual). So for those of you submitting - don't hold back. You never know what they might need.

Turning 40

wasn't as bad as I thought. This layout was a lot of fun to create. It is found in the CK Scrapbook Idea Annual that just hit the shelves.

November?

You are kidding?! It can't be. I want more October. We are having the most beautiful fall colors here...the best in years. The girls played with their cousins and a neighbor in the leaves yesterday. Didn't hear a peep out of them all afternoon except the occasional "I'm thirsty" or "I'm hungry", lol.

Hoping today will be a scrappy day. I haven't created any layouts lately, and I've got piles of goodies that I want to play with. Odds and ends - velvet rick rack, some CI lime scalloped edged paper, AL Savannah bag of buttons...sounds yummy, huh?

and last but not least

I'll leave you with our family jack-o-lanterns :D Someone at 2 Peas posted a link to some Cinderella patterns. I loved them because they were small, and I chose
Lucifer, while M chose Jaq. Olivia was the rebel and wanted Wacko Jacko, lol. I wish I'd had 3 of the same candle, but I didn't so mine is not as bright. M transferred the complete pattern to her pumpkin and I did the carving for her. We were very pleased with our pumpkins! Enjoy!

I told you I would be back

and happy to share a layout I created for Scrap Supply (www.scrapsupply.com). I was thrilled to contribute to their November newsletter. Wendy and her team provide wonderful inspiration and ideas, and then there is the shopping ;) You can see all of the dt layouts plus a couple from me in the newsletter, or in the dt gallery at the site.

So many fun things

to post about today. First off, Poppy Ink posted their November kit and dt gallery. If you are interested in signing up for kits, you can preorder December NOW - or at least you could a few minutes ago. Click on the subscription buttons beside the SOLD OUT November kit. I've seen a sneak, and you WILL want December :D Heather used one of my layouts on her home page. That layout was inspired by Heather's "My Love" page in her February gallery. This month she gave each dt member an assignment to scraplift another. Check out the newsletter link for all the details! And Heather outdid herself on that Poppy Project too!
More later.

I knew it wasn't Christmas yet

Because last night we were carving pumpkins! Hope to have some photos later. In the meantime, I was inspired by Candi Gershon on the BHG Scrapbooks Etc. blog to create some special treats for Michaela's class. Or let Michaela create them. She chose the candy, stuffed the bags, stamped the tags, added the "boooooo" strip, wrote "from: Michaela" on the backside, and proudly carried them off to school this morning. The little owl stamp is from poppyink.com and makes a good solid image, even on Bazzill, but keep in mind these were done by my 6 year old ;) We thought he was so cute and happy!

Is it Christmas yet?

This bracelet was featured in December CK, but they ended up not using the gift tin I decorated to match. Almost everything used is Kology by K&Company.
Hoping my mom will like the bracelet (shhhh, she doesn't read my blog) :D

Halloween costumes

Do your children "trick or treat"? My girls enjoy dressing up and visiting the homes of a few friends and relatives. A few years ago, our church began having "Trunk or Treat". It has been a huge success for our small town. About 30 vehicles park in a large circle in the parking lot, with their trunks to the inside. Then, each family hands out candy and treats to lots and lots of little kids in costumes. Some trunks are decorated, some adults wear costumes, and everyone enjoys the fellowship. Michaela loves handing out the candy. Olivia is usually off romping with friends.
We've had our share of princess costumes. This year Olivia decided to be a Japanase girl. Online costumes didn't appeal at all, and not for the price they wanted for something cheaply made. So, I bought the pattern, fabric, and supplies, and made it. Yes, you read right. I actually sewed something besides a scrapbook page ;) And the hours I spent were well worth it. Olivia thinks it is BEAUTIFUL (she said it over and over) and she thinks mom is a fabulous seamstress, lol. Off today to find something for Michaela - she's thinking black cat or witch. Have a great weekend!

Poll for the weekend

Because I know you are reading, and I know you want to help ;) I'm getting ready to design my spring workshops. Checking out all the Memory Trend releases, and gathering ideas in my head. I know next month is going to be cold, and the perfect time to dream up and create new projects for spring. Here is where you come in: I'm a layout girl. Meaning, I prefer layouts to mini albums, altered projects, or small items (cards and tags). But, these classes are not about me, they are about you. My question is - when you spend your scrapping dollars on a class, do you prefer to take home layouts or other projects (provided you receive ideas and inspiration from the whole class and not just the project you create) ?
Thanks in advance!

California, here I come!

It's official. I will be attending CHA in Anaheim!! I'll be teaching/working for K&Company and soaking up all that California sunshine....the sun does shine in January, right? lol I'm very excited, as I have several friends on the West coast that I'm looking forward to meeing for the first time, and friends that I've not seen in a long time that will be there too. Shows are hard work, but you don't seem to notice as much when you are surrounded by fellow scrappers and friends. Anyone reading my blog that will be at the show?

I have visited California once before on business (I was a Computer Engineer in my "other life"...you know, the one before kids? :D) I saw a bit of LA, and Hollywood. Getting there is no picnic. Living as far from a major airport as I do, it will be an all day affair. I normally take a good book to read to pass the time in airports and on flights. Reading makes the time go so much faster. Any good books to recommend?

patch photos

I always look forward to our annual pumpkin patch trip. We drive an hour and 15 minutes, but it's always a nice drive, and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere once we arrive. My sister, Debbie, and her 3 met us there. Don't they look like a mess? ;)
Remember to click on the photo for a clearer view.

Birmingham update

For those of you waiting on my class signups at Scrap, Etc. in Birmingham: they decided to cancel the workshops due to the big football game being played that day (Alabama and Auburn). Due to other conflicts, there was no way to reschedule this year. Thank you for your support and hope to meet up with you another time!

My next trip will be to Scrappily Ever After in Mandeville, LA, on December 2nd. I'll be helping to celebrate their one year anniversary!

K&Co Memory Trends projects

Just a couple of favorites that I created using K&Company's MT releases. New Brenda Walton papers and accents, and some of the beautiful glitters and transfers.

One of my favorite things

is teaching scrapbook classes. I love designing the projects, making up the kits (packing as much in as I can), traveling to scrapbook stores, meeting scrapbookers across the US, and making new friends. And, I love presenting ideas, whether big or small, to people who love this hobby as I do. So, if you know of a store in your area that might be interested in my workshops, or, if you own a store, and would like more info, please email me at momtwoangels@yahoo.com, and we'll see what we can cook up! :D I'm now booking for February-April of 2007. I hope to see you soon!

Ready for the pumpkin patch?

It is a tradition with us, and soon we'll make the trip again. This photo was taken last year, when we visited with a school group. I used up some odd stickers and rubons - very quick layout! I did go back and sew my buttons ;)

Anyone for dill pickle?

not "a dill pickle" but dill pickle as in color :D I'm painting! Yes, after 10 years in this house, hubby and I are giving the interior rooms a fresh coat of paint. In fact, I'm SURE I overdid it today, lol. But, with half my living room a wonderful shade of green, it was worth it! The bathroom is complete, and next on the list is the kitchen.
In other good news, my November Poppy Ink kit arrived! You only have to get one of Heather's kits to know why they are so popular. Not just coordinated papers and embellies, but the HOTTEST combo of products you could wish for. She goes the extra mile. On the PI board, members have been trying to describe PI kits with one word. Lots of words listed, so I know I'm not the only one that is PI crazy ;)
Have I been scrapping? Hmmmm, well, I'll admit that painting has consumed my time lately, but I have a couple brewing for an online site, and I'm ready to dig into my new Mustard Moon stash. Hoping to have something new to post here by next week!

Tell me what you've been up to!

for Lisa at Scrappily Ever After

Hey, girl - I've emailed you several times, and assumed you were just busy. After receiving your email tonight, I realized you aren't getting my emails. I had to call 3 times before I got a machine that might have been your's...the first call was answered by "Jennifer's" machine. The second call got me Family Services in Idaho, and finally, after calling directory assistance to verify your number, I got a regular machine - hope it was your's! Sorry for the trouble!

2 more HOF book layouts

The 10 photo layout made me want to give up! All I could say about that layout was that it was done, and I followed the rules - even though I ended up replacing a photo of me, in fear that more than 1 or 2 photos of me in my entry would disqualify me (cause hubby took those). Looking back now, I like the layout, and I'm glad I did it - Disney was such fun, and the photos were colorful and happy. I just didn't think it was HOF worthy, if you know what I mean. And "then there was you 2" - my last entry layout to complete. Not a favorite, and chopping my photo down the middle was not something I want to do often. I'm glad it was only 10 layouts...after finishing this one, I had no desire to do another. I just wanted to send it in and be done. So, those of you entering next year, my advice is this - start early, and don't overthink it. Create layouts with your best photos and journaling, and when you gather them together, love what you've accomplished, even if you don't "love" them all the same. I think your love for your family, friends, pets, your home, hobbies, activities, etc., but most importantly, the life you are living should show in your layouts. The rest is just gravy.

You've seen 2 of the other 3 HOF layouts ("Friends" and "Good Fortune"). #10 will appear in the Idea Annual very soon.

Thanks for looking, you guys!

fall television

Fall television is in full swing! Let's hear your "must see" list, and your "get rid of it" list!!
I gotta see:
Prison Break
Grey's Anatomy
Friday Night Lights
Jericho

Like to see:
Survivor
CSI Miami
Brothers and Sisters
Shark
Men In Trees
Without A Trace

Seem to be missing this season (cause I don't have DVR or Tivo) but used to be favorites:
CSI
ER
The Unit

Might be interesting:
Heroes

Not showing now, but will watch:
The Closer
The Dead Zone
American Idol

Gotta go?
How do I have time to watch the bad ones, when my list of good ones is so long?! lol
Angelia

HOF personal statement

Hard to believe this was over 9 months ago. I actually scrapped this one on January 1st. I'm glad I did. I hope to do another this next January.
Scenic Route is one of my favorite scrapbook companies!

Upcoming workshop dates

Very excited to be traveling to Birmingham, Alabama, on November 18th. But, I don't think I've mentioned my trip to Mandeville, Louisiana, on December 2nd. If you live near (or not so far away) I'd love to meet you at Scrappily Ever After! I think I've convinced my hubby to come along for the trip :D Should be interesting!

HOF freebie

I'm a BasicGrey addict. Mix that with some Heidi Swapp goodies, and some rubons, and I'm happy :D This one was about the journaling, and I loved creating these flowers and weaved borders.

layouts that make us smile

We should do more of those, huh? :) This one puts a huge grin on my face, because it makes me remember the fun they were having, and me, too, as I watched from the side. This was one of my HOF freebies.

HOF photography assignment

Another favorite. My nephew is so rarely still, and when I try to pose him alone or with the others, he is invariably making a face - on purpose :) But I caught him in a quiet mood, playing in the kiddie pool, and got candids that I love. When he noticed I was taking photos, he wanted to turn the hose on me, lol.

favorite HOF layout

Got my HOF issue, and I'm posting my favorite entry layout today with others to follow in the next couple weeks. This was my Product Usage Assignment layout. I did all the layouts 9-10 months ago, and was excited about finally seeing some of them in print. I believe the colors are much more vibrant than they printed. The issue has some gorgeous layouts in it by my fellow HOFers and HMers. I think you'll love it!

poppy ink October gallery

http://www.poppyink.com/documents/gallery.html

My fellow PopArtists did an amazing job! It is fun to see how we each interpreted pretty much the same kit contents. This gallery just makes me smile :D