bunches of K&Co samples

These are from last summer and fall. K&Company likes lots of dimension, patterns, and embellishments for their samples :) I think my usual style is much simpler and graphic, don't you? The clipboard was a fun one with the glitter transfers. And, K&Company makes the most beautiful papers and embellishments. People were going nuts over the new Girl Scout/Brownie lines and Amy Butler's line was also a big hit. I can't wait to get my hands on one of those totes!

ScrapFest classes and peeks

I don't think I told you about ScrapFest in Mandeville, LA, and it's coming up FAST. Lisa Stampp, co-owner of Scrappily Ever After in Mandeville, invited me to teach at their yearly festival the second weekend in March. Heather Preckel, along with a large list of instructors from the area, will be joining me for the 3 day event. I'll be teaching a total of 8 (maybe 9) classes. I'll list them below, but you can also click on their link in my sidebar for more information about registration, etc. I'll be posting some additional sneak peeks as I put the finishing touches on some of the new classes developed just for ScrapFest. Hope to see you there!

1) Bloom, Shine, Grow - This class project is bright, colorful, and filled with details. Decorative edges, tags, pockets, ribbon, rick rack, epoxy accents, and rhinestones all make this 6X6 K&Company Neopolitan mini book a treat. $25 Level: Intermediate

2) No Place Like Home - Home can mean many things. This tag book can be customized for photos of your home, things that mean home to you, family members, or even a family reunion. We'll incorporate techniques such as inking, stamping, and distressing as we create a 3.5"X6.5" 7Gypsies tag book with Mustard Moon papers in warm reds, golds, and greens, mixed with black. $35 Level: Intermediate
sneak peek link: http://my-rich-life.blogspot.com/2007/01/no-place-like-home.html

3) Must Be Summer - Learn to make your own mini book from scratch, as we create and decorate this summer or vacation themed tag book with products from Memories Complete. Hemp, buttons, and mini brads along with stamping details will make this a perfect home for those fun summer photos. $35 Level: Intermediate
http://my-rich-life.blogspot.com/2007/02/must-be-summer-sneak-peek.html

4) She Means the World to Me - This class celebrates that mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, friend...that special "she" in your life. Using the Boho Chic line from Making Memories we'll create a 12X12 double page spread with details to make her feel special. Decorative brads, felt flowers, ribbon, and lots of buttons will enhance the beautiful colors of this spread. $25 Level: Intermediate
http://my-rich-life.blogspot.com/2007/02/she-means-world-peek.html

5) Butterfly Kisses - Photos of a loved one will shine in this 5X5 chipboard mini album. Using the Fancy Pants Clair De Lune line (rich browns, reds, greens, and turquoise), we'll create a custom butterfly cover and decorate seven pages with gorgeous patterns, distressed die cuts, Prima flowers, ribbon, and stamped details. $35 Level: Intermediate
sneak peek link: http://my-rich-life.blogspot.com/2006/12/spring-class-peek.html

6) You Gotta Have Friends - Girlfriends, that is. We'll be creating a 12X12 double page spread that puts friendship in the spotlight. Mustard Moon's Sew It Seams line of pinks, reds, greens, and creams will be combined with rick rack and buttons, and we'll incorporate a cool framing technique to show off your photos. Shabby chic techniques and some inking will complete this beautiful spread. $25 Level: Intermediate

7) Spring Bling - We'll create our own 4X6 accordian album with chipboard cover, and decorate it with the flocked and frosty bright pinks, limes, and oranges of Heidi Grace's Bouquet line. Add in lots of ribbon, Heidi Swapp bling, and black and white details, and you have a mini album perfect for your "bloomin' pictures"! $35 Level: Intermediate
sneak peek link: http://my-rich-life.blogspot.com/2006/12/one-more-peek.html

8) One Fine Day - This 12X12 double page spread gets the WOW of color. We'll use Sweetwater's AtoZ line full of primary colors and fun patterns. You'll discover the ease of combining patterned papers with black and white cardstock, and you'll also learn new ideas for adding circles to your layouts. Buttons add the final touch to this spread suitable for boys and girls or any fun event. $25 Level: Intermediate

Headed to Birmingham

I've added a new date to my spring schedule. I'll be at Scrapbook Mania in Bessemer (Birmingham), AL, on April 20th and 21st with new spring classes :D Thank you to India and Nonna for the invitation! I'll be teaching 4 classes - Spring Bling, No Place Like Home, Butterfly Kisses, and a new one that I haven't posted any sneaks of - Titles in the Round. They have very limited seating (10-12 per class), so if you are interested, contact them quickly to reserve your spot. I've posted their link on my sidebar.

I know it's been a week

But, it's been a really busy week! lol
I attended CHA in Anaheim, CA - a large craft and hobby show where all the manufacturers display their new releases for 2007. I was there with K&Company, and we did make & takes for 6 hours a day. Thankfully, the design team members rotated, and each worked 3 of those 6. I was able to see some of the new stuff, and meet old and new friends. That is what makes shows so fun. I can always see the product later, but these shows are a chance to see friends from all over the country! :D It was a great trip (except for that migraine on the first leg of my journey home), but by day 4, I was missing my girls and husband pretty badly. They made it great without me - I knew they would. I couldn't travel and teach if I didn't know how good Rich is with the girls when I'm gone. And my mom and sisters help out if they are needed. I think Mom spoiled them with a huge supper one night and leftovers the next night ;)

I had lots of favorites from the show - products I can't wait to work with for my summer/fall classes :D

Scrap-A-Faire peeks

For those of you still on the fence about taking some online classes, let me tell you this - I've seen some peeks of the other classes and WOW - they blow my socks off! These ladies have spent hours putting together such wonderful ideas for you...you don't want to miss them! And with the discounts they are offering for multiple classes - it's a bargain. If you have any concerns or questions, just email me at momtwoangels@yahoo.com, or use the "Contact Us" button on the Scrap-A-Faire site.

I put together a little montage of 4 of the layouts in each of my classes (one peek in each square is from a bonus layout.) My motivation for my classes was to help scrappers use up those products we all buy and love ;)

Another question I've been asked about my Scrap-A-Faire classes - "Would someone that scraps mostly girl photos be able to use the ideas and designs presented in the Supply Smarts Boy class?" Definitely! The boy designs tend to be a bit more graphic (and less flowers), and the colors in the kit are blues, greens, and browns, but the ideas for making the most of your supplies are universal. The designs could easily be adapted for a more girly look.

I'm CHA bound! If you see me there, please say hello!

K&Co sneak peeks

K&Company has quite a few new lines coming out. This is just a bit of Sparkly Sweet.

Mustard Moon sneak peek

Today Mustard Moon (new Sew It Seams and Got Paper), tomorrow a bit of K&Co!

No Place Like Home

And home for me means family. This tag book celebrates that family. Just a little peek at one of my new spring classes :)

new banner and enabler alert

A girl can dream of the ocean and the sand, right? :)

Have you guys checked out the deals at www.downmemorylaneco.com? They are going out of business, and my friend, Jill, is STILL marking things down....wayyyyy down. And usually, when you put it in your cart, it goes down some more, so if you are interested in an item, put it in your cart to see if it does. She's going thru by manufacturers now, so you can watch the list on the shopping home page to see which ones she's done final markdowns on. I just got some stuff, and I know I'll get more - can't beat the prices!

online class questions

I've had a couple questions about how online classes work.

Michele says: "I have never taken an online class and do not understand how they work. Do you get the kit and instructions in the mail and then have access to be able to ask the teacher a question?"

I'm going to try and explain how the Scrap-A-Faire classes will work by going thru a sample registration, class sign up, and taking a class.

"Brenda" visits the Scrap-A-Faire website, clicks on the Classes tab, and browses thru the class descriptions. She notes classes that she's interested in taking. The supply lists are available for viewing also by clicking the Materials List tab. She then clicks on the Registration tab and registers for the event and classes that she wants to take. Each class is $15 and has a complete materials list. You are responsible for gathering/purchasing your own supplies for the classes, but you don't have to buy everything on the list. In many cases, you can substitute with something you already have. There are also some links provided to online sites that carry specific items, or harder to find items, that you might want to purchase beforehand. Since my classes are specifically designed to get the most out of a prepackaged kit, my list is pretty short. But, many of the classes are teaching techniques or presenting ideas that don't require that you have the exact same supplies.
Okay - on to opening day, February 28th :D
From 2/28-3/4, all the classes you have purchased will be available to you - any time of day. You will be watching a presentation/slideshow, in many cases with audio, that you can start and stop at your own pace. You can do half a class, make dinner, and come back and do the other half. You can watch the presentation multiple times, if needed, during those show days. Depending on the class type, there could be supporting photos for each step of the process. There will also be a mini PDF version of the class for you to download/print. This version will contain instructions and finished samples only (due to file size restrictions). So, if for any reason, you are unable to take your class during the event, if you download this PDF, you will still have the instructions and samples for later use. Michele asked if you would be able to ask the teacher a question. Yes, you can post a question on the message board, and we'll be checking in with answers and any help we can give. And don't forget - during the event there will be shopping, chats, a message board, and a gallery!
I hope that helped!

Handmade Blooms 9X9 Family Album

Another 3 hour workshop that I taught this winter. Kits included supplies for the 6 pages shown, but their were color copies and instructions for an additional 4 pages. It also includes a 9X9 Heidi Swapp album with 20 page protectors.

The classes were fun to teach, but I'm ready for some new spring stuff :D

Designs With Heart

This is one of my 2 workshops that I'm retiring :) This workshop was about details. I believe the "heart" of our layouts are the details - details that enhance our photos, our journaling, and our memories.

There might be a few kits available. If you are interested, email me at momtwoangels@yahoo.com, and I'll get further info for you.

All the materials are included and most parts and pieces are precut, as well as full instructions and a color copy of the 5 projects.

jiggety jig

Home again, home again, jiggety jig...where is that phrase from? lol After a wonderful trip to Boston, staying with my friend, Lynette Carroll, and teaching at Right at Home in North Attleboro, I'm home again.

If you are ever in the Boston area, you MUST check out Right At Home - such a huge selection of scrapping products. You name it, they got it (well, that is if Lynette and I didn't buy it ;), lol). I'm sending out another big thank you to Lisa and Sharon for allowing me to teach there, and a shout out to all the wonderful ladies in my 2 workshops. We had a very full day of scrapbooking, and lots of laughter and fun too.

Lynette introduced me to her husband, Brian, who put up with our constant scrapbooking chatter (now there is a keeper, lol). I appreciate them for sharing their home, their friends, and their time with me. I had an absolutely wonderful time! And my hubby deserves some high marks for taking such good care of our two girls in my absence. I couldn't do this (travel and teach) without him.

As CHA approaches

I'm looking forward to new products from favorite companies, as well as new companies. Thought I would share a few projects I did for K&Company last fall with their Memory Trends releases.

BHG Scrap-A-Faire registration is OPEN

Very exciting!! Some of my favorite scrappers are teaching online classes, and I can't wait to see what else Scrapbooks etc. has up their sleeves for this 5 day event. I've designed 2 classes called Supply Smarts - girl and boy versions. I was able to play with 2 of Chatterbox's Memory Building Kits. "Garden" for girl and "Guest Room" for boy. Since Chatterbox products have long been favorites of mine, it was fun to create with all the patterns and embellishments included in the kits. All I use in the class designs besides the Memory Building kit is cardstock. I wanted to show how you can take a group of supplies (in this case, a manufacturer kit) and get the most out of it. I use a variety of techniques and themes and create 3 layouts per class, with step by step photos, tips, and instructions. I've even included some bonus projects at the end for those leftovers.

There is a "Contact Us" banner at the site for help and info www.scrap-a-faire.com and I bet those guys know their stuff :) I'm still learning, too, as I've never taken an online class before. But if you have any questions about the event, the awesome classes offered, or how the online classes will work, just post and I'll do my best to answer.

spring class peeks

Almost finished designing for spring! Here are 2 more small peeks at some of the projects. The Mustard Moon products combined with some 7Gypsies goodies, ribbon, and stamping will create a warm home/family tag book (2 hour class), and the My Mind's Eye papers and rubons, combined with some CI chipboard, and some Autumn Leaves stamping will be part of a 3 hour 6X6 binder album workshop.

Right At Home

I've booked my tickets, and I'm going to Boston!! Never been there, and my friend, Lynette Carroll, will be my guide. I'm looking forward to meeting the gals at Right At Home in North Attleboro on Saturday, Jan. 13th. I'll be teaching 2 workshops - Designs With Heart and Handmade Blooms Family Album (www.rightathome.typepad.com). I just got a big box of product, so you know I'll be kitting like crazy. These workshops have lots and lots of pieces - ask my hubby. He traveled with me last month, and promptly bought me a Cricut, in hopes of cutting down on the time HE has to punch and cut, roflol. It's all worth it though. I'm big on details (I've probably said that before), and if I prep the details for my students, then they have more fun putting them on the page ;) Hope to see some of you there!

It is that time!

Or will be any day now. BHG Scrapbooks etc. will be hosting an online event called Scrap-A-Faire (www.scrap-a-faire.com), and I'm honored to be a part of it! I'll have 2 classes that I've been working on during the holidays - registration should open any time now. My classes are called "Supply Smarts - Girl" and "Supply Smarts - Boy". In each class, we'll complete 3 12X12 layouts using some awesome Chatterbox product - their Memory Building Kits. I'm giving you a sneak peek of 2 of my favorite layouts from the classes. I can't wait to see what the other instructors have been up to :D Check it out!

one more peek

If I wasn't so tired, I'd love this :) The colors are perfect for this rainy winter day, and I had just the photos for this project. This is another little peek at a spring class, and some yummy Heidi Grace flocked and glittered papers and accents...and a bit of bling too from MAMBI and Heidi Swapp too.

highlight of my day

Being able to capture this on film :D Most people might not know I have a brother. He likes to avoid me when I have my camera, but today was another story. HUGE love of fishing, HUGE catch...and I got to be there. Thank you, brother, dear.

Spring class peek!

It's pouring rain here, and I'm working on classes. Some for BHG (have you checked out the Scrap-A-Faire site yet?), and some for my upcoming trips to Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts (not for Jan, but later), and Alabama.

I just finished up a 5X5 book with Fancy Pants, Petaloo, and 7 Gypsies...does it get much better than that?! :D Here is your peek, because I just can't stand it, lol. And, although this Fancy Pants line works beautifully with Christmas/holiday stuff, expect to see me using beach photos in my book ;) It is that versatile!

Hope your holidays are happy ones!

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'!