Joy 6X6 Chipboard Binder Album

My sample needs journaling, but you get the idea.

Spring Bling Handmade Accordian Album

This kit may contain another line of Heidi Grace papers/tags, but will be along the same lines.

No Place Like Home Tag Album

Could be a variation in Prima flower colors and ribbon.

Butterfly Kisses 5X5 Chipboard Album

There may be a variation of Prima flower colors and ribbon (depending on availability).

ScrapPink and contests!

My favorite scrappy magazine, BHG Scrapbooks etc., is kicking off a really exciting venture this year: ScrapPink! They are asking local scrapbook stores throughout North America to join with them in hosting weekend crops September 28-30, and to donate a portion of the proceeds raised to breast cancer awareness and research, as part of their partnership with Susan G. Komen. Check out the ScrapPink website (www.scrappink.com) to see if a store near you is participating, or ask your local store to get involved. They also wanted to come up with a way you could ALL be directly involved in this effort, so they are conducting a few fun contests. One is to design a ScrapPink t-shirt. The other is to design a card, page, or album kit. The winning kit designs will be featured in the October issue of Scrapbooks etc. Also, photos and directions for the projects will be sent to all the stores participating in ScrapPink so their attendees can create their versions of the winning designs. It's a great cause, a great event, and a great chance for you to be published, AND win $250 in product from the ScrapPink sponsors. Check out the ScrapPink website (www.scrappink.com) to learn more and get involved!

going to be a favorite

Because these are my scrappy colors and I included some favorite photos :D Not to mention this A2Z paper is one of my most favorite, and WHO can resist Amy Butler scrapbook papers (or fabrics, lol, but that is for another day). If you are interested in having me visit your area, have your store owners give me a buzz!

keeping busy

I am, I promise. Designing even more classes for summer/fall, AND I'll be back in Boston visiting Right At Home Scrapbooking on the 19th and 20th. Looking forward to the trip!

Here are a couple of little peeks at some double page spreads that I'll be teaching in October. Yes, one is for a baby or toddler boy, and the other is definitely masculine (although I used sports photos of my girl, and they look fine too). No flowers (or pink) in sight on either layout :D

I just finished up a very girly tag album that I love, but no photos yet (it's dark outside!) More Amy Butler papers mixed with some A to Z black and white floral - yummy!

And Ms. "headed to Disney World" Linda (www.lindaharrison.typepad.com) tagged me to list some of my favorite blogs. That means I have to admit that I don't read many blogs...I like them a lot - too much! If I start, I can't seem to stop, and hours go by, and my booty gets wider sitting in this wooden chair, lol.

I try to visit blogs of friends (too many to list), and other than that, I only have a few other regular stops:

www.alwblog.typepad.com - Audrey's photography rocks my world.

And the one that has been making me laugh and laugh lately

www.thepioneerwoman.com - Ree is a hoot, and she takes great photos too.

Sorry to be so boring, Linda!

Tagging 3 people - Valerie (www.valeriesalmon.blogspot.com), Tracie (www.tracieclaiborne.blogspot.com), and Audrea (www.audreatrawick.blogspot.com).

Girlfriends Accordian Album

I did manage to do something scrappy this weekend. I started this album at a crop on Friday night, and finished it up today. This is a project for a class I'll be teaching in Huntsville, AL. I still need to print some girlfriend photos for it, but here is a peek at the outside!

And I've been tagged by Linda, so I'll be back soon.

Paper Crafts Idol

Paper Crafts is having a card creating contest on their website. My friend, Valerie Salmon (Valerie S), is one of the top 20! Voting just opened for the second round. So, take a look at the beautiful "Thank You" cards, and cast your vote!
http://www.papercraftsmag.com/gallery/content.ihtml?idx=196

blog neglect

It seems quiet around here, huh? I've been in a reflective mood this week - thinking about Jennifer and Joey - thinking about life and how I live it and how I should be living it.
I attended a local crop last night. I found out that a local girlfriend had begun scrapbooking, so I invited her, and she came along :) My sister was there, along with other scrappy friends, and we had a very nice evening. For 2 hours I tried to just put a page together....I pushed things around (my husband thinks that is a funny way of putting it), to no avail. Finally, I pulled out a class I needed to design for fall, and got moving on something! I'm working on 6 new classes, plus 2 that I've taught once before, for Simply Southern Scrapbook Convention to be held in October in Huntsville, AL. Registration opens early, so I must have the designs finalized by mid-May.
And I've also been in an "Amy Butler" state of mind, lol. K&Co asked me to design 3 double page spreads for a class in the fall, so that kept me busy this week. It also gave me a good taste of Amy's designs, and I'll admit....that quilting bug that has been biting me took a good NIBBLE. I ordered a couple of her new patterns, and some fabric, to do some sewing this summer. Olivia and Michaela both want purses and Amy's darling ditty bags. I want to make myself a skirt (I've NEVER sewed anything for myself), a purse, and a quilt/throw for my newly painted living room.
What about you? Any other hobbies besides scrapbooking? Are you a quilter, and have some tips or ideas for me?

on my heart

My friend, Jennifer, is on my heart and mind today. Her 13 year old son is battling terminal cancer, and he was airlifted to the hospital last night. They know it is just a matter of time now, and I know they would appreciate all prayers on his behalf.

Tania Willis has organized a benefit for Joey, Jen, and their family. You can read more here:
http://www.benefitforjen.blogspot.com/

If you are willing to donate services, artwork, or have a manufacturer, etc that is willing to donate, please email Tania at benefitforjen@yahoo.com.

Thank you for remembering Joey in your prayers.

home again, home again

And what a lovely trip I had :) Not only did I meet some new friends, but I also reconnected with some old ones. Scrapbook Mania owners, India and Nonna, have a lovely store, and they know how to feed their people :D Thank you both for a great time! My students were awesome, and we had a lot of fun throughout the 4 classes and lunch. They made my job easy, and reminded me how much I love teaching. They also helped jump my van off, when I came out to a dead battery at 6pm on Saturday night, lol. I hope some of you will email me some photos from the day. I never take my camera, as I have so many boxes, kits, and tools to keep up with, I'm afraid I would drop it or lose it. But, I would love to have copies *hint, hint* :D

last update on Birmingham

I'll be heading out on Friday morning, and after talking with India at Scrapbook Mania this morning, I wanted to let you know there are only 2 spots left in each class (or less). If you are thinking about signing up, do it fast! Or if you are interested in a kit from the class (contains color copy and full instructions), call now to reserve it. I know India will gladly ship to you, if you want. See some of you real soon!

fun with sketches

Valerie Salmon challenged me to use her latest sketch, and you can see the sketch and the results at www.gotsketch.blogspot.com. Now I want to know where my layout from Valerie is :D (and yes, that is another round title - I told you I was having too much fun with circles!)

Scrapping machine

I feel like one anyway. I scrapped 3 layouts in one day! Love those kinds of days :D Here's another peek at a layout with a round title and some 7 Gypsies papers that I'm loving. Can you tell I'm having fun going in circles? ;) And that image behind the chipboard "O" is a rubon from Urban Lily. Check them out and tell me they are not TOTAL YUM?!

Prize Winner!!!

First off, you see my bowl of names :)

Then the GOOD part - the prizes!

1 mini book kit by K&Co

1 set of clear stamps by Autumn Leaves

1 set of white alphabet rubons by American Crafts

1 set of red alphabet rubons by Mustard Moon

1 set of brown alphabet rubons by DCWV

1 set of white frame rubons by BasicGrey

And the winner in black and white - LISA RISSER, come on down! Email me your address at momtwoangels@yahoo.com so I can get your prize out to ya!

Let me say a HUGE thank you to each that played along with me :) I'm off to finish leaving comments on all the layouts. It is SO FUN to have you share with me for a change! Thanks, again!

I haven't forgotten!

I'm gathering up the prize package and will draw a name in a few minutes. In the meantime, here is a peek at a round title I've been working on - excited about my classes in Birmingham this weekend! This layout will be one of the never before seen samples I'll be showing in class. I want to give my students LOTS of ideas for "Titles in the Round" :)

better late than never

I believe traditions are important. Even silly ones, like dying eggs. The past 2 years, we've traveled at Easter, and it's hard for me to get everything together and dye the eggs early. So, we do it late :) And, it's just as much fun for the girls and I. So you can guess what I'll be doing this afternoon....yes, I'm hiding eggs 8 days after Easter! lol (Although we had a huge hunt on Easter, the girls want to hunt THESE eggs.)

this is blogging

I know I'm not a true blogger. I'm just not that interesting, and I still feel a bit weird about it all. So, I keep it light and post mostly scrapbooking biz. There ARE people who ARE true bloggers. The real thing. And you know who I'm talking about. Just this past week I found a new one for me. Just a link on a scrappy blog that I followed (Thank you, Steph!!). But, since then, I've laughed a lot, shared photos and humorous text with my husband, and laughed some more. You gotta check it out, if you don't already know about her - http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/ . Truly a great read.

And, I'm giving my weekend scrappers a little while this morning to show me a layout using some of their favorite products, before I draw for the prize! More on that in a bit.

Friday already? and a PRIZE

Yep, it certainly is. I've been playing catch up all week, after our trip to Nashville last weekend. Taxes, scrappy assignments, laundry. We've been getting some rain, which we needed.

This recent layout has photos from last spring. Some of my favorite things on this layout - Michaela ;), lol, black with bright colors, CI scalloped paper, rubons, velvet rick rack, and PINK :D Do you create layouts with products you love? Have you piled up fun stuff, and grabbed photos that "feel" the same way? Show me! Because everyone that links me to a layout that they've created with things they love will be entered into a drawing for a box of scrapbooking goodies! I'm going to leave this open until Monday morning. That way, if you want to create something new, you have the weekend.

I hope to have some scrapping time myself. My friend, Valerie Salmon, has started a sketch blog (http://www.gotsketch.blogspot.com) and she has challenged me to create a layout using one of her sketches :) She doesn't know it, but I'm going to challenge her right back, lol - to create a new layout with products she loves (and I've seen all her stuff, so I'll know if she tries to cheat!) :D

I look forward to seeing YOUR recent creations! And I promise the prize box will be a good one.

Birmingham, here I come!

Just got off the phone with India (Scrapbook Mania), and I'm very excited that my trip to Birmingham on the 20th and 21st is almost here! If you are thinking about driving in from the surrounding area, I hope you'll just do it! I've been stacking up door prizes - how does brand new K&Company sound? And the classes are full of fun ideas, and beautiful product. I'm attaching a couple more photos from my classes, but if you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me at momtwoangels@yahoo.com. All the kits have color copies and full instructions, in case you don't finish your project in class, or if you are unable to attend after signing up. Several of these mini books would make great gifts for Mother's Day, birthday, but if you are like most, you'll want to keep them for yourself :D I'm bringing lots of samples for the "Titles in the Round" class, as well as including ideas on your color copies. Hope to see you there!

Happy Belated Easter!

Sorry for the delay in posting my holiday greetings. Hope you and your family and friends had a wonderful day! We thoroughly enjoyed our Easter. I have a little story for you - while out of town, having my van serviced, I happened on these little bears on clearance at the Hallmark store. $2.50 each, and I thought they were darling. I added them to the Easter goodies I had for the girls' baskets. Later in the afternoon yesterday, Olivia asked me "Mom, how did you know we would love these little bears? They are just perfect!" :D I told her it was my job as a mom ;) And who could resist this little guy anyway?!

On Thursday, Michaela's class had an egg hunt and party at the park. She and I put together these little goody bags for her classmates - I found the bags at Target. Aren't they sweet?

2 more for fun

In a posting mood today!

Spring is here

but very little rain. These are 2 layouts from last year, with photos from last spring. I went out and bought Easter candy today...getting ready for the big day :D

the perfect antidote

for all that pink and black is blue and brown! :D I've loved this KI paper since I first saw it. I'm planning a summer class with this line, and I had fun just playing around with the papers today. I know it's a pet line, but seriously, it's for so much more than pets. Do you fall for paper lines like that? Love at first sight?

finished up

All 3 layouts for "Titles in the Round". Here is a peek at all 3! You cannot see the Scenic Route chipboard title in the middle, but it's there.

going round and round

Or we will be :D This is a peek at one of the layouts we'll be creating in my brand new class. I'll be teaching it next month at Scrapbook Mania (www.myscrapbookmania.com) in Birmingham, Alabama, and it's called "Titles in the Round". We'll discuss all sorts of title ideas, view sample layouts, and create 3 brand new pages with one of my favorite lines - Laurel by Scenic Route. Throw in some cardstock, chipboard and sticker alphas, brads, buttons, and a big Heidi Swapp flower, and you've got a recipe for fun!

Come chat with me!

Coordinates Collections, an online scrapbooking kit club, has invited me to chat with members and guests today from 1-2:45ish CST. While you are there, be sure to check out their HOT design team gallery and their upcoming kits :D Thank you, CC, for the opportunity! To enter chat, just click on the box beside my name. See you there!

it is the little things

Like finally convincing my dh to hang the PB unit I purchased on clearance several months ago. And tonight, it's the unit with 4 large shelves that I got for my birthday 15 months ago, lol. Can't wait! I haven't decorated or organized yet, but if you look closely, you'll see I scrapped last week.

HOF circle journal

Last week Creating Keepsakes notified the winners of their 2007 Hall Of Fame contest. As a past HOFer, it was fun to watch the excitement on the scrapping boards from the sidelines. As our year drew to a close, my fellow 2006 HOFers and I decided to put together a circle journal of sorts - not your traditional "make 100 of each" kind of thing though. Instead, we are creating a page digitally (ACK, lol), or creating a page traditionally and scanning or photographing (whew!) . The pages will be printed in our own copy of a photo book. It was suggested that we do pages based on little quizzes, similar or the same as, shown in the Simple Scrapbooks "Scrapbook Shortcuts with Quizzes & Questions" special issue. I chose "two by two" and thoroughly enjoyed creating this little 8X8 page - using some of my favorite papers from Scenic Route. I can't wait for my copy of the book!

chat at Coordinates Collections

I'll be chatting at Coordinates Collections on Tuesday, March 27th, from 1-3 CST (2-4 EST). Hope some of you will join me there!

from the deep recesses of my albums and AI

Some friends and I are celebrating 5 years of being in the same Yahoo group. Some have been members longer, some shorter, but this week is all about celebrating our memories and friendship together :) In honor of that, I asked each person to post a layout that is 5 years old (or as old as they can dig up). Here is one I posted. Even then, I loved the bling :D

And is anyone else just sick of watching certain American Idol contestants perform under par, while the good ones get picked off one by one? I mean, I can think of at least 3 that are much worse than Stephanie OR Chris! I think I need to stop watching for a few weeks...or more.

Need your help

It's not anything difficult, I just need your input. Yes, and that includes those of you lurking and not posting ;) I'm beginning to put together ideas/designs for my summer/fall classes. I'd love to know what prompts you to take a class at your lss. What sort of projects, products, or techniques are you interested in? What themes work for your photos and stories? Even if you've never taken a class, and never plan to, your input is valuable. I'd love to hear from BUNCHES of you! I've never been a fan of one-sided conversations *hint, hint*

On another note - Crop Paper Scissors in Waco, TX, has a few kits available from my Butterfly Kisses and Spring Bling classes. If you are interested, please email me at momtwoangels@yahoo.com, and I'll put you in touch with Emmalie. Thank you!

leftovers

Do you use them? I'm trying to be better about utilizing my supplies. These are 2 layouts I created with leftovers from a CBX kit. They were quick and simple, as I limited myself to the bits and pieces. But, they don't all have to take hours, right? ;)

I need to get busy creating some new stuff - it seems like forever since I scrapped for me!

April BHG Scrapbooks Etc

I was very excited to see the April Scrapbooks etc. yesterday. I loved working with the Making Memories kit for the Supply Smarts column. The whole issue was beautiful, and I hope my copy arrives soon! And that is my cutie pie nephew in the Make It Yours column :D

Scrapfest wrapup

(click photos for a larger view)

I had a great time scrapping with the ladies who traveled from all over MS and LA to attend ScrapFest in Mandeville this past weekend. My students made the 8 straight hours of teaching each day fly by. Teaching is hard work, but I do love it, and I hope that it showed :D Thanks to Meagan and Lisa for inviting me to teach, and for their hospitality! Loved hanging out with Heather Preckel - we even caught a movie on Saturday night - Lyrics and Music, a lightweight comedy that we enjoyed. Thanks for being a great roomie, Heather!

I do have a limited number of kits leftover from the classes I designed specifically for ScrapFest. You can see them pictured above. If you are interested in purchasing, the double page spreads are $18 each plus shipping, and the tag book is $20 plus shipping and they include color copies and complete instructions. Just email me at momtwoangels@yahoo.com. If you ordered my fall kits (Designs with Heart or Handmade Blooms Family Album), I'm ready to ship this week! Thank you for your patience :) If you haven't heard from me in the next day, please email me again.

ScrapFest is near!

This has been a crazy week - flying home from Waco, and immediately diving into prepping 200 kits for ScrapFest in Mandeville/Covington, LA. I'll be rooming with Heather Preckel :D Going to be a fun weekend...well, once I figure out how to get all of these kits on that airplane ;) Looking forward to teaching and meeting new friends and scrapbookers, shopping, and maybe even squeeze in a movie. Have a great weekend, everybody!

She turns 7

this month, and it's hard for me to remember when she was tiny...she grew up way too fast! She's a stinker and knows it - always has a twinkle in her eye. Happy Birthday, M!

WOWSA, Waco!

Well, I learned one thing - if you are going to teach all day, and I mean all day, Crop Paper Scissors in Waco is the place to do it :D First of all, Emmalie Welstead, the store owner, invited me to stay at her home - and it was beautiful! She loves antiques, and her home was warm and welcoming. The guest bed was SO comfy, lol. Her little dog, Ellie, was a sweetie too. The store was one of those that you wish was right up the street. And the staff was so helpful and they always had smiles on their faces. Those ladies in Waco are so lucky! The crop room had these huge comfy chairs (not that I got to sit in them, you understand ;) ), but what made the trip the best was the wonderful ladies who took my classes. They were so much fun, and they made the day a great one for me. Yes, my feet were hurting after 12 hours, but Emmalie, Matt, and Emmalie's parents took me out for a delicious Mexican dinner on Saturday night, so the feet were forgotten ;)
For those of you that took photos, please email me copies!! Thank you to Emmalie, her staff, and everyone in class - it was a wonderful trip and I look forward to seeing you again someday!

Thank you, Scrap-A-Faire attendees!

Wanted to send out a thank you to all who participated in BHG's first online event!! Another thank you to all who took my classes :D I hope you enjoyed them, and I hope the ideas presented will inspire you to have fun with your supplies, and create many pages for your albums!

Olivia in a bubble

Yes, I'm covered up in kits for my Waco and Mandeville classes - not to mention laundry and dishes and...well, you know :) But, I had to take time out to watch Olivia and her classmates present a very fun program about bubbles! Her G.E.M.S. class (gifted) has been studying bubbleology (sp?), and to finish out the section on bubbles, they did a program that included showing their handmade bubble toys, reading their bubble poems, performing their own commercials promoting their bubble toy, and some wonderful bubble tricks. This photo of Leah putting Olivia in a bubble was called "kid in a bubble". The first graders who were watching along with us parents LOVED the whole show, as did I :D