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.

Fall on the way?

We went to play tennis tonight, and there was a bit of a cool breeze! The end of those 100+ days, I hope :) A while back, I posted a teaser for this layout. I fully intended to share the whole thing, but it got picked up shortly after. The little owl stamp that we used for the tags is from Poppy Ink (kit club). This layout, along with 2 more of mine, are in the October issue of Scrapbooks etc. Hope you'll check out the magazine, as I think it's a great one - full of fun ideas to try.

Scrapfest at Mall of America

I just returned from Minneapolis where ScrapFest was held. The show is organized by Archivers and consisted of about 30 booths set up in the mall aisles. Each booth was manned by top scrapbooking companies like K&Co, Fiskars, KI, SEI, Creative Imaginations, MAMBI, Hero Arts, Bo Bunny, etc. Attendees could do make & takes with the latest products. There were also a large number of classes taught throughout the 3 day event and crops at various locations. Many of the classes were sold out, crops were sold out, and make & take lines were sometimes long. I was surprised at the HUGE turnout, but I think that is was typical for this very well organized event. I helped K&Company with make & takes in their booth, and I also taught a class each day. The projects for the class were 3 double page spreads using K&Company's Amy Butler lines (pictured above). These greens and pinks are difficult to photograph, but are so rich IRL. The embellishments are sparkly, glittery, and textured. I was also pleased that Amy herself was there for Saturday and Sunday. I know the students enjoyed meeting her, too. She is very sweet, and I enjoyed getting to talk with her between classes. She's just a very classy lady.

Archivers had staff helping with the classes - they were very organized and were a big help. Pam Lange (K&Co Senior Craft Designer and DT Lead) and Kara Ward (instructor and fellow DT member) were on hand to see that things ran smoothly (in other words, they worked their fannies off, lol). The rest of the K&Co team (Therese, Cherie, Michelle, and Sarah) were working hard in (and out) of the booth, but they were always ready with a smile. Attendees felt the K&Co Tim Coffey Halloween treat bag make & take was adorable and the line moved quickly. And I ate some great food, and shopped some too (hey, it was the Mall of America, after all!) My friend Vicki Harvey ate supper with me one night, and an "old" college friend met me for supper another night (he's going to love that "old" part, lol). I was able to grab lunch with Dana Smith. That girl is amazing - she taught a bazillion classes, and she still had energy to share. She also has a smile that doesn't stop! I was able to meet Susan Weinroth's little one, Evan. They claimed he had a little fit before I met up with them (too long in the stroller), but he was being a perfect angel when I saw him. Imagine them telling tales on him like that ;) Susan looked great, as I expected. Being a new mom agrees with her.

A note about Simply Southern Scrapbook in Huntsville in October - online registration ends on September 15th. Prices for all classes will go up for tickets purchased at the door. Just a little reminder, if you were planning to attend. I've got less than a month to get 8 classes ready, but I'm looking forward to it. I can actually drive to Huntsville in under 2 hours :D

weekend catchup

Another photo from my weekend in Carmel. From the left, Julie, myself, Carolyn and Peg, friends who drove down from Michigan, and Valerie.

This weekend I'm headed to ScrapFest in Minneapolis. If you are attending the Archivers event at the Mall of America, you can find me in the K&Company booth. Please stop by and say hello!

Weekend in Indianapolis

It was a blast! Not only did I get to hang out with a good friend, but I met and made new friends as well :) Here are a couple photos from the class at Memoirs in Carmel, and one of Val and I. I'll post some more very soon (waiting on a friend to forward them to me). Valerie Salmon, her son, Ian, and I were able to share a wonderful lunch with Julie Scatteregia. I had met her long ago when I took one of her classes at CKU (Nashville, I think). I've always been an admirer - not only of her work, but also of her teaching style, and her sincere smile. I wasn't disappointed in the close up version either ;)

I taught classes at Creative Resort, and I met the owners Julie and Ron Sturgeon. Julie has the most incredible blue eyes (no photo, so you'll just have to believe me), and a positive attitude that won't quit. She and the ladies at CR (you know who you are!) made my time there a joy.

But, after 4 days, I was missing my family, so I was glad to see them on Sunday :D

Introducing Zeke and Zorro

The girls are thrilled to have 2 new kittens to lavish their attention on. I haven't taken many photos yet (it's been so hot here), but you can see they are like 2 peas in a pod. Zorro was being bashful :)

Creative Resort/Indianapolis

I'm knee deep in product, kitting for my upcoming classes at Creative Resort in Indianapolis. I'm excited about visiting Julie at her brand spanking new facility for scrapbookers, paper crafters, parties - you name it. Lots of space, all the tools we scrappers need, and space to store your supplies, if you want that "scrappy home away from home." To celebrate her Grand Opening, she's giving away 2 Cropper Hopper backpack/luggage carriers (worth $129 each). One name will be drawn from the people registered for one of my classes that weekend (Aug. 24th/25th). Each class you purchase is another chance to win. The other will be given away on August 31 from among the membership sign-ups during her opening month. In addition, I'm bringing along a $50 prize package of scrappy goodness. I'll also draw a name from everyone registered for my classes - and this includes people who are purchasing kits. (To spread the love, the winner of the backpack will not be eligible for the $50 scrapbooking prize package.) Stop by Julie's place and see what she's been up to :D Come by on Friday night or Saturday (24th and 25th) and say hello to this gal from Mississippi! www.creativeresort.com

partying with Dee and the girls

Last weekend Dee (in the orange) celebrated her one year anniversary of Dee Scrapbook Store in Ft. Myers, FL. I was pleased to meet and hang out with her and all her scrappy customers for a couple days. Thanks to Jen White (in the white baby doll tank) for sending the photos! Please ignore my red nose and bloodshot eyes (suffering from a sinus infection), and while you are at it, just ignore the 10 lbs I've gained this summer too! lol

Memoirs class peek

Still putting finishing touches on the 2 double page spreads I'll be teaching in a couple weeks at Memoirs in Carmel, IN. With a little help from a friend (and she knows who she is), I think I'm finally happy with this second layout (peeks of the first layout posted below). This one will work for lots of different photos and themes - boys, family, pets, fall, etc. No flowers, I promise! :D Actually, I love flowers and all kinds of floral embellishments and papers. But, they don't work for every occasion.

back in the groove

I was beginning to worry. It's been 4months since I scrapped a "just because" layout. I've done a few for assignments or for classes, but this week is the first time I've tried to just have fun and create. I was reeeaaaalllllyyyyy rusty. Meaning it took me a long time to get it going on :) Here's a peek at my latest. Words of advice - JUST DO IT :D Go scrap something!

PS. Those rhinestones aren't red - but I did have a red shirt on, lol.

Can you hear me

SCREAMING?!!!! Can you see me jumping up and down, and smiling like an idiot?! I just found out who'll be sponsoring my class next April at the Scrap Etc. 2008 Event!!! Who makes the COOLEST papers and embellishments? Want to guess? Should I keep you in suspense? Well, you know it isn't Scenic Route (a fav of mine), because they are sponsoring Vanessa's class. It isn't 7Gypsies, because they are doing their very own class on Thursday night. It isn't Fontwerks or Junkitz, because they are going to be there too, with something up their sleeves. Danelle and her Creative Cafe are going to be all over the place on Friday night. And Gretchen snagged American Crafts and their super cool products for her class. So, who is left? How about





















BASICGREY??????????!!!!!!!!!!

Simply Southern Update

One of my classes for SSSC sold out pretty quickly - "So Very Beautiful Mini Album". We added 10 spots this morning, so if you were wanting that class, better grab it fast. We won't make it any bigger, as our room will only hold 40.

Last time to get summer kits

Just wanted to give you a heads up on 2 summer classes that are being retired at the end of this month. I will be teaching "Beat The Heat" (3 12X12 layouts)and "French Twist Tag Album" (5X6.5 mini album) for the very last time at Creative Resort in Indy. I don't expect to have any leftover to sell (as I sometimes do with retired kits). If you want one, I know Julie will ship. Click on the link in my sidebar, and you can get her number and email. Thanks to everyone for their support of my classes!

if you are on the fence

about attending the Scrap Etc. 2008 Event, now would be the time to JUMP! Jump and register, I mean. With over 350 people registered in the first 3 days, I don't think the remaining spots will hold up long. If you've never visited Nashville and the Opryland Hotel, you are in for a treat. And add that together with a jam-packed weekend of inspiration and classes and make & takes and freebies, and you've got scrapbooking bliss. It's a huge party that you don't want to miss, so act now! www.scrapetc.net Oh, yeah, and I'll be there to party with you :D

fire trucks on the runway

Lots and lots of fire trucks. Thankfully, whatever caused our pilot to issue a "state of emergency" with the tower in Atlanta wasn't serious enough to have us exit the plane under emergency conditions. After landing, the Fire Marshal circled the airplane, gave us the thumbs up, and allowed us to taxi to the gate. I never know when I go on these scrapbooking trips exactly what will happen going and coming. But, I do know that I will meet some AWESOME scrapbookers, and I'll enjoy myself - well, I did enjoy myself at Dee Scrapbook Store in Ft. Myers, despite having a terrible sinus infection that caused me to cough and blow my nose quite often, lol. And despite the fact that I arrived home at 1:30AM this morning, and had to be up bright and early for the first day of school for my girls. My hubby tried to convince me to just get a hotel in Memphis and drive home after I slept. But, although I've missed a few birthdays, I did NOT want to miss the first day of school if I could pour enough coffee down me to keep me awake for the 2+ hour drive home. I can nap today, right? :)
Thank you to Dee and all her lovely ladies who came out for classes and cropping this past weekend. I know they gave up precious time with family and friends to hang out with me. Dee is so much fun, and I'm glad I was able to spend her first "birthday" with her.

K&Co paper crafting kits

K&Co released a bunch of new kits at CHA this past July. I designed 4 different ones (as shown here). 3 door hangers (front and back), and 1 frame design that comes with a mini clipboard (not shown).