June is flying!!

I've barely taken a breath this month, and today is the 10th! The kids had camp all last week, and I drove them over in the mornings, and picked them up 3 of the 5 days. I also had 5 more kids in my van. With gas so high, carpooling is the only way to go, lol. It's a 30 minute drive one way, so that took up a lot of time. I also had my 7 year old niece with me all week. She was really easy to care for, but getting 3 out the door is different from 2 :) Also, my town was building a park/play area - an all-volunteer project, and I helped out there 3 days. It was hot, no shade, and hard work building a wooden playground from the dirt up. I haven't taken a photo of the completed project, but I will soon. Rich was there every minute that he wasn't at his "real" job until late at night. I don't know how he did it. I'm betting his diet is going better than mine though, as he couldn't eat much in that heat.

Have you ever deleted an email in your Junk folder, to realize that it was a "real" email. psivage, I think I deleted an email from you. Could you resend? I'm so sorry!

In other news, Paper Crafts just published a couple of projects I did early this year. My favorite is this little May basket with Fancy Pants papers, May Arts ribbon, and yummy K&Co felt embellishments.

I'll have an update on some other stuff I've been up to very soon!

my man

You might not see him in my layouts much...or maybe it's only the back or the side, lol. But, he's always near (usually avoiding my camera). This layout is 3 years old, but he hasn't changed much. This weekend we are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversay, although the actual date is next week. We are both volunteering all next week, building Kidstown Station in our local park (an all-volunteer effort to build a safe and happy place for our kids to play). He's actually going to work his regular job and then work the late evening shift at KidsTown. I'm also shuttling 7 kids to summer camp, and taking care of my 7 year old niece. I know we'll be too tired to celebrate then! :D I don't want the event to pass without some notice, as I'm so very proud of reaching this mark. So, I'm doing the same thing I did 18 years ago on our second anniversary (only he doesn't know that yet. Wishing you all a happy weekend too!

Thinking about making a change

It's that time of year...springtime, one major project ending, and the girls out of school for the summer. I love having them with me at home. This past weekend, we visited my friends, Aubrey and Janet Domenick, at their home by the lake. What a wonderful time we had! Their daughter-in-law, Toya, was there with her sons Wesley and Jared. Between Aubrey's hamburgers and Toya's chicken wings, I'm sure to have gained 5 pounds, lol. Janet and I talked photography a lot. She recently purchased a Nikon D80 (same cam as I have), and she's been wanting to delve deeper into the features that make it such a great camera. Up above you see 3 of my pics from the weekeend - Michaela on the neighbor's dock, Wesley in the ball pit, and Olivia letting me know what she thinks of me and my cam ;)

Okay, but back to the change I mentioned. I'm thinking about moving over to Typepad, with it's added functionality and features, AND I'm thinking I'll begin something I've thought about off and on for 2 years - designing and selling my layout designs as kits. I've been asked about it many times, and I think I'm finally at a place that will allow me to do that. I love traveling to stores and retreats, and I will continue to do that. The scrapbook store classes will be different from the exclusive online kits. I'll give more details later, but if you have any input, or requests just shoot me an email at angelia.wigginton@gmail.com. I've already got some ideas brewing, and with my book debuting early next year, I thought it would be fun to work off of some of those ideas. In other words, lots of patterned papers and awesome details. Still in the thinking about it stage....we'll see :D

*Enabler Alert*

Have you heard of Studio Calico? If not, you should definitely check it out! The May kit is WONDERFUL, and the peeks of June look yummy :D April and Scarlet not only pull together an awesome kit (with exclusive stamps like the one you see above) and tempting add-ons, but they have a design team like no other. Another thing that was really important for me - cardstock that matches perfectly. See for yourself at www.studiocalico.com. I also read that if you sub now, you can still get May (shown above), and be guaranteed a June kit - you won't be disappointed!! And, yes, I caved and bought my first kit club subscription at Studio Calico 3 months ago, and I've been really happy with it ;)

scrapbooking?

Are you asking yourself "is she ever going to share a scrappy project again?" lol (I hate not being able to post something.) Isn't this a scrapbooking blog? Doesn't Angelia scrapbook anymore? The answers are "yes, yes, and yes"! For the last 4 months, I've done nothing BUT scrap. Most of the work is going into my book, and the few that aren't I've labeled rejects - layouts not fit for the book OR sharing, lol. The last page I did that wasn't for the book will appear in "Ask The Masters 3" by Memory Makers. Maybe that is a fall release?

So, in the interest of posting something, I'm going to post some oldies, but still favorites. And, since I like sharing as much as the next person, I'd love it if you leave me a link to some of your oldies/favorites. Thank you, in advance!

we need some photos

to say "Spring!" So this is what my girls planted this week. Just a few annuals in pots, but they were really happy about it.

Fall Teaching Schedule

As you probably know, for the last 6 months my scrappy time has been devoted to working on my book, "Playing With Paper", for Memory Makers. I am almost to the "turn the final phase in and keep my fingers crossed" stage :D Of course, that means I'm finally able to think about teaching for late summer/fall. If you own a store and would be interested in having me teach some classes, send me an email (momtwoangels@yahoo.com). If you would like to have me visit your area, but don't happen to own a store, chat with your lss owner and have her/him send me an email. In any case, I'll be designing some new classes in the next month, and I'll be sure and let you know more info on that as it happens.

how many years?

did it take before I did it? Five. Five years I've been watching American Idol. Five years I've watched and never voted. I let the girls vote for Blake last season, but not me. Last night I caved. Last night I did it. I voted. Not once. Not twice. But numerous times! Ang has to step away from the AI. Well, not until Jason is gone ;) lol Honestly, when he's off, I won't care about watching anymore. I'll probably tune in for parts of the finale, but it won't be a big deal. I don't expect him to go to top 2, and it might be better for his career if he doesn't. I'll just look forward to his album :D Watching reality tv is one thing - actually VOTING?! Now if only we could vote for the Survivor winner :D

found a photo

One of the old friends I was able to see this weekend was Debby Schuh (pictured in the middle). I found this photo on her blog (www.debbyschuh.typepad.com), and I don't think she'll mind if I share it with you. I was able to meet Wilna Furstenburg for the first time this past weekend (on the left and her blog is www.wilnaf.blogspot.com). She and I have been online friends since we won CK HOF together several years ago. It was a treat to see these ladies, even if we didn't get to have a long sitdown chat. I'm so glad Debby had a camera! If we look a little tired (I know I do), this was the last class on day #2.

Home from Nashville

Oh my goodness! What a weekend that was! I've been looking forward to the SE Event for months and months. I designed the project last fall, in hopes of being very prepared and ready to teach 550+ people. I drove up with my mom, one of my sisters, and a friend. We talked so much, the 3 1/2 hours flew by. We stopped at the Cool Springs Mall for some food and shopping before heading over to the Opryland Hotel. Once the event started, we didn't see each other much, but, being used to traveling alone, just having them there was great!

My classes were a joy for me - Monique and staff packed my kits perfectly. BasicGrey sponsored the product and we had a bunch of fun items to work with in our kit - papers, buttons, ribbon, chipboard album, rubons, die cut alphas, and some sequins for sparkle. The group assistants were awesome - organized, helpful, and happy to be there. But, the students ARE the class, and the ladies at this event were the best! So many smiles that it made my job easy. Throughout the weekend, I was surrounded with joyful, fun women. You can't get any better than that! I will say, the only part I didn't enjoy was getting on stage for the Teacher Q&A. Don't get me wrong, the host, Jeannette with Scrap In Style TV, was very easy to talk to, but I would have been more comfortable sitting alongside the other scrapbookers in the audience :)

To all of you that shared the weekend with me, thank you for everything!! I enjoyed meeting new friends, and seeing old friends. If you have photos you'd like to share with me (I have a hard time carrying a camera and my class stuff), I'd love to have them. I have a big mailbox, so you can send high resolution images to my email at momtwoangels@yahoo.com. Thank you in advance! And when you finish your class albums, I'd love to see those too!

Long time

This past week I've been getting ready for the SE Event (starts tomorrow!!), filing taxes, and working on the book.

What did you think about AI last night?
Most improved - Kristy Lee. You gotta applaud her for improving each week. I don't like her attitude much, and country is not my usually what I listen to, but I think she's going to have a career.

On the flip side - I like Brooke's voice so much better. But, she's not improving. She's so very nervous on stage, and she doesn't have the stage presence that KL is.

I think Simon is hard on Carly because she HAS had the opportunities, and she DOES have the talent...but she's not pulling away from the crowd.

Between the guys, I think it comes down a personal preference. They are all talented, and with the right songs, all will succeed. I can't help but compare David Cook with Chris Daughtry, and I much prefer Chris's voice. I once told my husband I'd watch Brad Pitt hang out laundry, lol. I enjoy Jason every week, and even singing songs that don't "fit" him, I prefer him to the other 2 guys. I thought he did really well with the Mariah song (and "Somewhere" last week), and he seemed more invested in this performance than he has in past performances. It showed, and Simon agreed (I tend to agree with Simon 90% of the time). I thought David A did okay, but it sounded blah - not memorable to me.

I've been enjoying AI so much more this year than in the past, and my girls are begging me to take them to a tour performance. I don't think they'll have to twist my arm much :D

SE Event homework info

For those of you attending the event in LESS THAN 2 WEEKS (yah!), there have been some questios about my homework. It really isn't homework, because you can add your photos later, BUT for those that want to attempt to finish the project at the event, here is some info that I hope will help.

I forgot to say "choose one relationship and bring the following photos" in my "photos to bring to class" info. You will only use photos of one relationship, but if you bring two, it will give you an option - you'll be able to choose which photos/story best fit the project. Or, you can come without photos, and add them later. Really, any of those 3 choices will work fine. This project is something you can easily customize to suit your photos.

It is designed for 5-8 photos as noted here:
(all measurements are in inches and are noted as widthXheighth)
Inside cover – 4X5
Page 1 – 3 1/2X5, optional additional photo 3X5
Page 2 – 6X4, optional additional photo 2 1/2X41/2
Page 3 – optional additional photo 6X3 1/2 (found mistake - UPDATED size)
Page 4 – 4X4 1/2
Page 5 – 4X4

Of course, you can crop the photos to fit your finished pages in class, but I wanted to give you an idea of the sizes we would be using for the project.

Another note: the floss, the distressing tool/sandpaper, inks, and corner rounder are optional items. I don't think you'll get to threading the buttons in class, and you might not want to distress or ink your project (I didn't). I love, love my large lavendar EK Success corner rounder, but it's not something you have to buy. The project will be fine without it.

If you have any other questions - post here, and I'll answer ASAP.
I'm excited to meet you all!

American Idol

I missed AI at 7pm, because I was at softball practice with Michaela. I've really been enjoying this season of Idol. Hubby won't sit and watch it with me though. Since I've always liked Dolly, I was looking forward to seeing the show, and I stayed up to catch it at 10pm. Did you notice she didn't offer advice, but just listened to each as they sang? Was this the edit, or her choice to just hang out with them?

My little review:
Brooke - she really rushed the song. And, she's still coming across very nervous and awkward on stage. I like her voice, but she doesn't seem to be growing or becoming more comfortable with performing.

David C - did a great job. Really liked his haircut too. He looked less sleazy.

David A - no lip-licking, and he sang the song really well.

Ramielle - that was awful. I felt bad for her, as she seems sweet. I didn't like her outfit either.

Carly - she sang one of the songs I really like, and I thought she did a great job. Best I've heard from her. Her outfit looked bad though.

Kristy Lee - she sings better than Kelly Pickler did in her season, and she's very pretty. But, I don't think she's got the maturity or range or uniqueness to stay in the competition.

Syesha - I thought she sang really well, but would someone PLEASE tell these kids that singing a Whitney song is the kiss of death? And, I don't think Syesha's spunky personality is coming out on stage.

Jason - one of my favorites that isn't living up to his potential. Yes, it was better than last week (but last week was not good at all). It wasn't a good choice, AGAIN (didn't like the song at all). And, he needs to get out from behind the guitar and concentrate on vocals. If he doesn't do something really strong next week, he'll be going home early, hopefully not tonight. Top 7 is going to be a really tough competition.

Michael - FINALLY the guy shows what he can do. This is the Michael I've been waiting for.

What did you think? Who is your favorite?

birthday project

This birthday gift bag of mine was featured in a recent issue of Paper Crafts. Daisy D's papers, die cut alphas, and flowers give this regular kraft bag a makeover!

more Opryland Hotel tips

First off, you don't want to miss DiVine. I took these shots while she was en route - not really performing, but moving thru the crowds along the walkway. When she's performing, she's wrapped around a post or railway, or up against a brick wall, and you would walk right past her, thinking she's real ivy. The way she moves is so awesome. You can find her at certain times on the Delta Island. I believe there is a large poster on the walkway telling what time she'll be performing next.

Food - I'm not sure how much time you guys will have between classes and events...but I do know that the food can be expensive, and the lines a bit long. I was there during a soldout church event, so that might have played a part in the long lines. Stax has a good hamburger - but it is huge. You might consider sharing a burger and fries with a friend, if you don't want to eat something that big - the condiments all come in little packages, so you can dress it the way you like it. We ate dinner one night at Ristorante Volare and it was delicious. I didn't love the bread (the girls ate it like candy), but everything else was so good! As I said before, the pastries from Java Coast (Cascades Lobby) were delish, but my bagel and Michaela's muffin from the Conservatory Cafe were not. How can you mess up a bagel?? And who doesn't love Haagen Dazs ice cream? :D While we were there, they were serving Chik-Fil-A and Freschetta pizzas in one of the lobbies, but that might have been set up special for our big group. Lots of your normal mall options over at Opry Mills, but that's not going to be a quick route, unless you are already there. They had some good sit down options, too. Hope that helps. Excited yet??!

SE Event project peek

I'm not saying WHAT we are making, but I will say chipboard, patterned papers, buttons, rubons, die cut alphas, punchies, ribbon, and sequins ;)

For more peeks and giveaways, check out monique's blog - www.moniquemclean.typepad.com!

Scrap Etc 2008 Event!!

It is right around the corner, ladies! I visited the Opryland Hotel this past weekend with my family and our church youth and it was just beautiful. If you've never been there, or even if you have, you are in for a treat :D Lots of beautiful scenery, and lots of walking, so bring comfy shoes ;) They have several swimming pools, and one is an indoor heated pool (located behind the spa above the Cascades lobby). Bring your suits if you want to take a relaxing swim. They also have a shuttle service that will take you to the Opry Mills Mall (lots of shopping, eats, and movie theater). It picks up at the Cascades Canopy and the Magnolia Canopy (not to be confused with the actual lobbies). Need directions, ask any hotel employee, consult a map (they are everywhere), or stop at the info desk in the Magnolia lobby. If it is your first time (or your second or third, lol), you need to allow a little extra time to get places (in case you get lost). Don't worry, you won't be lost for long, and you'll probably enjoy seeing stuff that you hadn't seen before! The pastries in the Cascades Lobby are YUMMY :D Can you tell I'm excited already?!
Monique is doing an event blog party on her blog the next few days - www.moniquemclean.typepad.com. I'm not sure what all she has planned, so check it out. I'll be back with a peek at my project in the morning!

PC 101

I love working with the team at Paper Crafts. Their magazines and idea books are always filled with great ideas for cards, gifts, and home decor. This is one of my projects found in the PC 101 special issue that is hitting the shelves (except I added a tag later). I was so pleased with this issue! This paper is by Tinkering Ink - really fun, bold stuff.

Is that a light I see?

Down at the end of this long tunnel? :) I'm finally breathing a little easier, feeling like I WILL bring this book in on time, and I won't be bald when I do, lol. I'm going to be including a few more pages from other designers (besides my beginning team of 8). I've scrapped 76 layouts, and have approx. 12 left to go, plus lots of writing. Add to that the 52 additional layouts from other people, and you've got a BUNCH of ideas for patterned paper layouts.

Easter will be here in a few days. I enjoy spending the day with my family, and after church services we do lunch and a big egg hunt for the kids. Last year, my 11 year old nephew declared himself "too old". We were like "Huh? Don't you know there is PRIZE EGG MONEY out here, son?" :D My girls still love it. And, we hide those prize eggs GOOD - to make them really hunt.

I got good news yesterday. Most of you know I'm teaching at the sold out Scrap Etc. Event next month in Nashville. I'll be doing a PowerPoint presentation, and I was worried about having new artwork to illustrate my class points (using photography and journaling effectively to tell our stories). I now have permission from Memory Makers to use 5 or 6 brand new book layouts in my presentation! That's such a relief. I hope it will be fun for everyone to get a peek at "Playing With Paper: Innovative Ideas for Using Patterned Papers in YourScrapbooks". And, we'll be doing lots of play with BasicGrey papers and goodies, as they are sponsoring my class :D

Have you seen Paper Crafts newest special issue "Paper Crafts 101"? It is an awesome issue packed with ideas for cardmaking and gift giving. You are going to want this issue! (This card is one of my items published inside.)

Have a safe and happy Easter, my friends!

I've been tagged

By the evil Suzy Plantamura. And to make it worse, her 7 random facts were supported by photos AND she starts off with winning the Newlywed Game when she married the first time around. Soooooo, prepare yourself for a little boredom reading my facts, and then cheer yourself up with her's ;)
http://suzyplantamura.typepad.com/living_my_dream/

7 Random Facts about Me

1) I've had green hair. Seriously. And I went to high school with my green hair. But, that was back in the day when people didn't make fun of people who are different, and my friends (and everyone else in the high school) knew my mom was a beautician, and that I was an experiment gone bad, so they felt sorry for me. No, better tell the truth here. I begged my mom to perm my long, bleached blonde hair. She told me it was in no shape for a perm. I pleaded some more. She gave me that perm, and my hair broke off in clumps. So, she cut it short, and to even out the roots and ends, she used the only blonde-ish color she had on hand that day - ashe blonde. And we learned a very important lesson concerning Ang's hair. Never, ever come within 5 ft. of her hair with anything that says "ashe" - ashe means GREEN ;) But, by that time, the old hairdo wasn't going to stand any other processing, so to school I went with green hair. You just WISH I had a photo of that, huh? lol

2)I married a rebel. Me, the "straight as an arrow" oldest child of the sweetest woman you'll ever meet. When I first brought him home, he was wearing cutoff short shorts, and a black Metallica t-shirt. You could hear his car/music coming from a mile away. But he turned out alright :D

3) My mom is my dearest and closest friend. Don't know what I would do without her. She battles an incurable cancer. Please remember her in your prayers.

4)I attended college 2 hours from home, lived in the dorm, had no car, and very little money. I dated a lot, and still ended up marrying a hometown guy.

5) For years I was in love with one person. He didn't love me, and it caused me much anguish as a teenager/young adult. He's now on his 3rd marriage. In 3 months, my husband and I will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary.

6) Six? Is this not over yet? lol Okay, I've been aboard a plane that had a bomb threat, and husband and I sat in a deserted/closed/no longer in use airport for 6 hours while they sorted it all out. And I was on my way to Hawaii on my honeymoon.

7) I'm giving a birthday/slumber party for my youngest daughter today - 6 girls 8 and under. So now you know I'm crazy!

Whew! It's over. Now I have to tag 7? Let me think on those.

one word - SNOW

You've probably heard me complain about never getting snow in MS. Well, last night, we got it! My girls have been SO happy. Olivia and Michaela spent 2+ hours in it last night, and another 2 hours this morning. It's melting really fast now, but it was OH SO GOOD while it lasted.

American Idol

Go, Jason! Go, Jason! Need I say who is my favorite? I'd buy his music. I like David A, but I'm not sure he even knows what his style is....and he hasn't been picking songs that I care anything about.

TV

Favorite shows:
Medium
Terminator (this one is new and really good)
Journeyman
Friday Night Lights
What Not To Wear
American Idol
Jericho
Shark
Survivor
Without A Trace
Samantha Who?
Project Runway

And that's just the "gotta watch" list, lol. You might notice Grey's Anatomy is missing - it's just not doing anything for me this season. I also bumped off CSI: Miami, Biggest Loser, Heroes, and Prison Break. I'll watch them if I'm in the living room ironing or folding clothes, but if I miss it, it's okay.

Waco Wow and Houston Dumb

This past weekend I traveled to Waco, TX, to a lovely store named Crop Paper Scissors. Emmalie, her family, her employees, and her customers made me feel so welcome and pampered. She has such a great store there. The classes went well, the weather was great, the food was wonderful, and I enjoyed myself. That is, until I missed my connection in Houston. After getting up at 5:15AM (and making Emmalie get up too to drive me to the airport), I made it to Houston, and had a 2 hour layover. Had a great breakfast, but was so very, very tired. Four nights in a row of not enough sleep had taken their toll on me (I'm an 8 hour a night girl). I went and sat RIGHT BESIDE the gate. But, in the Houston, the gate area is very crowded, and there are 8 or 10 doors right together, with constant announcements for flights that aren't your's. Don't ask me how, because I still can't figure it out, but I missed my flight. I was sitting RIGHT THERE. But, it happened. So, here I was at 10:30am, with a Continental employee saying I can get a standby for 3pm and a definite seat for 5:30. Remember, I have a 2 1/2 hour drive once I hit the ground in Birmingham. I admit, I just sat in the hallway and cried - asking myself how I could be so very dumb. And called my mom and cried some more. There was nowhere to lie down and sleep, and I wasn't sure how I would make it. I was terrified I'd miss another flight if I tried to sleep anyway. I just sat and read for a while, talked to Rich and mom again, and then got up to walk a little. Thought I might get some lunch and try to perk up - maybe find someone to talk to. As I walked by the flight boards, I noticed 2 flights for Birmingham listed - the 3pm, which I was on standby for AND a 12:45 flight. WHAT? She didn't tell me there was an earlier flight! I hightailed it back to that gate, and asked for a standby ticket. She assured me that the flight was full, all checked in, and all connecting flights already there, but I told her I had nothing to lose. And the Lord must have known I really needed that ride, because I got on that flight :D Of course, I know He would have helped me get thru the day, had I not gotten on, but I was so very glad to get out of Houston at lunch instead of supper!

Thanks to all my great students for a lovely day. Rita and Shunda, two that were with me all day, are going to travel to Nashville next month for the Scrap Etc. Event. I'm looking forward to seeing them again. Rita - please email me copies of the photos you took, k? Shunda has my email addy.

Okay, back to work!

"private" explanation

I mentioned early in Feb. that I would be taking a bloggy break. I'm one of those people that doesn't like to leave old stuff around, and that includes an old blog front page. So, I was just going to close the blog for a few months, while I work out from under this pile of work here - and someday actually create something I could share (because I have nothing left to share at this point, and I didn't want the blog to be just me talking, lol). Unfortunately, Blogger has 2 options that I could find - mark it private or delete entirely. I didn't realize that marking it private would make people feel that I was excluding them from the blog. I never meant anyone to feel that way, and I apologize. I'm going to try to post a little - maybe Monique will allow me to show a Scrap Etc sneak peek soon, and if Rita sends me some photos from this past weekend, I'll post those (more about Waco shortly).
Thank you for understanding.

Happy Valentine's Day a bit early

I've decided to take a break from blogging, so I'm sending out my valentine wishes a bit early. Hope each and every one of you has a holiday filled with love and lots of chocolate ;)

I'll be headed to Waco, TX, at the end of the month. Looking forward to my second visit to Crop Paper Scissors. Emmalie has such a beautiful store, and she IS the hostesss with the mostess. Her customers were so good to me last time, and I'm looking forward to hanging out with all of them at the crop on Friday, the 29th.

Happy Valentine's Day,

Angelia

pink tulle

Tulle can give a project that wow factor. Tie it on a card or altered item for soft, dreamy style (K&Co Smitten products). For another pink card idea, check out www.scrapscene.com. Angie posted one of my cards as her Valentine Card a Day project. ScrapScene is a great blog for scrap info AND inspiration :D

sharing my good news

NO, I'm not pregnant, lol. But, I alluded to some news yesterday, and wanted to follow up on that. I've known for some time, but I'm just now feeling like it's okay to talk about it. I'm authoring a book for F&W Publishing, on my favorite scrapbook supply - patterned paper! I'm over the beginning excitement and shock, and knee deep in the reality of it, lol. Still very excited, but also working hard to make it the best I can. I began by asking some extremely talented ladies to contribute to the project. Contributing designs to the book are Linda Albrecht, Amber Baley, Irma Gabbard, Jennifer Gallacher, Greta Hammond, Jenn Olson, Nicole Samuels, and Susan Weinroth. How lucky am I to have their work in my book? VERY. I'll be working all spring on artwork and text, and then turn it over to F&W. They will work their magic, and the book is scheduled to be released in Feb. of 2009. Seems like a long time - but time is flying here in my house. So, this is the reason I haven't posted much in the way of scrap stuff lately. I've been working on the book for several months now, and I have 3 more months to go. It's a ton of artwork - even for me. So, I apologize in advance if ye olde blog gets boring....maybe you guys will just have to talk more ;)

Yes, they come in pink!

I'm in love! With Doodlebug sugar coated brads. I have 2 colors, and I'm ordering about 7 more colors. LOVE, LOVE them. BUT, I can't post anything I've done with them because they are for a special project of mine....more details on that soon. In the meantime, let's not forget some pink :D "Then Came You 2" from my HOF entry several years ago. Pink flower, pink ribbon, pink tag, pink paper, and pink photo corners!

some pink, some not

Boy, have I got a sneak for you! Me & My Big Ideas is releasing some gorgeous new papers and embellishments for CHA next month. I created some layouts for their booth, and was given the go-ahead to share them with you. Be on the lookout for these 3 new lines at your local scrapbook stores and online retailers. If you want some more peeks (and I know you do!) check out Suzy Plantamura's blog (www.suzyplantamura.typepad.com) or Jamie Harper's blog(www.jamieharper.typepad.com).

time for pink

I altered this clock (purchased at Target) for the Creative Express offices (creativexpress.com) when I was a part of their design team. I'm wondering if they have a photo of all the clocks floating around - I'd love to see what the rest of the dt came up with. Older Rob & Bob products, Sticker Studio numbers, rubon "create" and white flowers, black cs dots, and a K&Co transparency.

No it's not pink

but a cool treat for me, just the same. I received a brown box this morning - guess the UPS man left it late yesterday evening, and I didn't realize it was on my front doorstep until this morning when Olivia went out to catch the bus. Inside I found the January issue of Scrapbook Trends. Do you subscribe to this magazine? If not, you SHOULD. I love the format, the quality of the publication, AND the yummy layouts featured inside. For January, they asked to feature me in one of their monthly columns. I was thrilled, and seeing it IRL made me smile. Not because I think I'm all that, but to be included in such a quality publication, and to work with good people like the ST crew. And, we all need a pick-me-up somedays....trust me, we all do. This was my little pick-me-up, and if you find this issue in your local scrapbook store (or subscribe via their website), and check out the variaty of just plain fun layouts inside, you'll find yourself smiling too.

Baby pink

The tin was for K&Co, and the layout was published by Scrapbook Trends, I think. I still need to scrap my second daughter's sonogram pics. This layout is so much prettier IRL...the trims and sparkle, and of course, the adorable baby ;)

think pink

Paper Crafts published this little altered lunch tin. Pink and black go together like chocolate and caramel! The layout was for K&Co last year (I sometimes don't put journaling on dt pages - leaves more room for product. I do think journaling is one of the "must haves" for my own pages.)

Promise of pink

Memory Makers published this one way back when. It is still a favorite of mine, and it is a good representation of my style, I think. KI papers (can't ever get enough KI paper goodness!)

If you have to be away from home on your birthday

I recommend spending it with Julie and Barb, and their awesome Lasting Memories Retreat customers. I was really spoiled on my birthday - cake, flowers, gifts, singing and good wishes, and a late night ride to and from the movies (because I really wanted to see "Atonement"). I even squeezed in some shopping time. Definitely a good day - a good weekend. The 5 classes went smoothly, and I hope everyone enjoyed themselves as much as I did. Thank you all for everything. I arrived home at 11pm last night without my luggage or my scrapbook trunk, but that's definitely better than losing it on the way to the retreat, lol.

where can we find pink today?

On this sweet baby spread, for one (click on photo for larger view). And I'm very proud to say I made that cotton baby dress and slip, complete with hand embroidered bullion roses and feather stitching around the neckline. This was published in Cori Dahmen's book Scrapbook Memorabilia. Mostly Foofala papers and embellishments.

Christmas class

The Scenic Route chipboard arrived yesterday, and I was able to put the finishing touches on my "Details That Count" layouts. This is a peek of a bit of 2 of the layouts. Can you see the beads we are going to stitch and the glitter? Also handcutting elements and doing some stamping in this class. Really working that Roxbury paper :) Talked with Julie at LM yesterday, and we only have a few spots left in this class. 2 of the others are sold out, and "In the Mood for Love" and the birthday class had very limited seats. If you are interested in any kits, contact LM or Emmalie in Waco ASAP. I'll place my final product orders later this month, and I'll only order for extra kits that are ordered/paid to avoid having leftover product.

Pinkfest

Beginning with one of my all time favorite layouts, "Why?". BHG published this one, and the patterned papers were from Mustard Moon, which is, sadly, no longer in business.

Second photo shows a grouping of tags I created for Memory Makers (one of the Top 50 issues). The Christmas tag is my favorite, with KI stripe and MAMBI dotted papers, and that's a Deja Views rubon.

Did someone say "pink"?

So I'm in a pink mood - because pink is my favorite color, and because Valentine's Day is around the corner. So, for the next month, I'll be randomly posting pink projects. Could be an old layout or a new Valentine or even photos with pink. And on Valentine's Day, I'll be giving away pink stuff. A bunch of scrappy pink goodness for one lucky lady (or guy) who happens to love pink too :D I'll have a signup post closer to that day, so stay tuned for lotsa pink!

Another birthday rolls around

Yes, it's that time of year again. My hubby and I celebrate our birthdays within a week of each other. This year, I'll be out of town on my birthday. My youngest is bothered about that, but only because it means she'll miss out on my birthday cake, lol. She wants my mom to bake one when I get home to make up for it ;) I'm hoping to see "Atonement" (is it in wide release yet?) and maybe shop a little bit (that Loft gift card is burning a hole in my pocket), and finish it off with a class at the Lasting Memories retreat. I have no doubt those ladies will help me celebrate. We might stay up late with coffee and donuts, or I might lure them to my room to help me kit for the 3 classes the next day :D Hmmm, what sort of bribes should I bring along? lol Looking forward to my trip AND my birthday!

new title?

I've called myself many things the last few years - mother, wife, aunt, sister, daughter, friend, Christian, scrapbooker, bible school teacher, paper arts instructor. But, tomorrow I get to add another title - coach. Actually, I've been doing it for 3 weeks now. The things I get myself into! Or rather, the things my HUSBAND gets me into, lol. I offered to help a friend with a 5th/6th grade basketball team (my daughter is playing on the team). Hubby signed me up to be an assistant coach when I wasn't there to defend myself. Still, assistant is not bad. But, then I learned that the "real" coach (and she knows who she is) was going to be out of town for 3 weeks, and I'd have to assume her duties - coaching 8 young ladies in the game of basketball! So, I've made it thru several weeks of practices, and I actually enjoy myself (if I don't let myself think about how silly I must look on the court). And the girls seem to be having fun, too, which is why I'm doing it in the first place. But, tomorrow is the first game, and I'm feeling a bit nervous. "Real" coach will be home on Monday, and she'll take over from there. So, if I can make it thru tomorrow, I'll be okay :) Did I mention I didn't play the game in high school? lol But, I did love the game and kept the books for our team, so I know enough to get by until "real" coach comes home (please, hurry!)

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.)