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.)

ads for NY

Spent the morning creating some little ads for my classes at the Lasting Memories retreat. Photos of the project mean I'm finished with it. Photos of the kit mean I'm still working on it. And, a simple title ("Details That Count") means I have to receive the product before I can even photograph a kit! lol It's all good, and I like designing classes. Gives me a break from other stuff. I've heard so many awful tales of flying/airport delays I'm worrying a bit about that, but it can't be helped. I can't walk to NY or Texas! I'll be driving to Nashville in April for the SE Event, so no worries there - oh, except teaching 100+ ladies four times in a row :)