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.