One day at a time

New bench for our entry way

2011-03-10T18:41:00.001-08:00

I have been so inspired by all the wonderful refurnishing blogs and all the wonderful things people do with old furniture that when I came across this bench for only $2.99 at the Goodwill Outlet I thought I'd give it a try for myself.

Now you may think I paid to much. But I sanded it down.

And added a few coats of creamy white (a quart of mistint I found at Lowes) paint.

Now we have a place to sit as we put our shoes on.

I love it! Clean and simple lines.

What do you think? Was it worth the $2.99?

Linking up to

A first for me

2010-12-03T08:46:00.000-08:00

I have spent the last couple weeks getting ready for a local craft fair. I've joined up with a few friends to sell some of the items we make. I've never sold at a craft fair before and I'm so nervous. The craft fair is tomorrow, Dec 4th at the Silver Firs/Mill Creek YMCA in Everett. If you're in the area make sure you check us out from 9am to 3pm. I set up a practise table in my room to decide where I'm going to put everything. Here's some pictures. I'll take better ones tomorrow at the fair. I'm sharing my table with very talented Kim Holmes and Carol To. Kim is selling some of her amazing cards and Carol is selling a few beautifully done felted hats and knitted scarves.

Homemade Cards

Paper Flowers

Felted Flowers

Paper banners

I hope its a great show. Whatever is left at the end of the day I will put on my Etsy site. HomemadebyCarla.esty.com. It should be up and running by Monday - fingers crossed.

Have a wonderful day!
Carla

Happy Birthday Alexis! and Scrapbooking post.

2010-09-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

My baby girl turned 7 today! I can't believe it. She is the perfect daughter, she loves shopping with me, she love scrapbooking with me and she love cuddling with me. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful little girl as a daughter.

I chose an old photo for the Glee contest going on at Dixie Pieces. We needed to use a Beatle's song title as our layout title. If you look closely you can see Alexis is holding Daddy's (Steve's) hand. So I chose the song "I want to hold your hand". -its funny how I can't just say this line, I sing it everytime. It was fun to work with this picture of her less than a year old as she turned 7 today. My layout is supposed to have a 60's Classic Rock feel. Not exactly sure if I acheived this or not, I used a color combo that makes me think 60's.

The other challenge this week was to make a card that had a sentiment that used atleast 1 word from our layout title. I decided to make a gift topper instead. Right now its held up by a wooden thread spool but it would also look nice laying atop a wedding gift. The leaves say "to have and to hold".

I hope you have a wonderful Alexis' birthday day - we're off to build-a-bear and a nice dinner.

Carla

Vintage find

2010-09-17T22:31:00.000-07:00

Is this not the coolest thing you're seen in a really long time???? Since like 1962. I rescued this beautiful manual typewritter from a Goodwill Outlet (have you been yet?). It was in a bin with all the electronics. The ribbon had been taken out and was tangled with cords, the cover was in another bin altogether, unfortunately I did not find the bottom tray or the carrying case but nevermind. It is a lovely blue & ivory combo and I bought it for that reason. I decided that even if it didn't work it would still be a wonderful paperweight.

Well guess what! This beautiful typewritter actually works. It took a little adjusting and I have to press hard on the keys but it works. I can't wait to start using it with my scrapbook layouts.

Oh and the typewritter only cost me $7. Got to love that.

Carla

I'm going to link to a couple fun sites:
Coastal Charm

My Romantic Home

Southern Hospitality

Back to School Pictures

2010-09-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

"Here we are again, Lord. Their backpacks are loaded and their faces are scrubbed and their lunch accounts are full. And I know you'll walk with them, Lord. You always do. But a mom still has to ask. Will You walk with them? Will You whisper to them what they need to hear, when I'm not there to whisper it? Will You please, oh please, cover their school with the protection only You can give, and will You keep harm far away? Will You make their minds strong and ready to learn? Will You help them understand that hard work honors the One who created them? Will You guide their teachers, giving them patience and wisdom and creativity and even more patience? Will You bless them for their efforts? Will You love all those children there, the ones whose lunch accounts aren't full, the ones who feel alone? Will You teach my children to be kind and unselfish and to love those who are different from them? Will You point them back toward home just as soon as you can? Lord, I give them to You today and everyday, trusting them to Your care. Amen." Author Unknown

Alexis, my baby girl, I can't believe you're starting first grade already. You've grown so fast.

Shayne, my handsome boy, 4th grade already??? I'm so proud of the young man you're becoming.

We've had a great start to the new school year. I pray that it continues this way. And I pray that each of you have a healthy and rewarding Fall.

Carla

Back to school teacher gifts

2010-09-15T20:12:00.000-07:00

School has started and life is starting to fall into routine again. I love summer but I really enjoy life when there's a schedule to follow. I have quite a few updates and projects to share with you over the next few days. So don't go far...

The kids were so happy to go back to school. They had a count down that lasted 2 weeks. They both have great teachers this year and to welcome them back to school I made these fun pencil holders.

I found the cardboard containers and a couple packs of pencils at Micheals for $1each.

For Alexis' 1st grade teacher - the wonderful Mr Heaton. The papers & ribbon I had on hand - love Jillibean journaling sprouts.

For Shayne's 4th grade teacher - the awesome Mr Smith. My friend Kim recently passed on some of her scraps to me and thats where some of this paper came from. Thanks Kim!

The kids at the school's Meet & Greet (the day before school) ready to give their teachers their gifts.

I have lots more to share but it will have to wait until tomorrow. See you soon.

Carla

Just a couple things

2010-08-04T16:04:00.000-07:00

I know its been a while. I don't really have any good excuses so here's some things I've been working on lately.

I haven't been scrapping too much lately. I did however have a crop at my house last month... I guess it was 2 months ago, right before school ended. We made these framed corkboards. I gave 2 of them to the kids' teachers.

I got turned on to knitting by my mom and may have a mild addiction now. Thankfully my mom has all the important tools so I haven't had to invest too much money... yet :) I've already made a few scarves. And I just finished my first felted bag. Which I am in love with. I'm going to make a few more, let me know if you want to buy one from me. Its a medium sized bag with a decorative flower.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer.

New Challenges!

2010-04-09T12:53:00.000-07:00

The On the Wings of Spring Crop is going on at WeScrap.com where you can win your very own MM Slice! I have 2 challenges posted.

One: Time for some Spring Cleaning. Use your pastel scraps for this technique.

My example layout.

Two: With all the rain we get in the Spring I'm always looking for rainbows. For this challenge you need to use Water Color paints and have a rainbow on your layout.

My example layout.

So head over to WeScrap this weekend to play along.

Happy creating!
{carla}

WeScrap Kit Reveal!

2010-04-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

There's a new kit at WeScrap.com.

Once I started working with it I couldn't stop.
I started off simple.

Then a more colorful layout.

This layout I tried a new technique for me - I tea dyed my prima letters so they wouldn't be stark white.
Before:

A couple tea bags.

I put the letters in the tea.

End result

I moved on to cards. I'm making cards to send to soldiers right now - hopefully they'll like these ones. Just need to find the right envelopes.

Lastly I had found this frame box at a local 2nd hand store for $1.00.

(yes that is my messy desk)

I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it. I think I'll make a small pages about all the important people in my (and my kids') life and stick them in the box. I love this picture I took of a tree I found in the woods.

New Sketch!

2010-04-02T16:44:00.000-07:00

There's a new sketch at My Sketch World.

It was so fun to work with. This month I got Alexis involved. She's my little scrapper. She tells me when she grows up she wants to be a Scrapbooker. She made me these little fish to add to my layout. I think they're adorable. I hope you like them too.

I hope you play along at My Sketch World.

Have a fabulous Easter! Happy creating!
{carla}

H{ippity} Blog Hop

2010-03-29T07:24:00.000-07:00

Good morning! Thank you for joining me during the Monday H{ippity} Hop. For a list of all the participating blogs check out the {ippity} blog.

Today I used the "Because of you" set from the Fall collection;

Both of my cards are based on sketches from My Sketch World.

The first one is based on this sketch:

Made with all Making Memories's Flutter papers.

My 2nd one is based on this sketch:

Made with Heidi Grace papers.

I created 1 more card using the "What Matters Most" set in the Winter Collection;

This card is based on the color combo challenge at SPCC.

Outside

Inside

Thank you for joining me today. Have a fabulous and creative day!
{carla}

An unexamined life

2010-03-23T23:21:00.000-07:00

is not worth living. - Socrates or Plato

I completed the first challenge in WeScrap's Next iTeam designer contest. The challenge was to create a layout about yourself. It was definitely a challenge. I love how it turned out.

Today I'm
1. happy my kids go to school full days.
2. enjoying being unemployed.
3. addicted to hummus and rice crackers.
4. watching my favorite tv show; Vampire Diaries.
5. decorating Shayne's bedroom.

I encourage you to take on this challenge for yourself. Record the small things that you enjoy or do or feel in a day. Its rewarding in the moment you do it and you'll be thankful in the future. If you do take the time to create a page about you, send it to me and I'll post it on my blog. maiclark@hotmail.com.

I hope your day is filled with creativity and love.
{carla}

Monday Love

2010-03-22T04:00:00.000-07:00

Another Monday another H{ippity} Hop! Today I'm showcasing the "What Matters Most" set.

I only used a fraction of the stamps in todays set. My first inspiration is a card based on a sketch sent to me by Ally at WeScrap.com.

Please ignore the digital line going through the photo - I need a new camera!

I cut out a couple of the butterflies I stamped onto white cardstock to add some dimension to my next card.

And lastly I created this layout for a challenge at Timeless Daydreams. The challenge related to March Madness and the Sweet 16. I needed to use the word sweet, include 16 circles and use a bracket on something other than enclosing words. I love how the flower stamp in the "What Matters Most" set was the perfect touch for my page.

detail pic of the stamp

If you'd like to purchase today's stamp set or another {ippity} stamp set please send me at email at maiclark@hotmail.com.

Thank you so much for stopping by today. To see the complete list of blogs participating in today's H{ippity} Hop click here.

Have an inspired day!
{carla}

A couple more cards & garage sale!!

2010-03-17T13:21:00.000-07:00

I have been crazy about cards lately.

Here's a card I did for the SPCC color combo & recycled material challenge.

The sentiment is an {ippity} stamp from the "Because of you" set in the fall collection. The patterned paper is Bo Bunny. And I cut a square from a box I was about to through away. Then peeled the top layer off to expose the center ridges. I painted it with a white pearl daubber. Can you see that?

I created the next card for the weekly challenge on the {ippity} blog which is also seen on the Splitcoast Stampers Forum. This week's challenge was to only use the color green and neutral colors.

I used {ippity} stamps from the "where you should be" set in the winter collection. Which if you purchase from me this week, you will receive a free 6x6 paper pack. Anyway moving on...

My last card today is for a challenge at Dixie Pieces. The challenge was to use felt on a card.

I do have one more thing to share with you. Well its really only for anyone local to Seattle. Some friends and I are having a Scrapbooking Garage Sale this Saturday. There's going to be some amazing deals! Come check it out if you can.

Hope to see you Saturday!
{carla}

H{ippity} Hop!!!

2010-03-15T03:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Monday! and to another H{ippity} Hop!

Here's the cards I made this week:

For this card I was inspired by the Citrus Tree sketch challenge at My Sketch World.

I used the "Where you should be" {ippity} set. Purchase this set this week and get a free 6x6 paper pack.

Check out my {ippity} shop for all the other sets I have available.

Make sure you go to http://www.unityopportunity-blog.blogspot.com/ to see all the other blogs participating in today's H{ippity} Hop!

Happy creating!
{carla}

Winner!

2010-03-12T12:44:00.000-08:00

Friday is here! Though it feels more like Saturday. The kids are home from school and stir crazy. We're going to go to the Skate Deck in a little while to cure their cabin fever but before we do... we have a winner!

So I asked Alexis to pick a number between 1 & 21. She didn't know why so she just looked at me funny and said ... two... I laughed and she laughed and Shayne laughed. We all then went over to the computer and saw that the second comment is
Megan Clark!!!
Who just happens to be my best friend, sisternlaw and auntie to my children. I promise its been a fair contest. So Megan here's your prize...

Make sure you all come by again on Monday for the next H{ippity} Hop... hint hint... I'm sure you'll see something you like.

Happy Friday! {carla}

What's going on?

2010-03-11T17:34:00.000-08:00

There's lots going on at WeScrap. Make sure you check it out.

First - there's some great challenges going on all month long. New ones being added every week. For every challenge you complete you get entered in a drawing for a wonderful prize. This month the prize is your pick from the past WeScrap kits! And their kits are really awesome! You must complete atleast 2 challenges to be elligible.
My challenge for this month is to use Stamping on your layout. I've been using stamps to make cards but wanted to challenge myself to use them on a layout. Here's my example.

Can't wait to see what you create!

Second -

WeScrap is in search of a few more designers for their iTeam.
Applications are due MARCH 17!
Here's the details:

March 18th thru April 15th, 2010 we will be holding a WeScrap's Next Designer Contest! We are looking at bringing on 3 new design team members to join our team! You may apply for the WeScrap's Next Designer Contest by submitting the following to: allison.wescrap@gmail.com (Apply by March 17th!)

1. Send a Scrapbook/artist resume & biography to allison.wescrap@gmail.com with "weScrap DT Call" in the subject line. Include your name, weScrap forum username, email address, contact information and **important** a link to your blog.

2. Please tell us of any scrapbook design teams you are currently on. (You can only be on no more than 2 other manufacturer/kit teams and 2 other challenge/sketch teams while you hold your weScrap iTeam position.)

3. Please include the answers to the following questions:
-Why do you think you would make a great iTeam member?
-What is your best attribute or skill?
-What is the attribute or skill that is a challenge to you?
-Do you feel that you can give inspiration, encouragement & techniques in the forum on a daily basis? How might you achieve this?

More information here.

Lastly and I'm not even sure if I'm supposed to share this with you yet. We're having a crop in April and there's going to be an amazing prize that you won't want to miss the opportunity of winning. Mark your calendars for April 9-11.

{Carla}

Thirftstore find

2010-03-09T11:07:00.000-08:00

I probably should have taken a before picture. Ofcourse that didn't dawn on me until now as I sit to write about my fun little find. Oh well. I found this box at the St Vincent dePaul thrift shop down the street. It is a card holder. Unfortunately it had see better days. However I knew I could fix it up to be super cute. Especially since I just recieved my prize pack from Imaginisce and it was filled with paper and stickers from the Sweet Cheri collection.

What do you think? Cute? Its perfect for all the cards I'm making with my Ippity Stamps. You know what else is funny... I just saw that Imaginisce is having a giveaway on their blog, they want to see creative storage solutions. I think this qualifies, its a creative storage solution for my cards. Perfect timing.

Have a great day!

{ippity} hippity hop and giveaway!

2010-03-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my weekly Monday {ippity} blog post. If you're joining me as part of the {ippity} Hippity Hop... welcome! Every Monday, starting this week, I will be posting cards, layouts or projects that I've created using {ippity} stamps. Each week I will have a different special gift with purchase set available. Lets see what I've got this week;
This week I'm focusing on the "Music of my heart" set.

If you purchase this set from me this week I will include everything you need to make these 4 cards (not including adhesive, stapler or ink). You will even get 4 envelopes for your cards too.

So if you want to purchase this kit please email me at maiclark at hotmail dot com.

Thanks for joining me today! To celebrate the start of this weekly post I will be giving away an {ippity} Black Noir Hybrid Ink pad to one lucky winner. Let me just say I have switched to using these ink pads and I am so impressed. I don't have to worry about not getting enough ink coverage on the stamp and the ink dries fast so it doesn't smear on the page. So far I love them. They're available in my {ippity} store. But here's what you need to do to win one today;
1. Become a follower of my blog. I love new friends!
2. Leave a comment on this post about which {ippity} set is your favorite so far.

On Friday, March 12th, I'll pick a randon winner. Good luck everyone!

Click here to get back to the list of {ippity}hippity hop participants.

My Sketch World

2010-03-06T17:30:00.000-08:00

A new sketch has been posted at My Sketch World.

It was so easy to use. Check out what I did with it.

See all the other designer's work here.

Dreaming of VACATION challenge

2010-03-03T08:01:00.000-08:00

The monthly challenges are being posted on My Sketch World. There are some really great ones to inspire you. I decided to create a challenge for vacation photos. This time of year I really start thinking about going on a vacation. Currently we're planning a vacation to St George, Utah. I can't stop thinking about how much fun its going to be and all the things we'll do there but the trip is not until July. So I pulled out my vacation photos from last year; Steve and I went to Las Vegas to celebrate my 30th birthday. Here's the layout I created.

Jackpot Baby!
Using Scenic Route and October Afternoon papers.

I challenge you to create a vacation layout. It could be about a past vacation, or future vacation; one you're planning or one you're just dreaming about.

I'd love to see what you come up with. Load it in the MSW gallery and let me know you did.

Have a dreamy day!

{Carla}

BIG announcement!

2010-03-01T09:22:00.001-08:00

I found out last night that I am the March/April Guest designer at wescrap.com! I did a little happy dance, my husband looked at me weird and then I screamed "I got it!" I am so excited to work with the wescrap iTeam and their amazing kits. Here's the layout I created for the contest

The challenged was to create a layout that was inspired by this image and incorporated Passion.
If you haven't visited wescrap.com you need to check it out. They have new challenges all month long, a great forum and fabulous inspiration in their gallery.

Their March Kit Late Nights looks fabulous and the designers will have their project in the gallery this week.

My kit is on its way to me, so you'll see my projects soon after I get it.

Oh 1 more thing... wescrap has a blog hop this Saturday, March 6th. Its all about Spring. You'll hop from designer to designer getting an early taste of Spring. You start at the Creative Crafts & Stickers Blog.

Hope to see you at wescrap.com! Happy scrapping!

{ippity} do da day

2010-02-27T10:26:00.000-08:00

Maybe you noticed the small changes on my blog today. I'm going to start offering {ippity} stamps. Made by Unity Stamp Company, {ippity} stamps are not found in regular stores, they can only be purchased through {ippity} Chicks....like me... I haven't got my first order yet but as soon as I do you'll see lots of inspiration here on my blog. In the meantime you can check out the great designs by the {ippity} design team here.

Here's some of the stamp images. Check out my shop to purchase online or email me {maiclarkathotmaildotcom) for an invoice.

Enjoy the small things today! {Like super cute stamps} Life is too short not to.

{ippity} chick Carla

Monday already?

2010-02-22T14:42:00.001-08:00

Time goes by so quickly especially when you're busy scrapbooking.

There's a new challenge at ScrapTiffany. We were challenged to use a popular new trend, wings. Here's my layout but be sure to check out the amazing work the other designer did. This is my last week as a guest designer with ScrapTiffany but I will definitely continue to play along.

Here's a few other layouts and a card I did this week.

"The star of the show my little MC"
Using Feb 15th Sketch at My Sketch World
Products: October Afternoon, Making Memories and My Minds Eye

"PreK Graduation"
Using Feb 14th sketch on My Sketch World for {Only One} Challenge at WeScrap.com
Product: BasicGrey, Creative Imaginations and Misc Pearl trim, ribbon and flowers.

"You are my Tweetheart"
Using Feb 12th Sketch on My Sketch World
Product: Bo Bunny and Bazzill Cardstock

"all u need is love"
Celebrating my 30th Birthday last May.
Product: Bo Bunny, Little Yellow Bicycle, Heidi Grace and Misc buttons.

And I leave you with this picture of my kids.

He's such a good brother. :)

And the winner is

2010-02-16T13:29:00.000-08:00

Number 25 -Bobbi. My son picked a number between 1 - 65 and he picked 25 and that's you.
"Bobbi said... Congrats on getting to do a weekend crop. I would love to be able to do that one day. We are doing a family date with the kids this weekend. Have fun!"
Send me your address Bobbi and I'll send you your goodies. That was so much fun. I'm going to have to do that again soon.

Here are a few layouts I completed at the weekend crop.

Hello Beautiful - from the Grumpy sketch on Thynner blog. She's got a contest going on with a $50 cash prize. You should check it out!

detail picture of the flowers

Winter Bliss - from the Feb 7 sketch on My Sketch World
detail picture of the flower

A is for Apple - from the Feb 9 sketch on My Sketch World.

Its Monday!

2010-02-15T13:15:00.000-08:00

First off; Thank you all for the wonderful comments during the ScrapTiffany blog hop. I'm so excited to have all the new friends following my blog.

Its Monday And every Monday there's a new challenge at ScrapTiffany. This week is a "Love" challenge. What do you love? Here's my challenge layout. My true love - Steven. I used the Bo Bunny line. I absolutely love these papers, stickers and embellishments. LOVE THEM!

Here are a few other layouts or cards I've done for My Sketch World and Dixie Pieces Challenges.

Feb 4th sketch at My Sketch World

Card sketch challenge at Dixie Pieces

Punch challenge at Dixie Pieces.

I created a lot during the weekend crop and I will share those tomorrow when I announce the winner of my blog candy. There is still time to be part of the valentine blog candy giveaway. Check it out!

ScrapTiffany Blog Hop

2010-02-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

So excited that you joined me during the ScrapTiffany Blog Hop. If this was your first stop take a minute to go to the beginning of the Hop at http://www.scraptiffany.com/.

I am happy to be celebrating ScrapTiffany's 1 year anniversary. I love the weekly challenges at her blog; they always get me motivated. Today I'm going to share a little celebration of my own. My son is turning 9 in a couple weeks and I made these cute flags to decorate his cupcakes. or brownies we haven't really decided yet.

So I started with a pile of scraps.
**Warning - I am a messy scrapper. Please don't mind the mess**

Here is what came of the scraps.

I might use them on some cupcakes like these;

or brownies - since my son is a huge fan of brownies.

Well I hope you enjoyed my celebration. Make sure you check my Feb 11th post and comment for the giveaway.I would love to have you as a friend.

Your next destination is Keely - www.keelyy.blogspot.com/

And remember; Every day is worth celebrating. Have a great day!

Valentines notes and giveaway!

2010-02-11T10:47:00.000-08:00

Valentines is this weekend and though I love my husband I am going to be spending the weekend at a crop with my friends. Scrapbooking is my first love afterall :) Just kidding. No really.

I am so excited to be scrapping with this group of amazing people. They are all so creative its inspiring. (and a little intimidating) Well since it is valentines and everything we decided to give each other valentines. I'm excited to show you first what I've created.

I sweetened the treat with a little chocolate.

The finished product... I hope they like them.

I also made a special gift for the the kids teachers. A cupcake wrapped up with a postcard.

Well for all of those reading to the end of the post I have a small giveaway. A couple of Just Chillin packs from Making Memories. I've asked my son Shayne to help me. Thank you Shayne

Here's what you need to do. 1. Become a follower and 2. Leave a comment. I'll pick the winner randomly on Tuesday, Feb 16th. Good luck! And Happy Valentines Day!

ScrapTiffany Celebration

2010-02-08T20:47:00.000-08:00

ScrapTiffany is celebrating their 1 year anniversary! The challenge this week is all about Celebrations. Here's my layout.

Join us Saturday, February 13th for the Celebration Blog Hop!

Join in the fun!

2010-02-06T18:11:00.000-08:00

I am having so much fun this weekend and I haven't even gone anywhere. Two of my favorite scrapbooking sites are hosting online crops.

My Sketch World is having 20 days of sketches and they always have lots of other challenges too. For every layout or card you complete you get entries in the drawing toward fabulous prizes. You have all month to complete them and upload them to their gallery. Here's a couple that I've completed.

Dixie Pieces is hosting the 3rd Annual Beat the Winter Blues crop. Games, challenges and chatter galore. The scrappers on this site are so fun. There are lots of ways to earn entries in the random prize drawing. Check out the prize! You have until Feb 18th to complete the challenges. Here's what I've completed so far.

So go check them out!

a few blogs to share

2010-02-01T19:52:00.000-08:00

I've come across a couple really cute blog today that have blog candy to giveaway. Go check them out.

The Scrap Farm by Melinda Spinks
http://thescrapfarm.blogspot.com/2010/01/lucy-bird-blog-candy.html

Playing with Paper by Melissa S
http://scrapathomemomoasis.blogspot.com/

and
Paper Craftying Place by Rachel
http://papercraftingplace.blogspot.com/2010/01/blog-candy-time-sharing-love.html

Monday Challenge

2010-02-01T08:15:00.000-08:00

This month I am a guest designer at ScrapTiffany. Every Monday a new challenge is posted on her blog with a chance of winning a fabulous prize each month. Make sure you check it out!

This week is all about babies. It could be about you or another baby in your life, join in the challenge and share your work with us. Here's my layout about my first Christmas.

my trip part 2

2010-01-31T20:39:00.000-08:00

I saw so many inspiring projects and meet so many inspiring people while at CHA. I was so excited to meet Elizabeth Kartchner. I love her blog and scrapbooking style. Her new line at American Crafts is amazing. I can't wait to use it.

Another joy was meeting the House of 3 girls. They are all just so much fun.

Here are some of my favorite projects and layouts;

From 7 Gypsies

Basic Grey

Cosmo Cricket

Melissa Frances

(I can't remember where I saw this one)

The Girls Paperie

Accucut Booth

Glitz

My Minds Eye

Little Yellow Bicycle

Canvas Home Basics

My Little Shoebox

October Afternoon

Tattered Angels

and We Are Memory Keepers

my trip part 1

2010-01-30T14:53:00.000-08:00

Kim, Robyn & Me self portrait style.

Now that things are settling down and I've recovered from vacation exhaustion I want to share some of the exciting things I saw in Anaheim.

Friday - We went to the Super Craft show.

There was so much to see and do. Lots of make & take projects and great deals. My favorite part of the day was meeting Donna Downey. I love her work and designs.

Saturday - We went window shopping in Orange. They have such cute eclectic stores with lot of antiques. Also I was told that is where they filmed the famous Forest Gump's Life is like a box of chocolates scene. Here are some of the items that inspired me while shopping.

We stopped at this really cute cupcake store. I so enjoyed the company of Brenna, Sherry and Robert (not pictured). And though I'd just met them I felt like I've known them forever.

this one's for my womens small group. I kept finding little messages about letting go of fear everywhere I went. Which is what we're discussing in our group.

Sunday - Wednesday kinda run together in amazing inspiration and excitement. I'm going to edit some more pictures and update again later.

OMG! Look at this.

2010-01-28T08:49:00.000-08:00

I'm famous (hehehe) http://heidiswapp.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/01/happy-day.html

I'll post pictures soon from my trip to Anaheim and CHA. Had so much fun and saw so many wonderful things.

Leaving town

2010-01-19T09:29:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited that this year I will be attending the Winter CHA convention in Anaheim. I'm so excited to see all the new products being release especially these ones; Cosmo Cricket
Dear Lizzy and Bo Bunny. I leave Thursday morning and will be enjoying tourist time before the show opens Saturday. I'll try to update everyone on whats hot and whats not while I'm there.

Here's a couple layouts I completed last week.

School Christmas Program -Using the Making Memories Christmas line.

Loving Bella Blvd. "The sweet things in life... Family & ice cream"

Close up. This layout was for the challenge last week at ScrapTiffany. Check out her blog every Monday for new inspiration and a challenge to get you scrapping.

2010-01-15T10:19:00.001-08:00

I don't know about you but I am always looking for new recipes. Lately most of my recipes have been from blogs and other websites. So when I print them off they don't really fit in my recipe box. After having loose papers on my counters for a couple weeks, I decided its time to put them in a binder. But not just any binder. Here's what I came up with.

Recipes we love...

Here's a great recipe. Easy. Simple, Perfect Enchiladas! I got the recipe from Pioneer Women, a fabulous blog with amazing recipes.

Here it is going in to the oven. (The assembly process was too messy for pictures :)

The finished enchiladas.

Everyone say YUM!!!

Complete and total excitement!

2010-01-10T15:03:00.001-08:00

I am completely honored and grateful for the opportunity to be a Guest Designer at My Sketch World from February - April. My Sketch World is fabulous Scrapbooking Site with a great forum and gallery filled with ideas and inspiration. Every month Lucy - the owner of My Sketch World creates beautiful layout and card sketches. Here are some layouts I completed with some of her past sketches.

Christmas Morning

Cheers!

Wanna Dance?

My best friend - Megan. (I luv u girl!)

So be sure to check out My Sketch World and get inspired!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-02T14:31:00.000-08:00

I love New Years! An offical time to put the past behind us and focus on what the future can hold. My resolutions this year is to be less lazy, be active at least 15 minutes a day and blog more. I think by doing the second two items on my list I actually achieve the number one item. Awesome!

Here's a few projects I did before Christmas but forgot to share.

Bird ornaments

Alexis' bird ornament

Shayne's ornament

Teacher gifts

Getting ready for Christmas!

2009-12-09T16:27:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad its Christmas time. It makes me smile. It warms my heart. It reminds me what's important in life; family and friends. I hope you feel as blessed as I do this holiday.

Getting in the Christmas spirit I've created a few new decorations this year.

Loving the inspiration from fellow scrapbookers. Check out my interperation of ScrapTiffany's gingerbread man banner. This was so fun to make and it took less that 30 minutes. I used the Making Memories Fa La La slice cartridge for the gingerbread men. Love how it turned out.

Here's my Thanksgiving decoration redone for Christmas. This was inspired by Julie Comstock at Cosmo Cricket.

And lastly... I purchased these letters at Lasting Memories. It was so much fun decorating them with the Making Memories Mistletoe line.

So exciting!

2009-11-30T13:08:00.001-08:00

I can't believe I forgot to update everyone. I've been selected for my first ever design team... well its just a guest designer spot in February but still I'm so excited! I'll be guest designing for ScrapTiffany. Check out her blog for weekly challenges, they are always inspiring.

http://www.scraptiffany.com/blog_tiffany/

They turned out better than I expected

2009-11-22T12:19:00.000-08:00

I was inspired by the video blog on Cosmo Cricket's blog. They have a video demonstrating a simple but beautiful Thanksgiving Center Piece. I loved making it and am actually going to try and sell them, so I can make more. Check out http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/art/1477485699.html

Fun new projects

2009-11-08T14:47:00.000-08:00

I spent all day Friday at the CK scrapbook convention in Bellevue. It was so inspiring. It got me back to my desk to start creating again. Here's what I created this weekend

Welcome - Fall edition

I made this a couple weeks ago. Its a chart to help me remember what specialist the kids will be seeing at school each day so I can make sure they're prepared, now I won't have trouble remembering the library book or when to wear tennis shoes. When its completely finished it will also help me know which days that week the kids will buy or bring lunch.

The title says "Dream more than others think is practical"

Halloween is coming

2009-10-22T16:16:00.000-07:00

I have really gotten into halloween this year. I should explain that me "really getting into halloween" may be different than other people since I have never really enjoyed this holiday. So what I mean is that I've made a couple cards, put together a banner I bought and made this cute bowl for the tootsie pops I'm handing out this year. Take a look.

Acomplishing something makes me smile

2009-10-06T23:05:00.000-07:00

I have been telling myself for a couple weeks now that I need to spend more time on the rental in Lake Stevens... its been vacant for over a month. Today was the day, I took charge and put up all new signs, posted it on craigslist and even put a new border in Alexis' old room. And it felt good! And guess what! When I got home this evening from Bible Study (another thing that made me smile today) I had a message from someone that wants to look at the house. BIG SMILE!!!

So I'm reading the book by Philip Yancey "What's so amazing about Grace?" for a women's bible study group. I am really enjoying it. Tonight was the night we meet to talk about the book and I love how I am not the only one that struggles with Grace, giving and receiving it. It brings a relieved smile to my face.

There's a lady in the group that is such a beam of light, ray of sunshine or whatnot. She doesn't attend the church the bible study is held at but is a friend of another participant. I feel so blessed that she's there. She talks with such passion and conviction of giving Grace to those around us but not compromising who we are. The stories she tells of experiences she's had bring me to tears usually tears of joy. It makes me smile that God brings special people into our lives at just the right moment.

Oh lastly I smiled after a long almost 2 hour workout today where for the first time I ran 13 minutes on the treadmill during a 20 minute exercise, that was followed by 10 minutes on the bike and 10 minutes on the elliptical. I feel great!

Its working...

2009-10-05T20:56:00.000-07:00

*All the working out and conscious eating, brought a smile to my face staring at the scale and seeing it was 2 lbs less than last week. I met my goal.

*Having the energy to clean the house made me smile today.

*Having dinner with my parents and Steve's mom & Step-dad made me smile today. or it might have been the delicious Short Ribs that Steven made of the grill. What a treat!

*I also treated myself to a toasted baguette with fresh mozzarella for lunch, that made me smile today.

Orcas Island Adventure

2009-10-04T20:12:00.001-07:00

I am so thankful for friends like Pete & Jen Newman. They are just good people. The kind of good people that inspire you to be a better person. I think its because they're genuine not over the top, give me credit for the good I do type of people. They made me smile today.

Actually Pete used to be my boss or really my boss' boss. I was surprised when he invited Steve and I to go flying with him. He's a very busy person and so is his wife so all their time together is very valuable. I was beyond ecstatic about the opportunity to fly to the San Juans in his little plane. I was honestly very honored that he would offer.

The trip was out of a storybook for me. Driving up to the small airport, getting in the plane, flying over our beautiful Washington coast, landing on Orcas Island, having lunch on a deck overlooking the water, browsing the local boutiques and then getting on the plane to go back home. What a wonderful day!

Thank you Pete & Jen for reaching out. Thank you for being such good people. You made me smile today.

Today was all smiles

2009-10-03T22:36:00.000-07:00

*A hike down Meadowdale Beach with the family. Especially the walk back up and Alexis marching up each hill - she called mountains.

*Spontaneously stopping at a church's community block party and watching Alexis eyes light up when she saw they had facepainting. It was a completely free event. I love seeing church doing good things for the community.

*Running into Shayne's friend at the event and getting to know his parents a little better. They are adopting a 14 year old boy from West Africa. Amazing heart this family has. His mom plans to start selling handmade jewelery for extra money for the adoption; when she has it set up I'll be sure to blog about it.

*Putting together an amazing salad for dinner and making all my nutritional goals for a Saturday.

*Getting my order from Twopeas that has my niece's birthday present along with fun stuff to play with at my getaway next weekend. She's going to love it!

Starting to feel like myself again

2009-10-03T08:02:00.001-07:00

Focusing on the "smile" moments seems to be getting easier. Friday was full of smiles.

*Finishing a tough 30 minute cardio workout with my brother. It feels good to be getting in shape. Smile.

*Seeing Shayne interact with the Librarian and finding a few new books to read. 14 to be exact. Then seeing him pough though 4 of those books before bedtime. Smile.

*Visiting Central Market and looking around their yummy salad bar and prepared food area. Smile.

*Eating Ahi Poke (from Central Market) for dinner. Such a treat, well if you like sushi it is. Smile.

I finish a layout from a challenge posted on Dixie Pieces for September. Its too late to enter but I finished it anyway. It was a a challenge about the "10 thing I love about me".

List is:
I like to have fun
I’m generous to those in need
I’m not afraid to travel by myself
I make beautiful babies
I plan, plan, plan so I can enjoy the event
My toes, especially after a pedicure
I cry easily
I’m not afraid of germs
I get all worked up when I’m passionate about something
I’m loyal to my friends

It was really hard to create a layout just about me but I'm glad I did.

Still living 1 day behind

2009-10-02T12:59:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday, it was hard to find something to smile about. Some days are just harder than other. It didn't really come until the end of the day.

I smiled and even belly laughed while watching TV with my husband. The kids were in bed and it was just the two of us. We watched the Office which was funny but the belly laugh came when we watched the Community. The premise is confusing but the dialog is hilarious. It was so nice to spend time with Steve.

ok ok I did sneak a smile earlier in the day when I had 17 - 3 year olds running around me. (I volunteer at MOPs twice a month.) It made me smile when we all sat down and sang a couple songs together and I read the story of Joseph. If you're happy and you know it clap your hands!

Did I miss Wednesday?

2009-10-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

I keep thinking I'm going to catch up with myself eventually, maybe after this cold is finally gone I'll have the energy to get everything done that I need to get done in a day. But enough of that lets focus on something that made me smile on Wednesday.

Spending time with my best friends, that makes me smile. Robyn, Megan and I got to spend the evening together. We had dinner at Macaroni Grill (where the Penne Rustica made me smile) then caught a late movie. We saw Love Happens and which was really kinda sad but still at the end it made me smile. I feel so blessed to be able to spend time with then. Thank you Steven!

A moment that made me smile

2009-09-29T22:35:00.000-07:00

On Kim Holmes blog she challenged everyone to dwell on the good moments in life and not the overwelming worries that seem to be all around right now. The challenge was to blog every day about a moment that made you smile that day.

Today I ran a few errands, returning items we didn't use at Alexis' birthday party and whatnot. While out and about I stopped at a store that I have always wanted to check out, its called Plato's Closet. They buy and sell used name brand clothes. So I took a few shirts into the dressing room. I tried on a cute but simple red top, looked in the mirror and smiled. So cute. I love it when I find something that makes me confortable in my own body. Best part it was only 7 dollars.

Ok, Ok... I know what you're thinking. How entirely materialistic of you. But I have to start somewhere.

Princess Party!

2009-09-29T18:42:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun planning Alexis' princess party but the best part is that Alexis loved it, she said the house looked like her dream house.

We decorated cupcakes.

Each girl got a pixie stick flower wand.

We decorated tiaras with glitter and gems.

The princess thone (Thanks Rachel & Jillian for letting us borrow it)

All the dress up jewelry and make up a 6 year old girl could hope for.

Happy Birthday Alexis!

2009-09-24T12:27:00.001-07:00

Today is my daughter's 6th birthday. I feel so lucky to have her in my life. She is the most wonderful little girl a mother could hope for. I see me in her, I see her father in her but I see she is herself and she is going to be an amazing women. Her favorite thing to do is to "Give love away because it makes her feel good" We can all learn something from that. I love her so much.

Saturday Scrapbooking

2009-09-19T09:43:00.001-07:00

I have actually had time to scrapbook this week. Here are the pages I completed.

I just love these pictures of Shayne. This was from our trip to PA in the fall of 2006.

Product: I drew the tree and cut it out. The patterned paper and letter stickers are Basic Grey. The journaling circle is Jillibean Soup. Misc buttons.

Aren't these girls just adorable! This is Alexis and her BFFs. Its so cute that all their names start with the letter A.

Product: The cardstock, patterned paper, flower pin and stamp are all from the Sept kit at Dixiepieces.com. It was an amazing kit this month. The letter "A" is from Michael's dollar bin.

Alexis loves to play picnic tea party. After I got laid off earlier this year we've had more time to play together. On this particular occasion Neo joined in the the fun.

Product: These are all scraps that I had in my stash of stuff. The patterned paper is October Afternoon. The flowers are made from felt. Thats all I know.

Its Tuesday?

2009-09-15T16:14:00.000-07:00

I keep having to remind myself that its Tuesday. And crazier than its already Tuesday that its already Sept 15th. Alexis' birthday is Sept 24th and I'm busy planning her princess party. I still need some costume jewelery for the girls to play dress up with, let me know if you have any I can borrow or if you have any pretty wigs, I need those too. I designed the invitation from a digital kit I bought on Scrapgirls.com. Let me know what you think about the invite, I'm pretty happy with it.

The start of school

2009-09-10T13:02:00.000-07:00

Alexis started kindergarten yesterday. Lets just say it was tough letting her go. I didn't want to admit that she is growing up. Not my baby girl.

She did fabulous at school, she loves her teacher (says she seems really nice), she's already made a "BFF" (yes she called it that) and she rode the bus home without problems (though she almost forgot her backpack on the bus). I'm so happy that she's adjusted so quickly. It could be because she has an awesome BIG brother to look up to!

As preparation for her being at school all day (did I mention she's in all day kindergarden?) I made her a mini album that she can keep in her backpack that has pictures of our family.

Lets not forget Shayne started 3rd grade this year. He's getting so big. He's excited to be learning cursive again (he learned it in kindergarden but has forgotten most of it) and ofcourse that he gets to see his friends again.

Halloween kick

2009-09-08T11:49:00.000-07:00

I have been working on a bunch of layouts of last years halloween celebration and traditions. There are so many great paperlines out right now for halloween. Enjoy!

For this one I used a sketch from gotsketch.blogspot.com

I just read this great quote on elizabethkartchner.blogspot.com. I had to share it.

"Don’t let fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you—whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside. You are a great power for good. You will make the world a better place. Lift up your chin; walk tall. God loves you."D.F. Uchtdorf

What a cutie!

2009-09-07T23:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday our friends James, Rachel and their kids Josh, Jillian and Monica came over for dinner. Its embaressing to say that it was their first time seeing our house since we moved in a little over a year ago. We used to have dinner dates fairly regularly when we lived near them in Lake Stevens. And we're hoping (though we say this everytime we see each other) to see each other more often. Towards the end of the wonderful evening, I got my camera out. Monica was being so cute. The pics turned out so great and I had fun playing with them in Photoshop Elements.

Daddy's star

2009-09-05T12:34:00.000-07:00

I completed this layout for the challenge at ScrapTiffany's blog. I love the colors and how easy it came together. I used a design sketch from the Sept Sketch Challenge at Dixie Pieces. I was so happy with it but it was when Steve and Shayne saw it that I really thought "This is why I scrapbook". They both loved it also. The journaling say "win or lose we're never prouder than when you try your best. 1st year wrestling. Lake Stevens 2007-2008"

Another "Wrestling" layout

I had a few other snapshots of Shayne on the mat. The journaling says "Daddy likes that you're excersizing, you like that you get to take kids down, I like it that you two are spending time together".

Scrapbooking

2009-09-04T14:38:00.000-07:00

Here's my latest page. This was for the Sense-ational challenge at Dixie Pieces. The challenge was to represent a sound of summer. The page had to incorporate sewing, painting, hand cutting and doodling.

I also made a card for Dixie Pieces Sept Card challenge. The card had to have a pocket or a hidden message on the front.

New haircuts for the kids

2009-09-04T14:25:00.000-07:00

School starts next week. The last thing on my list to be ready for school was to get the kids hair cut. We went to the Great Clips by my house. Each time I go to a "walk in" salon I wonder when I'm going to start taking them to a full service salon. Where they get their hair washed, cut and styled not just a spray bottle, clip and go. The kids don't seem to mind and their hair turned out great. For Alexis I had to take her home, wash it and style it myself before I decided it was a great cut. For the price we'll have to stick with walk in service for now. But I know the day is coming.

Plums

2009-08-30T21:25:00.000-07:00

One of the things I miss of our old house is the plum tree. Our new house does not have a fruit tree and we haven't finished our vegetable garden yet. So today our renters moved out of our old house and we had a chance to pick the ripe plums in the backyard. It was so fun. We all worked together to fill our bags with plums. Shayne decided we're going to have a plum stand (think lemonade stand) tomorrow. If you're driving down 148th in South Everett keeps your eyes open for us. The plums are so yummy!

Birthday card

2009-08-29T09:54:00.000-07:00

I got to play with the Slice earlier this week. It really is as cool as they say it is. Here is a birthday card I made for Steve using an owl I cut with the Slice.

Its Friday

2009-08-28T22:45:00.000-07:00

I completed another challenge for Scraptiffany. This week's challenge was to scrap the theme "time". I thought about the challenge all week long. I kept thinking about songs with the word time in them like; Time..... is on your side (which makes me think of the scary movie FALLEN) or Time keeps on ticking, ticking, ticking into the future (which I'm not sure if that's even a popular song). Then I thought about "Once upon a time..." and our princess Alexis. But then I came across pictures of Steve and the kids in Times Square. So I went with "a moment in Time (square)"

2009-08-27T13:53:00.000-07:00

I just finished my layout for the Summer Senses week 4 Challenge at Dixiepieces.com. This week was about the Tastes of Summer. So the kids and I went to Dairy Queen to shoot some pics. We had fun and some yummy, yummy ice cream.

All about scrapbooking...

2009-08-27T09:43:00.000-07:00

Last night I took at mini album class at Lasting Memories in Lynnwood with Tamara.

I learned that (or really everyone who was there with me learned that) I have a problem with perfectionism. I just couldn't handle it when my page didn't look exactly like the one on display. Luckily Tamara helped me through my mini crisis :) Its turned out great and I just couldn't wait to put pictures in the album. This album is for Shayne and I'm so excited to give it to him when he gets home from his sleepover. So here is the (mostly) finished mini album, ME.

What are crops for?

2009-08-26T21:28:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share that I scrapbooked at the store today with my BFFs for 4 1/2 hours and didn't get 1 layout finished. I spent so much of the time talking. But isn't that really why we scrapbook in groups, its really just an excuse to hang out together. I love it!

I did get a mini album completed in a class after our crop. I'll have to post pictures tomorrow.

Happy Birthday Steven!

2009-08-25T17:18:00.000-07:00

My wonderful husband turns 31 today. So the kids and I decided to bake daddy a cake. But we couldn't bake just 1 cake because 1 person wanted chocolate frosting and the other vanilla frosting so we ended up with 2 cakes. And when I stepped out of the room to answer the phone they went crazy with the sprinkles. Happy birthday!

Getting Started

2009-08-25T16:23:00.000-07:00

It seems everyone has a blog nowadays. I don't like to do things just because everyone else is doing it but at the same time I thought it could be fun. I have thoughts that I'd like to share with the world. I have projects I'd like to show off. So we'll see how it goes. Here goes...