I thought I had posted this layout but nope, I didn't. Last month at CX we had to do a scraplift. I love it because we don't really have to think too much - lol! I lifted Toni (tonisbdreaming), she's so amazing and I just adore her work. Here is her layout;
and here is my layout...what I loved most was that this is a hybrid layout, I loved the digi frame she used!
Hey! Just thought I'd share that I'm hosting a fun challenge over at Creative Express with another design team member, Becki (CKMommy), such a sweet lady!! Together we are hosting a "color combo/glitter" challenge (it's the first ever too!!) The winner will receive $75 in product AND a guest design team spot with lots and lots of perks! Check it out:
Just finished my CX projects and I am so very happy! I had to do a scraplift, which I already posted here, that one was easy...I love doing lifts, they always come out so different but they are so much fun, it's all about the inspiration I tell ya! Anyway..the second assignment was a bit trickier this month. We all had to use the same three products, glitter, embossing dies and very, very pretty paper ribbon. I had such a hard time with it. This is what I finally came up with and I'm pretty happy with it (or maybe I'm just happy that I have both assignments done and ready to be mailed E A R L Y!) 
See that little dot in the center of the flower here? That's a glue dot, lol! I put some glitter on it first, then a gem...pretty neat flower center I thought, ah well...just humor me, ha!
Anyway....I'm hoping to get some shots of the kiddies today (and me...maybe I'll have Lacee take a photo of me too) we all had our hair done last night by my cousin's girlfriend who is in training to be a beautician, she did such a wonderful job and was here all night with us. I think I'll go by here a nice bottle of wine as a thank you. Speaking of thank you's - I have so many to get out, just have to make them first. Have a wonderful Monday....no school today, just hanging out. I love days like this.
Friday, love it. I think this weekend will be a nice and easy weekend. I want to scrap a bit, maybe work on a couple of page calls (haven't done that in forever!) and do a few more CHA layouts too if I can find the time. Other than that I'm not doing anything. The kids have some fun things going on so I'll be right there enjoying the moment. I have to tell you about my son's flag football game last weekend. He made his very first ever touchdown and I wish, oh how I wish I could have taken a photo of his face. First of all the coach had the ball passed to him for one of the plays...just handed off so he could "run the ball". His first time ever, and let me tell you, he ran like there was no tomorrow. Now he's not the fastest runner but I've never seen him run as fast. They caught him after about 30 yards or so, what a trip! THEN...the other team has the ball, they pass it and he intercepts the ball and makes a touchdown! Talk about the crowd going wild...lol...okay so maybe it wasn't a "crowd" and just a few moms and dads but we cheered! It was so awesome, he will probably remember that for the rest of his life. I was so proud.
So anyway...we are very excited about the Super bowl. My son's team is the Giants so that makes it even more special. The kids are each having a couple of friends over and I'll make some yummy football finger foods. I'm really looking forward to it.
I'm happy it's Friday! Here's a layout I just finished up for Creative Express. It's a symmetrical layout, with warm colors, I just used some photos I've taken over the last year. Happy Weekend!
This month for CX we had to do a story telling layout (using photos). I went through some older photos and came across some fun shots I took when I went to meet an online friend. The photos brought back so many memories and even though I haven't been in close contact with Melissa, I did email her and we picked up right where we left off. I love that about her. Online friendships to me are priceless and just as important as my friends I see all the time. I love having a place to turn for fun, support and of course sharing.
Anyway, I'm sure all of you bloggers know exactly what I mean! You are all special to me too and I hope to develop even more friendships in the future! Hey - if anyone is going to CHA in CA please let me know! I'll be in the Paper House booth with the amazing Robyn Weatherspoon, we would love to see you!
Oh ....here's my layout that brought back the fun memories for me.....smiles!!
One of my favorite systems ever (I know I've said that so many times but it's so easy to use and so inexpensive and the templates just keep coming out and are cuter and cuter every time...) Anyway, this is my latest little project. It has a dvd inside that has a cute little slide show of the kids, just random photos from the years past. I had to do this for Creative Express but when I get it back next year I'll have my mom's Mother's Day present all set, ha ha! 
So I was out doing some last minute shopping today and pretty much anything Christmas related was on sale. I thought to myself, "hey, this last minute shopping isn't so bad! I'm saving lots of money!" Then as I turn a corner I see an entire display of St. Patrick's Day stuff and then some Valentine's Day displays. Wow...can't we at least get through Christmas? Rush rush rush...seems like everyone is always in a rush, pushing forward. Sometimes I wish I could just take a step back and enjoy my days, my moments, my busy life as it is now. Isn't that sad? Time goes by so fast, just way too fast...one of my New Year goals (out of the very many I have) is to really slow down...I need to slow down, for my health, for my family and just because I'm missing out on way too much. I hope you take a little time each day to reflect on the day, I've started doing that as well and I actually feel happier. On that note...I leave you with a project I created for Creative Express. It's for Valentine's Day but I did this one last month so to me it's not rushing, I'm actually sharing it later that I normally would. It's filled with Hershey Kisses and Hershey Hugs...yum!
Here's a little sneak peek of my latest project for Creative Express. I can't post the real thing until the end of the month just to be fair.
Tomorrow is Lacee's last show on CC (Cotton Candy, her pony). Since she is now thirteen she can't officially ride a small pony any longer. I wish they went by weight and not age because she would be able to ride her forever, she's so tiny. I think it's going to be a fairly large show and her pony is having her girly moments if you know what I mean so I'm just hoping that things will go well. I want her to end on a good note with this pony, she's done such wonderful things for Lacee's confidence it would be great to end it well. She'll continue to ride her through the winter but then we will have to think about things and what to do next, I just hope that when the time comes I can financially do what needs to be done to keep her going...I wish this sport wasn't so unfairly priced.
Anyhoooo...I think I should get some sleep since I need to get up in a couple of hours to go to the show...ha! Early to rise....hmmm...not me....no way, not ever! 
Oh I'm so excited, I made the team! It's a bit of a bitter sweet feeling though because a few of my friends didn't make it and I feel just terrible about that. I know that is how these things work but it doesn't make it hurt any less.....the new team members are (and I'm sorry but I don't know some names here - they just posted screen names)
annaEdavison
Cari
CKMommy
Dewyfields
gretahammond
Heidi82
hkthompson
Jen N
JenGallacher
K Lee in UT
KaraH99
LilyBean
maples
meldouthit
N@ncy
NikkiH
pegges73
Robynw228
shellieh
Wendy Malichio
congrats to everyone who made it - I'm really looking forward to meeting all these new gals!
So today is the day that Creative Xpress picks a new design team. If you are not familiar with this site it's just amazing. The community....the people, that's what makes CX....CX. I never get this anxious over contests or design team entries because I really believe that there is a place for everyone....but oh how I want this to be my place once again.
I have so much to do and I'm finding as the day goes on I just can't do it, I'm having a hard time focusing on anything but CX....I hope they make their calls soon or it's going to be a looooong day!
Just a fun layout of Richard, being a very brave, young padawan...so, so cute! I had to do a monochromatic layout...which I never would have asked to do....monochromatic layouts and I just never got along;-) This is what I came up with though...I'd say there is mostly orange on this layout, wouldn't you? Hope CX agrees with me!
Just kidding! This is a cute little project though to start the year off great! My son's new teacher just finished her intern teaching and this will be her very first "real class". She is super excited, as are we! I created this little kit for him to give her as a "this will be a great year" type gift. The clipboard has two little hall passes (next time you are in a classroom check out the hall pass - I bet it's pretty beat, my daughter brought home an eraser one time that she had to use as her hall pass - ha!!) This kit was so easy to create; here are some simple instructions-------->
Clipboard
1. Trim paper to fit clipboard by turning the clipboard over and tracing on the backside of your patterned paper.
2. Use Mod Podge (which is decoupage adhesive) OR use a glue stick (and let me tell you this...I was just introduced to the TomBow Glue Stick and it is AMAZING! Not your average "glue stick"!!!) I used the Tombow stick on this project. Glue your paper down, don't forget to trim out the top where the clip will go and don't worry about the edges being perfect.
3. Go ahead and adhere the other patterned papers you want to use at this point.
4. Trim the edges and then sand them down nicely.
5. Using some black acrylic paint (I used the awesome Ranger Paint Daubers), swipe paint along side the edges for a finished look.
6. Now you can add a thinner strip of patterned paper and just push it in a bit, not much but enough so you can slip the "passes" threw it. I actually put some brads on each end and then used some strong Glue Dots to hold the paper in place. You can finish up these edges too by adding some paint.
7. Slip two passes in, I used Report Card "tags" by Rusty Pickle, but you can use regular tags too, just be sure to write "boys pass and girls pass" on each tag. Slip them threw the little open pocket and press up against the glue to hold in place (this is not permanent but just to hold them).
8. Tie on some ribbon and add a flower with some flower gems and you are done!
Notebook
1. Before starting your project remove the spiral binder and set aside.
2. Using the same method above, trace the paper and then adhere the paper with strong adhesive (again I used the Tombow Glue Stick).
3. Trim, sand and paint the edges of your book and then reconstruct.
4. Using a hole punch (I used the Crop-o-dile) punch the same holes for the spiral binder and then reconstruct the book.
5. Finish by adding the ribbon, flower and gems.
Paper Holder
1. Purchase a paper holder (I got mine at a local Christmas Tree shop for a couple of dollars).
2. Either sand or remove the paper that is already on it. (I actually did both, the sanding helped to remove the paper easier.)
3. Once you have your chipboard base, tape the sides together to reinforce the project.
4. Paint the edges and the bottom of the project black using acrylic paint (again I used the Ranger daubers).
5. Trim the patterned paper to fit the project, you will have to trim where the opening for the paper is. Adhere the paper to your project, over lapping the paper as desired.
6. Wrap ribbon around the project and finish with a knot.
7. I finished the project by adding a notebook sticker, a flower and some brads. I also handwrote the text on the notebook sticker I used.
If you create this project I would love to see it!
Deadlines......Oh how we love them....wink wink. I've been so busy lately finishing up all my schtuff, so much. I feel bad for my kids, they have been so wonderful though, so understanding. We have a big pig roast picnic to go to today but I have to leave very early so I can work. I'm so blessed that I have such an understanding family. I am really going to plan something fun for us all soon....not sure what but it will be a big surprise, just as a thank you to them for being....them.
Here is my latest project for Creative Express, notice how I made it just in time (June 30th)...postmarked and all, ha ha! Have a super day - I'll be around....working working working.....oh and I'll be posting my new CHA sneak peeks later today AND a fun contest/rak!!! Check back!
Favorite Colors
This month's assignment was to use brads and the Coluzzle system, how cool...two of my very favorite things EVER!
Yes, we all should have one...lol! If your life is anything like mine that is. It's all about schedules, who's doing what and when. This month for Creative Express we had to use a denim pocket. At first I was going to do a layout, but then I saw other's posting other types of projects and I wanted to do something different. My daughter was given these adorable GAP jeans but she just "doesn't like them"...sigh...yes, I know, believe me, I know....but I loved the cute little pockets so I figured why not, I did cringe a bit when I first cut into the jeans. They have little sparkles in them too which you can't see but it looks so cute in real life. I had this Making Memories photo cube just sitting here waiting to be altered so I put two and two together and came up with this project. It's actually really cute and my kids love it and don't want me to send it in, ha ha! Imagine that one! We will use this when I get it back from CX . The idea is to leave it on the table and when we want to leave someone a note, or phone message we just take one of the sticky notes off, write our message and slip it inside the pocket of the person it goes to. I used so many items on this, here is a run down of my supply list:
Supplies:
Photo Cube and Metal Accents: Making Memories
Flowers: Imaginisce and Prima
Patterned Paper, Rub-ons and Chipboard: Basic Grey
Other Chipboard: Provo Craft and Cosmo Cricut
Ribbon and Felt Accents: American Crafts
Ink: Ranger
Other: Jean Pockets
Basic Instructions:
1. Trim patterned paper to fit over cube, adhere with a glue stick.
2. Hot glue the pockets to each side of the cube. Embellish each side of the cube with one family member's name. I used rub-ons and small chipboard accents as my main design elements. Small embellishments were added for detail.
3. Cut a hole in the cube and the patterned paper, add a large eyelet (large enough for the pencil or pen to slip threw the hole). I also embellished the hole with a flower.
4. Hot glue a pad of sticky notes to the top and use rub-ons to write "Family Messages".
Hope you like this project!!
Just finished this one up for Creative Express. I had the wonderful honor of scrapping a photo of Robyn Weatherspoon's adorable son, is he not the cutest! Check out that smile...oh man, what a sweetheart! This was so much fun - our assignments have been so different and just F U N lately, got to love that! Sorry so short tonight, I have a new class coming up for Father's Day and I have to design the project....hint; it will be a class that focuses on the amazing Fiber Scraps walnut ink Tintz, awesome, awesome product! Check back soon to see a sneak peek of my new class!
That's what I'm doing tonight. I have four projects to do that have to be shipped out tomorrow, overnight. Wish me luck!
I leave you with my other CreativeXpress layout. It's a special one for me. About Dawson, our lovely Golden we had to put down last December. My journaling reads:
A
short life. A life totally worth
remembering. We miss him so, very much
already. Dawson, our beloved Golden
Retriever. He brought us sunshine,
happiness and just everyday joy. We all
loved him with all our hearts. He was a
huge part of this family. When he first
got sick we never, ever imagined that it was skin cancer. My sister called me to tell me the news. Working at the vet sure has it’s bad
points. She actually peeked at the lab
report and called me immediately. I
wasn’t supposed to know. I remember just
sitting down, alone that day and starring at him, crying. He must have known though because he was so
sweet, he comforted me that day, when it should have been the other way
around. That was Dawson.
I wasn’t ready to scrap these photos, I haven’t
even looked at them since I took them the day before we put Dawson down. I actually took them for a reason. One of my sisters didn’t come to see Dawson because she was upset with me thinking
I could have done more and that he really wasn’t that bad. These photos prove that statement to be very
wrong. Honestly I didn’t realize myself
how bad Dawson was
until I saw these shots. He went
downhill so quickly. Two weeks. It took two weeks for his wonderful spirit
that was so full of life to just want to die. I knew there was nothing more we could do. He would look up at me as if almost begging
me to end his suffering. I accidentally
stepped on his toe one day, hardly stepped on it but because his skin cancer
was so bad his nail just fell right off. My gosh I felt awful, he made such a terrible sound when that happened,
a sound that I will never forget. Even
as I sit here writing this, and the tears stream down my face, I know that he
had to go Home. One day we will meet
again, and until that day Dawson will always be in my heart. 
sniff sniff.....
On a MUCH brighter note....I received a very, let me stress that, VERY cool email...I can't wait to share my news! So exciting!!
My monthly projects, due yet again. I love that we have really fun challenges now, it helps me to be more creative. For this layout we had to do a photo challenge, side lighting. Half the subject's face had to be in dark shadow, half in brighter lighting. I used a large window, it was pretty cloudy out too so it worked out well. We also had to use a piece of fabric on the layout, I used a piece of a belt loop from an old pair of jeans. I also have to comment on the "paper frills" or "paper ribbon" I used by Doodlebug, it's the white rick rack and scalloped looking borders along the top and bottom of the red patterned paper (which by the way is Cosmo Cricket). The paper ribbon is very, very cool. I will be getting more of that product, that's for sure, I really love it!
So here's my first layout titled "Drama", and it's all about how dramatic my wonderful little girl is.........now on to the next.
Just finally finished my other Creative Express layout and wanted to share it here. I had to use emphemera, which, to my surprise means:
e·phem·er·a [i-fem-er-uh]
1. anything short-lived or ephemeral. 2. items
designed to be useful or important for only a short time, esp.
pamphlets, notices, tickets, etc. Printed matter of passing interest.
I didn't realized that it meant items with "passing interest"....so things we don't need to hold on to (but us scrappers love to). So here is my emphemera layout, it's about our trip to Howe Cavern in upstate New York, a really amazing place we like to visit often. Lots on this one.....lots of photos too. Happy Thursday!
{4 Please}
Off to finish up my ribbon class project!
I have to admit that I am a great self teacher. If I need or want to learn something I will. I will research it until I know it inside and out. It may take me longer than I like sometimes, but it's worth it in the end. I have a lot of determination (wish I could apply that to my diet I tell ya!)
My point is this; my wonderful husband bought me a sewing machine for Christmas and I do not sew, never have and let me just say this. Sewing is not as easy as one may think. So I set it all up and tried to sew. Nope, no way, couldn't do it and you know what, you can't really be taught how to sew via instant messaging with your online friends...just doesn't work too well. So, I put the machine away and it has been collecting dust ever since. The other day I said to myself, I'm going to learn this today. I will use this machine, I will sew. It took me a few hours, and my mom even came over to help me and guess what, I made my first project all by myself and I really get it now! I'm so darn excited! You can bet all or most of my upcoming project assignments will have stitching on them - ha ha!!! Here is my very first project using stitching - one of my Creative Xpress February projects. I think this would make an adorable Valentine's Day card too so I wanted to share it with you all. Hope you like it - especially the stitching (wink wink).
(ps - This is actually a photo of my card, the background was so bright because I took the photo outside around noon. It looks a little funny if you don't know that, so just ignore the background please.)
Card uses the new Cuttlebug dies by Provocraft. Fun tip - you do not need a Cuttlebug to use the dies! They work in the Sizzix too! Yeah!!!
Wow, I'm always late, yes, I will be the first to admit that, but I'm never this late. I just finished my Creative Xpress projects for October. I'm not technically late because they just need to be postmarked by today, but I hate it. I will not be late for November, December, well that's another story;-) It's just been crazy for me with my photography business. I've put so much into it and I'm so excited to actually be able to do what I love. I've
gotten a bunch of calls lately too, people referring people to me, it's just the best feeling. I know that when you start up your own business things can be tough, very tough so I'm so happy that mine is starting off on the right foot.
Here are my latest projects for Creative Express: A get well card with "get well goodies" tucked inside (more of a masculine type theme, I used the new Crate papers, very nice too I might add!) and then I did up a layout, it was a color challenge layout, I choose the color RED.
I will have some photos to share with you soon too (I had the clients sign model release forms - yeah!!) If you get a minute I would love to have you stop by my photography site and let me know what you think. Sign my guestbook too please, it would mean so much to me! The link is: Wendy Malichio (dotcom)
Oh, being that tomorrow is Halloween, I thought I'd share that we went to a party this past weekend, I haven't dressed up in over ten years, it was a lot of fun. Hope all is well with you and your's!!
xxoo
Wendy
Yes, I did a layout for me. Well, I it for CX at first, but I decided to make a birthday card for my assignment instead so I could keep my layout.
So, for Creative Xpress I made this cute little "Happy Day" card.
I love black, I live in black - usually a black shirt and jeans or black jeans and a different color shirt - something like that, but I just love black, which is what my journaling is all about. The photo was from my "self portrait" challenge which you can see here. I edited it all up in Photoshop, used the awesome new KI goodies and a Sizzix/Sizzlets border die. Pretty simple for me but it works.. right?! LOL!
Here is another layout I did for Creative Express titled "Fall" - I know very original heh...;-)
And a little Coluzzle pillow gift box - would be cute to pop some lottery tickets in it..
And last one for now (I still have one more to create which I will post soon), just a fun teacher card in honor of the back to school season! Have a super night!!
Our Rascal, he looks so mean in photos, but he's really not (well not to us humans anyway), the other pets in the house....well Rascal really makes it known that he was here first and this is HIS home before it is their home. We love him to pieces though!!
I used the new KI Memories "Hip Chick" chipboard - which is amazing and I just love! This layout was inspired by my wonderful friend Melissa Hatcher's page "Second Grade", I love, love the circles she has on her page so that's what my inspiration was, thanks Mel!!!!
Wow I'm on a roll I tell you! I also did a fun little business card holder, now I just need to re-create my business cards and I'll be set for CHA winter! Yahoo!!
Photo of my dd last Thanksgiving, it's so funny how we all have to do this when we are a kid....he he!! I used the new K-ology goodies by K & Co., very pretty line. I also did a little business card holder using a Provo Craft bandaid tin and the new WRMK Boho Chick, which I am LOVING!
Have a super night!
Finally finished my monthly Creative Express projects!
I love this layout, it's one of those that really look so much better in real life...you'll have to take my word for it;-) Used the new Cricut by Provo Craft - super cool diecut machine it is!
"Always Believe"
This is a decorative picture to hang up - it's a magnetic cork board so it will actually stick to the fridge too or to a file cabinet, etc., again using the new Cricut diecut machine.
"To Do"
This is a fun layout of my God Daughter Autumn, teenager, so cute, so sweet, love this girl to pieces, just wish I got to see her more often. I used the Sizzix Randsom alpha for this project.
"You Are Here"
Another project using the Sizzix Randsom alpha - a little decorative photo - school themed.
"First Grade"
Now this one I had already posted before, BUT..sometimes if something is bugging me I just can't leave it alone, so I changed this, well just added more stuff really - I like it much better now though so all is well;-)
"Lovely Lacee"
This was one of those layouts that was never ending, I just kept adding more and more to it. I used the wonderful Cricut to create the flowers and I also used the negative space from the flowers I cut out - I really need to get one of these machines (nope - didn't get to keep it..but I am saving my dt credit so hopefully I will have one soon!)
BUSY BUSY BUSY
Oh yes, I've been very busy, the end of the month is always crazy for me, and each month I say I won't let it happen again, I'll start early (which is a word that is not part of my vocabulary) and then the month just goes by and before you know it I'm a scrapping fool trying to make all my deadlines. Of course it doesn't help that CHA summer is right around the corner. I have lots more to do so I'm not staying online too long (I have to say I was able to get so much done because I wasn't online this past weekend, I really need to buckle down and limit my browsing time).
I start my advanced photography classes this week, can't wait for that. I'll try my best to post more challenges and fun little contests, but for now I'm just super busy, here is my "to do" list for this week:
1. Compile all 300 make and take "kits" for CHA summer (and if you get a chance to stop by please do so! Paper House Productions, booth number 5719. We'll be making this adorable little make and take and you will receive a goodie bag on top of this make and take kit).
2. Create some layouts and misc. projects for Paper House.
3. Start (and hopefully finish soon!) my July Creative Express monthly projects. Heck I still have to place my order before I can do that though...better do that tonight.
4. Organize Organize Organize...I have lots of that to do.
Hope you all had a super 4th of July - I really did, even though I was home a lot too scrapping, I did go see the fire works last night and even went to a picnic and did the at home fire works with the kids and my dh. Got some pretty great photos too. Have a super night!
Since I purchased my new camera I have really, I mean really, been trying to learn everything I possibly can about taking a better photo. It's not easy, but it is fun. I just uploaded a lot of new photos to my photography gallery and while I was doing this I noticed something. I love emotion. That's what I try to capture each time I take a photograph. I want to be able to tell what the person in the photo is feeling. I want the photo to make me smile, or laugh, or even feel sad if that is the case. If it's a place, I want to feel like I'm there, I want that memory to come back to me.
I've been asked to see some of my "work" by some friends, family and just people I see and talk to. Well, unfortunately I don't have anything to show them. I need to create a portfolio. That is on my list of things to do soon. If you have a photography and/or scrapbooking portfolio I would love to see it.
On another note, I just finished up a layout for CreativeXpress, a very simple layout mind you. I used a 4x6 photo AND I even used my very own handwriting...wow huh.
I'm off to the barn and then I'll be home to scrap all night. Hey - maybe I'll post a challenge later on, I have a LOT of fun things to give away and I've been wanting to do some raks and challenges, so if you are around later stop by, I'll post a challenge around 8pm est - post on my blog and I'll send out two prizes, one random one and one for the person who wins my little game/challenge I'll be posting. Hope you can make it!
ps - a fun little tip for today. I love rub-ons, use them all the time, normally I have a lot of letters left over, which I'm sure you do too. Some letters, like "X" are really fun to use for things like "xoxo" hugs and kisses, and for "faux stitches" like I used in the layout above. Just use the "x" for a quick "stitch" on your layout. This works with letter stickers too. Have fun!
I love making cards, of course most of the cards I do make are not for my family or friends, even though I do try my best not to buy a card, sometimes I just have to. I had a very busy month designing for Creative Express, but unfortunately I can't share my major project I did, it's super "top secret" as they say, but I can't wait until I can share it because it was the most challenging assignment I've ever had. It was fun though and I can't wait to see what comes of it. I can, however, share my two little cards I created using the awesome Sizzix System, the newer dies (and older ones for that matter) are just amazing. It's so funny that something you wouldn't think you would love, you do once you just sit and play with it. That's one of the reasons I love working with so many different products.
So simple, but pretty darn fun! I am now off to play with the super cool, "got to get me one of these" Cricut Die Cut Machines, this machine is so totally amazing, for titles, shapes and so much more. I normally don't recommend products, but this is a must have. Hope you have a super scrappy day too!
xxoo
What a word, what a concept. I'm trying to get back to me, with scrapbooking that is. I just finished this layout of my little guy and the photos just make me smile. He's always loved the slide, any slide, high, low steep, whatever, he will climb it and he will love the ride down. So simple, yet it brings him such joy. We all need more things like this in our life.
I also wanted to share my "Trainer of the Month" layout I did for Brainiac Scrapbooking (Scrapbook Premier), I had such a blast working with Jenna, what a wonderful lady she is. If you have not checked out this system you have to, it's one of the best concepts I've ever seen for scrapper's, from advanced to those just starting out, it's really a great tool. I will be the trainer of the month in July, the kit is sponsored by Paper House Productions and it was so fun to do! The two things I focused on were Visual Triangles and Odd Numbers and Hand Cutting - yes, my hand still hurts from cutting all those swirls, but it was fun and I'm happy with the layout. It really pushed me and challenged me to be creative with very limited product, which I am used to doing, but put that together with design limitation and wow, now that's a challenge! I hope you like it though and if you are a subscriber to Brainiac Scrapbooking please post or email me and let me know how you liked it!
What a relief it is to finish up some monthly assignments, of course once I do it's right on to something else, but don't you just love the feeling of completing something. It just feel so satisfying, sometimes I'll make up a "to do" list and if I have little things to do I always put them on the list too, it just feels great to cross them off!
The first layout below I did using the Sizzix/Sizzlets System, which I have to say I am having a blast using! I purchased the die cut machine years ago when it first came out and really didn't use it much, but being on the Creative Xpress design team has really opened my eyes to this machine and I love that I've been rediscovering it all over again. The new dies are amazing, as are the older ones. It's so funny what you can do with something when you have to use it, that's one of the best things I think about designing with products you might not normally purchase, or have known about or thought you would never, ever use.
So anyway, I had to use the fish bowl set, which is just adorable and is on sale right now for a super price, but at first I didn't know what to do, a card, "We Fish You a Happy Birthday" - lol, could be cute right?! Then it hit me, friends of ours came to the barn Lacee rides at one day with this adorable kitten they found roaming in their yard. I've never seen a cat this color, Meadow (named after the barn my daughter rides at) is really beautiful. We decided to take Meadow and find her a home because the barn cat just did not accept her at all and we didn't want her to go to the pound. Long story short, my sisters ended up taking Meadow, but we had to keep her at our house one night until they could come and get her the following day. My daughter put Meadow in her room to keep her away from our dog. My daughter also forgot that cats love fish. Lacee had seven betta fish in her room.
I felt terrible when I saw her come running down the stairs with tears. Honestly I was so busy with work I didn't even think about it myself, and yes, it made me feel even worse. So Meadow had some fun playtime and yes, she had a yummy snack, almost two actually, but Lacee found one of the fish on the floor, Meadow was playing with it, but it did live. The other fish was never found, but we all knew where it went. So even though Meadow had a lovely welcome feast, it really upset my daughter.
I did an 8.5 x 11 page! Yeah, I love switching sizes every so often! I have a couple of albums going this size too, and I highly recommend it! I have two ongoing albums (one in each size - 12x12 and 8.5x11) that my online friends have created, I've done some really fun page swaps in the past and I put each page I receive in a special album, and it means so much to me, I love looking at these albums time and time again.
My journaling is pretty short and to the point, it's on a tag that slips out from under the photo of Meadow, and isn't that photo funny, this kitty is so photogenic! She just sits and poses for me all the time, I love it!
Next is a "Miss You" card, using the Sizzix Puzzle Die
And another card using the Sizzix system - simple impressions "Laugh" folder
I already posted my other two projects, but here they are again, a Basic Grey altered frame
And a layout titled "Fatherhood", photo is of my dh and the kids.
We also had to do a little tag to to hang next to our altered clocks we did last month, here is mine;
That's it for CX this month! Thanks for stopping by!!
I'm in such a rut, why is it that every few months this happens? It's like clock work I swear, just hits me too, I can be working on project after project then I go to start something new and bam...nothing, my mind is blank. I hate that. When this happens and I have deadlines I still have to scrap, I still have to finish my projects, it just takes me ten times longer because now I'm not only in a rut, but I'm a little "unsure" of myself so I usually create the same project about three times before I get it right, or at least to the point where I think it's right. I really hope this passes and quick because I have so much to do, yea yea, what else is new right, life is life, good thing I love every single bit of it!!
Off to check out my new books, I'm sure that will do the trick;-) I just got the new Free Style book by Autumn Leaves, my gosh, talk about inspiration, this is one book I highly recommend! I also picked up Designing with Greetings - and again, Autumn Leaves just knows how to do it and do it right - their designers are amazing, their creativity never, ever ceases to amaze me, you really have to get these books, they are sure to get anyone out of a rut and inspire you to no end!
Here's a little altered frame I just created today using one of Basic Grey's new line, love this stuff. Have a super creative day!
I am now convinced that I have a love/hate relationship with these puppies. I want to do one for my mom, but they are so tricky. They take a lot of time, but in the end it's all worth it. I just finished this one for a friend on Creative Xpress and she posted that she just loves it, and that is what it's all about:-) Have a great night!!
And to think I'm still not done. I have to do up another altered clock, that is tomorrow's projects, but it's for personal reasons more so than design team work, so it will be fun, I like fun. Here are my latest Creative Express projects, thanks for stopping by!
Yeee Haw -
layout of my daughter Lacee and her pony Kip jumping. She has two lessons a week that they jump, Wednesdays and Saturdays, fun but tough, she's working on getting him over the jump, he doesn't like to jump much.
I love the way this one came out, it's of Meadow, a little kitty that my daughter's friend found just roaming around her huge yard. We think she was lost, she kept coming back to them and they finally tried to find a home for her, my sisters ended up taking her, we named her Meadow after the name of the barn "Stony Meadows". She's the sweetest and most amazing colored kitty I've ever seen.
Welcome Meadow
Here's a fun project, I got this cute little cookie bouquet at Starbucks, I traced the bouquet the cookies were in and then made "flower circles" using photos of my kids. I really like the way this came out - it looks so cute in real life.
"A Little Bouquet of Smiles"
A fun birthday card - pretty simple one;
A little quote book, using...gulp, my own handwriting!
Timeless Quotes
And last...
Sprinkler Fun -
layout of my Lacee having some fun with the sprinkler, the water was so cold!
I'm really getting into creating things other than layouts. I love scrapbooking, but I just didn't realize that paper crafting, altering and memory crafting is just as satisfying. I had to do a lot of altered projects this month and will share them all here.
Here is an altered clock I did for Creative Express. I have to do another one too because I'm doing a clock exchange with the Creative Express Design Team. This first one is a bit simple looking, but believe me, it was not at all simple. I did it in stages because it had to dry in between coats and the glass marbles I put in the number slots had to dry as well. I used dimensional adhesive for the marbles. It looks very pretty in real life. The paper I used is by American Crafts, one of my new favorites!
Next on the list, my new found love, the Coluzzle System by Provo Craft. They have some amazing new templates and I just love to play with them! Here are my projects I did this month using the spinner card template, the interlocking card template and the popcorn box template. Fun stuff I tell you!
Then we had to do up a Mother's Day Card, again, I used a favorite paper of mine by American Crafts.
Lastly this month, I was asked to do a couple special assignments. I had to use Provo Craft products on a couple of assignments I already created, click here to see the other version of the shadow box, and here to see the other version of the "Emergency Card Kit" I created. I love work like this, to me it's a no brainer, once the design part is out of the way it's a piece of cake! Here are the two projects I did using Provo product.
Shadow Box (I really am happy the way this one came out and I am going to make one for me too!)
"Emergency Card Kit" - again, using Provo product.
So that's it for now, hope you like my newest creations and thanks for stopping by!
xxoo - W
Very rarely do I absolutely love a layout of my own when it's complete. This layout is one of the exceptions, I just love this photo of my kids and I really love how this came out. It's was supposed to be a scraplift, but I didn't lift the design, I used the layout as an inspiration (the photo on the layout I was supposed to lift has an adorable baby and the title of the layout is "Baby's Got Blue Eyes")...if you want to see the original layout go here; Lainey's "Baby's Got Blue Eyes" and you will see how very different the layouts are, but the point is that I was very inspired by this layout. The photo is adorable, I love the idea behind the layout (both of my kiddies have blue eyes) and Danielle is just super sweet and I love her layouts, so heartfelt. I loved doing this project for Creative Express, probably one of my favorites so far. Thanks for stopping by! Have a super day!
I have some funny feelings going threw this thick head of mine. I just returned home from CHA and although I had an amazing time (I swear the people are the best part of the show!) I am just not at all that impressed with what I saw. Yes, I saw some fun papers and products that I will have to get my hands on, but everything just looked the same. It's not like it was a year or so ago when we were swept off our feet because of all the innovative products that came on the market. I really looked forward to seeing the new stuff time and time again. Maybe it's because it's all been done? Who knows, all I know is that I have a ton of product sitting right here in front of me and for once I don't feel the need to go out and buy it ALL! Funny how that happened! So now I guess the innovation needs to come from us designers once again....but isn't that the way it should be? We love using fun products, yes, but it's not about the NEW anymore, it's back to the YOU once again.....and I'm one happy camper!
On another note, here are my latest CX projects that I just love to share on my blog! Hope you have a very happy day!
