Thursday 31 January 2013

Loving the inspiration


Here's a layout that was a scraplift from a layout that I saw on the Studio Calico gallery.  I was 100% drawn to the title... as I am sure you as as well.  April Foster was the lady's name whose inspiration for this layout came from.  She colored her letters but I used thickers.This picture is the day Mr. J was born and the day Miss J met him. I was completely overcome with emotion and so there couldn't be a picture more fitting.  Enjoy!

Supplies used on this one: Bazzill 12x12 cardstock, AC Thickers, Freckled Fawn washi, Doodlebug mini pearls, Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type stickers, Mister Huey's mists, MME sweeting thing washi, Stampin Up vellum, Stampin Up Extreme Elements stamp set, SU basic black ink, American Crafts precision pen, and Tim Holtz tissue paper. 


This next layout is for the Stuck on You Sketch created by Nanne.  I really struggled with this one because it was ouside of my box but I am starting to love it.  It used Bo Bunny's Mistletoe collection, which I totally love... just I don't know how to use it properly as its a bit more "cartoon-y" then I am used to.  My friend Catherine convinced me to go for it... and so I have! Enjoy! As a side note, I was lucky enough to get featured for my last layout. Check it out!

Supplies used in this one was the Bo Bunny Mistletoe paper and chipboard collection, Basic Grey White Basics paper, shopevalicious.com This Christmas badges Stampin Up (SU) real red ink, SU whisper white card stock, Studio Calico cardstock stickers, Shopevalicious Christmas page tabs, Simple Stories Snap life stickers and Authentique Carefree Elements (Tiny Type letters).

And finally, here's another layout for the Lets Get Sketchy challenges.  This one uses a Starbucks cup that I got.  I truly am delighted when Starbucks comes out with their new cups... and I know I am not the only one. I scraplifted the title of this layout from Lori Smith - I love her take on her Starbucks layout. Thanks Lori!

Supplies used: AC thickers, TH vintage photo distress ink, Bazzill red and brown cardstock, Simple Stories handmade holidays, Glitz teeny alphas (red), AC precision pen, Basic Grey Aspen Frost, Stampin Up linen thread, Lilybee journalling cards, Basic Grey Nordic Holiday paper, MME Lost and Found washi, and Tim Holtz Mixed Media stamp.

Tomorrow I start my beginner's quilting class!! I picked out my fabric today... trouble, trouble, I say. I'll be posting the remainder of my layouts from the retreat then. Now I have marking to do!

Cheers,
Cathy

Wednesday 30 January 2013

Scrappy Friends & Cdn Scrapbooker Magazine

Hi all!!

Just popping in for a few minutes to show you a couple layouts from the retreat!!  It looks like my family got knocked out by the stomach flu - not a pleasant thing for sure!!

This is the layout I did for the Canadian Scrapbooker magazine January challenge:
Products Used: Simple Stories snap color vibe, EP Winter Park collection, Fancy Pants Saint Nick collection, shopevalicious.com this christmas large tags, Harmonie polar Bear chipboard, Harmonie white trim, Simple Stories snap life stickers, Carta Bella Winter Fun paper, FancyPants Blissful Blizzard stickers, and Bo Bunny Powder Mountain buttons.
* Bolded items are Canadian manufacturers

I must say that I really struggled with the color scheme in this picture because skating, pink, black and white wasn't a combo of colors that really tickled my fancy. But using the grey tones and pulling in the red helped reduce the shock of the pink skates.

I've been checking out some of the works for a group of four friends called the "Scrappy Friends" and decided to enter their challenge. I have included some of Bing Crosby's "Baby It's Cold Outside" lyrics in the top right hand corner in order to qualify for Rochelle Spears challenge.  Since its winter themed it qualified for Scrappin' Happy with Kerys Sharrock.  And since I used the Cdn Scrapbooker January magazine sketch, it qualified for the Grand Diva's challenge (Brenda)!  Since I combined all three of these - there's a bonus entry!

Finally, I used a different layout for Devo's challenge of using washi (LOVE!), glitter and chevrons.  You can easily find the washi and chevron but the glitter is actually part of the silver Mister Huey's. I used a drawing technique from the Mister Huey's to create the long lines/splashes behind the picture and cluster. Seriously, this product is AWESOME!! The gold, blizzard and shine is also pretty awesome!!!

Supplies used: Bazzill white cardstock, Mister Hueys (silver & cameo), Freckled Fawn washi, Goosebumps, MME washi (sweetest thing), SC Abroad collection, Dear LIzzy Tiny Type stickers, Bella Blvd Sophisticates, MME Miss Caroline journalling tag, BG alphabet stickers, and shopevalicious shoot smile badge buttons.

I also did a layout for week 3 in the "Lets Get Sketchy challenge". They have weekly challenges so I encourage you to pop over.  I am loving their sketches!!
Supplies used: Co'ordiations background paper, Freckled Fawn washi, Dear Lizzy Neopolitan paper, AC Abroad collection, Heidi Swapp Destinations trimmings, MME Happy Little Moments, Dear Lizzy chipboard, AC flair, Fancypants Sweet Pea, MME laundry line journalling tag, Authentique Delightful details and Crate paper buttons.

Gotta jet to see the girls for supper!! Its been a long time for this Mommy!
Cathy

Sunday 27 January 2013

Some retreat layouts

I literally am composing this in the car as my brother drives on his iPad. Technology is shockingly amazing! I've been out of town but a lot of things has happened! I was layout of the week over at the Scrap That blog last week, I received a top five card recognition at Young crafters unite and was spotted by jillibean soup!

I truly feel blown away by being featured so I have to encourage you all to submit your projects and allow yourself to be inspired!

I managed to get 11 layouts completed so here's a couple that I followed sketches for and have looming deadlines. Clearly, I need to take the pictures when I get home but it won't be until later this evening.Becky Fleck prepared a sketch for Scrapbook Cards Today that has today as the deadline... Probably too late to enter but the sketch is fabulous so keep it for later!
Products Used: Simple Stories Handmade holidays papers, Bazill 12x12 cardstock backgrd paper, Graphic 45 Chipboard buttons, MME Merry & Bright washi, Fancy Pants Saint Nick chipboard, buttons, stickers & embellishments, SU twine, AC thickers, Crate Paper buttons, SU vintage tags, SU wood veneers, Tim Holtz stamp, MME rhinestones, Simple Stories snap alphas, Robin's dew drops, Authentique Festive Details, and AC precision pen.

Here's a layout for the scrapbooksteals mid week mojo series re jade 7. You have another day to check that out so head on over!
Products Used: Bazzill Basics paper (Little Dot & Ticking), SU twine, Lilybee Double Dutch paper, MME On the Bright Side accessory sheet, MME journaling tag, SU wood veneers and SU library clips.

I can't wait to see my kids! Have a super day!
Cathy

Thursday 17 January 2013

"Home"

Doesn't that "Home" song by Phillip Phillips get you?  It was ridiculous but I cried when he won last year - I just loved that song and I think its just so nice to see somebody who was unknown 3 or 4 mths ago working in a pawn shop to hit it big.  Isn't that nice? So, I was happy for him... but also very pregnant.

Anyway, goodness, I was crying again the other day in the car thinking about this song.  My husband said he's going to have to lock me up soon... I would have to agree. But I was thinking about layouts and projects, etc... I don't know if anybody else is like me but when I have my eyes closed and am rocking the baby or its just quiet around... I literally think of creations, etc.  I can often think up an entire layout just in my head.  In fact, I just thought of a canvas for my son... but I have a mind block for my daughter. Those days are fewer now with two kids but I still find some inspiration here and there.

As I sang in the car to the "Home" song I had been thinking about what to scrap for a challenge by Scrap That where they would like you to use lyrics in your title or page. I hadn't thought too hard but I immediately knew I wanted to use some of the lyrics from this song in my page for when J-Two was coming home.  And once again, I love the layout. (Poor J-One, I am going to have to redo my eldest baby book...I keep reminding myself that it shows progress... hmmm)

Supplies Used: Bazzill 12x12 cardstock, Basic Grey for Studio Calico (SC)paper, SC stitched pockets, Freckled Fawn wood veneers and washi tape, Shopevalicious.com v2 Christmas badge buttons, Mister Hueys mist & masks, Authentique "Carefree" Elements, BG (BAS 3990) letter stickers, Bella Blvd Sophisticates Ciao Chips, Bella Blvd Mr. Boy Ciao Chips, MME Lost & Found 3 washi, Tim Holtz vintage photo distress ink, Robin's Nest dew drops, and Stampin Up Basic Black pen.

You'll notice that there's a little vellum envelope from Studio Calico (Did I mention I love vellum?). And guess what's tucked away in there?  Our hospital bracelets!! I am so pleased that they are part of the layout but not right out in the open...

Also, you'll have to check out www.shopevalicious.com a new Canadian company... They made the flair there... luv it!  They also make cute stamps, journalling cards, etc.

If you get a chance, there's still time to check out the Scrap That challenge - you have until Jan 23rd!

Cheers,
Cathy

Wednesday 16 January 2013

First Snow Day in 2012

I received my January Paperie kit over the weekend and as always could not wait to get to use the Little Yellow Bicycle (LYB) Winterings collection. We also got some of the snowflake dies as part of the LYB craft kit. Since my craft room is a MESS, I couldn't think... I grabbed my binder of sketches... On that... whenever I read a blog and there's a sketch or challenge - I print it and note the date and website on the top.  I then put it in a binder in order of the deadlines.  I go for this book constantly when my inspiration is low... which seems to be every day lately... I was never a sketch girl but with little time, it seems to be the way I am flowing these days.

Anyway, I grabbed the Stuck on You Sketch that is due on the 17th.  Inspired by the snowflakes on the paper, I tried to match some photos to the paper. Once I got my background papers, I went to work placing pieces around the page. I glued down all the pictures and big pieces, as well as popped some snowflakes off the page.  It still looked like it need something so I kept working on clustering..  I also found a Fancy page with a "Snow Days" and I altered this to make my title.  Can you tell that I hit the 's'?

You'll also notice that I altered my photos (there's 4 here).  I intend to alter some more photos soon... I also love love love to sand my photos.  Gives it that vintage... "insta"-feel.

Supplies Used: LYB Winterings paper and crafting kit, Bazzill background paper, Making Memories Reverie metallique paper, AC elements glitter buttons, SU white baker's twine, Bella Blvd Sophisticates blue high five alphabets, Carta Bella Winter Fun Element stickers, SU larger pearl rhinestones and basic pearls, SU basic Black marker and Tim Holtz distress stickers.

Hoping to create some kits for a crop tonight and to send out some spring catalogs.  But maybe I'll give up and scrap a "Scrap That" sketch... I have a plan... but just for the title. :)

Cheers!
Cathy

Tuesday 15 January 2013

A sneak peek


Happy mid January!! hahaha!

Just a couple things I did last night for a class I am teaching at the Springdale Scrappy Dee's Winter retreat!! Its a fantastic location with some easy going people, which is always a must. I'll be doing a scrapbook layout and going with the "use your scraps" theme with a couple cards to go with it.

These three projects are Stampin' Up only products. The scrapbook page is the Twitterpated paper collection, the leaf die (I forget the proper name at the moment), white baker's twine, twitterpated buttons, pearl rhinestones, the signo white pen, silver mini brads, lattice embossing folder, vellum and whisper white card stock.

This particular card is showcasing that simple is often better and with a punch and your scraps, you can accomplish a ton!! This card is uses the twitterpated paper collection, whisper white card stock, the perfect polka dots embossing folder, the butterfly punch and crumb cake seam binding ribbon.







 And this last card is made using the new Stampin' Up spring catalog. I am obsessed with the "Swallowtail" stamp, as well as the "Oh, Hello" stamp set. Aren't they awesome?  I used the technique described in this post on the butterfly. However, you can simply skip the heat and stick and just go with the iridescent ice embossing powder step. I also sprayed my crumb cake pen on this card by using the color spritzer - see explanation of this technique here. This card uses crumb cake card stock, soft suede ink, and white craft in, irridescent ice embossing powder, stitches embossing folder, as well as linen thread.   



By the way, if anyone else is having trouble with the blogspot uploading, just download Google Chrome... helped me!! Phew!

And finally, on the weekend I took a case with Sara Case Strickland and Cathie Reed from our local scrapbooking store called the Paperie. I finally got myself exposed to some mixed media and I was loving it!!! Stay tuned to see what I've learned on more layouts. Here's the result!!

 This is the scrapbook layout that I need to add a photo for!! Stay tuned for the finished product.
I must go to bed. Good night!
Cathy




Saturday 12 January 2013

Valentines

Just a couple quick valentines tonight!! I wanted to get a couple done to send along to the troops. Here's some information:

Valentines for Veterans
Each year, Veterans Affairs Canada invites people and organizations to send
in handmade valentines, then distributes them among veterans in
... long-term-care facilities across Canada. What a lovely way to say thank
you. Cards can be sent to:

Valentines for Vets
Veterans Affairs Canada
Canada Remembers
P.O. Box 7700
Charlottetown, PE C1A  


This one was inspired by the Mojo Monday sketch #275:

Supplies used (all Stampin' Up): retired Love impressions DSP, linen thread, real red ink, real red cs, whisper white cs, mini silver brads, PS. I Love You stamp set and irridescent ice glitter.

This was I was inspired to do through the Two Peas in a Bucket challenge to alter some brads.  Its ridiculously simple but I was thinking about brads and chevrons... and about valentines... etc.  And this is meant to look like a heart beat line... (can you tell I was watching Grey's Anatomy while doing this??)  I think I would like to versamark some hearts in this as well.  So when I do a couple more I may do that. Enjoy!

Supplies used (all Stampin Up) was PS. I love You stamp set, cherry cobbler baker's twine, mini silver brads, cherry cobbler card stock and whisper white cardstock.

This one is entered in the Mojo Monday weekly challenge over at the Scrapbooksteals.com website - the theme is Valentines and you have until the end of the month to check it out!  I have also entered this on in the Pin and Tack Spark Your Creativity #5 challenge.

I did work on the scrapbook layout for a class I am teaching in a couple weeks so stay tuned for that post tomorrow!

Cheers!
Cathy

Thursday 10 January 2013

Sparkle

Hi all,

Goodness organizing pictures is a long task, isn't it?  I really need to do this more often.  I wish I was the type to print my own pictures when and how I wanted but I simply don't get the same inspiration than having them on hand.  So I generally print a lot more than I need to.  I recently bought a photo organizer at Michaels where it has small cases held by a larger case.  Its perfect because I can throw pictures in the cases by date.  Then I can quickly go to that little case for pictures.  Works for me!!

Today, I did the sketch for the SCT Spring call... probably need to click it to see the detail.

(PS. I am unimpressed that Blogger has yet to fix the problem with uploading photos from the computer.  I may have to switch my blog soon otherwise!)
Supplies used were AC Dear Lizzy Neopolitan collection, SU naturals ivory card stock, Stampin Up gold card stock, MME Lost and Found 3 washi, ,Mr Hueys mist (shine, gold and sunset), unknown lace, Studio Calico wooden veneers, Bazaar mask, pebbles flourishes, AC Dear Lizzy thickers (Charmed), FancyPants Flocked transparancy, staples, Stampin Up Grundge Rock stamp set, Glitz transparency, Stampin Up doily, Stampin Up irridescent ice glitter, Stampin Up basic rhinestones, KaiserCraft Fine and Sunny alpha sticker sheet, Basic Grey Little Black Dress stickers, black staz on and pop dots.
 
There's a lot going on in this layout. I started out doing my journalling on a standard piece of cardstock (Naturals Ivory) - I printed this and begin to arrange my pictures.  Since there wasn't much color in my photos, it really didn't matter what color the background was. I picked out the Dear Lizzy Neopolitan collection... which I cannot wait to use again. The only thing I was going for was sparkle, sparkle, sparkle.  I also knew I wanted to do a hidden tag... this is because there's a picture of my daughter whose two and a half... who is no wearing any pants watching the fireworks out the window...this is the norm at my house these days.  Come join the "no pants" party! I did not want this on the front of my layout.
 
First I grabbed my new Bazaar mask... wait now, I think I will use this layout for the Paperie's Mojo Monday!! They have a "Something New" challenge until Monday.
 
I then grabbed my "trusty" box of Mister Huey's mists... I knew my layout was going to involve some type of sparkle/fireworks effect so I grabbed the gold and shine, as well as the sunset one for some splatter. You can see I decided to place the cardstock (cs) and mist over that as well. Here's the difference:
It makes a big difference... too bad you can't see the shimmer and shine on the page from the gold and shine Mister Huey's - fabulous!!  I also machine stitched the pages so that I could have a large hidden pocket where I placed my hidden photo! You also will be surprised with what you can do with somethign you thought you would never use.  I found a nice "swirl" on a BG sticker sheet that resembled a firework. So, I took it and added some glitter and voila - it was perfect.  See the difference in the photo below.
 
 
I also entered this layout in the "Spark Your Creativity" anything goes challenge!
I was also wondering if you ever saw my final glitter bulb and baby's first Christmas bulbs?  I used Martha Stewart's pearl paint - it was fabulous!! In the Baby's First Christmas, I used mica flakes and glitter, as well as some jute to get the effect.  Both bulbs have the names of the kids on them and of course their hand/footprints.  If you want to see how I made the glitter bulb see this previous post.
 

Its a stormy night here - time to shut her down! I hope to get to some valentine cards soon! But I do have lots on the go!
 
I am doing a mixed media canvas class on Saturday... check it out!
 
And I will be doing a class at a retreat through a local scrapbooking store in Springdale, NL caleld Scrappy Dees.  Its a fabulous time and I cannot wait to attend in a couple weeks.  I'll be prepping for this so stay tuned!
 
Cheers!
Cathy

 
 

Sunday 6 January 2013

Welcome Jack!

Last night, I went down to my room with full intentions to organize my picture with some layouts for an upcoming retreat . I wasn't feeling very inspirational and have been attempting to organize much of the house.  I put on some tunes and grabbed my binder full of current challenges, etc.

I have a crafting group on called Crop Circles on facebook that I draw a lot of inspiration from.  I adore these ladies, many of whom I have never met.  This group is largely there to ask questions, share projects and inspire. This month we had been challenged by Michelle Marks to do a layout with white on white.  This was something I had recently done for a layout called 'A good dog' so I just left it in the back of my mind.  All of a sudden the "Home" song by Phillip Phillips popped on and I listened to the words... I decided that the lyrics would be used for Jack's coming home pictures.  This happened to be perfect to use for a challenge by Scrap That Chat so stay tuned.  I then ran across a sketch by Sketchbook365. This is a site that was new to me and I had printed their latest challenge on my printer.  I didn't pay much attention to the details but instead knew immediately that I wanted to sketch Jack's first born pictures.  You know, the pictures in the hospital birthing room when they are immediately born.  The ones that aren't so pretty yet mean so much to you.  The ones that are so hard to scrap because its too important a page to mess up!

So, at the end of the day I could have scrapped into the wee hours of the morning because I really felt like the juices were flowing. I came up with one of my most favorite layouts ever (largely because it means so much to me:
Materials Used: SU whisper whie DSP background paper (retired), SU whisper white cardstock, MME The Sweetest Thing washi tape, Maya Road trinket pins - vintage pearl butterfly, Glitz paper layers & peek-a-boos, Dear Santa MME letters, Mr. Huey's gold mist, Authentique Festive elements, SC vellum shapes and AC precision pen.

Here's the journalling:
"We knew you were coming and we had been planning for months. Your room was ready and your closet was full. Jane was ready to fulfill her big sister duties and Rooney was prepared to sleep in your room to protect you. We should have known that you would arrive on a special day being Remembrance Day. We will now cherish and celebrate this day because a happy boy finally came into our lives. With much emotion, Mommy watched Daddy look into your eyes to say “hi big guy”, Mommy watched Jane run into the hospital room asking “Where’s Jack?” and Mommy caught herself several times wondering how it was possible to love another human being as much as the rest of our family. With your arrival our family felt complete and ready to enjoy unlimited adventures. Mommy can’t find the words to express how happy you have made us. You will always be our boy, our “Jack-y Baby” and we cannot wait to see the man you grow up to be. Mommy and Daddy vow to protect you and to always love you.  "

... nice hey? Because afterall, its about preserving memories, right?

I have ran into another inspirational scrapbook site that offers challenges and decided to enter this in their challenge as well.  Check out The Pink Elephant weekly challenges, as well as their blog hop this week.

I then set out for bed but since there was so much coming to me, I had to get those ideas on paper so I didn't forget.  And when I say paper its just creating little piles and post its.  I swa another challenge by Let's Get Sketchy to create a layout with a not so perfect picture.  While I had gone through some pictures earlier I was disappointed how my Christmas Bulb pictures turned out.  But I knew they would match the Paperie December kit that I had been holding on for that "perfect layout"... and my starbucks layout (stay tuned!. And all of a sudden another layout was done.  Wow!
Materials Used: Simple Stories Handmade Holiday paper, Stampin Up gold cardstock, Basic Grey Aspen Frost (cherried roses), Unknown lace, FancyPants Mingled Buttons, MME All is Bright baker's twine, MME Merry & Bright washi, SC Thickers, Simple Stories snap letter (tiny tye), Stampin Up basic rhinestones, Glitz Teeny alphas, and AC precision pen.

Cya! Off to do some work!
Cathy

Saturday 5 January 2013

Dipping my toes...

Notice anything different? In line with my love for white on white cards & layouts, I just had to transition this to my blog. I have also been dipping my toes in the digital design arena!! I played around with my blog header using Stampin' Up's digital software called My Digital Studio. 

Not only that but I designed some business cards - here's the front and the back.  There's definitely a big learning curve I have to plow through but I am learning little bits at a time.
 
Yesterday, both kids were in bed by 8pm.  This has been the third night in a row and I can't tell you how amazing it is to get some cleaning time, a bit of me time, and to be able to go to bed at a reasonable hour.  I even was able to get one of my resolutions COMPLETED.  (Maybe I'll have to replace it??) All my filing from the past two years have been put away... a daunting feat that I destroyed over the past three evenings.

It seems that Blogger has had problems uploading pictures - I found a work around but the formatting it still not right. I apologize if it looks wonky!  This post is essentially three posts in one as its some things I have done over the past couple days.

Here's the Scrapbooksteals Jade 4 layout I created showing the sketch down below. Remember that this ten week series is available every Wednesday and runs until Monday night. This layout might not be completed...I can't decide if its missing a title or not.. "trick or treat" is so much in this layout it might just be fine the way it is. Not sure on that front.




Materials used on this is Fancy Pants Trick or Trick, MME Mischeivious accessory sheet, AC Flair (Spooky), AC Delights (Spells), AC Remarks (Jack o Lantern), SC wooden veneers, MME Sweetest Thing washi tape, and Simple Storie Snap stickers.

Check out the way I have been storing my washi tape.  I have made labels for the collections as well.  Isn't that pretty?

In the mean time, I have been checking out the Studio Calico sketches and have completed both their weekly card sketch and challenge sketch.  These are released every Sunday and Monday. You have a week to complete them and they must be uploaded to their community gallery.  Its a great way to stay inspired.  I have been drooling over their DT's work so I couldn't help but try to use up some of my new stash.

You'll notice some machine stitching on the top of my card... I FINALLY set up my sewing machine!! I am thrilled! I cannot wait to use it.
Supplies used in this card: Kraft paper, SC take note collections, Mr. Huey's dewey and white misters, SC wooden veneers & AC flair.

For my layout, this is all Studio Calico products with exceptions to the linen thread from Stampin' Up. There's a lo t going on but you'll see more misting on the background paper using a Mr. Huey's mask. This is largely the Take Note collection with wooden veneers, die cut frames, SC accent stickers, Winter Wonderland tiny type letters, AC precision pen, vellum shapes, SC chipboard buttons.
 Finally, during my web browsing I ran across a website called Stuck on U sketches, which seems to release a die cut sketch, a card sketch and a layout sketch at least monthly (maybe twice, I am not sure). I was inspired by their die cut challenge, in which I have never participated in the past. One of my projects over Christmas was to make Christmas candy cane reindeer... which I never got to... but my daughter has managed to eat much of the inventory.  I decided now is better than never so I set out to make my reindeer and a card. I adore how they turned out and I will be planning to make ten of these cards to stash away for next year's Christmas cards!! (I vowed to do this in a previous post... do ten Christmas cards every month)
You still have until January 10th to join them!! Also check out the layout and card sketch! 
 
This was created by all Stampin' Up products.  The punches you will need is the large oval (2" x 1 & 3/8"), the snowflake punch and the owl builder punch.  Other supplies I used was crumb cake cardstock, googly eyes (holiday catalogue 2012), cherry cobbler glimmer paper, Christmas greetings stamp set, early espresso card stock and retired ribbon.

Have a great day!
Cathy

Thursday 3 January 2013

Eat a Cupcake...

... or not!! Like most New Year's resolutioners I vow to be rid of this post baby bod!!  And its been a rough day!! lol.  So, I decided to make things easy on myself by creating some cards with cupcakes in mind.  I am not joking - I am simply starving. Since its a new year, here's my resolutions that  intend to scrap later this week!

1. Get back to pre-baby weight! (Feel good, look good, will do!)
2. Be selfish! (Take time out for me and don't feel guilty about it - hence more time in my craft room hopefully... but without the pressure of being against time)
3. Clean out that darn closet once and for all (purge, purge, purge... leaner!)
4. Go through my filing... and stay on top of it. I even started this one!! Can it actually happen this year?
5. Have more fun!! :)

Are you scrapping your resolutions?  Are you documenting?

I also have been thinking about Ali Edwards "One Little Word".  And I think for me its got to be "STOP".  I have to stop for a second to breath. Stop to remember. Stop to relax. Stop to enjoy life. I am getting better at this one as have truly been enjoying filling my days with activities for the kids. This Christmas and holiday season was truly the best one so far because from the beginning of December until now I could tell my daughter after her bedtime story.. "when you wake up... we will have fun... we are doing this or doing that and seeing so and so." 

What's your word?

Ironically, its a word I use every couple minutes as I chase after a toddler who is getting into absolutely everything! It will be a constant reminder!

I first drew inspiration from the Two Peas in a Bucket card sketch. I am new to this site but am following a blogger I simply adore - Anna Maria Wolniak. She is a new Garden Girl and I can't wait to see her work (she also is on the Studio Calico DT).  I am also excited for their new daily tutorials.  A quick tutorial a day will definitely get my inspiration going.  Today's was AMAZING - I am picking up chalkboard paint soon - stay tuned!

Supplies: Unknown scraps from my pile, SC wooden veneers, SU crumb cake card stock, SU calypso coral baker's twine, Mr. Huey's white mist, AC black precision pen, basic black ink, and Stampin' Up Word Play stamp set.
 
With that in mind, I set out to do Challenge #17 at the Youth Crafters Unite. The challenge was to create something "sweet".  The result was a couple birthday cards!!

Supplies: Unknown scraps from my pile, Stampin Up glimmer paper, Stampin Up build-a-cupcake punch, Stampin Up A Cherry on Top stamp set, SU crumb cake card stock, SU calypso coral baker's twine, Mr. Huey's white mist, AC black precision pen, basic black ink, SU dazzling details (glitter) and Stampin' Up basic rhinestones.
 
And since I couldn't stop there, I decided to complete the Mojo Monday #274 challenge prior to calling it a night.

Supplies: Stampin Up island indigo, lucky limeade, crumb cake and mambo melon inks, Liquid applique, SU dazzling details, Stampin Up cherry cobbler glimmer paper, Stampin Up whisper white paper, Stampin Up A Cherry on Top stamp set, Stampin' Up perfect polka dots embossing folder, SU mambo melon card stock, SU lucky limeade baker's twine, and AC black precision pen.
 
And finally - I have been in orgazing mode.  I've decided to organize my buttons by color so they are super esy to see.  Because i like to know what they are, I slipped a little note in each one telling me the brand and colors of each. I also put away my card stock in a little filing plastic drawer.  Its keeping things neater for me!
 
 
Hope you are having a great night! Happy organzing!
Cathy