Happy New Year

Wishing everyone a wonderful New Years Day! I hope you all have a healthy, happy and successful 2010!

We have been so busy with activities, visiting and relaxing...I'll have lots of scrappy things to share next week!

Thanks for dropping by!

Merry Christmas

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

May your day be filled with warmth, peace and happiness!

The 12 Days of Christmas

At Scrap Shotz and The Inspired Scrapper, we are doing 12 Days of Christmas inspiration. I hope you will join me for some amazing inspiration.

One of my posts is creating quick, easy and heartfelt placecards. This year, these placecards on my dining table will serve two purposes: (1) to beautify our experience and place sharing and (2) for me to give a heartfelt wish for each guest.

To make these placecards actually doable for Christmas amidst the hectic events, I am choosing to keep the placecards simple and to embellish with leftover greenery from my front porch display.

Supplies: Bazzill (cardstock); My MInds Eye (pattern paper); Dazzlers (flower); American Crafts (alphas)

Thanks for dropping by!

December Daily

Ugh...I have been so busy lately and haven't been able to post as much as I would like...please bear with me! I am on the home stretch with my crowns. If you recall, I cracked 2 molars when I was eating almonds and popcorn with the girls. Here I was trying to set an example and boom, the teeth cracked. And anytime I go to the dentist, it just wipes me out. I feel yucky for days and days...hence my neglected blog.

However, I have been scrapping here and there and will be scrapping alot this weekend. I have several projects to share but I can't reveal them yet...sorry! I would like to share a page from my December daily though. This album has turned out to be one of my favourites and my girls too. It has been so fun to write in the journal and capture our activities surround Christmas and Santa.

I'll be revealing all the pages of the album as I get the pictures printed.

(Watch for my Genuinely Jane Studios project just after Christmas, my Inspired Scrapper projects just before Christmas and my Urban Swank projects in January!)

Thanks for dropping by!

Wanna Win Some Urban Lily????

I love Urban Lily and have for a long long time. Their papers are fresh, vibrant, fun, bold and gorgeous! Now that I am a "Swanky Gurl" I get to play with Urban Lily papers and products all the time; am I spoiled or what???

Well, let me share the love! Go here for your chance to win 9 full collections of Urban Lily papers!

When is Santa Coming?

Tomorrow is December 1st and I just know someone is going to ask, how many more days until Christmas? We have our letters to Santa done...not mailed yet but done! LOL There is only 3 more weeks of school; family has called to book their time to spend with us and we have lists and lists of things we want to finish...eek!

To countdown the days until Christmas, I made some countdown blocks. I have wanted to make these for a couple of years but never seem to make the time. Here they are...

Here is a close-up of the banner...

And the blocks...

There are a variety of supplies used and some of which I do not know the source *blush*...the pattern papers are My Minds Eye, the numbers are from previous Scrap Shotz kits.

A note about the numbers...the first block is numbered from 0 to 5 and the second block has numbers 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 and 9.

Thanks for dropping by!
-vw

Guess What???

I'm an Inspired Scrapper! Yes, it is true! I am so honoured and thrilled to be a part of this all Canadian team of women. If you haven't been to the blog, take a gander by clicking here. I have been a long time admirer of the blog and of the ladies on the team and now I can't believe that I am officially a member! Yeah me! LOL

And after weeks of tests and worry, I can officially say that I do not have osteoporosis! It has been a long 5 years filled with tears, laughter, frustration and more frustration...but words cannot express how happy I am. I am hoping that I truly am on the upswing...there are lots more doctor, physio and lab appointments but for now, small gains are good gains!

Thanks for dropping by!

Sketch #97

I was asked to contribute to Valerie Salmon's Got Sketch blog this week...and I am always so thrilled and honoured with the opportunity.

Here is my take on the sketch which I rotated 90 degrees. This layout is about my super cute neice, Sophie.

Isn't Sophie just the cutest little thing???

Thanks for dropping by!
-vw

Wanna See My Mini Album???

Our last assignment for Black River Designs was to create a mini album. I have been wanting to do a Hopes and Dreams album or an "Advice" album for the girls...for a very long time...and I finally did one with my Maya Road album (which I've had forever!!!!)

Here it is...

There is another 8 more pages but I think you get the idea of the album...I don't want to bore you! LOL

Thanks for dropping by!
-vw

It's Harder Than I Thought

It finally happened...Danielle has lost her first tooth. I don't know who cried more, me or her.

And to rub salt in the wound...I say to Danielle every morning..."Morning Baby Baby" and she said with her hands on her hips..."Mommy...I am not a baby anymore...I lost a tooth!" Eeek!!!

...sniff, sniff...

Scrappy stuff tomorow ...

-vw

Missing Summer

With the time change, I have been missing the carefree sunny days of summer. Here is a summery layout I did with the yummy Black River Design papers.

Other supplies: Close to my Heart (cardstock); Basic Grey (chipboard alphas); EK Success flower punch; Spellbinders (circle); Copics multiliner ("stitching"); buttons (unknown source); Fiskars apron lace border punch.

Here is a close up of the flowers too-

Thanks for dropping by!

It's Been a Very Long Week!!!

Ugh! H1N1 news is everywhere...and everyone every where is sick. This week, we were hit with sickness. We started the beginning of the week with Danielle and Madison having an asthmatic cough. No problem. A bit of rest. Some steroids and we are off to the races! But as the week progressed, things got worse. Danielle got worse and then I caught it. Every time I get sick, I get scared and pray...please let this not be H1N1. While I am not feeling great, I am on the mend. Yippeee!!!

So let me share some pictures that put a smile on my face!

I stitched this ballgown - fairy princess outfit!!! Me? Can you believe it? Let's just say, it wasn't as "simple" as they said it would be but it was all worth it! Look at the smile on her face!

And here Madison and Danielle are on Halloween Day! Madison didn't want a single shot...I guess it is the age...sigh...

I'll be posting some of my latest scrappy stuff later this week! Thanks for dropping by!

Thinking of Amber Road?

Well, stop thinking! Go out and get it! For me, Pink Paislee can do no wrong! Their collections keep getting better and better and better. When I first purchased the papers, I thought about the amazing fall themed layouts and cards I could make. When it came time to use the papers, they proved to be perfect for my annual family photos.

And a few close-ups of the journal spot printed with my trusty and very old manual typewriter.

Here are the awesome die cuts that accompany the papers.

Thanks for dropping by! I've got more scrappy things to share!

Layout Tag

Have you participated? OMG, it is so fun, exciting and nerve wracking all at the same time! The Readers' Digest version of what you do is scraplift something from the person you are receiving the layout from.

Here is my lift using My Minds Eye Bloom and Grow. All pattern papers and die cuts are from My Minds Eye. The Copics Multiliner 0.5 was used to create faux stitches. The brads are from Close To My Heart.

Thanks for dropping by!

I Am SO Proud!!!

I am SO darn proud of my little Danielle! She was selected as Perroquet this month, meaning, Danielle was chosen as the student in her class who worked the hardest and spoke the most French. She was invited to a special lunch with the Principal. Today was the lunch!

Lunch with the Principal, Mme. Celia Barrington, was a pizza lunch. For most kids, that would be a dream lunch but not so for Danielle who doesnt particularly like pizza. Luckily, Ì packed a ham ghost-shaped sandwich, cantelope, strawberries and some graham teddy bear crackers. Danielle was so happy to have an alternative and this is just one thing that makes her so special:-)

Just look at this sweet face...

Is it any wonder why I am sooooo proud???

Danielle has had a pretty special day...and she is one special girl who happens to sing Emilie elephant va ala ecole pretty darn good!

Thanks for dropping by! Check back this weekend to see some scrappy goodness from this weekend's Must See TV online crop at Scrap Shotz!

Oh My Darlin'

School has been in session now for 6 weeks and I still miss my little munchkin. It really is the hardest when you know it's your last child...:-(

Thought I would share a layout with you using the Bloom and Grow collection from My Mind's Eye - I love that paper so much that I've kept all the little scraps to make something out of! This photo was taken on January 1 or maybe January 2, 2009 as I was practicing with my then new 40D. I just can't believe how much Danielle has changed since then.

Supplies: My Mind's Eye (pattern paper, die cuts); American Crafts (alphas); Fiskars Apron Lace border punch; Jenni Bowlin (journal spot); typewriter; Copics Multiliner ("faux" stitches on diecuts); Close To My Heart (cardstock); pop dots

Thanks for dropping by!

P.S. Don't forget about Scrap Shotz's amazing Must See TV online crop this weekend, October 23 to 25. Did I happen to mention prizes????

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

In Canada, it is Thanksgiving today! It was a great day...nice and relaxing, just how I like it! My oven did eventually get fixed (darn it!) and I did up a 10 lb turkey, roasted root veggies, fingerling potatoes, stuffing and an angel food cake! Yum! I am so full that I can barely move!

How was your Thanksgiving?

So I'll re-post a layout I did awhile back...it's very special to me. I miss Danielle's little happy face and cute conversations these days...she's in kindergarten and learning so much!

Thanks for dropping by!

Being Thankful

Thanksgiving is this weekend – eek! I don’t even know how I’ll be cooking a turkey, now that my oven doesn’t work – it could always be worse if the dishwasher was on the fritz! LOL Only time will tell if I will be setting a new tradition by having grilled turkey sandwiches! LOL

Thanksgiving is a time of giving thanks. As scrapbookers we celebrate all of our blessings in our layouts. Here is a layout of what I am most thankful for…my family! These two munchkins mean the world my husband and I.

Supplies: Heidi Swapp (alphas); Prima (flowers, pearls, gems); buttons (source unknown); Tim Holtz distresser

Here is a close-up of the embellishment clusters.

This layout was created using the uber awesome Prima mulberry paper. To be perfectly honest, I am not a fan of mulberry paper because I find it difficult to work with and it so “stringy” but…never say never… I have always wanted to make one of those awesome canvases and this quite frankly is the next best thing. The Prima mulberry paper is as close to the canvas as I probably will get…plus, this is much much MUCH faster! The paper is gorgeous – the picture does not do it justice. There is stitching with shimmery thread and a beautiful coloured image to complement your photos and journaling. All you really need to do is add a photo and a few embellishments and you can call it done!

This layout was so quick and easy that I will probably make a few to give as Christmas gifts this holiday season. After completing the layout, I’ll just pop it into a frame and fill in the gift card!

So what are you thankful for?

Celebrating September with Black River Designs

I love Black River Designs - if have not heard of them or checked them, run to their website here. Their papers are graphic and bold and utterly gorgeous...and their rubs are just Heavenly! They go on like butter!

Here are a few of my September projects - thanks for looking!

And here is a close-up of how I used the amazing rubs!

Here is a Halloween layout. Alot of the times, I pick traditional colours but I do love to shake it up once in a while and I am so glad I did here!

I used the border rubs to create a fun "scallop" edge to draw attention to my journaling. Here is a close-up.

And I just wanted to share about my rather primitive Minnie Mouse! Danielle and I just love Minnie Mouse! LOL

Thanks for dropping by!

World Cardmaking Day

If you want a head start on your Christmas cards or just any cards, join me at Scrap Shotz for some awesome prizes and card challenges.

Here is my gift card challenge. It is posted on the Scrap Shotz blog and in the forum. I might add to that Scrap Shotz always has some amazing prizes...so if you have a bit of time....I would be feverishly making some cards!

OK...my challenge...is to make a gift card holder. For Christmas gifts and hostess gifts, I love to give gift cards but they don't always look attractive coming from the store. So here are two gift card holders to use as inspiration.

Here is the front. It is a regular card at 4.25"x5.5" with a landscape orientation. Papers and rubs are by Black River Designs. Flowers are Prima. Gems are from Kaiser. And those awesome punches are Fiskars.

The inside is a 3"x11" piece of pattern paper scored at 5.5" to create a pocket for the gift card. This is super duper duper easy - if I can do it, anyone can! LOL

Another gift card holder is what I have been calling a tag pocket. The tag holds the gift card and the pocket is made with pattern paper scraps. Again, the papers and rubs are from Black River Designs. The ribbon source is unknown and the fancy edge border is created by Fiskars.

Here is another look of the tag pocket-gift card combo.

Thanks for letting me share and dropping by! And yes, I am feeling much better these days!
-vw

Scrap Shotz Kits

What a way to kick start the flu season??? Yup, I have a mild case of pneumonia so am laying low right now, scrapping and have lots to share in the next few days but wanted to let you know that I am doing fine! Antibiotics are a wonderful thing!

But I do want to share some wonderful kits that Scrap Shotz is offerring in October. First up is the monthly kit featuring SEI's Moravia. Gosh, this kit is luscious. Here it is!

And check out the card kit this month...how about some Indian Summer from Basic Grey????

Zip on over to Scrap Shotz - you will not be disappointed!

Thanks for dropping by! I'll have some scrappy stuff for you in the next few days when the antibiotics have kicked in!

-vw

Blah, Blah, Blog!!!

There will be more blogging in my future! First off, some news...my Design Team term at Scrap Shotz has ended...and with every door that closes, another opens. Scrap Shotz has offered me a position as Blog Coordinator and a few other duties. As your Blog Hostess, I'll be sharing tips, techniques, product ideas, demos and so much more! I hope you'll join me on the Scrap Shotz blog and here on my blog!

And...after 3 weeks, we seem to have gotten into somewhat of a routine! LOL And that precious 2.5 hours when I am all alone in an eerily quiet house, I will have time to not only prep dinner, clean, do errands but actually do something for me! This upcoming week is my trial week! Wish me luck!

Here is my September Design Team challenge...it's titled..."And...in summary..." My challenge is all about using those extra, one-off or orphan photos that you have lying around and put together a layout. Below are my samples - I hope you like them!

Supplies: Basic Grey (pattern pappers, rubs), American Crafts (felt thickers, remarks alphas), corner rounder

Supplies: Basic Grey (pattern papers); American Crafts (vinyl thickers, remarks alphas, foam ladybug); felt flower (source unknown); journaling cardstock (source unknown); typewriter. Prima (flowers), Queen & Co (brads)

Thanks for dropping by!
-vw

Upsy Daisy Projects

This Candian Company, Upsy Daisy Designs, puts out some mighty fine papers. Here are a couple of layouts down with the Man About Town line. It was probably meant for masculine layouts but I just loved the colours and patterns for the layout of Danielle and I hope you will too!

Supplies: Bazzill (cardstock); Upsy Daisy Designs (pattern paper, ornamental brads); Fiskars border punch; Kaiser gems; Ameican Crafts (alpha); Spellbinders (label1)

And here is a quickie card. I love beautiful handmade cards but it takes me hours to put together a card. I don't know if I overthink it but layouts are done in an hour but cards...wow, I've got to practice on it some more!

Supplies: Close to my Heart (cardstock base); Upsy Daisy Designs (pattern papers); Fiskars border punch; Versamagic chalk ink; Spellbinders (star shape); Fancy Pants Designs (rubons)

Thanks for dropping by! I find it so hard to find Upsy Daisy products; do you? And don't you just love their stuff??? I know I do!

-vw

September Reveal at Scrap Shotz - Part II

Here is the second part of my Scrap Shotz reveal with the September kit. Hope you like it!

First up, a layout titled, My Earth. Danielle loves being outside and really loves the outdoors. These are some fun pictures of Danielle as she made me a dandelion bouquet. And the bottle is an old olive oil bottle from Italy that Mom brought home.

I personally found Cosmo Cricket to be so versatile. After baby layouts and nature layouts, I found myself doing a vacation layout. And you know what? It worked! The cloud was fussy cut and sprayed liberally with Tattered Angels glimmer mist (I love that stuff!) We had a fabulous time in Fernie! (I love Freshies, the coffee shop - it is such a cool place to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee...but we didn't stay for the leisurely sip as Danielle spilt her entire cup of hot chocolate! We were mortified and left shortly thereafter!) LOL

Man, the hard sell for a dog has begun in earnest and this layout is proof! Madison and Danielle were smitten with our friends miniature chihuahas. It was so cute to watch...but I am still not caving in! LOL

Thanks for dropping by!
-vw

September Reveal at Scrap Shotz - Part I

Check out this gem of a kit from Scrap Shotz! I swear every month, Sandy and Kathy outdo themselves!

And yes this beauty is indeed Cosmo Cricket's Earth Love. It was a wonderful kit and here are my projects!

This kit is really versatile - here it is used with some baby pictures of Danielle! The scallop paper was cut with a coluzzle following the pattern.

And a layout about the unpredictability of Calgary weather! LOL! It was supposed to be spring but Mother Nature surprised us yet again! The background cardstock was originally white but it was sprayed with Tattered Angels glimmer mist (Auburn) from the kit.

In the kit, we received a 12x12 sheet of grungeboard. Man, I love this stuff...you can do almost anything with it! Here I cut 2 strips of grungeboard and sprayed it with Tattered Angels glimmer mist (Jack o Lantern) first and then with a Tattered Angels glimmer screen, I sprayed it with Tattered Angels glimmer mist (Auburn). I love the look and the colour. Then I cut pieces of pattern paper and sewed it onto the grungeboard. Voila! Instant bookmarks!

Thanks for dropping by! I'll show part two in another day or so! The girls return to school has me signed up for alot of volunteering this week!

-vw

Pg. 56

Intriguing title, eh? LOL Well, I am just so excited and honoured to share that Canadian Scrapbooker published my layout, "You've only just begun" in their recent fall issue. I am thrilled beyond thrilled and very very honoured to be included! (And I can also share that two more of my layouts have been picked up by Canadian Scrapbooker for their December 2009 issue too! I am so blessed!)

Here is my layout:

A close-up

Supplies: Scenic Route (pattern paper); KI Memories (lace paper); unknown cardstock; American Crafts (alpha stickers); Close to my Heart (ribbon); Fiskars (ribbon border punch); We R Memory Keepers (chipboard photo turn, label); Heidi Swapp (acrylic butterfly, foam letters); Prima (flowers); Basic Grey and Queen & Co (brads); Making Memories (flowers, buttons and glitter chipboard photo corner)

Now that we have survived the first week of school, I will be more regular at sharing some scrappy projects...and boy, do I ever have alot! It's all backing up here! LOL

Thanks for dropping by!
-vw

Sketch #89

I have had a busy busy week getting ready for school...for both girls and not a whole lot of scrapping going on. But I was asked to contribute to Valerie Salmon's Got Sketch blog and that is one request, I can never say no to! Valerie has super versatile and fun sketches.

Here is my interpretation of Sketch #89 -

And a couple of close-ups too!

I had some with my sewing machine as I "extended" the spray from the sprinkler and then added some of the super fun Cloud 9 rain dots!

Because my pattern papers were so vivid, I chose the clear acetate stars by Heidi Swapp and added an American Crafts Flair for the centres.

And I finally (after 2 years or maybe more!) used up my Heidi Swapp alphas! LOL And those cute little trees are by Chatterbox!

Thanks for dropping by! I've got lots of scrappy stuff to show you this week from Black River Designs and Scrap Shotz September kit! *drool* it is all so delicious!!!

-vw