Virginia Wong

Got Sketch #126

2012-01-27T06:30:00.002-07:00

Got Sketch #126 is fabulous - it really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I am a person who is seriously addicted to pattern paper. Knowing I needed to keep my pattern paper quantities at a minimum had a me momentarily paralyzed. This sketch made me think of how I construct my layouts; I learned alot about my creative methods in the process.

My sketch interpretations are below.

Supplies: Close to my Heart (blue and white cardstock); Bazzill (brown cardstock); Little Yellow Bicycle (pattern paper, fabric banner, fabric border, chipboard accents), American Crafts (alphas); ribbon; Kaisercraft (pearls)

Supplies: Close to my Heart (cardstock); Urban Lily (pattern paper); twine (May Arts); American Crafts (alphas, pen); WRMK (corner chomper); Kaisercraft (pearls)

Thanks for dropping by!

Wow! Another 2-Pager!

2012-01-24T19:47:00.000-07:00

These days my scrappy time is limited; consequently I infrequently create 2-pagers. I know, I know, not a great excuse but I have no idea why I do not pick create alot of 2-pagers???

Having said that, Valerie Salmon of Got Sketch whipped up this fantastic 2-page sketch that I absolutely could not resist interpreting.

Supplies: Close to my Heart (purple cardstock); BasicGrey (pattern paper, chipboard accents, chipboard alphas, die cut stickers, rub ons); stitching

Hope you like it!

Smash Books

2012-01-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

I love Smash books and have been smashing alot these past few months! Let's face it, I love all the doodads that coordinate with the books, the dual adhesive pen, the funky pages of the notebook...and that I finally have a home for all my memorabilia!

All of my Smash supplies come from Scrap Shotz - Sandy is a dream to work with and buy all my supplies from - her customer service is fantastic!

Here is an excerpt of my Smash book!

Thanks for letting me share - and please let me know if you smash too!

Got Sketch #122

2012-01-19T06:30:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share my interpretation of Sketch #122 from Valerie Salmon. It was a challenge for me but once I got going, everything just fell into place.

Supplies: Close to my Heart (cardstock); BoBunny (pattern paper, conversation bubbles, alphas, die cuts); WRMK (chomper)

Thanks for dropping by and letting me share!

Scrapbooks etc. - Got Sketch Lucky #13

2012-01-16T06:30:00.001-07:00

I was very fortunate to participate in Valerie Salmon's Lucky #13 sketch for Scrapbooks etc. You can find the blog post here.

This is the sketch -

Isn't it just darling? I thought so too and I was excited to scrap it the minute Valerie posted it for the team. This layout was posted on the Scrapbooks etc. blog.

Supplies: Pink Paislee (pattern paper, rhinestone); Prima (gems, alphas "Just be"); American Crafts (pen for stitching, alphas for "natural"); WRMK (chomper)

A couple of close-ups...

Well, I loved the sketch so much I decided to make another version of it...so I rotated the sketch and created this...

Supplies: Bazzill (cardstock); Simple Stories (pattern paper, die cut stickers, alphas); WRMK (chomper); stitching; Versamagic (liquid chalk)

Here is a close-up of the die cut stickers collage-

Thanks for dropping by and letting me share!

Got Sketch #137

2012-01-14T06:30:00.001-07:00

It has been awhile since I have whipped up a 2-pager but this sketch from Valerie Salmon inspired me to step outside of my box!

Supplies: Close to my Heart (white and royal blue cardstock); Echo Park (pattern paper, die cut stickers, alphas); EK Success (border punch); stitching

And a couple of close-ups...

Please go to Valerie Salmon's blog to see what my Team Members created with her sketch!

Hollydaze with Got Sketch!

2012-01-12T06:30:00.000-07:00

Have you started scrapping your Christmas vacation photos? Well, I haven't started either; these photos were taken 2 years ago - yikes! However I used a fabulous Scrap Shotz December monthly kit and a Valerie Salmon (Got Sketch?) sketch, specifically Sketch #104 and whipped this up in under an hour! Can you believe it? I could not either!

Supplies: Bazzill (cardstock); Simple Stories (pattern paper, die cut stickers, alphas, mini alphas); May Arts (twine); Close to my Heart (red gems): Versamagic (chalk ink); Copic (black spica)

To add texture and dimension, I raised the photos and some of the pattern paper circles. As well, I "decorated" the die cut sticker trees.

Close-ups of the layout...

Thanks for letting me share!

Happy Birthday Madison!

2012-01-11T06:30:00.001-07:00

Hard to believe that 12 years ago, Madison came into this world as a scrawny feisty babe! But she did and has kept me on my toes ever since!

Happy Birthday Madison - enjoy your final year before teen-dom (yikes!)

Lucky Me and Nikki Sivils!

2012-01-09T19:40:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to share my Nikki Sivils Guest Designer projects with you! Nikki Sivils' collections are fabulously versatile, the colours are striking and each collection is filled to the brim.

Here are my projects using Get Well Soon.

A Get Well soon kit...

And here are my projects using Gingerbread Lane.

A gift bag with crackers....so fun!

A layout of the traditional gingerbread house/train..

A mini December Daily for the girls...

Happy New Year!!!

2012-01-01T06:30:00.001-07:00

Is it really true? That 2012 is literally just hours away??? Gosh, just as I am getting into my groove in 2011, the year changes!!!

Let me say thank you for dropping by - it makes my day! And that I wish you all a wonderful 2012!

I hope your Christmas was wonderful and that you all celebrate safely tonight!

Here is a picture of my girls just a few days before Christmas...I won't even tell you how many shots it took to get this shot...LOL!

Happy Happy New Year!!!

Got Sketch? #132

2011-11-15T23:18:00.000-07:00

As you know, I love Valerie Salmon's sketches - their versatility cannot be beat! Here is my interpretation of Sketch #132.

Supplies: Bazzill (cardstock); Authentique (pattern papers, brads); EK Success border punch; Heidi Swapp (black gem oval); Tattered Angels glimmer mist; Clearsnap Smooch Spritz; Goosebumps; American Crafts (alphas); stitching

Oh and I must share one of the newest products I am working with from Scrap Shotz - it is the Prima Printery Canvas Resist accents! They are fabulous - here is a quick tutorial on how I created a custom complementary look for my layout.

To blend the canvas accent with the Authentique papers (September Scrap Shotz kit), I used Tattered Angels (denim, Irridescent gold, sand) and the Clear Snap Smooch (Navy Twinkle) Spritz to initially colour the floral bouquet. After it dried, I liberally sprayed it with Tattered Angels pearl mist and a touch of Goosebumps. Then I added some Kaiser pearls for dimension.

Thanks for dropping by!

Pinch Me!

2011-10-27T09:42:00.000-06:00

As you loyal blog readers no doubt know, I am a big fan of Valerie Salmon's sketch from the Got Sketch blog. Over the years I have been blessed with the opportunity of creating interpretations of her sketches. And today, Valerie announced her design team! Check out this blog post!

That is me! I am thrilled and honoured to be working for Valerie and with this amazing group of women. Each member is lovely beyond belief and uber talented! Thank you for the opportunity Valerie!

On another note, I know my blog posts have been a bit sporadic *blush* The reason is I went back to work - gulp, Corporate America, yup! It has really shaken things up in our household. To add to the mix, Madison was injured at school, resulting in surgery and a cast for the next 12 weeks. We are still working to find our new normal - so I do apologize for being sporadic!

Having said all this, I will be back in earnest next week as I have oodles of projects to share!

Thanks for dropping by!

Got Sketch Express - Sketch #3

2011-09-29T08:24:00.000-06:00

Got Sketch Express is just zipping along - it is SO SO SO fun! Here is my interpretation of Sketch #3.

Supplies: Bazzill (cardstock); BasicGrey (pattern papers, dimensional die cut stickers, chipboard accents, journal spot, alphas); EK Success (scallop border punch, circle punch, flower border punch); stitching

Thanks so much for dropping by!

(And a special thanks to everyone that dropped by to say hi at the Canadian Scrapbookers' Scrapbook Carnival this past weekend at the University of Calgary. I loved seeing you!)

Got Sketch Express2: Sketch #1

2011-09-19T22:02:00.000-06:00

It has been just too long...first it was summer and then school started and now I have just rejoined the workforce. Yes, there is lots going on but I am hoping to start up my blog again on a regular basis. Thank you dear Readers for the prod!

Despite the lack of blog posts, I have definitely been scrapping! Here is a layout for the first sketch of Valerie Salmon's Got Sketch Express2. If you are not familiar with Valerie Salmon, click here for more of her awesome sketches! Not only is Valerie uber talented but she is also uber kind and generous and a wonderful friend!

Here is my interpretation of her first sketch featuring one of the monthly Scrap Shotz kits.

Supplies: Bazzill (cardstock); SEI (pattern paper, die cut dimensional stickers, pearls); Prima (flowers); WRMK chomper; EK Success border punch; American Crafts (alphas); stitching

Thanks for dropping by!

Advanced Pro: Assignment #4

2011-08-31T00:18:00.000-06:00

Inspiration and creativity was our assignment this week. From this class, I have changed how I look at my environment wherever I go. I actually think how viable a location can be for shoots, at what perspective would yield the most flattering images and what would be the best time of day!

My inspiration this week is location. Like real estate, location, location, location is important as is light, light, light. These photos were taken about 30 minutes before the sun was setting - I desperately wished to have captured a few more images from my posing guide....when a passerby wanted to chat about what I was doing and why. Not meaning to be rude, I entertained her questions only to feel saddened (and anxious) about the rapidly setting sun :-) How does one manage these situations?

As with my other assignments, my daughters were my models, somewhat begrudgingly :-) For this location, I was inspired by the gorgeous setting sun against the lake AND I loved the tall flowing grasses that flank the lake area. That golden light is beautiful...sigh...

This image was taken with the sun still bright and "mid" high in the sky but you could definitely see the burnt orange colours. I thought it would be fun to try a silhouette this week to showcase the sunset against the water. If I could reshoot this image, I would stand a bit further back to capture more of the wind blown grasses.

Here is my youngest daughter thinking by the shoreline. For a change, I converted the image to black and white. I am curious if the image would be more impactful with more contrast?

Lastly, here is my daughter waiting and watching the sun get ready to set. I like how the grasses have enveloped her and the golden light on her face. However I do notice the difference of light on her face and next time would move a bit more camera left. What do you think Brooke?

Thanks Brooke - I loved the class!

Advanced Pro: Assignment #3

2011-08-23T23:56:00.000-06:00

Here I am at Assignment #3 already. To prepare for this assignment, I took the opportunity to truly understand the goal of the assignment. After some clarification from Brooke, I understand that the purpose of the assignment is to obtain genuine emotion from my interaction with the subjects that I am photographing. To me, this is a daunting task. I am not a professional photographer and have had little experience doing so but I was up for it. I'll be the first to admit that I felt awkward and self-conscious but I felt it was important to remain true to who I was and what my natural personality is. So I "practiced" a few sessions with some friends...and of course my family.

Below are my 3 favorite images from the different sessions.

This sweet guy is 2 months old; he has a lovely disposition and a proud Mama! (I intentionally had Mama in a softer focus!) At the time, she was recounting an adorable anecdote to me.

For this photo, this young man demonstrated to me what he would do if he were a rock star. I think he is well on his way; don't you?

For this image, I decided to trial a "Beloved" invitation. To be honest, I wasn't sure how the invitation would be received. My first thought was I would capture a goofy response but I was pleasantly surprised to receive a genuine hug between the girls. Aaah, if only all days were like this! (And I am hoping this is rim light I see in their hair too!)

Question for your Brooke: Regarding the processing of this image, I left the white balance as is to capture the glow from the setting sun. But I am curious if it should be lightened? I am also wondering if the image would be more impactful if I cropped it tighter? This image has been uncropped.

Brooke, you asked about the role of the interview. For me, the informal interview both helped and hindered. When I spoke with the parents and/or the subjects, there were no strong desires of the images they wanted captured so I felt somewhat directionless. At that point, I used my posing guide as a guideline. Perhaps I was too easy going? But I like the session to evolve and when the opportunity arises to use a pose on my guide, I went for it. Is that what you do Brooke or do you direct the session more?

Some of the interactive ideas used were props. For the two special young men in the photos, I knew they were budding golfers and rock stars! Other techniques were to speak to them (and my other subjects) about topics that were important to them. Personally when I speak with others about interests close to them, I notice their eyes lighting up and changes the demeanour of their faces. For my daughters, I had them play games they loved; they are used to having their photos taken so when given the opportunity to do whatever they please, they take it!

Advanced Pro: Assignment #2

2011-08-16T22:48:00.000-06:00

Great assignment this week - posing is something I have been working on. Having a posing guide has been a Godsend for me and my personal preparation style. As per your suggestions in the lesson, I searched several resources for images to include on my lifestyle shoot. However given the scenario that I was shooting; that is, my oldest daughter going to a 6-day overnight camp for the first time, I over estimated the number of images I could capture. As well, the situation leaned more on the uncontrolled rather than controlled side and my inexperience with unforeseen external factors such as multiple friends, varying light and my daughter's own raw emotions was evident. Consequently I was not able to capture all the shots that I had prepared.

Below are the shots that I had planned and did capture. The first image is that of my girls walking together through the field to the check-in point. I love this image because it captured a moment of tenderness between the girls and each girl had some anxiety with my oldest being on her own for a week and my youngest missing her older sister. I was happy with the perspective, behind and low.

This shot was unplanned for a couple of reasons - (1) I was not expecting my youngest to be gutted by her sister's soon to be absence and (2) I wanted to take this shot from a lower perspective but I was not quick enough to lie on the ground, instead I was sitting on the ground.

For this image, I wished I was a smidgeon more camera right to capture more of my daughter's face. I liked the perspective it was shot and I liked that I captured my husband giving Danielle a reassuring kiss. This shot was somewhat unplanned as I had actually planned to capture a slightly different shot of my husband giving a reassuring kiss to my older daughter at goodbye time.

As well, I have been practicing and practicing and practicing with my 50mm and am finding some improvement! Yeah for me!

Thanks Brooke! I look forward to your feedback.

Advanced Pro: Assignment #1

2011-08-09T23:05:00.000-06:00

My experience with Brooke Snow's Lifestyle class was amazing, so much so that I am now taking her Advanced Pro class. Let me set the record straight: I am no where near going pro and that is not the plan. My goal is to take amazing photos consistently and to have those photos shine, heck, glow of energy and beauty.

My submission for Assignment #1 is as follows. As you know Brooke, I have been struggling to be consistent with my 50mm f/1.8 lens. These shots were all captured with my 50mm lens. Upon review of the images, I could see there were certain situations where the images were not tack sharp; it is safe to say I am still working through my relationship with this lens...ugh!

This image was taken with me lying on the ground with my daughters looking straight down at me. I set my focus point at the intersection of their cheeks; is this where you would have focussed to? This image seemed sharp to me; your thoughts? Some of the other images had one girl in focus and the other a softer focus which was very confusing for me as I consciously tried to focus at the same spot for each image.

For this shot, I stood on a step stool but wished I had a ladder. While this shot does not have her smiling, I still like the image. At the time, she was looking past me to see the football players practicing. She was waiting for me to get ready!

When I shoot Madison, I am often frustrated. She has ideas and I have ideas and they are rarely the same! LOL As well, Madison is usually SO stiff in front of the camera. Your posing tips were SO helpful to me...and to her! Had I not read your posing tips, I am quite sure I would not have posed her in this position but she was definitely the most at ease I have seen her in awhile in front of the camera. However I would have preferred to be more camera right and would like to reshoot the image with me positioned further camera right.

The next 2 images I liked for different reasons but I was curious in hearing your thoughts in positioning 2 people who have a large difference in height. When I had the girls side by side, I felt uncomfortable standing so far away to accommodate my vision with the 50mm lens as I wanted to see the details on their faces and strands of their hair. I shot them sitting in each others' laps, sitting back to back, lying down and so on. When I repeat this shot, I would remember to tell them to not put their hands on their faces as I find it distracting. Your thoughts?

Again, the hands are quite distracting for me. Would you sckooch my youngest closer to the same plane as my oldest when we is on top? Danielle looks like she could fall off!

Below are the answers to your questions!

Where I would normally would have played it safe by picking a tried and true location, I picked a location that I have long overlooked, the football field beside the playground. Usually I take pictures AT the playground ON the equipment. Until I read the phrase "pick a NEW location" I honestly do not think I would have thought about the football field! Why would I? It is a giant field of grass, lush cushy grass mind you with 2 uprights flanking the ends. When I truly looked at the location, I realized the football field was nestled in the foothills (so glad I was visiting my Mom! :-) )

As I brainstormed my Shot List, I realized that I did not bring the right props or even enough props. I had brought a chalk board that I never used as the girls started to become antsy over the shoot which was a clear sign to wrap things up. They were good for 45 minutes though :-)

Exhausting the location was a challenge for me, one that pushed me out of my safely bounded box in a FANTASTIC way! The challenge showed me that I can indeed deliver quality shots in a seemingly "boring" location. Thank you very much for showing me this concept Brooke!

Regarding the Shot List, it helped me think of how I wanted to position the girls. However my challenge is having them understand the lingo I was using or having them mimic the modelling positions I was demonstrating to them. For the most part I stuck to the plan but as they began to lose interest, my plan began to morph. By preparing the Shot List, I knew the images I wanted to capture but when my vision was not realized in some shots, I began to feel discouraged. It was a roller coaster of emotions for me - those images that "worked" had me feeling ecstatic and those that didn't, unnerved me.

Thanks Brooke! I look forward to hearing your feedback!

All Geared Up with Scrap-Tastic

2011-08-05T22:57:00.000-06:00

August 1 was the reveal day for the Scrap-tastic kit, All Geared Up. Becky's kits are chockful of goodies - she has a real knack for blending pattern papers from various manufacturers and adding just the perfect accents. Here is my interpretation of the kit!

First is a layout documenting Danielle's first day at Kindergarten and her first time riding the bus! Gosh, I can't believe that was 2 years ago!!!!! Becky included a transparency that I used as a pocket for my journaling. My plan is to have Danielle write on a tag to include her thoughts too!

Another layout about the girls' love of playgrounds, perhaps this playground more than others. We had just finished an "endless" roadtrip to Osoyoos. Danielle was carsick for the entire trip. We even stopped to do laundry because we ran out of clothes; that happens when you throw up in excess of 11 times!!!!! I will never forget the diver who was "walking" their dog. They tied the leash to their side mirror and drove beside the dog as it ran. Not sure what happened but they inadvertently drove over their beloved dog. That was the saddest sound I had ever heard....and I don't even have a dog.

A simple card; can you ever have enough cards in your stash?

And a thank you card - these I use all the time! I love showing my appreciation to those around me.

I thought these papers lended itself beautifully to some baby pictures I had of Danielle. Sorry this picture was taken with a bit of a tilt.

And lastly, a layout about Madison. Not sure if you can see the tone on tone portion of the title against the blue robot paper but I love it. This is a layout about Madison at 10 years old. I love this layout and plan on doing one of each girl for each age.

Thank you so much for dropping by! Now head on over to Becky's!!!

It Was A Hot One Today!

2011-07-31T22:22:00.000-06:00

Goodness today it was a hot one in Saskatchewan! The thermometer on my Mom's deck read 42C - yep, 42C but the "official" temperature was 35C with a non-existent breeze. We luckily had the very fortunate opportunity of spending much of the afternoon at a neighbour's pool! The girls spent the afternoon diving for these cool diver guys with propellers that I picked up at Superstore, squirting each other with the noodles, dunking each other and cannonballing into the water. For myself, I swam lengths and also dove for those silly diver dudes! Anything to keep cool! This might just be one of the THE hottest days we have had this summer! (I am not looking forward to going back to the usual tepid summer of Calgary! LOL)

And tomorrow is an equally beautiful and scorching day! Yippee!!!! We have been invited to a pool party and bbq - let's just say I am SO looking forward to it! :-)

Thanks for dropping by! (My blog posts have been sporadic as we have been away almost every week!)

Club Got Sketch #6

2011-07-29T06:30:00.001-06:00

Do you have as many playground, play date, swing and slide pictures as I do??? Well, let me provide 2 recommendations - (1) Club Sketch - sketch #6 and (2) Echo Park's Playground collection. Both are AMAZING!!!!!!

The fanciful border stickers, whimsical alpha fonts and the adorable clouds make every layout/project perfect!

Supplies: Close to my Heart (red and navy cardstock); Echo Park (pattern papers, border sticker, die cut stickers, alphas); Fiskars (border edge punch); stitching

Thanks for dropping by!

Club Got Sketch #5

2011-07-27T22:39:00.000-06:00

Just finally getting around to posting my interpretation of Club Got Sketch #5 - it's a tad late but I loved this sketch nonetheless :-)

This layout documents the new earrings my Mom bought for Danielle who love love loves anything sparkly! My uber practical girl while loving all things sparkly is also conscious of not wearing earrings that will hinder her movements :-)

Supplies: Echo Park (pattern paper, die cut stickers, mini alphas); American Crafts (glitter alphas); Prima (butterfly); Stampin' Up (notebook edge punch)

Thanks for letting me share!

Lifestyle Photography

2011-07-12T00:20:00.000-06:00

The old adage "Time flies when you are having fun" definitely applies to my time with you Brooke :-) These last 4 weeks have been dynamic, revitalizing and informative.

For the last assignment, my theme was a Family Walk on the pathways in Fernie, British Columbia. (Gosh, Fernie has a plethora of photo ops - the textures on their walls and the mountain backdrop is breathtaking. Now getting my family to cooperate is a whole other story *rolling eyes*)

Fernie's pathway system hugged the river and wound itself through various grassy fields. This particular grassy field was inundated with wild white daisies. In my mind, I wanted a shot of each girl running through the field but my youngest didn't want to crush any of the flowers so we were at a stalemate. After listening to her arguments of not crushing the flowers, I agreed and she jumped up in glee. This picture is of her jumping in glee. I happen to be kneeling at the time and lucky me captured her expression against the mountains.

Here she continued to jump up in the air but I like the cute toes peeking out from under her dress.

Not to be outdone by her younger sister, my oldest decided she wanted a shot jumping in the air too! ;-) Technically I like that her face is evenly lit in contrast to the above pictures where is a shadow on the face. Despite this, when I see these pictures, it evokes a real emotion in me and my husband.

My hubbie shot my self-portrait after Danielle opened her birthday presents - not sure if I like the photo but considering I can't remember the last time I had a photo of me taken, this is a step in the right direction! I will definitely make it a point to create a "self-portrait" of some sort in my Project 365!

Yes, I see the backs of the chair and the island in the background but I am willing to overlook it considering hubbie rarely takes any pictures :-)

Thanks Brooke for a great class! So what is next for us? :-)

Lifestyle Photography

2011-07-04T23:27:00.000-06:00

So here we are at Week #3 - wow! I can't believe it! Taking a more creative expression photography class has really been helpful to me. I love photography. I love seeing life through my camera. This class is teaching me to REALLY see life from different perspectives and that in itself has been a liberating experience. Up until now, I have really been beating myself up about the technical aspects of photography. I am certainly capable of learning all the technical jargon of shooting but it isn't something that wow's me - it's wrong I know but feeling exhilarated when taking these creative photos has rejuvenated my passion and has paired the technical lingo with the creative. I love this!

Enough rambling - here are my submissions for the Contrast component of the assignment.

In these 2 photos, I snuck up to take a picture of my Mom holding Danielle's hand. My Mom has a special relationship with each of my daughters. The relationship she has with each girl is unique and mutually exclusive from the other. I love that and so do my girls because they are the loved for who they are and "lumped together."

What I could not decide is...is the photo emote a strong emotion taken slightly above or below? I looked at these shots for a long time. I like each image for different reasons - from slightly above as it symbolizes an elder/wisdom relationship and the image from a slightly lower vantage point seems to symbolize a guiding relationship. I just don't know; what do you think?

When I snapped these images I consciously chose to not crop at the joint, to focus my image on the hands, to show aspects of the forearm and to blur out the background. I hope I did it justice.

My other images for contrast are below. Originally I wanted a photo of my husband and daughter's feet in a jumbled mess but my daughter was being an uncooperative turkey!!! I thought it would be interesting to take the photo from a low vantage point with their faces blurred. Now that I look at the image, I think it may have been more interesting it I had taken it from above behind their heads; again, I am not sure?

And I will readily admit here that this may be a lame image. My intent was to contrast the petite size of the leaves against the larger green leaves in the background but this seems somewhat of a train wreck to me. My original intent was to photograph a bee in a flower but could I find one when I needed it??? Of course not!

Ah, we have now arrived at the Decisive Moment submissions with 3 measly shots. Sticking to 3 shots only was a real challenge for me and I'll be the first to admit that I failed. The timing of the shots is hard for me to coordinate with 2 wiggly jiggly girls. What I will say is I shot much much MUCH less than I normally would and that is a huge improvement for me. (Does that count?)

Here is my Mom and Danielle tossing the ball around in the backyard. I tried to keep my focus point on the ball as I loved the splash of red against the muted background colours. I wonder how I could have removed some of the distracting elements in the background by standing in different locations??? I was limited by the available space in the yard.

For these next 2 shots, I stood beside Madison as she cannon balled into the pool. I tried to move what I could from the background but I see the small slide snuck into the background. Hopefully it does not look like some strange horn growing out of her head! However I do love seeing her suspended in the air!

In this image, I like it from above but again my question is...which image is stronger? Here all I see are the funky shadows from the sun on her. I had scoped out how I wanted to take the photo but again I see the pool noodles in the background...aaaack!

Lastly, here is Danielle who seems to enjoy the skateboarding moves - not entirely sure where she gets this but it does make for interesting photography! Once again, my eye is drawn to the harsh shadows and image seems somewhat under exposed. What do you think Brooke?

This was a fun assignment and really had me thinking about point of view alot. Thanks!

Club Got Sketch #4

2011-07-02T22:19:00.000-06:00

OK have you ever created a layout or a card that you didn't like, well maybe didn't love would be a more accurate phrase? I created this layout for Sketch #4 of Club Got Sketch. I loved the sketch but I just don't love my layout. Part of the issue is I always seem to scrap differently when I am sick and when I created this, I was definitely sick. These papers are BasicGrey's Lime Rickey - I love love love the papers and the embellishments but there is something about this layout that I don't love. When I look at it again, I think it may be the background pattern...however I do love the colours in this layout and all the other elements.

Supplies: BasicGrey (pattern papers, chipboard accents, alphas, border stickers); American Crafts (pen for "stitching); EK Success (circle punch)

What do you think?

Lifestyle Photography

2011-06-27T23:34:00.000-06:00

This week's challenge is Point of View and Less is More. I took some time to review the video tutorials, to digest the material and then brainstorm what I would shoot that was marginally interesting. I chose to document Danielle learning to ride her RockBoard (pssst! I love the RockBoard - it is rockin' fun even for a Mom!) :-)

I wasn't sure if we were to crop the images so I didn't - but I would like to know for next week???

For Point of View, my initial shot is of my husband teaching Danielle how to ride her RockBoard. (Given that I taught her how to rider her 2-wheeler, the hard work is all done!)

Then the fun began! I actually felt like papparazzi, like I had some idea of what I was doing and truth be told, I really enjoyed thinking through the different points of view to shoot.

For this shot, I was crouched on the ground working to snag a side shot with her Dad briskly walking behind her.

With this shot, I was in the grass, perhaps a verrrrry loose frame??? but I felt this image added so much to the story with my husband rubbing her boo boo after a particularly nasty spill.

And I love this shot from behind and slightly above of my husband putting a reassuring hand on her back as she begins her ride.

For the Less is More portion of the assignment, my initial image depicts Danielle's determination on the RockBoard. I love how her foot is in the air to give that extra oomph to ascend the slight incline.

To breakdown the image, I shot my daughter self-soothing her earlier boo boo. (Yes, she had a wardrobe change after falling and tearing her pants.)

With this shot, I was lying on the ground as she sat on her RockBoard analyzing how she would attack the next segment of the pathway. (She is a cautious determined 6 yr old!)

To further narrow down the scene, I shot her prior to take-off. I am not sure if this is what you were looking for Brooke but in some way I like it. I like that the bolt holding the RockBoard together is in focus but the logo on the front is blurred out as is her foot. I can make out each element but it takes second place. I would love to hear your comments on this one Brooke.

Thanks for reviewing my work - it is greatly appreciated!

Club Got Sketch #3

2011-06-26T21:48:00.000-06:00

While I have not been blogging much lately, it doesn't mean that I haven't been scrapping! I have been everything in minimum mode it seems...oy! However with summer coming and lazier days, I'll be back at it even more.

So I'd like to post a few more interpretations of Valerie Salmon's Club Got Sketch challenges. I love that lady so darn much - she is so talented, so gorgeous and SO nice!

Here is my interpretation of Club Got Sketch #3.

Supplies: Echo Park (pattern paper, die cut stickers, alphas); Close to my Heart (cardstock, floss); stitching

And a detail shot of the layout...I love dimension on a layout!

This sketch inspired me SO much that I did a second layout for the sketch shown below.

Supplies: Sassafras (pattern papers, borders); Spellbinders (cupcake die/embosser folder); Ranger (pearl accents); American Crafts (thickers); Close to my Heart (cardstock)

And a detail shot of this layout...

Thanks for dropping by!

Lifestyle Photography

2011-06-21T00:00:00.000-06:00

Over the past year, I have made a concerted effort to educate myself on photography principles, techniques and skills. At times I have been SO frustrated I could drive over my camera but I continue to pound my head against the wall to conquer it. Right now I am taking a Lifestyle Photography class from Brooke Snow. I love the concept of this type of photography and while I think it is super important to have tack sharp photos that are technically sound, I remember the reason I started on this path was to augment my storytelling in my scrapbooks. Looking at the scenario from a fresh perspective has been enlightening and somewhat freeing for me.

So I here I am...onward and forward with learning! Below are my images from Parts 1 and 2 of Assignment 1.

Part 1 asks for 3 images that depict your character. When I first read the assignment I wondered how I would tackle illustrating the details that characterize my youngest daughter, Danielle. There are many facets to this little person. I wanted to show her emotion, her personality and some likes/dislikes.

Here is her beloved pink blankie - this has been a match made in Heaven. And to capture it on the princess crown pillow, well, does it get any better??? :-)

Danielle has amazing dexterity for a 6 year old. She adores playmobil, polly pockets and littlest pet shops. It cracks me up to see her motoring her creation with her toes! In the background is the bucket of polly pockets where we adds and exchanges the riders!

I am SO glad I caught Danielle's expression here! Who wouldn't love banana flax pancakes with whipped cream and strawberries? Yeah, I thought so. Her expression is priceless to me!

Part 2 asks for 3 images that depict conflict. I am thrown by the word "conflict" - to me, conflict refers to either an internal/external struggle. When I see Danielle interacting, I don't view it as conflict. This concept I need to get my head around it more.

Danielle has been working hard with her french reading. Imagine my surprise when I learned she had parlayed her reading skills to that of english. Well, so goes the end of leaving little notes here there and everywhere - there are no more secrets!!!

From a technical standpoint, I am not quite sure of this photo. I had intentionally focussed on her fingers holding the book but I see now that her face was in the same plane. Her face does not look tack sharp but it isn't quite blurred out either. I am open to suggestions on how this photo could have been re-composed.

In this photo, Danielle was racing her toys on the floor. I love that she keeps one eye closed or has hair covering it so she can push it in a straight line :-)

And lastly, here is my munchkin working with her Destination ImagiNation group to create the longest road from the island to the mainland...so they would reverse the shrinking dust!

Brooke - I am open to any and all comments on how I may improve. What this assignment has done for me is to look at a situation and photograph it from different vantage points, with each telling a slightly different story - thank you!

Thanks for dropping by!

Neglected! *WARNING: Photo Heavy**

2011-06-14T11:41:00.000-06:00

My poor blog has been sorely neglected these past (almost!) 2 months! I've been SO incredibly busy!

For Easter, we vacationed in Orlando. Gosh, it was absolutely divine being in Florida; I would happily vacation there 2 to 3 times a year! :-) Highlights were NASA, DisneyWorld water parks, outlet mall shopping and lazing in the pool EVERY.SINGLE.DAY! You just can't beat that :-)

Here are a few pictures for you from Orlando - I continue to work on my photography every day. Besides scrapbooking and quilting, photography is true therapy for me.

The girls first Easter egg hunt on the golf course of Mystic Dunes. There were over 2500 eggs hidden and a grand prize for the greatest number of balls collected. Not sure of the reasoning but girls went for the golf balls. We did however learn that Danielle is one heck of a runner!

Danielle's highlight was meeting Rapunzel. It must divine intervention because there IS a princess who loves purple as much as Danielle! Yes, it 'tis true! (Can you see the pride on Danielle's face?)

A rare photographic feat - a family photo! The Disney photographer kindly used my camera to snap a family shot of us! I love it!

Madison surprised me by jumping into the street party put on by the Disney characters and boogied down!

My personal highlight was going back to NASA! To be THIS close to the shuttle, Endeavour...wowsers! The day was surreal - I loved every moment of it. The best part? It put how Science and Math works in our everyday life into perspective for Madison and Danielle.

The weather was divine - hot, hot, hot! And nothing cooled us off better than hanging at Blizzard Beach, one of 2 Disney water parks. OMG, it was THE best!

We splurged and took in Cirque du Soleil - amazing is all I can say, absolutely amazing!

To Madison and Danielle, a vacation is perfect if there is a warm pool in the sun. If I didn't know better one would think Danielle had gills. Madison loves floating on the warm water, basking in the sun. Yeah, it's a tough life! LOL

Yes, I have been scrapping and have lots to share. I also have pictures from Tennessee where we attended Destination ImagiNation, a truly profound experience!

Thanks for your patience and dropping by!

Club Got Sketch - Sketch #2

2011-04-26T06:30:00.003-06:00

As you know, the last few weeks have been ridiculously busy for me. I have been planning our school's trip to Tennessee for Global Finals, volunteering with the yearbook (for both the elementary and middle schools - sshhhhh don't tell Dominic, he'll kill me!) and so many other things too!

However, I have definitely been scrapping!!! Here is Sketch #2 of Club Got Sketch - if you are a fan of sketches, you will love love love Val Salmon's sketches!

Here is my interpretation of Sketch #2.

Supplies: Close to my Heart (cardstock): BasicGrey (pattern paper, chipboard elements, border stickers, alphas, journal spot); American Crafts (pen); stitching; Kaiser (pearls)

Supplies: Bazzill (cardstock); Fancy Pants (pattern paper, die cut stickers, border stickers); Maya Road (chipboard flags); Tattered Angels (glimmer mist); American Crafts (alphas); ribbon (source unknown)

Thanks for dropping by!

Catchin' Up!!!

2011-04-24T20:50:00.000-06:00

Well, I must confess that I was feeling rather overwhelmed these last 2 weeks in preparation for our Spring Break vacation. Why is it that things appear to compound and spin out of control just before leaving on vacation? Why does everyone *need* everything before one must leave??? Why are all the meetings required to happen before vacation??? It never fails; that is what happens, along with other mishaps along the way.

One of the *must-do* meetings was the Passion for Excellence award Madison received from Melissa Hollingsworth. It was a FABULOUS ceremony. Melissa was an excellent speaker, so much so, that I was moved to tears hearing her story. I also loved how Melissa made time to meet one-on-one with Madison, giving Madison a close and personal interview. Her story was rather timely as Madison has several amazing opportunities in the very near future.

Please indulge me and let me share a few photos of the event.

(I had to drag Danielle to the ceremony as she was home sick with a sinus infection. Our appointment with the pediatrician was in the afternoon. Although she doesn't look very sick in this picture! LOL)

Melissa AND Madison were great sports, including Danielle in this shot.

Melissa and Madison with Mrs. Davidson, the Principal.

The plaque presentation with Mr. Banderk and Mrs. Davidson. (I wish my lens was faster or I had learned to unlock my aperature...sigh...) Technically not the best picture but it captured the spirit of the moment.

Thanks for indulging me and letting me have a proud Mommy moment!

Really, The Weekend?

2011-04-09T12:02:00.000-06:00

These last 10 days have been rough, as in really bad rough. Let's see...Danielle had a double ear infection and was home from school for a week, then Madison and Dominic became ill annnnnnnnd lastly, I got sick :-( I am STILL sick. It never fails - when I get sick, I get it the worst and for the longest...sigh...lucky me, I guess!

However I have done some scrapping!!! Not as much as I would like but still some. Yeah me! I still gotta feed the soul :-)

Supplies: Close to my Heart (cardstock); The Girls Paperie (pattern paper); BoBunny (blossoms); The Twinery (twine); coluzzle (circle cutter); Kaisercraft (gems); EK Success (scallop edge punch); American Crafts (foam alphas, jewel brads); acrylic letters (source unknown); Versamagic (liquid chalk)

This layout was completed for Shotz Sketches on the Scrap Shotz blog. The lovely Laura Gilhuly designed the sketch and we both did an interpretation of the sketch in our own styles.

Club Got Sketch #1

2011-03-31T06:30:00.002-06:00

I've posted the pre-sketch for the class in an earlier post....and I think you'll agree that Val's sketches are amazingly versatile. Here is my interpretation of Sketch #1 for Club Got Sketch; again, another equally versatile sketch. Oh the options are endless.

My interpretation is a rotation of posted sketch.

Supplies: Bazzill (swiss dots cardstock); BoBunny (pattern paper, chipboard elements, rubs, gems); American Crafts (alphas); October Afternoon (year); Cosmo Cricket (phrases); EK Success (border punch); stitching (Scrap Shotz mini kit)

Thanks so much for dropping by!

The Inspired Scrapper - Love Challenge

2011-03-29T06:30:00.001-06:00

In February, The Inspired Scrapper hosted a Love challenge. I had to think about how I would tackle this challenge. I mean, it would be easy to scrap about who I loved and what I loved and so on. Being somewhat obstinate, I wanted to take a fresh approach to the challenge; I just wasn't' exactly sure what "fresh approach" it was yet! LOL

After pondering the challenge, I decided to look through my pictures for some inspiration. Well, lo and behold, look at the picture I found! Isn't it just perfect for the challenge? That's what I thought too! My little Danielle has always been a very thoughtful, caring and joyous child. She has also always been somewhat protective of me. If I am having a difficult day, Danielle will go out of her way to do something special for me or say something extra sweet to cheer me up. When I ask her "Why?" she does these things, she almost always answers, "Oh Mommy, actually, it's just love." Isn't that just the cutest answer??

Here is my layout:

Supplies: Close to my Heart (yardstick); BasicGrey (pattern paper, journal spot, canvas tag, alphas, jewelled paper clips); Versamagic (chalk ink); American Crafts (pen for journaling)

Thanks for dropping by!

China Doll

2011-03-27T06:30:00.001-06:00

These pictures were the result of an impromptu photo shoot. On this September day, I think it was September 24, 2010 (?) Danielle and I were deciding what to wear for Photo Day. Danielle is SO proud to be half Chinese and my Mom, or more affectionally known as Pau Pau, wanted to wear this dress. Who am I to argue? Especially with an imp who has mischievious eyes????

Supplies: Close to my Heart (cardstock); My Little Shoebox (pattern paper, cardstock stickers, glitter alphas); stitching

Thanks so much for dropping by!

Yes, A Card!

2011-03-25T23:37:00.000-06:00

If you follow this blog, you know that I rarely make cards - I feel card challenged! But I recently picked up some My Little Shoebox and I was inspired to make a card with the leftovers.

Supplies: Close to my Heart (cardstock); My Little Shoebox (pattern paper, die cut stickers); Cosmo Cricket (mini alphas); EK Success (corner punch)

I must say that the quality of the My Little Shoebox papers are FANTASTIC! I love that the paper is sturdy, doesn't crumble when you mist it, and the die cut stickers are like thick cardstock! I have recently discovered this manufacturer and it is ON my list of favorites!

Do you like My Little Shoebox? What are your favorite lines?

Club Got Sketch

2011-03-21T06:30:00.001-06:00

Have you ever taken an online class? Online classes are SO convenient as you get to work at your own pace at whatever time you want. As well, some classes let you take the class WHEN you find the time - that is BIG for a busy Mom like me! So, what could be more nourishing for the soul than a scrapbooking class??? or a photography class????

Well, give Valerie Salmon Club Got Sketch class a whirl. Here is my interpretation of the pre-class sketch!

Supplies: Close to my Heart (cardstock); My Little Shoebox (pattern papers, glitter alphas, die cut stickers, border strips); Tim Holtz (die); American Crafts (pen for stitching); Prima (butterfly)

And here a couple of close-up shots

Thanks for dropping by!

Crop4Kids 2011

2011-03-18T21:56:00.000-06:00

What are you doing tomorrow??? I hope you will join me for some More Copics at Lake Bonvista Recreation Centre. Help me support this fantastic charity.

I hope to see you tomorrow!

Got Sketch #112

2011-03-14T06:30:00.001-06:00

Here is another sketch interpretation from the uber talented Valerie Salmon. This layout tells about the unexpected and oh so appreciated birthday wish and visit from Uncle P!

Supplies: Bazzill (pink scallop cardstock); Echo Park (pattern papers, die cut journal spot, cardstock stickers, alpha stickers); Heidi Swapp (large number 5); American Crafts (pen)

Here is a few close-ups - don't you just love pop-dots???

The Echo Park banners are THE best!

Thanks for dropping by!

Water, Water, Water!

2011-03-12T06:30:00.000-07:00

Usually in March or April, I start getting tired of winter. Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike winter but I like to experience 4 distinct seasons not a long winter and 3 very short other seasons!!!

So for the recent Scrap Shotz online crop, I was inspired by The Littlest Mermaid movie. Not only is it a perennial favorite in this house but it also makes me feel that warmer weather is just around the corner. If there is one thing my girls (and I) love, it is water! We could definitely live by the water!

Here is my water inspired layout!

Supplies: Sassafras (pattern papers); Urban Lily (chipboard sentiment); Heidi Swapp (large alphas); Maya Road (chipboard #2); Tattered Angels (glimmer mist); American Crafts (chipboard label and flowers); BoBunny (gems); Versamagic (chalk ink); EK Success (postage stamp border punch); stitching

Thanks for dropping by!

Need a REALLY Quick Gift???

2011-03-09T17:29:00.000-07:00

Do you have hard to buy for people on your list? Do you break out into hives when their birthday rolls around? Well, here is a fasssssssssst, cute and thoughtful gift you can make and give.

This project was for my Fast and Furious challenge at the recent Scrap Shotz online crop. It was Photo Tile Coasters. The finished project looks like this...

And this is how you make the photo tile coasters.

First select the photos you would like on your tiles. This is the most time consuming part (I swear!) Resize your photos to fit on the files and do a test print on some paper.

Then print the pictures onto tissue paper. Trim the tissue paper image to the size of the tile.

Apply some Mod Podge to the tile. Layer the tissue paper image on top of the Mod Podge. Apply another coat of Mod Podge to the tissue paper image. The Mod Podge will dry clear.

Let dry. Spray with acrylic sealer to water proof the coaster. I also added some cork to the bottom of my tile. Furniture felt pads work equally well.

Thanks for dropping by!

A Gift of Cards

2011-03-07T06:30:00.000-07:00

I personally love handmade gifts! One of my challenges at the recent Scrap Shotz online crop was to make a card purse. I chose to make mine using the luscious Graphic45 papers. Here is my project -

Supplies: Graphic45 (pattern papers, alphas, flowers, tickets, labels); ribbon - source unknown; Close to my Heart (cardstock)

There was alot of scraps leftover so I decided to make some extra cards - now who could not use a few extra cards????

*Yeah, there were alot of scraps left!!!***

Thanks for dropping by and letting me share!

Are You Scrapping???

2011-03-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

So are you scrapping this weekend??? Why don't you join me at Scrap Shotz? They are having an online crop with a theme titled "A Night at the Oscars!" So put on your ball gown and stilettos and take a walk down the red carpet!

Here is one of the projects I created for my Littlest Mermaid challenge.

Supplies: Sassafras (pattern papers); American Crafts (chipboard label, flowers); Heidi Swapp (large alphas); Urban Lily (chipboard circle sentiment); BoBunny (gems); Tattered Angels (glimmer mist); Maya Road (chipboard #2); Ek Success border punch; stitching

I have lots of Sassafras papers and I love them! They are all so darn beautiful...and it is often hard for me to make the first cut; hence the reason why I have 4 IRIS containers filled with pattern papers too beautiful to cut! LOl But I am committed to making a change in 2011...yup, I'm cutting into those papers! Enough is enough!

Thanks for dropping by!

Got Sketch? #110

2011-03-03T06:30:00.002-07:00

Here is Got Sketch? #110's interpretation! As I have gushed about in previous posts, I love love love Valerie Salmon's sketches. The versatility is amazing and #110 is no exception.

These pictures were taken on a Snow Day last year. The snow was heavily falling. It was wet; the flakes were huge and it was perfect for making snow angels and snowmen. That is exactly what Danielle and her friend Payton did...make snow angels and enjoy the snow that only two 5-year olds can do! Here is a snapshot of that very special day!

Supplies: Close to my Heart (grey cardstock); SEI (pattern papers, alphas, die cut journal spot); KI Memories (snowflake lace paper); Provocraft (Cuttlebug Snowflake die); Tattered Angels (glimmer mist); Prima (pearls, gem flourishes); American Crafts (pen for journaling); Versamagic (chalk ink); stitching

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Got Sketch? #109

2011-02-28T06:30:00.000-07:00

Got Sketch? #109 was uber versatile. I modified the sketch slightly to accommodate my scrappy style and to show off the Echo Park pattern papers.

I have loved always loved this photo. The colours are vibrant and gorgeous and the photo is plain striking to me. Well, the Echo Park Wintertime papers could not be a more perfect match with my photo. (Incidentally these Echo Park papers were the December Scrap Shotz kit - delicious and yummy!)

Supplies: Bazzill (cardstock); Echo Park (pattern papers, die cut phrases, journal spot, die cut stickers); BoBunny dimensional snowflake stickers); American Crafts (pen for journaling); Versamagic (chalk ink)

Enjoy your day!

February Layout Tag at Scrap Shotz

2011-02-24T06:30:00.001-07:00

I love layout tags; have you played? It's where you scraplift a card or layout and pass it on to the next person who scraplifts you. I am always amazed at the progression of the tags.

Here is my tag submission.

A few close-ups...

I adore this ribbon. When it is subtlety adorned with pearls, it is even more luscious...if that can be possible!

A close-up of the title...I love mixing and matching various mediums for my titles. Here I mixed the glitter alphas stickers from SEI with the chunkier BasicGrey chipboard alphas.

Here is a cross-sectional view of the layout. Although the ribbon appears chunky, it easily squishes flat, without adding bulk to your scrapbooks.

Supplies: SEI (pattern paper, die cut stickers, alphas); BasicGrey (chipboard alphas); Prima (pearls); American Crafts (ribbon roses)

Did I mention how much I love love love the American Crafts ribbon roses??? The ribbon is so soft, so feminine, so beautiful and oh so versatile! (I have almost every colour *blush*)

Thanks for dropping by!

Got Sketch? #99

2011-02-20T06:30:00.001-07:00

Some days I can't remember whether I am coming or going! Do you have days like that??? Well, I forgot I created this layout for Got Sketch? #99. Again, I loved the sketch SO much that I made 2 interpretations.

Interpretation #1 - my first reaction was to dig into the BoBunny mini kit from Scrap Shotz. (I totally loved it!!!)

Supplies: Close to my Heart (cardstock); Bo Bunny (pattern paper, chipboard embellishments, die cut papers); BasicGrey (alphas); American Crafts (pen for journaling and stitching) - created using a Scrap Shotz mini kit.

Here is my 2nd interpretation...

Close-ups...

Supplies: Bazzill (cardstock); Echo Park (pattern paper, stickers, alphas); Basic Grey (chipboard elements); American Crafts (pen for journaling)

ETA: I love love love Echo Park papers! Echo Park always includes a little something-something that takes its collections from awesome to outta-this-world! In this case, who doesn't love the banner? or the little hearts? or those cute alphas???? OK you get the picture, I have a *crush* on Echo Park!

Thanks for dropping by!

Clear Scraps Guest Design Project #3

2011-02-16T06:30:00.000-07:00

I have had SUCH a WONDERFUL experience with Clear Scraps - they are a FANTASTIC company. Their products are top notch and the people are excellent to work with.

Here is my final project as their Guest Designer! I *heart* this camera mini album! Pairing it with the American Crafts Dear Lizzy line was a match made in Heaven!

I love the peek-a-book cover!

Supplies: Clear Scraps (camera shaped mini album); American Crafts (Dear Lizzy pattern paper, cardstock dimensional stickers, thickers alphas, slick writer for faux stitching); Making Memories (mini alphas); ribbon (source unknown)

Here are the inner pages...I used both sides of the album pages.

A side view of the filler pages - the Dear Lizzy stickers added the perfect dimension to the pages!

Here is another set of pages along with their side view.

Here is the album completely unassembled! Clear Scraps thinks of EVERYTHING - the album even comes with the binder rings!

Thank you Clear Scraps for giving the opportunity to be a Guest Designer!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

May you be surrounded by family and friends who love you and you love them today! To my blog readers, thank you so much for visiting my blog and leaving me comments - each one is read and so appreciated. I wish I was more blog savvy and knew how to reply to each of you. If you know, please let me know.

Love is everywhere and all around us! Remember this during the tough days and moments and rejoice during the joyous days!

Love you all!

Got Sketch? #106

2011-02-11T06:30:00.001-07:00

I love love love Valerie Salmon sketches! Sketch #106 was no exception - in fact I loved it SO much that I created 2 interpretations!

Here is interpretation #1.

Supplies: Close to my Heart (cardstock); Fancy Pants (pattern paper, cardstock stickers, notebook paper); Maya Road (chipboard alphas); Glitz Designs (mini alphas); Melissa Frances (chipboard snowflakes); Tattered Angels (glimmer mist); Pink Paislee (glitter); Versamagic (chalk ink)

Some close-ups...

And interpretation #2...

Supplies: Bazzill (cardstock); Fancy Pants (pattern paper, transparency, cardstock stickers, glitter alphas); Glitz Designs (mini alphas); Close to my Heart (twine); Pink Paislee (glitter); Versamagic (chalk ink)

Some close-ups...

Thanks for dropping by!

The Inspired Scrapper - Unfinished Business

2011-02-08T09:13:00.000-07:00

2011 has kicked off with a bang at The Inspired Scrapper. Jillian has tasked us with very CREATIVE and INSPIRING challenges. One of the challenges that hit home with me was completing some of those half finished projects. You know the ones where all that's left is a wee bit of journalling or a quippy title or a small accent in the corner, yeah, I am talking about those! If you are like me even in the slightest, you have several neatly piled up stored in a corner somewhere!

Well, let's just say this challenge had me putting the final touches on alot of projects. What surprised me the most is how my style has evolved over the years. Yes I said years because that is how old some of these unfinished projects are!

This Urban Lily folio lay devoid of journaling for at least a year. Finally I added the words and marked it complete!

I don't have permission to show the pictures of the other children on the website; hence the unusual photographs.

Supplies: Urban Lily (folio, pattern papers, cardstock numbers and alphas); Heidi Swapp (chipboard alphas)

Here is another oldie but goodie!

Are you wondering if all the unfinished projects are completed? Well, almost! I have 3 more layouts requiring a title!!!

Thanks for dropping by!

Clear Scraps Guest Design Project #2

2011-02-07T07:15:00.000-07:00

Awhile back, I was asked to be a Guest Designer for Clear Scraps. (I had applied for a Design Team position but didn't make it :-( I was close though :-) and had the privilege of using their products.) If you haven't used their products before, what are you waiting for??? To me, acrylic is just like paper and I treat it as such. What I love about the Clear Scraps acrylic products is that it can be inked easily (yes, easily!!!), embossed ('tis true) and it seems that any adhesive works like a charm on it!!

Now onto my second project. I was wracking my brain trying to think of an attractive way to package some cookies I made for various hostess/thank you gifts to some special friends this past Christmas. Here is what a $1 item from the Dollar Store can look like after 30 minutes!!!

Here are the details on what I did...Using Urban Lily papers (Becky will set you up for some Urban Lily papers - they are utterly gorgeous with oh so unique designs!), I cut the panel to fit around the mini paint can. Then I spritzed it with some Pearl Tattered Angels glimmer mist; you all know I love the stuff, right? :-) Then I adhered the text from the Urban Lily paper to the Clear Scraps label piece. A bit of ribbon was the finishing touch...oh and the cookies too! Voila! Instant gift! I made 8 of these gems to giveaway and they were instant hits with the recipients!

And a close-up of the lid...

Thanks for dropping by!

Got Sketch?

2011-02-01T23:04:00.000-07:00

I love being a Got Sketch girl! There is no lack of inspiration to scrap - I see a Valerie Salmon sketch and ideas start buzzing immediately! Most of the time, I whip up 2-3 layouts for the same sketch usually.

Here is my interpretation of Sketch #107.

Supplies: Bazzill (cardstock); Close to my Heart (white cardstock); Jillibean Soup (pattern paper, journal spot); EK Success (circle punch); BasicGrey (chipboard alphas); Evalicious (felt heart accent); Bo Bunny (flowers); Versamagic (chalk ink)

Thanks for dropping by! I have lots to share!

Scrap Shotz January Kit

2011-01-26T06:30:00.001-07:00

Yum yum yum!!! That's all I can muster about the January Scrap Shotz monthly kit. This kit is jam packed with product. Each item coordinates beautifully and is magic to work with.

Have a look here!

You can get a closer look here.

I'm Back....Finally!

2011-01-24T23:00:00.000-07:00

It's taken almost a month to recover from that little glass of spilled water on my laptop but I am finally back, well as close as I'll ever be right now! Thanks for your patience!

Let's start off with a mini album I made as a Guest Designer for Clear Scraps. The clear album was intended to be a banner but I saw it as a mini album capturing our Christmas traditions.

Here is my cover - I absolutely adored the size of this album too. It was small enough that the project could be quickly and easily completed but it was large enough to include a medium sized photo.

Supplies (for album): Clear Scraps (acrylic album); ribbon (source unknown); My Minds Eye (pattern paper); tags (source unknown); Basic Grey (red poinsetta pattern paper, chipboard alphas); Making Memories (mini alphas); Spellbinders (star dies); American Crafts (pen for stitching)

Here are the filler pages.

We start the Christmas season with our various advent calendars - ummm over the years I have collected a few! Each year it is a surprise to see what delicious morsel lies in the drawers of the calendar. My youngest daughter loves putting all the puzzle pieces together to create the wintery scene.

Next is the giddy anticipation of opening the boxes of Christmas decorations. Each girl has their own "special" ornaments that they lovingly place on the tree.

We often receive cards and special meaningful gifts from relatives abroad. No matter the item, my girls have these spontaneous joyful faces! And yes, sometimes during the days leading up to Christmas the excitement is too much - yes, we ask them to read about the Christmas story. Even though it is the holiday season, homework must still be completed.

No matter how many times we decorate the tree, each girl is excited and almost overwhelmed to put their first ornament on the tree. Daddy often is standing within arms' reach. (Mommy would too but who would take the photo?)

I also cannot forget our tradition of reading the Christmas Story advent calendar. Each day we read a mini book telling us the story of baby Jesus and the reason why we celebrate this wonderful season.

I always take a fun "head shoot" of the girls sometime during the Christmas season. Even though they have their "moments" they do really love each other. Our head shot poses vary from year to year and it is something they come up with.

How can I forget pictures with Santa? This is the first year that my youngest has not been scared by Santa!

Each girl makes a quick Christmas craft to share with close friends. Last year we made reindeer candy canes. We also always paint one ornament for the tree.

Each year we try to come up with new ways to dress our table. Last year we made placecards using upbeat non-traditional colours.

As well, no wintery day is complete without the "haute chocolate latte" devised by Moi! This is a family favorite for sure and is rarely available any time other than the holiday season.

Our last tradition is making sugar cookies. My recipe is tried and true. Each girl invites 2-3 friends who come and decorate cookies. It is a great time for all and one that is filled with many Kodak moments!

Thank you letting me share my Christmas traditions! And if you are not familiar with Clear Scraps, you need to run over to their blog NOW. Their products are high quality, super versatile and fun fun fun!!!!!

Ooops!

2011-01-07T22:45:00.000-07:00

On New Year's Eve, I accidentally spilled a glass of water all over my laptop. Yeah, I had that pit in the stomach, nausea and vomit feeling, almost immediately in fact. I let my laptop dry out but it was not working great. To add insult to injury, I realized that I had not done a full backup since December 1 AND I had not moved my photos over onto my external hard drive. To say I was freaking out would be an understatement.

(And that is why this blog has been sorely neglected!)

Luckily Best Buy was open on New Years Day. Dominic brought my laptop into The Geek Squad. After alot of deliberation, we purchased 2 new laptops. Yes 2!!! We were planning to purchase a laptop for the girls to do their homework on anyways but what was unexpected was the purchase of a Mac. I have been trying to run the Mac through its paces but right now I am waiting for my copy of Mac Office and Mac Photoshop. Just a gut feel but I am pretty sure the Mac will work out ;-) I have had a blast working through my email and photos and am very excited about going whole hog with Photoshop.

If you have a Mac, I would love to hear from you! And wish me some luck so I can do some posting!!!!!

Looking Back at 2010

2010-12-31T14:24:00.000-07:00

As 2010 draws to a close and 2011 is emerging, I like taking the time to reminisce about our year. Sporadically throughout the year, I created Month in Review pages and doing a Year in Review page seemed to be the perfect conclusion to Project 365 for me.

Here is a look at my Year in Review.

As you can see, we celebrated birthdays, the first day of school, a kindergarten graduation, family, love, going to the Happiest Place on Earth and many many other events but these pictures seemed to represent our year. Sure there were some challenges but this another layout! (Watch this blog for that layout!) :-)

On the whole, these pictures celebrated us, our family and that is how I will remember 2010 as we welcome in 2011! I'd also like to take the opportunity to thank each of you for dropping by my blog - I appreciate and read every comment and email. It warms my heart to hear from you and know that you read this blog. This blog has been neglected over the past month due to volunteer commitments, illnesses and holiday preparations but I've got lots to share so do pop back in 2011!

Happy New Year!

Enough Already?

2010-12-05T16:01:00.000-07:00

OK I will admit it! Sometimes I continue to take pictures of my girls well beyond the sweet spot of picture taking! But a girl has to practice; doesn't she?

Here is a layout celebrating those less than spectacular pictures! Those pictures are not technically great by any means but they capture some pretty funny faces!

Supplies: Close to my Heart (cardstock); Tinkering Ink (pattern paper); Prima (bling alphas); Maya Road (chipboard butterflies); Dazzlers (flowers); ribbon (source unknown); Fancy Pants (rub ons)

I am mighty proud of myself for using up alot of odds and sods that were verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry old!

Thanks for dropping by!

Gift Cards!!!

2010-11-29T10:57:00.000-07:00

Are you like me? I am always on the hunt for interesting, beautiful but simple and elegant gift card holders. And this is the season for giving...gift cards!

Here are a couple of gift card holders that I will be using this year - I hope you like them!

Firstly, I wanted to write a few words in my card for the recipient so I created a holder for the front of the card.

Supplies: Urban Lily (pattern papers); American Crafts (rub ons, ribbon); brads (source unknown); Cuttlebug (die cut)

And I used the Urban Lily Swirl Memory Photocards to create an envelope for the gift card below. With the addition of a few rub-ons, I was done in minutes!

Supplies: Urban Lily (photocards); stitching; American Crafts (rub ons)

Thank you for letting me share!

A Sweet Box

2010-11-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

When I wrap a gift, I like my gift to have presence, to evoke emotion and to look pretty. I wish for breathtaking but I will take pretty! Here is a cute box that I made while testing out the Scor-Buddy and I can see many more in my future!

Supplies: Making Memories (pattern papers, ribbon, flowers)

Thanks for letting me share!

Urban Swank Blog Hop

2010-11-20T02:00:00.002-07:00

***My apologies Blog Hoppers*** I don't exactly know why the pictures disappeared but the links are all fixed now! Thank you for coming back! :-)

Welcome Welcome Welcome!!! Today is the Urban Swank Blog Hop!

I am so so SO excited to be participating in the Urban Swank blog hop :-) We were asked to create Christmas themed projects in honour of the upcoming holiday season. Well, what a fantastic assignment! I absolutely adore Christmas; don't you?

Here is my project - an adorable divided box with an enchanting box and a matching paper Christmas tree!

Here is a close-up of the box top.

I had an absolute blast creating this project and I can definitely see myself creating more of these boxes!

Thanks for dropping by to see my project! And participating in the blog hop...now go check out the other girls' blogs, ok?

Becky Teichmiller
Erika Taylord
Rachel Theall
Virginia Wong <------You are here
Marci Knecht <------ Click here to go to the next blog
Pauline Dirrig
Simona Gughi
Gayle Martin
Michelle Van Etten
Candra George

Don't forget to end at the Urban Swank blog and check out the Urban Swank Facebook page. Becky has some fun fun prizes for one lucky reader!

Just One Word

2010-11-18T06:30:00.001-07:00

They say a picture says a thousand words...but there are times when I think you only need to say one word to convey your thoughts and emotions. My challenge at the recent Scrap Shotz online Heros and Villians crop was to use one and only one word as the title of your layout.

Here is my one word titled layout, "Mwah!"

Supplies: BasicGrey (pattern paper, die cut stickers, border stickers); Heidi Swapp (alphas); American Crafts (ribbon)

Thank you so much for dropping by!

Puhleez

2010-11-16T06:30:00.001-07:00

"Puhleez...Mommy...we are in love..." That 5 word phrase was chanted over and over and over by the girls when my friends, John and Mary Lou Fellows came for a visit and brought their adorable dogs too! Madison and Danielle could not keep their eyes off the dogs. They were smitten immediately. Here is my layout showing their love to the dogs...

Supplies: The Girls Paperie (pattern paper); BasicGrey (chipboard alphas, chipboard die cut shapes); Elles Studio (journaling spot); Tattered Angels (glimmer mists); EK Success (border punch); stitching; Cosmo Cricket (mini alphas)

Thanks for dropping by!

A Hard Lesson Learned

2010-11-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

I've had these pictures for awhile...not quite sure how to scrap them. It was a learning experience for sure for Danielle but it was also quite funny. Danielle didn't quite see the humour at the time especially when I was snapping pictures of her :-) I must say that I was SO impressed with Danielle when took responsibility for her actions. When the incident happened, she immediately told me what had happened. She didn't lie or gloss over the details. Yes, she was sobbing but she was truthful; I like truthful!!!

Here is my Responsible Munchkin!

Here is a close-up of the chipboard and row of bling!

Supplies: BasicGrey (pattern papers, die cut stickers, chipboard, alphas, borders); Kaisercraft (gems); American Crafts (ribbon); Versamagic (chalk)

Thanks for dropping by!

Lest We Forget

2010-11-11T06:30:00.001-07:00

In the last 2 weeks, Dominic and I have fielded alot of questions about the various wars. It is interesting conversation for a 10 and 6 yr old at the dinner table ... that is for sure.

Please take a moment to remember those who served in our honour today.

Sugar Shack

2010-11-08T22:36:00.000-07:00

Every spring, the French Immersion kids celebrate Cabane a sucre (Sugar Shack)! They receive a decadent treat - maple taffy and sometimes a pancake breakfast. I missed the pictures when Madison celebrated Cabane a Sucre in Grade 1 and I didn't want to miss it for Danielle.

Here is my story of Danielle's experience; she loved it!!!

Supplies: Kiki Art (pattern paper, chipboard glitter heart)' American Crafts (alphas); stitching

Thanks for dropping by!

Want to Join Me???

2010-11-04T10:37:00.000-06:00

This weekend Scrap Shotz is hosting one of their amazing online crops. The theme is Heros & Villians. Intriguing, yes? As well, Scrap Shotz uses one of its challenges to support a charity; this time the charity is Terry Fox. I hope you will join me Friday November 5 at 800 pm EST online for a weekend of scrapping and inspiring challenges!

Here are a few sneak peeks-

I hope to see you tomorrow night!

Favorite Photos

2010-10-31T22:31:00.000-06:00

It's been about 2 months since I have finished Wendy Schulz's Beginner Photography course. I miss it, really and truly. It was a fantastic course; I learned so much. What I have learned the most is that there is just so much more for me to learn! And that I love taking pictures that much more!

Here are some of my favorite photos from the class-

Thanks for letting me share!

Layout Tag

2010-10-23T06:30:00.001-06:00

Have you ever played Layout Tag? It is fun...someone creates a layout based on a scraplift from another layout. They send their scraplift to you and you scraplift an element from that layout and so on.

Here is my scraplift and contribution to the layout tag.

Supplies: Bazzill (cardstock); The Girls' Paperie (pattern papers), ribbon (source unknown); Urban Lily (chipboard circle); Kaisercraft (pearls); Making Memories (flowers); stitching

Thanks for letting me share.

Valerie Salmon Sketch #104

2010-10-20T22:50:00.000-06:00

I love Valerie Salmon sketches; who doesn't??? I am always so honoured to contribute to her blog. Here is my interpretation of Sketch #104.

And I loved it so much that I made another using different papers!

What do you think? Easy peasy, yes?

1940

2010-10-17T06:30:00.000-06:00

One of the recent challenges at The Inspired Scrapper was "Focus on Family." I thought alot about this challenge because the primary reason for me to start scrapbooking was to capture the stories of my family. This challenge made me examine why I scrapbooked. I realized that I was definitely focussing on my family, telling the good and the not-so-good but I also realized I don't scrapbook much about me or my ancestors. Then I realized I had a precious photo of Jean, my father in law, my girls' grandfather when he was a boy. I knew instantly it was the perfect photo for the challenge.

The layout is below.

Supplies: Graphic45 (pattern papers, die cut stickers, alphas, buttons, envelope); EK Success border punch

Scrap Shotz Fall Crop

2010-10-15T06:30:00.001-06:00

Are you doing anything on October 16? If not, come scrap with me at the Scrap Shotz Fall Crop. It is 13 hours of glorious scrapping with snacks and a store on site!!! So what are you waiting for???

Hope to see you there!

Little Lady

2010-10-13T06:30:00.000-06:00

As part of the Focus on Family challenge with The Inspired Scrapper, I created a layout with the adorable Cosmo Cricket papers.

I love how these pictures captured Danielle taking the next step in her swimming journey with her ladybug!

Supplies: Cosmo Cricket (pattern papers, die cut border stickers, die cuts); American Crafts (alphas); Prima (gem parentheses)

Thanks for letting me share!

Come On, Get Happy

2010-10-11T06:30:00.001-06:00

Ever have moments where you just want to be happy and it just isn't working out? Be it a challenging day at work or with the kids or with the traffic or just anything! Come on, we all have those days! Being a scrapbooker, I don't just scrapbook the good. Yes, I scrapbook the oh-not-so-good because that is what my life is really really like. It's a blend of the good and the not-so-good and I want my girls to know that.

So here is a layout documenting the not-so-good time we had in the summer of 2009 with Madison. I don't know what was bugging her but she was being a real turkey for the whole summer. By the time we arrived in Saskatchewan, she was a ginormous turkey. The only time she smiled was at the playground and well, I just had to snap some photos because I wasn't sure when the next time I would see her smile!

Supplies: October Afternoon (pattern paper, die cuts); American Crafts (alphas); Bazzill (cardstock)

Thanks for letting me share! (And yes, she was a turkey for the rest of the summer...and I was almost eyebrow-less! LOL)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-10-09T06:30:00.002-06:00

It has been years since I have spent Thanksgiving in Saskatchewan. Quite frankly, I love spending Thanksgiving in Saskatchewan. I love the genuine sincerity and thankfulness of our farming community. They exemplify what Thanksgiving truly means - thankfulness that the harvest is complete.

I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving! Enjoy your turkey, pumpkin pie and yams! *slurp*

Yodel-LEI-eeehooo!!!

2010-10-07T06:30:00.000-06:00

Trust Danielle to invent a *need* for a necklace! LOL And truthfully, I was happy to oblige with this Kiki Art necklace!

Here is a close-up of how the flowers were strung together - yes that is jigsaw pattern paper. It works beautifully as a flower necklace!

Here is a close-up of a very happy little girl!

Supplies: Tim Holtz (flower die); Kiki Art (pattern paper); ribbon (source unknown); Kaisercraft (pearls)

Thanks for dropping by!

Too Early For Christmas!

2010-10-05T06:30:00.002-06:00

Is it ever too early for Christmas? Nah! I love Christmas everything...the songs, the papers, the decorations...everything! And I just adore this Kaisercraft Advent Calendar!

Supplies: Kaisercraft Advent Calendar (Kaisercraft, alphas); Graphic45 (pattern papers); Tattered Angels glimmer mist

Thanks for dropping by!

A Different Point of View

2010-10-03T06:30:00.001-06:00

What I love about my girls is that they show me, no they force me, to see every day life from a different point of view. I am embarrassed to admit that there are times when I look at life and it all seems the same but when my girls tell me about what they have seen and experienced, it then becomes completely fresh and new. And seeing life every single day with a fresh set of eyes is such a gift.

Here is my layout celebrating that gift.

Below are close-ups of the layout. I made this bird myself :-)

The sun was made by myself too...and the sun always shines when we go to the park!

Supplies: Kiki Art (pattern papers); American Crafts (alphas, journaling pen); gems (source unknown)

Thanks for letting me share!

World Cardmaking Day

2010-10-01T22:48:00.000-06:00

Happy World Cardmaking Day! While I struggle with making cards, I do indeed love giving and receiving cards! So even though I find cardmaking challenging, I still continue making cards! (Some day...it will get easier!)

Here are a few cards that I have made using Urban Lily papers - yum!

Thanks for letting me share! Have a wonderful World Cardmaking Day!

Your Vantage Point

2010-09-22T22:58:00.000-06:00

My kids through their inquisitive minds challenge me every single day to view life from a different vantage point. I love that! I apply this principle to my everyday life...be it resolving kid related issues, cooking without all the ingredients in my pantry or scrapbooking! Yes you heard it right, scrapbooking! How do I do that you might ask??? Well, instead of using the papers in a collection, I look to see how I can mix and match between collections. It really is that simple ... to look at life from a different vantage point.

Here is my layout...

Here are a couple of close-ups of the items on my layout. This little birdie was made with scraps of pattern paper - can't let even a smidge go to waste! The faux stitching was made with a pen.

Here is my sun - my youngest brightens everyone's day every single day!

Thanks for letting me share!

-Virginia

Slurp!

2010-09-17T06:30:00.001-06:00

Here is another Urban Swank (Urban Lily) project for you!

If there is one food group that my girls adore, that would be marshmallows! LOL We save marshmallows for the special-est of occassions...like the start of school!

I could not resist sharing that I caught Danielle sneaking into the marshmallows during the photo shoot! LOL She is incorrigible!

And here is her reaction to sneaking a marshmallow!

Thanks for letting me share!

A Head of the Class!

2010-09-14T22:44:00.000-06:00

We are now into our 3rd week of school and things are starting to get into a smooth routine. Now I feel I can breathe a bit easier. Yes there are still some kinks to iron out with each girls' curriculum but we are moving ahead and that feels great!

I'd like to share an Urban Swank (Urban Lily) project with you. Danielle wanted a special tiara aka headband to celebrate the start of school. So I happily obliged!

Supplies: Urban Lily (pattern papers); Tim Holtz dies; ribbon and buttons (source unknown)

Well one child cannot have a headband and not the other so...

Supplies: Urban Lily (pattern papers); Tim Holtz dies; ribbon and buttons (source unknown)

Thanks for letting me share!

Changes

2010-09-06T22:47:00.000-06:00

Last week, well actually August 31, marked a day of change in our household. My youngest, Danielle, started Grade 1. I don't know who cried more, me or her. I miss that munchkin but I know she is ready for Grade 1. I must admit that the house is very quiet without her puttering with me, sharing stories and laughing together but now I have more stories to be heard at 340 pm.

It was a tough week for my munchkin. We had a couple days of "Mommy I miss too much to go to school" and then we had the "Playground Punch Incident." Yeah, you read it right...my happy go lucky, not a care in the world, sensitive, sweet baby girl could punched in the face on the playground during noon hour recess. And the worst thing was I was at the school, well, at the front of the school and she was at the back. I was walking to her to say good bye when I saw a boy grab her, pin her arms and a BIG girl wind up and punch her in the face. I felt instantly sick to my stomach and mad as Hell as I saw her head snap back and the perpetrators drop her to the ground. I yelled but who the heck is going to hear me over the din of 550 children outstide on a crisp fall weather day??? When I got to her, the perpetrators had already left the vicinity and I checked over her injuries and bruised ego. The inside of her cheek was cut from a tooth and her face had a slight bruise. I was mad, damn mad. So mad that I could not walk into the school and tell her home room teacher. I actually felt like lining up all 500 kids outside and finding the kids that did this. But instead I went home to cool off and get some control. I wrote a note to her teacher who spent time talking to Danielle the next day. Fortunately there was a supervising teacher outside that helped Danielle until I got there but I seriously hope this is not a sign of things to come and that this was a random attack...because I am on the look-out now.

Here is my munchkin as we get ready to walk to the bus. Take note of the matching purple backpack that is almost as big as her! (Have you guessed that purple is her favorite colour?)

This is what Grade 5 looks like! New haircut, spanking brand new chocolate brown jeggings and all of our supplies! Grade 5 has been a blast!

A reassuring hug from big sister to little sister! (Danielle was quite anxious about starting Grade 1, especially since Madison was not in the Elementary school anymore.)

All in all, it was a successful start to school! I know that this year will be big for both girls...I am a bit sad that they are growing up so quickly but happy that they are excited to embrace all the changes! (But are we ready for the changes?) :-)

Thanks for dropping by!

Afternoon Delights with Kiki Art

2010-08-29T06:30:00.001-06:00

Every year we go to Saskatchewan to visit with my Mom. My girls love love love it! Why? They can ride their bikes anywhere. My Mom spoils them rotten. They swim every day. My Mom spoils them rotten. They play mini golf, go to the old fashioned ice cream parlour, hang from the top rung of the monkey bars and just all around soak up the sun. My Mom spoils them rotten. And they just explore for hours outside. Did I mention that my Mom, their grandma, spoils them??????

Here is a layout that captures our afternoon of exploring the market gardens of a former class mate.

Supplies: Kiki Art (pattern papers, chipboard heart); American Crafts (Slick writer for stitching, alphas); house, sun and grass designs are my own.

Thanks for dropping by!

Capturing the Fickle Pre-Teen Years

2010-08-26T06:30:00.002-06:00

Madison is my oldest. When she is happy and sweet, she is amazing! When is grouchy and moody, eek...watch out! Do you have days like that? Well, my life isn't perfect and here is a layout that captures one of my life's imperfections. :-)

Supplies: Urban Lily (pattern papers), BasicGrey (alphas); Tattered Angels (glimmer mist); chipboard parentheses (source unknown); Glitz Designs (large black gems); BasicGrey (small black gem strips)

Thanks for dropping by!

Happy Birthday Cards

2010-08-20T06:30:00.003-06:00

I rarely make cards but the Kiki Art Hot Air Balloon pattern papers inspired me to make some fun birthday cards!

Check these out!

Supplies: Kiki Art (pattern papers); Black River Designs (sentiment rub on); EK Success (pen for stitching)

Thanks for dropping by!

Pomme Heart

2010-08-17T06:30:00.002-06:00

Danielle, my youngest, has rarely met a fruit that she didn't love but I swear her absolute tried and true favorite is the apple or as she refers to it in her french accent, "pomme." I love hearing her little accent!

Below is a layout created with some absolutely delicious Urban Lily papers showcasing her love of the apple. I cannot even begin to tell you how many pictures I have of Danielle eating an apple or drooling over an apple or dreaming of an apple! LOL

Supplies: Urban Lily (pattern papers); BasicGrey (alphas, chipboard heart ); Tattered Angels glimmer mist; Gems (source unknown), American Crafts (brads); Making Memories (glittered chipboard photo corner)

If your local scrapbook store is not carrying Urban Lily papers, please contact Becky at Scrap-tastic, http://www.scrap-tastic.com/ Becky is awesome to deal with and has super customer service. Tell her Virginia sent you!

Bliss

2010-08-14T06:30:00.000-06:00

I love summer! My girls love summer, every single aspect of it! They love the sun, the freedom to run barefoot through the grass, shorts and the ... playground! The playground is the one place where squeals and shrieks do not always mean trouble!

Here is a layout using some yummy American Crafts. This is my daughter absolutely loving the playground at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort on July 1, 2007. Yeah, the picture is kinda old - I am just not a chronological scrapper, just one that scraps whatever is on my desk at the moment!

Supplies: Americna Crafts (pattern papers, flair badge, chipboard label), Heidi Swapp (large alphas on title); Making Memories (mini alphas)

Thanks for dropping by!

We're Going on a Fairy Hunt!

2010-08-11T06:30:00.000-06:00

Danielle and I love reading the book, "We're going on a lion hunt.." And you can't really say the title without some lyrical movement in your voice, can you??? One day after reading the book, we went for a walk. Instead of the usual, "We're going for a walk Mommy..." she said, "Mommy, we're going on a fairy hunt!" LOL Our neighbours have the most adorable shed in their backyard. Every single time we go by the shed, Danielle says, "I wonder if the fairies are home today." She then knocks on the door to see if anyone is there. I love this routine of hers and hope she keeps her imagination and dreams for a long long time to come.

Here is my layout capturing our Fairy Hunt.

Supplies: SEI (pattern papers and chipboard accents); EK Success border punch; American Crafts (alphas); ribbon (source unknown)

Of course a close-up on how incredibly beautiful these papers are and my lilting title!

Thanks for dropping by!

Valerie Salmon Sketch #102

2010-08-08T06:30:00.001-06:00

Those of you that know me, know that I am a huge fan of Valerie Salmon and her blog, Got Sketch? And I have also been lucky enough to be contributor for her sketches from time to time. I love being a contributor because her sketches are awesome and I always end up making 2 or more layouts with the sketches.

Here are my contributions to Sketch #102.

Supplies: The Girl's Paperie (pattern papers); Heidi Swapp (alphas); Kiki Art (chipboard heart); Prima (butterflies cut from pattern paper); 7gypsies (journal spot); EK Success (pink and black pen for journaling and outlining); VersaMagic Liquid Chalk (lightly inked edges)

Supplies: The Girl's Paperie (pattern paper); American Crafts (alphas); Urban Swank (chipboard circle); Chatterbox (brads); Prima (butterflies cut from pattern paper); Maya Road (ticket); BasicGrey (black gem lines)

I have to tell you that I am in love with The Girl's Paperie papers. Gosh, they are heavy, feminine, subtle and ... absolutely gorgeous!

Thanks for dropping by!

Kiki Art Design Team Call

2010-08-03T06:30:00.001-06:00

Ladies and Gents - I wanted to share with you that Kiki Art is having a Design Team call. It is hard to believe that my term is almost up - where did the 6 months go??? I love the Kiki Art product; Kiki gives you an insanely generous amount of product to work with; Kiki and the rest of the team is easy to work with; and Kiki Art is an up and coming manufacturer (watch out Scrapbooking World!) - be an integral part of a growing, innovative Canadian company!!!

Here are the details:

The time has finally arrived! We are thrilled to announce the Kiki Art 2010 – 2011 Design Team call for this upcoming winter/spring! We are looking for talented and committed designers who love to create with bright and fun products. To apply, please email your application entitled Kiki Art DT Call to sarah@kiki-art.com with the following information:

1. A little bit about yourself. When did you start scrapbooking? How would you define your style? Are you on any other design teams? Have you been published before? Why would you make a great addition to our team? Please note that previous design team experience is not required. Be sure to include your first and last name, city/state/country, and your email address.

2. A link to your online gallery and/or blog so that we may get a general feel of your work. If you have a scrapbook resume, please feel free to send it in your application.

3. A scan or photograph of three (3) scrapbook layouts, one (1) card, and one (1) other project that displays your style. We would love to see projects that use Kiki Art products, but all applications will be considered.

All applications must be received by August 23rd.

Those invited to join the team will be notified via email, and the new team will be announced on the blog in early September.

New design team members will serve for six (6) months beginning in September 2010. Designers will be required to create a minimum of three (3) projects each month, participate on the design team forum, promote Kiki Art, etc. Designers will receive all products needed to complete their assignments, and compensation of published work will be negotiated.

If you have any questions regarding the DT call, please direct them to Sarah at sarah@kiki-art.com. Good luck to all those that apply, and we look forward to seeing all of your applications!

Go for it!

Push It!

2010-08-02T06:30:00.001-06:00

Here is a fun layout I created of my daughter at her Grade 2 Sports Day...yes, I know that the picture is 2+ years old...but I just needed the perfect papers! LOL

Supplies: My Minds Eye (pattern paper, die cuts); Basic Grey (brads); American Crafts (alphas, pen for journaling)

My message to her was to not be content with her first try. If given a second or third or fourth chance, to push herself to better the previous attempt...not only in sports but in life.

Not sure what to do with the parentheses die cuts? I like to bracket my title or journalling.

Thanks for dropping by!

More Kiki Art Goodness Coming!

2010-07-30T06:30:00.001-06:00

Can you really ever have too many Christmas themed papers? I did not think so! LOL The Kiki Art Christmas papers are like no other. Here they are...

The whimsical characters make me smile and Christmas is filled with smiles! Don't these images make you want to spend Christmas in Hawaii??? Hmmm...that is actually a good idea!

That's all the sneaks I have for the 2010 CHA Summer for now! Please help me spread the word on this fantastic Canadian company!

Kiki Art Sneak Peeks!! (More to come!)

2010-07-28T06:30:00.002-06:00

So what did you think of Party Animal??? I know, I love it too!

But wait until you see the sneaks for Firefighter and Friends!

This line really speaks to me! Firstly, there are not alot of boy paper lines out there that are not baby-ish, cutesy or heritage/vintage. I don't have boys but I have nephews and I would like love to find complementary papers for their photos. I love these because they are whimsical, vibrant and fun!!!

As well, it is versatile. I know I harp on versatility but being able to use my supplies for a variety of photos/events is important to me. I can see dress-up, Halloween and school field trip photos as starters.

Let me know what you think! Thanks for dropping by!

Kiki Art Sneak Peeks!!

2010-07-26T08:00:00.000-06:00

I am back! Well, I never left but the last 2 weeks of driving to and fro between summer camps has been tiring! Between drop off and pick up, I had envisioned clearing off my list of errands, working out, visiting with friends, purging the house and so on...but all that happened was finishing the errands, the occassional work out and cleaning! Why does time just slip away so quickly???

Well that doesn't matter now??? I have a whole swack of Kiki Art Sneak Peeks for you this week! So let me kick the week off with sneak of Party Animal.

Well, what do you think? Adorable or what?

What impresses me so much about Kiki Art is the versatility of the papers? These papers would be a match made in Heaven for pictures that are pet related, birthdays and parties (of course), zoo outings, field trips...I could go on and on...

Let your local scrapbook store know that you would love some Kiki Art papers!

Simply Radiant with Kiki Art

2010-07-19T23:11:00.000-06:00

If you have not heard of Kiki Art, google it or go here. Their papers are vibrant, bold and colourful - just the way I like it! As well, what you can't see from the photos is the ability to "feel" the texture on the papers. These papers have foil and flocking and glitter; they are absolutely gorgeous!

One of the recent challenges from the Kiki Art blog was to create a card or layout based on the sketch provided. Here is my interpretation of the sketch.

Supplies: Kiki Art (pattern paper, chipboard heart); American Crafts (alpha); Kaisercraft (gems); Heidi Swapp (flower); twine (source unknown)

Thanks for letting me share...also watch this blog for some Kiki Art CHA 2010 Summer Sneak Peeks!

More Nikki Sivils

2010-07-15T06:30:00.015-06:00

As promised, here is the project I created with the Nikki Sivils paper. A story about this necklace...Danielle had a similar "princess" necklace that she was wearing around the house. On one of her twirls, she caught the necklace in her wand...and you guessed it! It broke and shattered everywhere! So I decided to make her another necklace...but I am definitely not a beader!

As well, I find it very hard to find Nikki Sivils papers in Calgary so I bought up whatever I could. If you know me, you know that I am a very paper heavy scrapper. And when it came time to make the project, I panicked a bit because I had very little paper left. So I really need to thank Danielle for breaking her necklace or I would not have made these paper beads and flowers! LOL

Here is the necklace...

She still loves it!

Nikki Sivils News

2010-07-12T06:30:00.001-06:00

Awhile back, I submitted an application to the Nikki Sivils Design Team call. While I didn't make the team, I received a lovely note from Susan saying that I was close...and would I like to be a Guest Designer? Would I??? Of course!!!! Those Nikki Sivils papers are SO me! I love the bold colours, vibrant designs and the whimsical images...I love love love all of it!

I'd like to share a couple of projects from my submission.

One of the submission requirements was to create a layout about yourself. I have never done this before. Truthfully, I always thought it was a bit self-centred but after creating it, I realized how important it is to have a layout about yourself. When the girls see this layout, they read every single word on the page. I am more than just "Mom" to them; I am a real person! Not sure if you can see the dimension on this page but the trees, clouds and bird are all popped up. I am really happy with this page.

And here is one of Danielle. She loved that song titled, "I'm Supergirl!" And when I see these pictures I definitely see her being my Supergirl!

Here is a side view of the Supergirl layout too!

I love how the crown adds a touch of humour and whimsy to the layout and pictures. That wit is SO Danielle!

Thanks for dropping by! I'll share my project in tomorrow's post.

Happy Birthday Danielle!

2010-07-10T06:30:00.002-06:00

Today, my baby girl, Danielle is 6 years old! This birthday is a tough one for me. Danielle isn't a baby anymore, that much I have accepted. And she isn't a toddler either; ok, I can accept that too! But a grade schooler??? What happened?

While Danielle is excited to be starting Grade 1 in the fall, I haven't truly grasped this nugget of information yet. I will miss our mornings together...slowly enjoying our breakfast, doing a craft, reading a book and going for a walk. But she is definitely ready!

Happy Birthday Sweetie Pie!

With much love from Mommy! xoxoxoxo

Valerie Salmon Sketch #100

2010-07-07T06:30:00.000-06:00

When Lynn and Val asked me to contribute to Sketch #100, I jumped at the opportunity. Not only are Val's sketches awesome but Lynn and Val are FANTASTIC to work with!

Here is my interpretation of the sketch:

Supplies: Basic Grey (pattern papers, alphas, cardstock stickers, chipboard); coluzzle; American Crafts (pen for journaling), gems (source unknown)

Thanks for dropping by! And please drop by Val's blog, Got Sketch for some inspiration.

Virginia Wong

Got Sketch #126

Wow! Another 2-Pager!

Smash Books

Got Sketch #122

Scrapbooks etc. - Got Sketch Lucky #13

Got Sketch #137

Hollydaze with Got Sketch!

Happy Birthday Madison!

Lucky Me and Nikki Sivils!

Happy New Year!!!

Got Sketch? #132

Pinch Me!

Got Sketch Express - Sketch #3

Got Sketch Express2: Sketch #1

Advanced Pro: Assignment #4

Advanced Pro: Assignment #3

Advanced Pro: Assignment #2

Advanced Pro: Assignment #1

All Geared Up with Scrap-Tastic

It Was A Hot One Today!

Club Got Sketch #6

Club Got Sketch #5

Lifestyle Photography

Lifestyle Photography

Club Got Sketch #4

Lifestyle Photography

Club Got Sketch #3

Lifestyle Photography

Neglected! ***WARNING: Photo Heavy****

Club Got Sketch - Sketch #2

Catchin' Up!!!

Really, The Weekend?

Club Got Sketch #1

The Inspired Scrapper - Love Challenge

China Doll

Yes, A Card!

Club Got Sketch

Crop4Kids 2011

Got Sketch #112

Water, Water, Water!

Need a REALLY Quick Gift???

A Gift of Cards

Are You Scrapping???

Got Sketch? #110

Got Sketch? #109

February Layout Tag at Scrap Shotz

Got Sketch? #99

Clear Scraps Guest Design Project #3

Happy Valentine's Day!

Got Sketch? #106

The Inspired Scrapper - Unfinished Business

Clear Scraps Guest Design Project #2

Got Sketch?

Scrap Shotz January Kit

I'm Back....Finally!

Ooops!

Looking Back at 2010

Enough Already?

Gift Cards!!!

A Sweet Box

Urban Swank Blog Hop

Just One Word

Puhleez

A Hard Lesson Learned

Lest We Forget

Sugar Shack

Want to Join Me???

Favorite Photos

Layout Tag

Valerie Salmon Sketch #104

1940

Scrap Shotz Fall Crop

Little Lady

Come On, Get Happy

Happy Thanksgiving!

Yodel-LEI-eeehooo!!!

Too Early For Christmas!

A Different Point of View

World Cardmaking Day

Neglected! *WARNING: Photo Heavy**

Pomme Heart