scrappy one

Since I've seemed to have vanished...

2008-10-09T13:35:00.008-05:00

I really haven't but just been busy. Does anyone have a magic pill that makes kids organized, clean, respectful, and loves homework by any chance? If you do, I'll pay thousands for it. Just email me. :)

Anyway, since I haven't been posting I thought I'd atleast post a few of my favorite layouts I've done over the past few years since believe it or not, I've not scrapped in MONTHS. I will though. I'm thinking while my son is in Saturday detention at school for four hours, I'll get a chance to finally. Oy.

Click on any image for a larger version. Have a great weekend all!

Digi/Hybrid class success!

2008-06-27T18:58:00.008-05:00

A quick shout out to everyone who came to my Digital/Hybrid Scrapbooking 101 class on Tuesday night. It was terrific! You all were so enthusiastic and full of questions. I loved it. It was so much fun to see the excitement you have about branching out into hybrid. Thanks for coming out. :) Oh, and I am thinking about teaching a software class now. You were quite convincing.

Also, I just wanted to let everyone know that my Summer Sparkle kit is available at Scrapbook Mania. I think she may only have a couple extras but give them a call to find out... 205-424-4246. I was able to create a cute little acrylic mini-album with the kit. It includes Cloud 9 products, velvet ric-rac, paint, Stickles, and some other fun goodies.

I enjoyed creating the sparkly frame you see in the close up. I painted it first with the acrylic paint included in the kit. (The chipboard frames are part of it, too.) After drying, I put some Stickles on it and smeared it with my finger for even coverage and that was it. Very cute.

On a side note, I am happy to say I survived a 3000-mile trip from Alabama through Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, and Georgia for a fun visit with some family. The drive was so worth it. I had almost perfect driving weather and gosh, there's nothing like hanging out with people you love. Especially when you only get to see them every couple of years.

Have a great weekend everyone! I can't believe summer is about half over. Wow.

I {heart] Stickles.

2008-05-22T09:24:00.006-05:00

I love love love Stickles. I know I'm not the only one either. You know who you are. :)

They're my favorite accent to use on acrylic and paper. I'm experimenting with it on all kinds of mediums. If I come up with anything revolutionary, I'll be sure to share. Until then, I'm posting this recent layout called "Wild Man." I used some old pics I've been saving and designed this with Basic Grey and Bazzill papers. I used a Crafters Workshop doodling template for the scalloped outline of the brown paper and cut it out, and also for the leaves which I drew using the template then traced with Stickles. I cut one leaf out of brown paper and stickled the edges, too.

And of course, I used my Sakura pens to add a little doodling. The glitter alphas are made by Doodlebug. (You can see more detail by clicking on the images below.)

I've put together a fun kit using Cloud 9 products, Stickles, paint, and acrylic that will be on sale at Scrapbook Mania in a month or two. I can't wait to play!

Hope all is well with everyone. Have a wonderful holiday weekend.

Bling for a buck

2008-04-08T21:23:00.002-05:00

Browsing through Michael's arts & crafts store tonight I ran across the bin with all the cutsie-pie flip flops ready for decorating and I looked up and there was the rhinestone bling! For $1.00 I got a 48-pc pack of clear rhinestones. They also had pastels and primary colors. Of course, I bought a few of each. Oh, and by the way, they're self-adhesive! I haven't tried them yet to see how well they stick but I think they were meant for the plastic straps on flip flops so I'm thinking they may work really well. I'll let you know. :)

Anyway, thought I'd share this find. Yummy. :)

spring cleaning, organizing, purging...

2008-03-25T22:27:00.003-05:00

Has that mood hit you yet? I'm all about it right now. It seems like every year I get more comfortable with just getting rid of STUFF. Stuff I've collected and saved over the years, papers, cute little chotchkes (sp?), just all kinds of stuff... I'm sorting and organizing and cleaning (REALLY cleaning!) and best of all making tons of donations to whoever wants to take it on. :)

So I bought four Scraponizers from my LSS, Scrapbook Mania, and am very happy with them. I stored all the little bits and items and embellies that I have a lot of and my inks and chalks and blooms and glitters and chipboard... aaahhhhhhhhhhhhh. Feels good.

So, are you in that mood yet? Getting there? Been there?

An acrylic album... FINALLY!

2008-03-21T01:50:00.007-05:00

Am I the last person to have ventured into the world of acrylic albums? I see them a lot and just think they're so cool. I bought one about two months ago and honestly, had so many things I wanted to try, I didn't know where to start. But with my son sick with mono (eeek!) and a little time to clean my scraproom, I was ready to go.

Finally, two days later, it's done. I created an album I titled "The First Ten" referencing the first 10 years of my son's life. Not exactly a chronicle of the past decade but more of a quick visual reference in photos.

I used a lot of Stickles. I realized once I started using them on the acrylic that they look so SO great from both sides of the pages. I've included a slide show of the pages here. Just click on an image for a larger version. Hope you like it!

Oh, and HAPPY EASTER!!!

Tough Weekend

2008-02-04T05:48:00.000-06:00

My son got a haircut. A BIG TIME haircut. I suggested we get it trimmed a little because for heavens sake, he couldn't even see. So we went to his usual place, they trimmed it and he HATED it. Honestly, I did, too. It looked like an adult woman's hair cut. Then realizing he had a basketball game later that afternoon, he just HAD to get it cut again before anyone saw him like that. Which I was completely okay with. I understood. So he decided - yes HE decided - to get his hair cut short. He asked me to pull out photos from a few years ago when his hair was short so he could see how he wanted it cut. We took the photo to the hairstylist, and they cut it just as we asked. He said he liked it.

Two hours later, after the basketball game, he broke down in tears. He hated it. I think it finally hit him that one of the things that always made him stand out - his long crazy hair - was now gone. It really was a part of him and a reflection of his personality. Of course, he has a lot of wonderful things that make him stand out but he loved that hair. Oh well. So it was a tough weekend and he wore a hoodie all day yesterday and to school Monday. I think it'll just take a little getting used to. Right??? :)

So chalk it up to another moment worthy of scrapping. It'll grow back.

Have a great week everyone!

How sweet!

2008-01-30T05:37:00.000-06:00

I just noticed this review of my book online:
D*I*Y Planner
Love that!

So how is your week going? I'm crazy busy at work and loving it. The work day just flies by. It got me thinking. I've NEVER scrapped a page about my career. Whether you're a bank teller, stay-at-home parent, real estate salesperson, personal chef, or magazine editor (like me), it's a big part of your life, I'm sure. Have you ever scrapped about it?

I've scrapped a lot about family and events but have somehow ignored this part of my life which takes up more than 8 hours a day most days! That's so weird! :)

So that's my goal for February (yes, I need a whole month to accomplish this!) I'm going to scrap about my job or career or career path or whatever. And if you've already done so, I'd love to see what you've done. I'm sure I'd be absolutely inspired!

Until I post that creation, I'm sharing an oldie but goodie. It's one of my first layouts. I remember when I first started 12x12 layouts, they took me FOREVER so I tried scrapping 8x8. It seemed a little less intimidating at the time. Check out all that yarn! And all the HANDCUT circles. LOL

Favorite Techniques

2008-01-24T18:57:00.000-06:00

I recently looked back at some of my older pages and realized there are some techniques that I adopted over the years that I like so much, they just never die. Doodling is one, of course. Another is using different liquid mediums on my pages. Paints, dyes, inks, and in this example shown here, liquid "glass". There are several brands out there but I used Aleene's Paper Glaze here.

It's kinda the consistency of white glue but it's clear. I apply it right from the tip directly to my layout. I like it because it adds a little more texture or dimension but it's not too bulky and is rather subtle. I like the highlights you get when you move the page around and the light hits the clear lines and dots in different ways. It dries rather quickly and can also be painted on with a paintbrush for larger coverage areas.

I have tried it on glossy photos and don't like the way it looks so I tend to stick to applications on paper and embellishments only. While it's wet or tacky, you can also drop some beads or glitter into it and they'll stay put. You can tint it with paint but I've not tried that yet. Hmmmm... something to do this weekend. :)

Anyway, thought I'd share this closeup photo of this medium on paper. Enjoy!

Prima wonderfulness

2008-01-23T05:35:00.000-06:00

Is that a word?

Scrapbook Mania asked me to design a few layouts to promote their January page(s) kit which was full of Prima papers, flowers, cardstock embellishments, rub-ons, Bazzill, and more. Sounds yummy, doesn't it? Anyway, here is one that I put together. It's a simple layout but really takes advantage of those awesome flowers to add that extra something. (Click on image for close-up view.)

The photos of my neices were actually from the family Christmas card. I hate throwing those cards away because the photos are always so pretty. (My big bro is a photographer.) So I cut the photos out and put them to use on this layout to create a kind of bouquet of flowers, photos, and ribbon.

It's a happy little layout. :)

Three Months Later...

2008-01-22T05:52:00.000-06:00

Time has flown. Teaching the Big Picture Scrapbooking class, Thanksgiving, Christmas, 2008, minor illnesses, torn ligaments (my son), and a small case of burnout has kept me from my blog. But I am back. Life is still busy, my son's ankle and knee are wrapped, but I'm rejuvenated and ready to scrap.

Another edition of my Doodle All Day class will be coming up on Big Picture Scrapbooking soon. I've started a fun acrylic album that I will be sure to share with you. I'm working on some fun projects for Frances Meyer, too. I may also be teaching a class in March at Scrapbook Mania!

So for all those who have stopped by the store and asked if I was okay because I was curiously absent from my blog, thank you so much. I appreciate that you even stopped by to check on me. :)

Until my next scrappy post, here's a photo of my son (yes, I know he needs a haircut) on the first day of snow he's seen since he was a baby. Alabama snow doesn't fall too often.

It's not cheating!

2007-10-13T21:16:00.000-05:00

I've been asked a few times during my doodling classes - in person and now online - if I use doodling templates and if I think it's cheating. Cheating at doodling, that is. Well, I say absolutely not! I've used Crafters Workshop templates a few times and really like them. I also like to take them and add my own touches to them.

Here's one I made for my LSS. I used the template for the basis of the swirls and foliage and most of the dots. I moved the template around and just used bits of it here and there to create my own pattern of swirls. Same with the dots.

I used a Sakura black Permapaque marker for the black because it was going to be on both paper and the slick photo paper. Then I outlined some of them with white to give them a little more depth.

The second layout I used a different template and changed pens depending on what color I wanted to stencil in. I'd color it in, lift it carefully, and let the ink dry. I'd then reposition it and repeat the process with a different color. I put some of the design over the photo and some beneath.

So, for you doodlers out there, use those templates! It's still doodling, just doodling with help. :) Who couldn't use a little help every now and then?

Online Class has Begun!

2007-10-05T05:53:00.000-05:00

Hello to all my Doodle All Day students on Big Picture Scrapbooking! I'm very excited that class has started. It's Day Two and I'm already having a blast. For those of you who missed registration, the class may be offered again and I'll make sure to let you know if it is. The creative team at BPS has done a fantastic job pulling the class together. A huge special thank you to all of them for helping this class be as great as it looks like it's going to be.

I'll see you in the classroom!

Class near Atlanta this Saturday 10/6/07

2007-10-04T01:52:00.000-05:00

First, I apologize for not being around lately. I've been teaching and traveling and just crazy with work. Bad blogger bad. :(

Anyway, just a quick note to all those in the Atlanta area.
I'll be teaching my doodling class at EMI Scrapbooking Store in Cumming, GA this Saturday from 1:00 - 3:00.
Can't wait to meet all of you already registered!
Call the store for more info. Their website: EMI Scrapbooking

Under the category of Inspiration

2007-09-10T06:06:00.000-05:00

I don't normally just post links for y'all to go visit if they aren't scrappy related. However, someone shared this page with me and it is so inspiring, I thought I'd share with you, too.

Librophiliac Love Letter: A Compendium of Beautiful Libraries

Don't be intimidated by the title. It's basically a collection of images of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Just gorgeous.

My favorite - about one-third of the way down the page: Handelingenkamer Tweede Kamer Der Staten-Generaal Den Haag, the Hague, Netherlands Surprise, surprise. It's a gorgeous red color. And that spiral staircase? Gorgeous.

What's your favorite?

Oct. 6th - Book Signing and Class Near Atlanta

2007-09-07T22:28:00.001-05:00

Look at this cute ad that Kimberly Archer designed for my upcoming class and book signing on October 6th! Kimberly is so talented, I'm proud I was able to include her work in my book!

Anyway, the image (click on it for a larger version) has some of the details but if you'd like more information, check in with the store, EMI Scrapbook Store in Cumming, Georgia. I think they're selling spots quickly but check anyway. I'd LOVE to see some of my bloggy friends there!

Registration is OPEN!

2007-09-05T21:55:00.001-05:00

Hey all. Very quick post to let you know that registration for my Big Picture Scrapbooking workshop, Doodle All Day, is now open! Registration lasts about a month and then the class begins October 4th and lasts four weeks. Check out BPS for the who, what, where, when, and why! Hope to see you on there!

One of my favorite techniques

2007-09-02T10:40:00.001-05:00

This is by far, one of my favorite techniques. Doodle a little something, color it in, and cut it out. Then, make a bunch of them in different sizes and adhere some flat, and some with 3-D.

For this layout I used only one piece of Frances Meyer paper, white cardstock to doodle on, and a little black Stickles to dot all the "i's" and other little dots for a tiny bit of blingyness. And of course, my Sakura Pigma Micron in .08. I used a Sakura yellow Glaze pen and a teeny bit of black Stickles to dot the i's. And you just gotta love those micro-tip scissors, huh?

Anyway, this is a FUN and EASY and INEXPENSIVE way to scrap. Try it. And then share!

Have a good one.

Doodle All Day at Big Picture Scrapbooking

2007-09-01T22:39:00.000-05:00

FINALLY! Finally, I've got it together. Let me tell you. Those awesome gals over there at Big Picture Scrapbooking work like crazy pulling classes together. They're not as easy as they look to get together either. I'm working my butt off and am SUPER excited about the class. Registration will start in the next couple of weeks. Once you register, you'll even get a copy of my book, Doodling for Papercrafters. I'll let you know as soon as registration is up and ready.

Anyone else in a rut right now? I was in a BIG rut until today. THANK HEAVENS! I felt like I would never get a page done ever again! But I did. I scrapped three pages today - which is a lot for one day for me. Now, if I can only find the time to take pictures of them to share on my blog.... hmmm... maybe tomorrow.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Have a safe and wonderful Labor Day. :)

Chat at Creative Scrap Shack

2007-08-25T04:45:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone. If you've got a few minutes to spare, I'll be chatting with the ladies over at Creative Scrap Shack at 7:00 P.M. Eastern today (Saturday the 25th). (Click on the Catch of the Seas forum.)

Stop by and say hello!

Oh, and I'll post a fun challenge in their honor right afterwards here on my blog.

Hope to see you there!

Shameless plug

2007-08-03T23:35:00.000-05:00

I realize that most of you who read my blog know me because of my scrapbooking habits. :)

Stacy Julian wrote on the Big Picture Scrapbooking blog a "Did You Know?" about my "real" job. So, in honor of my very cool day job, and the fact that it is what actually allows me the ability to fund my scrapbooking life, I thought I'd share a little about that part of my world with y'all.

I am the Managing Editor of Cooking Light magazine. It's an awesome publication, with about 11 to 12 million readers nationally. Next time you're near a newsstand, pick one up and take a look. It's not just cooking, and it's not diet food, either. The Cooking Light web site is very useful too when trying to figure out what you're having for dinner or planning a menu, too.

Thanks, Stacy for bringing out that little known fact about me. You've outed my other life. :)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Big Picture Class

2007-08-01T05:57:00.000-05:00

I know some of you are awaiting my Doodling class on Big Picture Scrapbooking, and I promise, it's coming soon. But in the mean time, BPS is running a FREE series called A Colorful Summer. A bunch of BPS instructors have created layouts based on our favorite colors and they're all up there to inspire you!

My color is called Independent Red. You can listen to my audio file on their site to hear why I call it that and check out a fun layout featuring my favorite color, too.

Enjoy!

What a week

2007-07-27T19:05:00.000-05:00

I've been out of town for a couple of weeks now and am finally adjusting back to my normal life and central standard time. :)

Two big events this week though I just have to share.

The first was my celeb chat at EBBCreations.com. EBB was one of the first design teams I had the privilege to serve on so it was very sweet for me to be invited as a guest chatter. The chat started nicely and we talked about my book and doodling and THEN, they told me to check out the photo gallery. So I did. I couldn't believe it. What an amazing bunch of women. They had used an old doodled layout of mine as inspiration and created their own layouts based on mine. I'm putting them here to share. It was quite a moment and very touching. Thanks EBB friends. You made my night for sure.

The second big event was my book signing last night at Scrapbook Mania. What a wonderful reception I got from such terrific people. Thanks to everyone who came out, and hung out with me for a while. Scrapbooking is truly full of some of the sweetest kindest people in the world. Thanks to India and Nonna, too for pulling the signing together.

Super classes

2007-07-12T02:20:00.001-05:00

I love teaching doodling. I always start the class wondering what the students' expectations are. Some come in not even understanding what doodling is all about. And then today, after teaching two back-to-back classes, I was once again reminded why I love teaching this class. People seem truly excited about what they learned, excited to try the doodling techniques.

In addition, I was interested to see what people thought of the book. I know there is a ton of inspiration in there for scrapbookers, doodlers or not. It's a great idea book even without the doodling instruction. I'm so pleased with everyone's comments. Thank you students, and other folks who have already ordered the book.

Here, I'll share some of the comments I've already received. Keep 'em comin'!

"I got your book yesterday! It is even better than I imagined it would be--you rock!!!"

"I just wanted to drop you a note and tell you how much I enjoyed your class and your book. It’s very unique and I know this will be something I use all the time."

"WOW!!! I received the book today & it is incredible!!! Your layouts are amazing & it is SO FUN to look at :)"

Doodling Class - Next Wednesday in Simi Valley, CA

2007-07-03T05:47:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to remind all my scrappy friends in California that I will be teaching a Doodling class next week.

Here are the details:

Wednesday, July 11
6:00 - 7:30 p.m. with book signing afterwards

$35
Cost includes a copy of my book, Doodling for Papercrafters (retail cost $19.95),
and 3 awesome pens courtesy of Sakura/Gelly Roll.

Location: EBB Creations Scrapbooking Center
4437 Alpine St.
Simi Valley, California
805-582-9150

Call the store to save your spot. Classes are pre-paid.
This is a new scrapbooking store and ladies, you'll just have to go to see how cool it is. The class area is top-rate and I'm pretty sure I'll have chocolate with me too. :) Two guys run this store (with some help from some local scrappers -- you know who you are) and they're all super fun.

I hope to see you there!

Oh, and if you're already signed up or planning to attend, post a comment here so I know who you all are! Can't wait to meet you.