One more day!

Wow!!! It's almost here!!

BC's Crop for Kids begins tomorrow and happens all weekend long. It's always such a great weekend with many amazing classes and lots of time to scrapbook. Plus all the money raised goes to the Vancouver Children's hospital. I love that.

I'm thrilled to find out that tonight 2 of my 3 classes are SOLD OUT!!! Woohoo!!! Can't wait to see all of you this weekend!!! It's going to be so much fun!! Plus I've got some Canadian Scrapbooker magazines to give away to those of you who take my classes!! (*wink, wink*)

There's still room in this class if you're interested in creating a gift for someone or just to keep for yourself! If you're interested you can register HERE or when you get to the event at the registration desk.

Hope to see you there.

Wanna win something???

Yes! I'm sure you do!! We all like to win something.

Well, all you have to do is hop on over to Core'dinations blog and leave and check out all the wonderful layouts that the design team has created with then new Stacy Julian collection of cardstock. These colors are so invigorating and fresh. I really like them a lot.

Here's a layout that I created using some of the new colors.

Supplies used: Core'dinations cardstock (Stacy Julian collection), October Afternoon patterned paper, stickers (my happiness & smile), journal tag, American Crafts Thickers, buttons (My Little Bit of Whimsy), Prima flowers, Imaginisce's i-rock tool and white studs, Fiskars border punch

So, head on over and leave a comment for your chance to win a package of this new collection.

It's going to be a colorful week!!!

I'm so excited about this new collection that Core'dinations has out. They teamed up with Stacy Julian and created a new collection called Stacy Julian, Happy Colors. I absolutely love this collection!!! These colors and patterns truly make me smile! Thanks Stacy.

For the entire week, starting today, this new collection will be highlighted on the Core'dinations blog along with posts from Stacy regarding color tips & tricks. Plus there will be many wonderful creations revealed from the design team as well.

So make sure to hop on over there each day this week to see what's new. I know you won't be disappointed.

Guest Blogging today

I have the privilege of being the guest blogger over at Paper Trunk today.

Here's what I created but please make sure that you head on over there to check the blog out.

Supplies used: Paper Trunk (Krafty collection and Socialite papers), Core'dinations cardstock, Scenic Route chipboard circles, American Craft brads, rick rack, black string

I also created a layout for The Inspired Scrapbooker today as well. Our challenge was a color one based on this picture.

I absolutely loved this picture, the colors, the basic grid design - all of it!!!

So I chose to use the photo placement for the design on my layout and the colors ... well, they are just so gorgeous that I used those as well.

Supplies used: Imaginisce (Birthday Bash collection of papers and rub-ons), Core'dinations (Stacy Julian turquoise cardstock), Fiskars punch, A Little Bit of Whimsy (button), brown Divine Twine (Steam Trunk)

Have a wonderful weekend.

More Dino Roar

I love this new collection from Imaginisce. So much fun & just so adorable.

Here's another layout that I created using the Dino Roar collection.

I also used the i-rock tool to add some brass colored studs. Added some footprints with the rub-ons - they're adorable.

Supplies used: Imaginisce (Dino Roar papers, ribbon, rub-ons, stacker stickers, i-rock and studs), Core'dinations cardstock, Fiskars border punch.

Have a great day!

Steam Trunk

Ok, you have got to check out Steam Trunk!

Cathy has the most wonderful stuff in her shop!! I love all the buttons and vintage stuff but one of my favorite things right now is the Divine Twine.

This stuff is fabulous!!! It comes in 8 wonderful colors. I'm not sure that I can even pick a favorite because they're all just so much fun AND the price is great! But, I guess if I had to I'd pick the Aqua Blue.

I used the Orange Creamsicle colored twine, plus some vintage buttons & lace for this album I'll be teaching at BC's Crop For Kids in a few weeks.

So, I hope you'll take some time to go and check out Cathy's shop. Steam Trunk.

Dino Roar Release!!!!

Have you seen it?? Do you have children that like dinosaurs??

Well, Imaginisce has the perfect collection then!! Dino Roar.

On the blog today over at Imaginisce you can check out some awesome projects by the design team!

Here's a layout that I created about my son - he loves finding books about dinosaurs.

And of course they're always some goodies to win!! Would you like to win the entire collection of Dino Roar??? It's a $50 value!

So hop on over to the Imaginisce blog to find out how you could win this awesome prize!!!

Coredinations and myStampBOX Blog Swap

So have you checked out the blog swap yet?? I mentioned it below earlier on today.

We're having a blog swap between these 2 companies. The design team members have created some amazing projects and you can check that all out on the company blogs. Make sure to comment on their blogs for your chance to win some goodies!

myStamp Box

Core'dinations

Here's my creations. Of course, you already know how much I love Core'dinations. Their cardstock is my favorite and is SO much fun to use!!!

Plus I loved using the set of stamps that I received for the swap. These are quality stamps! The images come out so clean and crisp and I really like that.

Thanks Core' & mSB for an awesome swap!!!

I'll leave you with my projects.

Supplies used: Core'dinations cardstock (Jenni Bowling collection), myStampBOX stamps (Birthday Balloons), ink (Colorbox), Queen & Co. felt, May Arts ribbon

Supplies used: Core'dinations cardstock, myStamp Box stamps (Rought Copy alpha), Queen & Co felt flowers, pearls & rhinestones, EK Success punches, Making Memories (Alpha stickers), BoBunny (rub-on image)

Blog Swap happening today!!!

Yeah! So excited to announce another blog swap is happening. This time between Core'dinations and myStampBOX!

It's going to be super fun because you'll see amazing projects designed by both design teams from these companies and you'll also have a chance to win some prizes! Now of course I've got your attention right? ;) Hope so.

myStampBOX & Core'dinations starting the event at 12noon EST so make sure to check out both of their blogs at this time.

For now here's a sneak from me.

I'll be back sometime today to share my projects.

Have a great morning!

It's Friday!!

Yeah!!! It's the weekend!

Well, another full week of the kids being in school. I think I'm still adjusting to the fact there they are all gone all day. It's so wonderfully quiet! Sometimes it almost feels strange, to be honest.

I was able to finally sit and scrapbook this morning (because I've just been busy running around doing errands, kitting for the weekend and cleaning all week.) So it felt good to create something.

I worked on a layout for my blog post for Paper Trunk next week. I can't show you now 'cause that wouldn't be right. But I can show you a little peek.

Now you'll just have to wait until next Friday to see the whole thing - make sure to check it out on Paper Trunk's blog.

Hope you have a fabulous weekend!!

Kitting today

Well, after a full day of cleaning yesterday and a really hard & good workout this morning I can honestly say ... "I'm tired".

Did a few errands this morning and have been busy finishing up instructions and kitting for classes I'll be teaching this Saturday at The Ultimate Scrapbook Retreat up at Loon Lake. That place is just so relaxing and peaceful. I love it!

Here's a peek at what I'll be teaching.

This first class I've taught before (this past spring at the Great Canadian Scrapbook Carnivals) and I'm thrilled to be able to teach it again this coming weekend.

"Just Imagine"

It's a layout workshop - create 3 single paged layouts filled with beautiful patterned papers, fun embellishments and we get to play with the i-top tool and make a bunch of fun brads!

"Autumn Splendor"

This 2nd class is another layout workshop where we'll create 3 single paged layouts using gorgeous rich fall colored patterned papers, canvas embellishments & other goodies!

I'm so excited about this one because we'll be playing with the new Apple Cider collection from Imaginisce!!

So, if you're planning on being at the retreat this weekend I hope you've signed up for these classes (spots are limited so make sure to sign up quickly!!)

So ... back to kitting!

Quiet Saturday

Woke up to a beautiful blue sky and the sun shining brightly. Even had a bit of a sleep-in! It was wonderful.

The kids are playing nicely and we have a few things planned for today but not much so we're looking forward to a quiet day. I like those relaxing days.

I'll leave you with a layout that I made the other day.

Supplies used: Fancy Pants (paper, stickers), cork, Prism (cardstock), Fiskars border punch

Hope you're enjoying your weekend!

Better late than never!

For a birthday party, that is.

Kailyn has been talking about her birthday party for months now and since her birthday always falls so close to the first day of school we have to have it later on in the month. So that's the plan for this month. And yes, we've been busy planning things already and collecting items for the big bash!

In fact, I finished up her invitations yesterday and she was so excited to hand them to her friends today.

We're planning a Luau themed party and for the invitations I made airline tickets. They're so stinkin' cute if I do say so myself. I had a blast making them.

I typed "Kailyn's Birthday Luau" on the front cover (which is vellum) and then all the ticket details are printed on white cardstock. I stapled the two pieces together and inserted them into a dark fuschia colored cardstock envelope that I made. Also added a cute little hula girl to embellish the cover a little bit.

And here's the finished invitation

And the winner is ....

... well first of all I just want to say thanks to all of you for your awesome comments on the CS Photography Blog Hop. I loved hearing where many of you like to vacation. I used to live in Ontario and loved the Muskoka's. We went camping every summer & travelled all across the country and the US and I've got great memories of those trips.

Anyways, on to the winners of this fabulous blog hop.

If you want to find out if you won click HERE.

Congratulations to all you lucky winners!!!

If you'd like to check out the September tutorial then click HERE as it's been posted along with all the contest details.

Well, I dropped off my kiddos for their 1st day of school this morning.

I got a bit weepy when I had to say goodbye to my little JJ though. He looked so cute sitting there. He was so excited but said that he was a bit scared too.

I tried taking pictures of them but they're always so distracted with everyone & everything. I'm praying for them today and hoping that they are all enjoying their first day back.

Love you kiddos!

Last Day

Today is the last day before school starts tomorrow (*sniff*sniff*)

All 3 of my kiddos will be gone all day now. I know that I will enjoy some "me" hours of quietness but I also know that it's going to feel wierd for the first little while. I'm feeling bittersweet about it and of course the rain isn't helping at all today. However, having said that I am really looking forward to getting back into routine around here and it will be good for the kids too.

Tim doesn't have to work today so we're hoping to do something fun with the kids. Not sure what right now but we'll make it fun!! But they're all excited about tomorrow so I'm thankful for that.

Today is also the last day for you to post your comments on the CS Photography Blog Hop. Read my post HERE for more details. The hopping has been going great and I've enjoyed reading everyone's comments.

So for now, have a fabulous day!

I'll leave you another layout that I had published in Canadian Scrapbooker.

Supplies used: Core'dinations cardstock (Black Magic, Whitewash), American Crafts (paper, rub-ons, Flair, chipboard)

Turning 10!

Someone in our family is celebrating their 10th birthday today. I truly cannot believe that it's been 10 years since we brought her home from the hospital. I remember that day clearly.

Yes, Kailyn is thrilled to have reached the double digits today.

Yesterday, I surprised her when we were shopping (for running shoes for school) by taking her to get her ears pierced. It was funny because she had just asked me about it and I tried to ignore the subject. Then I just walked into this store that we don't go in ('cause I knew it would be a good place to get it done) and she was shocked, excited and then a bit nervous & scared when she realized what was happening. But she was just thrilled with the end result and I was so thankful that there were two girls there and they did her ears at the same time. So, she was done in a flash!

And I'm sure you can see a bit of it in the picture above ... but last week just before we were heading out the door to the PNE Kailyn slipped as she was putting her chair away in her room (it's a folding chair). She fell and sliced the skin open just above her lip. I thought for sure she would have to have stitches. But the doctor just put some sterri strips on it and we left it for a week. We went today to get it off but the scab underneath is attached too snugly to the sterri strip so he just left it and it will come off soon. Kailyn hopes soon ... like in a few days before school starts. So I'm pretty sure we'll be wetting it to moisten that thing off somehow and hopefully it's healed nicely underneath.

Anyways, that's our exciting news for the day! Now off to church and do some birthday celebrations afterwards!

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Paper Trunk goodness!

I hope that you 've been checking out the Paper Trunk blog lately as the DT gals have been posting some fabulous projects over the summer. If you haven't had the chance to check it out make sure you do now. Here's a link to the blog.

Plus Paper Trunk has teamed up with My Memories Suite to produce this fabulous digital collection. "It's Your Life." Doesn't it look wonderful? All you have to do is add your photos and you're done. So for those of you who don't have a lot of time to spend scrapbooking and you hate to figure out how to add embellishments or where to place your photos - it's all done for you. The color combo is perfect for any season and occasion. Plus you could make a year in review type album using the wonderful monthly digital stamps that are included in the kit.

Here's a couple of pages that Carrie Postma (Paper Trunk owner & designer) created using this kit.

I love them and think they're so crisp and clean! What a fun way to create a quick & easy album. Check it out and let Paper Trunk know what you think by posting on their blog.

Have a great day!

It's Friday and some exciting news!

Wow! It's Friday, the end of yet another week. Looks like it's going to be a gorgeous day so the kids & I will have to make the most of it today. I can't believe that they'll be going back to school in just 4 days.

I honestly have this bittersweet feeling inside. We went to get all the registration done the other day and they were very excited to be in the school again. JJ met his new Gr. 1 teacher and she is really nice but he was just so shy. Makes my heart sad a bit to know that he'll be gone all day. But I do know that he'll be just fine.

Yesterday the children had their last swimming lesson and they all passed!!! Yeah. JJ was in a different (younger kids) class but now they'll all be in the same group. Fun stuff for whoever the teacher will be. (I'll have to advise them that they can separate my kids at anytime because I'm sure they'll be a handful when they're all together in the water!)

I want to say a HUGE thankyou to all of you that have popped by my blog the last few days! It's been so much fun to read all of your comments about the CS Photography Blog, the Imaginisce September Sketch challenge and my scrap studio. Keep 'em coming.

If you are looking for the CS photography post CLICK HERE and that will take you right to the post where you can leave your comments. The blog hop is on until the 6th of September so you still have lots of time!

On another note I'm thrilled to share with you that I've been asked to be a part of the myStampBox Design Team starting in October. See the blog post for the full details.

Here's a list of the team members I'll be joining:

Allison Cope (CAN) – Coordinator
Agata Pfister (SWI)
Cari Locken (CAN)
Eva Pizarro (ITA)
Jaine Drake (LUX)
Jill Hildebrand (CAN)
Jolene Johnston (USA)
Kristen Swain (USA)
Maryfrances Fabbri (USA)
Melissa Wright (CAN)
Michelle Philippi (USA)
Stephanie Ackermann (USA)

So, I think that's it for today.

I'm out of here and going to enjoy the last weekend before school starts. Plus we have a big birthday to celebrate this weekend. Someone in our family is turning 10!!! (I know ... I can't believe it either!)

My Studio

I thought it was high time I shared with you where I spend many hours of my day.

So ... welcome to my little studio.

This is where I love to create hours on hours. I would love to have 2 desks but the room isn't big enough for that because I have my piano on 1 wall. One day I hope to have one though. When we first moved in we went to Ikea & purchased the cabinets above my desk and on the side. I really like them as they can hide a lot - I hate seeing a mess on my desk .. and believe me it happens often.

Behind my desk is a bookshelf that (I am in the process of re-organizing right now) that holds my Canadian Scrapbooker schtuff (ribbons, flowers, stamps,magazines) also my Cricut Expression and cartridges.

To the right side of my chair is a cabinet (from Ikea) that holds my printer paper, ribbons (which I've organized in embroidery floss containers), paints, Coluzzle templates, stamping inks) and on top of it is my printer and another basket full of Canadian Scrapbooker supplies.

The closet stores all of my patterned papers in 2 large racks. I used to have my cardstock (in 12x12 Cropper Hopper folders) in there as well but I moved them to my wall cabinets now.

I store many little embellishments for Canadian Scrapbooker in 1 of the Iris carts. Another Iris cart stores all of my Imaginisce products (from flowers, ribbons, stamps, i-rock & i-top tools & accessories, chipboards, to stickers) as well as American Crafts in 1 drawer. The other iris cart contains some sewing notions in a few drawers, stamps and liquid adhesives, inks, embossing powders, etc.

The baskets above the wall cabinets hold various things such as ribbons, my massive card collection (which I need to go through and use!!!), Stix2 products, my mini album collections and some unaltered items.

I've added the white cubes (from Michaels) that hold chipboard alpha, my brad collection, rhinestones/gems, chipboard , etc. I'm still working on filling up some of the drawers by re-arranging some of the things I have elsewhere. Plus on the bottom sections I hold my Core'dinations cardstock separate from my other cardstock.

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek at my studio. Hope you enjoyed your visit.

And remember to always .... Live Love Laugh!

Welcome to the CS Hands On! Photography Blog Hop!

Welcome to my blog and thanks for participating in our Hands On! photography blog hop!!

You should have arrived here from Heather Starosielski's blog. If you didn’t, please visit the Hands On! Photography blog HERE to start at the beginning and visit each person’s blog in order, so that you don’t miss out on your chance to win any of the prizes!

We are celebrating the one year anniversary of the Canadian Scrapbooker Hands On! Photography blog, also referred to as the HOP blog. Last September, we launched the HOP blog as an added feature to the Hands On! Photography article in each issue, to offer more in-depth tutorials for the topics that Sue discussed in her articles.

Each month, Sue posts a new tutorial on the HOP blog, with photo examples and helpful links. Our magazine and blog readers are encouraged to submit their photos, which are then shared on the HOP blog and entitle them to a chance to win a randomly drawn prize each month!

I'm excited to announce that the blog hop prize I have to give away to one lucky commenter is this prize pack from Fancy Pants:

Want a chance to win this prize? In celebrating our one-year anniversary, we'd like to invite you to review one of our past tutorials. My choice is the July 2010 tutorial on artificial lighting. To win, just visit this tutorial and leave a comment there, and then come back and leave me a comment with your favourite summer vacation spot! It's as easy as that!

Thanks for participating in our blog hop!! Now, onto the next blog... You'll be visiting the talented Leica Forrest!

*If you're looking for the Imaginisce sketch ... just keep scrolling down further - it's the post below this one. ;) Have a fabulous day!!