"As You See It" Challenge #006

So glad to be back after missing last weeks colour challenge. So. . . here is my take on this weeks challenge. I tried to add interest to the page with some 3D effect butterflies tied together with twine, some glossy accents, brads, layering and lots of matting. Often when surfing the web I see these layouts with layer upon layer of gorgeous papers and I absolutely love them, maybe one day I will be able to do that too < wink >. Definitely something to challenge myself with!

My Beautiful Mom

 Ingredients:  My Minds Eye - So Sophie Paper Collection; Stampin' Up Butterfly Punch; Fiskars Edge Punch; TH Distress Ink - Vintage Photo & Dusty Concord; Glossy Accents; Random Brads & Twine and of course my Thrifty Sewing Machine.

Happy Thanksgiving & Under Construction

Well there's nothing like being forced to change your blog template. Lee Lou Blogs is shutting their doors to all free blog templates after October 19, 2013. So please bear with me as I try to remember how to change all of this stuff over to a new template.

In the meantime. . . Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

"As You See It" Challenge #004

Here is my take on this week's challenge. This week I really tried to challenge myself using some techniques I was not familiar with, such as using TA Glimmer Mist on my paper and Acrylic Paint on my banner and burlap swatches. I also tried really hard to move away from the oh so familiar linear style of scrapping. What can I say I like all my ducks in a row. . . LOL

The sea shell fans were taken from a template I found at the "Spotted Canary", just to give a little more dimension and texture. I'm definitely a fan of burlap and want to try it again on a few more layouts.  I strung the burlap banner through eyelets on the page, again trying to add more interest to the page.

Ingredients: Papers Used - Basic Grey Max & Whiskers Collection; Studio Calico Home Front Collection & Pink Paislee Nantucket Collection; Alpha - Pink Paislee Daily Junque Wood Alpha; Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist  Twilight; Martha Stewart Acrylic Paint - Aegean Blue; Gesso & Random Twine. Phrase was created on my computer; Random seashells; American Craft Eyelets and of course my thrifty sewing machine.

"As You See It" Challenge #003

This week was a real challenge for me. . . I was visiting my son and his wife and helping them settle into their new place. I didn't think I was going to have time to scrapbook so I didn't bother to bring any of my scrapbooking supplies! Never, ever do that - LOL

I managed to find a pair of scissors, some ribbon that was wrapped around a blanket (they had gotten for a gift), and a small little stapler. So I headed off to the dollar store and found some black ink and double sided tape. Then Homesense had a lovely pack of paper for only $3.99. Good thing I brought my camera, because I pulled out the sd card and found a photo from a bff's visit in July and here you have it. It's actually quite amazing what you can do when put to the test, especially when you have a passion for scrapbooking :)  I even used a sharp knife to distress the paper. . .

Ingredients: Authentique Remembrance Paper Collection; Dollar Store Black Ink; Alpha - Kaiser Craft, Check In Collection; Random Ribbon and Staples.

"As You See It" Challenge #002

Challenge #002 from "As You See It" - and challenge it was! 

This week I was very pressed for time and so I found  my mind wandering to all the things I needed to get done instead of allowing my creativity to flow. However, in saying that, this challenge gave me the opportunity to "train my brain" and focus on the challenge at hand and not allow anxiety to set in, I'm not sure it worked - LOL

So. . . here is my take on this week's challenge - I flipped the sketch in more ways than one and tried to keep it fairly simple, as the paper I chose was already quite busy. I also incorporated a few "SIMPLE" elements I've been wanting to try over the years, but just never seem to get around to. Like using my micron marker for making a border and using my label buddy to add more texture to the layout.  Of course I had to whip out my sewing machine - one of my most absolutely favourite things to do!

Mya's Beauty Secrets

Ingredients: Background paper, Teresa Collins - Posh Collection; Front paper,EP - Be Mine Collection; Textured black cardstock - specialty store; Pearls - Kaiser; Chipboard Alpha - Thickers Dear Lizzy+American Crafts; Banners - Label Buddy; Ink - Donna Dewberry - Medium Gray

My Son's Wedding

This past year has been crazy busy, with three grown sons all getting engaged to the wedding of my middle son on July 11, 2013.

My wedding gift to them was to help create a theme and their wedding invitations. 

Their wedding location was at the North Pacific Cannery Museum in Port Edward, BC - absolutely amazing. 

 Both my son and his wife are environmentalists and living green is very important to them. So they chose to go with the burlap and lace theme. Recycled burlap and re-purposed lace was plentiful at Thrift Stores, along with mason jars and vintage milk glass. 

So this is what I came up with for their invites - I started with recycled kraft paper bag envelopes, with wrap around labels.

 I then created a band out of recyclable paper and monogram seal to bind it all together.

Photo Credit: Stefania Bowler Photography

Inside the folder was a simple but elegant invite with their floral mason jar theme in their chosen colours of sea glass and coral. The folder was created using River Reed, Bazzill cardstock and was a great way to hold additional cards with important information. 

The floral mason jar graphic was purchased from "Angie Makes & Co".

Although I was nervous about creating these invites for them, I enjoyed making each and every one and was so very thankful they really loved them.  

I also created two burlap banners with "Thank You" and "Mr. & Mrs."

Not the greatest picture I know. . .

Photo Credit Stefania Bowler Photography

Photo Credit Stefania Bowler Photography

In order to carry through on their theme, the seating cards where created using the same River Reed, Bazzill cardstock and mason jar image.

The brides father also created handmade beeswax candles with a monogram wrapped around them as a special thank you gift to all the guests. While the brides mother dried cherries from the Creston Valley area and then dipped them in various types of chocolate - such a yummy treat - definitely a labour of love.

We even threw in some old scrabble tiles on the guest registry table, creating as many words of love as possible.

Instead of Table Numbers the Bride and Groom chose to use destinations they had traveled to and had lasting memories of. It was a very creative way to get guests mingling as they looked for their destination.


Here is just one of their photos taken inside the North Pacific Cannery Museum, a very unique venue for a wedding. All of their wedding photos turned out amazing. . . Thanks so much Stefania Bowler! To see more photos you can click on the link to her site.

Photo Credit: Stefania Bowler Photography

"Playing In Paradise" PPSC #4

 

Here is my take on this month's "Playing In Paradise" Challenge #4.  

I've never done a Memorial Layout before and that in itself was a challenge. I definitely find that a sketch inspires you to come up with your own creative spin and stretches you skill set, helping you to think outside the box. Thank you SBP.

My Brother's Memorial - April 2, 2010

Ingredients: MME Indie Chic Ginger Paper Collection; Bazzill Black Cardstock; TH Nature Plain Chipboard; TH Distress Inks - Wild Honey, Vintage Photo, Forest Moss & Donna Dewberry Medium Gray; Clear Embossing Powder; AC Elements Mini Eyelets - Gold; SEI Button and Random Twine.

"As You See It" Challenge #001

 

Here is my take on the "As You See It" Challenge.  Looking forward to doing more!

Zoe

Ingredients: Crate Paper Restoration Collection; Chipboard Letters - K&Company; Random button and twine.

Mya's Sweet Ride

Mya's Sweet Ride

So much fun to do this layout from an Allison Davis Sketch. Princess Mya absolutely loves her new car seat from Uncle Theo and Auntie Jaclyn. You can tell from all her Doxie drama and now she can actually see out the windows. She is a little challenged with her short little Doxie legs.

I chose to use Authentique Renew Paper Collection along with Bazzill Black and White cardstocks. Chipboard Alpha from The Paper Studio, a little inking with Plaids Medium Grey and some stitching with my Kenmore sewing machine brought this layout together. Think I may still add some journalling.

2013 One Little Word - "Connect"

After a lot of introspection, I finally felt my 2013 one little word should be "CONNECT".

I struggle with a disability that makes it easy for me to isolate myself.  So this year I have decided that this too needs to change, one stepping stone at a time. I've heard it said many times "that a man cannot be an island unto himself" and I find that quote to be so true. We do need each other, to love, live, laugh and so much more.

For starters I've met a lovely bunch of gals that love to scrapbook and we've decided that our SB Group name should be called "CIA" (Crafters In Action). Because I'm such a mystery nut. . . this title is perfect and adds a hint of mystery. . .

Scrapbooking has been a real passion of mine. It allows me to work with my hands and I am always amazed as my imagination wanders and the creativity begins and new projects are formed. There are so many amazing colours, designs and textures of  paper that are totally irresistible and just fuel the imagination.

I also want to connect more with GOD and strengthen my relationship with HIM - I know He is always there waiting for me with open arms and that there is absolutely nothing that can every separate me from His love. . . but I find myself wanting more!

Part of that is learning to connect with myself and my needs, learning to value who I am as a creation of GOD. This too needs to be a real priority in my life so I can spend the rest of my days in fullness, joy and peace!

Well this is just the beginning of a New Year; who said you couldn't start in March? and I am looking forward to new beginnings, fullness, joy, peace and restoration.

Blessings to you all and I hope your 2013 is all that you expected and more!