Betcha didn't think...

I was scrappin' anymore, huh? ;) A few weeks ago, I got together with Heather to do a few pages, and here's what I accomplished: (click on the pics to see closer up)

Boo and Tilly are my sister Carol's dogs (from my Iowa trip in March). Love this paper!

Another from Iowa...Carol and Bruce run several hog farms. Cute, huh?



And my sister Sandra, in southern Iowa, farms cattle. Since it was spring, babies were being born all over the place!

It was fun to get together...let's not wait so long next time, Heather!

In Her Element

A recent layout that I did of Sage and Paul at Hatcher Pass. I made the little owl journal card with clip art and my Urban Camo alphabet rub-ons. The felt lace ribbon is Queen and Company. Love that stuff! Journal cards slip into a pocket for them to write their "field notes" on.

Sage really is right at home outdoors. She must get that from her dad. ;)

Crafty Goodness

I spent yesterday hanging out with my favorite crafty girls. I didn't get nearly enough accomplished in the 8 hours I was there, but made up for it by having a blast and getting a good dose of crafting therapy.

I wish this layout photographed better. There's a cute little silver skull on the acrylic flower. We say all the time that Ty-Ty is the "Queen" of the herd. She's such a snooty girl. :)
I found this navy blue fabric journal at the thrift store for about a buck, I think, and knew right away I wanted to make a "Design Inspiration" journal out of it. The journal cards are from Little Pretty Studio by Jennifer Pebbles. They're part of a digital download called "Little Birdie Book".

Of course I couldn't use them for their intended purpose...do I ever?...which is to make her cute little envelope album with them. I used them as page tabs to divide my journal into home, garden, create, MBS (my Etsy stuff) and misc.


The inside will be mainly journaling, some photos and lots of magazine clippings and sketches.

I just hauled all my stuff back inside and unpacked, so I might as well go scrap some more!

Tuesday morning...

I love how easy this mini book is! And cute. It's 4x6...perfect for a little brag book or a small theme album. I might make a modified version of it for Christmas cards this year. :) I want to wrap myself up in this Amy Butler paper. Yumm!!
Sometimes you just want a quickie. KISS...keep it simple, sister! I like this one of the fossil dig Sam's class went on last year.
And here's a few more pics from hiking with the llamas. Love this white pen!! It makes the best "doodles". :) I had fun with a little paint on this one (nevermind the black smudge...that's a rub-on gone wrong).
So that's what I've been up to lately. I'm in the process of gutting and reorganizing my craft room so I can get back to sewing for an upcoming craft fair, so no new projects from me for awhile. I'll post about the craft fair when I have the specifics.

Have a great day!

The latest looks in wool.

Sorry to post and run last time. I have had a heckuva couple of weeks. I did manage to turn out a few layouts in the midst of the chaos. I think it even helped to keep me sane. :)


"Lucky 13" came from the anniversary post I blogged a few weeks ago. I used the text for my journaling on the note cards. This went together quick & easy. Just the way I like 'em!
I found some fun rhinestone stickers that are actually meant to "bling up" your cell phone, and cut them up to use for photo corners.
More rhinestones on the title. :)
The kids all said they thought this title was rude. I guess they have no appreciation for David Letterman.
I love the Jenni Bowlin little birdy journal spot.

I love, love, love this French Twist paper! Yum. I'm really into the black and white lately. :)
And journal cards, too, apparently. :)
A super-duper fast one of Sam and a spruce hen.
Lil Davis letters.
Jenni Bowlin chipboard star covered with paper and sanded around the edges.

I have some ideas for new classes that I want to work on, but I keep finding myself back in my laundry room, wading through oceans of muddy clothes. Is it ever going to stop raining? I want to hear the crunch of leaves under my feet, not the "slphfshshsh" of slimy, wet, rotten gunk. Yuck! Anyone else ready for an Indian Summer? And I think my poor llamas will never dry out.

You know what I was wondering? How come their wool doesn't shrink up after it dries out, like it does when it goes through my washer? Wouldn't that be funny? Seeing them walking around with too-small wool coats? heehee Ask me how I know what happens to llama fur when it gets washed and dried. Go ahead.

OK, I just had to take a small break from Mt. Laundry to post these layouts and say hello. I'd better get back at it.

A New Way to Play!

My first digital layout!! How fun! I can totally see how I could get hooked on this. I'm a habitual "re-doer" when it comes to putting together a layout. I'm constantly shuffling things around, changing my mind, and it's usually after I've adhered the stuff down. Yikes. So digi is perfect for someone like me. Let's see if I can remember what came from where: Big "B" is Heather Ann Designs and most everything else is Shabby Miss Jenn. I think there might also be some Lily Pad elements on there, too. If I'm going to do any real digi scrapping, I'm going to have to organize my stuff according to designer, so I can give proper credit.

Speaking of organizing, I'm wondering how to store my digi stuff? The files are pretty hefty, and I'm thinking it's going to start slowing down my computer. Should I keep them on CD? How do you digi scrappers deal with the big files?

It's a rainy weekend, so I think I'll be sewing or scrapping today!

What an Honor!

This layout was chosen as Layout of the Week at Scrapologie! Thanks, Dagmar, for the honor. Of all the layouts I've done, this one is pretty special, so it means the world to me that you chose it. My mom would be tickled. :)

Just a random picture to share:

Talk about fresh, Sage had to chase the hens off of these to collect them. Have you ever heard a chicken lay an egg? Yes, I said heard. We were visiting the llamas at Sage's work, and one of the chickens started to raise a racket like I've never heard before. Thinking for sure there was a fox or bear or some other predator trying to get into the henhouse, I ran over to investigate. Sage wasn't far behind me, laughing the whole way. When I asked her what was so funny, she said "Mo-om (you know the was kids can make you feel about 2" tall by turning the word mom into two syllables), that's what they do when they lay an egg. The squawk like that for about 10 or 15 minutes. Sheesh." Come to think of it, I think I squawked like that when I gave birth, too.

OK, Sam's behind me counting to sixty, because I told him "I'll just be a minute" when he asked to use the computer. So I'd better skidaddle for now. I'll have that list of links up soon! Be sure and scroll down for pictures of the newest aprons up in my Etsy Shop.

Calico Critters Christmas

My lawn is mowed (thanks to Sage!), flower beds weeded and I'm all scrapped out for the weekend. The crop Friday night was fun and productive. I went home with two finished layouts and about 5 extra pounds from all the munchies. Yikes.

Supply list for the "Calico Critters" layout: Lil Davis chipboard and pink flower, Doodlebug black paisley paper, Queen & Co polka dot flower, Jenni Bowlin birdy paper and butterfly, Making Memories "Tis the Season" metal accent, and a paper doily that I cut the center out of. I'm not sure who makes the background paper...I picked it up at JoAnns. Oh, and I made the journal spot in Word.

The guys are going fishing, so it's a sewing day for me. I got a stack of new calicos for aprons that need to be pre-washed and pressed, so I'd better get to it.

Class Sneak Peek

Here's a little glimpse at one of the layouts we're doing for the June 14 class at Scrap Shack. This one's called "My Alaska" and has all kinds of stuff going on. I was totally in the mood to experiment for this class, and really worked outside the box (for me!). We'll be stamping with ink and paint (those who know me know I RARELY stamp, so I promise this'll be totally painless for those non-stampers out there like me!), doodling with pen, mixing b&w with color photos, trying out some new picture placement ideas and using lots of photos. Both layouts are 2-page and this one has 7 photos.

The other layout is called "EveryDay Hero" and can be used for any special man in your life. Plan on using 4-5 photos on this one of that special guy. More painting (EASY stuff, pinky promise!), funky freehand cutting, stamping.

I'm excited about the class! If you want to sign up, call The Scrap Shack at 376-4430.

And speaking of Heather (at The Scrap Shack)...her husband just came home last night for his mid-tour leave from Iraq!!! I'm so excited for her, you'd think it was MY husband. lol He left when their baby was just a few weeks old and Heather has been so amazing while he's been gone. I'd have fallen apart, I think. Anyway, I am so, so happy for her and her family. I'm resisting the urge to call her and get all the details of the reunion at the airport, so they can enjoy his first day back together. :)

Alrighty, I'd better go pay some attention to my house. It always suffers a little when I'm getting ready for a class...I get tunnel vision until the projects are done. And hey, I am ready a full WEEK ahead of schedule. Unheard of!

Have a great weekend.

Feeeeeeeeed Me!

Awwww! The chickadee babies are about 4 or 5 days old now, and hungry! Sage got this picture by peeping at them. She had them thinking it was feeding time. :)

Not too much going on around here. We're just hanging out and enjoying the more relaxed schedule. I'm still waiting for boredom to hit the kids. For now they're content to play outside and hang out at home. We put together a looooong list of daytrips we want to take this summer, so we'll have plenty to do if they get the itch. I'm loving just being home and working in the yard for now.

Oh, somebody snatched up the fabric I posted earlier. I'm getting rid of a bunch of scrapbook extras, too. Email if you're interested in a list.

I'm teaching a class at The Scrap Shack in Wasilla on the 14th. I'm doing two 2-pg layouts, one masculine (in time for Father's Day!) and one outdoors/Alaska. If you want to come join us, call Heather at 376-4430 to sign up. I'll post a peek at the projects later this week.

Have a great week!

May 10, I'll be teaching this coaster book class at The Scrap Shack in Wasilla. I'm excited to get back into doing some classes! If you're local and want to sign up, call 376-4430 for details. There'll be 3 different color combos to choose from, so if this doesn't ring your bell, there are other choices.

For the last month, Sam's been studying poetry in his classroom. He chose a rather ambitious poem to recite at the elocution, and it caused lots of angst and tearful practice sessions at home. But just look how proud he is of himself. I mean, his chest is about to burst from his shirt, he's straining so hard to show off his medal. He recited the entire thing without missing a word.

Maggie has this funny habit of naming the wild things that visit our yard. This Spruce Hen who roosted in a birch tree yesterday was dubbed Jefferson. She smuggled Paul's camera outside and took, oh, 43,342 picutres of him. I can't tell you how happy it makes me to see her creative side developing more everyday.

Alrighty, I'd better wrap this up before Blogger eats my post. Have a fantastic weekend. I'll be putting together class kits, and doing poop patrol out in the yard. Don't worry, I'll wash between activities!

Some fun stuff...

Quite awhile ago, I worked on a mini-book with Jenni, Faye and Michelle for Li'l Davis, but I never got to see the finished project. I was so tickled that my friend, Darjon, grabbed a copy of it for me. I did "Footprints" (my name isn't on that one) and "Dream" and "You and Me", which is actually a 2 page spread. Darjon let me use pictures of her cute little girls, Sophia and Maia. I know, I have two girls of my own, but my pictures of them are not-so-good. lol That's Sage having her footprints done at the hospital, minutes after she was born.

The book is full of great themed album ideas that are quick and easy. I think Darjon said she picked it up at Barnes and Noble. It's put out by Practical Publishing and you can order online, too.

It was fun to finally get to see it in print. :) Thanks, Darjon!

Distracted Cleaning...

I was at Layle's blog earlier today and her cleaning challenge inspired me! I actually went to my craftroom with every intention of clearing out my "scraps & leftovers" box that's been accumulating for months. But I got sucked in by this silly picture I found of the kids doing Tae Bo at my friend Erica's house. This was actually 2002...look how little Sam was! Love how into it they are. heehee Anyway, I used up a few scraps and misc. items I had lying around, so in a way, I did clear out some of the box. The coaster mini-album was all scraps & leftovers, too, so the box oughta be a lot emptier than it is.

To the left, to the left...everything you own in a box to the left.

Why does that remind me of my desk?

OK, back to scrapping, er, cleaning.

And the winner is...

Happy Friday!

First things first...Monica, send me your email! Sam drew your name, so you get the goodies. :)

I made this mini album today using coasters. It's about 4 1/2" tall. Basic Grey papers. Assorted schtuff my my stash. It didn't take much time at all to put together. I Mod Podged the front and back covers to make them more durable. The pics are a little dark because it was super overcast today. We got more snow! Hmph.

Paul came home with some birthday goodies for me...two scents of bath salts, and a cool cheese plane that I had wanted.

I'm going to go run a hot back and pour a glass of white merlot. Cheers!

It's my last official...

Birthday! lol I keep telling the kids after this one I am not getting any older. 39 is as far as I go. From now on, they are free to ignore this date on the calendar, and treat it as they would any other day. :)

I got some cool goodies in the mail from Kori, and some fun Scenic Route awesomeness from Heather! I used the arrow die cuts from Heather on this layout. I love, love this picture of Paul. He and my brother Gary went on a caribou hunt last August and they found a run-down miner's cabin, so Paul made sure they got some good pictures. Can you believe he sewed that polar fleece vest and hat he has on, all by himself? (click on the picture to see it bigger). I love that guy. :)

The "Hubba Hubba" title rubon is one of my Urban Camo Footnotes for Li'l Davis. This one is one of the prototypes, and the finished product came in brown...so don't go looking for it in black, because you won't find it. lol

In honor of my birthday, how about a giveaway? I'll put together some scrapbook goodness, and I'll throw in one of the Hubba Hubba rubons in black. :) Just post a comment and I'll draw a name on Friday night. Just for fun, share a little something about your birthday in the comment. Are you dreading it? Looking forward to it? Or like me, have you stopped aging altogether? ;)

The Key to Losing Weight...

Is to not work out for 3 weeks, bake lots of cookies and desserts, and eat seconds at dinner. Worked for me. Can you believe I've lost a pound since the last time I was at the gym, Feb. 28th? I've been eating whatever I want, not working out, barely even leaving the house between sick kids and Spring Break. I give up. I can't figure it out. Anyway, I'm back to my routine this week and it felt good to work out this morning.

Kori's project for MM Idol Challenge 3 is up, and it's so adorable! And stinkin' clever. They were very restricted on what items they could use. They had to use very basic things such as paper, ribbon, brads, sticker and rubons, but use them in a unique way. She rocked it! I love what she did. If you love it too, be sure and VOTE for her. :)

Here are a couple of the layouts I did yesterday. Gone Too Soon is inspired about another of Jamie Waters' layouts in the March CK (pg. 79, I think) and Mad Lib Me is just a silly one. It's a little funkier than I normally do and little "messier", but I like it.

Is it over yet???

Happy weekend! It's the last day of Spring break. Am I happy? Ya betchyer sweet bippy! Don't get me wrong, I love my kids. But enough is enough! Back to school with them!

K, that's outta my system. :) Here are a couple recent layouts. The second one was inspired by a Jamie Waters layout in the March CK. That girl can scrap. I love her ecclectic style. And since my desk is already messy, I might as well just scrap the day away. So I'll be back tomorrow with some more pictures to share.

And don't forget to check out the MM Idol blog for another chance to vote on your favorite contestant! Go Kori! I'm so proud of you!

We now resume our regularly scheduled program...sort of.

Happy Monday!!! Two of my three kids are GOING BACK TO SCHOOL TODAY!!! Whew. Huge sigh of relief. They were home all WEEK last week. Sam, that's another story. He had three nasty nosebleeds yesterday. I'll spare you the details...just believe me when I say I was [] this close to calling 911. I couldn't get it to stop! Scary. And he's now on his 7th day of fever, so he's earned himself a trip to the doctor.





Other than that, things are good here. I made another skull tote to sell, and will be putting that in the mail today. It's the first time I've sewed something for someone else, and I can't help but think about my mom and all the years she supported us kids by sewing. She did mending, custom clothing, home dec projects. You name it, she could make it. She was amazing.





Making Memories has restarted the Idol contest, and voting is officially open 9am mst today until 4pm mst tomorrow. Sign up is easy, so no excuses! And if you're already registered, then just log in and VOTE! It's an amazing opportunity for the winner. Good luck to my good friend Kori Babb, who's a finalist in the contest!

And finally, here's the layout of my mom's first grade class picture. The papers are Foof a la, 7 Gypsies, Making Memories. "Wright" was printed using Flea Market Finds Digital Elements from Heather Ann Designs. I'm really digging lots of the digital kits I'm seeing, although I'm not a digital scrapper. But I can see printing them out and adding them to my traditional layouts. It just expands my shopping possibilities! :)

I'm on my way to the gym to be weighed measured, so I'll post the results later. Keep Sam in your thoughts today. I'm thinking he may have a yucky sinus infection. :( Have a great day!

Alaska: Not for Wimps

I was digging through a stack of old layouts and ran across this one I did a year ago. All Li'l Davis stuff. Not sure what's up with the funky blue spot on the upper right side? Anywho, wanted to share it. :)

It looks like MM is starting the contest over again on Monday, so even if you already voted, you'll have to vote again (possibly even re-register?) and cast another vote (for Kori, of course!). Hang in there! It will be so worth it to the eventual winner (hopefully Kori!). :)

It's cold, cold, cold again...it was -25° when I left for the gym today. Weigh/measure day is FRIDAY! I thought it was Monday and I had the weekend to be good, but the waiting will be over earlier than I expected. I'll share my results here when I get them.

On a side-note, I've been missing my mom like crazy lately. I think I had some sort of delayed grieving, because I've been crying an awful lot lately. Not sobbing, not overwhelming sadness, just a few tears here and there when something reminds me of her. I used her sewing machine to make the tote bags, and it's funny...the machine still smells like her. She was a smoker, so everything smells like cigarettes. I know, not the most pleasant thing, but I'll always associate that with her. And it's almost been a year since she passed...so hard to believe. I think she knows somewhere, somehow, that I'm needing her right now because I can kind of "feel" her closeby sometimes. It's really comforting. I got out some pictures of her last night and started to formulate a plan to create a scrapbook of her. It's gonna be tough, I can already tell. But I think it's something I need to do. I don't ever want my kids to forget her.

Crazy Mom Day...

This is one of those layouts that sat "unwritten" for a couple months. I finally got around to journaling on it yesterday. The story is just too funny to leave out.

Just got back from the gym and made the mistake of getting on the scale. I keep gaining and losing the same damn 2 lbs. Grrrr. Everyone keeps saying "it's muscle". Yeah, OK. I'll believe that when I see it. I've been working out faithfully, 5 x a week. Three days of strength training and two of cardio. I want to see the scale move! And NOT up! OK, enough about that. A week from today is weigh/measure day. If my body fat has gone down some, I'll be happy.

OK, I'm off to clean up my scrappy mess from the weekend, switch over the laundry, tidy up the house and probably go mess up my scrappin' table again. :)