Saturday, March 31

So after I posted my mud pics, I thought just because I didn't scrapbook any new ones doesn't mean I can't show you layouts. So here is a canvas set that I did for our stair photo wall before Christmas. It was fun.

Zackary came over today, so I thought I would bring up an oldie goldie of Jag & Zack together. They look so different now. Too funny.

A Spring Day! More important... A FAMILY DAY!

Today we had an awesome family day! We went to the shop and worked on the semi, this may not be what a person thinks of as family day. But to our boys, this is the greatest. They get dressed in their work clothes and are "big helpers" handing daddy the wrench and screwdrivers. It is absolutely cool. Dad takes them for rides in the semi. They love this manly time. Then their uncles and grandparents came up to the shop and they had more fun. But our shop is surrounded by puddles. What do boys do in puddles. Exactly!!!! The following are a few out of the 117 pics I took of random puddle jumping. It was fun. Notice how close Jager had to get while Riley was spinning his tires and spraying mud everywhere.

Of course Jager thinks this is primo!
Monkey see...
monkey do...
Sorry if you are getting sick of these pics, but Jager cracks me up. He gets so in your face and says cheese. I can do an entire album of this alone.
The "men working"
I absolutely love the boys with Jim, they really love their daddy and he spends such quality time with them. I never have to worry about them. I am so lucky to have married this gem!
Sorry guys, no scrapbooking this weekend. I have family to get muddy with! But starting Monday, my April madness begins. Challenges, recipes, layouts, prizes. It is going to be fun.
Remember, if you are the 1000 visitor, give me a shout out because you are winning a cool package!!!! Hope your weekend is going great!

Friday, March 30

Almost There!

okay, so I started this blog March 6th,2007. I did not think it would take off this well. I am so excited. Are you having fun? Well I am too! So let's celebrate. If you are the 1000 peson to check out this site, make sure you leave a comment saying I am the 1000 person. It is at 933 right now, so when you are reading this, check to the right hand side of my page. I think I will give away a collection of one of my all time favourite papers. I'll hook you up with embellishments & fibres too. It has to be worthwhile, since I definitely think my 1000 visitor landmark is worthwhile!!! Good luck! If you are the 1000 person, email me your address & phone number. Have fun!

Julie's challenge- Let's see your first layouts.

Okay, so I found it, my very first page. But in the middle of scanning it our power went out. Go figure, middle of the day and it goes off. Now I can't get our scanner to send the images to the computer. I think I might have to wait for someone with more technical skill to bail me out. Anyways I did scan 3 newbies that I did when I first had Riley. I find them funny, but I will definitely not redo them. I like seeing how times of changed. So Julie, these will have to do till I can enter my other one. It's not too much different in style. I had the decorative scissors but I didn't really follow the trend of making shapes out of my photos. I Love this one of Jim in the shower with Riley. He is hanging onto daddy and just loving the water hit his back. I had found him a little bath robe in Michigan (at Carter's- a cool kids store) and so I thought they looked sweet. Here's our official first family photo! Zoom in on this one if you want a laugh. The photographer was so choked that I had to stop and breastfeed Riley because of course the only appointment we could get at Sears was during feeding time. Anyways, so we only got 3-5 alright photos. None of Riley & me, just Jim & Riley, and the family. But look at how my bobby pin sticks out. SEXY! I was really into the ripping and tearing stage when Riley was first born.

Here, I am totally proud of myself. I was doing almost all my scrapbook shopping in the states and taking any classes I could down there, so I entered the inking market , and started my love for rub ons. It was so funny, I bought a large dollar amount of rub ons down there,and came up to Saskatoon to get more, nobody had heard of them. I almost died. Now everyone has them, best purchase I ever made. This whole layout pretty much is an overlay.Notice all the single & double matting? Too funny. I stage this little photo shoot with a blanket my gramma crocheted for Riley. The stamp set, my gramma found me at a garage sale. Brings back memories of how I first started doing this.
This was fun. Old photos are totally cool to look back on. I wonder what we'll say about the styles we are doing right now. Can't wait. I should explain though. My very first album was my wedding album, and I was given really great advice. Don't ever cut your photos, especially not around people, don't use crazy and multiple shapes on a page and just keep it all squares and it will look classic forever. I never was a big sticker fan so I actually just did lot's of matting, but I did love the die cut letters. So I took this advice and consequently my first album is really not bad. I did use lot's of angel punches, but I kept all my background the same colour because my album was a handmade album, so my background was a beige. So it isn't very dating. I actually did quite a bit of my own hand doodling, which I think is cool, since I've always loved that and now it is back in fashion.
My awesome dentist, Dane Moore, got me in yesterday and fixed my tooth, so I am happy and feeling a lot better. Still a little sore, but no root canal, so I am very happy.
I hope everyone has a great weekend. I can't wait to do some outdoor activites.

Thursday, March 29

Happy 30th Birthday!

Happy Birthday Pam! Everyone go to Pam's blog and let's totally give her wishes. She's such a cool chick let's make her day rock!!! Thank you Melina for the photo, I borrowed it off her site cause I realized that I didn't have one of Pam by herself. a Melina Perron photo.

EXCITING NEWS!!!!

Hi everyone, I told you I would be doing some wild and crazy things beginning in April. So do you want to hear what it is??? From now on : Monday will be my challenge day. I will post a challenge of some sort for you & me to do this week. Participate if you like. We will post our completed layouts Friday. Tuesday will be my tip of the week. I will showcase a product in specific and talk about it and give you hints and tips how I use it. Wednesday is recipe day!!!!! Awesome! I will post the actual recipe and photo of the product. And the same goes, for anyone who gives me one of their recipes I will send them a recipe card. Make sure you tell me what size you want your card! Thursday is GIVEAWAY day!!!! I have products that I have to share. So in the morning on Thursday, I will announce a comment #. If you are that #, then I will post your name and ask you to privately email me your address, then I will either drop it off or mail. Open to anybody! Friday will be posting our challenge layouts. Weekends will be random. My family likes to get away on weekends so I am not always here.I may post randomly throughout the week as well. I am going to try this format out for the entire month of April. If everyone loves it, I'll continue on. If it is a dud and I get no response, then I'll go back to random posting. So all this fun begins April 2nd. So don't forget to leave comments because you might be a winner!

Wednesday, March 28

I've Been Tagged

HI, I said I wouldn't post tonight, but here I am. I was tagged by a really cool friend named Lara that I met through Scrapbook.com. I love this site. Normally I don't do this, but here I go... Four of of my Favorite Foods: 1. Peppercorn Steak 2. Kung Pao Chicken (anything Chinese actually!) 3. cheesecake 4. anything chocolate! ( I agree with Lara) Four Jobs I've Had: 1. lifeguarding 2. teacher 3. truck driver 4. hairdresser Four Places I've Lived: 1. Quebec City, Quebec 2. Hawaii 3. Australia 4. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Four Vacation Spots I Have Been: 1. Nashville, TN 2. Vancouver Island, B.C. 3. New Zealand (2x) 4. Figi Four Places I would rather be right now: 1. with my husband in the states 2. someplace tropical 3. scrapbooking, duh! (I agree Lara!) 4. at my parents farm Four TV Show's I watch: 1. Martha Stewart 2. America's Next Top Model 3. Grey's Anatomy 4. CSI; any of them Four Friends I think will respond: 1. Pam 2. Melina 3. ? 4. ? I'm not really a good responder my self, so I leave this up to you. If anyone wants to leave their info in my comments, go ahead. I'd love to read!

Cracked tooth

I might blog tonight if I feel better, but otherwise I cracked one of my back molars last night, and I am actually in an excruciating pain right now. My dentist is getting me in tomorrow, thank heavens. But I just don't feel up to much blogging. sorry. see you guys tomorrow. I'm going to try and get some photos of our trip from Melina. Her sister is here this week, so she might be busy. but I'll try.

Tuesday, March 27

Camp Croppin news cont'd...

So, the crazy Dawn Heuser was taking pics and gave me these. I will cherish them forever. Do you know what it is like to actually see these women smiling while looking at my album?? Thanks Dawn for allowing me to relive that moment. They liked my work. Cool hey?? Who are we looking at? Melina is it you. If so, hook me up please!!! I think I need to blow this pic up!

I love this girl!
Here is my name tag: Our tables theme was the Saskatoon Pirates. Only Melina didn't do a pirate name tag, so we'll make her swab the decks later!
So here's an awesome photo: Nicole, Lisa Bearnson, Tracy & Kim (coutesy of Jenn Fast) you can't see how cute Tracy's tummy is. She is such a cute pregnant mommy! ( like I said a toothpick that swallowed a marshmallow. I wish I looked as great as her through any of my 3 pregnancies.) a cool photo of Jenn, Melina & I with Emily Adams; Imagination Project. (photo courtesy of Jenn Fast)
Here's a layout I submitted that I did for my friend Marlys. She hasn't seen it yet, It is a part of my gift to her. I just think that Melina captured the essence of motherhood here. Subtle, and unfortunately the colours just aren't as great scanned. In real life it is pretty cool, I think.
Of course, my messy dude. I have pages that look like this. My kids are always messy!!!!!! But I love it. I really love this layout because of the minimal sewing lines and felt. 2 of my favouite things to do right now.
So as the pictures keep rolling in from the weekend I'll keep submitting. Hope you are enjoying them!!!

Monday, March 26

Silly me! & question regarding my comment area

I have had a crazy amount of people phoning me and asking if the "memories" layout is what I placed 1st place with. NO, it is not, I just posted it because it was one I entered and liked. I actually won with my turning 30 2 page spread. I posted it on my Inspired by Pam day. thursday, March 22. so check it out. And for you ladies, I will answer any questions on my blog in the comment area, I promise. I get such a kick that you are leaving all these comments for my blog on my Answering machine. I truly do read every single comment. I have set up my comments so that they are emailed to me. I read them and yes I will post EVERY single comment, good or bad, unless it is just obscene. I selected this because I belong to a large U.S. site and I found I can't keep up with all the comments because I don't know when I am getting them and I don't know which I've read or not, this way I think the people that are reading my blog, are those I know or have met. I want to keep this personal and make sure everyone feels that I do value your comments. BECAUSE I do. So keep on scrapbooking!

Camp Croppin' in Calgary

Well I had a great sleep, Riley was sleeping in my bed when I got home so "he could see me". Love this child! When I crawled in with him, he said "luv u mommy,please rub my back for a couple of hours" This brought tears to my eyes. It is such a bond & ritual nighttime routine and here he is sleeping and still asks me without waking up! First of all, thank you Melina for being an awesome travel & scrapbook companion. We made some miles this weekend, and had a blast! Second, thank you to the "Saskatoon Pirates" for making me laugh all weekend. Aargh! We haven't scrapped together for so long (which I missed). And I felt like we had an angel at our table watching us & scrapbooking in heaven with us too this weekend. (or maybe a "Diva" -right Jenn?) So what did we learn? The guest speaker was Lisa Bearnson, yes THE LISA BEARNSON! (the founder & creative director at Creating Keepsakes) She was fantastic. She inspired me so unbelievably. She talked about how we have to live & capture the moments, not just the events like Disneyland, the actual stories that people might not think are scrapbook worthy. She shared her personal life, pictures, children. Wow! I felt part of her family for a second while she talked. She made us laugh and CRY. I was so moved that I am going to make it my true mission to focus on journaling from the heart the everyday moments and to always encourage my children to explore and dream without closing doors no matter their age. I love that Lisa told us about her daughter Brecken's entrepreneur desire. She's very young and has set up a Snack Shack. Wow! I was also so priviledged to be asked if I could speak with her privately afterwards. I also had 2 friends;Melina & Dawn that got pulled out too!!!!Congrats girls! Leslie came and pulled me out of a class and Lisa looked at my album. For the first time ever I was speechless. I had butterflies in my stomach, I was so scared of what she might say. My stuff is a little extreme and different from the mainstream scrapbooking. She gave me such positive comments and took my portfolio with her. What a lady. When she told Melina that she thought her photography was awesome. I had tears in my eyes, because I have always known this, but to hear a woman of her stature tell Melina this. WOW! I am so proud of you Melina! And well Dawn, hold on I can't talk yet....where's the kleenex??? Dawn's journaling is so powerful that she can make even a rock like myself cry. And does everytime. Lisa loved Dawn's layout on her mother's cancer. and also praised her journaling skills. They talked with us about some ideas for a book and took our business cards, so who knows right? Maybe some doors have opened, maybe not, but the fact that we had this private, life changing experience will always be a favourite memory forever. Next, I was asked if Emily Adams from Imagination Project could look at my work. She gave me compliments that were a huge ego boost. She shared with me her life, her struggles and her successes. We sat crying together and had to pretend we had kicked each other, that's why we were crying. This unbelievable woman is a SURVIVOR! She has had personal health problems that one could never imagine, and she struggled to overcome her stroke and heart failure, as well as the passing of her mom. I am so happy that her husband is her #1 supporter. I also learned that tell your husband not to call your dad when he should actually be calling 911. I was her teacher aid, and her classes are awesome. They give out so much product and it is really great product!!!! She said she's going to put a good word in for me, and shared how to try out for their design team. Wow. What a lady. Nothing may ever happen from it, but it was cool to feel the doors open. we were able to go out for supper with her and we all had a blast! also at supper we celebrated birthdays! Happy Birthday Kim & Nicole!!!! We ate at Cheesecake Cafe and had so much fun. It was cool that Jen G. could meet us there and hang out. I was able to see the girls from Heidi Swapp's team again, Janet Hopkins & Emily Waters. I have met the 2 of them quite a few times and guess what....they remembered me. Janet even remebered Jager's name. How cool. So they pretty much razzed Melina & I because we told them we were auditing their class because we wanted to use their product on our actual layouts instead!!! they give out so much product! They were so cool. So, I was able to celebrate so many successes this weekend. I'd like to share: Congratualtions to Melina Perron for winning best name tag & best photography! Congratulations to Dawn Heuser for winning best journaling! One small toot for myself.... I won First Place! I get to be published in Canadian Scrapbooker and I received a Huge amount of product, bags, purses, but the best part is a trip for 2 to the Bloomin Inn Resort. I asked Melina & Pam, I am going to pitch in money to buy one more ticket, because how could I ever possibly choose between friends??? I was approached by Allison Orthner , Calgary City TV, if I was intersted in teaching on a scrapbook cruise. OF COURSE! So we had a private meeting and she hooked me up with all the supplies needed to start. I'm not officially selected yet, because their team does have to meet, but she told me to start preparing.I have to select a store & manufacturer to sponsor me. So I have a lot of thought and work to do. She told me that their first choice is to be sponsored by Canadian stores & companies but I could explore U.S. options. So I have a lot of work to do. One cool little thing to mention too...She approached Melina privately to see if she had an interest to do photography on the ship of this event. So maybe she'll hear some great news about this. Fingers crossed. Melina Perron takes such awesome, awesome pictures. Good luck Melina!!! Thank you to Katharina Doyle from Canadian Scrapbooker. You are an amazing woman, and I strive to be like you! Thanks for all the kind words and support. and is it your mail turn or Jackie's?? just kidding. Every Canadian that reads this, ENTER!!! ENTER, ENTER, ENTER. they are the best magazine ever. They truly do this from the heart. They love what they do and it shows. And they are so proud of Canadians! They support such great causes. Check out their website to find out how you can help the Crop for Kids campaign. So last , but not least. Thank you to Leslie from Scrapbook Eh?. One of the most amazing women that pulled off this event. It is the best scrapbooking event I have ever attended. Count me in every year till I die. You have the ability to make people feel exceptional, unique, and at the same time run your butt off to make sure all 300 ladies are having a fun time. Thanks for all that you did for me!!! Your staff, team, friends worked so hard. They are amazing people!!!! so a crazy long post today but I feel that a person should always express their thankyou's and well we did have a great weekend!!! Keep checking back this week because my blog is going to be doing some amazing things!!!

Sunday, March 25

I'm Back!

HI, just got home. so super tired. I have so much exciting news, but I will post it all tomorrow and my new layouts. I am going to sleep right now. I have to say though, I met some of the most amazing scrapbookers that have FOREVER changed me. Not just people of the industry, the everyday amazing unrecognized women, everyone. You sure can tell when a store loves what they do. This convention was ran so smoothly, and everyone I saw was having a blast. I will tell you more tomorrow.

Friday, March 23

WE ARE OFF....... to Calgary!

Sorry, don't have ahuge amount of time to post. thought I'd leave you with a few layouts though. Hopefully I can blog at the hotel but realistically it will be too busy! Hope eveyone has a fantastic weekend. Leica, Pam, Melina

Thursday, March 22

Inspired by Pam

Hi, today is totally going to be a "inspired by Pam day". I had a rough day, sad funeral and did more crying than I have in a lifetime. So I am lifting Pam's idea. For those who don't know what I'm talking about, I have an awesome friend named Pam who is a great scrapbooker, and today she posted her "turning 30 pics" Done by the infamous Melina Perron of course. And Pam looks hot! I had done my pics 3 mos. ago when my day came. The coolest thing is, I let my 3 year old take pics of himself, Jager & I for over an hour. One full card later and surprisingly I actually got a handful of cool pics. I did take the pic for Love coupons though and a couple on the main page, but he took my favourite one!! So here are my layouts!Enjoy! pg.1 ******edited March March 26th******* This is the 2 page layout I won 1st place with this past weekend in Calgary at Camp Croppin.Thanks for looking. pg2 pg 1 these are more layouts about things I love,the whole bottom of the page opens up to reveal all 50

pg2 this is me, the real me, the feelings, peeves, ambitions, telling it like it is...
I took this photo, my attempt to be sexy for Jimmy! okay, stop laughing! I know. pathetic. we do this kinda thing though. I can't share the journaling on the coupons because well they are a little selacious for my husband. fun stuff! But the words along the right hand are qualities I love about my husband.
So, have I said lately how much I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this man?? Well I do!

Wednesday, March 21

Family Album Class #2

Today was so successful, busy & fun!!!!Pam & Rhys came over, which Riley loved. Then Riley had his last skating lesson. HE officailly can skate. He falls, but gets up on his own & he can do the hokey pokey on ice, and he can actually go places. I am so proud of you!!!!! You started & finished this hard task. Can't wait till daddy gets home and you guys go skating. He's going to be so excited. Now, of course, little cheese monkey!!!! Let's see, would it be a photo without boogers, food residue? of course not? Hello, do girls ever look like this or is it just boys? or maybe even my boys. I have more dirty faced scrapbook pages than anything else. Ei Yi Yi!

So tonight's class was a blast again! such an awesome group of ladies. I still have openings for 2 for the rest of the year. just email me if interested or check out scraptology's link on the right. It's a bad photo but you get the idea. The left hand heart is going to be full of mosaic photos . I'll post it when I'm finished. Remember, if you couldn't make it to class, we always sell the kits.
Also I have some awesome news that I am going to reveal in April. IT will actually benefit YOU! So keep checking back and you might be a winner!! I might even fill you in when I get back from Calgary!

Tuesday, March 20

Random fun

Having a fun day so far. For the last 2 hours I have heard nothing but Rhys this, Rhys that. We stopped in and visited Pam & Rhys today and Riley is in love with her. All the way home he talked about her, her toys and why he couldn't play with a toy. (It wasn't set up yet) He even told me that he would like a little sister to play with. I agree! Anyways, it was fun. So I did another layout with the photos Melina took. The scan is awful sorry. The background is a very rich royal blue. this was a layout I did for Urban Scrapbook in Edmonton. (awesome hip store!!)It was so much fun! They gave us guidelines that you had to use a line of Ki Memories Color Theory Line and embellish however you like. I had so much fun. My journaling opens up to talk about Riley's accomplishments and his quirks. I missed this layout when they had it because aren't these pics so funny? I couldn't wait to show everyone my pizza faced boy pictures. This page is covered in Glossy Accents.

Riley's soccer

So had to show these cute photos of Riley's soccer team. This was the last day of soccer, so they did a lot of posing. I love these photos!!!! Good job Melina!

Riley, you & Ethan really made us proud. You learned so many new skills this year. Made some great friends. Way to go. But the best part is you had fun. That's the important part. By the end of the season you guys actually looked like you belonged on a soccer team. Superstars!

Monday, March 19

apology

I am a bit out of sorts this week so I will start posting my recipes & challenge layouts next week. So sorry for those of you who are waiting patiently. I'll give you a hint though. My very first recipe will be a mouth watering chocolate recipe. (An easy, quick one to whip up that will make you a hit!)

Sadness

First of all, I'd like to offer our condolences to the Sawchuk family. I am so sorry for Bruce's sudden death. I have really been upset all day regarding his passing on Saturday. I knew him my entire life, I rode the bus with him, babysat his kids occasionally. I knew his brother more, but his family are our neighbors. He has 3 beautiful daughters who are definitely in my prayers.

I found that I am more in shock still. I was so upset when Trina passed away suddenly, and now Bruce. It has made me realize that life can take such drastic turns, ones that we don't plan on. I found that I just spent the day hugging my kids (probably smothering them) I really hope that eveyone takes the time to make sure that our loved ones know what they mean to us. Tell them, show them, because you never know what will happen next. I'm so blessed that Jim and I have such a loving relationship. We truly love each other. We do work very hard at it too. But to me, my family is the most important thing in life. I have realized the hard way this week that I need to journal more from the heart. My journaling has always been more light-hearted, documentary type versus true feelings. I'm a very tell it like it is person who tolerates no bull, lies or crap from anybody. But I think that your inner emotions need to be written down and expressed so your family knows how you feel. So enjoy the layouts I'm posting tonight. One serious, one lighthearted to make you laugh. sorry for the awful colour images. I scanned 60 fairly new & brand new images in and didn't realize that they are losing such brightness. I might go back to just taking a photo of my work instead.

This photo was taken the night we got engaged at the Voodoo Lounge in Las Vegas at the top of the RIO. (Tres Chic place so we were in formal wear)If you want a really awesome & romantic place to go. You can go outside and overlook the strip. It was so magical and fun. I can't believe we've been together 9 years and soon married 7 years. I love you Jim!

Now just a little goofing off by Ethan & Riley. of course a Melina photo. These boys are the best of friends.

Sunday, March 18

visiting day

Today was a visiting day. Jim took the boys with him to load his trailer. They were in heaven. Spending time with daddy. I pulled up beside them on the road just to wave to them. They were giddy! Afterwards, we spent the day visiting grandparents. Had a great time! I just love grandparents. Didn't do any scrapbooking but sure had a great family day. I love when Jim's home, we have so much fun and the boys are so excited. I thought I'd post a little layout that I did. It is busy, but it kinda works because the photo is very clear and neutral in colour. I just love remembering when Riley was still learning to pronounce words. It's hard to think back when he is so articulate now. But now Jager is entering this stage. Fun times. Jager learned poo poo this week and he uses it appropriately, so it is making my life easier.

Saturday, March 17

Scrap Together for Trina Genest

Hi. I really want everyone to read this post. I had the pleasure of meeting Trina Genest 14 years ago. We hairdressed together, she became my hairdresser, a scrapbooking buddy and a good friend. Unfortunately she passed away suddenly. It is really tragic to realize that life changes in an instant. A great group of girls are putting together a fundraiser for her family. She left behind a great husband Ray, and 2 cute boys Dawson & Nolan. If you never had the pleasure of meeting Trina and getting to know this wonderful person, it's okay. you can still come. Everyone is welcome!!! It will be a great day of scrapbooking, eating and visiting. If there is one thing scrapbooker's have in common, we all come together to help one another. So if you are interested call the contacts below. Hope to see everyone there. Let's fill that gymnasium!!!
Scrap Together for Trina Join us in a 12 hour cropping marathon dedicated to the memory of our friend and fellow scrapbooker-Trina Genest. All proceeds will go to her sons, Dawson and Nolan Genest.

Saturday April 14th

10am-10pm

Mother Teresa School Gym

Cost: $35.00 per person (lunch included)

White Elephant Table: donate your unwanted scrapbook supplies to a ‘white elephant’ table where you can purchase items for a small donation.

Draw Prizes: purchase tickets on a ton of great draw prizes!

Scrap in Style! Hair transformations from 10am-3pm generously donated by Munroes on Broadway. Sign up when you arrive. $10.00 donation.

Concession!

Lunch provided (make your own supper arrangements or order in!) q Mail or drop off your registrations to Jen Gruending c/o Mother Teresa School : 738 Konihowski Rd. S7S 1M4 For more information contact Jen at 374-5368 or Kim at 373-6919 Pre-Payment by cash or cheque (payable to Jen Gruending) before April 10th. *This event is sponsored by Trina’s ‘Scrap & Splurge’ group. _____________________________________________________ Registration Form:

Name: ____________________________

Phone #__________

email address: _________________________________

scrapbook pages and life

How is everyone today? I scrapbooked a few more pages that I am going to enter at Camp Croppin. Getting excited actually. But since I'm not posting any of those till I return, I thought I'd show you a few doodling type layouts. These are for Lori. Keep on practising and you will be a great doodler!!! I have faith in you.

Here is a quick snap of us rolling in the snow. It is so hard to take a pic of ourselves while lying in the snow. Poor Jager is in the light. Oops.
Oh, and I was just looking at my images that I dumped tonight. Love this kid. He is really into the "cheese" phase now. too bad he is so close here, I had a wall right behind me so I couldn't even back up more. But it still makes me laugh.
happy scrappin!

Friday, March 16

Just a quick note

So, I was going to post a picture of my recipe cards tonight but, they didn't come out too well, so I'll reshoot them tomorrow. So I thought instead I'll show you a cute pic of my brother Steven & Jager from the wedding this last weekend. When Steven went down to Vegas for Matthew's bachelor party they picked up this Ferrari driver's suit at the Ferrari store. So he wore it to the wedding. It was so cute.

Riley had no school today so we went to Flip. It is the coolest place for kids to burn off some serious energy! It is one big gymnastic club full of trampolines, beams, rings. everything. It is set up so well for little ones too. So after 2 hours of hard playing, we ate and then had a serious siesta. It was fun.

Thursday, March 15

Scrapping like Mad

So I have been scrapbooking like a mad women lately! I have to say that I could scrap any photos Melina takes all the time , anytime. I can't show you yet, because I am going to submit these, so once I've done that, then I'll show. So I am totally getting excited about the Camp Croppin event in Calgary next weekend. I think the best part is so many of my scrapbooking buddies are going. I only wish Pam was coming too, then it would be the best. Next year Pam!!! We'll leave the kids with our spouses and we'll go scrap up a storm! So I literally did this page last May I think, but I haven't been able to get the right pic for this page. I like that it is a little girly and out of my box. So would you put a black & white photo or colour in? I wanted to express how much my mom does for us, me, my children. She is phenomenal. I love you mom. You can't tell but I raised some of the flowers and embossed them. Of course I used a ton of rub ons.

Wednesday, March 14

What Scrapbook Items Can I not LIve Without?

So we all have our favourite items that we must scrapbook with. So what surrounds me??

Glossy Accents- by Ranger
ghost alphabets & shapes- Heidi Swapp
Prism Cardstock
Prismacolour pencil crayons
Derwent Watercolours
Creative Impressions-brads
chipboard
Rhonna Farrer stamps
UHU glue sticks
Dymo labeler
sparkles
rub-ons (any!!!)
Patterned Paper- my favourites at the moment:
Crate Paper
Basic Grey
Cherry Arte
Chatterbox
My Mind's Eye
There is so much awesome stuff out there. It's actually hard to choose. So I'm asking you, if you were going to a crop where you planned to get lot's done, what items would you be taking???

Tuesday, March 13

A quickie photo shoot by of course; MELINA PERRON

So have I told you lately how much I LOVE my kids???? They are my joy. Melina captures their essence so well. Just picked up these photos today and I am so scrapbooking at least one or two layouts tonight. Can't resist.. I just love this pic of the 3 of us. Great friends who have fun together and imagine, brought together by scrapbooking.

Monday, March 12

quick and easy

Okay, so this weekend I was accused of only doing extreme pages. I said that I don't always because I really don't have the time to focus on a really involved page anymore. If I have a night away from the kids, well yes, I tend to play a little longer. But in reality, I have hundreds of photos that still need to be finished. So sometimes I'll only spend 20 minutes on a layout to just get it done. So this posting is for YOU! and you know who you are...Here's a few quickies. So, when I want to get a page done fast frequently resort to some sort of colour blocking. Or I let a saying sum it up. I don't always have journaling to go with a page. Really. I mean sometimes there is only so much a person can say. (--more great Melina Perron photos) a really good trick, is to blow up your photos huge! why not??? It makes an impact on its own. plus when the pic is larger you can have a little crazier background.

here the wording on the patterned paper was enough said. "priceless". For more of an effect I turned the photo to sepia. (which I am a huge fan of!!!)
Here, I really don't think I spent 10 min. on truly. Ready on your mark, get set, Go!
Ink the edges
sand the photo edges
rub on the title on the photo
place eyelets on the photo
run fibre through the holes and then tape the ends on the backside (just use scotch tape)
the rip a white piece of paper, place in bottom r.h.corner
stick the letter stickers on.
DONE! told ya. S-I-M-P-L-E (above-another Melina shot too)
another color blocking.
rub ons are quick and effective
another colour blocking & a Melina photo the most difficulty with this layout is that I sewed on it. If you don't have a sewing machine, you can just draw the ticks with marker, or there are some companies that make "sewing" rub ons. Gel-a-tins make a really cool sewing acrylic stamp. so many options
really, time me. this one probably only about 6 min. place photo on page.criss cross ribbons, place charm at ribbon intersection, place Basic Grey rub on in bottom corner
Melina photo too.
Another super quickie! & Color blocking.
(Melina photo too!)
This one maybe a little more complicated. The whole r.h. side opens to reveal journaling. Otherwise everything on this page is almost rub ons
Heidi Swapp ghost letters & flowers are a blast!I use them so much.
Here I made a wack of index photos. They pretty much are my embellishments for this page. I think when you have great photos like this, you really don't need too much else.
(more Melina Perron photos)
Now, I was also asked " Do you ever scraplift??" In reality, I try to never do this, BUT, there are some phenomenal layouts that I enjoy the concept of and interpret in my own way. This one is an example. It was in a Memory Makers issue and she did it as a Valentines Day layout (I think) or love. I thought it was brilliant, but wanted to change it up, so I took the concept to a winter page with snowflakes. Remember, magazines are there to inspire you. so be inspired.
Sometimes let the photos do the talking. and again, great rubons speak loud, without having to get somplicated. My personal favourite rub ons are:
Making Memories (any letter font)
Basic Grey- any of them
Art Warehouse (the bottom letters) (I have went through an amazing amount of these ones. So versatile!!!)
Here, a form of color blocking, done as strips. I strategically placed the "rays" of paper so they directed your eye to look at the photo. Again, rub ons create the words. FAST!
The journaling is done on a Dymo label machine. A must have for the everyday scrapbooker. (I have quite a few different models of Dymo, because sometimes I just like the good 'ol plastic ones.)
more colour blocking & rub ons. Are you starting to see a pattern here?
Most of these pages have used scraps for the colour blocking parts. Why not? we all have scraps.
And if you want to save money on the rub ons, maybe instead type the journaling out on your computer.
really, imagine the speed on this one. The only thing I truly spent time on was twisting the wire to create a rope look. Remember though, if you don't have the negs, or a spare photo don't rip the edges. You can't fix it once it is done. I always do any drastic changes to the spare photo. So, believe me now? Most of these are actually old layouts because I haven't photographed any of my new speed demons yet. When I do, I'll post those. I hope you've ejoyed some of these oldie, goldies.
So the true question, which layouts do I prefer? the extreme scrapbooking or "Let's get 'er done" layouts? I LOVE BOTH!
because they are still photos of my family, my loves , my everything. And remember, those that read your pages are not judging your workmanship, they are appreciating it. I know I don't hear my 3 yr old saying mom, you should've spent more time on this page. So keep it in check.
I think I've just inspired my own self to go and whip up a few quickie layouts tonight.
Oh, for those of you who want extra help on creating Fast layouts, I highly recommend taking Pam's class called "Fast n Fun". You complete 10 pages every time in 2 hours. No check. It's a reality!!! And I do have to admit they are smashing layouts! (If you need a schedule of Scraptology's Fast n Fun classes, just email me.
Go scrapbook!

Quick and simple pages

Okay, so this weekend I was accused of only doing extreme pages. I said that I don't always because I really don't have the time to focus on a really involved page anymore. If I have a night away from the kids, well yes, I tend to play a little longer. But in reality, I have hundreds of photos that still need to be finished. So sometimes I'll only spend 20 minutes on a layout to just get it done. So this posting is for YOU! and you know who you are...Here's a few quickies.

Saturday, March 10

A day in the Life...

I am so excited for today. A friend of ours is getting married out of town and we can't wait to go. Weddings are so much fun! You get to run into people you haven't seen forever, but the best part is you get to dance all night. I love dancing with Jim, we have a lot of fun(except when we try to do the Charleston, I end up being kicked more) but it's worth it. A night of jiving and 2 stepping is the best. So I thought since I only have a minute to post, I'd put up a layout I did in January." A day in the life of Jager-2nd layout) I really liked doing it. Jager looks so cute. (thanks for another great photo Melina Perron) It is such a simple layout. A Day in the Life... I really truly love "Crate Paper". They make such gorgeous coordinating paper. Lately I'm into doodling in the free space of photos. Remember though, I'm doing this ONLY on a photo I have multiple copies of. Don't do this to irreplacable pics, make a copy first. After I had posted Jager's layout I realized that I did a day in the life or Riley years ago. So after a quick hunt, voila. The "ripped" part of this page opens up to reveal the entire journaling but I don't have a pic of this on my computer.I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Friday, March 9

RECIPES!!!!

Hi, I was recently told that people love to get recipes from me. I was really, really happy to hear that. So you want to know why they liked them??? because I gave them an original work of art "scrapbooked recipe card" that can fit into the "typical 5x7 recipe box. I find that this is a really personal touch. I love to get scrapbooked recipes. At Christmas time, I was given some girl guides cookies from a client that I scrapbooked for. On the wrapping was the cutest card that include different recipes on how to make pies and other stuff with the cookies. As far as I know this card was made by his co-worker, Melina (Mindy) Beaver. (a fun scrapbooker!) Well the recipe went immediately into my scrapbooked recipe box. I cherish it. So I decided that this is something really important to me. So once a week I will post a "scrapbooked recipe card." So stay tuned I'll start next week. Plus, I'll include the recipes. (because that is always the fun part.) I love to try new recipes, so if you have a great family favourite, post it in the comments! I promise I'll try it out AND I will make you a personalized recipe card as a thank you!!!

random photos

This is a fun minimal doodling page. Didn't have any journaling to say. I used mostly Derwent watercolours. (this type is the best colour selection and quality for the price) They are like pencil crayons, so I colour my areas first then paint over them with just water for the dreamy look. I did bring in some Prismacolour pencil crayons too for the darker areas. I liked using circles with this photo.I also sewed some messy circles just for texture and some "stripes on the side." I used this particular 3 because it was such a strong contrast to the soft page. For just a little "something something" I used Art Accentz microfine glitter and made a circle of sparkly dots. Since I had a lot of free space on this photo, I did a little doodling on it too. Why not?A good idea when using circles is too offset them with a contrasting element. Here I repeated "squares" I drew a box around the outside, Created a frame around the photo. It just puts more of a focus on the circles.

"Love" Just Jager and I. I have seriously been using an unbelieveable amount of this "blush" line by Basic Grey. It is so much fun. Since I didn't want the layout to look girly because of all the pink and flowers, I painted cream acrylic paint by Making Memories all over it. It gave a bit of translucent appearance while still being able to see the paper. I typed all of my journaling on vellum and then "stapled" it to the little papers I precut to place the journaling on. I didn't have anything to say so I just kept repeating LOVE in different masks, stickers and rub ons. The large title is made with the Heidi Swapp masks. (a must have ) then I randomly made a "frame" out of buttons. So much fun! (another Melina Perron photo-)
melinaperronphotography.blogspot.com
I created the "holes" with different sized eyelet setters. I love doing this. It is such a inexpensive way to add an embellishment or design. Of course I totally love the Ki Memories shimmer paper. It is fun to work with. It's hard to tell but the silver is Bazzil shimmer cardstock. the coolest thing about this layout is, the picture opens up to reveal 2 journaling blocks written by Jim and I to Riley. (What we love about you) XOXO is Heidi Swapp chipboard.The "Love" rub on in the top right hand corner is by Daisy d's.

"Once a Village now my Ghost Town

I was recently asked by a person in one of my classes how I alter rub ons, because as you know, I have a serious love affair with rub ons. I LOVE them. But they are just like stickers...they don't always have to be used the way you buy them. My favourite way to alter a rub on is with ink. I try not to stick with just one ink colour unless I really want something specific to match. In this layout, I used many different Basic Grey Rub ons mixed in with Rhonna Farrer ones. I'm a huge fan of brown and the blue goes so well with it. But when I put the white rub ons on, it was too stark. So I took my "creamy brown" cat's eye, which is really light, and started dabbing it on the rubon. (I forgot to mention, you do have to adhere the rub on down first before you alter). Once I have dabbed it on, I immediately start wiping it off with a paper towel. The reason for this is, the rub ons have a "slick" finish that doesn't penetrate well. So if you didn't rub it off, it would just colour your page protectors. and get all over your photos eventually. So after you rub off the ink you can keep repeating this step with darker colours until you get the effect that you want. You can opt to "heat set" this instead with an embossing gun, but I always put rub ons over my photos and if you are not careful then you will just burn or curl your photo. This is a better way. Once you have one layer of ink dabbed on, any other colours will be accepted easier. Try this. It is a lot of fun. I actually do it a lot because not many companies make a large selection of brown rub ons, and as you know I love brown!
Tonight was Riley' last soccer practice. So sad, but was it ever fantastic. The kids were "superstars".I don't know if it was because it was their last one but they all played awesome and received medals at the end. Melina took some great shots, as usual. But I'll post them tomorrow. Sleep tight!
Food for thought: Watch what we say around kids, they are always listening. Riley told Jager to " chew your food like you mean it!" (in a bossy tone too.) we laughed pretty hard, but where does he keep getting these lines from???

Wednesday, March 7

Alcohol Inks

So lately I've been working on some photos from the end of last year, which still bring back great memories!!!! Especially this pumpkin maze adventure. Melina & I took the children to Dutch Growers. It was fun, Riley & Ethan giggled and giggled and threw hay. Poor Jager, suffering from allergies, swelled up and developed a crazy rash and blotchiness all over his face. He would not quit going through the maze though.
So I created the background paper with alcohol inks. Which is one of my favourite products to use lately.
I took a transparency and started with my lightest colour of ink and "dropped" puddles onto the transparency. I let them run wherever they wanted to go. If you would rather have a marbled look, take felt and dab them immediately after you drop the ink. Play with it, you'll get the idea. Then I kept adding darker colours after till my page was covered. If you don't like an area, you can always drop a darker colour over top of it again. I also had fun sewing the felt onto my page. I LOVE felt! try it, you'll be hooked. Since felt is really hard to adhere things to, I've found the awesomest glue at Yesterday's Memories called "Gloo" by KI Memoreis. Itis perfect for embellishments like buttons, chipboard and anything else with weight,and it doesn't come off the felt at all. A must have glue!
So with this layout, I created my background paper the exact same way, but I made a mosaic instead by cutting the transparency into 2x2 squares. just gives a different effect. Looks kind of like stained glass. I placed a lighter colour behind the transparency to make it pop. The brown would not have allowed the pattern to have been seen as well.
Of course, another great photo by Melina Perron.
Can my family get enoughof her....NO!
So what else cna you use alcohol inks on? Glass, metal, and plastic. I'm working on a funky project right now, it's not done but I'll post it when I am. Then you can see some more examples of alcohol inks.
So off the topic of scrapbooking, Jager was bit at the gym daycare, then by my friends girl so now at church he bit another child of course. Now he is seriously our little vampire at home. Any ideas how to stop this? Need help!!!
Riley had an awesome day at preschool. He came home and told me that he goes to the best school and he loves it. I am so in love with Maria Montessori School. The teachers, staff and parents are delightful. Everyone is friendly, and I love the focus on respect that they are demonstrating to the students. The teachers are top notch! Highly recommend this school if you are looking for a place to enrol your child into. The class sizes are very small and personable , and the children are stimulated in practical ways. There is no slipping through the cracks here!
Food for thought: Our lives are constantly getting so busy, but take 5 minutes out of your day to call someone you haven't talked to in awhile and see how they are doing. You'll be glad you did. And it will brighten their day!

Tuesday, March 6

Challenge #1- scrapbook a LO about "scrapbooking"

Have I told you lately how much I love scrapbooking. It is amazing being able to do something I'm so passionate about. I truly have the best group of friends to scrapbook with, which makes it fun. Through our classes that we teach at Scraptology; Pam, Melina & I have made some fun friends, ones that even like to get a little crazy on our wine & cheese and fondue nights. Everyone needs an outing, something that allows them to enjoy life a little bit more. So I challenge you this; this week scrapbook a layout or project about ..."scrapbooking". Maybe it is your favourite supplies, your Late night crops, whatever suits your fancy. Maybe it is how scrapbooking has changed your life. Have fun!