The Original b3 designs

Ashley Arrives

2010-06-12T15:41:00.000-07:00

man life has been crazy. mostly because of her:

*** as always, click the title link to go to details about the page ***

They Call it Puppy Love

House Puppy

Play All Day

Have a wonderful weekend. More scrap page updates to come.

And not all of them are about a girl named Ashley. Gasp!

The most awesome thing happened this month

2010-05-28T20:43:00.000-07:00

Lightening struck twice.

Not only did I make the dream team over at Karla Dudley Designs, but I also made the match made in heaven template team for Simply Tiffany Templates.

Yes. That would be a match made in heaven. What a month. So much goodness, I need to go be a downloading chick and scrap some. Three day weekend. And a good portion will be spent outside being creative there but hey...some computer time is totally in order...

To be continued...yes...sooner than a year from now.

Drumroll please...Great Thicker Stash Winner

2009-06-07T20:17:00.000-07:00

And the winner of the fantastic Thicker Stash is...

What?

You can't read it?

Come on down Mel! She's an early bird and posted at 8:22 am in the morning all in an effort to win the great Thicker stash. I would quote you but blogger is being a punk at the moment and not letting me copy and paste. which is really cramping my style tonight.

You specifically said" I use Google Reader and sometimes it's not reliable..." Imagine that...kinda like blogger itself. Guess I had better slurp my blog over to blurb before the blogger Gods retaliate and shut me down. Paranoid much? No...not at all (smile).

Email me Mel (and OhioArtfulYogi @11:56 am and Holly @7:02 pm) so I can get your packages prepped.

Thanks for playing along folks. That was fun! I'm in a giveaway mood now...let's see what else I've got...

Poster #100 is...and the grand prize winner...

2009-06-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

And poster #100 is:

AScrappersDelight said...
I love Thickers too! and I am totally adding your blog to my list as well. Fantastic!
6:35 PM

be sure to email me your addy.

Yeppers...my comments were still moderated (sorry about that) BUT blogspot is pretty good about keeping track of the order of posting (smile).

Off to a meeting and then in the wee hours of the night, we'll pull the great thicker stash winner.
A little birdie tells me that someone may just have to make a side trip after said meeting to a BL or two on the way home since...well...they are on the way home. You never know what surprise giveaways will pop up around here.

Speaking of which, if you like cool free stuff be it scrappy or not and you're local (Seattleish area) you'll want to hop over to my other blog for an awesome opportunity there. No comments, reader subs required, I'll just need to know your email addy.

Stay tuned for the grand prize winner late tonight (or early tomorrow for quite a few of you).

B

Questions, Answers & Winners (part 1)

2009-06-06T09:05:00.000-07:00

Awesome!

If you want in on the big thicker stash giveaway

you need to comment on this post (click the link)

Clearly, I am not the only person with a thicker obsession.

Thanks for all your gracious (non-motivated, I'm sure *smile*) comments on the blog. I'm actually in the process (for years now really so don't fret) of updating it and so many new subscribers will give me the motivation to kick that in gear. Okay...to at least blog more.

Couple of questions came up:

Yes, yes, yes...I don't sell my stuff here so feel free to swipe what ya like (the colors/black and white quote seemed to be the most popular). I DO ask that you attribute it (found at this crazy girls blog) and link me up and give me a clue that you're using it and where (non-commercial use of course) so that I can help ya promote it. Commercial use, I expect a cut. I'm messing with you, BUT I do work for a wholesome organization so I'd like to make sure my stuff isn't being used to sell...well...you know.

Yes I scoured the earth - well, Western Washington for these. Yes I found them in different weeks and yes, it was a really small (like one hook's worth) stash at almost every store. They WERE in the scrap section not set separate like the KI Ice grab of oh...what was that...2006 or 2007?

Lacey, WA (the one by Wal Mart) is the one that had them, not Olympia (the one by the mall). The one by the mall has lots of awesome KI ribbon; the one by wal mart has buttons as well as the thickers.

Federal Way may very well be out. Me and another pea were cleaning them out when I first got there.

Lynnwood may also be out. They had the least varied stash and you had to hunt for them in the scrap section.

If I were to go back, I'd go to Lacey because they were the most organized and they were JUST putting their stash out at about noon on Wednesday.

Different stores get their trucks (and offload them) at different times. Usually I think they get them Tuesday, but the Burien store got one last Saturday (with nothing good scrap wise) because of the holiday.

Just ask. The folks at the store when their next truck will be in. Take a picture with you (yes, you can swipe the pictures here), ask to leave it with them, get a name and when they are working so that you can call and ask that specific person if they have them. In some cases, it pays to let them know they are in on the great thicker hunt - one of the staffers called me to tell me they were in. Sometimes it could backfire, one store told me they didn't get any, but someone else told me they had just been in and got a bunch. Perhaps an employee was about to make a buck on ebay.

All said...the winners!

As you see above, I have four sets of the accents. I said I had three and I would pull two numbers but they actually go to four different homes. The huge stash is still up for grabs through Sunday night.

The three numbers I originally had were:

13 (who says it has to be unlucky? That's Roberts birthday)

47 (April 7 is the anniversary of when Robert and I met)

70 (that's the sum of how old Robert and I are)

And the one to grow on (that hasn't been reached yet) = 100. The last of the individual sets will go to my 100th comment on this post

***Congratulations***

#13 kee kee said...
I use Google Reader and love it! I've added your blog to my subscription list. Thanks for the chance to win.
5:17 AM

#47 Ohio Artful Yogi said...
I'd love to have that stash. Let's see your stash! Hope it is my lucky day!
11:56 AM

#70 Holly said...
Thanks so much for the opportunity to win these. I am going to check out your blog right now...I love the inspiration!!Thanks again, Holly
7:02 PM

Feel free to doubt and check my math (yes, even counting can be difficult and that is a blog update I didn't get to...one that numbers my comments because really, usually I only get like 2).

Email me at henderson.bernadette@gmail.com with addresses so I can get your packets in the mail. Or to tell me I'm a moron and the real winners are...

Tell your friends...the 100th comment (almost there) gets the last set).

I love thickers...

2009-06-03T19:49:00.000-07:00

...but I love you more.

I'm too embarrassed to show my personal stash (shameful) BUT, this stash could be your's.

Since I'm selfish (the stash that shall go unseen) there is of course something in it for me:

To win one of the three chipboard thicker accentss I'm giving away individually, just leave a comment here. Call it good as day. I've already got two specific numbers that I'll be giving them to (as in the number X poster and the number Y poster) so good luck. No randomness, just a bit of luck. I'll pull those winners before end of Friday (Remember, I'm west coast so my "end" is probably later than your's).

But for the motherlode - which includes the above and then some, what's in it for me.

I'm a blog lurker. Like no one's business. But I love bloglines (and bloggers' blog reader and just about any RSS reader really) because I don't have to stalk ya'll to know when you update.

To get into the big drawing for the huge stash, sign up to read my blog in a blog reader. If you already are married to one (I love Bloglines myself) and you just add my blog to the blogs listed in your reader, cool. If you don't have a blog reader, check out bloglines because it is super easy.

Once ya sign me up, come back and leave a comment telling me which reader you subscribe to my blog from. Yeah, even if you unsub right after the drawing, I won't hate on ya (smile).

You have until 9 pm Pacific on Sunday (this Sunday) night to get that done. I'll draw a winner and post (both on here and via postal mail). Which means that you pretty please with a cherry on top should do the blog reader subscription thing because it is really sad when I pick a winner who didn't leave their email addy (understandable) but who never comes back to see that, alas, they had won.

All said, have fun. My gain (finally!) is your win (hopefully!).

Ready. Set. Go.

***thickers up for grabs: Prancer - chipboard; Jewelry Box - chipboard; Vera - foam; Black Tie - velvet; Dolce - fabric covered chipboard; Shoebox - chipboard and glittered chipboard; Darling - chipboard; Pajamas - felt (in black and brown)***

And of COURSE bloglines is temporarily down...And it is UP again. Have at it!

SCORE!

2009-06-01T18:44:00.001-07:00

Persistance pays off.

Lynnwood, WA BL

I just got brown, black and white.

They didn't have a ton, but enough to share.

First one (of about 9 stores I've checked) that had them.

Ironically...talking about class

2009-05-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

So I got a really awesome request from Jean at 2peas the other day. The request was to feature this layout:

Campfires are My Fave

on her blog here. Cool blog about her love of camping which you should also check out.
I giggled a bit when she mentioned that my layout was classing up her joint a bit. I mean, because I keep it classy an updated here all the time right? Right...

In other grander than grande news...

This layout in all of it's awesome "Oh I should fix that, and that...and maybe I'll wait to post it" glory not only seemed to knock everyone's socks off at my homecoming to the place where I started this scrap journey, but it is awesomely one of the top 10 layouts of the past 30 days there. Awesome!

Flair is Cool Again

So yes. In answer to that question. I still scrap, I still blog. Just gotta spread the time evenly after my love affair this past long weekend with Facebook. I know...so much technology...so little time. For your patience, a boatload of {s}crappy goodness:

My Fave Part of Christmas
Ten Months Into Forever

Tweety Girl

(hit me up, followingb is my twitter id)

Thin Mint Cookie Monster

PNW Love

Leavenworth Traditions

Still on a mission for Big Lots Thickers. If you find them anywhere in the grande state of Washington and you don't tell me, I'll hunt you down and hurt you. In ways only a true scrapper would ever dare. Papercuts anyone??

Cuteness personified

2009-05-09T09:54:00.001-07:00

It's Saturday. I'm going to go play. Without hearing anything of course. Until later:

Thanks for stopping in!

For all things NSD

2009-05-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

Yeah yeah yeah. Some eye candy to make up for it is in order. Got super sick and tired (the no sleep probably contributed to it) and had to work and do all sorts of other stuff. If you stalk me online, you've seen it all, but if you're the one stop shop type...there you have it. All of it from my stash...didn't have to spend another penny to create them.

Ahhh...50/50 is going GRREEAT!

50/50 challenge...on the cheap

2009-04-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

***Previously recorded post - I love scheduled posting not that I remembered how again so get used to it***

So how do you spend only $50 a year on scrap supplies? I mean seriously...especially if you're a paper scrapper (hey...one package of stickers can cost ya $4) or even if you're a digi scrapper? Those folks like myself who have already been doing it to it have a wealth of stash to get started with and really it just isn't fair to expect a newbie or a non-hoarder to spend only $50 for the rest of this year on scrap supplies.

But yes it is. You just need to know how to get your stuff on the cheap (aka, free).

You're reading a blog right? So probably my best tip for free scrap stuff is blog hopping. And make it easy for yourself by signing up for a blog reader like http://www.bloglines.com/ where you can track all 232 of your blogs effortlessly. Seriously...I'm back down to 62 and probably need to clear half of those out and add about 50 more of folks I've mysteriously managed to link to on my blog, but not on bloglines...go figure.

To that, some of my fave blogs to follow that are great with giveaways:

Robyn Werlich's {Discovering} Life - lots of stamp/scrap goodies
Ali Edwards' {A} - lots of scrap (paper and digi) and even scrap retreats
Kayla Aimee Only Slightly Neurotic - lots of SiS class spaces
KelliCrowe [i love folks that keep the blog name simple] - lots of scrap goodness
Ikea Goddess [did i mention my love of simple names?] - lots of digi scrap goodies

That should tide you over for a minute.

Layout of the Day | Sis eye candy faves

2009-04-26T11:03:00.000-07:00

Actually of several days, but no matter. This was fun with a template by Tiffany.

So on most of the scrap galleries, there is an ability to save some of your fave layouts or even layout artists.

This past week at SiS, I asked folks to show me some of their personal fave layouts (of their own creation) and hip me to why they loved them. I promised I'd post an entry about why I loved their well loved layouts so here it goes! Definitely click on the name of the person to check out the photo of the layout - you won't be dissapointed~!

Pegasus - I LOVE how she used photos of folks near and dear to her that have passed. I'm always so scared to scrap photos of my grandmother because, well, I'll never get to take another picture of her and I don't want to run out of pictures of her to scrap. Hardly an issue since I hoard them all (smile).

BlessedinTexas - We all know I'm all about the pink. But I especially love how she did pink and soft and flowly on a totally grungy background with that ripped and stripped cardstock. The texture to this layout is to die for and so are the colors.

lalscrap - She rocks some awesome blue (even with a hint of pink) in this page about her son. Yes...her son. Yes...hints of pink. She really REALLY rocks the BamPop stamps and reminds me that I have a whole slew full of stamps that I need to use more often in my scrap happy fun times.

Juliaom - Yes...I linked you to her whole portfolio. Mostly because if you love heritage scrapbooking, you'll love what she does. I, admittedly, tend to play around more than preserve memories and do the research involved with heritage scrapbooking but looking at her portfolio is like reading an AWESOME story of someone else's family tree. And she does beautiful photography on the side to boot (smile).

haggith - Technique scrappers are some of my fave scrappers in the world. Mostly, because I don't have the patience for it. Something about getting out the art supplies and doing something step by step and having it turn out the way I intended is intimidating. But every time I see a page like this, I think "hmmm...bleach stamping might be work another try". Right after I try some masking... She rocked the stars on this page. Break out the inks girls!

jenniferP - She reminds me why I LOVE the SiS gallery. Every morning, before work...something bright and fun and "hey, I need to check that out today" catches my eye. Her title is actually a song lyric which I had to look up because hey...that page is FLY! Beautiful bright colors, great photo, fun take...definitely worth a peek.

JamieBoBamie - Rocks. Mostly because I love lots of couple's pictures (for obvious reasons) but also because as much as I LOVE journaling and want to see lots of it on layouts (check), I HATE cutting out journaling strips. Anyone with the patience to do that is hands down a fave in my book. LOVED the tongue in cheek humor/honesty to that journaling too.

Maritscrapworld - This layout BLEW. ME. AWAY. I was literally breathless reading the poem. And the way she scrapped it...all dark monotones with that ray of light through the window...that glimmer of hope. I'm tearing up on this one so I'll leave it at that. You HAVE TO click on this one and read it through. Scrapbooking is about not forgetting. This page so captures that.

smilesfrommel - more fun with heritage photos, but in a very unexpected way. I LOVe pages like this that use old photos (we've been over that already) BUT, in this case, I also love how she stayed pretty true to her fun scrapper style and didn't use muted colors and take us totally back to "back then". She kept it here with fun little twists (literally) like those twine stiched frames.

Got a fave layout you want me to peep at the SiS gallery and leave some love on? Link it up for me on this thread and I'll stop on by!

I'll do another installment soon with some eye candy of folks I love to love (aka, Ms. Jody).

Another day, another page

2009-04-22T23:02:00.001-07:00

Layout of the day:

Wedding Note to Self

photo by my amazing wedding photographers

50/50 challenge for me cause I made it hybrid (you can use digi over and again)

AND because everything else was from my stash. Tip 'O the day:

Do good work, get on a design team.

They give you TONS of extra stuff

Like all the October Afternoon on this layout.

Enjoy!

This one will need to tide you over.

Till at least Friday.

I have to work for a living Thursday night.

Friday is "Show me your Faves" day.

Totally.

scrap 50/50 challenge

2009-04-21T08:10:00.000-07:00

Ready for some fun?

The other day, I was in JoAnns for the Daffodill Days sell and I thought to myself:

Really. You don't need a lot of stuff to scrap fun pages.

So I challenged myself. Spend no more than $50 this year (well, the remainder of this year...and that doesn't include glue for you glue sniffers, but for me, it does on a go-forward basis cause I also click scrap and can totally do that without glue), get at least 50 layouts done.

Which, is a good enough challenge for me. Cause I LOVE to buy the digi pretty stuff. I've gotten better about the randomness in scrap stores mostly because I live nowhere near a reasonably priced scrap store anymore and because, well, it just is far less interesting to me the stuffs that I can find in big box places. And cause we don't have a box on the porch anymore, I totally don't order online because who has time to go and pick up packages that they won't leave for you.

I digress.

50/50. $50 spent on scrap the rest of the year. 50 layouts completed. Join me?

I know I can get more than 50 done (on weekends that I'm home) but that will totally make up for those bogus work long weeks where I get nothing done. Spreads out the pressure and all.

This challenge works well for hoarders (you can shop your stash and not count that towards your $50...thank goodness I have plenty of cardstock and adhesive). It also works really well for newbies because you can see that you can shop purposefully and get it done.

To that...let's go. Each time I post something to this strand, I'll be sure to include a link or two for inspiration (get it scrapped) or good finds.

Good inspiration and free goods find: Pencil Lines Sketch Blog

Plenty of good sketches and layouts by their amazing design team for the glue sniffers (paper)I'm a bit partial to TraciH's stuff and have been her scrap stalker for a while. Free digi templates to download for the confused (hybrid) and clickers (digital).

Show me what you do and I'll leave love in your galleries and on your blog for ya.

They lift me up (Mojo Holder)

2009-04-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

So a little bit ago, a sweet person emailed to ask if she could lift this page:

For as long as I can remember, there has been a raging debate in the halls of scrap justice about scraplifting. I've settled on inspire and be inspired. And you know that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery (so they say).

To that, I love blogs like Mojo Holder because they actually credit the folks they lift (which is the only bone, if any, I think most people truly have with "lifting" aka "copying" a page).

Check out the amazing takes on my Urban Glimpse Farm Life layout right here at MojoHolder.

I was lift # 106 posted on April 10th.

At Mojo Holder, you'll find a sketch of my page to follow.

You'll also find lots of great samples like this one by Angie

whose blog is Pink & Black Snaps and Scraps.

Check out all the links.

You'll like them. I promise.

Thanks for looking!

And don't forget (yes, another link)

to check out the contest at

Colored White

Guessing games are fun!

New Day...old stuff

2009-04-11T09:41:00.001-07:00

So I spent a good chunk of this morning (and some unclocked other time) re-arranging my galleries about the world. I would say my most updated gallery still remains at SiStv, but I'm working on cleaning up the 2peas gallery and Tally as well.

It is getting there.

But in the midst of getting, figured I'd share some of my fave layouts for this time of year:

Wow! Me!

Birds are back and love is springing

Anniversary Card

4 years of breathing again

Tibetan Memories
april 2007 trip to Tibet

Happy Springtime!

Why, When, Who and What - on Leaving SiS

2009-03-26T22:30:00.000-07:00

Officially - March 1.

I no longer have that bright little red F star next to my name at Scrap in Style TV.
All in all, I need to be purposeful and make a difference. There is a ton (okay...a ton and a HALF) of talent at SiS just oozing out your monitor and like my work life, my love life (ouch) and my life life, I just feel that I gotta keep it fresh. New challenges, new goals, new hills (mountains lately) to climb, new springness all around.

I thought I could totally just go cold turkey on the scrap with no scrap room in sight. I just can't quite that stuff man. So I'll be around. Commenting on your stuff and getting inspired. Occasionally looking at the box of scrappiness I just COULD NOT pack away (it is just so fun to touch...).

And yes, scrapping.

Keep it real, touch people, be you and watch out now.
hunkering down for 2 years (or so) of white bread, American cheese and mayonaise sandwiches.
The sacrifices we make for the American dream.

A year to grow on - blogging flow

2009-03-03T20:43:00.001-08:00

So by now, you know I've resigned at Scrap In Style. Yeah and it goes.

So I think, while we're staging and not doing anything remotely resembling LIVING in this house for the next few billion months, I figured I'd post a scrap page recap a day (or, as often as I post since we all know daily isn't in my vocab). Just to open up the floodgates and try to convince myself that scrapbooking is essential daily living again. Wouldn't want to forget how to do it and all.

This first one is for Ms. (Mrs.) Ohio who wants to know all about scrap.

A Tale of 2 Beach Bum Lovers

Love this page. Six photos (the little circle photos around the main photos are tiny condensed photos), one piece of scrap paper from my fave 7gypsies. A lick of ribbon (not sure by who, I have TONS of ribbon scraps, really...I packed the boxes), a couple of chipboard hearts (Making Memories) painted red. Some chipboard letters also painted red (also Making Memories) and some left over letter stickers I had a while ago. A couple of great stamps (the dotted circle and the tiny heart). Some hand journaling that tells the story of the title and some stamping to list out all the different beaches we've been to together.

TFL (again)!

For every beginning...

2009-02-26T22:58:00.000-08:00

...there is an end. I know some of ya'll never thought the day would come. Others couldn't wait for it to come soon enough. And since we're in the final tosses and turns of it all, I guess for me, it is time to share it with the world.

The hardest post I ever, EVER made at Scrap in Style TV was to my Fgirls and I said this (kinda the condensed version...as condensed as I get anyhow):

My favorite group is Boys II Men...and fittingly enough, on tele the other day, I saw a really REALLY old video. End of the Road. I loved the whole CD that song came on. Cried my eyes out because I had just broken up with a guy I never really dated to begin with. BUT that was not the story I was going to tell.

The end has come for me.

I love you all passionately.

I've never been the get it done girl.

There are a million excuses for why not - getting married, working my fingers to the nubby bloody bone just to get a cookie (literally...I have GS cookies iffen you need them!), packing up my scrap room, barely coming to grips with sharing my computer with "that dude who is my better half...until he tries to get on the one computer left standing in our very bare place", packing said whole place up and moving on up to the Eastside burbs but not until we sell the current place, settling lawsuits, etc. None of it more important than anything anyone else is dealing with, yet I kept hanging on.

Barely.

So now we've come to the end of the road. No...try it again. Sing it like the Boys. Come....to the end. of. the road. Still I can't let go. It's unnatural. You belong to me. I belong to you.

And saying goodbye (evidently) is harder than hell for me.

To that, I let JJ, KA and Diane know. And JJ graciously allowed me to postpone the "final" day until March 1. Mostly because she was pretty sure I'd post stuff from the last collection I got (perpetually behind...they are coming) but honestly because I did not want to be part of any kind of drama whatsoever.

Some of my bestest scrap friends in the world have left in ways that have totally saddened me. And I knew I'd be plenty sad enough under any kind of regular goodbye to throw anything else on top of that.

All said...after March 1, I cannot promise I'll still be around [at SiStv] so I won't go there. Doesn't mean I won't stalk your blogs or still want to email you congrats when you make a dream team or do anything whatsoever that you're passionate about. Doesn't mean that because I DON'T reach out that I'm not thinking of you. Just means that I don't have my priorities straight and hawking GS cookies on the corner superseded emailing you. Or playing Scarab Solitaire on Facebook is an easy enough escape from facing the fact that I should be doing something far more productive (like, connecting with real people), but I'm going to procrastinate on that too.

All in all, no rergets, lots of self reflected learning about commitments and lots of full on appreciation for the better person you all have made me in your each and special ways.

Now. If anyone knows anyone looking to buy a fabulous house in the hood (up and coming hood though...) in Seattle, please please PLEASE be in touch. We walked a model in suburbia yesterday that had a built in scrap room. If I had that, and some subsidies from the feds to pay my mortgage, I'd totally quit my job, learn how to meet deadlines and beg JJ and LG to take me back.

Enough already.Love you all. T-minus 6 [now 3] more days until my life will never be the same.

Keep it real. And tame your addiction to Facebook my friends.

Pictureless Scrapbooking

2009-02-06T08:39:00.000-08:00

Evidently, I do it more often than not.

Over at the Hodge Podge Art blog, they have an AMAZINGLY FUN challenge going on to scrap a layout without pictures. Of course, most folks are like "WHAT?" how in the world...but really, it is all in the details.

Here are a ton of examples of what I've done in the past. I hope to get it together in time (out tonight...painting tomorrow, probably dead and packed by Sunday) to get a new layout together, but just in case not...have fun with it!

Be sure to click on the photos because it will take you to the detail about the journaling (or the story behind the layout) over at SiStv.

The first example is of using pictures, but not photos. The images are actually clippings from travel mags pasted together from my inspiration notebook of places I want to go. The rest are truly no image layouts.

Get creative with it and have fun!

Thanks for looking!

For the love of years, Wilna and scrap

2009-01-29T12:45:00.001-08:00

An alternate title for this post might be "A Love Affair with Kraft Cardstock."

I've blogged here for years now. Yet...my post count wouldn't seem it. So I need to be more active eh? Or not for you oh so patient ones. Maybe I'll schedule two posts for a day. Now that I have figured out (a bit late to the game) how to schedule posts, I can totally do a whole bunch of posts now for later when I'm all crashed and burned out. So the simple stuff first.

My dear DEAR friend Wilna has an amazing blog contest going on to win a spot in her super special puffy heart heart class. You totally need to sign up...at least to try to win (it is an online class...even better!) and to take the class if you don't win. I've never been so excited for a class and it is timely too. I think Valentine's Day is probably my fave crafty holiday.

Check out Wilna here.

Me. Oh yeah...my connection to Wilna is that way back in the day (way way back) she sent me a tiny box full of amazing yummy goodness. Read that as "Making Memories goodness". So I am very much practicing not hoarding and using up more of my supplies. What I love about most packages of MM stuff is that you can make a TON of layouts out of one package of stuff. So many tags, buttons, looking glass buttons (I so covet those) and other just GOOD STUFF to scrap with. And since I do it hybrid style, it just stretches those scrap goods even further in this day and age of thrift. So here you are my pretties. Thanks for still stopping by!

Unbelievable Everyday

An Unusual Trip

Mesh

Market Fresh

Maybe Relativity Matters

While I'm listening to Get Silly...Get Published

2009-01-19T07:32:00.000-08:00

My first class at SiSTv kicks off today. I'm so very honored to get to team teach it with Jen Jockish and Corrinne Delis.

Ever want to see your name in flashing lights?
Splashed across the glossies?
Recognized as one of the greatest scrapbookers of all time?

Well, this isn't the class for you.

But if you WOULD just like to see some of your pages in the mags (because they just about all rely on everyday ordinary folks with mad skills just like you to fill their fantastic pages), then our

"How to Get Published" class is for you!

You can register for it here if you are quick.

There are hundreds of tips, photos and nuggets of goodness that you get to pursue at your own pace (it is an e-class via email...save the messages, print and read when you have time). It is appropriate for all level of published or not person--I've been published tons and already learned a few new tricks to the trade. And if you're new to the process, the materials are presented in a nice step by step format so that it isn't all overwhelming.

So what are you waiting for? Can't wait to see your name in flashing lights!

2008 Recap #1: "Reverse" Hybrid

2008-12-28T09:30:00.000-08:00

So. We come to 12/28/2008 and I feel the need (since there are three 2s up in all that) to recap the year. In scrapbooking. There were plenty of highs and a low or two, but all in all, scrapbooking is still scrapbooking and life is life. So three for 2008. Starting with my trend towards reverse hybrids.

Now. I'm not so sure that this is what it is called. But generally, my understanding is that you scrap digitally (with a computer), you scrap paper (without a computer) or you scrap hybrid (generally, paper, with some computer help that is printed to paper and then scrapped "paper").
For instance, if you break out all your letter stickers, paper, rub ons, your sewing machine and all the cute buttons and the whole layout, complete with maybe hand journaling, then that is a paper layout.

If instead, you sit down at your computer and pull up your digital pictures which you don't print out, you start up a photo editing program (ie, Digital Image Suite...rest in peace), you create a 12x12 canvas and you start dropping all sorts of great digi elements that you find at places like 2peas and DesignerDigitals or from the Freebie Blog (Ikea Goddess), and you basically don't print anything until you've basically finished it all, then that is a digital layout.

So for me, reverse hybrid is what I've always called layouts that start out paper. But you leave lots of space to go digi on it. It is probably really just easier for me to show than tell so here we go...some of my fave "reverse" hybrid layouts I created this year with some details on what I think makes them hybrid and reverse hybrid at that.

Enjoy!

You Are My Everything

This one is pretty simple

Almost everything is paper:

kraft cardstock, letter sticker, patterned paper cutout,

buttons, staples, chipboard and sharpies

Where it goes digital is with the title work

After photographing the entire paper layout,

I added the title digitally in Digital Image Suite.

Sagitarian

Much more complex layout in this case.

I stamped the title in the corner.

The photo is attached with real hand stitching,

the miniature book pages, blue ribbon, foam flowers,

masking tape (and journaling on it) are all paper based.

Where this goes digital is with the colored in doodled circles,

the "all about me" journal strip, the letter B,

the "fun" label, the doodled scalloped circle,

the pink inked edge and the paint swatches.

This got a little more complex because

the layering of the digital elements

also had to reach behind the paper elements.

Play Hard '07

This one is probably about medium level difficulty

patience considered.

The cardstock, patterned paper, photos, thickers, chipboard,

tag and sharpies are all paper based.

The "good times" tag is digital and had to be layered

under the "hard" thickers.

Other digital elements were the word stickers in the top right corner,

the stitching and the cardboard strip in the top left corner.

The ric rac and yellow paint circles are also digital.

October Patch Work

Really simple hybrid based off a really simple paper layout.

Photos, foam letter stickers, paper flower, sharpies are paper.

Cardboard, stitching, brads/eyelets, tags, journaling, butterfly

are all digital done in Digital Image Suite.

Live Your Life 24/7 Journey

Another really simple reverse hybrid where everything is paper, photographed into digital and then I layered the word art onto the photo and the journaling to the side of the photo.

Life

Here, once the patience is down, is a medium difficulty one.

There's some digital that had to be layered behind the paper version

(the patterned paper strip on the bottom)

but generally, the digi elements are layered on top

(cardstock, patterned paper, word art, sticky note, chipboard photo corner)

Life At 30

Super simple one here...just added the journaling after the fact.

I Heart Your Old Soul

Just a bit of layering the stitched hearts (digital) behind the thickers (paper).

Cardstock, ribbon, patterned paper, KI embie, sharpies, thickers are paper.

Brown patterend paper, staples, stitches and stiched stars are digital.

Even the torn/curled edge is a digi element added after the fact.

Full Color Learn

Really easy. Everything is paper except the cluster of journaling tags. On that cluster, everything is digital (brushes, stamps, journaling, staples) and the red rubber band towards the bottom of the page is also digital.

Flick Play

Another simple hybrid just because not much hard layering.

the title and large photo cluster in the center are all paper.

Everything else is digital added after I took a photo of the paper page.

Do You Remember?

This is an easy one except that with the circle cutout, when you digitize a paper layout, of course anything you cut leaves a white background. So had to do a bit of dodging and burning to cut the photo but still leave the kraft cardstock as I didn't think to notch the photo in the paper version. All said, the Heidi rub on, photo, white label, question mark and patterned paper are all paper. The title, the circle lable and scalloped edge and heart (and the journaling) are all digital. The staples are paper, but I digitally duplicated them for emphasis.

Dizzy Luv

This is one of my all time fave reverse hybrid layouts because I honestly thought the paper version was pretty sparse. This is one of the few reverse hybrids where just a few simple bits really completed the layout. The paper bits are the patterned paper, brown flower, photo, fuzzy sticker letters, sharpie, tags and paper frills. The word art, cardstock strips, staples, vintage pharma label and the strip of tape in the lower left corner of the photo are all digital.

Click

Another very simple one. All paper except the journaling which I added as a digital layer on top of the white labels after digitizing the layout.

At The Fair

This one looks a little more complex than it is. Added the journaling digitally to all the white space areas after everything else was paper scrapped. Then to add the layered effect of the journaling being under the vintage fan, just duplicated the fan and added it as a digital layer on top of itself.

All of You Make Me Better

Some slightly difficult layering of digital elements under the bottom right photo.

All the labels, stitching, word stickers on the photos, "Love You" stamp are digital; rest is paper.

2nd Fiddle Assistant

I think this was the first reverse hybrid I did with the thought in mind that I was going to do it. all the stitching is digital and I ended up adding the cardstock too.

The rest is paper including some stamping (the journal block, stars, lettering).

This is one of the more complex hybrids I've done just because of the layering. The cardstock frame, "&", chipboard tab, thickers and circular clear stickers are paper. Then I layered the art mark overlay under the paper elements and the journaling was layered on top of the art marks, but under the paper elements.

latest goods - Asher's Class is a must take!

2008-12-22T11:34:00.000-08:00

Be sure to sign up for Ashley's Class

She's cool, scrapbooking is cool, the class will be cool.

Still I do.
Was mostly working on the wedding album that is kicking my butt.
So here's what else I've done as well:

But we did have lots of other fun stuff happen this year. Although most of these pictures are not from this year. Like I said, I'm a slacker.

For half a minute, we had Haute Spot Challenges at SiStv where the Fashionistas would challenge you to do some something or another. This challenge was to scrap for/about someone you had never met. I only met this dude online, back in college, was totally my first internet crush, right down to sending me a baby picture which was my first warning about internet love. And so it goes.

I have lots of pics of him with camera in hand. Which, I would think, would suggest that I've also got camera in hand to take said pics. But I don't know, so many folks are convinced I can't take a picture to save my life so maybe it's just magic (yeah, I called you out, and what). Anywho...(I miss Alex...dude Alex, not girl Alex). This was a fun simple one with just some journaling (digi) bout what we each see through the lens/art/science/adventure of photography.

Just a quick collage of the boys in my life that just totally rock my world.

And it wouldn't be a scrap session without some music inspiro (live your life) and some deep journaling to try to motivate myself to do something rather than just stare at pieces of paper for hours on end.

Thanks for looking and be sure to check out my posts at Scrap In Style TV where I'm Bernadette (really easy, imagine that) aka SiS # 57. Really. Check it out.

Wedding scrapbook cover photo

2008-11-12T19:51:00.000-08:00

Sneak peek (smile)

Love you mom!

Photo by Gerald Pope Photography. Check them out! This is the scrapbook cover page for the wedding photos I'm abitiously trying to get scrapped in time for Christmas. Okay...Christmas 2009.

Non-Conforming to the Non-Conformist

2008-11-10T20:05:00.001-08:00

Truly...since the 22nd? I've been a very bad girl. Why people check in daily I have no clue. But for your patience:

At the Fair: So I go to the fair. All ready to win me a gold fish. Riddle me this. How is it not okay to win goldfish but it is okay for kids (most in the midst of a screaming fit) to entertain us by trying to hold onto some mutton across a dirt field for their dear lives. I tell ya.

Do You Remember? Speaking of agreeing to be stuck with me. I snapped this photo a week before that infamous date when we had to go get our papers in order. Dude was crazy sweatin'. Looking back, lots was going on that day and I'm just happy he let me get a picture in the midst of it all. I don't remember the exact date, I just remember it was like a week or so before our actual wedding date. Hence the title. I keep forgetting to ask him if he remembers the date. I'm sure we could track down a nice muni worker who would dig it up.

Queen for a Day: Once upon a time, I was queen for a day. And that day (and that pageant) was a HOT. MESS (of the HAM type, yes dear). On the plus side, I was in HotLanta and as such, I can still claim that 2 out of the 3 times I've been in Atlanta, I was on CNN. It would be accurate to even say that everytime I've been in Atlanta on purpose, I've been on CNN. With a real important talking role. Uh huh.

Same Push: I had a different idea for this layout. It didn't quite come together like that, but the gist is the same. I was going to go all "I am woman, hear me roar" on how we always do it all but really, I've never done it all. I'm too super focused on any given "something" at a time to be a jack of all trades like that. In any event, my master's degree was a stitch in the side. Let me tell ya. Same push to get it done. Studious, but in non-studious ways. it is my upbringing. If I don't have to try, I typically don't.

Split: Love. This. Layout. Each photo really has layers of meaning and the journaling around the edges just kinda really details how split a personality I really can have. How people can stand me in intense doses (ie, Alex, Robert, Liisa, Rachel...people who should know better...only one, sometimes two of which knows my middle name at any given point in time--yes, I checked, I married a dude who didn't think it important to know my middle name which kinda leads me to believe he didn't do the background check I told him he should do...poor lad). Anyhow. Oddly enough, no high school pics. Hmph. I'll have to get on that.

Call it done. Enjoy and thanks for stalking...I mean...coming by! Yes mom, I'm working on it.

Bookworms (she still does it)

2008-10-22T20:47:00.001-07:00

Well, yes, that way too. But more layouts are in store. You can peep them quickly here:

Some with more detail are Below plus two extras I still need to post at SiS but you'll get here first:

I heart your old soul: I love the colors and textures to this one. Almost as much as I love those photos of that adorable child. I can't wait to have some of him of my own.

Play Hard '07: I LOVE watching the two of them together. They of course jive because it is all about gaming. Love how this hybrid layout turned out too.

Sagitarian: This one started really simple. Then I went to town on it digitally. I saw a cute t-shirt that had all these "sagitarian" traits on one side and the sign on the other side. So I figured I'd go with it. Lucky you. Or shall I say lucky me (smile).

Enjoy!

The Words

2008-10-10T21:13:00.001-07:00

Behind the layout. As promised.

When you flip up the top flap:

Read between the lines...focus. Read between the lines. Connect the dots. Are you tired yet? Tired of being scared of what might happen instead of hoping for what could happen? Does your life depend on this? Will you have a job tomorrow if you wait in long lines to maybe have your voice heard? Read between the lines....Does it matter enough to you to be so impolite as to actually talk about politics? Did you ever think you would see the day? Read between the lines..Do tears come to your eyes making it hard if not impossible to focus on what is really at stake? Read between the lines...Is it your home? How about your little brother? How about your safety? If you happen to live on a coast? how about your basic way of living if you live on a gulf coast? Is this the time? Is this the time to say one thing but do another? Read between the lines...Do you really believe in campaign finance reform? Are you really putting country before self ambition? Do the polls matter that much if no one tells the truth rather than their own version of "facts"? Read between the lines...Does everything have to be so political? So lacking in common sense? So overboard and underhanded? Is it really okay to win at all costs? What happened to common decency? What happened to at the very least being respectful of other people? People. Fellow Americans. Why does it always have to be such a long drawn out game? Complete with scare tactics that prey on the worst of us and then implore us to trust and have faith that really everything will be alright. Read between the lines...What is the worst that can happen? Will it really be that bad? Read between the lines. Are you sure? Where is your faith now? Where is our faith? Why are we even here? read between the lines. I thought we had come for enough to connect the dots. I thought we were better than this.

Thanks for looking/reading.

But there was nothing to see here

2008-10-04T23:10:00.001-07:00

And for your patience, a flood of epic proportions. Wonder what's on my mind lately (smile).
Enjoy and thanks for hanging in there and waiting for something to squirt out of my brain again.

Baby XO card. I have cute babies on the brain. Like JF's beautiful little boy. Congrats Jody!

Empty Words. Probably my fave of the bunch. Very simple, very ready, very much sums a lot of it up right now. All I can say is thank the Lord I've got R to snuggle up with.

1st Flick. 2nd Play. This one is totally fun. Flicking through travel mags and clipping pages came across some great fall shots. I so miss the "northeast". Only been there once and not really in the fall, but one of these falls I'm so going back. (Hybrid)

I Do. Another simple one. Rare with no journaling but was just using up some scraps. This was a fun and simple one to do to document July. Without July pictures of course.

Worldly. I've sat on these pictures forever. Waiting for the perfect paper and reason to scrap them. So I got off of it. One of the things I miss most about my last job is the crazy travel. Only the part where I got to meet lots of really great scrap people in person like all the ladies pictures here.
They are like stars. shiny. beautiful. unique. out there bit right here. I travel and travel so that I can see the world but really, I don't have to be anywhere to be with them. some say i scrap to be worldly. at the best, i scrap t be other worldly. to meet and play among the stars. just to be of this world.

Thanks for looking~!

Yes. Why Yes I still Do

2008-09-14T23:41:00.001-07:00

Just not lately cause the job is kicking my butt, I went off and got married and then I managed to drop my camera day before my wedding. Lovely.

I just got a new one (that takes AWESOME SOC pictures!) and I can't wait to print up some pictures. And scrap them. Really.

In the meantime, I finally managed to get the gigabillion pictures on my computer somewhat stashed into meaningful categories so I'll do an oldies but goodies prep for the newcomers:

Stay sane my crazies. I'm trying.

I still do

2008-06-01T17:43:00.001-07:00

Out of ashes

She creates

check it all out at SisTV.

If you had no patterned paper | Impression Obsession

2008-04-30T09:02:00.000-07:00

So if you had no patterned paper, but you had a great little nephew pic to scrap, a bunch of stamps and some cardstock, whatever would you do?

Well in my case, I'd grab my Impression Obsession stamps of course (smile). I heat embossed some fun filligree hearts and the words down the side of the photo are heat embossed too. Add a flower (to a BOY page?! I know I know), add a heart, add some colored ink and cardstock and voila. Just add cute photo of nephew to finish it off.

Fun eh?

I think so! Join in and show me what YOU would do with no patterned paper and a stamp or two.

Be sure to check out these other great no patterned paper takes too: Daniela, Julie, Tina, Laura, Deborah and Penny. Impression Obsession stamps rock! If you want to win some, you should hit up Penny's blog and enter here. Be sure to tell her I sent you (smile). I'm kidding with the last.

Have a great week! I know I am.

Scrapalicious stuff

2008-04-27T21:10:00.000-07:00

So...there is a TON and a half of good scrap going on. So let's get to it!

At ScrapInStyle there are soooooo many new and neat things going on. Probably my most favoritist is the Design School. Specifically, because Adrienne is going to do this amazing floating scrapbook.

Floating scrapbook? Yeppers! Check out sneak peek photos here! (Just scroll down past the cupcakes *smile*).

At Impression Obsession, there are a TON of new stamps that I am absolutely in love with.
One of my most fave new sets is the Weeds and Wildflowers set. Penny, who I'm on the DT with, is giving away a set on her blog. Run, don't walk to see about winning them!

Pretty soon (I think), more on my own SiStv class to be offered this year? Uh huh (smile).

Yes, yes, yes

2008-04-07T23:29:00.000-07:00

I do still do the whole scrap thing. Had a lot of stuff going on in life and stuff to get done so here we go.

Remember the new Fashionistas at Scrap in Style? Well this really fantastic french chica is my little sister Fashionista. She's got one of the freshest, coolest styles ever. I'd have her in bed with me to digi scrap anyday. Well...hanging out on the bedroom floor.

Beyond that, today was our anniversay. Three years ago I felt so very alone and desolate. I mean, I was surrounded by people and felt invisible and empty and pretty "useless". I mean I was doing big things and was working it. Just about everything in life was perfect EXCEPT for "home". I was struggling with the usual inability to let go without closure and then 2 hours late and still ready to skip class, I met him. And my life has never been the same.

Photo in this layout is one of my fave photos ever--from one of my fave places ever. And of course the guy is my end all be all.

Yet another reflective layout. Last year, right before I said yes to forever with R, I was out recruiting back in upstate NY. Where I tried this last time. Went back to the place. Pretty crazily beat down now. Which reminded me that there was a huge hole in the floor that we had to just go with "it will be fixed" when we booked it. No matter. The willow tree is still there. And I took a moment to sit. Think. Wonder. Hope. And love again. Thank God to love again. Love that shot of my ring on the Napa grapes. Love. It.

And then this past weekend, I ended up spending ALL DAY (and by all day, I mean all day) volunteering, politicin' and getting elected as a Congressional District/State delegate at the Washington State Legislative District caucuses. For those still utterly confused the short of it is that Dem's select their presidential candidate via a caucus. The precinct level caucus (where EVERYONE goes to vote) was in feb. that is what CNN cared about. at that level, we select delegates to represent our precinct at the legislative district level. LD caucuses were this past weekend. The delegates and alternates from across the state go to their respective LD caucuses. At my sight, the 7th, 8th and 9th Congressional Districts held caucuses. In my LD, from approximately 200 delegates we elected 12 (6 men, 6 women) to go on to the Congressional District caucuses and state convention. I'm one of the women. First is the CD caucus which I am a voting delegate at. Second is the state convention which I am also a voting delegate at. The delegates elected from these two levels go on to the national convention in Denver. I won't lie. That would be AWESOME! But chances are slim. So I need to get most of my final photos for my photojournal essay done at the next levels (CD and state). Likely, that will be the end of the project. I'd love to do it for another 6 months though. That would be...well...like I said...awesome.

Unfortunately, not all is awesome in the land. although, thinking about it, I actually DO think it is awesome that there are tons of protests surrounding the Olympic games. Sure, the games are not political. But they are about goodwill. And to "honor" a country with the right to host those games given the fact that they don't allow a segment of their society to believe and practice those beliefs as they see fit? Save me the twisted, nasty America stuff. I get it. But good on all those protestors. Clever Brit trying to put out the torch with a fire extinguisher. I'd not do that (I'd be the one capturing the pictures of him trying to do that), but that people believe in something strongly enough to be active? Well. See the above.

And. Last but totally NOT least. There is this super special little boy. Who totally melts my heart. All I can say is that I am not sure who is more excited about my wedding...me, R or this cutie little skeptic.

Enjoy and thanks for visiting to take a gander!

Her name starts with T...

2008-03-20T23:00:00.000-07:00

Went to Random.org and the lucky number was:

16

Accounting for doubles and triples on those special days, (just went 1-38 and then went down the list for two or three more times as appropriate to add your extra entries), I'd like to say a hearty congrats to:

TracyP said...
Awesome Awesome!!!! Love KI and since I haven't been able to snatch on of these anywhere:):):)!!! Your so FAB to being giving one as a RAK!!!!!:):):)
8:50 AM

Congrats Tracy! Be sure to send me your mailing addy so that I can get that to you.
Tomorrow after all the running around, I'll just drop names in a hat and pull one for a special little extra treat as well.

Thanks for the comments on the album! One of my most favorite projects to date was entering that KI contest year before last. Soon as I saw the Color Theory line and how each literally focused on color theory (moods and sentiments around particular colors) I knew my theme immediately. So happy I'm in love with a guy that was so willing to be "out there" on this project.

Be in touch TracyP before I have to give your planner away again (smile).

Finish this off

2008-03-20T07:58:00.001-07:00

And because I'm a slacker and you're ready for "what next" the last of the KI Color Theory finalist album.

That above is actually the "cover" and...

That one is actually page two.

Enjoy. Last day to leave your comments to be entered to win the KI Planner! I'll pull a name tonight at 9ish my time.

Good luck!

you've been really really good

2008-03-16T23:09:00.001-07:00

but I have not. So three more:

I'll count Sunday/Monday comments times three. And maybe this week will be less slacking eh? Cleaned up the scrap room just in time to create with Sophisticate. Can't wait!

Yes you may have another...or two

2008-03-14T08:06:00.001-07:00

I know I know. For being so good, I'll give you two!

Front side of color coordinated photo tags.

Flipped side of color coordinated tags.

TFL! I'll count all comments twice today (two entries into the pot) for being a slacker yesterday.

Another day, another KI picture

2008-03-12T08:09:00.001-07:00

This is of the journaling tags. They are double sided and tell the whole story. Each tag is color coded to coincide with the color theory collection. Don't forget to leave a comment (you can do so daily if you wish) to be in the hat for the KI Planner. Comments to the blog only, no emails for this contest. It's called "I really need to clean out my inbox so I can get some work done" time. Yeah.

Enjoy!

Yeah...still alive

2008-03-11T23:34:00.000-07:00

Still scrap too. Though this isn't the most recent thing I've done, I promised for a while to post photos. So posting one a day ought to keep me busy for a while. Title of my album was A Colorful Theory of Our love not so Black & White. It was a stand up star mini album. Tune in daily for more pics! Sorry it took so long to get the pics posted fam folks...I know I know...it is the devil that procrastination thing.

#64

2008-03-05T07:19:00.000-08:00

Watch that particular webisode at www.scrapinstyletv.com.

Now that's hot! Congrats to all the new Fashionistas. I have a soft place in my heart for one of the new girls who is NOT a Fashionista--love the MOD squad...especially Traci (smile).

You go girl!

Been a while | Patience pays

2008-02-20T08:42:00.001-08:00

I know. But hey...I've got a wedding to plan and all. But for your patience...this is what a scrappy girl's wedding invite looks like:

Have a fantastic Wednesday!

Remember these?

2008-02-15T23:52:00.001-08:00

Probably not eh? I should update my galleries some I guess.

Mag pub (2007)

Contest Win (2007)

Mag Pub (2007)

Fave almost was (2007)

One that Got Away (2007)

First ever digi page back in the day (2006...or end of '05)

My first hybrid page (2006)

Still probably one of my fave ever layouts. Click on it so that it is bigger (I think). So worth it (2006).

And because he is silly and that was one of my "life is great" trips (2005)

One of the first layouts I ever did. LOVE. this. photo. (2005)

Card from back in the day at Diversity Designs (2006)

Couple more

2008-02-06T07:59:00.000-08:00

a layout for Impression Obsession:

Some sneaks (one not as sneaky, but several more that I didn't get to photograph before sending...procrastination).

Unfortunately...

2008-02-05T11:18:00.001-08:00

Nope, I'm not going to CHA at all this year. Winter kind of sneaked up on me. With the whole combined finances, saving for wedding and house move, I had to decide between a potential Tennessee trip for SiStv's anniversary or Winter CHA. Didn't really have enough time to figure out how firm the TN trip was so I might not do any travel for scrap this year as I decided I'd prefer to go to TN than to CHA. That, of course, was when I thought I was getting married on a different date and would do regular CHA during the summer. Only to see...summer CHA is not condusive to a happy start to my marriage. So...alas...no CHA for me this year. Sigh.

I have a sneak peak of some fun stuff for IO that I did too. Most of what I'm sending to CHA for them can be seen in my IO folder at SiStv (click on the widget to the right, from my profile, you can click on "see whole portfolio" and from there you can select Impression Obsession DT), but I did a few more projects for them too. All winging it's way out. I'll post the sneaks tonight from home.

Everyday | Happy Friday

2008-02-01T17:10:00.000-08:00

Sneak peak of October Afternoon projects for CHA, a layout and Happy Friday!

Here's to a Super New Week.

The Other One

2008-01-31T08:05:00.001-08:00

Here's the other layout I was going to post here yesterday:

You can click to make it bigger and read the journaling. All digital, did some filter effects on the photo to make it all rough and bumpy and desaturated it some. Saw the quote (by Marlene Dietrich) the other day and voila. Enjoy!

Just in case, Journaling reads:

Take a deep breath. Stop. For just a moment. Stretch out in all that space. Listen to your heart pounding. Feel the rush of air through your lungs. Smell the pine, the fresh snow and the clean air all around you. For just a moment. Yeah. more money means more resources to go out and do this kind of thing. Or at the very least, to endusre that those to come will have the chance to come out here and experience this. But listen. If you don't take a moment to see that there is more than one way to be "rich" the moment just may pass you by. And then what? What will be your legacy left behind?

There is a gigantic difference between earning a great deal of money and being rich.

Thankfully, you understand this. You understand that all of the money in the world will never be enough if we don't have love. Love for one another, love for others, love for our earth. Just love. Certainly. It takes more than love to make it. And those who have can easily discount the importance of money - I've been there and know, "having money ain't everything, not having it is." But we have. And with it, the resources to understand that having it and being rich are mutually exclusive in the context of our lives. With it or without, with lots or a little, having it now, or saving until we have it later. No matter. So long as we remember that we are rich in so many other ways. We both have wonderful families that think the world of us. We are both blessed with careers - not just jobs - that we are good at, passionate about and happy to do. We each have grown into a sense of self-worth that far surpasses anything either of us thought we would be. Anything growing (sp) up we were told we could be. We are richer for it. Bank notwithstanding.

TFL. Enjoy!

Two more...

2008-01-30T16:17:00.000-08:00

...for good behavior (smile). Thanks for the sweet comments on Becoming One at SiStv. Some quick digi pages. Okay one more...thank you blogger. Right...

Just One...

2008-01-30T09:00:00.001-08:00

...because I'm hording and being somewhat private in a Ms. Badu frame of mind, as she would say, I'm an artist, and I'm sensitive about my sh....tuff. Right. I'm no artist (a mere scrapbooker), but that makes me all the more sensitive. I need to break it into two pages so you can see it, but the rare, 12 x 12 two pager. And why yes, it really DOES only have one 4x6 photo on it. Deal. With. It.

I'm messing with you...dealing with my own issues. But I loved this picture and what it represents. So, without further ado:

Becoming One

Journaling reads: There are days when I can't help but to wonder. Do you really understand what you are getting into? Do you understand that when we become one, we really will become so much more? There is a little boy in my life. He isn't my son, though I wish he were. But you will become his father. You will be his rock. You will be the one he looks up to. As we become one, you will become so much more. Are you ready for a life change you probably never imagined? Are you sure? Will you be the one? Today? Forever? Promise? I do.

Journaling in left bottom corner says: It isn't everyday that you find your diamond in the rough.

alpha stamps by Technique Tuesday, chipboard letters by Cosmo Cricket, journaling spots by October Afternoon, rhinestones. Font Swenson downloaded from Internet and brown photo corners and edge inking are digital prods by Gina Cabrera for the Digital Design Essentials Lucky Star Kit from way back forever and ago. Talk about using that stash. Chipboard hearts are by Rusty Pickle. Acrylic paint, pigment ink for the stamping. Bit of lace and ribbon to boot.

Another bit of hybrid fun. TFL!

Eye Candy

2008-01-24T07:36:00.000-08:00

I know I know...three days...it won't be that bad I promise you. Just brace yourself for the floods.

In the meantime, there is a really REALLY great thread over at SiStv for those seeking eye candy.

Potential Fashionistas

There are tons of posts with links to folks who are moving on. I love how one of the sisters (OP) actually made comments on what she loves about the work of each of the potential Fgirls.

That should keep ya busy till tomorrow.

And because clearly...

2008-01-22T17:19:00.001-08:00

...I'm just too busy being inspired rather than inspiring others, a few more links to stuff I'm loving right now.

Of course more homemade journals by the gal who can tear it up on a sewing machine.
Here was my catwalk pick for this week and I just LOVE Marciaaa's style. Sushi pics are up next week so show me something good! Clearly, I'm into minis. Doesn't mean I will be next week, but for now, it is my thing.

And time to go be scrap responsible. Good luck on that front (smile).

Playing catch up

2008-01-20T17:51:00.000-08:00

Few more cards and a reverse hybrid page. Enjoy!

11 minutes....

2008-01-18T13:11:00.000-08:00

...let's see how many I can update.
First, the valentines cards:

And because I'm on a roll...a start for St. P's too:

And a baby card since everyone is poppin' them out:

And a receipt holder for the "forgetful" among us...

And then a bunch of layouts:

Enjoy!

Be my funny valentine

2008-01-17T13:09:00.001-08:00

Really. Cause I made up a whole set of like 8 really REALLY cute (if I must say so) valentines. I'm home tomorrow so will post them then along with the dress book and the "binder". Oh yeah...making progress. We're almost a mere 6 months out. I should make a calendar to kinda track this stuff.

I love sushi still and I just got a whole set of those adorable Ashley cards and made cards out of them. Promise...I'll show by tomorrow. Tonight, I need to stop by and see about getting envelopes for them so I can send them off.

Wait...I've seen this before.

2008-01-16T14:46:00.000-08:00

I should preface my comments by saying that I did NOT watch the entire American Idol show last night (2 hours?? come on now) but I did come in at the very end for that girl. You know...the blonde one at the very end? Crying and throwing a fit? Because they needed more diversity? And everyone sounded the same and looked the same and had the same perfect hair and perfect makeup?

All I could think was "Man...where have I heard that overwhelming show of dissapointment before?"

The "all the winners look alike" argument. Rule number one for dealing with dissapointment: become diversity blind and see only what you want to see.

Back to the scrapping though. Boxes (w/books) are on their way to Traci and Chris.
I found some stuff I didn't even know I had and it is time to scrap again. Really. I've got lots to scrap about and to scrap with. And maybe (just maybe) I'll get some photos taken this week of fun with SiS stuff. Speaking of which, good luck to all of ya'll applying to be Fashionistas. We're a fun group and I can't wait to see who's work will inspire me to be better everyday.

Till then!

Tuesday Inspirational

2008-01-15T13:05:00.001-08:00

Everyday. I'm walking around seeing "stuff" and thinking how great it is that I can see, smell, taste, hear and just enjoy "stuff." So with a set day to play with "stuff" I figured it might be a good idea to have a set day to gather up tidbits and snipits of other "stuff" to fuel the week.

That said. I was prowlin' around and found this lovely bit of goodness:

DIY Macro Photography Studio @ Wedding photographers

Nothing but the best from the best. Speaking of which:

Why just have a photobooth at your wedding when you could really just have a

CRAZY PHOTOBOOTH: ala the likes of the Image is Found Blog. Sneak it, now go peek it.

Coolness eh? I'm eyeballing Chenin's Totally Rad Action Mix mostly because they're now showcasing recipes from...well...rad photographers doing rad things with the Actions. As in "step 1" do this, step 2, do that, voila. Which is what I need when it comes to anything remotely Adobe. I'm slowly coming out of that shell. But really...who wouldn't want those actions to accomplish cool things?

Check out more of the recipe fun at their blog cause if nothing else, the banner is cool eh?

And since this is really turning into a photography post anyhow even though I have one of them there blogs specifically for photos, might as well finish it up there eh? Picassa. Love. It. To pieces. Get it now. It is free, it is fun, it is easy to do cool stuff to your photos in 1, 2, 3 clicks and really...what more do you need to scrap and get fun with it? Here you can get it now, for free.

Much love. Stay sane.

Do You Like Sushi?

2008-01-10T21:04:00.000-08:00

Cause I sure do. Check it out!

Click on the photo above.

For 29.95 it is ALL yours.

Show me what you got!

And for all you resolution makers...

2008-01-07T13:23:00.000-08:00

I know...it is a new year and time to learn new things and be challenged to just do more eh? I got a couple of follow up questions on getting published that I promised a long long LONG time ago after I posted this DT Applications: 10 Tips post. So I'll get to that this week and give you 10 tips for getting published.

But in the meantime, lots of you have resolved to do more scrapping. Or to improve scrap skills. Or to just notice more. So here are three really great opportunities from some great friends of mine that I think you should take advantage of.

Ashley probably doesn't know it, but she is totally one of my most fave people in the world. Seriously. I met her in Chicago and everything about her--her genuiness, her love story, her quirkiness, her "open mic"...it all just was so on. Anyhow...she has a really neat "prolonged challenge" blog where you snap a photo one week, get a journaling prompt another week, scrap it all another week and then do it all again. Why pressure yourself to get it all done today. Oh wait...no procrastination. That was my goal. Anyhow, click on her blog banner below to begin the journey:

For those of you looking to learn a new snazzy skill, why not learn how to fancify your pictures some more? Adrienne is all over it with her Holga and some basic Photoshop stuff that will turn even you more ordinary photos into works of art. Trust. Me. She is wonderful! I mean check it out by clicking the banner below:

The Etsy shop says she's sold out, but email her, I'm sure she'll hook you up in the new year.

Courtney is Ms. Get You Going. She is infectiously "good times" and funny and fun and super talented and you will have a BLAST with 52 projects for a full year (yeah...that would be a project a week). Not at all stressfull, totally doable...totally fun. I bet my bottom dollar on that.
So check out her site and get signed up by clicking on the link to her Project 52 picture below.

So there you have. Plenty to keep you busy.

Faves of 2007

2007-12-27T20:40:00.000-08:00

You know how everyone is doing like those Top 100 countdowns? I know...nothing like they did back in 1999 when we all partied like it's...well...anyhow. I thought I'd do a quick run down of my top ten fave layouts that I did of 2007. I won't be here to ring in the new year with ya (Philly here we come!) but when I get back, it is ON. In no particular order, but with some commentary as to why. You can peep the journaling and details of all of these at http://www.scrapinstyletv.com/. Just check my Fashionista profile until you come across the ones you're looking for. Be sure to share a link with me of your top fave 10 layouts of 2007. I'm nosey so I'd love to know why they are your faves too!

Strange Fruit. So...I was doing the original Last Scrapper Standing Dares and they told us to do something with all circles. I got so caught up in trying to figure out the circle thing that when it finally started to come together, it was as I was watching PBS and a documentary on Ms. BH (hmmm...I JUST now noticed she has the same initials as me!) and they were talking about how she did this song. Oh how those men in my life have been some strange fruit indeed.

Love Full Circle. And then CK knew I was alive. This was the layout that won first place in the CKC-Portland layout competition. There was a theme of coming full circle and our love has totally come full circle. Definitely peep the journaling, but our trips to Oregon always blow my mind.

If I am to stay. This was a take on looking back at an old photo and trying to remember what was going through my mind. I was in a pretty difficult relationship. He would say I made it so, but no matter, these words have never crossed my mind with R, but back in the day, I had to kind of muster up the courage to say no and move on. It was hard for me. Probably harder for him.

Twisted. By far one of my top 3 of 2007. I LOVED how funky this came out and I was drinking I don't know WHAT (truly...there was this purple stuff in the fridge) when I just started playing with this. You definitely have to check out the journaling here because it was at a pretty intense crossroads with my current relationship. I was feeling very VERY good and thinking "how did I ever deserve this?"

Dire: Down Hill from Here. I really love this one for finding a way to just work with it. From the arrow paper to the hidden word title to the journaling...was just trying to convey some sort of meaning and the more I look back on this one, the more I really like it.

Wow! Me? This is another contender for top 3. And no photos...go figure. Whole lot of back story to this one you should check out on sistv, but this layout still makes me smile everytime I look at it. Every. Time.

Futurethink. I LOVE this layout. Definitely another top 3. It is actually hybrid (There are some printed and cut out flowers, some bling, the photo is an actual paper photo cutout) and I just love the whole "thought cloud" up top, the time line, the garden of eden/garden of love...just love how it totally came together.

Dude Play Like a Boy This layout almost ended up on the trash heap. It started as an 8.5 x 11 and when I finished I was like "uhggg". But then it fell on some white cardstock and I looked down while I was shuffling stuff to finish and was like "wow...I like that." Green and yellow not my fave colors, but ended up really REALLY loving this sis kit and making lots of good memory pages from it. Of course my fave little dude doing his thing.

And it is Okay. So, not only did like my scrap idol lift this (thanks KC!!), but I just loved the simplicity of this. And the font. And the white space. And the photos. And all of the tiny little things on the list. And the secret. Which is that the title reads "And it is okay that you love me more". Secret being that it is okay because I love you, you love me more, and I love you most. Even though you love me infinity times as much. Ahhh...sappy. Probably knocks out one of my other top 3 as this was by far my fave layout of the year.

Maybe Forever. I tell you. This layout was. Is. Well...everything. At that time, with those photos, we're still trying to figure out us. Still maybe forever, but absolutely more definitely now. Bittersweet layout for all the drama of 2007, but the memories, good and bad, both in life, relationships, lessons learned and all...defiintely worth top 10 status.

There you have it!

And Still She Does...

2007-12-18T08:05:00.000-08:00

...lots of wedding planning going on now including scrap happy stuff there so sorry to not be as actively posting here. But for your patience:

October Afternoon stamps: journaling spot circles, little dotted lines, tiny words in the dotted lines. Doodlebug glitter letters from the lovely ScrapinStyle Boutique. All the rest from my stash.

October Afternoon: calendar stamp, journaling circle spot, alpha. Owl and convo bubble are rub ons (I layered the white owl over the brown one for a "shadowed" look) and some to die for orange patterned paper. Inky and tag book from my own stash.

October Afternoon: stamps are alpha for titles, circle journaling spot, dotted line and lined paper (at the corner of the "love" page). Patterned paper by OA and on the first set of pages, the branches and owls are rub ons by OA. The buttons were from my stash.

October Afternoon: flower branch, bird and "smile" are all stamps from two different steps (bird and branch in one, smile in another). I JUST found pigment dye inks. And watercolor paper. And I am in absolute LOVE with it all.

October Afternoon: rub on alpha in white, flower and dotted line stamps, two gorgeous patterned papers (the strips and the tabs). The title orange alphas are by American Crafts and from the SiStv Autumn Bliss kit.

October Afternoon: Okay...so seriously. I love that flower stamp. But honestly, I was making two sided cards (stamped on one side, covered with pp on the other) before I thought to myself that I should be making lots of projects instead of calling cards. So the cards ended up on here. I used some horrific crayola markers that I clearly need to replace, BUT...it was an effect I liked. But could probably never duplicate so away they go. Please come is OA rub on letters.

October Afternoon Impression Obsession: So sometimes I like to mix it up some. Title was stamped with OA alpha and then cut out...piece by piece. Yeah...I'm crazy like that. Used the IO gorgeous clover stamps as a border. The wood post card is from the SisTV Kristina Contes collection.

October Afternoon: Just a quick use of scraps. Patterned paper on the inside and owl/quote rub on on the outside all by OA.

Impression Obsession: Just the tip of the iceburg of all the craziness I have played with here. Simple card with the gorgeous snowflake stamp and a sentiment stamp. Heat embossed it all.

Back to photographing in the dark the rest of the goodness I have from them. Thanks for looking!

And yeah...I still do

2007-12-07T16:33:00.000-08:00

From the last two SiStv kits (Kristina Contes and Autumn Bliss)

Treelover (Autumn Bliss)

Take Off (Autumn Bliss)

Signs of Fall (Autumn Bliss)

Outside the Box (Autumn Bliss)

Miscomm C7215 (Kristina Contes SiS Collection)

K.I.T. (Kristina Contes SiS Collection)

Jump Crawl Push Hike Play (Kristina Contes SiS Collection)

Give Thanks Cards (Autumn Bliss)

Get Me Home (Kristina Contes SiS Collection)

Fresh Cut (Kristina Contes SiS Collection)

Boy Genius (Kristina Contes SiS Collection)

Almost...

2007-12-02T22:35:00.000-08:00

...done. Lots of fun stuff going postal.

Mom by choice, sent me the absolute BEST box of love like you don't even know.
Mom with the mostest, supposedly the book you want is in the mail. Depending on when I get that, I'll either forward it as is for your lovely wall of shame OR if I have time I'll rescue the madness and make it into a Blurb book.

On the scrap by choice front...lots going on there. Time to photograph and start sharing again--three kits, two packages (thank you Wilna for the generous box of goodness), a way WAY older package that I totally just want to pull out for the fun of it.

Given that I've pretty much got the wedding all designed up, just need a date. Preferably in 2008, but 2009...would definitely give me lots more time to scrap.

Really...

2007-11-06T08:00:00.001-08:00

...this shouldn't count. But I am a woman obsessed. Obsessed with getting things off my to do list. So last night, I went out and bought a few things. To start on maybe finally thinking about doing an invitation. Or some save the dates. Which is kinda hard cause I don't have dates pinned down to save, but that isn't the point. My point is that I want the style and colors nailed down so that I know what my invite will look like and can do the save the dates from there. Yeah...I'm ambitious. Doing my own invitations. This is a disaster waiting to happen. I know this...but still I persist. I just really REALLY want to transfer the excess funds from that over to something far more important to me in the budget so I took a deep breath and said I could do it. Now to only do it. Theme, color, design all notwithstanding. Maybe tonight I'll get to actually scrap. Long day ahead (back to work finally...in the office) so maybe not. Mushroom garden rolls today...yummy.

And How it went down (scrap life)

2007-11-02T20:44:00.001-07:00

It was the hardest decision I ever in my LIFE had to make. Fighter that I am, champion of tug of wars world wide, a very dear, wise friend said to me (well, wrote to me) three simple words. And as such:

Greetings to one and all,
I apologize for my absence, but from all the posts written about me I am sure you can understand that most of these boards, private messages and emails have been the last place I've wanted to spend much time lately. Whether on purpose or not some of you have said some very mean statements about me that I feel are totally untrue and I can't begin to tell you the pain I have gone through and witnessed others go through over the last couple of weeks. I apologize if something I have said or done has in some way done any of you or anyone any wrong. This is and has never been my intention.

As someone who spent a bit too much time learning the theory behind communication, I am really sad that so many of my posts were interpreted incorrectly. It looks like I need to go out and spend some money brushing up with some practical communication courses instead of spending so much on scrap supplies (smile). I will not go further into detail on the misinterpretations because from the fire storm of comments that have been made it has been proven that anything I say will be twisted, misconstrued and then held against me and this was not what I expected or was hoping for when I made those original posts. In the context of being asked how someone COULD do something and how I DID do it, there was a lot of liberty used in interpreting my statements by not only connecting the wrong dots, but creating dots that do not even exist. This whole episode would be a perfect case study for that communication course I would love to take.

To all those that have supported me through this whole ordeal, I send out my warmest thoughts. I will never be able to express to you how valuable you have been in helping me to keep my sanity. Helping me keep my faith in the "industry." Helping me to realize that in the bigger picture, this isn't what scrapbooking is about. This isn't what I'm about.

For those that truly know me I feel very comfortable that you know I have very high moral values. When I entered the HOF contest and throughout this ordeal, I 110% felt that I was following all the rules and in no way felt that I was going to somehow slide something by someone. I also don’t believe any of the other HOF winners would intentionally violate any rules set out by CK in an effort to game the system. And above all else, I believe CK is a highly reputable company and would never jeopardize their reputation by intentionally overlooking rules for any contestant or entry when there are so many fantastically talented, reputable, ready women and men who could have just as easily been HOF on any given day.

With that said I will raise the white surrender flag and officially announce that I have withdrawn my HOF entry for 2007. This was a very hard decision, but when I stepped back and looked at the bigger picture, at what scrapbooking and sharing memories was becoming, this was clearly the right decision for me, for the contest, and for the sake of us continuing to be able to share our memories with friends and family. With each other. As a wise woman passed on knowledge from her mother to me, in this tug of war, it is time to put down the rope.

Again after all that has taken place I am hesitant to post. Agree or disagree with my decision, I do hope you will have a blessed day. Or at least a somewhat happier day. I hope this will bring you some closure. I hope you will keep perspective. I hope you’ll be inspired by the fantastic work presented in the HOF book this year and for the years to come. I hope you will keep on scrapping and sharing. I know that is exactly my plan…to keep on scrapping and sharing. To keep perspective.

Much love and then some.

An inch to save a mile. And to meet some amazing people in the process and become closer than I ever imagined to others. Lots more than much love to ya'll. Or is that ya'lls? Yalls's? I'm in Texas (home) and the "ya'll" debate is in full force tonight...

Back to scrappin'. Get home this weekend, get to play in all sorts of paper. My scraproom misses me lots! I miss it even more.

9.18 Tidbit Tuesday

2007-10-10T15:25:00.001-07:00

Yes...it is a bit behind.

But I'm committed to getting them back on track.

With that, Tidbit Tuesday for 9.18.

One down, three more to post. Enjoy!

Can you See Me now?

2007-09-24T14:18:00.000-07:00

Cause if you can't...best watch out now.

If you can, a few quick notes.

Yes, there will be a Tidbit Tuesday tomorrow. Have yet to figure out the whole "what do you do when your laptop crashes on the road and you can't post bit", but for now, I'll double up with Tidbits when I am in town for when I'm gone. Because I'm going to be gone for a whole lot of time coming up, I anticipate getting everything set up and I think (hopefully) I can time when I post posts and they will forever more pop up on Tuesdays. We shall see.

In the meantime, want a clue as to what last Tuesdays Tidbit was? All "write" then...you know...maybe not after all (smile).

If you pre-ordered they are in the mail. Everything through the mono Tidbits (last ones posted) has been shipped off. Let me know if you don't get your order by Friday.

On other tips, made it to Round 3 of the Bad Girls contest...still strugglin' up a simple layout for the Dares Part2 without going too simple. We shall see. Tally Scrapper also has a survivor contest that I've been spreadin the point love on...now I just need to get my layout posted there as well.

Here's hoping you can see me now and this blog is no longer private (hint, hint Blogger).

Tidbit Tuesday 9.11

2007-09-11T13:33:00.000-07:00

So it is that time of week again right? Tidbit Tuesday!

This week it is a set of stamped, grungy, blinged out mini-monograms. I even hand cut them out for you. You get a set of 4. They're about 2 inches on any longest side...good for creating titles, using as embellishments...fun stuff.

$2 for each set, shipping is $1 total for up to 7 sets in the same envelope. Above 7 sets, (or shipped separately to different folks) let me know before you paypal so that I can update your shipping estimate.

henderso@seattleu.edu for paypal. Get em fast--we did have the foaming flowers through yesterday, but those are all out now too. Thanks so very much from the bottom of my heart for keeping me on my toes and on track here.

Oh and yeah--if you prepaid for sets ahead of time, I send out immediately the current set but for future sets, I usually hold off to have at least two sets ready to go for you so that I can combine your shipping. So dont' worry if we sell out here and you've prepaid--that takes into account the sets we've set aside for you as well.

Again, thanks so much everyone! Keep those emails coming!

Bernadette

DT Applications: 10 tips

2007-09-07T23:15:00.000-07:00

Okay...so we'll try a pictureless version of this and see how it goes. Here are ten tips I tell folks when applying to law school, applying for jobs and cause this is the way I view it, I think it applies for design team try outs also. I'm by no means a pro. But I've been blessed with more than my fair share of success (and failure--see tip #1) in my scrapping journey. So here it goes!

#10. You can't make the team if you don't show up to try outs. Simply put, be on time. If you're auditioning for the softball team, you don't show up the day after try outs and ask them to make an exception to let you try out for the "team". There is no "i" in team (you know, you know....) but there IS an "i" in exception. If you're expecting one, you're setting a tone you don't want to set that says "I'm a dIva" (yes capital "I") and I expect you to accomodate me.

#9. You won't make the dance team if you show up to auditions without your game face on. Okay...this is going back to high school dance team (I'm from TX) but every girl knew you didn't go to try out day without perfect hair and perfect makeup. Same with DTs. Make sure your submission is flawless. Check your spelling (almost all teams now want some sort of brief writing sample--ie a bio). Make sure your photos are photographed/scanned/copied well.

#8. You won't get most jobs if you don't fill out the whole application. That means don't forget your supply lists. It doesn't have to be as rigid and detailed as in a mag, but at the very least, for each submission sample, give a brief 1-2 line summary. That summary should include the title, if the piece has been published or is going to be published, what was the purpose of the piece and at least a couple notes on obvious/noticable materials. And yes, if you're applying to a DT and you're not trying to niche yourself into the one or two "fresh face" spots, then your work leading up to that application should have a "purpose" beyond scrapping just for you. Remember...you're applying for a job and that job is to market product. That takes many forms from getting published to doing work for tradeshows to creating work for others (even if it is "just" a gift for someone--it has a purpose).

#7. Most jobs require a resume. Personalize and keep your's up to date. No...I'm not talking a "scrapbook resume" from that site, although I do have one there myself. But with Blogger nowadays, you can do something very similar for free. Essentially, have an easy to read running balance of all you are doing. On my resume I did some really simple formatting. If you're struggling because you think "I have no pubs, I'm not on any teams...I just need to catch a break." well read on to number 6.

#6. Give yourself a break. Most folks get frustrated with all the same people making design teams. They make teams because they have a consistent body of work that people can go to and say "I need x by then" and it happens. Get yourself your own break by seeking out opportunities to work under deadlines and consistently produce under other people's parameters. There are lots of challenge blogs, online message board contests, ezines and the likes out there. Try some of those out. As you start getting "published" in the zines (I only say it like that because I'm old school and it took some hard convincing for me to embrace this, but I think of publication more traditionally as "in paper"), you build up a body of work and have info for your resume. If you have NOTHING on your resume, you really may not be ready to try for a particular kind of DT (ie Memory Makers Masters or Scenic Route...one of the "huge showing" calls) at this moment. Doesn't mean you'll NEVER be or that you shouldn't even try. But just go into it knowing that it is a long shot unless you really have and can convey #5. In the meantime, you might be better served beefing up your own resume (instead of fretting other's) by trying for online dt's...etc.

#5. Be passionate, not fake. Be passionate about a company, site, blog BEFORE the design team call goes out and (most importantly in the eyes of authenticity) AFTER the team is announced and you're not on it. If you really love a product, site or blog, it will show in your actions, not your words. You'll be active on the boards (if possible/applicable) well before the call is announced and you'll stay put after the call ends. You'll use their products in your layouts before and after the call. If you are passionate and not fake, it really shows and can make that difference between two equally talented scrapbookers vying for that last shot on the team.

#4. Sell yourself. Well...not like that. But really focus on what it is the team needs (almost every call puts pretty clearly what will be expected of team members) and outline how you can fulfill their needs in detail. I tend to go line by line--must be able to post layouts in online forums...I mention that I'm active (and give them links where they can easily see my gallery and info on my activity) on specific message boards. Go line by line. Match your skill set to their needs. That is key--THEIR needs, YOUR skill set. Match them together with concrete examples beyond "I can fulfill your DT needs."

#3. You sure are talented...so is she. Just remember it isn't (more times than not) about the talent. So you shouldn't necessarily submit your three-five best/favorite pieces. You should pick the 3-5 that best convey a sense of what you can do on the team. While I'm all for getting product specific, if the call does not SPECIFICALLY tell you to use just their materials, use what you like and are GOOD AT but also take time to push yourself. That means starting well before the deadline. More specifically, I'm saying if they want 3-5 examples of your work and they are a company that sells paper, embies, stamps and pens and you only have some of their paper, dont' submit 5 examples using just their paper. Submit 1 or 2 to showcase your use of their product, but then use the stamps you DO have to show what you can do with stamps. Use the other embies you DO have to show what unique ways you can use similar embies. If you truly want to push yourself for a bigger team, understanding the requirements of the team can easily be replicated in real time--just make sure to create all new layouts for the call and maybe even go hunting for that obscure object that you're supposed to use on a page but somehow can no longer find. That will go a long way to pushing you to "experience" what life will be like on the actual team (tight deadlines, not executing just as you thought that idea would and so having to go out and find another set of buttons to retry your idea...etc.) and if you're ready to do that.

#2. Your looks will only get you so far. That said, I think 99.9% of life is in the presentation. Pay as much attention to your presentation as the layouts themselves. I promise the extra time is absolutely worth it especially if there are bigger calls with a bigger turnout where you really need to be able to stand out from the crowd.

#1. Keep trying. Only you can decide this but I have a threshold where I say something along the lines of "I need to 'make' x number out of the y number of things I try for." I use the threshold as a gauge of where my "talent" fits into the field at the moment. I do this by adjusting the teams/contests/etc. I try for to make sure I hit those x and y numbers. For example, if my threshold is that I need to make good on 1 out of every 3 things I try for, then I apply accordingly. Meaning, if I've tried for 2 whatevers and not made it, my third try is NOT going to be for Hall of Fame or Memory Makers Master. I make my own determinations (as you should with your's) in regards to what is "not likely" on an individual basis. But for me, I wouldn't try HOF on a third. Some folks would, could, should and have it like that. I don't. My parameters. Dig deep in your soul for own.

On this Afternoon...

2007-09-05T19:57:00.001-07:00

...well...really on yesterday evening, I came to find that I made the October Afternoon Design Team. As if that was not exciting enough (smile), I found out who a few of my team mates are and I am in heaven. Now that I have actually had the opportunity to meet people in person on my teams--especially SiStv, it is hard for anything to match that. But a lot of my fellow sisters are on the team and I even have a Fashionista Partna in Crime! How cool is THAT?

That said, I got asked by a couple of folks and it was a no brainer for me to comply. They wanted to know "Girl, what DO you do to get on the teams?" Yeah you gotta have talent (which I think is so relative and lots more people have this than they think they do). Yeah, you should use some of that team's product. No I ain't no pro--far from it. But a bit of something to help ya along in the design team application process. Soon as blogger decides to not take 4 hours to upload my photos. I'll come back and try to try again. But in the meantime, here's the altered project I submitted with my OA application. Thanks for looking!

Don't forget to check out the

September 4, Tuesday Tidbit!

Tidbit Tuesday 9.04

2007-09-04T08:29:00.003-07:00

Tuesday Tidbits #2: September 4, 2007:

Foaming Flowers.

$2 each set of 2 plus $1 shipping (which will ship up to two sets).

If you want more than two sets, email me first at henderso@seattleu.edu so that I can make sure I have what you want.

First come first served. I did make twice as much as last week so hopefully I don't run out as quickly this time. I thank you all so much for all the really GREAT support of this.

Have a great day after Labor Day!

TidBit Tuesday 8.24

2007-08-28T18:42:00.000-07:00

So...I finally have gotten back to playing again. Just making stuff for the fun of it. Well almost. One year. One year from now I want to do something big. Something I've wanted to do for a while now. But I can't even begin to imagine actually doing it because you know...economy going down...house plans...work...life. Lots of excuses. So yesterday, in the middle of the night, I thought to myself this:

One year. One year from now, if you don't do it, you won't do it. You have all the time in the world to figure out what the "it" is (crafty related of course) which also set a timeline of one year to get the funding together. Which means...lots of saving, lots of "where else can I be more productive?"

Hence...Tid Bit Tuesday. For a year. Every Tuesday, I'll post here a little tid bit. This week, they'll only cost $2 and for the first week, that will include shipping for the US gals. Email me for a special International dealio. Just a little set of little somethings. Starting next week, They will be 2.50 each plus $1.00 for shipping (3.50 total). Occasionally, the tidbit might be more than a bit in size in which case, I'll update the actual shipping costs that should still only come to like 1.25 or so. Lots of times you won't have to pay anything at all for shipping as well--look forward to those. Lots of other ifs ands and whatnots (smile) like if you order multiple sets you only pay shipping as it is of course charged (ie, this week, I could easily get two sets in for the cost of shipping one set). Anywho...So this week's tidbits:

For two bucks on Tuesdays, you get a set of whatever the tidbits are. Mostly they are stuffs put together for class kits (I make stuff for others...to stuff in their kits...fun times!), but I think if I'm more purposeful (ie, I need to get something imagined, made and posted for Tuesday) I'll be more task-oriented and on it. Which as you know is something I'd love your help with.

So this week's tidbit is the Buttoned Down Felted Flowers. Use them in scrapping, sewing, adorning or however else you see fit. Your set will include four flowers pieced together and sewn all up with a cute little coordinating button. Of coures, you can specify one of the color sets in the picture above, but if you're open to any set, let me know that and you will be handsomly rewarded (smile). The 2 bucks includes shipping in the States this week, otherwise, email me and we'll make the international shipping worth your while.

These are in limited quantities so once they are gone, they are gone. When I post the next week's Tuesday Tidbit, I'll also post some of my own creations using the previous week's creations.

If you want a collection of Tidbits, email me with your contact info at henderso@seattleu.edu. I'll pass along some PayPal info. If you'd like delivery confirmation, tack on another $1 to your total order (not per set, but for your total order no matter how many sets).

One year from now...Well...from September 1. Mark this entry (smile).

This is getting out of hand...

2007-08-21T12:50:00.000-07:00

...and I like it. LOVE when my life consists of scrapping, scrapping a little more and still some more scrapping. It makes me really happy. This morning...a couple of new ones:

Congrats to the MMM gals! We'll see names tomorrow but I think I "know" a few folks to be very happy for!

I [heart] scrapbooking

2007-08-20T21:20:00.000-07:00

Almost as much as I [heart] this dude. One of my most favorite people in the world right now. Perhaps even my most fave person. Shhhh...don't tell him cause his head will get big.

So utterly and so totally. Lots of people hearing lots of really good news these coming weeks. From the SOY chicas finishing up there to the MMM folks listening to happy calls and the American Crafts ladies getting that happy email...so much excitement around is contagious.

To all of ya'll - good luck! Now let us get to scrappin'! Check out what I've been up to at Scrap In Style TV...plenty more American Crafts, SiStv Collections and if you look soon, more digi fun. You know you wanna look...

Days like this...

2007-08-16T12:57:00.000-07:00

Well...technically, like yesterday, are days that make me totally happy.

Way back (feels like forever but was totally not) when SiSTv launched, Kelli Crowe was the first ever guest designer. She designed these awesome papers, did a collectible set of mini flowers (which I still hoard to this day), did some really great webisodes...was just an all around GREAT guest designer. Really set the bar high.

So day before yesterday when I get this email from this really cute email addy, I was like hmmm...what a cute addy...but wait. Is this spam?

Thank goodness my over-agressive spam filter didn't dump it because indeed it was not spam.

Check it out here. I would link the photos but good old blogger is giving me issues as per usual.

CHA Recap #2

2007-08-14T22:48:00.001-07:00

So really...you wanted to know what I loved. But of course:

10 faves from the show in no particular order of course (uh huh):

10. Zoom Albums - Right...not album girl but this is a totally hybrid (digitally created then printed) mini album that is so fast and easy to do your photos up in. Totally all over that.
9. WorldUS - for this not album girl they had an absolutely fabu leather one that I totally have to have.
8. Maya Road - chipboard heaven. Such CUUUUTE albums
7. Prima - Seriously. From bling to fluffy flowers to paintable patterned paper...sweet!
6. Making Memories - just like, a given. So many very standard staples...I could spend the whole show in their booth feeling stuff up.
5. Buttons Galore - as if you didn't know this
4. Beaux Regards - ribbon. yeah. And their site is down...I'm so in need of more samples.
3. KI Memories - I so totally would have had a lace paper album if they had it back then
2. October Afternoon - there clear stamps and paper and journaling spots and...newbie!
1. American Crafts - oh swoon felt thickers. And tissue wrapping paper. And nice reps who totally "get it"

Ahh...just scrap already

2007-08-13T21:33:00.001-07:00

And so she did. Enjoy!

Memory Lane: AC style

2007-08-11T11:50:00.001-07:00

I figured today, I might well give you a little something special. A trip down memory lane, complete with a tribute to one of my fave person's fave manufacturers of all things scrapbooking. Here's a hearty "knock 'em dead" going out to my girls trying for the American Crafts design team. From the follicles on my head to the tips of my toes I cannot think of a better "SiSta" for their team than one of my fellow Fashionistas. I don't know if she's put it out there that she's going for it (we tend to be hush hush about these types of things for some odd reason) so I won't go all out on her name, but she knows who she is.

Without further ado...I bring you a few of my faves with American Crafts products:

Enjoy the weekend!

Relative Perspective

2007-07-31T13:55:00.000-07:00

And on that note...

I was at lunch today. You know. My usual spot. Across the street. These two gentlemen are sitting behind me. They order Chai tea...alas, there is none to be had. So instead they request water. With no ice.

Generally, I figure you know--that ice thing is so American. So no big deal. But then the one guy asks the other guy "Do you not trust the ice or do you not like it?"

Coming off of the trip of a lifetime (A bit ago, but still fresh in my mind in situations like this) I had a good ole well times lesson in relative perspective. I yearned for cold drinks abroad because I didn't "trust the ice". Yet I don't wash my hands everytime I touch a doorknob here in the states. Or break out the germ killer. Relative Perspective.

Here's to keeping sight of what is most important when it is most important. Now I've gotta run to the post office or there will be no relativity OR perspective about much of anything...least of all a cell phone bill.

Off to do some scrap funness too. Soon as I find another yellow cartridge for my printer. How I ran out of yellow ink in about 2.2 weeks is beyond me. Really, beyond me.

cha, cha, cha: C.H.A. #1

2007-07-23T14:51:00.000-07:00

Wow. What a long, amazing 4 days of scrap absolute goodness. I almost don't know where to begin. As if (smile).

So. I attended CHA as a buyer with ScrapinStyleTV. As such, Jeannette arranged for all the Fashionistas to gather up in groups to create a kit of our own. I was paired with the ever amazingly talented and gorgeous Kerry Lynn Yeary and all of her altered, shabby goodness. Which, when you check out my work, is completely polar opposite to mine. I also was matched up with Lisa Garay--bold, fabulous color in all her works and I totally dig her style--very artsy. Lisa couldn't join us in Chicago, but we still managed to pull off the most amazing kit of all times. Which is saying a ton of stuff when you consider we're talking about a Scrap in Style kit here. I absolutely cannot wait to purchase the kits of all the other teams (there are, I think 6 teams total) and I really need to breath again after re-looking over the amazing kit that we pondered and repondered and Kerry totally sold me on. She is creative genius. I'm the one that just likes to play one on tv.

Speaking of which...on tv. Jeannette came up with the most amazing webisodes. Watching filming was just too much. But participating in one--throwing tape around and all, was just so fun. And you'll have to watch out for the intro sessions she does with each Fashionista. I'm a bit partial to Kerry's intro cause it's a bit different than the rest of our's but so totally TOTALLY cool and her. I can't wait to see it. And Adrienne's too, from what I remember (it really is blurring together), her's was a demo too. One which I totally thought she should keep bottled up inside and remain the creative genius she is BUT...she's giving like that. Totally.

I'm going to need to break this down into pieces rather than a really long post so we'll conclude CHA recap #1 at that. Creating kits is fun!

You know...

2007-07-12T15:00:00.000-07:00

...scrapping is fun. Really, REALLY fun. But sometimes, I have to live life to get those memories to scrap. Alas (smile).

Got a pretty major project done and off in the mail last week. And yeah, I was in El Paso last week. Land of no laptop, no internet, and since I checked no bags, no scrapping. I was going through a tad bit of withdrawal but for the project that I took with to finally assemble and get sent off. I was stressing that a bit but as per usual, just got it done. It was a happy happy day to have that sent off.

A couple of more projects in crunch time here. Have a meeting this weekend, but beyond that, I should get everything together and off to the races for Monday. I leave on Thursday for CHA. Shopping one day, filming another day and then wrap up (shopping, saying goodbyes) on the last day. It will be my first trade show and I'm kinda anxious because there are so many things I want to do. One involves a super cool dream that my better half actually seriously wants me to sit down and ponder. A bit overwhelming what I've seen so far, but between the two of us, we have enough degrees and common sense to figure it out. Gulp. Then there are a few shirts to wear--going as a Fashionista for Scrap in Style TV (we might just have a cool t-shirt for that)but also as a Hall of Famer looking to meet others (we have a cool t-shirt for that too) and also as the project head for that anxious air gulping mention above. Lots of people I want to meet in real life--the folks who put me on their teams before "all this" and the folks I work with now. Just overwhelming. And I have not even gotten to the product yet!

Anyhow...in some ways I wish I was just working the show. That is the skin I'm comfy in...I do that sort of thing for a living.

And then she signed off and figured on doing more scrappy stuff. Sunday...more scrap goodness posted with another HOF challenge. I promise to get Shabby Rockstar collection stuff posted...soon as I get it to play with. I know I know...I really WASN'T holding out on you, my PO just doesn't have a clue sometimes. Did I mention I love Fed Ex (smile)?

Oh and you so can't wait. Got some lovely stuff done with the Impression Obsession stamps. That was fun times!

Till then...

Yeppers...still going

2007-06-15T18:15:00.000-07:00

Still scrap, just more icognito till our major trade show passes in July. Lovely. But in the meantime, a few fun things.

This is the rak full of goodies I got from Alohi over at SiStv for our swap:

[If only blogger would let me reinsert a picture - what the blip?!]

And I got a BIG HUGE BOX of stamping stuff from Impression Obsession. That is what I'm tearing into tonight.

But I leave you with a layout or two. Fave people doing great things in a fave location. Enjoy!

Little fun guy:

[temporarily relocated--peep this layout here 2nd layout down]

Other Cute guy:

[temporarily relocated - peep this layout here 1st layout on the post]

And...because we got the go ahead to shop these around, here's another one of the layouts I did for my HOF entry that isn't going to be in the book:

[snoooozzz....lose. I'm kidding...it will be back momentarily]

Have a great weekend!

Hall of Fame Layouts

2007-06-08T22:33:00.000-07:00

What...you thought I'd show you? But then you wouldn't buy the book when it comes out. All I have to say is this. I submitted some of my best work EVER for that contest. And it was all digi so I know you paper loving gals are all sad. But trust. This book is going to be OFF. THE. HOOK. They finally told me which of the ones we submitted they are publishing in the Hall of Fame Book and I about fell out crying. There is one super special layout that they are publishing. That layout was my whole very reason and being for entering this contest, this year. Their story will be told. You watch for it. Watch for it. I'm so excited. This is one of the few times when I submit something I love to PIECES and it gets picked up. And in no better a book than this one.

Okay. It doesn't come out until like forever so...I should stop. But get excited. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Oh MY WoW!

2007-06-04T16:06:00.000-07:00

I've made the bigtime and it's time to pass out, knock my head on the edge of this here scrappin' desk and just float on up to heaven (or straight to hell--depending on who you are).

What a week it was last week. I FINALLY had my all time scrapping dream come true! I got mentioned on the "mean" blog! YESSSSSS!

Yeah. Not so much. I've been told by a good friend that folks don't care for my upgrade layout. Clearly, they are not the Beyonce fan that I am (smile). And something about something else...(really helpful, I know) that I can't remember at this moment. I think it was pretty tame--nothing about the size of my body parts or my man's body parts or how I must drink, smoke or do whatever to create. Something like..."who is she?"

I like it that way. I don't have to flaunt what I do or who I do it for because that's just so not cool. If you want to know who "she" is...google me already. It's simple enough. And entertaining too.

Big time. I never thought I'd make it this far (smile). And that's just the half of it. Raises hand to solemly swear that she will be a better blogger. But trust me, you didn't want me blogging last week. You think THIS is babble...

And part 2...of that long weekend

2007-06-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

Yeah I loved that long weekend. Got cut short for a VERY good reason (LOVE that guy and miss him when he's gone).

So what else I do. I did some cutesy stuff. And a serious one. Seriously...first:

Cause we are so each other's upgrades.

And then seriously cute (so I say) but real:

There is TONS of back story to this one if you peep it HERE

And then just a couple more for really fun times:

and

Ahhh...that last was for my boss's baby shower. I went with a bigger card so this one is on my desk still.

I love scrapping. With paper. Back to digi right now since the feds won't let me pack my retractable exacto knife on the plane. Couple more days...then I'm home again.

Tucson is burning up by the by. Wow!

I love long weekends...

2007-05-28T09:56:00.001-07:00

Because I get to spend all day doing stuff like this! From Friday through Saturday:

Scrap In Style TV fun with the Kelli Crowe designed Window Shopping collection.
So totally go to Scrap In Style and buy your collection here!

So there's a little something "normal" for the weekend crowd with this Summer Fun layout:

And then I kicked it up a notch and did some doodling for non-doodlers with this Be Bold layout:

And of course you know I can't not make journaling the focus of a layout so check out this non-photo layout called Twisted:

You can peep the journaling to that one by going here.

And last but not least, my fave from that day is Not So Black and White layout. Truly:

Enjoy! More layouts later tonight from all the fun stuff I made Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon.

Giggle...

2007-05-24T12:09:00.001-07:00

Okay...two blog winners it is. I can't find winner number 3. Alas. I tried.
Scrap in Style TV--check the catwalk...I love me some RitasCottage over at Scrap in Style TV.
She's so on my catwalk...so totally.

And because I'm in a silly mood and should be home scrapping but was responsible and came to work instead:

Bernadette needs to talk to Arnold!
Bernadette needs to sharpen her subject-verb agreement skills today.
Bernadette needs to work with...
Bernadette needs to grow.
Bernadette needs to find their email addresses
Bernadette needs volunteers!
Bernadette needs me to come to the golf course to check her swing
Bernadette needs to file an address change.
Bernadette needs to see someone.

And my fave...

Bernadette needs little introduction.

Well maybe not fave, but really now you know.

Thanks to Tina for the fun exercise on her blog borrowed from someone elses. Cause stampers are cool like that. As if you didn't know (smile).

It's official--Scrapping has taken over my life.

2007-05-20T16:13:00.000-07:00

Because clearly...with this 141st post (compared to the 140th on my "life" blog), I have crossed over to the dark side. R believes this room has a hex on it. I must escape.

But how could I go without sharing this with you:

SISter Love

Can you guess which one is me (smile)? Ahh...life would have been ROUGH growing up with this many sisters in the home. But in cyberlandia crossing over to real life...this is so fun!

What is going down now?

2007-05-18T18:18:00.000-07:00

Okay okay. So I need one more of the SiSters who played along on my blog to come claim her prize. You can check the winners from ALL the blogs so far on this Super Special GiGi is Totally Organized "Everything Fashionista" thread.

So what have I been up to you ask? Do tell. Well, for one this little ditty.

I'm so all over the Thickers by American Crafts.

But all that bling by MAMBI. Wowie.

I created a few more layouts lately as well:

And this one in paper too:

Then I did some digital stuff too:

and with less of a message:

Fun eh? Aside from scrapping, other great news to chat about? Hmmm...in the scrap life...

Last week, I made CKMB's page of the day with this layout:

You all know by now about landing the coolest gig on earth as one of the Fashionistas with Scrap in Style TV.

You DIDN'T know that I just got the coolest box of amazing Kelli Crowe exclusive stuff for my gig with them.

You know you want it so stalk The Boutique.

Last but absolutely not least, I made the Impression Obsession design team. Wanna see some cool stamps, be sure to check out the collections under Leigh Hannan. Of course you know I collect lots of rubber stamps and my acrylic collection is getting up there. Oh my we get a good gaggle of Christmas stuff to start with. Which is perfect because really, I honestly DO need to start now if I'm to get Christmas cards homemade this year. That is truly the goal. Truly.

Oh to get to scrap this weekend. Alas, there is more to life sometimes. Sometimes. But next weekend...I need to get some page kits together. Slow week at work, long weekend...I'm so totally getting lots of scrapping done.

Till then!

Wanna Know Who won?

2007-05-16T10:35:00.000-07:00

If you live in TX or Virginia, you might be pretty excited. And one more (didn't leave her where) also. I couldn't resist. Check the ScrapinStyle TV Everything Fashionista's board for the lovely "Bernadette's RAK Winner(s)" post. Thanks for playing!

Bernadette

As we await the announcement...

2007-05-15T10:26:00.000-07:00

Of the fun blog RAK (Random Act of Kindness) winners, I bring you a little tag play.

I got tagged by Tiffany. In a unique random way. So I'll play and then tag away. Cause like the sister said...I don't play red light-green light and sit the pot. Competition. Good for the blood (smile). Way it works is this:

Choose 7 different random things and blog about them. Not the rules on your blog. Choose 7 people to be tagged and list their names. Leave 'em a comment that they've been tagged and a link to the bloggity blog to check the rules.

Random Thought #1: Why is it that for 5 out of 7 days we get beautifully blue skies and then those two measily days I actually get off, the skies turn gray. And cloudy. And windy too? Solution? I'm going to work two days a week (not necessarily Saturday and Sunday because...I'm normal like that), but then take off the other 5 days. I really think I can work this. Really.

Random Thought #2: Uhm yeah. About that work thing. It's really cutting into my scrapbooking time. And that's just so not good. But the good is that I then make lots of money (relative...I'm a pauper really) to buy more scrap stuff. Because I don't have enough of a stash. But the stuff I buy isn't for me. I justify my shopping habit by giving it away in RAKs. Like the one you're waiting on. It works well for me--I get my retail therapy in, but don't have to figure out a place to put it all.

Random Thought #3: It is a sad, SAD day when you get gifted a new laptop and a new printer and it is like day 502 after and you still won't go near them. Kinda like with the iPod. I have issues--it is more about the journey (ie, winning said laptop, printer, iPod) for me. I have never been a destination person. But this is getting really bad. I do like iTunes though. sort of.

Random Thought #4: I'm really not that practical. I "get" that blooming potted plants are pretty and still alive and should be thought of as a romantic thoughtful gift that someone didn't give you something on it's deathbed that just looked pretty. I am so all about the looks. Give me cut almost dead flowers any day. Any. Day.

Random Thought #5: I have not watched Fargo in almost a year. I am slipping. Really slipping. When I scrap, I always used to put in a video (that I had seen a gagillion times) so that I wouldn't hear when someone entered my home through the garage door on his way up the stairs to kill me. Now...there is so much filth on reality tv today that I just turn it on and go to town. I really DIDN'T hear when the realtor brought in a couple of folks to look at the place the other day. That was kinda freaky.

Random Thought #6: It has to be official by now. My postman hates me. He doesn't like how cozy I'm getting with the UPS man and for some reason, I don't think the blue man likes the brown man. Uniforms people...uniforms. Anyhow, this brown gal (I love me some UPS) will have to play nice since I've no idea where a certain birthday gift is and this is starting to really get to me.

Random Thought #7: If anyone is looking to move to Seattle, I've got this great 2200 (unheard of!!) sf condo you'd love to look at. $374,950. Designer colors, automatic lighting, all appliances...slow down markets...grrrrr....

Okay...so I'm going to tag...GiGi, Wilna, JJ, Adrienne, KA, Keisha, Francine All tagged because I've always wanted to know their deepest, darkest, brightest, most random thoughts (smile). Don't hate...you're it!

You Know You Want it...

2007-05-12T20:52:00.000-07:00

So...I seem to have way too much scrap stash. And what better way to thin it than with a RAK? But not just any RAK...a great RAK of NEW stuff (I long ago purged the old stuff in the old move).

How do you win it? Well, by leaving a comment here of course. But about what? Well...there's this amazing new scrapbooking site (of course) at www.scrapinstyletv.com You must check it out. Must. Go now. Wait...remember how to get back here because after you go there, come back here, comment, and your name goes in the hat for my RAK of stuff. Stuff to be included in the RAK? I've got plenty of patterned paper, lots of cool embies, some idea books...just a whole 8.50 (that's how much they cost now right?) big ole "one price" priority mail box to go out. Maybe your name will be on it. But only if you comment.

But wait. It gets better. On real REALY Sunday (as in like early Monday morning for me), I'll post 20 links to places where you can have even more chances to win!

But wait...it gets even better. As best put by Andrea, one of the coolest sisters not really I know:

"Best of all if you comment here on my blog, register at Scrap In Style TV, and then post on the *Welcome New SISters* board (when the site launches on May 15th) your name will be entered into the grand RAK from Scrap In Style TV...a first Collection designed by the magnificent Kelli Crowe!"

That's right--even MORE scrap goodies!

The site launches midnight on Monday (as in middle of the night Monday...when we turn into Tuesday at 12:01) so stay up late and go do your thing. But definitely peep the site. And the new stuff people posted. And yeah...win stuff.

Ready, set, go. Other blogs are here:

1. Sarah Bowen
2 Courtney DeLaura
3 Jody Ferlaak
4 Wilna Furstenberg
5 Lisa Garay
6 Gigi Kennedy
7 Adrienne Looman
8 Becky Novacek
9 Michelle Ramirez
10 Becca Sutton
11 Jp-Anne te Raa
12 Andrea Wiebe
13 Ashley Wren
14 Kerry Lynn Yeary
15 Kelli Darr
16 Jeanette Herdman
17 Claudine Hellmuth

Yeah...and I do still scrap

2007-05-03T14:51:00.000-07:00

Honestly...I do. And blog too. For your patience, an old one and two new goodies--one (Boys Will be Boys) is Crop Addict goodness, the other is just for fun.

Enjoy! National Scrapbook Day is this Saturday! Be sure to check out TallyScrapper.com for my journaling prompt challenge. I'll be here there and everywhere on NSD.

And so it goes

2007-04-11T04:12:00.000-07:00

They posted one of our layouts from our HOF entry. One of my freebies.

I really liked this one a lot (smile).
Exciting news to share when I get back. Perhaps...about a new laptop??
Off the grid I go. I'm journaling and taking lots of pics along the way so...should be cool!

Until then...

Itchiness...

2007-04-04T19:19:00.000-07:00

I want to play...antsy itchy all over I want to play and post. but lots of "grown up responsible stuff to do". Like go and find oh...say...6 cent on the street somewhere to balance my checkbook. Right.

Anyhow.

Got all my midmonth proj's for Crop Addict done. Struggling through May. Not bad product (no such thing with a CA kit) just totally can't sit still for more than 3 seconds without hopping up and going and doing something. And that whole Sunday through Tuesday night stay awake the whole time thing...yeah...I fell out last night and really didn't quite grasp the concept of a power nap.

Waiting on a few rejections so I can post and share with the world. Little birdie told me I should hold my breath for two more days. Luckily, I have Friday off. Luckily, I now have a laptop AC adapter. Luckily, I just reorged my digi scrap goods for the ninehundredthgabillionth time and should be able to easily find anything I want to scrap with. Cause truly, I'm going to go through laptop withdraw for like three weeks here soon. But I can't scrap this weekend cause we're going places.

But in really good news--KI just sent my album back! Doubt it, but if it got here by Friday I would so totally be forever grateful and saved. I suppose Friday I should go out just in case. Or just get it together before then. Lots of ideas for an anniversary gift. Just need to get to gettin' already.

Can't wait. Life is such a whirlwind right now and I love every moment of it. Time to go gobble up the last of the banana nut ice cream. And make some simple pasta tonight. I was going to make yummy nachos before I remembered that we had Taco Bell last night. Be still my stomache.

Scrap time. Ready set go!

I can't believe you missed your call

2007-03-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

If ya'll thought I was a bit distraught over missing my call, then comes Robert listening to all the other calls. I think I counted 53 "I can't believe you missed your call...how priceless would that have been for all of eternity?" Needless to say, I didn't tell him that this is indeed a once in a lifetime event and it's not like I can apply again a gaggillion years from now, luck up on a win and get another call. It's the little things that mean so much to people. He's so friggin' proud--I can't wait to have kids with him...I can just imagine how excited he'll be making that announcement. And when we finally decide to settle down? wow...this is just HOF. I know...I shouldn't say "just" in the same sentence, but still...life, relative. priorities. Poor baby...I almost want to fake a call just for him.

Bad Girl...Very bad girl

2007-03-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

Okay...I admit I'm such a bad liar. But it was fun to taunt. Yeah, yeah, yeah...that's me. I made CK's 2007 Hall of Fame. I am completely blown. away. Completely. Two folks guessed on me and called me out from my MJBofHOF2007 anon name. Sneaky gals (smile). But the calls are up. I have to get home and listen to what they have for mine. Seeing as I didn't actually get the call and got a message because I'm a moron and can't charge my cell phone. My call story should give ya'll a little laugh though!

Thanks for all the congrats. Wow. This is just too much. Amazing!

So....HOF, HM...SOY...what in the world??

2007-03-20T14:11:00.000-07:00

Hall of Fame (as my better half describes it...the Super Bowl of scrapping) calls went out yesterday. Bummer.

Honorable Mention calls go out today and I think they just started. So there is hope for all yet. There are 25 HOF winners and 50 HMs each year. HMs can try again next year. Fingers crossed for everyone out there. You all--well, most of you--rock my world. The other few REALLY knock my world off kilter.

That's about it for the scrap happenings lately. The world stops for this--that is how huge a deal this HOF thing is. Don't believe me? Just log on to the message board at www.twopeasinabucket.com and check out the Sleuth thread. 9 pages of people trying to figure out who is what. We don't get to see their real names (they can sign onto message boards with cool names like: HOF4ME2007) until Thursday. I think the HMs get to tell us immediately who they are. Time to go start adding people to my book of scraps! And try to get some work done.

Tally it on up

2007-03-18T21:21:00.000-07:00

Discovered this totally cool new ingenious site:

www.tallyscrapper.com

Don't walk, RUN over there. This site is so totally cOoooL in the way that you dole out praise. It's addicting too. I need to find a way to link all my other faves up. I don't think they are all that fond of 2peas (all sorts of backlash to them...such is the life of the popular girl in the football locker room), but I think I can find a way to post my layouts from Diversity Designs and Crop Addict and note that I did it for those Design Teams off of the kits I got there. Kinda easing my way in to the community at first and loaded just about everything I own and dolling out tally points because there is some GREAT talent there. It's a great way to really track your stuff and it's a great gallery because people have an incentive to comment and give you points and that always helps when you want your stuff out there for some constructive crit. So...love the site. Gotta get off the site and go do other stuff tonight.

Overall had a very productive scrap weekend. Got a lot of stuff up on my Imanisasa gallery over at 2peas--got a whole new album of CKC-Portland Challenges...upt to almost 500 points there. Time to get more done tonight and tally up more points...not at tally scrapper (still, ingenious...love the concept) but at 2 peas for the challenge.

Tomorrow is call day for the HOF folks. Good luck gals! Can't wait to see the hooplah and toots and everything. I'll be pushing on trying not to get a parking ticket. And just kinda hoping the sky doesn't fall down tomorrow. I think I just heard a gunshot. Maybe it was a car backfire. Yeah...and yesterday, I saw a shooting star. And thought maybe, because it was so bright and close, that maybe a plane was falling out of the sky. I live close to the airport. I have a vivid, wicked imagination. I should work on that.

Hp and Scraps = All good!

2007-03-16T21:57:00.000-07:00

I love HP. Got one of their printers. On a whim, there was a snapshot diaries contest they ran. I didn't read close enough and thought the grand prize was for a trip to Sundance this year. That's long gone so I figured nothing else of it. Got an email. Good happy email. Until they contact all the winners, I can't quite say (smile), but wow. Not going to Sundance NEXT year (which is when the prize was actually for) but the prize pack I did get...and the placement I made...sweet! I'll have to link ya to the slideshow. Really.

Long weekend ahead! Loving it!

GASP!!! 801 area code?!

2007-03-13T13:30:00.000-07:00

Oh my good sweet things that are dear and sacred! I got a call from the 801 area code. But I don't know anyone in the 801 (Utah folks...UTAH...as in scrap mecca of the world...as in "HOF CALL REALLY???").

Yeah. Not so much. Cause...well, first, you have to enter and make sure your entry is there on time. Second, you have to actually GIVE THEM YOUR WORK NUMBER to call you at. Thirdly, I KNEW I had a friend about to call me. I knew said friend's name was Kristen. But somehow, when I picked up the phone and was like "hmmm...direct line call...I don't recognize the area code" (cause, honestly, I didn't recognize the 801 until after she told me her name) it wasn't until just after Kristen said "Hello Bernadette, this is Kristen X" Pause. As if someone was waiting for something major to happen (ie, a scream) that I even started to think "Are you serious???!"

Then we started talking about my old employer (which she is interviewing with) and I started realizing that I spend way too much time on the message boards caught up in the hype. I mean really now...there are lots of things that have to happen before you get an HOF call. Chief among them...they have to know your number--which usually happpens only after you enter.

I need to lay off the message boards. Really. I do.