Sunday, May 15, 2011

New layouts to share!

Hi everyone!!

Here are 4 new LOs created while participating in  May 2011 Layout a Day (we call it May LOAD) with Lain Ehmann. So far, been keeping on track with creating a layout once every day. I am LOVING this process, getting my oodles of pics scrapped and enjoying a fun, non-obsessive approach!

Hope you like 'em!

Day 14: LOAD  and LO #63 in 2011
"DANG... he's Cute!" (pic- age 5 mos)
My nephew William Grier
Supplies-

Patterned paper: "Mommy and Me" Collection from Prima~"Woodsy"
Backgrnd paper: "Grandma's Kitchen" Coll'n by WRMK~ "Flower Frills"
Wide grosgrain ribbon- stash
CTMH exclusive ink: New England Ivy
Fussy cutting: CTMH fine-tipped scissors
All lettering~ BasicGrey
Pen- Black fine tipped: CM
Numbers: Flair

Day 13: LOAD and LO #62 in 2011
Noah and Argo, his Autism Assistance Dog Guide 
Journaling reads:

Noah figured that a sleeping Argo made a perfect spot to relax and read a favourite  animal book. 
Dec 2010

Supplies-
Warm thanks to my friends Helen Hollinger and Lois Sokolan for the two fun doggie-themed papers used here! TY also to Helen for the paw print brads. So cute!  
bkgrnd patt paper: TPC Studio-"'Meditteranean Summer" Collection~ "Whitewash"
Brown CS- CTMH Chocolate
CTMH Exclusive inks: Chocolate, Goldrush
Distressing on photo edges: Heidi Swapp edge distresser
Journaling Block- free download from  net
Pen: fine tip black~ CM
Rub ons: MOD
Title lettering- "Nouveau" font: Sizzlit on brown CTMH CS

Day 12: LOAD and LO #61 in 2011 
Daniel 1 year- pic from  Summer 2001
 Photo Credit: Sears Canada, New Minas, NS

Day 11 LOAD and LO #60 in 2011
Grandma Grierson and Noah on March break 2011
Created with Sketches: Creatively Yours sketch  #06-11 by Yours Truly.

Journaling reads:

Picture Perfection
I took some pictures of Grandma, Noah & Argo during March Break 2011. Grandma & Grandpa were hosting a Spaghetti Dinner in their area to benefit the Lions Foundation of Canada’s AADG Program & needed a photo for the article that reporter Bob Lafrance would be writing in the Victoria Star to publicize the event.
This photo was one of our favourites. The photo at the bottom shows Noah reaching out, touching Argo’s paw soon after his Dog Guide friend joined
our family.
It looks like they are "hand in hand.” How perfect!
Photos~ Jan & Mar 2011
Journaling~ May 2011

Thanks for looking everyone! Love to share with ya'll. See you  again very soon... with MORE layouts, and maybe even a card or two!!! :)

~

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Day 10 May 2011 LOAD

Here is my LO,  created for Day 10 of Lain Ehmann's LOAD course.

This is layout #59 for me this year (2011). I keep track of my numbers for fun. Not competitive by nature... LOL

Wonder what tonight will bring as far as inpsiration goes?
Hope you like this one:


 "Incredible Balance"  LOAD Day 10

Incredible Balance…
Noah, like many kids with ASD you have an incredible ability to balance in the most precarious of positions! You always loved to perch on the seat of my stationery bike in the hallway…. One day I snapped these pics of your most mischievous looking facial expression, ever! Little monkey!


February 2011
PJ pants made by Grandma
Journaling May 2011


Supplies:

Mixed CTMH White Daisy CS and patterned papers with BasicGrey pp
Giant monogram Letter "b" from KI Memories (stash)
"alance" letters; American Crafts Thickers
Buttons; including blue star: Stash (and TY to my Mom)
Corner rounder; CM
Ink: CTMH Twilight
Font: Bangle Condensed

Thanks for peeking!! Have a GREAT day!

~

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Random thoughts; and Layout a Day creations!

The Layout a Day "process" with Lain Ehmann is coming along fabulously. I call it a process rather than a class, 'cause  for me, it is a process.  I am enjoying the LOAD Gallery on Flickr and seeing what everyone else is creating, too!


Peter jokingly says that it ought to be called "LOAN," not "LOAD" ... ie:  "Layout a Night... " He's referring to the fact that I *cannot* SB in the daytime- only after supper and after our sweet Noah has gone to bed. So I am always up LATE finishing up my LO, photographing it & uploading it before a very crazy bedtime... like 1 or 2 AM. But it's  getting better! I am NOT a fast SB'er so this goal is a lofty one for me...  one LO every day for 31 days.


That said, I did it in Feb when I did Lain's "Find your Style from A to Z" class. That was 31 LOs in 31 days... I think I went a little over but it was self-paced.  I DID finish it a few days late (on my timetable, I was "late") but it was a blast! I learned so much about my scrappin' style! And to top it al off my friend Ann S. from Calgary was doing that class too, and we shared everything we created. THAT was what made it extra fun. It was like, well... scrappy-bonding time! LOL


The LOs I am creating for May 2011 LOAD are simple and clean without as much embellishment as I'd normally use.  There is almost ALWAYS journaling included (me and my stories, LOL)  to some degree. Gotta write 'em down and share them.


As for the pages being simpler, "That's OK." I am a linear-girl anyway, and I need these pages as a legacy, not so much as "ART." Having some very artsy ones in the mix is great, too, though, don't get me wrong! I am sure there WILL be some artsy ones, LOL.

I can do the artsy stuff when called upon to do it (ie for Design Team work...) -- and I DO enjoy it-- just not when I have a bazillion pics to scrap and am involved in the fun process of creating my 31 LOs along with the other "LOADSTERS!"

Oh- and yep!  Ann is a fellow LOADSTER this time too. I am so happy about that!


My best friend in the world, Helen, who lives in NB and whom I have not seen in far TOO MANY moons told me today after seeing my latest LO (it was for Day 9)  on Facebook (FB) that she loved keeping up with things. It suddenly hit me that the scrapbooking, coupled with a venue like FB is a strong tool for strenghening the ties that connect us as people. I mean, I always  knew that FB and Scrapbooking were SEPARATELY ideal tools for this... but together, they're a knockout punch!!


On to the latest May 2011 LOAD creations...6,7,8, and 9!!  

"Wide Load"  LOAD Day #9

LO #58 in 2011

Journaling reads:

Wide Load~

During March Break, Kate’s boyfriend Taylor visited from Kingston, Ontario. These “big kids” were awesome-- they took Noah & Argo to play at the Park every single day that week. Daniel & his friend Liam came along once, too!


As you can see here, Noah is holding the handle on Argo’s Autism Assistance Dog Guide vest. Kate has Argo’s leash, and Taylor is holding Noah’s other hand, to keep him from bolting away.
 In the Spring, the Trainer from Lions Foundation of Canada is coming to help us learn to use the waist-belt with Argo & Noah (that’s a tether system for Noah’s increased safety.) This will reduce the need for holding onto Noah’s other hand while out.
Everyone’s kinda cute together!
I just had to take a batch of photos!!
What a “wide load!” LOL!
March Break~ 2011
Kingston, NS

"Our Baby: Treasure"  LOAD Day #8
 LO #57 in 2011
(From my own unpublished Sketch.)

 Journaling from back of  Layout reads~

This is our little fella, Noah Adam Scott, who is 18 mos old in this photo (WalMart). His outfit was made by Oma. He was (and is)-- such a darling.
About 13 mos after this photo was taken, we had a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and life changed forever for our family of 6.
The little quote on the bottom right says: "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow." Thanks to our concerted efforts as a family, and the efforts of a lot of people who work with (and have WORKED with) Noah, he has made HUGE and steady progress... he turned 9 years old on on April 23rd. STEADY is the operative word here, he has never had a halt in progress.... "EVERYTHING GOOD TAKES TIME" has become my motto as his Mommy.


Supplies:


Patterned Paper; SEI "Poppy" Collection
Border Punch: Fiskars
Quote: Chit Chat Sticker: 3 Bugs in a Rug Chalk Garden Collection
Numbers: Flair "Take a number" Brown
"Treasure" Chipboard:  My Mind's Eye- Laundry Line Coastal "Celebrate" Collection
Rub on circles & flowers: Mod Designs
Giant Ricrac: Savvy n Sassy Store
"Our baby: title lettering- from BasicGrey Marrakech, Stella Ruby Collections
CTMH Exclusive Ink: Twilight
MM Ribbon Glue
   
"Restful" LOAD Day #7
 Mitty resting in our wicker "facecloth basket" in the bathroom

LO #56 in 2011
"Restful"

This is Mitty in the linen closet and the facecloth basket in our bathroom. Also resting in front of the TV in livingroom- all stretched out! What a lazy boy!! And the faces he makes when we take pics are a HOOT! OHMYMITTY!!!!! LMBO!

 Supplies:

Patt Papers:
Close to My Heart- turquoise fingerprint  pattern("Hooligans" Collection)
Daisy D's ("Chasing Butterflies" Collection)
Pink Paislee- red and white floral (Dream Big: "365 Degrees" Collection)
Pink Paislee- turq and red floral ("Fascinating" Collection )
CS: Bazzill- PomegranateTitle lettering Pink Paislee - Fashion Script ("Fascinating" Collection)
Flowers: fussy cut from daisy d's pp
Gemstones: Crafts brand- Dollarama
Ink for distressing: CTMH Grey Flannel
Tools:
Sandpaper: P150 grit
Pen for doodling: CM Fine tipped black
EK Success Eyelet Setter (used as hole punch for scallop edge)
Dollarama: Scallop Ruler
Cutterbee scissors
CTMH Fine tipped scissors
Adhesives:
Mono-Multi
Ross Stick
 "Mitty Kitty" LOAD Day #6 
 Mitty in the laundry basket- warm and cozy; April 2011
LO #55 in 2011

"Mitty Kitty"
Here's our cat Mitty (age 4) in the clothes basket among the warm clothes... and atop the high hutch in Noah's bedroom!! I wish he'd FOLD the darned laundry!


Patt Papers:
Daisy d's- red polka dot ("Chasing Butterflies" Collection)
Prima- "Sweets" ("Shabby Chic" Collection- 2010)- used as background
Pink Paislee- turq and red floral ("Fascinating" Collection- 2009 )
Title lettering Pink Paislee - Fashion Script ("Fascinating" Collection-2009)
Flowers: fussy-cut from Daisy d's pp ("Chasing Butterflies" Collection)
Gemstones:"Crafts" brand- Dollarama
Tools:
EK Success Eyelet Setter (used as hole punch for scallop edge)
Scallop Ruler: Dollarama
Cutterbee scissors
CTMH Fine tipped scissors


Adhesives:
Mono-Multi
Ross Stick

Thanks for popping by!! See you again soon!

 ~

Friday, May 6, 2011

Layout a Day and more...


"Dad and Us"~ Created Using my own S:CY Sketch #05-11
Journaling reads:
I took this photo of you all in our Lilac Street PMQ on the Base at 14-Wing Greenwood. I had it in a frame, displayed with a collection of other “baby-Daniel” pictures. When the frame was dismantled, I immediately had to “scrapbook” the photo because it’s one of my favourites.
Daddy looks a little tired here because Daniel never slept more than a couple of hours at a time and we were both up a LOT at night. Looking back, we laugh and are not too sure how we survived it and went on to have another baby (Noah)! You are all so worth it. Love you guys…
Photo~ Fall 2000
Journaling by Mom ~ April 2011


Guess what? I may have mentioned this, as I am sooooo excited about it.... I am working on the May LOAD (Layout a Day) program with Lain Ehmann and a whole bunch of fantastic ladies!

I am having SO much fun! And- gettin' LOs done "ain't too shabby" either! LOL... I am keeping them simple, and they're "not too fancy" but they are being safeguarded for the long haul, and the stories written down and saved, and THAT'S what REALLY matters.

 Here are my first 5 LAYOUT A DAY creations:

 "Noah's Artwork, Grade 2"~ LAYOUT A DAY #1
Journaling reads: 

Grade Two Artwork
One of the things that has been really special about this school year, Noah, was all the fun artwork you brought home! The creations on this page were made in Grade 2; 2010-2011. You were 8 years old. The tissue paper leaves on the autumn tree looked so vibrant, and the adorable orange-beaked birds were created as part of a “potato print” activity. I looked forward to peeking inside your backpack bag every day after school to see what new art you had created. Daddy and I were so thrilled to see what your Team helped you make at school! Way to go buddy!!
 

"The Girls" ~ LAYOUT # 2


"Writer"~ LAYOUT A DAY #3 
Journaling reads:
Daniel earns very high marks in Language Arts at school, where he is in Grade 5 this year. He enjoys writing and illustrating stories and is a very colourful and action-oriented writer. He also loves to read and is always bringing home library books or ordering them via the local library’s order system. We’re so proud of him!
Before Christmas 2010, he told me that he “would like to be a writer.” He then qualified this statement by saying… “But a REAL writer, not a writer like YOU Mom!!”
I laughed aloud; he is just SO FUNNY!!
Here is a poem he wrote and typed himself in the computer lab at school.
I just love it. Great job, Daniel!

Journaling~ May 2, 2011



"Gaining Ground: WTG!" LAYOUT A DAY #4
"Gaining Ground: WTG!"

The Birthday Balloon

Noah, every year you seem to understand the celebration of a birthday more and more. This year, after you had opened your presents and cards from family, you looked around and said “Balloons?” Well, we hadn’t bought any, since we didn’t realize you associated them so strongly with a birthday… and because this was just a little family party. Your BIG BIRTHDAY PARTY with friends would be in May at Oaklawn Farm Zoo! We had another cake and some balloons planned THAT day for sure! Well, you are not a kid who asks for a lot of things, and I was crestfallen at not having a balloon to give you on your special day when you unexpectedly asked for it.
Then, big brother Bryan, with a HUGE smile, excitedly said “I have a balloon in my bedroom!” (He had been to a party the week before.) The balloon was brought up and you proceeded to squish it and lie on it- you obviously enjoyed playing with it…and liked the “feel” of it! We are so thrilled to see the progress you are making every day. So, so, proud of you. It is on occasions that happen once a year that the HUGE leaps in your development so clearly SHOW - it’s easy, in a way to compare your actions and words THIS year, with those from LAST year. Progress, progress, progress!!!!!!
Way to Go little buddy!
Love you! ~ Mom

Journaling May 4, 2011


"Sweet Faces"~ LAYOUT A DAY #5
Those are my cousin's children! It was a photo Easter card I rec'd in the mail 2 days ago! Thank You Susan! (Children's faces smudged for internet safety reasons.)  :o)

Hope you liked these!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Tidying up... a few loose ends!

Thought I'd post few recent creations before getting to work on an exciting new project, which I will tell you about in a few minutes!

Hope you like these creations!!


TY Card created for volunteer helpers at a Dog Guides Charity Dinner
that  my parents are hosting  in Perth Andover, NB on May 7


The second image I ever coloured using my Copics...
TY Ann for sending it to me! 


"Remembr how fast he grew?" our son Bryan as a baby: 1995-1996...
created using my own unpublished Sketch

 A masculine "Thanks" Card done for Evangeline Pony Club
using my own unpublished Sketch-- they needed it for our vet,
who did a presentation for the EPC Members


"Happy Day" Anniversary card created with a Sketch by Ann Seleshanko
at S:CY

Doodly [& very quick] Happy Birthday card
Card & decorated envelope for Bryan's friend ~ She had a Bowling Alley
 birthday party

"Sweet" (Kate and Daniel Aug 2000) created using my own unpublished Sketch

"Grace's First Show" created using my own Sketch #02-11 at S:CY


"Red Carpet" created using my own unpublished Sketch

"Award" created using my own unplublished Sketch

"School Stuff" created using my own unpublished Sketch


"Together" created with my own Sketch #03-11
at Sketches: Creatively Yours

It's May 1st... THAT means it's time for May 2011 Layout a Day with Lain Ehmann! I am so excited!!

Had to get myself ready... LOL...
A) I cleaned up my scrap room, (!LOL!)
B) Sorted out my patterned paper scrap bin...
C) Got page ideas/pics together in page protectors so it is all together- threw them into an old 3-ring  Sb album for easy access...- even some Sketches to use...
D) Over the past week, I ordered some (197!) RECENT new pics (they are here- needed 2 trips to the drugstore to get 'em... the gal missed giving Peter a whole envie of them, LOL-- he had to go back over!)
E) Planned a few easy meals and cleared my calendsr as much as possible (now, that was my choice, not Lain's recommendation... LOL)
F) Got mentally ready to DO THIS THING!!!!!!!!!!
 ~

FEATURED DESIGNERS!!

Just a heads-up to be sure everyone knows that Designers are regularly  featured over at Sketches: Creatively Yours.

The month of April 2011 saw us welcoming Guest Designer Stefanie Semple. She did a fantastic job! TY Stefanie! See you over at Journaling Junkie for sure!!

Come learn more about our FEATURED S:CY DT MEMBERS for April!!! 

- MANDY HARRELL
- HELEN HOLLINGER
- HEATHER BRIDGES TOPICH

 Enjoy!
~