Friday, July 27, 2012

S: CY Layout!

Good Morning everyone!  
Here is a brand new S:CY Sketch to share with you! 
S: CY Sketch #23-12
created by Yours Truly

"Roller Coaster" layout
created using Sketch #23-12
I had the most amazing fun creating the4 layout you see above! For this one, I rotated the original Sketch 1/4 turn counter-clockwise. This is no doubt a familiar place for any of us living here in the Annapolis Valley!
Yes, it's the fabulous and fun Upper Clements Park!
Journaling reads:
Bryan and Daniel, Summer 2011, Upper Clements Park. 
The Tree Topper Roller Coaster is Atlantic Canada's largest roller coaster & the only wooden one. The track is 323 metres long (1,050 ft) and reaches speeds of 75 km/h. It can hold 20 people. The roller coaster was built in Dallas and it was themed to represent an old iron mine, similar to the one that used to be in Clementsport.

Please do stop by the Sketches: Creatively Yours Blog and see what the S; CY  Design Team has created. We'd love to see what YOU make for your "memory bank" using the Sketch!
 Enjoy! 
~

Sunday, July 22, 2012

S: CY Card Sketch #712

Here's a beautiful card I created for a wedding card order placed through my card creating business by a client. I used a Sketches: Creatively Yours sketch by Ann Seleshanko.
Here is that versatile Sketch!
Card Sketch #712
 by Ann Seleshanko 
 for Sketches: Creatively Yours

"Congratulations on your Wedding Day"
Card created for an order at
 "The Perfect Card"
Hope this one appeals to you. I had fun creating it. :) I LOVE to create wedding cards! 
Supplies:
[CTMH = Close To My Heart]
Cardstock: CTMH "Garnet" and "Blush"
Ink: CTMH Smoothie
Patterned papers: Crate Paper "Pink Plum" collection.
Lace: cotton ecru (unknown source, from my stash.)
Pearls: CTMH "sparkles"
3-D foam squares to raise the embellishment on the front: Forever in Time
Micro-tip scissors: CTMH
Ribbon glue: Making Memories
Font: Tabitha
Thanks everyone, for having a peek at this beautiful Card Sketch and the card it inspired. Be sure to go on over to Sketches: Creatively Yours to see what the Design Team has created! You will love it! 

~

Friday, July 13, 2012

S:CY Sketch #22-12 and my LO creation!

Hi everyone! It's Friday again!
Just posted a new creation over at Sketches: Creatively Yours. It's my own sketch, #22-12. Here you go: 
S:CY Sketch #22-12
created by Yours Truly


"Together" layout using Sketch #22-12
Photos: Danique Rowsell, Century Classic photography

Journaling reads: Together, Kate and Grace were a dynamic,expressive team.  Photos of them together  were always special!Grace went to her new  family on PEI a year after these were taken, so we treasure them!
Photos~ Danique Rowsell
Century Classic Photography
March 2011

 Thanks for popping by everyone! Have a GREAT day! 
~

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Two easy layouts to share!

Hi everyone! Have a couple of easy layouts I wanted to share. As you can see, I am working on scrapping some pics from summer 2011. 
"Train" 

This one is just a simple LO to show some pics Pete and the boys took last summer at Upper Clements Park. They took the train around and got a few really nice shots.


Supplies: 
Patterned paper: Jillibean Soup
Kraft cardstock: CTMH
Burgundy cardstock: Bazzill
Journaling, title block and photo mat cardstock: "Dutch Blue"- CTMH
Ink: Chocolate- CTMH
Lettering: BasicGrey
Train and star embellies (layered)- Piggy Tales' Steadfast Tin Soldier Collection
Journaling font: Arial Unicode MS
Small pic foreground is popped up using Forever in Time 3D pop dots


Journaling: The Upper Clements Park train, the Evangeline, is a replica of the first locomotive that ran on the lines of the Annapolis-Windsor Railway in 1863. This engine was built at a manufacturer in the United Kingdom. The train goes around the park on 922 metres of track to another little station close to the food court. Daddy, Bryan and Daniel took it for a little ride during their 2011 visit to the Park. They even got to see and photograph some pretty scenery! 
July 2011
Upper Clements Park

"Free Time" 
Another summer 2012 layout, this time of Noah and Daddy watching the Final show of Pony Club Summer Camp at Rohan Wood Stables, where Kate rides and where we kept her mare, Grace. 

Supplies: 
Cardstock: Cranberry- CTMH
Cardstock: Kraft- CTMH
Patterned paper top third of page: "Elemental" CTMH
Patterned paper bottom 2/3 of page: "Lucky" CTMH
All CTMH: Cork lettering, "Free" playing piece, bingo card, and 3 circular tokens 
Ink: Chocolate and Dutch Blue: both CTMH
Corrugated cardboard- scrap from a box

Journaling: 
When our big family has free time, we try to do things that we can all enjoy! It’s always neat to go to Rohan Wood Stables to see what’s up with the horses and riders. This day, we went to the Final Show of the Evangeline Pony Club Camp. Kate rode Abe & Grace in the events and “Musical Ride.” It was so much fun to take Daniel, Noah & Argo to watch! We had a great vantage point. Argo wasn’t phased one bit by the horses working in the Show Ring & Noah’s smiling face says it all!

Rohan Wood Stables
Aylesford, NS
July 2011

Thanks for popping by everyone! Hope you liked these 2 very simple layouts!  See you soon!                         

 ~

Friday, July 6, 2012

Shine On

This week, over at the Sketches: Creatively Yours blog, it was my pleasure to post a versatile Sketch by my friend Ann Seleshanko, our Senior Designer. 
Here is the Sketch:
S: CY  Sketch #21-12
by Ann Seleshanko
And, here is my take on this versatile and useful Sketch. I flipped things around a bit, but you can definitely see where the Sketch that Ann created has inspired the layout. I will be keeping this one in my Sketch "arsenal," that's for sure. (Thanks Ann!) 
"Shine on"  layout
Photos: Tammy Pyette
Journaling:   
Daniel, the fact that Noah has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been hard on you, too. When he was 4, and you were almost 6, you asked us “When is Noah gonna grow up and be a kid?” 
Well, how could anyone describe ASD more perfectly, from a child’s point of view? 
Noah DID have trouble with play skills. They were something we had to teach him. It’s a work in progress. But, as the years have passed, Noah has learned to play. He even seeks you out to play, at times, saying “Go find Daniel!”
This makes you happy, in your own “serious” way. 
YOUR experience as a big brother is very different from that of others...  we recognize and salute that fact. We are so proud of you for being able to accept and adapt to the playtime that Noah enjoys and for being such a great big brother. Thank You for working hard at it, ‘cause Daddy and I know it has sometimes been tough. 
We adore you and Noah. You are both very special to us, each in your own way.
Shine on. Love, Mom

Journaling, July 6, 2012
Photos: Tammy Pyette, Nov 2011 


Supplies: 
A note: I used up some older BasicGrey pp that I had been "hoarding".  I think it was from the "Recess" Collection. Sure feels good to use that up! I loved that collection! 
Print strip of patt paper below red- Close To My Heart's "Sonoma" Collection
Red Cardstock: Close To My Heart - Cranberry
Kraft Cardstock: CTMH
Ink: CTMH - Cranberry
Lettering: BasicGrey (Stella Ruby Collection)- these were yellow, so I used CTMH's Cranberry ink to change their colour. 
Textured buttons: from my collection
Ric-rak- from my collection
Dot on top of the "i"- small red faux pearl
Glue Dots
Journaling font: Arial (bolded)
I also made a companion page to go with this one! 


"In a Class of Your Own" layout
Photos: Tammy Pyette
Journaling: 

Noah and Argo are definitely “in a class all their own!” They have a special connection. Argo started school with Noah in October.
Noah, his Grade 2/3 classmates, and the teachers were thrilled to have Argo as a helpful part of the team and routine at school.
It has been wonderful to see how the extra time they spend together every day has solidified their bond.
Dad had thought this would happen, and he was right.
Mom wrote an article called School Duo about the experience.
It was published in Lion magazine in Jan/Fen 2012. We’re so happy to see Noah and Argo are such a great team!
(See reverse of page for article.)

 Noah and Argo November 2011
 Photos by Tammy Pyette

 ** Note: I created a pocket on the reverse of the page. It holds the School Duo article.** 

Supplies: 
Old BasicGrey background patterned paper- unsure of which Collection
Accent patterned paper strip: Recess-  BasicGrey
Canvas sticker- CTMH Typeset Collection
CS- CTMH  Colonial White (a misnomer as it is really a light cream colour!) 
Kraft CS- CTMH
Ink-  CTMH Cranberry
CTMH monogram letters, inked with CTMH Desert Sand ink 
Lettering- BasicGrey's Recess collection,*I think*
Font used is Arial (bolded)

Thanks for coming by, and have a wonderful day everyone! 

~

Thursday, July 5, 2012

What is my "Why?"


"My Why" layout 
Lain Ehmann of layoutaday.com encourages every scrapbooker to do layout about their "why". She is so right!!  
 I did this LO in 2011. It encompasses a lot of fussy-cutting (LOVE THAT) but I kept it simple. The journaling font is a fave of mine called "Tabitha." 
Here's my journaling... 


What is my WHY?

The “background story” here is that I value my family above all else. Everything I do, I do in partnership with Pete- for THEM. Kate, Bryan, Daniel and Noah.

 So in terms of scrapbooking… “What is my WHY?”

Like everything else, I’m doing this for THEM- our 4 kids. I do it so that they will know and be able to see and read about and hold the memories- because memories can be fleeting.

I want to preserve what is the reality of our life together for them to remember later, to recall, maybe pore over, and DEFINITELY laugh about!  There is SO MUCH laughter here. I hope there always WILL be.

I scrapbook for me, to maintain my sanity and sense of order in the midst of a life that has taken some unexpected twists and turns… to express what is in me that is creative both by writing and “playing with paper.”

Scrapbooking helps me to express what’s been hard, what’s been challenging, plus what’s been funny and amazing and unexpected!! 

I’m a learning junkie… so I take courses, and accept challenges… I scrapbook to learn new things, and to stretch myself, too, although the familiar can be comforting and useful--- when comfort is what’s needed.

I scrapbook, make cards and sketch layout ideas because some of my BEST friends are scrapbookers, card-makers and sketchers! I scrapbook because the friendship connections that they add to my life are real and precious.

Yep- That sums up my “Why.” 


 I'm  hanging with the kiddos here today (it's a bit rainy) and working on the post for Friday for Sketches: Creatively Yours. 
Also... finishing up another simple LO that's been on my desk for awhile! :) YAY for that!
Thanks for reading everyone, and have a great day!
~

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Kate's Graduation!!!!

This past week was one of the "busiest" of Kate's life, as she put it, LOL! It was Grad week. She graduated from Grade 12 at West Kings District High School with her NS High School Diploma and French Immersion Certificate. It was a pretty demanding program, but she did it! 
First, there was Prom:  Here she is getting her hair done right here at home, courtesy of our fantastic hairstylist, Anita Lyman. 


...And here she is all ready to roll. 
Kate Lillian
Ready to go to the WKDHS Prom
 June 26, 2012
So proud of my girl. She did her own makeup, too.
Here is what she used...
Revlon Colorstay foundation
Marcelle blush in "Natural"
Almay "Shimmer" eye shadow collection for blue eyes
Annabelle eyeliner (black)
Almay Eyelights mascara
Avon Glazewear lip gloss (clear) 
And: 
Nails: French manicure by manicurist Lee Singer-Scott
Toes: Sugarplum nail polish by Revlon


The theme of the Prom was "An Evening in Paris." 

The decor was SO exceptional! Prom was held at the Annapolis Mess, at 14-Wing Greenwood (that's our Air Force Base.) 
The decor encompassed a great deal of special lighting that my camera could not capture. So, we await pics from our photographer  to see those beautiful shots! Can't wait!  They will be gorgeous!  

Kate
 Annapolis Mess
Prom 2012
Kate and her date for the Prom,
 friend Nathan Aquino
Kate and her date Nathan
 near the "Eiffel Tower"
Kate's dress came from therosedress.com. It was created by the Cinderella Divine Dress Company. It was a modified trumpet style fit 'n flare in a rich peacock purple with silver and crystal accents. It had ruching on the sides. Her wrist corsage was a (?) orchid with dark plum and white ribbon.
Her evening bag was a silver satin creation with ruched bow from the Jessica Collection at Sears. She wore light taupe coloured strappy sandals in a mock-croc texture, from Alia. 
Earrings were simple crystals from Lia Sophia.

WKDHS Safegrad followed Prom. Kate had a great time but didn't stay all night as she was exhausted! LOL She has a very cool t-shirt from the event, which I have seen her wearing. (Must get a photo of that!)The next morning,there was a Grad practice for the ceremony. 

Graduation was held on June 28, 2012.
This was the 56th Grad Class of WKDHS. 
There were 156 grads, one of their biggest classes, ever! 
We were very blessed to have both sets of grandparents with us for the event, and many others with us in spirit.  :) 

Kate and I left early to pick up her grad gown and get our reserved seats.  
Here we are, all  ready to go. This was  a lot of fun for us! We got to think about and prepare what we would wear! We live in a very laid-back, relaxed community so getting dressed up for Grad was a big affair for me!  
Kate's outfit....
Gorgeous ecru-coloured lace-overlay dress ~ from Forever 21 
Filigree bracelet ~ Forever 21
Sandals ~ Alia 
Earrings: Lia Sophia ~ "Lacey"

Pete followed with the two oldest boys and grandparents. Debbie Sabine, Noah's Educational Assistant from school, came and took care of Noah so we could all go to the graduation. Bless her heart! Without her help we could not have done this. Meant so much to us!


A picture of Kate after she picked up her cap and gown for the 
Grad ceremony 

Bryan (almost 17) & Daniel (almost 12)
at the Grad ceremony for big sister Kate

WKDHS Principal Barry Squires welcomed the guests
Processional of Grads:  Kate & friend Nathan
(That's Nathan's dad on the left)
 
Back view - Kate and Nathan in processional
I asked Pete to take this photo 'cause I thought it'd look cool.
It does!
Kate's row of grads
all ready to take turns going up to the principal for their diplomas...

 Kate, awaiting her turn... she's next! :) 
~ Kate Lillian ~
Receiving her Diploma
 and French Immersion Certificate
Grad Caps a-flying!! 
 (Kate is 3rd from left.) 
Recessional
 with Cap, Tassel, Diploma and Certificate in hand
The graduate with her family
(Missing- Noah, age 10, who was at home.)
Oma and Opa MacDonald (centre)
 Grandma Grierson on right
Daniel & Dad on left

 (Daniel is wearing Kate's carnation!)
 
Oma and Opa talking with Grandma after Grad
 (They're friends as they used to live across the street from one another.) 
Mom, Daniel, Dad, Grandma and Grandpa
at the reception in the lobby of the school 
 Kate and her boyfriend Brandon D'Eon
after WKDHS Graduation

So proud of you, sweetie! Congratulations! 
Here is what we wrote in your grad write-up in the 2012 WKDHS yearbook... 
"Kate, we wish you the ability to see the true beauty in everything you encounter, the spirit to overcome the challenges that need to be scaled, & the inner fire to fight for what’s important to you & what you believe in.  Congratulations on your graduation, we are so proud of you!
 Love, Mom & Dad"


Brunch on June 29th for the Grandparents: Yum!

~ A few tidbits about the brunch ~
Tablecloth made by Oma
Breadcloth cross-stitched by Tante Patricia
Punch bowl- a gift from Dad to his Mom (your Oma) when he was little
Pottery jug- wedding gift from Auntie Carolyn & Uncle Richard, 1992 
Placemat- made by Grandma (part of a set)
Wicker/pyrex serving set- gift from Oma and Opa
Large handmade wooden board created by Opa
Smaller handmade board was a gift from Grandma and Grandpa
Plates were part of a set which was a Christmas gift from Tante Xandi 
Quiche recipe- from your Great-Nana Pride, I created four variations
Cucumber Salad recipe- from Noah's school newsletter May 2012
Punch recipe: from Mom's Jr. High School Home-Ec Class, grade 7
ONLY local Farm Fresh eggs used in quiches (Free range laying hens)
All produce was local. 
*~* Hope you all  had fun seeing & reading this little pictorial record of Kate's 2012 Graduation. *~* 
We wish you ALL could have been here for this special occasion but we understand and know that it is not always easy or possible to do that. We know that you were with us in thought. 
So... that's it for this post. I promise that I will put up the photographer's shots of the Prom once I receive them! :) Now, go on along and have a wonderful day everyone!!  Love to all! 
  ~

Sketch #20-12

Here's another Sketch for your collection... free and fun! The Design Team over at Sketches: Creatively Yours had a great time with it, as you will see when you pop over. 
Hope you like it! I created this one to showcase some photos of Noah when he was little. Here is the Sketch:
Sketch #20-12
created by "Yours truly"
for Sketches: Creatively Yours
And here is the LO I created with it:
"Oma luvz u xo" layout
created with S: CY Sketch #20-12
 A few fun notes:
 * The patterned papers and ink are from the "Zippidee" Collection from Close to My Heart. 
* The lettering came from Dollarama.
* The crocheted flowers were purchased from Savvy n Sassy awhile back. 
* Background CS is Bazzill.
* The red butterflies were cut from some wide organza ribbon! 
* I used my EK Success Silent Setter to punch the holes for lacing the yellow ribbon.
* The font for the strip journaling is "Stewardson"...from my collection.
Journaling:  Oma can never get enough hugs, squeezes and “loves” from you guys… it’s so sweet to see how much she adores
each one of you! These photos were taken at Oaklawn Farm Zoo during a weekend Oma and Opa visited. We took them on an outing to our favourite place in the Annapolis Valley!
What better “family” place is there for a springtime stroll?! 
Photos: Spring 2010
Thanks for popping by!! Remember to go on over to S: CY and see what the Team created wit this Sketch! See you there! 
~

Sketch #19-12

Welcome everyone! 
This week over at Sketches: Creatively Yours, I posted another free and fun sketch for you. Be sure to see what the Design Team created with it!  Here is the Sketch, which I created for use with HUGE pictures... or a group of smaller ones!... Enjoy it! 


Layout Sketch #19-12
created by Yours truly for
 Sketches: Creatively Yours
And here's my creation! 


"Cutie Kate" layout using Sketch #19-12
This layout of Kate in 1997 incorporated  a few fun things... I will give a quick list! 
* A greeting card's oval picture of a cute cat was recycled (or "upcycled?" LOL) This had been a birthday card for Kate, sent to her by a relative years ago! (Yes, she still loves cats.)
* I doodled using my trademark style of loop-de-loops. Love doing that! 
*Journaling was done by hand around the oval as it was brief, and the oval "needed smthg."
* Used a combo of older and newer products! Thanks to friend Shannon for the circle pp, BTW! :) 
* All of the flowers (4) had been on cards. I recycled them. 
* I used a WHITE cardstock as a background, which is a rarity for me. This particular white sheet was one of the 12x 12" cardstock inserts that come in page protectors.  
* I had run out of "e" letters. So, instead, I turned a "3" around and made it work!
* I was so happy to use this HUGE picture... I cut it to fit on a slant on the page. It was probably the biggest photo I have ever scrapped. I think it was an 11x13" shot that was part of a really good package deal, so we took it and filed it away. It was in an envelope, just stored, since 1997! (We had framed the 8 x 10 and smaller shots.) Now it can be enjoyed. 
Thanks for peeking, and remember to hop on over to S: CY to see what the girls created with this LO Sketch! 
~