March 1st is a special day!

1- 2- 3- 4- I managed to do a set of 4 pages for Bryan's 12th birthday celebrations in 2007. Now, you all know that "event" pages are NOT my forte, but I was pleased with these! I really hope you like them. I used them as samples when I posted the Title Challenge for March over at Scrapbooker's Club House! In the write up for the challenge, I've explained why I used EVERY pic I had! I got to use up tons of jazzy scraps too, I cannot get any better "scrappiness" than that!

~Sketch Credits~

Please note:

Page 2- X-Box WOW: page above is based upon a Sketch by Deanne Burton from her Just my Sketches Site: Dec 1, 2008 Sketch Reveal. What I love about it: The partially tilted pic on the bottom of the sketch allows for a bit of wiggle room-- you could even use TWO smaller pix there!

Here is that sketch:

Page 3- Cards: page above is based upon a Sketch by Deanne Burton from her Just my Sketches Site: Dec 15, 2008 Reveal. I turned it 1/4 turn to the left side when I used it. What I love about this sketch is that is can be turned so easily for a COMPLETELY different look!

Here is that sketch:

Page 4- More Cards? Yes! page above is based upon a Sketch by Deanne Burton from her Just my Sketches Site: Feb 7, 2009, and was created for a Crop at Scrap my Memories. What I love about this sketch was that it was designed as such that I was able to use up TEN small scraps of patterned paper and one LARGE long piece of PP with unusual colours on it!

Here is that Sketch:

OK some more newsy stuff... LOTS of it!!

1. The talented, friendly, & fun Vicki Chrisman is featured over at Scrapbooker's Club House as our Celebrity Guest Designer this month! She even participated in a Celeb Q&A Chat with us this AM: Come see! Just love ya, Vicki! Thanks for being with us!

2. Our March Design Team members for SBCH have been announced, too. Very exciting!

3. Sketch Artist Deanne Burton over at Just My Sketches has revealed some new layouts and cards for Design Team 1... 'cause her two new Design Teams start this month! There are 2 new sketches up for YOU to try too! I'm on Design Team 2 at "Just My Sketches," you'll see mine around March 15! I am SO EXCITED to be working with Deanne until August!

4. Creatively Yours: Sketches by Noella and Ali have been celebrating Noella's FIFTIETH (50th) Sketch! Come see some gorgeous pages of our current, fabulous Design Team members and read all about what folks have had to say about their work!

5. We have VERY special publication news on the "Creatively Yours" site, too! WOW... and Congrats to Lisanne Cote and Noella Arsenault! So proud of you both!

6. I was blessed to be the February 2009 Design Team member at Sisterhood of Scrap this past month. What a wonderful experience. I loved every moment of it. Thank you to Deanne Burton, Carla Robinson, and Susan Coish: "the sisters!" Thank you for that amazing opportunity! Here are some cards you might enjoy, done with a sketch by Deanne Burton for SOS. I made 3 of these for my card collection! **Wink** They are VERY handy to have on hand! Thanks Deanne and WOW look at all that inspiration from the other ladies! A card for just about every age and occasion in ANY colour scheme imaginable!

7. I finished a 5-day course of hi-dose IV steroids this mornin' over at "my" li'l hospital, and my mobility is ever so MUCH better! I used the IV time to cut articles and page ideas from my old 2004 scrappy magazines (Creating Keepsakes). I'm going to sort, then file the ideas in a safe place where I can easily find and refer back to them. Less magazine clutter! I found a good tips article online about how to do this well and in a way that the articles and ideas can be USED, not just STORED!

8. Good thing I got that IV therapy done and home by 1:30 PM 'cause we've now started a HUGE winter storm here in NS. It's not likely that the children will even have school tomorrow. It is snowing heavily here, with very bad rain coming, too: 20mm of it, then icing up into pellets and freezing rain: UGH! It has been the weirdest weather this winter.

The forecast is warning of high potential for damage to trees and infrastructure. The storm's severity will depend upon whether the storm veers off into the ocean or onto land. Weird, I tell ya. The radar pathway shows at least some of it hitting us! ARGH!

Going to go call my parents in NB and be sure they are all snuggly and warm.

Love and ((HUGZ)),

Carla was asking us yesterday...

over at Sisterhood of Scrap to share ideas re: inspiration jars!

Here is one I made back in January 2008 with the Chocolate Chalet Kit from Scrapbooker's Club House.

It is a taaaall slender plastic jar (which had contained Christmas popcorn from Shopper's Drug Mart) with a screw on metal top. I filled it w/ paper strips that carry idea starters for scrapbook page themes, journaling, cards and ways of approaching the craft. It says "ideas" down one side. It's a LOT of fun to have handy!

Sliiiiiiide!!! Noah in 2007 at the park...

Here is a layout of Noah at the park in 2007. Based on a sketch by Deanne Burton. LOVE this sketch of D.'s because it is "linear" and allowed/encouraged me to include a round element- & of course I chose buttons! LOL... Hope you like it!

Here's the link to a Dec 1, 2008 12x12" sketch created by Deanne on her Just my Sketches Blog.

TY Deanne for making these sketches easily available.

This LO was created with WHITE Bazzil, and the Playtime Collection by "3Bugs in a Rug"-- I do believe the 3Bugs Playtime papers can be ordered in at the SBCH Store by our leader & store owner, Nicole Drewniak! Thanks for looking!

A new LO: SWING!

I found yet another sketch that I loved, upon which I have based a layout. The sketch was created by Deanne Burton. I discovered it over on her sketch Blog: "Just my Sketches."

Here it is. This sketch appealed to me because of the large triangular piece. I planned to use some floral pp on a BOY layout! The triangle would make that more "plausible!"

And here's the layout I created with Deanne's sketch! It's Noah in 2007 at Roo's Playhouse. Hope you like it!! I made the ribbon at the bottom crooked on purpose, by the way!

Thanks for checking out my latest creation, based on that very COOL sketch. TY Deanne for sharing your talent in the form of these sketches!!

My LO is up at Journaling Junkie!

Here you go! Thanks for looking. The journaling reads:

One “scrapbooking habit” that have is to put a label on the back of every layout that I create. I use a stamp by Inkadinkado that says “Handmade by.” That’s first stamped on scrap cardstock in a colour that “matches” or contrasts with the completed layout.

Then I add my signature, the number of the layout for the year (“#27 in 2009” for example,) plus the date that I created the page. Sometimes I note that the layout was made for a Design Team assignment or was inspired by a sketch.

I plan to continue this habit. I have a feeling that these pages may be around after I am gone… and that bit of information might clarify just a little something for someone coming afterward. Even just to have the signature of someone from the past means something special…

Journaling: February 19, 2009

A LO Created tonight Feb 22, 2009

Based on a 2007 sketch (above) by Deanne Burton, which she posted on her "Just my Sketches" Blog on Feb 9, 2009.

Thanks Deanne!

I just love this LO and hope you all do, too. The sketch Just seemed to go so well with this picture! Like a large number of Deanne's sketches, this one was very versatile. That's something I really like about them~ They're useful for so many different types of layouts!! Gotta love that flexibility!

A LO created on Saturday night, February 21/09:

This LO was created of Bryan's 12th Birthday when he and his friends were playing Lazer Tag over at Roo's Family Adventures. I made the red jagged edge with a template as I was trying to make it look lazer-ish! TY to scrappy friend Maggi for the Star saying "My friends".
Based on LO Sketch #1 created by Deanne Burton and posted on her "Just my Sketches" Blog http://a-scrapaddicts-sketches.blogspot.com/2009/02/layout-sketch-reveal-feb-15th.html on February 15, 2009.
TY Deanne for this fun-to-use sketch!

Can I share?

So excited!

Check out the "Sisterhood of Scrap" blog this AM... (click the teal lettering)

You'll see Deanne's sketch and 3 creative interpretations!

Thanx for looking! I just had to share, **blush** and I hope you like it. That's a LO of Kate. I took that photo almost 2 years ago.

TY Deanne for another fun sketch!

TY to all 3 sisters, Deanne, Carla and Susan for this chance to create with them.

A cheery Thank You!

Thanks to all of you who take the time to come by my Blog and say hello!

TY Card made with sketch from Deanne Burton's Just my Sketches site, Feb 13th card sketch.

I've used this sketch quite a few times: LOVE it! Thanks Deanne!

Enjoy!

Photo organization!

Well ladies, I am redirecting everyone this AM because I was responsible for Foto Friday this AM over at Sisterhood of Scrap!

Here is the link to an article I wrote this Am recommending that you check out this superb yet simple HP tutorial on organizing your digital photos. I KNOW I can do better @ this! Click here for the mini-article over at Sisterhood of Scrap.

A sketch for you!

I did this layout sketch for Creatively Yours, but I just had to share it here. I really love it! Enjoy!

[Please remember to give credit if you use it for a contest, DT Call or other purpose! Thanks a million~ It would mean a lot to me to see your creations, too! Please share the link in the comments section and I'll pop over to see you!]

Another LO from a sketch!

"Planetary Project:"

This is another LO from the same sketch I used for my last LO (in the post below). Enjoy! Thanks to Deanne Burton for the GREAT sketch!

Chat soon everyone!

Zoo Dude

I worked on the above sketch interpretation last night while up with poor Bryan who was as sick as a dog with a tummy bug. Poor boy. Anyway, I made him a bed on the bathroom floor and tucked him all in with pillows, a comforter and a warm oatbag, and went to my office across the hall to work on this layout and be close in case he needed his Mom, which he did, of course.

Well, I was up all night, he was so ill. We both slept a bit this AM.

Peter took over the house and caring for the kids and I got some rest, then spent a bit of time later finishing this kind of shabby chic layout based upon one of Deanne's sketches! Hope you like it everyone!

I sanded all the pictures, too- it's for Nicole Drewniak's two-fold February Challenge over @ Scrapbooker's Club House where I can be found hanging out in my "spare" time! LOL! LO is above. Enjoy!

A question of values...

Carla over at Sisterhood of Scrap asked on Thursday for us to describe one of our values. Here's her post.

Well, I went into my files and found the words I knew I had earmarked for a "Book of Me" page... Here they are:

I Value:

My faith
Hard work, going the extra mile
Kindness
Positive attitude
Friendliness
Caring for animals
Caring for those less fortunate

Tenets:
Little things MATTER

Always give credit where credit is due

Build people up, don’t tear them down: encourage

Always be truthful with compliments

Be real

Don’t give in

There is a silver lining in every cloud

[Thanks for asking, Carla!] :o)

Card reveal over at "Sisterhood of Scrap!"

A mini-card, perfect for tucking into the top of a small gift bag! Thank You Card:

All-Occasion Card:

A Mini card - again, perfect for tucking into a small gift bag!

Deanne has revealed the gorgeous interpretations everyone created from her card sketch over at "Sisterhood of Scrap!" Come see the eye candy!

And, above are my cards! Thanks for that great sketch, Deanne.

Oh, by the way, the mini-cards are BASED ON the sketch- as you can see, they don't have the circle on them, which the original sketch did (see larger cards.)

TY for looking!

Wintry Photo

Over at Sisterhood of Scrap, Susan posted a Photo Friday request that we try to find and share a picture of wintry weather/the effect of the weather, LOL! Not hard to do here! I am a little late getting this up for you, but better late than never,,eh? LOL

Above is my cccccccooooold picture, taken on Nov 13, 2008. We'd had a storm and I thought that the Jack pines in our back yard looked so darned FANCY in their winter finery.

Enjoy!

Some Wonderful News!

I've been chosen as a member of Deanne Burton's "Just my Sketches" Layout Team! I am sooo very excited!
I'm on Team 2, and you can see the announcement here! I'll be a LO Designer with Deanne's team for the next 6 months.
I'm a happy-dancin' little "sketch interpreter" today!
I feel so privileged to work with two of the best scrapbooking and card sketch artists in the Maritimes: Noella Arsenault in New Brunswick at the fabulous "Creatively Yours" and now Deanne Burton in Newfoundland at "Just my Sketches!"
Wahhooo! This is so awesome!
Thanks Deanne.

A few more Valentine cards

Here are a few more of my non-traditional Valentine's Day cards for the kids' teachers and the school staff on Valentine's Day 2009. Enjoy!

I have several more I'd like to show you, but they are done w/ a sketch of Deanne's that has not yet been revealed over at Sisterhood of Scrap, so I have to keep them under wraps for now! LOL!

For now, let's make do with these! The second and fourth cards from the bottom up here are two Valentine's Day cards inspired by a "grid" sketch, on Deanne's Just my Sketches Blog. Thanks for the great sketch inspiration!
Additionally, a sketch #1 created by Nicole Drewniak on World Card Making Day 2008 inspired those same 2 cards.

Have a nice evening everyone! :o)

Scratching the surface of "texture..."

Pop on by the "Sisterhood of Scrap" Blog and read up on texture today.

I posted a little informational tutorial there, so "Come one come all!" I really enjoyed creating the sample projects for this little session. Hope you enjoy reading it!

Summer Scenes!

It's so much fun to see a LO I've done posted on another blog! Sisterhood of Scrap (SOS) has a challenge every Monday! This week we were to create a layout with 3 different photos of 3 different people Here's mine.

pic 1- Noah and Miss Heather on the last day of preschool in 2006...

pic 2- Daniel unwrapping gifts on his 6th birthday Aug 4, 2006 with Kate looking on,

pic 3- Kate swinmming in Tante Mary's pool (summer 2006).

A few notes:

The daisies are actually a pale pale yellow, I chalked them. They were cut from patterned paper.

The red sailboat came from a Valentine's Day card a few years ago. The anchor is an enameled button from Frenchy's!!

Lettering: top~ Queen and Co Fontastics; bottom: Heidi Swapp Raw chipboard painted with yellow and green paint to make a nice summery green.

All looks better in real life of course!

Come see what the other participants made for this Challenge over at SOS: Really awesome work!

So excited!

Here is a LO I did for Sisterhood of Scrap! It is up on the SOS Blog for Sketch Saturday. The sketch was created by Deanne Burton. Thanks to the sisters: Deanne, Carla, and Susan for the opportunity of designing with them this month, I just LOVE it! Here is the link to the LO and Deanne's Saturday Sketch......

Check it out, it's a versatile and FUN sketch- on a really super informative scrappin' site. Every day brings something new there! On Tuesday I have a tutorial for you, all about TEXTURE going up over at SOS-- be sure to check it out! More LOs will be featured @ SOS on Monday the 9th, "Challenge Monday" so be sure to pop by the site via the link and check that feature out too!

An easy "All Occasion Card" from scraps...

All from scraps.

Stamp Anita's Sugarloaf Stamps 2002.

A Little Piece of Heaven...

This LO was done as a Monday Challenge at Sisterhood of Scrap. I am so thrilled with the quote we were assigned by Carla and the way it turned out!

You should check out the site, what great sketches and wonderful ideas these gals have to share!

This is Peter's Oma, and his Mom, Chris.

Journaling reads: “The time for happiness is today, not tomorrow.”

~Paul H. Dunn

These words are so perfect for you, Oma Agnes. You were enjoying a visit from your daughter Christine who had travelled all the way from Canada for your 92nd birthday and her much-anticipated yearly stay with you. The smiles on your faces say it all, you were so happy to be together.

Oma, your green space was your little Heaven on earth: the terraced garden that you nurtured with such care, knowledge and devotion.

You’re in Heaven now, and although it is wintertime here on earth, I know you are watering the flowers and caring for the blooms that grow in Heaven’s sunshine.

Thank you for making this world a more beautiful place while
you were here.

Love you~ Ali

Photos June 2008

Journaling February 2009

I can let you in on a secret- FINALLY, LOL!

I have some wonderful news! Check this out. I am so honoured and thrilled to have been chosen for this Design Team !

Scrapbooking is certainly impacting my life in a million little positive ways. So awesome.

Thanks Deanne, Carla and Susan for choosing me to be on the very first Sisterhood of Scrap Design Team! I promise you I will make you proud. Letttttt's Go!

"Book of Me~" A February 2009 Challenge:

This month, we have a VERY busy one coming up, so I made the Book of Me challenge over at SBCH pretty straightforward...

Here goes: Scrap about your 10 FAVOURITE things! (Not people! That's TOO easy!) This can be a list, a paragraph or paragraphs, etc... and may or may not include a photo or photos.

My layout is above. It's based upon my own sketch. Thanks for looking!

Smile! A Quote Challenge

Here is my February Challenge sample layout for SBCH... it's based on a sketch by Deanne Burton on her "Just my Sketches" Blog. Here's the link to Deanne's sketch: http://a-scrapaddicts-sketches.blogspot.com/2009/01/heres-sketch-for-january-15th-enjoy.html

The pics are from Aug 2006 and our trip to PEI in the "Car-house" as Noah called the RV we had rented. The kids were playing on their bed-- which we called the "Treehouse."(It had curtains of course! Like a little house.... LOL. So they are "in the treehouse in the car-house!") LOL... They have matching Robots jammies on. I LOVE these photos. The papers used are Bazzill CS (= the turquoise and red) and 3Bugs in a Rug "Playtime" patterned papers. The arrow and the sailboat are both raised w/ pop-dots.

Enjoy!