Blinging It Up with old friends!

This Summer, after 3 years, we visited family and friends in our hometown of Seattle. It was a trip long-overdue. Many of our friends and some of our family had not yet met our 2 year old (1 1/2 years at the time) daughter. This was also our first plane ride with a small child. That is a separate story itself;)

We enjoyed our adventure, and are anxious to return; and, while we had a long visit, it still wasn't long enough to see everyone:(

I am sure that I am not alone in being behind in scrap-booking. I need to practice scrapping in some sort of chronological order! I do a few pictures from this year, a few from that, and here and there. A friend suggested that I start at present time and alternate attacking the past. Sounds like a perfectly-wonderous plan! Have I done it? Hmmmm....well, TRYING.

While at a Yankee Scrapper Get-away weekend this Summer, I completed (or mostly completed in some cases) the following layouts from our Seattle trip:

Last Summer, I bought this album from Scrap It Simple at the Creating Keepsakes Convention in Manchester, New Hampshire. What I LOVE about this album is that the pages are attached with velcro, making it BEYOND easy to add pages! This album will host our daughter's toddler years.

This layout was started before the weekend get-away, and still not finished! I am awaiting an enlargement of a photo for the right page. Additionally, trying to find what balances and finishes the layout.

The following layouts show pictures of some of my closest high school friends, and their first time meeting our little girl. What an awesome feeling to share her beautiful spirit with them.

This is a simple layout with plain card-stock, chipboard letters, and photo corners.

This layout was time-consuming but gratifying. I used Tim Holtz Ranger Paint dabbers on the sun-shaped and tree-shaped chipboard die-cuts. I embossed atop of the butterfly chipboard die-cuts with Zing. All shapes were coated with Inkssentials Glossy Accents. Glossy Accents also applied to the letters that were cut with the Cricut. Heidi Swapp decorative cardstock. All cardstock edges decorated with paint dabbers. Again, I used photo corners to accent the pictures. Lastly, a little bling to finish it!

Here is another layout with Heidi Swapp decorative cardstock, and some fun chipboard letters. The bling used here was Tattered Angles Glimmer Mist! Oh, and check out the pretty faux-velvet ribbion!

As can been seen on this layout, I was loving the Zing embossing powder (accenting paper edge and die-cut shapes), Heidi Swapp decorative paper, colorful photo corners, chipboard shapes, Inkssentials Glossy Accents, and Tattered Angles Glimmer Mist!

A fun note about this layout, is that I created it before I knew what pictures would be added. After adding pictures to this pre-designed layout, I simply cut-out letters with a Cricut, and I used colorful photo corners to hold the pictures.

Simple and sweet describe this layout--plain cardstock, Cricut die-cut letters, photo corners, and a little gem-bling. Check out the butterflies: gift from a sweet friend:)

What do you think?

Any suggestions?

Do you have any similar layouts or techniques you have used?

Happy Crafting,

Tracy

Updating AND ATC's

Here it is Wednesday 2 February 2011, and I haven't posted in several months. No longer will I make promises I can't keep. My only 'promise' is that I will do my best to update my blog as I have time. Additionally, I will apply this to my life outside crafting. Keep life simple. Give routine a try. Only do what is in the realm of the POSSIBLE. This doesn't mean I will not stretch my comfort zone in creating, cooking, crafting, and trying new things in life. Rather, it is about being real, being me without stretching me too far--so far that I drop from stress or fatigue. Isn't this something to which we can all relate?

Sadly, our ATC group hasn't met in several months. I am hoping to re-start it in the near future. I miss all the ladies, learning from each other, and sharing our lives stories.

Here are a few of the last ATC's that I created before our hiatus.

I think our theme for the above ATC was monochrome. Pink is my favorite color, and I love edgy images like this one by Stampotique. The title is, "Never Stop Sparkling." I thought it was funny and ironic to place that sentiment along with the image of this very EMO looking boy, who, by the way, I think is adorable.

For this ATC, I embossed with Zing, used lots of glimmer mist, Ranger's Rock Candy Stickles, AMuse ribbon, and a little bling to finish it off.

The theme for this ATC was, What is Black and White and Read all over.

I would say this ATC isn't truly finished. It was more of an experiment with technique. I placed a brass stencil on top of newspaper, painted gesso over it, removed the stencil, and allowed the gesso to dry overnight. After, I distressed and inked the edges, sprayed glimmer mist all over it, added ribbon and a little bling. Finished. Or, as finished as I was able at the time. Just couldn't think of anything to add/change. Ideas?

There it is. ATC's updated.

Scrapbook layout updates to come.....

COPING, COPICS AND CREATIVITY

Here is my little love, my Sylvia. Since I have had her, I have had little time for crafting, or any of my other hobbies. Sometimes it is frustrating. She is not the reason for this frustration; for, she is only joy and love. The reason is my lack of coping with that part of the mommy 'job'. I think most moms have these moments of frustration because they "just need a minute to themselves". I hope I am not alone in this, or I will need to take a serious look at myself!

Coping with frustrations is a learned skill. How do you cope? I would love to know! I am still learning, depending upon the situation. I have been a mommy for just a bit more than 17 months, so I am new to coping with the frustrations that can accompany being a mommy. Mostly, being a mommy brings unimaginable happiness. So, why the frustration? Is it selfishness? Is it lack of sleep? Is it misconceptions and unrealistic expectations? I think it is likely something different for everyone.

How to cope with very little alone time when you are a mommy, is what I am learning. It is important to remember we are not alone. Daddy's don't get a lot of alone time either, unless they aren't all that involved. Sylvia's daddy is very involved and devoted to her. I know that I need to remember this when I am feeling desperate for a moment alone. Perhaps it is about finding balance and compromise? I think that is something I will practice. Some of my frustration might come from knowing that if we were back in Seattle, there would be loads of people wanting to babysit for us. She would be taking turns staying the night at Granny's and other family member's homes. Mommy and Daddy would get, not just alone time for themselves, but alone time together. We are fortunate to have very nice friends and neighbors here, and they have been helpful. I am thankful for that, but it still isn't the same as being able to call Granny at a minutes notice.

I love our little girl, and I remind myself every day that she is my dream come true. Yes. I still need to keep what makes me, 'Tracy', and have a part of me that is separate from being 'Mommy'. At the same time, this is the time in my life when most of my moments will be about being 'Mommy'. I need to do more than cope with not having much time to myself, I need to remember to enjoy every second as a Mommy because it will not last forever. I will always be her Mommy, but she will not always need me as she needs me now. And, actually, I enjoy being needed by her.

This is my life. I accept and love that this is my life. Sometimes, it just gets a little difficult to cope when I am tired, sick, or just needing a moment to myself to catch my breath. This is okay. This is normal. I think?

One way of coping is by crafting! Well, not that I am always in need of something to use to cope....I am really saying: one way to get in touch with me and enjoying being 'Tracy'....is by crafting. I just liked the alliteration of the first sentence!

One type of crafting I enjoy is stamping. What goes hand in hand with stamping? Copic markers, or course! Yesterday, I got certified to teach Copics for crafters! Color me all sorts of Copic colors of excitement! Sally Lynn MacDonald was the instructor, and she was fun! I now know how to Cope with Copics! Heheheheee.

I am looking forward to finding time to design an entry level class creating scrapbook pages with Copics. It is likely it will involve a little Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist and something Tim Holtz!

I would love to continue reflecting and writing, but my little love is up from her nap.

Mid-Week Pinks....

*This was supposed to be posted last night, but I had internet connection issues*

What am I talking about: mid-week Pinks?

I wanted to be more positive, so I decided Pink was more Cheerful than Blue (insert giggles here).

I am feeling that mid-week anticipation for the weekend. That, along with: "Where has the week gone?"; "I just haven't accomplished anything this week."; "Why can't it be Friday?".

Rather than focus on that sort of 'Blue' mentality, I am choosing to be Pink! What does it mean to be Pink? Why do I chose Pink? First, it is my favorite color. I look at it and feel good. I feel comfort. So, naturally, I would rather feel Pink than Blue. Wouldn't you? Unless, of course, Blue is your 'happy' color.

I want to see mid-week as a good time. It can be a time to evaluate what has already been done, and what needs to be done. It is closer to the weekend than Monday. And, simply, it is just another day and time of the week.

Why should we want to hurry time, considering it naturally slips so quickly past us. Every day should be lived with vitality. Why not? Right?

Here it is. I am not always good about living each day fully. I am thinking I am not alone in this? In fact, today I was feeling quite down. I have been sick a lot this year. Taking care of a sick toddler while you are also sick, is draining and unimaginable (until you have lived it). I thought I was going to 'lose-it' because of my fatigue. I focused on all the yuck, rather than what was good. Why did my husband have to work late? Why couldn't he just stay home from work so I could sleep? Why? Why? Why?

Here is WHY. He has to work to support our lifestyle--my being a stay-at-home mom. We are fortunate that he has a job during these financial times. He can't stay home because he is in training for a new position at work. That is a good thing. We are fortunate that he is a hard worker and continues to be successful in his career.

What about our little girl? Yes. I am exhausted. Sure. I feel yucky. Yet, a few years ago, I wasn't even sure we would have her. Struggling with infertility, and being fortunate enough to have had success with medical assistance, makes me fortunate. Hey. There is that word again: FORTUNATE. Yes. FORTUNATE. Fortunate, in that, I have her to care for, even while I am sick. My sickness is temporary. That itself is fortunate.

That is why I decided to make this Wednesday, mid-week, a 'Pink' day. I think I will continue this Wednesday-is-a-Pink day idea! It is a good reminder to me to look at all that I have that makes me fortunate.

I hope that all you, have something that makes you feel fortunate.

Pages In Progress--that make me HAPPY!

Just wanted to share some pages in progress....
I am a huge fan of Tattered Angels, and LOVE their Glimmer Mist. It is some of the most awesome stuff out there. I had wanted to design my own pattern on plain cardstock, using masks and Glimmer Mist. Please excuse the poor photo. After I finish the page, I will update with a new photo. So, it is a simple start, but here it is:


Cardstock: Prism
Stamps: Ali Edwards for Technique Tuesdsay
Masks: Heidi Swapp Hearts
Glitter, Sticker Letters: Little Yellow Bicycle
AND....GLIMMER MIST!
~
The next set, of 2-page layouts, I created while on the Sisterhood of the NH Scrapbook Cabin retreat in Vermont. They too are unfinished, though I mostly need only add photos. The goal of these layouts was to use two pieces of designer cardstock to create multiple layouts. I accomplished this by using Prism cardstock in single colors as a base. What fun these were to create!


Cardstock: Prism
Designer Cardstock: Colorbok
Stamps: Heidi Swapp
Embossing Powder: Zing
American Crafts Ribbon *Chipboard Embellishment is painted with Ranger Acrylic Paint Dabber in Pearl & sprayed with Glimmer Mist


Cardstock: Prism
Designer Cardstock: Colorbok
*Chipboard embellishment decorated with Ranger Acrylic dabber in Pearl & sprayed with Glimmer Mist.


Cardstock: Prism
Designer Cardstock: Colorbok
Ribbon: American Crafts
Embossing Powder: Zing
Embossing Pen: VersaMark
*Chipboard decorated with Ranger Acrylic Dabber in Pearl & sprayed with Glimmer Mist *Fiskars' edge tear ruler used to create the wavy line of the designer cardstock.
*Embossing used to border the chipboard embellishment and where the designer cardstock meets with the plain cardstock. Details below.


If you look closely, you can see that the embellishment has been outlined with an embossing pen, followed by Zing Embossing powder. Just a simple highlighting technique.


Same here...if you look super close, you can see the embossing along the edge of the designer cardstock. Again, a simple addition to create a subtle highlight. Every small detail makes a difference!

I will be attempting to finish these before the end of the week, if I continue to recover quickly from this flu thing I have had. I am also working on some layouts using super cute designer cardstock by The Girls Paperie! It is some of the cutest paper I have EVER seen. Lots of pink and shabby CHIC.

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Monday, Monday.....

Monday is coming to a close, and I can't say that I am sad. I really don't want to be that way, but I am sick for the third time this year. What is going on? Perhaps I need to get more rest, eat better, and exercise more often? I take my daily vitamins, I eat fairly well, and I rest as much as I can. Somehow, I am sure it isn't enough. After I recover from this flu/cold thing, I am setting out on a new routine. Can't change over night, but will do it a step at a time.

What do you do to stay healthy? Activity? Vitamins? Meditation? Massage Therapy?

I like to think of paper crafting as a way to stay healthy--kinda like art therapy. In college, I worked for the Director of the Hospital Arts Program. I assisted her in organizing a convention on 'Arts in Healthcare'. It was refreshing, and motivating, to see so many nurses, doctors, artists, and others come together to share and learn. They were sincerely dedicated to incorporating art programs into medical care. Think about it. You are stuck in a hospital bed, physically weak, and potentially becoming emotionally weak. You are given the opportunity to express yourself in a non-restricted, completely personal manner. Couldn't this help boost your immunity by way of boosting your mood? I am not a professional, and I have never had a terminal illness. I only know what I have seen and experienced. And, I know this topic is much deeper than what I can explore here...

A few months back, I took a wonderful Art Journal class, with Jenn Shurkus, at Colorful Creations on the Cape. There were no boundaries, no pre-set designs, and no restrictions, other than any you might create. It was about learning technique to apply to making your own Art Journal. I don't know if my hands have ever been so ink/paint stained in my life! I was the messiest person there. I thought about nothing other than what I was feeling at the moment, and put that into how I applied ink, or whatever other medium or ephemera I was using. I am at a loss for words in how to explain what I felt; yet, it was a release, a sort of meditation, and just fun. My life is good, and everything at the time was great, but it still made me more relaxed. I felt more in touch with me. I recommend it!

Just taking this moment to write about how I feel at this moment has been therapeutic. Sure. I am still sick. My body still aches. Still have a fever, etc...... Yet, my mind feels less tense. I just might be able to get some good sleep tonight.

Take some time for you, to express 'you' with no restrictions. Allow yourself to be freed of all that confines and suffocates you.

Monday, Monday...maybe you aren't so bad after all? You are just another part of the life that makes me who I am....

Basic Grey Page of the Month Class: March-May

If you are a Basic Grey fan, but have never heard of their Page-of-the-month kit, I highly recommend looking into it.

I have been lucky, and happy, to teach one of the four sessions of the Basic Grey Page-of-the-Month Class at The NH Scrapbook Cabin. Thank you, Mandy, for giving me this wonderful opportunity!

Basic Grey has long been one of my favorite paper craft companies. They constantly offer beautifully designed, high quality paper and card-stock. So, when given the chance to teach this monthly class, I was thrilled.

Each month, Basic Grey sends us generous kits, with more than enough paper and embellishments, to create vibrant/original 2-page layouts. Along with all this, we get pictures and instructions, to use to create these pre-designed layouts. Even though these pre-designed layouts are fantastic, I am a fan of 'making-it-my-own'. No matter what it is, a Round Robin, a Sketch, or pre-designed craft, I absolutely NEED to put my twist to it, and 'make-it-my-own'. So, I encourage everyone else to do the same.

Here is what we have been up to.....

March Page Layout:

Origins Paper Collection

For March, I changed only the title, and the way that I cropped the tags. I also added some slight distressing to the photo matting edges. The two lines, one on each page, vertical at the tops of the pages, are shadows (I photograph my pages on my window sill).

The subject for my layout was my best friend, Michelle, and me--Forever Friends. These are photographs of us at various locations at the Pike Place Market and Seattle Waterfront. These were taken after I had moved from Seattle to New Hampshire, and was visiting Seattle as a 'tourist'.

~

April Page Layout:

Kioshi Paper Collection

I exercised a bit more of 'making-it-my-own' for April's layout. I used different paper in a few places, rounded various corners, edged with chalk ink, and sewed white lines onto various areas of the layout (rather than using a white pen, as suggested).

My dear friends', Sandra and Pascal's, wedding is the subject on this layout. It was a fairytale wedding in the South of France, near their home in Montpellier. When I saw this paper, I knew it was perfect for these fairy tale photos!

~

May Page Layout:

Green at Heart Paper Collection

So, this layout had called for tearing of paper. I love that distressed/torn look; however, tearing paper, for me, is a struggle. It seems I end up wasting a lot of paper because I can't get it to be the correct size. I applaud those of you who are experts at tearing! Can you teach me your trick?

To avoid tearing, I used a Fiskar's ruler designed for tearing (called Tear Edgers) wavy edges. If you have never used one of these, they are fantastic. You align the area of the paper you want torn along the desired side of the ruler, and tear it. Simple! Beautiful!

I followed by distressing the edges with my Tim Holtz' Distresser. I did this on all paper except the base pages. After distressing them, I inked the edges with Stampin' Up pens in various colors. Sometimes, I prefer to use pens rather than ink pads for edging. It has a more controlled outcome.

Last, I used different embellishments than those suggested.

My subject of focus for this gorgeous layout is my dd, Sylvia. She was having a tough time waking up, and I couldn't resist documenting this 'everyday moment'.

Now. I know it is tough to compare my interpretation of the layouts, without photos of the suggested/pre-designed layouts. I will try to find some to link here.

Each kit contains more than enough product for the 2-page layout. I enjoy experimenting and finding how many projects I can complete with the left-overs.

Here are a few:

March Extras:

Here is a Basic Grey brown board book covered with Origins paper and Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist. It is not yet finished. I will add photos, ribbon, journaling, and whatever else suits it:)

April Extras

Here is a card made with Kioshi paper, Clear and Simple stamps, Zing embossing powder, and American Crafts gems. I am working on another project with Kioshi left-overs, and will post it when it is closer to being completed.

I have even more left-overs from each month's kit waiting to be torn, distressed, inked, and made into something fun!

I am looking forward to using June's paper, Cappella. It is absolutely, completely, beautiful!

Basic Grey Rocks the paper world!