Happy International Scrapbook Day!

I know that “Scrapbook Day” was yesterday, but I’m still working on some of the challenges from Big Picture Classes, and I know I won’t be able to finish for a few more days. Oh, well! The deadline just ended for submitting projects which qualifies me to be entered into the drawing for one of the many fabulous prizes, but I want to continue to finish every challenge offered to put into my scrapbook album. I’ve been so busy with life lately that almost the only scrapbooking I’ve been doing lately revolves around keeping caught up with Project Life for the most part, so it has been nice to create some real layouts from some of my photos which otherwise would continue to “hang out” in my computer, unseen, their stories untold. It’s nice to have so many photos that I can use (I’ve been taking a lot, lately), and plenty of stories and experiences to document. I was so looking forward to yesterday, and I enjoyed myself thoroughly! Anyone else out there participate in any NSD events?

Here are the challenges I was able to complete:

Challenge #1

 

Challenge #2, adding more photos to a layout by incorporating a modified divided page protector.

Challenge #4 (I skipped #3 for now), using many photos using a 2-page sketch that was provided.

Challenge #5, creating a layout about someone or something you love, with a sketch provided.

Challenge #7, scrapbooking the last photos taken on my phone. I downloaded the recommended app called “Fuzel” (the free version) to create the collage, then printed it out and completed the layout from there.

I had so much fun yesterday, and the best part was the fact that it was my birthday. My birthday wish for myself was to be able to stay home and scrap my little heart out, and I really did have fun! My mom participated as well, and we texted each other to keep in touch and compare notes which made the day even more enjoyable!

When I complete the rest of the challenges I will be back to post those layouts as well. In the mean time, happy scrapping, and thanks for stopping by!

-Jennifer

W is for Wonder.

I’m having a fun Memorial Day doing nothing. I’m still in my pj’s, making a mess in my room scrapbooking and having the time of my life because I feel like I’ve got my creative groove back. I’ve been itching to create, but how and what? The “artist” block is gone (although I’m certainly not an artist), and the ideas are flowing.

Recently, my hubby blew up a photo of me when we were in New York to 8.5×11″ size, and I think it’s a perfect canvas to scrap onto, so I had some fun with it today:

I’m still reliving the memories of that trip, and I’m so happy we took as many photos as we did. Now, I’m off to have more fun.  Enjoy your Memorial Day!

A Summer Mini Album

I discovered two really great mini-albums from two different sources. I couldn’t resist either, so I got both. They’re both DIY, and lots of fun for me to put together. But two? I decided to make one primarily about my summer, and this one I’m going to show is all about my daughter’s summer. This album kit came from Scrapbook Circle, and included all kinds of cute papers and alpha stickers from Studio Calico, Sassafras and Crate Paper, with journaling tags from Elle’s Studio. I finished my daughter’s album today (I’m more limited with photos of her since she’s spent so much of the summer away) and wanted to show it off:

The cover

Gosh, looking at this, I’d say my little girl had a pretty awesome summer! Good for her! I know that some day, looking back, she will come to cherish this. These are moments you never want to forget! I’m still working on my summer album (which is by Elise Blaha), and when it’s finished, I’ll post it here, but it’ll probably have to be a video, or something like that, because it’s huge!

Enjoy these last remaining summer days; they’re swiftly coming to a close!

Happy 4th!

I’m not doing much today, except relaxing, and creating…just what I want to do. Saturday we had friends over for a birthday dinner, and yesterday we went over to another friends’ house for a July 4th celebration party. Tomorrow I go back to work, so today I am taking it easy and scrapping my heart out.

I have signed up for more Big Picture classes, which I am excited about. I am taking the Mother LOAD class (LayOut A Day), and I have completed my first layout assignment: Why I scrap.

digital version; template by Ali Edwards at Designer Digitals

I also did some other layouts, not for class assignments, but I had some important things to document:

I just recently found this photo of my dad, taken when he was 34 years old.

major event in our household. I get to play nurse for a while.

never seen the man smoke before. A photo-op must!

I’m having a blast creating today. I have more to do, so I’m stopping here so I can do that! I’ll check back with you later; in the mean time, have fun, but be safe!

Ahh, to be a kid again…

Today is the last day of school. No more school + best friend + cool, clean, empty pool + Otter pops = hello lovely summer!

Mom’s got good stuff to scrap, too! Ahh, to be a kid again….Happy summer, everyone!

My book of Life Lists

I signed up for Kelly Purkey’s new self-paced class at Big Picture Classes called A Week of Life Lists and had a really good time making this book. Each day I will take a photo of something that represents the day, and complete my list whenever I have the chance. I think it will be fun to look back at this someday and remember exactly what I was thinking and feeling at a given moment. I also find the concept of our changing thoughts/feelings/experiences from day to day very interesting. I’ve never been much of a list-maker, but with respect to self-discovery at a future date, it could be rather illuminating, so I’ll do it. What have I got to lose?

inside pages, and the back (for fun)

The patterned papers and stars are by Studio Calico; kraft paper and gems by Bazzill Basics; washi tape by Paislee Press; stamp by Cat’s Life Press; baker’s twine by Whisker Graphics; white acrylic paint from Michael’s.

Like making lists? Feel like making a cute little book for fun? Want to document where you are in your life right now? This is your class. It’s fun, inexpensive, will be an interesting piece of your life to savor at any time. I recommend it! Happy list-making!

Last minute layouts

Well, I did as much as I could. On Saturday, I was given 12 scrapbook challenges by the good people at Big Picture Classes and Creating Keepsakes, but I was only able to take on 7. Not bad for a slow scrapper! Here I will show you the last layouts I submitted:

Mountain Art and Garden

Old Bottles

Snapshot

I had so much fun scrapping this weekend. I have some wonderful memories, new inspiration, and just a teeny bit more confidence. Thank you, BPC and CK!!

Good goods….in a slideshow.

This gallery contains 22 photos.

I just figured out how to do a slideshow….after only three months of trying! Woo hoo! Anyway, this post is just for fun. I put together an album of a recent antiquing adventure, just because it makes me feel good, … Continue reading →

Two ‘tweens, too fun.

So, how’s your weekend going?

Dinner with friends

I grew up being terribly shy. I was the wallflower who stayed in the background, nursing a glass of punch, not knowing what to say and hoping to stay invisible…even at my own birthday party when I turned 5. Needless to say, I was the kid who didn’t get invited to lots of parties. As an adult, I never, ever, had a get-together at my own home…the thought would make me shudder. My husband, however, is a social butterfly with his friends. He is the kind of friend who calls on a regular basis just to say hello and see how you are, always with news, a joke, and a little gossip to spill. He enjoys having company over, and when we first married, egad, I loathed to think that he would want to invite friends over for a dinner or two and then what would I do? Get nervous, get anxious, get real and get over it. That’s it.

I have finally learned that true friends are the ones I don’t have to be nervous around. I don’t have to worry about every little thing; they don’t notice that dust bunny hiding in the corner, they laugh about the overcooked chicken, they don’t judge my every word. And for once, I now give myself reason to relax and be myself: that’s all a friend really wants from me. Of course, I don’t know if I could have understood this, or learned this lesson if it were not for my husbands friends…now our friends. They come in two’s or three’s (my husband enjoys crowds as much as I do) to enjoy a meal and share some comaraderie. They are delightful people who epitomize what a friend truly is. We talk about art, books, the latest happenings in our lives, and what-not; it’s okay to disagree, debate, or mention that the chicken is a little dry. I have so much fun during our gatherings that now I am the one who suggests we have people over. Yes, me! Who knew!?

So tonight, two friends are coming over for a birthday celebration and I am making Portuguese-style fish stew with homemade bread, and individual chocolate cakes for dessert. I can’t wait!