Color Challenge

I decided to take part in a color challenge over at the Papertrey Ink blog. Color is always such a great source of inspiration for me!
Here is what I came up with. I have a few other cards I've been working on that I will share tomorrow.

















I wanted to announce as early as possible that I'm hosting a Fiskateer party on Thursday night, Feb. 12th. Following that, we will be having a Charity crop for an organization called 'CARDS for Heroes.' We will send the completed ones to this organization who will then send them overseas to our troops. I will be supplying all the tools and paper needed at the crop. If you are in this area and are interested in attending, please let me know and I can give you more details!

Thanks for stopping by and have a blessed weekend!

A Peek into CHA and some Jillibean Soup!!

JILLIBEAN SOUP!! Isn't that the most adorable name ever??!! This is a newer, up and coming manufacturer whose booth I stumbled upon at CHA. I wish I had of taken photos in the booth. All their stuff very, very cool. A lot of it is made out of Kraft paper. Check out there website here.

When I told them I was designer they asked me how much I'd been published and in what magazines. Then they piled me up with these goodies so I could show off their stuff. Eazy peazy!! So much fun to work with. Here are a few cards that I plan on submitting this month. Aren't those letters such a great font?



















*******I'll be closing my RAK in the post here today at noon.*********

Ready to see some more of the goods??

















These yummies were in the SassFrass booth.

Here are some fun creations from the Maya Road display. Oh...they had the most fun ribbon. I should have got a photo. It was like nothing I'd seen before. Here's a link but honestly, it doesn't do it any justice at all! I will definitly be ordering some of that!





















On to some Pink Paislee eye candy! Some of you will recognize these beauties from the lovely DT. Some of you made them. Bawhaaa!!
















I stood and gazed for quite a while. I love a lot of their new lines and embellies! Here's a shot of Rebecca and I...the owner of PP. And as some of my newer scrappy friends may not now, the previous owner of CMK!!



























I wished I had taken a photo of their entire booth. It was beautiful. I did however get one of the Doddlebug Designs booth. Too cute!




















The Prima booth was oozing with the most amazing embellishments. Remember the day that we used to do swapps and we would buy one bottle of flowers with about 300 flowers that were all the same color and then we'd all trade? Doesn't work so well now that their flowers come in packs of two for the most part. LOL


































One last photo of me with all my A Cherry On Top buddies. Some I had met last year, and others, this was my first year meeting up irl. What a blast we had! It was such an honor and priviledge to get to know you cherry girls!























I have so many other photos to share. My disco party ones and all the Fiskars booth ones. Cheryl without her wig, ect. LOL!! I'll save those for the next post. This is already so loaded with photos. Sorry about that! You asked! You got 'em!!

********update....it's after noon now and I used Random Generator to choose my winner.********

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That makes you the winner of my Fiskars RAK Danielle! Congratulations!!!

Some things to smile about...

Thankful Top 10 Today

1) Stayin' home with Kelsey - she is constantly putting a smile on my face.

2) My hubby - Wow, has he ever stepped up to the plate for me in these past few weeks!

3) Starbucks - nuf said.

4) Sunshine - even here on the coast...I've seen so much of it.....ahhh......

5) Friends - I have a few close friends who I'm really missing right now. Seems like it's been forever...

6) Canon cameras - wait until you see the shots. LOL!

7) The grace God gives - His unconditional love continues to amaze me.

8) Antibiotics - Yup....it's bronchitis.

9) Road Trips - the always seem to bring me closer to family and friends.

10) Warm bubble baths - just sayin' :)

I think I read a top 10 Thankful list on Elizabeth's blog and I really enjoyed reading it. So, I thought I'd do the same. Remembering the things you are thankful can really change the outlook on your day!

I was uploading some photos from CHA when I suddenly discovered all these shots that I clearly did not take. So, I have my Rebel, (hands of kiddos!) and my Canon Point and Shoot (have at it!) Well, Kelsey 'had at it' recently. These are the pieces of art she came up with. Just some tidbits around the home...ya know, so you can get to know us better. LOL!






















































The funniest thing is that as I was creating this post, I kept saying...look Kelsey, I'm putting your photos on my blog! Then she went around with my camera taking more photos and saying, 'Mommy, I'm putting this on your buwog!! Love that girl to pieces!

And, when she's not making up for my lack of photography around here lately, she's been making up for my lack of art creations. Seriously, we wouldn't want a dining room table without paper all over it now, would we? Check out these beauties (**warning** this is some serious eye candy!)



















I'm thinking her specialty is going to be in the catagory of 'altered arts!' LOL!



















Okay, on to a much more serious note....some CHA photos....LOL!


















Yes, that is Dark Vader at the World Wide Craft and Hobbie Association Expo. And yes, he is trying to cut my head off. I visit Reno, and the cowboys try to hang me, in Anaheim, the try to chop my head off....not sure I'm very wanted in the crafting world!

















At least I know my good friend, and lead Fiskateer, Cheryl will always accept me just the way I am.....and vice versa...ehem....even on the bad hair days!! This is at their Disco party (more on that later!)

And finally, a photo of Jess and me. Memory Makers has just put out a book called 'Outstanding Mini Albums.' Jessic Acs is the author and I'm one of the contributing artists. The publishers were going to make some available to be given out at CHA but at the last minute it didn't work out. I was so sad!! I will be getting my copy in the mail any day now. Can't wait!
















I have many more CHA photos to share. Lots of yummy 'real' eye candy from in the booths. I'm saving that for a later post. There's still time to get in on the Fiskars give away I'm doing. Just comment on the previous post.

Happy Tuesday!!

CHA Review

For those of you who think I've fallen off the face of the earth, I've been flat on my back, in bed, sicker than sick since Wednesday night. I've never had an illness hit me so fast and hard. Today is the first day that I feel like I even have enough energy to type. Although, I'm far from better and will be seeing the Dr. tomorrow.

I think most of my photo sharing from CHA will have to wait until a bit later. The CHA online crop at the Fiskateer site was a great success. My challenge was Wednesday and Betsy was the winner!!!! Congrats to you!

I wanted to share some of my favorite finds. My absolutle favorite discovery this year was GCD Studious new release paper. This is paper you just have to see irl. All the paper has a linen texture and some of it is flocked or has shimmer or foil. It's just so unique you have to go check it out at their website here. Every piece of paper looks like a piece of art already! Here is just an example.






















Graphic 45 apparently had the 'coolest' looking booth ever. I didn't actually get to see it or any of the new releases. Pink Paislee of course had an incredibly beautiful booth and I will share photos later.

Here is a project that I got to make with Provo Craft. One of their new cartridges is called Euro Decor. That's what I used to make this. Lucky for me, I got a catridge for Christmas of one that I already have so I will definitely be trading it in for this!!

















Do you remember when Fiskars came out with the Threading Water Border Punch and it was back ordered, forever it seems?? Well, they have come out with a few more great ones. My favorite being Effervescense and Apron Lace. Too much fun!! I'm sure you will be hearing A LOT about those.

Hottest new trend??? Canvas. I saw a few VERY cool canvas bags and I think those will be all the rage.

Okay, of course I can't sign off without sharin' the Fiskars Love so one lucky post will be gettin some from me. ;)

Off to get my hot tea and some more rest.

Have a blessed week!

History In the Making

I did a lot of praying today. I love trusting in a God who has all things under His control. All my kids have been very interested in this historical day. I'm glad they have such pride in their country. It actually surprises me that even though I'm not American, I feel just as much pride or should I say, gratitude to be living in such a fantastic country.

I thought the ceremony was amazing and very moving. I think it's fascinating that we have a President with a young family. That alone has drawn my children's attention to the whole world of politics. Kelsey keeps asking, when do we get to see him go into the...'white' house. LOL!! So sweet.

This event and many others have been making me think a lot about family in these last few weeks. This year I want to focus on more 'play' time. I still can't believe that Kelsey is now in ballet. Today was her first 'official' day. She beamed the entire time. Loved it.

There's a family in my life right now who I love so much. Great parents. Adorable, precious boys. I thank God for them. I've been wanting to share some photos that I took of the seven of them playin' at the beach. Maybe this will inspire you to get out there and spend some time 'playing' with the ones you love. Thane and Becky have graciously allowed me to share these photos with you all. They know my dream is to some day be a 'real' photographer!



















































































































Aren't they the cutest EVER!!

Okay, now to share some scrappy news. Have you been following the peeks??? This is just a small treat of what is yet to come with Collage Press. This paper called 'Sweet Shop' is so gorgeous. I can't wait until everyone can see the rest of it!












And if you are looking to 'fetch' some great paper for the little man in your life, check out these boy papers from PINK Paislee!! (Well...okay they could be for a girl too...)



And of course, these adorable papers for all the princess in our lives. You can find lots of creative inspiration for the lines here.

I blinked!!!

Somewhere along the line I blinked and my lil' Kelsey got big!! Up until this point, I’ve been keeping her home with me. When people ask her if she’s in preschool, she says ‘I’m homeschooled.’ It cracks me up! Really, we are just at home together having fun…learning on the way of course. LOL!

Well, I’ve been subbing a lot lately and especially on Fridays so we finally decided to put her into pre-school for just one day a week. She was so excited. I was so sad! It’s just one day a week. I’ll be okay. LOL. Of course, she has only gone one day and didn’t even notice that I wasn’t there to see her off (that was the hardest part for me.)

This week, on Friday, Ashley has a fieldtrip and I promised her that I would go on it with her. Then, I just found out that Kelsey has one too!! The funny part is, they are both going to the Aquarium! I’m feeling like a bad mom. I miss her first day of preschool…then I miss her first field trip because I already committed to Ashley’s class. Well…what can I say. She’s such a third child!! Hopefully I’ll run into her when we are there. Here is a photo of her on her first day of preschool (yes…I was sure to get a photo…)























I also just got off the phone from signing her up for ballet. We've been tellig her for two years that she could do it when she was older. I can't believe it's time. I would have loved to put her in during the last fall when they were preparing for the Nutcracker because that is her all time favorite story. Can you believe, because of the horrible storms, they had to cancel the ballet in December and now they are working on perfecting it for the performance in May??!! So, she is going to get to be in the Nutcracker after all. I'm so thrilled for her!

More good news!!! Scrapbook Trends contacted me yesterday and wants one of my projects for their June issue!! That’s going to be good month for me. I had to send it off already so I can’t share it. I do have a another one to share though.















Thanks for stopping by my blog! Have a fabulous day!

Finally the sneak peeks are coming...and another Pub!!!

I must not be blogging very much because it seems like I continue to talk about what's been recently picked up (sorry about that!) I'm just really excited! I have been wanting to purchase these Maya Road flowers (trinkets) and sheers for an entire year. This may surprise you but, I don't actually purchase very much scrapbooking products. I've really been watching my spending this year and of course everywhere I had a credit or gift certificate, they did not carry these gems I've been wanting! I'm certainly not complaining. Seems like every time I turn around I'm blessed with the best of the best products. These two thing were just at the top of my wish list.
















Well, I could wait no longer and I finally put in an order of Maya Road goodies. I was able to create a card right away (new stuff is always such an inspiration!) Seriously, I just put this card together two days ago. I used Scenic Route, Sonoma and Crate Paper as well as my Fiskar Threading Water Border punch along with my new goodies and came up with this card. It felt good just to 'put something together' after having taken a little break. I can't believe that I already have an email from Alisha saying the CARDS would like to publish it. Thanks for letting me share my news once again!

I worked every day last week and haven't been able to do much scrappin. Now I'm trying to get caught up with....everything!

I did want to share about one thing that I've been working on. If you are a fiskateer and haven't heard about this opportunity that I posted last night, you might want to check it out here. There has been a tremendous response and my inbox has never seen so many emails...ever!

I want so badly to share all the peeks that I've found of some of my favorite companies. I just know that I would never be able to keep up! One day I came home from work and I could not believe all the fabulous new goodies posted on the Fiskateer blog. One of my favorites is this Forever Love line by Heidi Grace.

Maya Road is also starting to share some of their peeks with us. I love this time of year! It's so fun. Check out this album!

Then there is the Pattern Paper from Cosmo Cricket....***swoon*** (not sure when I'll recover from reading through this post!) I can't even pick a favorite. They are all soooo amazing.

Do you have a favorite sneak peek coming at CHA? I know there's a lot of them I haven't seen yet. Do share!

Happy New Year!

I can't believe we are already 4 days into 2009! Yikes...my blog is still playing Christmas music and is still lookin' quite festive! I've been so busy with family and events that I haven't had a chance to do much crafting or blogging.

We also had a Memorial Service, 'celebration of life,' for Don yesterday. That was a tough one. What an amazing man. I think there were between 500 and 600 people there. Arte, my sweet husband, delivered the message and he did an excellent job. I'm sure it was so hard for him as he had to deal with his own emotions, not to mention the nerves as he looked out to see the many people who were there including all the founding Pastor's of all the church's in the area! Don's life touched so many people. He really, really loved the Lord and knew how to share the love of God in such a personal way. What a sweet time we had remembering how funny he was and how special he made everyone feel.

Really, it was a celebration and we know that he is in a happier place. It was a time of laugher mixed in with the tears. We were up with Patty at her house last night after the service. Although she is so gracious and appears to be so strong, I know that she could continue to use your prayers.
Okay...wasn't planning on posting another 'heavy.'

My parents just left to return back to Canada last night. We had a great visit and the kids got to have another 'Christmas' as they would say, opening a few more gifts. Kelsey got the noisiest toy. Has it been that long, that my Mother would forget what it's like to have a loud, annoying toy in the house? Ah well. Kelsey loves it! My Mum did leave me her Cuttlebug so I'm super excited about that. Now I just have to get some templates. I'm sure you'll be seeing some 'embossed' projects very shortly!

I do have a card to share. It's one I created a while back and is now up on Triple the Sketch. I created it for Sketch #38 using Kimberly Poloson paper and Fiskars stamp.



Thanks for stopping by! Have a fabulous week!