Love to Scrap Milestones....

Been GONE soooo Long!

2011-01-18T09:40:00.003-05:00

So clearly, I have been MIA for some time. What can I say .... Life. It is never my intention to neglect my blog responsibilities but there are so many other thing higher up on my priority list. I am sure you must understand. My Winter break is coming to an end and I will be back teaching next week. BooHoo!!!! Last week I found the time to make a video tutorial -- Check it out HERE. I have also posted some of the pages that I have created over the last few months. Hopefully, you can find a little inspiration in my pages.

The LAST DAY of school!

2010-06-18T22:36:00.001-04:00

Today was the last day of school for my 9 year old. WOOHOOO.....it is officially summer 2010! We had a mini-block party and all of the kids on our street oozed pure (unadulterated) happiness. I took a few photographs but mostly I just enjoyed watching the balloon fights, scooter races, and water gun soaker chaos. Oh...to be a kid again with the whole summer before you.

I certainly didn't get to scrapbook today but here are a few summertime pages that I created a few days ago. I hope you enjoy taking a look and perhaps you can find a little inspiration.

Hope you have a fabulous father's day weekend.
Peace, love and hugs to ya,
W-

More pages with the wonderful SC "Partly Sunny" kit

2010-06-16T18:24:00.003-04:00

I love this kit. I don't usually rave over a kit and rarely do I scrap a just the kit as it comes in the box. This "Partly Sunny" kit is a real exception and I have had a complete blast playing with it. Anywho.......in the process of all my scrappin' I realized that lately I am totally obsessed with hidden journaling. For the longest time I really struggled to find a "place" for my journaling on the page. So often, it seemed like the journaling got in the way of the aesthetics of the layout. My journaling really suffered. I always felt a little guilty when I didn't journal my heart out and write what was really on my heart and mind for fear of "messing up" the look of a layout. Recently, the solution became clear -- hide the journaling. You will notice on these two pages (and many others) that there is a little tab at the top of the page. That is my journaling card. I now create a little pocket on the back of the layout and stick a journaling card inside. This gives me the "freedom" to write whatever I want -- without any worries about placement.

So the question I have for you.....how do you journal?

Hugs and thanks for stopping by,
Wendi

A mini slam-book

2010-06-14T18:14:00.007-04:00

Do you remember making slam books when you were in school? I sure do and, in fact, I saved a few. They are so cool to look at now. They bring back memories of the "good ole days," end of the school year bliss and the joys the childhood. I thought I would make one for my son -- but a lot cuter than the spiral notebook ones that I use to make. Basically I raided my scrap shoebox and used bits and pieces of paper. I kept it very simple and entitled it "3rd grade top ten." Inside I have several themes that the kiddies can respond to......like favorite wii games, food, movies, songs, and t.v. shows.

So....give it a try and your son or daughter just might say "thanks mom.....you rock."

Hugs,
Wendi

Playing with Studio Calico's "Partly Sunny" Kit

2010-06-11T18:47:00.004-04:00

My "Partly Sunny" kit arrived on Monday and I just had to play play play. Here are the 3 pages that I have created so far. Expect more to follow.........

Here is the Kit.

Here are my pages ......TFL!

Thanks for stopping by and hope you have an amazing weekend!
Hugs,
Wendi

A few scrapbook pages.........

2010-06-10T20:29:00.004-04:00

Love my CONVERSE and can't wait to scrap them

2010-06-09T19:35:00.005-04:00

I just printed this photo yesterday and I can't wait to scrap it. How about you -- do you rock converse? Well, take at look at this flickr mosaic because a lot of people are sportin' converse this summer.

Hugs!

Have a REALLY happy Tuesday and a few of my bloggy favs

2010-06-08T08:37:00.004-04:00

Must Clicky Bloggies:
1. A great photographer (he did my best friend's wedding) .....one word.....INCREDIBLE!
2. An amazing artist -- joy and beauty just oozes from her blog.
3. If you love thoughtful documentaries that challenge how you see the world -- this blog is for you.
4. Check out this blog for some great freebie printables -- perfect for hybrid scrappin and cards.

Hope those juicy tidbits inspire you!
Hugs,
W-

"Real Wood" mini book

2010-06-04T17:12:00.007-04:00

Happy Friday to ya!
Today I decided to just do a little playing and experimenting in my craft room. The last few weeks I have used bits of Creative Imaginations "Real Wood" on several layouts and I love this new product. You can check out this vid here to see how versatile it is. Today's project is a little mini book that uses the "Real Wood" as a book cover. I also embossed and inked the wood to give it that special little touch. The final product is lovely (if I do say so myself) and I will use this little book to document the first weeks of summer with my little ds. He just finished pre-k and is off to kindergarten next year. The two of us are going to hang out for two weeks ALL ALONE before his big brother is out of school. As number two, I always feel like he gets cheated a little, so I am looking forward to the dedicated time. This little book will be a place for me to document our special time together.

Hugs,
W

Use your scraps to scrapbook

2010-06-04T10:36:00.006-04:00

I know.....I know.......you are probably thinking DUH! But the reality is that many times I start a layout with new 12x12 sheets of paper and that only adds to my mound of scraps. To use up those scraps, I sometimes challenge myself to use ONLY scraps on a page. The two pages above use many of the same scraps and I had a lot of fun creating both of them. To give the edges of the scraps a little something special I cut them with my pinking shears.

Hope you have a great weekend,

W-

Had a Hipstamatic Holiday Weekend

2010-06-02T14:56:00.007-04:00

Hiya........
We had a wonderful holiday weekend and hope you did too. On Sunday my boys had some of their friends over and they decided to do a little water frolicking in the back yard. Watching them play brought back so many of my own childhood memories. I tell ya....there is nothing like being a kid in the summertime. I wanted to capture some of their childhood revelry on film but instead of pulling out my big camera I decided to have a little fun with my new iphone app HISPSTAMATIC. It is totally addictive and you can bet your bottom dollar that I will be scrappin some of the fun pics really soon.

Thanks for stopping by to check in on me.
Hugs,
W-

Allow me to do a quick HAPPY DANCE!!!!!

2010-05-28T09:40:00.010-04:00

Photography by Kris Alcantara

WOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In the last 2 months I have had 7 layouts accepted for publication. I am just delighted and so excited.
O.K. that's it --- the dance is over. Well, only kinda because today I am really LOVING my DH. My heart is Full!

SMOOCHES Big Daddy!

Hugs,
Wendi

I've been scrapbooking lately.....here are a few of my layouts

2010-05-26T08:07:00.004-04:00

Still Creating!

2010-03-11T09:25:00.005-05:00

I am feeling good today. The day started with a run on my DUSTY treadmill. The nice weather certainly has inspired me to try to exercise and be healthier. It is something about the change in seasons that just transforms my whole outlook. Love love spring. In fact, spring and fall are my favorite seasons. I love the change -- it inspires me to change also. Funny, huh?

Well, I have been inspired to create. On Tuesday I made another scrappy page and a video of my process. I hope it inspires you too. Enjoy and hugs!

Spring is in the air

2010-03-09T08:35:00.007-05:00

We have had wonderful weather the last few days and I am so thankful. Most of the snow is gone (hallelujah!) and the sun is shinning bright. With spring in the air, I am inspired to create. Join me on my latest scrapbooking journey as I create a page about my son slurping a slushy at Universal Studios. This past Christmas we took the kids to Disney and Universal Studios and they had a blast. The last few days, I have been creating pages about our Christmas vacation and having a total blast. It is so wonderful to feel so inspired by life -- and I hope you are too!

See my latest scrapbooking tutorial here!
Hope you are having great weather also.
Hugs,
W-

Happy 2010!!!!!!!

2010-01-06T12:58:00.004-05:00

I will not make any promises about being a better blogger. I will just do my best. No more -- No less. I hope that I evolve a little more this year as an artist and scrapbooker. I hope that I make more time to CREATE and enjoy the process of creating.

So today I thought I would share a few photographs that I took in October and a few pics of the mega snowstorm that hit our area a few weeks ago. I can't wait to scrap the photographs and will try to share the new pages with you.

It has been a very long time -- but that is life!

2009-12-14T19:36:00.012-05:00

It has been a very long time since I have been around to post. The semester is winding down for me and I am thrilled to have a little bit of "creative time" during my winter break. This weekend I decided that I deserved some well deserved scrapping time and I just PLAYED. Here are a few of my recent creations.

Hope you have a great holiday season. Be well!

New layout and a new scrapbooking tutorial

2009-09-26T17:38:00.007-04:00

I purchased some canvas at the craft store the other day and it inspired me to get in my little craft studio to create something fun. In the page below added a painted canvas swatch to a scrapbook layout. It was fun to play with a new product and to stretch my creative muscles a tad. Check out the page below and the tutorial.

Hope you have a great weekend. It is rainy in my neck of the woods and there is a fall chill in the air. I love it! It is the perfect day to hang out at home and just relax. My kind of Saturday afternoon.

HUGS

Feeling in the mood to scrap again!

2009-09-19T13:02:00.010-04:00

Hey Yall! What's Up? It has been awhile but I am still breathing. We made a few changes around our home, starting with me taking over my boys' playroom. The folks that owned the home before us had two girls and transformed one of the spare rooms in a princess house. So we painted the pink princess room grey for our boys and moved in their trains, cars and legos. Well, over the last three years I have -- quite simply -- outgrown my scrap closet. I needed more space and the former "princess house" was the perfect room for me. SO I CLAIMED IT AS MY OWN. The boys have a new spot for their toys and I have my own studio/office. LOVE IT! So, come on in and take a look.

I found my table at Target (love them) and hubby found me the leather chair out the Pottery Barn outlet. Yes, the outlet is just 5 minutes from my home and very dangerous.

We have had the white shelving unit from IKEA for at least 4 years. It used to house the boys' toys and now it is home to all my craft goodies. YEA!
Initially, I was not sure how I was going to fit the sewing machine in the room but hubby found this white table/shelf at the CRATE AND BARREL outlet store. Yes, just minutes from the house. It was so perfect that it just had to come home with us.
Love my little painting corner and I confiscated the boys old white table. They use to eat on it in the kitchen but now they are both too big for it and it was stashed away in the storage room.
The little white sidetable was the last of our Pottery Barn outlet finds and it fits perfectly in that spot. I sooooo didn't buy everything at once but just kinda put the room together bit by bit over the last few months. I am happy with the end result and really enjoying having a room all to myself.

The space really is very conducive for creating scrapbook pages and painting. So much so, that I finally got myself together enough to create a video.

You can check me out creating the page on YOUTUBE. Below is the page that I created. And, guess what -- I had a blast creating the layout.

This is a pretty basic page but the clouds and the folded paper in a semi-circle add some visual interest. Let me know if you try a little paper folding and bending on a page. Hands down it is one of my "go to" techniques.

Well....I'm outta here for now! Love, hugs and peace!

Wendi

Thickers, Gesso and Paint.....Oh MY!

2009-08-02T12:50:00.007-04:00

What do you do with your left-over thickers? You know the "q," "z," and "v."

In the two layouts that I created above, I took all of my mismatched letters and numbers and covered them in several layers of Gesso and paint. One is one canvass board and the other on paper.

Hugs!

MIXED MEDIA ART CLASS

2009-07-13T18:19:00.005-04:00

I am taking a mixed media art class with a local artist. It is so wonderful to learn new techniques and to immerse myself in "play." That is what I love about mixed media -- it is so freeing.

I love my SISters at ScrapinStyleTV!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-29T22:44:00.005-04:00

I just returned from Tennessee and I had the most fabulous time at SISLIVE09! So much laughter that my sides ache. Everyone was simply splendid and I am so glad that I went this year. Below is a short vid I took on Saturday night when it was very late and most normal people had gone to bed. Enjoy the silly pics, too!

LOVE to all!

It has been so longggggggggggg

2009-06-11T13:24:00.006-04:00

You have no idea....it has been so long since I created a scrapbook layout. But no worries because although I have not scrapbooked in a very LONG time I have been very CREATIVE. I have been busy creating......mix-media art pieces. Yep, I have been painting and having a total blast. Here are my first pieces.

This final piece is not complete. Several days ago I created the background but have not yet been inspired to paint an image on it. I will wait until the inspiration HITS ME. I am learning patience along my creative journey. It is a WONDERFUL thing!

Smile or No Smile......

2009-05-20T22:29:00.005-04:00

Hello....Hello...Hello.....
I know it has been weeks since I have posted. You know how it goes - life gets in the way of blogging. Soon (very soon) I will have more time to share scrapbooking tips and I plan to make weekly tutorials this summer. I want share what LITTLE bit I have learned over the years and perhaps some of my creative ramblings will be useful to you. In the meantime, I want to share a vid from Youtube that really made me think. Listen and watch and I am sure you will find this inspiring.

Oh and one more thing, here are a few pics of my boys. I love these photographs, even if they were not in the mood to smile.

Big hugs and I'll be back soon.
W-

May Bad Girls Kit .....AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

2009-05-07T20:26:00.003-04:00

May Bad Girls Kit!!!

Happy National Scrapping Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-05-02T14:59:00.004-04:00

Hope you are having fun today! Leave me a message and let me know about your NSD activities.

Hugs!

Where are you scrappin' for NSD?

2009-04-30T20:02:00.005-04:00

My baby is 4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-04-29T21:53:00.003-04:00

I have so many photographs celebrating my little man's 4th birthday -- and here are just a few. I invited his best buddy over for a birthday play-date and they had a blast. Earlier in the day I visited my son's Pre-K class and served up strawberry shortcake sundaes (sliced strawberries, whip cream and sprinkles) to everyone. After the classroom party, we made a quick run to Target to buy some birthday Hot Wheels. When we got home his buddy stopped by the house for an afternoon of laughs and fun. It was definitely a good day.

Stopped back soon because I will have lots of pages and videos to share this scrappy weekend -- Saturday is NATIONAL SCRAPBOOKING DAY! WOOOHOOO!!!!!

Hugs,

W-

Why I love being a boy mommy

2009-04-10T10:13:00.004-04:00

Hey hey hey,

A little late but THIS IS IT --- the REVEAL! I really did have a blast with all the yummy Sassafrass Lass in this month's kit. TFL!

So the other day my 3 year old son (soon to be 4) asked me, "Mommy, are you a girl?"

"Yes," I responded. Then he looked at me with those big brown eyes and said, "Mommy, I am a boy and boys kiss girls." "Yes," I told him, "boys kiss girls." Then he asked, "Mommy, may I kiss you?" SWOOON!!!!!!!!

That is why I love being a boy mommy. My boys LUB their mommy.

Have a great weekend,

W-

Bad Girls April Kit --Scrapbooking Tutorial -- Shredded Paper Flower

2009-03-30T11:50:00.009-04:00

I had a tremendous amount of fun playing with the April Bad Girls Kit. The pattern papers and embellishments in this month's kit are simply delicious and I tried to use them in inventive ways on my layouts. In this tutorial I demonstrate how to make a shredded paper flower using some of the kits American Craft paper. Do not worry if you do not have AC paper -- just use whatever is in your stash.

After you are done using your shredder to make flower embellishments and destroy old 2008 documents you may want to consider some other uses. Check out some of the possibilities HERE.

Big hugs and smiles to ya,

Wendi

Bad Girls APRIL Kit!!!!!

2009-03-29T13:57:00.002-04:00

Thought you might wanna see some sneak peeks of the April kit. This month's kit was lots of fun and so amazingly scrumptious! A scrapper's delight!

Bad Girls Kit -- Project 52

2009-03-20T21:59:00.003-04:00

It's Spring Time -- Let's Make a Birdhouse!

Papertrunk goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-13T12:48:00.007-04:00

Happy Friday!!!!!

This is a quick post. I just wanted to share the two pages that I created today. I love lazy Friday afternoons when I have the chance to do a little scrappin'. I used my Papertrunk goodies and the flower technique that I shared last week.

Hope you have a great weekend.

W-

Just something to think about

2009-03-12T11:44:00.006-04:00

So I wandered onto a new little web site called SOULPANCAKE. It just launched a few days ago and it is Rainn Wilson's (an actor on the OFFICE) project. He presents what he calls questions to "chew on." On Wednesday, he asked if parents should perpetuate the tooth fairy myth [lie] with their kids. There is a company that has an authentication kit that parents can leave behind to "really really" convince their kiddies. But should they?

I know my hubby and I have basically stopped the tooth fairy madness -- mainly because my kid stopped loosing his teeth. DUH! But the real deal is that he figured it all out. On more than one occasion we forgot to slip some money under his pillow. On the last big slip-up, he asked what happened, "Mom," he said "why didn't the tooth fairy take my tooth." I told him the tooth fairy was really busy the night before and would come the next night. He gave me that suspicious look. The next night, his daddy slipped a twenty under his pillow. I know.....I know....a twenty???!!! But we felt so guilty and he knew it. The jig was up. The next day my son asked me "Is daddy the tooth fairy?" My response, "why do you ask?" The look on his face was priceless. He knew. I mean, he KNEW. And he knew I knew he knew. Yet, he didn't want to ruin it. I could see in his eyes that he didn't want to mess up a good thing. He wanted to get more money. So, he said "just asking," and walked away. That was it. I don't think he lost any additional teeth after that. HMMMM??? Funny.

A new page and another flower tutorial

2009-03-11T12:29:00.018-04:00

Thought I would share a page that I recently created. I have also included a tutorial on how to create another paper flower. Yes, I know, another paper flower. Although in this case there is a lot of versatility with this technique. On the page above I used the flower as a sun and I have also seen it used as a snowflake. You may also notice that the layout in the vid is different than the one posted here on the blog. Well....UH.....UH......that's because after looking at it in the vid I decided it was not done. It needed a little more this and that. So I played with it some more while waiting for the vid to load. Have you ever done that? Worked on a layout and put it aside only to discover that it was not "done." Of course, "done" or "finished" is so relative and subjective. I think [I THINK] I am now satisfied with the layout and can put it away. It was fun to create and that is what counts.

View the TUTORIAL HERE<<<<<<<<<

Give this new technique a try and let me know how it goes. I really love reading your comments.

Hugs,
W-

BAD GIRL show and tell!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-01T20:33:00.004-05:00

OHHH so i had so much fun creating layouts with the BAD GIRLS March KIT!!!! There was so much goodness and plenty of yumminess for lots of layering!!!!

Thanks for stopping by,
W-

Papertrunk, Flowers and music sheets OH MY!!!!

2009-02-27T18:14:00.008-05:00

I have not created a tutorial vid in several weeks so thought I would make one this Friday. Hope you enjoy it and let me know if you give the flower technique a try.

Cheers and Happy Friday to ya!

Wendi

You can also view it at YOUTUBE

A relaxing Sunday afternoon---AHHHHHHHH!!!!

2009-02-22T17:04:00.000-05:00

Thursday afternoon I received my first Bad Girls Kit -- talk about total WOW! There was so much goodness inside that I had to start playing on Friday evening. I created 4 -- YEP FOUR-- pages on Friday night. Can't wait to show them to you. Until then I thought I would share a few pages that I made a few weeks ago.

On all three of my layouts I folded and scrunched my patterned paper to create dimension. Both are great techniques -- and they are free. A leaf is a lovely embellishments but it can be even better if you fold and bend it before adhering it to your page. Cluster several leaves and flowers together, as I did in my first layout, and you have a lovely dimensional embellishment. For tips on how I created the shadow box (on the third layout) just scroll down and you will find the directions I gave a few weeks ago. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks for leaving me a message and letting me know that you stoped by to say hello. It means the world to me. I really do hope that you have a spectacular week -- HUGS!

W-

My sweetie turned 40!!!!

2009-02-19T19:57:00.001-05:00

We had a big party at our home last weekend to celebrate my hubby's 40th birthday. We drank, we danced and we laughed with friends. It was a very memorable "ADULTs ONLY" party. Everyone left their kids at home and it was so nice to be grown-up for just a few hours. I think we may have to have grown-up parties more often.

GUESS WHAT!!!!?????

2009-02-15T19:54:00.000-05:00

So the big new is .........I am a BAAAAAD GIRLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!
You can find my new projects at BAD GIRLS KITS!!!

SHHHHHHHHH

2009-02-13T15:49:00.001-05:00

I have a REALLY BIG SECRET to share!!! It is so cool and I am so excited. I should be able to tell you tomorrow ---WOOHOOOOOO!!!!! I am going to get my party on.

Well, actually, I am. I am throwing my DH an "ADULTS ONLY 40th BIRTHDAY PARTY" tomorrow. At the moment I have 30 RSVPs, so we should have a packed house. We are going to have so much fun.
Here's wishing you and yours a really sweet and sexy Valentines Day!
W-

My sweetie bought me a camera!!!!!!!

2009-02-04T18:52:00.001-05:00

I have been begging for a new camera -- and he surprised me this past weekend with a CANON 20D. This a great camera for me to start learning the basics of photography and I am so thrilled. So far it has been so much fun. Below are a few shots that I have taken the last few days.

I am such a "baby" at this -- so if you have any suggestions, great websites, or general tips, let me know. I am all ears.

Hugs,
W

PAPER TRUNK!!!!!!!!

2009-01-22T22:28:00.000-05:00

The new Paper Trunk is here!!! WOOOOHOOOO!!!! I am so honored to be a member of the Trunk Design Team -- the product is amazing and all of the ladies are all wonderfully talented.

Soooo -- take a look at the SPECTACLAR new line.

This is MAYBE BABY! I love the detailed patterns and the totally scrumptious color palate. The possibilities are endless!

This is the SOCIALITE! The colors and the patterns are simply fantastic.

We witnessed History -- We were there on Inauguration Day!!!!!!

2009-01-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

We did it! America did it! I was so honored to be on the National Mall with MILLIONS of people and witness the inauguration of President Obama. It took us only minutes to get on the Mall. We took the Metro into the city from Virginia. Easy Peasy! We watched the Inauguration on the big screen -- cheered with all of the people -- and cried tears of joy! And, then it was time to go home. It took us FOUR (YES FOUR) hours to get out of the city. The boys were exhausted and cold. At one point they broke down crying because they were so cold but they pulled it together. In the end, I know it was an unforgettable day. One they will never forget. Despite the cold and the crowds people were polite and kind. I chatted with strangers in the crowds and everyone stayed in good spirit. What a day! What a wonderful day!

Now, I have a dilemma. I am actually intimidated by the significance of the day and not sure at the moment how I will scrapbook these images. I have yet to scrapbook Obama's Rally in Leesburg Virginia. I think it is kind of like my wedding photos that I have not scrapbooked. I THINK that I want to create a Obama album but that seems like a BIG task -- so I am not sure what I will do. I have also collected a lot of memorabilia and need to include it in the album. I would appreciate any suggestions.

As always thanks for stopping by and HUGS to ya,
W-

Hawaii was beautiful!

2009-01-19T21:11:00.001-05:00

I had such a wonderful time and experienced the wonderful Aloha spirit of Hawaii. The people, the food, the weather and the culture -- WOW! Amazing! I will return.

Too Much Fun!!!

2009-01-10T15:05:00.000-05:00

OMG I had so much fun with the ladies in my home and the SISters online! I was up soooo late! Talk about being tired today. Anyway with so much going on last night I was only able to finish one page -- HE HE HE!!!

I hope you are having a wonderful Saturday -- HUGS!

SISTV FREE SHOPPING

2009-01-09T21:06:00.000-05:00

Fabulous Friday!!!

2009-01-09T11:01:00.000-05:00

Yea!
It is Friday!
I finished my "dollar store" project and am pleased with how it turned out. It will hang in my scrap "closet." I used the word START in the center of my project because it is my word for 2009. Ali Edwards has championed for sometime the idea of selecting a word each year. She recommends selecting a word that inspires you. I have decided START will be my word this year. I pondered using CHANGE -- but decided that it did not exactly express my 2009 goals. I SUFFER from a severe case of PROCRASTINATION! There is no medication for my illness. I need to focus on JUST STARTING -- not being afraid of not completing a project or a deadline. If can just start instead of avoiding a given task I know that I will make some progress. The word has already become my mantra and I am pleased to say that it is working. I was avoiding some work and just told myself - no YELLED at myself -- to START!!!! I did not need to finish everything in one sitting but I could at least START. And guess what -- I started. It felt good yall. Real good.

The idea to combine the word START with my "dollar store" project came from Francine. I saw in the SISTV gallery her frame project using her word for 2009--GROW. It is beautiful. I decided that I wanted create a similar project with my goodies. TALK ABOUT SYNERGY! I had already purchased my "dolllar store" stuff and posted my video about my idea before I saw her frame. As SOON -- I mean as SOON as-- I saw her frame I knew what I was going to do. SO THANKS FRAN!!!! She is one creative lady and host multiple blogs. I don't know how she does it. Check her out and leave her some FANTASTIC FRIDAY LUB!
And.....to make my Friday even more FABULOUS I received a box of goodies at my door. Guess who sent them? Watch >>>>>>>>>> to find out! :):):):):):):)

3-D BOX DIRECTIONS:
1. Trim paper to desired size. My frame was 8 1/2 by 11 so that is the size that I trimmed my paper for the box.
2. Score all 4 sides of the paper. I scored mine at 1 inch and .5 inch.
3. Where the 1 inch scores lines meet you will have a square in each corner of your paper. Cut out all 4 squares.
4. Fold in the paper on the 1 inch score line.
5. Fold the paper on the .5 score line.
6. Basically -- this is it . You should have a box form at this point.
7. Using a quick drying adhesive, glue the corners of your paper so that your box in a more solid form.
8. Now you can adhere the entire box to a page or project of your choice.

XOXO
W-

Get your scrapbooking supplies from the dollar store

2009-01-08T11:28:00.000-05:00

It is a beautiful day!
I am choosing to embrace the gift of another day and I hope that you do the same.
One of my errands this morning was a run to the dollar store and while I was there I found a few goodies. Check out my video to see what I found and what I plan to create.

Smile--its Thursday!
W-
YOUTUBE VERSION
Oops -- it appears the video and sound are not in sync. I used my webcam with this one and I will have to investigate how to fix this synchronization problem. AARGH!

Another scrapbooking technique tutorial

2009-01-07T13:58:00.000-05:00

Today, I wanted to try to make a tutorial that is not sideways. HE HE HA HA!!!!!! This is a quick how-to on a ruffle technique that I frequently use on pages. Hope this is helpful -- Hugs!

(((((((You can also view this video on a bigger screen at YOUTUBE)))))))
And....just because....here is another page that I created a few weeks ago. It, too, has a ruffle on it. This page also has another scrappy flower on it -- love it.

Thanks for visiting and come back soon!
HUGS!

How to make a scrappy flower for your layouts

2009-01-06T15:45:00.000-05:00

This page was chosen at SISTV for this week's "catwalk." WOOHOO! As usual, I layered lots of STUFF on my page and the flower is one of my favorite items. Several scrappy SISters have inquired about how I made the flower, so I made a very quick tutorial. I first saw this technique at Irene's blog. She is really awesome and has a lot of wonderful techniques to share. Check her out and give her some LUB!

This is my FIRST video -- so please forgive my TOTALLY amateur effort. Yes, I filmed sideways -- I don't know why. Big oops! Anyway, I hope you enjoy and have fun with this.

Here is a close up of two more similar flowers that I made. One is made from paper and the other using felt. I put both on a quick tag.

HUGS!!!!

Saturday Crop at SCRAPBOOKS PLUS

2009-01-03T22:07:00.000-05:00

Some of my local scrapbooking pals went to Scrapbooks Plus tonight. I wanted to go -- but it just was not in the cards for me. My goal for 2009 is to use my own stash but it would have been nice to go to the store and smell some paper.....laugh with some friends....touch some prima flowers. OHHHHH AHHHHHHH !!!!!!!!!!!!

What are your scrappin' plans for '09 -- scrap at home, at a friend's home, at a store????? Do you plan to use up your own stash or buy more beautiful things?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2008-12-31T15:03:00.000-05:00

HUGS TO ALL!!!!

Farewell to December Guest Designer for Color Me Daisy

2008-12-30T14:55:00.000-05:00

I got to play with all that goodness this month. WOOHOO!!!!
It was a wonderful opportunity to be a guest designer for Color Me Daisy in December. Their kits are deliciously wonderful and the design team fabulously creative. Thanks for a great month!!!!!!!!! If you have not checked out their kits -- please do so.

HUGS TO ALL!

Scrap in Style 2008 (End of the Year) Challenge

2008-12-29T19:50:00.000-05:00

My creative SISters at Scrap in Style have challenged me to select my TOP 10 creations in 2008 -- here they are (in no particular order) -- well, except for #1.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

So, there they are -- the top 10. Out of more than 150 layouts those are my favs. Most are my favorites because of the photo, page design and/or journaling. When those three elements come together perfectly -- well the page goes on my SPECIAL list. Take the challenge. Look through all of your 2008 projects and find the ones that REALLY make you smile. It is a nice journey.

HUGS,
W-

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

2008-12-26T18:43:00.000-05:00

Our family had a very sweet and merry Christmas and I hope that yours did too. Santa was very GOOD to everyone!

And....in between being Santa's helper, cooking for nearly two days, cleaning house, and mailing out last minute Christmas cards I did a little scrapping. Tomorrow I also plan on getting a little scrapping in--how about you?

Naughty or Nice???

2008-12-23T00:21:00.001-05:00

Well Santa came to visit my little one at school. You can't tell from his facial expressions that he was excited; however, when I picked him up he could not stop talking about Santa. This is really the year for him to BELIEVE!!! He is sooo into Christmas -- never mind that his big brother is no longer a BELIEVER.

My eldest son and all of his buddies on the street have discussed (in detail) that Santa, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy are all FAKE!!!! That said -- my eldest LOVES Christmas. He is very diligent about counting down the days until Christmas. In fact, I think he was a little reticent to admit that he does not believe in Santa or the Tooth Fairy for fear that not believing would jeopardize any gifts or money he might receive. HILARIOUS! Still, my eldest is my biggest holiday cheerleader. He helps me with all the decorations, walks around singing Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, and loves ALL crafty holiday projects.

I DO LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!!!!!

BLOOM LOOM

2008-12-20T16:51:00.000-05:00

Go buy a bloom loom. I recently discovered the bloom loom HERE and HERE and I have fallen in love. In fact, I am officially addicted to making yarn and ribbon flowers. It is so much fun -- totally an "in front of the TV" kinda of craft. Check out my pages below -- I made a large and small flower. I love those little guys for embellishments on pages but they would also make great flowers for christmas gifts and tags. So hurry RIGHT NOW and go to your local craft store and buy a bloom loom. I bought mine at JoAnn's and it was very inexpensive, especially with the 50% off coupon I used. Or, if you don't want to buy the bloom loom you can try making yarn flowers with stuff you have around the house. Check out this BLOG.

It's Saturday and I am having a completely relaxing day. I have scrapped all afternoon and I am feeling GOOOOOD! Hope you get your scrap on too.

Joy and Peace,
W

Freak weather!!!

2008-12-15T20:01:00.000-05:00

It was 65 degrees in my neck of the woods today! Unbelievable! With such unseasonably warm weather I thought a hike with the boys would be perfect. OMG I love my two little guys so much. We had a blast stomping through the muddy woods. It was truly a perfect afternoon.

Don't be too green about our wonderfully warm weather today -- the temp will drop drastically tonight and we just might get sleet tomorrow night. Man, what a difference 24 hours can make.

HUGS!

The rocking horse

2008-12-11T19:07:00.000-05:00

Many years ago my husband (at that time my boyfriend) acquired an old rocking horse. Although we have moved many times (from Georgia, to Maryland and then Virginia) the old wooden horse has remained with us. When my boys were younger the horse had a special place in their rooms but I decided to make room for their toys and put it away last year. The other day I pulled it out for the holiday season and it looks perfect in front of our decorated fireplace. I will make the rocking horse a special holiday tradition. There is something amazingly wonderful about seeing something only once a year. My littlest one could not wait to hop on "his" horse and go for a ride.

Te he he.......

Fa la la......

2008-12-07T20:32:00.000-05:00

I love this little village .....

are you ready for christmas yet?

More COLOR ME DAISY

2008-12-05T15:17:00.000-05:00

O.K. I am totally in a festive mood. I put up my tree and decorated my home. OHHHHHHH I so love this time of year. So, check out a few more holiday layouts and cards that I created using COLOR ME DAISY'S December kit and a few photos of my festive home.

And my home.......

I hope your holiday season is off to a great start --- peace to ya!

YUM-O!

2008-12-01T15:09:00.001-05:00

The waiting is over.......
Here are two of the pages I created for COLOR ME DAISY.

I have two other pages and some cards to show you also -- but be patient. TOMORROW TOMORROW TOMORROW!!!

Oh, BTW, I hope everyone had a delicious and wonderful TURKEY DAY! My kids enjoyed going to Georgia to see their grandparents and even had an early Christmas surprise. I'll have to post some of those pics -- it was a real treat.

Peace.

COLOR ME DAISY

2008-11-26T10:28:00.000-05:00

GUESS WHAT?
I am the December COLOR ME DAISY guest designer. I received the kit on Monday and by Monday evening I had created 3 pages. I could not resist the PURE YUMMINESS of the papers and embellishments. Here are a few sneak peeks -- just to tease you a little. ENJOY!!!!!

Rock your VELLUM

2008-11-12T22:33:00.000-05:00

Take a look at a page I created recently for a contest. I used multiple strips of pattern paper and clustered embellishments around the photograph. I also ROCKED the vellum on this page. Give it a try.

I know vellum – the very word “vellum” -- can put fear into a scrapbookers heart. But fear not ladies, I will tell you about a very quick and simple way that you can incorporate vellum into your layouts. First, select a plain sheet of vellum. I purchased an inexpensive package from staples and have had it for forever. You will also need embossing powder (I like white), embossing ink, a stamp, and a heat embossing gun. Second, select a stamp that you like and using the embossing ink, apply the image to your vellum. Quickly apply the embossing powder to the moist stamped image. Shake off the excess powder and then use the heat gun to seal the powder. Be sure not to overheat the vellum, as it will easily scorch. Slowly and patiently heat the powder. At this point you are almost done. You can cut out the embossed image (as I have done here) and adhere it to paper or directly to your page. So, there you have it another simple trick up your sleeve.

You have seen this page before -- but it is another example of stamping with embossing powder on vellum.

Cheers,
W-

My MacBaby is all better!

2008-11-07T14:13:00.000-05:00

Yea! I was starting to experience extreme withdrawal symptoms without my MacBook Pro. Now, I have it back and I am so relieved.
Well, I have so many images that I have not loaded but perhaps I will start with a few of my favorite Halloween pics.

Perhaps you have noticed my Halloween banner in the background -- it was so fun to make. Here is another pic of it without the distraction of Batman and a Transformer.

I love using my family room mantle as a place to display my scrapbooking-home decor projects. And since Halloween has passed I took down the banner last night and replaced it with a Thanksgiving sign.

This was really easy to make. I found an old board in the garage and my creative wheels started to turn. I covered the board in gesso, then painted it with my Making Memories black paint. I also lightly brushed on some brown, gold and cream paint. I sanded a lot between each layer of paint. Once completely dry, I used my Heidi Swapp "New Orleans" foam stamps. I ended up with a little extra space on the end so I created an embellishment for the right corner. Lastly, I placed buttons all along the bottom because I wanted a splash of color. Easy as 1-2-3!
So the lesson is....look around your home for stuff that you can repurpose or reuse for a scrapbooking or home decor project. If you are anything like most scrapbookers that I know you have a massive stash of goodies just waiting to be used. So break them out and put your creative juices to work.

Hugs,
W-

I voted -- America is BEAUTIIFUL!

2008-11-05T15:21:00.000-05:00

We made HISTORY -- all of us together -- one people -- one nation -- one United States of America!

WOW! America is beautiful and I am ever so proud of her today. There are really no words to express my feelings and thoughts. It is overwhelming. I do keep thinking about Big Ma, my great grandmother, who supported and took care of her family in Birmingham, Alabama in the middle of the twentieth century. I know that she is smiling today. She is smiling with me.

To all of you in the USA and around the world -- I believe in the inherent goodness of all people and last night HOPE won ..... we won and I am full of joy.

Now, on a very insignificant yet sad note, my laptop is gravely ill and until I get it back from the repair shop I am unable to load some of my favorit pics. Please wish my macbaby a very speedy recovery.

Be well all,
W-

Pick your own

2008-10-23T17:11:00.001-04:00

This summer and fall I have enjoyed picking blackberries, peaches and apples with the boys. I love that in this area we have so many opportunities to "pick our own" produce at local farms (not to mention all of the great vineyards in the area.) The last few trips to a farm we have enjoyed visiting Crooked Run Orchard in Purcellville, Virginia. We picked blackberries and peaches with my mom when she visited us from Atlanta, Georgia. It was wonderful to create such beautiful memories with the boys and their nana.

Just two weeks ago, we went back to Crooked Run Orchard to pick apples with some of our friends. The kids had a great afternoon and, of course, big brother just had to climb an apple tree.

Here is one page I created to celebrate "picking our own."

Be well friends and get out there and "pick your own."

Obama Rally in Leesburg

2008-10-22T21:15:00.000-04:00

It was amazing! I took the whole family to the Obama rally in Northern Virginia. We were four in a crowd of 35,000 people. The energy, the excitement, and all the beautiful people standing side-by-side was an incredible sight to behold. There was LOVE in the air -- a feeling of unity and inclusion that Obama spoke to in his presentation. People from all walks of life -- AMERICANS -- gathered together in my part of the United States to show their support for Barack Obama. The crowd was upbeat and positive and Obama's message 100% inspirational. I was proud. I was moved. I was empowered. My boys stood next to me yelling "Yes, we can" and I was humbled by the moment. I am sure my eldest will not forget today and I am certain that I will not.

Peace
and Love to all
W-

Had a great autumnal weekend with the family

2008-10-19T20:16:00.000-04:00

What is new with me.....
I attended a training session for Odyssey of the MInd -- a competitive creative thinking/problem solving organization for kids. My eldest and I will participate for the first time this year. We are excited and I think that we will both learn a lot from this experience.

On Sunday, after church, the family and I went to a local pumpkin patch. It has become our annual fall tradition -- and as expected we had a blast of a time. After a few hours at the patch we took a lovely drive to West Virginia. The changing colors of the season always make me catch my breath. The boys fell asleep in the back of the car and hubby and I enjoyed some great quality time together.

I hope that all of you find time to make memories with your families -- Peace and Hugs to you.

Had fun this weekend!

2008-10-05T19:13:00.001-04:00

It was nice to have time be creative this weekend. Here are a few of the cards and layouts I created.

I LOVE TO LAYER
I LOVE TO LAYER
I LOVE TO LAYER
and I rarely throw away anything. Even the smallest scrap can be reused.

I tried a new technique on this page -- stamping on vellum. Most scrappers have a stash of vellum but find it a difficult product to use. Perhaps this technique will inspire to play with your vellum. I used my butterfly and bugs stamp on a plain sheet of vellum with my white embossing powder. I layered the embossed vellum over a sheet of patterned paper and quite like the effect. Give it a try.

I used the lovely Papertrunk papers to create both cards. One uses a lot of layering and the other is a simple design that utilizes my square punch. Both were fun to create.

It is FIRST FRIDAY!!!!!

2008-10-03T13:59:00.000-04:00

Every first Friday I host a crop for my girlfriends. The girls get together to talk, eat, drink and scrapbook -- no husbands and no children (well mine are upstairs in their beds.) I have been hosting crops for nearly a year now and I always look forward to the evening. Here are a few pictures from past crops.

I am really fortunate to have found such a giving and creative group of women.
Hugs to you all -- and I hope that you have a fabulous fall weekend.

Too busy to Blog!

2008-09-23T15:52:00.000-04:00

HELLO
HELLO
HELLO
Did you miss me?
I have been an awful blogger and although I have a long list of reasons -- I will not bore you. Instead I thought I would just post a few of the pages I have created over the last 6 weeks. Unfortunately, I have not had to time to scrapbook as much as I would like. My creative juices are all bottled up and waiting to be unleashed. Soon....very soon!!!!

Oh.....and you should check out PaperTrunk's new products. I love the "coasters" -- they are the most perfect embellishment. I cut one in half and used it on the page below. What do you think?

As you can see I am still addicted to my "go to" scrapbook techniques -- lots of layers, crumbled and scrunched paper and plenty of embellishments. Some of you have asked me what my albums look like given how layered and textured my pages are -- the answer is BULKY. I am o.k. with bulky but my albums certainly do not look neat. My motto is .... do what works for you. In the end, my pages are for my family and the creative process feeds my soul. I say just scrapbook! CREATE! CREATE! CREATE!

Sending you peace, love and a big HUG!

Check out some of my recent scrappy favs!

2008-07-12T21:20:00.001-04:00

Thanks for taking a peek and I hope you saw something that inspires you to be creative.
Here are ten tips:
1. Try layering multiple sheets of oddly shaped pattern paper (a layout does not have to be exactly 12 by 12 or for that matter a square or rectangle)
2. Use an old map
3. Use the leftover negative from your chipboard letters
4. Try scratching/distressing a photo
5. Pull out an old childhood photo -- and don't photoshop it. Use it "as is."
6. Find a great song and use the lyrics as your journaling
7. Crumble, fold and crunch your paper (right now this is my fav technique)
8. Make your own felt embellishments
9. Stack your buttons
10. Cut strips of paper to bend and fold -- get creative.

Hugs and blessings to you,
W-

It is a PAAAAAAAAARTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-01T09:21:00.000-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPER TRUNK!!!!!! That's right Paper Trunk turns 1 year old today. To celebrate this important milestone the Paper Trunk team has lots of games, challenges and prize giveaways planned. So, hop, skip, or run over to PAPERTRUNK and check out all of the activities.

To celebrate Paper Trunk's birthday I created some birthday cards. Leave a comment and you may be selected to win some Paper Trunk goodies.

Later
w-

Papertrunk goodness and layers of scraps

2008-05-20T14:15:00.000-04:00

Have you checked out the Papertrunk papers yet? The latest newsletter gives you a great sample of all the papertrunk goodness and lots of creative ideas. Here is a page that I created for the newsletter.

The newsletter includes a tutorial on how to make the chipboard buttons that are on the layout above and the rest of the trunk team contributions really rock, too. So check out the newsletter!

Most recently I have wanted to make pages that are very layered and full of texture. I really love these "bulky" layouts and have found that I am totally addicted to Jenni Bowlin's Bingo cards. They are to die for and can be used whole or cut up as I have done.

So, pull out all of your paper scraps and get to layering. We are "scrap"bookers after all.

What an amazing weekend!

2008-05-04T18:19:00.000-04:00

WOW!!!!! I have had a great weekend. I started scrapbooking on Friday night and did not stop until Sunday afternoon. Talk about FUN! Here are a few pics of my Friday night crop. All of the ladies I cropped with were wonderful and so giving of ideas. In the end, I know we did more laughing than scrappin' - but hey that is what it is all about. Thanks Yall!!!!

The Friday night crop was a great way to kick off the NSD weekend and after a few hours of sleep I rose early to attend the all day (hour by hour) virtual crop at SISTV. All of the SIS Fashionistas hosted great hourly challenges. Here is a look at some of the challenge pages I created.

I REALLY hope everyone had a great National Scrapbooking weekend and I can't wait to see what you created.
W-

Thanks Nana and Poppy

2008-05-03T09:20:00.000-04:00

Here are pics of your grandson enjoying his new birthday boots and fireman raincoat.
ENJOY!!!!

HAPPY NATIONAL SCRAPBOOKING DAY TO ALL SCRAPPY SISTERS!!!!!!
LUV YA
W-

Look who is 3!!!!!!

2008-04-29T09:50:00.000-04:00

That is right -- my baby boy turned 3 this past weekend. I am so happy and yet sad at the same time. My baby is growing up! :(
To celebrate this milestone, I visited his pre-K class on Friday. I read "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" to his class and then I show them how to make caterpillars. I brought precut foam circles and showed the wee-ones how to glue the circles on their foam"paper" to create caterpillars. It was a blast to work on a craft project with twelve 2 and 3 year olds. The energy in the room was out of this world. After the project Langston and I shared a special snack with his classmates -- sliced strawberries and bananas topped with whipped cream and sprinkles - AKA a strawberry and banana sundae.

After a morning of fun with Langston's Montessori class, he and I headed to meet daddy for some special one-on-one time. It is so rare that Langston has my DH and me all to himself -- so this was really nice. I think Langston enjoyed the attention.

Saturday was the big day -- Birthday Party DAY!!!! We decided to host Langston's party at J.W. Tumbles which is sort of like a My Gym or Gymboree but a little better I think. They did an excellent job of anticipating all of our needs and were wonderfully attentive to the birthday boy and all of his tiny guests.

Sunday -- I DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING (except scrapbook). I never got out of my pajamas.
Marvelous.

While in my pajamas on Sunday, I decided to play around with some of my scraps and do a little reorganization of my scrap "closet." (I'll have to share a pic soon) I discovered that I have a lot (too much) of negative alpha chipboard. Out of my mammoth pile of chipboard scraps I created a home decor item and repurposed the others as stencils. If you did not know, or have not tried it yet, negative chipboard makes incredible stencils. Given that I have so many 'fonts' I thought it best to alphabetically organize them so that they are easily accessible.

Below are two of the pages I created using my "recycled" stencils -- one has a fat "font" and the other skinny.

Have a FANTABULOUS Tuesday!!!!!
W-

Play with your photographs

2008-04-23T21:10:00.000-04:00

I would love to buy Photoshop but it is very expensive and I have other more pressing expenses at the moment. Fortunately, a fellow scrapper told me about FREE Photoshop Express. Whoopee! I love this free little tool. It is super easy to use and allows me to make some really incredible adjustments to my photos. Check out below to see what you can do with your photographs.

The original pic:

Photoshop pics:

I can not wait to use some of these "edited" pics on my pages or in a cute mini-album. Check back soon to see what I create.

Be well and full of joy,
Wendi

Create outside of your comfort zone

2008-04-06T18:58:00.000-04:00

I have had a lovely weekend and I got A LOT of scrappin' done. I have always been a 12x12 scrap-artist (occasionally dabbling in the 6x12 world) but never thought that a 3 1/2 by 2 1/2 canvas would be enough space. But it was! I love ATCs (Artist Trading Cards) and had oodles of fun creating a few this weekend. I ordered my 7 Gypsies card holder and cards on Monday and they arrived on Friday just in time for me to PLAY. So...check out my layouts and ATCs. I think the big lesson for me is that I do not need a lot of space to express myself creatively. I would challenge all of you to take a chance and create something that is a little outside of your comfort zone. You just might be pleasantly surprised.

My ATCs

My layouts

MESSY MESSY MESSY

2008-03-19T15:17:00.000-04:00

Greetings my dear sisters and friends,
It is a beautiful-rainy-cloudy-overcast day. I can see the flowers beginning to bud and the grass turning greener. Yes, there is still a winter nip in the air but I can feel spring-smell spring in the wind. I love this time of year -- even the rainy days.

Recently, I have been very attracted to doing MESSY ART. I found several great videos on YOUTUBE to get my creative juices flowing. One artist in particular, Tam, resonated deeply with my creative/spiritual energy. Tam has many videos on YOUTUBE but one of my favorites is "MESSY MESSY MESSY." In it, Tam discusses the FREEDOM of being messy and how liberating messy art can be. For me this is certainly true.

Here are three MESSY pages that I have created.

TFL!

Sending you peace and joy,
Wendi

Good Wednesday Morning!!!

2008-03-05T08:02:00.000-05:00

I have made myself a "to do" list and feel energized about getting it all done. Today I need to get an oil change, mail off birthday thank you letters, finish reading two books before class, meet with graduate students, return printer, wash a load of clothes (the boys are out of jeans), and and .....well, that is it. I know it may be a busy day but today I will also try to be STILL and SILENT at least once. The STILL part is not that hard for me but the SILENT part is. I know it is not just about being vocally SILENT but having silence in my mind. It is challenging to take a least a moment and not think about my "to do" list, not think about the fascinating information that I learned in the books I am reading, and not think about the boys at school. Finding SILENCE in my mind is not easy but I am going to give it a try. I think I am most likely to achieve STILLNESS and SILENCE if I can take a short walk this afternoon. So that is my goal. What are your goals for today? Whatever they are I wish you success and I wish you peace and joy.

W-

Here are a few pics of my boys hiking with me on Monday.

A "not so" Manic Monday

2008-03-03T20:13:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday to you....
I am trying to slow down and get organized. Lately, I have been flying by the seat of my pants and I think that has made my hectic schedule even more insane. No more. Chaos ends today-and sanity begins. With this in mind, I knew I needed to be in nature - to absorb nature. Fortunately, the weather was simply - perfectly-beautiful today. I knew that I wanted to take my boys on a hike when I picked them up from school. I adore hikes. When hiking I feel so at peace and so alive and energized. The three of us meandered through the woods this afternoon and it was delightful. We admired the green moss growing on a fallen log, picked up leaves, and listened to the wind. It was a fabulous afternoon with the boys.

I am also starting Oprah's 10-week online class for Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose." I am very excited about the book, the class and my new personal goals. I have committed to making 2008 a year of real (and deep) personal growth. For me this year is about discovering my life's purpose. I was just telling my sister today that I have spent my life being very focused ( I thought) and orderly. My life plan was as follows: get married by 25, have first child by 28, earn my Ph.D. by 30, have second child by 30, and become a professor. Interestingly, I achieved all of my goals, give or take a year. The problem is that I never imagined life after 30. Yet, here I am. At 35, I am a wife to a wonderful man, a mother to two incredible boys, and a professor. But there is so much more to me than those three identities. Most days I feel as if I am on the cusp of amazing self-discovery. The feeling is so intense I can taste my new awareness, new sense of self, and purpose. I think scrapbooking has been a very important part of my self discovery process. I have always been a creative being and scrapbooking allowed me to reconnect with that part of myself. A part that had been lost for awhile. Scrapbooking has really given me a vehicle for reconnecting to a very important part of myself - a very spiritual part of myself.

No matter where you are, who you are, I am sending you a HUG FULL OF LOVE. Take a peak at some of my pages and I hope they inspire you to create meaningful pages of your own.

Peace,
W-

A Quick Update!!!

2008-02-17T19:00:00.000-05:00

First....Big shout-out to all the ladies I met at the Virginia ScrapBowl this weekend. YOU ALL ROCK!!!
Second....I am so sorry that I have not blogged in a long time. Shame on me. I am very busy teaching this semester and have had very little time to update my blog. Despite the HUGE pile of papers that I have to grade I thought I would post of few of my most recent pages. I have enjoyed playing and creating with the PAPERTRUNK paper and stamps and wanted to share some of my creations.

Ask your local scrapbooking store to get these yummy PAPERTRUNK papers in the shop. You (and all of your girlfriends) will fall in love.

The first snow of 2008!

2008-01-17T20:21:00.000-05:00

My sons have been waiting for it to snow. They wanted to frolic, play, sled and run in the snow. Today they finally got their first chance.

Check out the "dare" page from a scrapper I met at my LSS

2008-01-17T20:11:00.000-05:00

Last Friday, Casey Fox was not the only one to take one of my dares. Jackie DeMonte also joined in the fun and took a dare to use some Creative Cafe red notebook paper and buttons. She did a wonderful job incorporating Creative Cafe products into a Christmas layout. Way to Girl!!!!

Doing a serious HAPPY DANCE!!!

2008-01-14T18:33:00.000-05:00

I made it. I have been selected as a DT member for PAPER TRUNK. This is PAPER TRUNK'S first ever Design Team and it is so thrilling to be part of such a wonderful scrapbooking line. I am so excited and can not wait to start working with the delicious products.

Congratulations to all of the other new DT members and I am looking forward to getting to know everyone.

Hugs and smiles to all,
Wendi

Scrapbooking at my LSS

2008-01-13T18:56:00.000-05:00

I met some lovely ladies at my LSS this weekend (the Ashburn Family Scrapbooking Store) and I introduced them to a round of scrapbooking "Truth or Dare." Casey Fox took a dare from me to create a page using Creative Cafe products. Thanks ladies for a fun Friday night.

I love my home!

2008-01-09T11:08:00.000-05:00

It is a beautiful sunny day outside and the sun is streaming in on this unusually warm January day. The sunlight gives such a lovely glow to my home and I just had to pick up the camera and start taking pictures. A dear friend Jann suggested that when taking photos it is best to do so without the flash. So I gave that a try today and was very pleased with the results.

One of the reasons I love my home so much is that my husband and I have worked hard to give it a warm and welcoming feeling. I have used warm golds, browns and reds to convey a spirit of love and friendship. My family room and living room are two of my favorite rooms in my home. Neither room has a T.V. and that was a conscious decision on my part. I wanted these rooms to be a place for interaction and reflection but not "couch potato" T.V. viewing (we have other rooms for that). So these rooms are for relaxing, board games, conversation and reading. Both rooms have wonderful vintage finds (another hobby of mine when I am not scrappin') that make me feel a sense of heritage and affection.

I think everybody should have a place in their home that makes them feel happy. A place they can find respite and peace. A place they can connect with their family. What are your favorite rooms in your home and why?

Do you RAWK the challenges???

2008-01-06T20:36:00.001-05:00

There are so many fabulous challenge sites these days. If you ever feel like your MOJO has left you check out CHALLENGED:THE BLOG to find a challenge site that is right for you.

Here is my DT page for CHIT CHAT CHALLENGE

And, here is my page for SCRAPJACKED.

This was a fun challenge for me and I used some great journaling labels from THE CUTTING EDGE, a wonderful ETSY shop you should visit.

So, let me know your fav challenge sites and let me see how you RAWK the challenges!!!!!

Pull out your stamps!

2008-01-03T18:24:00.001-05:00

This week I decided to play with (rediscover) my stamps.

On the "August" page I painted the letters and then used a Fancy Pants stamp (multiple times -multiple colors) on the letters. I found it best to use my heat gun to quickly dry the paint between stamping.

On this page, I used some left-over cardboard and stamped with my Heidi Swapp foam letters. I then cut the letters out and placed a few on foam squares to give added dimension.

In this last example, I wanted to use my stamps to create embellishments. I stamped brackets (twice) directly onto the page. This does require a little bravery and if you are not up to it you might stamp on paper, cut out the brackets and then place them on your layout.

I hope you give one of these stamping techniques a try and let me know how it goes.
Hugs to ya from Virginia!

Do you have an addiction?????

2008-01-01T22:37:00.000-05:00

If you are addicted to scrapbooking you will get a chuckle from this Discover card commercial. ENJOY!

XOXO
Wendi

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-01-01T01:05:00.000-05:00

Belated Merry Christmas and Happy Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No matter where you are I hope that you started the year off right and that 2008 is a fabulously awesome year for you and your family.
Hugs and blessings to you and here are a few of my favorite Christmas pictures.
Christmas sing-a-long with our dearest family friends.

Miles opening his gifts Christmas morning.

It took Langston a minute to get into the whole "gift thing" on Christmas morning but he quickly got the hang of things.

Me kissing me sweet baby boy.

DH took a pic of me and my Christmas tree -- can I say that I love my tree!

Come scrap with me!!!

2007-12-20T21:47:00.000-05:00

Are you feeling stressed out? Do you still have more christmas shopping to do? Stop worrying and get scrapping. There is nothing like a little scrapbooking break to shake off the stress. This weekend and all winter long you can find me at my local scrapbooking store -- the Ashburn Family Scrapbooking Store -- so stop by and check out all the fun. I am hosting Happy Hour at the Creative Cafe and teaching 2008 Calendar classes in January.

OMG....I have some exciting news!!!!!

2007-12-20T10:24:00.000-05:00

I'm thrilled thrilled thrilled!!! I was chosen as an All Moments Remembered DT finalist! I am doing a "happy dance" because this is such exciting news. There are 8 other finalists and all of the women are tremendously talented. AMR will choose 2 DT members from the 9 finalist – so I will have to wait (wait…OMG) to find out if I make the final cut. The storeowner, Stacey, is redesigning her store and the new site will be unveiled on December 27th so be sure to check it out.

Grading....Grading....Grading

2007-12-17T23:36:00.001-05:00

I am grading papers. Big....big stacks of papers. I refuse to go to bed tonight until I finish -- and I am almost there. I needed a brake so I thought I would catch-up on some blogging and post my most recent CHIT CHAT CHALLENGE page. Come join the fun over at CHIT CHAT CHALLENGE. This week's pages are not due until Friday and the RAK is simply awesome!

The page above and the one below uses some great old photos. I scored them when my mom and dad came to visit recently for Thanksgiving. My dad (very graciously) brought the old family photo albums to share with me. OH MY GOODNESS -- there is so much goodness in the old albums. You will be seeing many more old photos over the next few months because I will not be able to help myself. Each one brings back so many wonderful memories of my childhood.

Thanks for visiting me and I will be a better blogger during my winter break. I do not go back to school until after MLK day. YEA YEA YEA!!!!
Sending you a big hug.....

Some of my (most recent) favorite pages

2007-12-06T16:28:00.000-05:00

I have not had a lot of time to scrap lately but what I have created has been very heartfelt. Although I am sometimes rushed, I always find such peace in the stolen moments that I have to create my pages. I do love to create. So....here they are and thanks for looking.

Our first snow!!!!

2007-12-05T20:43:00.000-05:00

I have been a really really bad blogger. Too many things on my plate these days. But there is nothing like a first snow to put a smile on my face. The kids did not get out of school today (can not figure out why the county did not cancel classes) so they had to wait until after school to play in the snow. The boys had a blast sledding down the hill in our back yard. The very hill that their father is foolishly determined to grow grass on. This is the first time Langston has been big enough to sled alone and wow his laugh was priceless. So, despite the pile of exams and papers that I have to grade -- I enjoyed the afternoon with my sons -- and I have no regrets.

I had a glorious Thanksgiving

2007-11-27T00:43:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving is such a joyful holiday for me. It is the one time of the year that ALL of the family comes together. This year, it was an extra special highlight to host Thanksgiving at my home in Virginia. I had a wonderful long weekend with my family -- we ate...we laughed and ate some more. Oh....and I even gathered all of the women together on Friday afternoon for some scrapbooking. A first for them all. What a total blast.

I hope you enjoyed a wonderful turkey day too.
Hugs,
Wendi