Starting Now . . .

friday

2012-01-27T11:21:00.000-08:00

"Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in the quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow."

- Mary Jean Irion

Anybody feeling overwhelmed with life these days??? (By the way - my hand is raised & waving right now!!) I often wonder how do people (scrappers that is) find the time to be a mom, to be a wife (and sister, and daughter, and aunt, and friend & everything else???), to keep the house clean, to chauffeur everyone around, and then on top of it all - to actually scrap??? I look at these blogs where people offer up beautiful photos of wonderful memories & seem to be so "together" and then these BEAUTIFUL pages - I mean pages people - more than one??? I can barely get in my craft room these days, much less scrap!! My daily life is running me ragged :) I can't complain too much, I did just have a weekend to myself, but it flew by so quickly & while I treasured the time - I could have used a bit more :) I did work on my Project Life album a bit & honestly I loved doing it. It was so nice not to have to "think" to much about a design or trying to coordinate everything. Just to print out pics and get the memories recorded - I could almost exclusively do that, and set the 12 x 12 layouts aside. But, creatively I think I'd get bored - I do love a 12 x 12 canvas :) Here is what I came up with for week one (yes I know I am behind) - I know it doesn't match but I enjoyed using up bits & pieces of products I hadn't touched in forever :)

Oh & guess what - I made it into Creating Keepsakes!! I only have been published once before (in Scrapbook Trends). I rarely submit simply because there's no time :) But this was a call through Jillibean Soup & I was super excited to be chosen :) Here is the magazine . . .

And here is the layout (mine is the "Snow Happy" layout at the bottom) . . .

And guess what - I have an extra magazine to share with one of you FABULOUS readers!!! Just leave a comment below & I will pick one of you Sunday evening :) It is a Special Issue FULL of tons of great ideas to scrapbook about all year long :) Oh & guess what - there's more :) I ended up getting some doubles of Jillibean Soup stamps from Jill & she said I could give them away on the blog!!! Here are the sets:

#1

#2

Cute right??? So just leave a comment below for a chance at the magazine & 2 stamp sets :) Enjoy!!

wednesday

2012-01-18T11:05:00.002-08:00

alright . . . so some weeks are good & I feel in control of my life and some weeks are overwhelming & exhausting such as this past week (thus explaining the crappy blogging week). Now I don't want you to all think I've given up already - there has just been so much going on!!! So let's get "back on the horse" so to speak - right?? What has been keeping me so busy . . .

Well, this little man turned 1 last Thursday :) Can you believe it??

Here's is my attempt at baking - okay it is just a cupcake but it was a super-size one people & I used an icing tip instead of spreading the icing on :)

Someone liked their cupcake . . .

But by the end - he was all partied out :)

We also celebrated Ryan's birthday with his friends. Being smack dab in the middle of Christmas & New Year's having a party is always difficult. He really wanted a friend party this year so we hosted it this past Saturday at a nearby play place. Everyone had lots of fun . . .

He really wanted a superhero cake & my sister-in-law has a friend that is super talented - check it out (totally way better than my measly cupcake right???) . . .

And yes, I bribed him for this shot below - I just wanted a really nice one of him at this age - these days he's all about no pics or really goofy faces on the pics. A pack of Batman gummy fruit snacks did the trick :)

In addition to partying it up over here - I have also been working away on my CHA projects - can't believe it is just around the corner :) So many new goodies I have my eye on :) Have you seen any of the new Jillibean Soup releases yet??? I have them in person & they are AWESOME!!! So far Jill has revealed Southern Chicken Dumpling Soup , Neopolitan Bean Bisque, Coconut Lime Soup and Game Day Chili. But there is more cool things to come!!! Keep your eye on the JB blog :)

Speaking of Jillibean Soup, I do have some projects to share :) First up, a card featuring Homemade 6 Bean Soup . . .

If you are wondering about those little leaf branches peeking out - that is a Martha Stewart punch :) I am seriously addicted to punches :) I am really getting into making cards these days - I mean I've only done them for assignments but it is fun to work on such a small "canvas". I will be doing a guest design spot in a few months & (gasp) it's all cards - crazy right??

I also have a layout full of Sweet & Sour Soup goodness to share!!!

And the January Soup Sketch to go along with it . . .

Feel free to join in & post your page on the Jillibean Soup Facebook page for a chance at winning some Jillibean Soup goodies :)

Before I go - a few music pics for the week, just in case you are looking for some new tunes . . .

monday

2012-01-08T22:11:00.000-08:00

Okay - so I missed Sunday - I mean I'm late nightin' it over here so to me it is still feels like Sunday :) But alas I couldn't get a post in before the clock struck twelve :) I haven't been scrapping because I've been doing a bit of organizing in my scrap room . . .

More to follow soon :)

Before I go - check out this little guy, getting his groove on for a bit :)

friday

2012-01-06T20:42:00.000-08:00

And I'm back . . .

I promised to share my layout that I was working on earlier this week - I played with the Noel Mignon Cabin Fever kit & this is what I came up with . . .

I could just eat this kid up!!! I mentioned yesterday I was struggling with the title, I did snag a few alphas that were in my stash & decided to mix up a bit of Studio Calico Fab Rips & some patterned paper to create a circle, then added my alphas . . .

I vowed to work on journaling this year, as typically I just have a hard time putting things into words. The truth is I hand wrote it underneath those tags & made such a mess of the page I had to do some quick, creative thinking to fix, hence the tags :) The tags looked so plain just kraft so I broke out my stamps people!!! I used a Jillibean Soup stamp from the Sweet & Sour/Unity collection and used a Ranger Watermark Resist ink pad and stamped away. I love how the watermark resist ink gives this tone on tone look - definitely worth trying if you haven't already :) Oh also - the number strip - stamped!!! Another from the Jillibean Soup Sweet & Sour/Unity collection :)

Tonight I am thinking about this little one.

I am not one to share tons about my "furry" children but I love them dearly (all 3) & they mean the world to me - even though they are often the troublemakers of the house :) Today Bitsy was diagnosed with diabetes. We became concerned when she started drinking excessive amounts of water & was having accidents all of the place. I thought maybe is was just a UTI, but turns out this little bug was way sicker than that :( So beginning next week, she will be on insulin twice a day. I am going into the vet's to learn how to administer the shots - little nervous about that . . . anyone have a pet with diabetes??? I'd be interesting in chatting with you, shoot me an email at dailyscrap@gmail.com

thursday

2012-01-05T20:57:00.001-08:00

So I was hoping to have a layout done & completed to share . . . but then I got caught up in the newest Grey's Anatomy & hanging some shelves in my scraproom :) I will finish it up tomorrow & post it - it is a layout I made used the newest Noel Mignon kit Cabin Fever. Still stuck on the title though . . . The kit is definitely worth a peek (no enabling here I promise - ha!!). I wish I had more snow pics because there is definitely some awesome winter themed items in it, but still plenty to play with everyday pics too, as you will see in my layout tomorrow :)

No worries though - I do still have a layout to share :) The designer challenge for Jillibean Soup is up & I am so happy to have been featured. Jill asked us to do something fun with their Baker's twine. I found this neat youtube video on String Art & thought I'd give it a go!! Here is my layout . . .

Here is a close-up of the string art snowflakes I created using the Baker's twine . . .

Off to slumber but I will be back tomorrow night - TGIF!!!

tuesday

2012-01-03T08:49:00.000-08:00

Blogging twice in 3 days??? Yay!! So my goal is blogging every other day for now, then **hopefully** every weekday down the road :) We'll see :) Anyways - just a quick post to pop in and share my cover page for Project Life. Yes I have jumped on the Project Life wagon. I must say - it was fun to have all these little pieces in pockets as my canvases versus a full 12 x 12 sheet. I tried to keep it simple, no bulky embellishments. I love that when I showed my husband he was like - "that's it??" - I guess he's used to me pouring over a page for hours :) I enjoyed peeking through my stash for little bits to add here & there. My cover page is not a full 12 x 12 page, even though that will be the bulk of my pages. I liked the layout design, so I went ahead with it even though it was a bit smaller. My plan is to complete this weekly, my week being Sunday to Saturday. Here we go, page one . . .

Most of the supplies here are Studio Calico & October Afternoon. The numbers were cut from my Cricut. I have begun a Pinterest board for Project Life - there isn't too much yet, some page ideas, printables, different page protectors & pockets, etc. You can check it out HERE . I will keep adding to this throughout the year. Hoping to scrap a page tonight - be back Thursday to share :)

sunday

2012-01-01T14:34:00.000-08:00

"We are the hurdles we leap to be ourselves." - Michael McClure

As I embark on a new year, I feel blessed and excited and ready to begin anew. I know any day could be a new start, but of course it seems most fitting since it is the start of a new year :) 2011 was wonderful & exhausting!! Becoming a mother to a new little one has been amazing and difficult and joyful and tiring all rolled up in one. I spent most of 2011 just trying to find a routine as mommy of two & of course it is ever changing as my 2 little boys grow older. While concentrating on mommyhood, I have definitely allowed myself to take a back burner. But I think that is typical for mommies to do that - right?? Anyways I have vowed to make 2012 a year of balance between being a mommy and being me - it is important to find a little time for me again. I miss scrapbooking & being creative, recently I have only completed a few DT assignments here & there. I want to just create & have fun & while I feel blessed to design for others, I want to design for myself too - without any restrictions or deadlines. I want to run/exercise again & feel healthy. I want to get a haircut (last haircut to date - a year ago - gasp!!). I want to wear something other than sweats every day. I want to read books again - I think the last one I read was in 2008??? I want to spend more time with my friends. I want to go on date nights with my husband.

My biggest problem is really me - I am a worrisome mother, often guilt-ridden, and seldom willing to give up control of being in charge. With 2 it seems I get pretty much nothing done during the day, so recently the late night hours which were once my own, are now filled with picking up toys, doing dishes, laundry, etc. Most days I feel guilty, that I haven't done enough, that my time with them wasn't as "quality" as I would have liked it to be. Trying to make meals happen, nap times, driving to school, picking up from school, etc. - go, go, go is how I feel most days. By the end of the day I feel like I have survived it rather than enjoyed it, treasured it, experienced it. I need to find how to change this, to slow down, to take care of me & my family . . . here's to 2012 & a new sense of balance!!

You may have noticed a few changes around here - the project is still in the works but I am exciting to be revamping my blog a bit :) It is time to get out of the bloggin' slump and start posting!!! I came across a great blog designer who had some fabulous clean & simple designs - just my style :) Her name is Allison & you can see more of her work HERE. Still a few more changes to go, but I am really liking it so far. A great way to start off the new year & (hopefully) get me in the bloggin' groove!!!

Speakin' of blogging slump - I totally missed posting my December assignments for Jillibean Soup - slacker!!!

First up, this holiday mini I made. HERE is a link to the tutorial I used. It actually looks way more complicated than it was & with the aid of my ScorPal, it was that much easier :)

This next page was super fun to make. I'm not one to use stamps much (although you would think differently if you saw my collection - I'm such a scrappy hoarder!!), but I decided to break out a circle stamp from the Dutch Mustard/Unity set and use it to create a fun border around the page's edge. I then used a circle punch to create circles from a variety of patterned papers and adhered those down within the stamped circles.

In the last layout I used a fun blocking design - love how they all were anchored together with a circular photo. I don't often use circular photos but I really like how it added interest to the overall design.

This layout was also the sample for this December's sketch challenge. Here is the sketch I created . . .

Tonight I am venturing into Project Life - I'm still scrapping regular pages but I am excited to use this project as a way to "complete the picture" so to speak of my year. I will be back in the next day or two to show you what I've come up with & how I am planning on using it this year!!

Before I go . . . fun pics from our weekend - I enjoyed playing with my Christmas gift - an iPhone. It was much needed as I dropped my old phone about a month ago & had to keep it in a plastic ziploc as all the glass had shattered but was still sitting there on the screen, just waiting to fall out. Nothing like answering a phone call in the grocery store & talking into a cell phone inside a bag next to your ear. Yes I got strange looks :) Anyways - here's the pics!!

wednesday . . .

2011-12-28T20:59:00.000-08:00

5 years ago today I opened my heart to you. I carried you home & built a new life around you. I learned about night time feedings, rocking to sleep, diaper changes, installing car seats, the value of a good teething ring, first bike rides, childhood tears, terrible twos (and threes), fits of giggles, tickle fights, cuddles, story time, holding hands . . .

But mostly, I learned how to love & comfort & smile - I mean really smile from ear to ear. You are my first born, my sweetheart.

(2006)

(2006)

(2007)

(2007)

(2008)

(2008)

(2009)

(2009)

(2010)

(2010)

(2011)

(2011)

Happy Birthday!!!

tuesday . . .

2011-11-29T16:18:00.001-08:00

Seriously - do I ever blog anymore??? Nearly a month - tsk, tsk . . . life is so full right now - so much going on and the 2 little ones needing me so very much lately :) It is hard to find any time to myself these days - sorry all. Here's a photo recap of the past few weeks :)

Time playing with cousins . . .

A few family self-timer shots (that's me in the grey sweater) . . .

My niece - so stinkin' cute, right??

Devilish little Nicholas . . .

Looks like someone is thinking about puckering up . . .

Cousins who LOVE spending time together . . .

We headed to the beach after the holiday & celebrated an early Christmas with our closest friends and their family. Here's Nicholas enjoying part of his present . . .

Sleepyheads and snuggle buddies . . .

Seriously adorable - right???

Brothers finding common ground with Nicholas' racetrack . . .

The boys & some "big boy" racetrack fun . . .

Good friends . . .

Silly times . . .

As you can see we have been busy enjoying life & family & friends :)

Oh & yes, I have been scrapping too - not as much as I might like but I still have plenty to share :)

First up - A Page 4 All Seasons . . . this is my last month designing for them. While I have enjoyed my time with them, I am keeping my commitments to a minimum these days :) Check out the December kit - full of Echo Park holiday goodness . . .

If you are interested in purchasing these you can find all the details HERE.

LOTS of Jillibean Soup to share . . .

This layout uses much of the new Hearty Barley line . . . yes, pink on a boy layout but I don't care :) This line is too cute!!!

Full of Jillibean greens, browns, and yellows - love this color combo . . .

A fun holiday planner featuring the Christmas Chowder collection . . .

A cute little snowman card made out of Jillibean's new corrugated cardboard sheets - this stuff die-cuts super easy!!!

A different take on the Christmas Eve Chowder line using blues & browns & some gorgeous Petaloo flowers . . .

Oh but there is more people . . . I squeezed in some scrappy time just for me . . . had to dig into my stash of October Afternoon Sidewalk . . .

(based on a sketch by Nicole Nowosad)

And dove into a Cocoa Daisy November kit & some fun challenges during their November crop!!!

Yes, an 8 1/2 " x 11 " layout - I have begun an album for myself & had so much fun with this size layout :)

Off to work on my list of to-dos that is like a mile long :) Hope all is well out there!!!

- julie :)

tuesday . . .

2011-11-08T11:16:00.000-08:00

If I had influence with the good fairy,
I would ask that her gift to each child
be a sense of wonder so indestructible
that it would last throughout life.

-Rachel Carlson

So I love quotes, I mean L-O-V-E them - and finding just the right one when you need it is just the best ever. I ventured into this little store the other day called The Paper Source. It is like an adorable little paper boutique (although it is a chain), with stationary, cards, calendars, & crafting supplies. Don't get me wrong, I love my local scrapbook store & the online stores I frequent - but this was a totally different experience :) I found a few things but what I was most excited about was a book of quotes called Love Life. I highly recommend it for yourself or for a gift :)

I have been working very hard at getting my scrapbook from reorganized. It really had become quite a disaster & it was impossible to find anything. I still have a few more things to put away & I need to label all my drawers so in a few weeks I'll have lots of pics to share & some organizational ideas :) While cleaning I realized I never shared my last assignments for SEI - oops!!! So here they are . . .

First up, a fall layout featuring their Homestead collection. Love the rich autumn colors in this line & such gorgeous patterns!!!

Check out these awesome die-cut leaves - I stitched over the embossed veins to add some fun texture to the layout :)

I also used this versatile collection along with last year's Spooks collection to create this fun Halloween layout . . .

The scallops peeking out are actually border strips from the Spooks line :)

And how cute are those pumpkins??? The Spooks collection is actually on sale for 30% at the Sei store - check it out HERE.

My final layout features the gorgeous Silver Lake collection. I loved the mix of greys, maroon, and kraft together :) (That's my younger brother with Ryan!!!)

Check out these cute vintage style die-cuts from the collection . . .

I had these Maya Road wood snowflakes just itching to be put on a layout. The chipboard circles were cut from a Sizzix die & backed with an assortment of SEI patterned paper.

Oh & my sketch for October . . . simple in design but great to showcase a 4 x 6 or even 5 x 7 photo :)

Thanks so much for reading!!!

ttyl - julie :)

friday . . .

2011-11-04T22:48:00.000-07:00

All I can say is sick, sick, sick . . . first it began with Nicholas, then Ryan, then Justin, then Ryan got better, then Nicholas got worse (double ear infection), then Justin got better, then mommy got sick :( Everyone is better but mommy :( I am tired, exhausted, but surviving. Unfortunately Justin just had surgery (nothing serious) but he is unable to lift anything & is pretty much bedridden right now so he can't really help with the kiddos so no sick day(s) for mommy. Just plugging through the runny nose, coughs, sore throat. I have a mess of pics to share from the past few weeks - unfortunately I really struggled with my Halloween pics. I just couldn't get any night shots - so many blurry pics. Even though I took the class last month, I really need to review through everything & take some serious time to practice - oh to find the time . . . anyways - captions are below pics - enjoy :)

It looks like a crawl . . . just kidding Nicholas is still doing the army crawl - this is just for show :)

Yes, we are in the upright position - only on knees though :)

Side by side, my two little men :)

Seriously - could you ever resist this face :)

Spooky cookie graveyard making & spooky faces :)

Snow in October - say what???

First time exploring the inside of a pumpkin :) And yes, he tried really hard to eat the seeds but mommy said no :)

Our pumpkin collection - I did the "Boo" one :)

Pre-trick-or-treating snuggles :)

Nicholas investigating his cousin :)

Is it bedtime yet???

Batman - ready for action :)

The only decent pic of my "little bat" - the quality, not so good, cuteness factor, fabulous :)

In all fairness this is not my husband's costume - it's mine :) I stayed up until 3 am the night/morning before Halloween to make my flower costume. A wood ring, cardboard, and some Jillibean Soup patterned paper along with a lime green sweatshirt for the stem/leaves. I didn't get a pic of me but my husband did try it out so I snapped one of him :)

Ryan got this adorable monster hat from his Aunt & Uncle for Halloween - just had to catch some shots of him in it. He was doing a "monster" pose, but it looks more like John Travolta from Saturday Night Fever.

Now, on to the scrappy front :) I was asked to create a sketch and sample for a special challenge over at Citrus Tree Studio. This is my second year doing this for them - the owner Cindy is super sweet & I was given an adorable kit full of papers & embellishments from the Three Bugs in A Rug Collection Deck the Halls to work with. Here is the sketch I created . . .

And the layout I came up with using the fabulous November CTS kit . . .

And a card using the kit as well . . .

Interested in playing along???? Here are the details . . .

Contest runs from November 1st through November 30th at Midnight (Eastern). Each participant (registered member) should create a layout and card using the contest sketch and upload both to the "Sketch Contest" area of the CTS Gallery for a chance to win the Crate Paper 12 x 12 "Peppermint" Collection. A separate (new) set of creations may also be entered for the Sketch Contest being held on the CTS Facebook page for a chance at January 2012's guest designer spot!!

Please note: One entry per participant for each Sketch Contest and the same creation cannot be used for both contests.

For more information head on over HERE!!! Hope to see some of you play along!!!!

ttyl - julie :)

wednesday . . .

2011-10-19T07:28:00.000-07:00

I put on my old royal blue one-piece and climbed into a tub of bubbles with this one . . .

why?? Fear of water, no real rhyme or reason to it - but that's kids - right?? Out of the blue - what works, just doesn't anymore. He LOVED the tub, I mean L-O-V-E-D it, but now he will claw at me like I'm about to drop him into a pit of lava. I've tried everything, I mean everything, but in the end sitting with mommy in the bubbles was exactly what he wanted :)

Mommyhood is consuming these days, full of good & bad & everything in between - at the end of the day I am exhausted but amidst the tiredness I feel lucky & blessed and can't imagine not having these two in my life . . .

Don't you just want to squeeze their cheeks :)

I have lots of scrapping to share - so much in fact I will not overload you with all of it in one post. Today - Jillibean Soup - LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!!!!

Little crazy with the stitching - but I love sewing . . . on paper that is :) Oh & that brown JB button - did you know I have a slight addiction to buttons - love 'em. I have 15 mason jars full & an entire drawer full - I may need an intervention :)

Just love how these punched leaves turned out with a bit of pen definition & of course some splatters of mist in the background :)

Now this one tugs at my heartstrings a bit - love this photo . . .

A close-up of the journaling & the quote that inspired the whole layout . . .

Here is the sketch I created based on the layout - feel free to join in this month's challenge - we'd love to have you!!! Check out all the details HERE.

And yes - a few cards . . . they are always a challenge for me but I am really starting to enjoy creating them :)

Hope everyone is well out there & thanks so much for continuing to read my blog even though I've been such a slacker in the blogging department :)
ttyl - julie :)

monday . . .

2011-10-03T20:27:00.000-07:00

Seriously - bad blogger award over here - I mean nearly a month since my last post??? What have I been up to . . . well mostly taking care of these 2 :)

Oh and a bit of household reorganizing, a redesign of my scraproom (just beginning this process but super excited!!), a photography class, a web design class, and losing a bit more of this baby weight (only 12 pounds left to go - total weight loss to date, 71 pounds, yes I gained 83 pounds with this pregnancy - let's not talk about it - hah!!). Anyways - I haven't been doing as much scrapping as I would like but I know everything will fall into place soon enough. So excited for the chilly weather & the holidays heading this way!!! Anyone else experiencing any chilly fall weather????

Although I have lots of past projects that I still need to share here - I thought today I'd focus on a fabulous opportunity I was given by My Little Shoebox to be there guest blogger this past Friday. I used their adorable Playtime collection & came up with this . . .

I thought the Playtime cardstock stickers were super cute & used them to embellish both circle elements on the page. In this close-up you can see both the sun & cloud stickers. To add some texture, I decided to emboss the clouds using my Cuttlebug & Swiss Dots embossing folder. By adhering the sticker to some cardstock beforehand it ran through the Cuttlebug super easy!!

Although I love pre-made embellishments, it is always fun (and economical) to create your own. In the close-up below I took one of the elements from the Playtime Daydream paper and cut it into a ribbon pennant shape. Then I simply added a toothpick adhered with some glue dots behind & voila - instant embellishment!!

Oh & of course, a sketch to get your creative juices flowing :)

My Little Shoebox will be running a challenge with this sketch - head HERE to find out all the details so you can play along!!!

Be back soon with more (promise not to wait a month) - hope everyone is doing well out there!!!

ttyl - julie :)

tuesday . . .

2011-09-05T20:44:00.000-07:00

Alrighty - sketches galore everyone!!!!

Earlier this summer I was asked by Cheri of Let's Scrap if I might share a sketch for their September challenge. She's an absolute sweetheart & many of my past members of 52 Sketches 52 Weeks participate in her site so I am always happy to create a sketch for them :) Here's what I came up with (yes - a 2 pager!!) . . .

Head over to Let's Scrap to find out all the details of the challenge & info on the great prize being given away :)

My monthly sketch for SEI is up as well - check out this month's sketch . . .

Here is what I came up with using the new SEI Holiday Cheer line . . .

Love these adorable die-cut trees and the cute snow globes in this line . . .

Check out all the details HERE :)

My final sketch share is for an online store called Cord Camera & Scrapbook Studio. They, in conjunction with Jillibean Soup, are running a challenge on the Cord Scrapbook Studio Blog this week. All you need to do is break out your JB stash & create a layout using this sketch . . .

Here's what I came up with using some Christmas Eve Chowder goodies . . .

And a quick close-up of these JB chipboard and sticker alphas - love 'em!!!

Make sure to upload YOUR layout to the Cord Camera Facebook page for a chance at winning an AMAZING fat pack (one of each of the new Jillibean Soup papers) - WOWZERS - how awesome is that???

Enjoy the sketches & be back soon to share pics of Ryan's first day of school tomorrow :)

ttyl - julie :)

thursday . . .

2011-09-01T18:51:00.001-07:00

From freya-art.com

Have I mentioned I LOVE Pinterest??? This quote is definitely ending up on a layout soon - the longest title ever for sure - but worth it - so sweet :) Speaking of "new to the world" . . . Nicholas is growing, growing, growing - check out this 7 1/2 month old . . .

Oh the hair - his crazy, adorable hair . . .

And two little teeth coming in :)

And the pouty faces . . .

Just can't get enough of this little sweetheart :) And my other sweetheart . . . growing up too fast - wanting so much to be a "big boy" or "man" as he likes to say . . .

And in LOVE with superheroes - I mean seriously - obsessed . . . here's the Spiderman dance in action . . .

And just to show you how fast in all goes . . . from just a wee little one to Mr. All Grown Up . . check this out . . .

It both warms & breaks my heart to see this - I can't believe this was just 2 years ago :(

Anyone seeing signs of fall in your neck of the woods???? We've had some visitors :)

Looking for some Fall inspiration/ideas???? Check out my Pinterest board HERE - can't wait to try some of these :)

Haven't been doing as much scrapping as I'd like to recently - life has just been so busy . . . hoping some more time will free up when Ryan is back in school & we are all back into some sort of regular routine. I do have my Jillibean Soup projects from last month to share - seriously some of my favorites to date :) The first 3 traveled to CHA . . the layout was something I created inspired by this layout of Davinie Fiero.

This paper-folded design was so much fun & in person added such a cool dimension to the layout - I definitely recommend trying this one out :)

And tags of course - these are NEW products by JB Soup - the kraft tags come in 3 sizes & they are awesome!! I stitched like a crazy women in this layout & yes - even on these little tags :)

A few cards featuring the Homemade 6 Bean Soup as well . . .

And finally a layout just shared today on the blog for Maya Road week - this one a fun mix of JB Soup & Maya Road goodies!!!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE those Maya Road wooden buttons!!

See that JB Soup kraft folder peeking out :) And of course, all the fun JB Soup stickers & die-cuts, can't layer up enough of them :)

Has anyone noticed there has been a ridiculous amount of Manufacturer DT calls this summer - I have & I have been so very tempted to try out. But I didn't apply - not for one - I mean I wanted to - don't get me wrong - but there are also so many other things I want to do & try - some scrappy, some not. So I decided to see what I might experience/accomplish/try if I didn't have so many deadlines . . .

First up . . . figure out my camera - it is sinful really - I have had this great camera for almost 2 years now & am barely out of auto :( So I signed up for this which starts in just a few days . . .

SUPER EXCITED!!!!

Oh and later this month . . . venturing into the blog design world a bit with a blog design class here . . .

I'll keep you posted :)

Hope you are all doing well & be back soon - promise :)

ttyl - julie :)

wednesday . . .

2011-08-10T04:16:00.000-07:00

I've been hinting at an upcoming guest design spot & am finally able to spill the beans today!!!! A little while back I commented on a FB call for guest designers for American Crafts & I was super excited to get an email asking me to design - yay!!!! I have been a HUGE fan of American Crafts products since I started scrapbooking, not to mention my stash of Thickers is growing at an exponential rate - hah!!! The theme I was asked to scrap around was "round" - here are the "round" projects I came up with :)

Be sure to head on over to the American Crafts blog for details on the projects :) Be back soon!!!

ttyl - julie :)

sunday . . .

2011-08-07T08:08:00.000-07:00

Today . . .

Today I am at the beach house . . .

Today I am listening to this ridiculously talented voice (she was born in 1996 - say what???) . . .

Today I am contemplating signing up for a course on how to design blogs . . .

Today I am eating a BIG bowl of low-fat ice cream (yes it is 11 am - no judging) . . .

Today I am doing alot of thinking (lots on my mind) . . .

How is your day????

Anyone looking for a sketch & a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to shopsei.com ??? Well the new one for SEI is up - LOTS of layered tags (current obsession of mine) . . .

Here's what I came up with using a mix of the Couture, Corrine, and Spooks collection . . .

Here's a close-up on my handmade tags - super easy by the way . . .

And my title work - yes I broke out the Cuttlebug people!!!!

I decided not to try out again for the 2011-2012 SEI design team - they have been absolutely wonderful to me but I think change can be a good thing sometimes . . . we shall see :) I wish everyone who tried out this go around the best of luck!!!! I still have 2 months of my term left so you will still be seeing more SEI projects & sketches for the next couple months - no worries :)

I recently ordered some of the new Authentique papers - gorgeous stuff!!!! Here is a layout I came up with using the Blissful & Uncommon collections . . .

A close-up on the title work - that cute flower is cut from the patterned paper & I love the little diction stickers they offer :)

And check out these fabulous die-cuts - lots of little pieces to layer up offered with every collection :)

So after creating this - I headed over to my LSS & had to snatch up their fab Halloween & Christmas lines!!! Gorgeous stuff - I put on my Christmas tunes & started playing with their Wonder line ASAP :) Here's what I came up with . . .

Close-up of the title work - LOVE their alphas & again with the diction stickers - couldn't resist :)

Another close-up showcasing a bunch of the fab die-cuts from this collection . . .

Alright - I'll be back next week with pics from the beach & some guest DT projects!!!

ttyl - julie :)

wednesday . . .

2011-08-03T17:52:00.000-07:00

Seriously - this may be the longest post ever . . . that's what happens when you wait over 2 weeks to post!!!!

Where in the world have I been????? All I can say is this summer has been crazy & while we have enjoyed it, I am totally ready for school to begin & the routine to set in - anybody with me???? I have LOTS to share but let me start off by showing you the king of "please - no green beans" . . .

Seriously - not gonna do it . . .

Yes, that's right, we are in the world of baby food & while Nicholas pretty much likes everything - it's a no go for green beans - I can't blame him, they don't look too appetizing in that little plastic container :)

Ryan is a busy guy, full of energy & lots of ideas - keeping them both happy throughout the day is still a tricky thing, but I am slowly but surely figuring it all out. Ryan, as I have mentioned before, LOVES science. We found this awesome kit a while back at TJ Maxx & while it didn't look overly promising when I originally found it - I couldn't pass it up for $7.99.

Thank goodness I didn't - it was awesome. It is all about color & began with a number of easy but fun science experiments & ended having them construct the color wheel and use the colored water to "paint" on watercolor paper included in the kit. I totally recommend it!!! I tried to search around to find you all a site you could buy it online but it seems to be out-of-stock at Walmart, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. I would keep checking back at those sites or look around online - there were a few more obscure sites that had it but I haven't shopped at them so you'll need to do some investigating yourself. He LOVED it!!!!

Now, what else has been going on . . . well Justin & I did slip away (thanks to Mom, Dad & my sisters for making this happen) for 3 days & 4 nights - say what???? Yes, it has been a long time since we have been able to take such a lengthy trip but it was well needed for the two of us, a chance to do a bit of reconnecting, lots of talking, lots of relaxing, and LOTS of fun!!!! Now, believe it or not the scrapper forgot her camera - ridiculous I know. It was a bit hectic leaving & we actually arrived at the gate 10 minutes before the flight was scheduled to leave - against all odds we made it on the plane & to Quebec City, Canada we went . . .

Believe it or not - these were from my cell, with a bit of tweaking from iphoto :) I LOVED Canada - it was absolutely beautiful & so much fun!!!!!!

Now, have I been scrapping, well yes I have - LOTS actually - just so much I can't share yet :) However, I did miss sharing quite a few things in the craziness of the past few weeks so let's start off with some Jillibean Soup, shall we :)

First up is a layout I created using a mix of their lines & of course my favorite corrugated alphas!!!

My favorite thing about this layout is the stitching - I have always been so inspired by Kinsey Wilson, but I just don't have the patience to do all that hand-stitching with thread. Instead - I machine stitched & love the effect it had on the overall layout :) Of course, I couldn't help but layer up a bunch of the JB die-cuts & stickers - LOVE them!!!

There is actually a corresponding sketch to this that is being used as a challenge right now . . .

Join in the fun - check out all the details here.

Again, mixed up the lines quite a bit on this one as well . . . love these pics of little Nicholas enjoying his books . . .

I had fun with these layered circles - just a few punched circles & brads stacked up . . .

Oh & yes, a quick & easy little card - featuring these gorgeous JB corrugated butterflies . . .

Next up, SEI!!!! I just got their new lines in my hands today & can't wait to play with them - totally awesome stuff :) If you haven't heard - they have a design team call going on so be sure to check it out HERE. They are a fabulous company to work for & have always been super sweet & generous!!!! For the month of July we were asked to work with their A Fair Day line. While my last post featured more of a generic-themed layout with this line - I totally went "Fair Day" with this one!!!

There are so many fun die-cuts & borders with this collection - perfect for your fair & carnival pics from this summer!!!

Oh & yes - I have also been working hard at my monthly subscription club layouts over at A Page 4 All Seasons :) I never shared my August layouts with you all - but they were bright & fun featuring Echo Park's Splash & Summer Days collection. Unfortunately - it looks like they are both sold out already :( I thought I'd still share them though . . .

Next up for September is My Mind's Eye Lime Twist & Echo Park's Country Drive . . .

If interested, check the details out HERE before they are gone!!!

I still have more to share - a new SEI layout & sketch challenge this week & 6 more projects I had a blast creating for a Guest Designer spot at . . . well - I can't share til next week - you'll just have to wait :)

Before I go, a HUGE HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my mom. She is simply amazing - there is no one like her. I don't have the words to describe what an impact she has had on my life & continues to have every day she is in it. I know that she impacts my own children in the same way as I see the genuine love they have for her every time they are with her. She is truly what I aspire to be as a mom - LOVE YA MOM!!!

Thanks for sticking with me everyone - hope all is well out there!!!

ttyl - julie :)

monday . . .

2011-07-11T03:40:00.000-07:00

So we are on the early schedule - before we left for the beach 8:30 wake-ups, now 5:45 :( I will say I was actually able to shower in the morning today & get a bit of cleaning done so that was good :) Guess who turns 6 months tomorrow . . .

He is babbling, and lifting himself up so well, and grabbing EVERYTHING in site!!!! He can sit on his own briefly - then topples so mommy is always nearby :) He LOVES playing with his pacifier and twisting/shaking toys all over the place. He LOVES his brother - no matter how much he sometimes manhandles him. He smiles ALOT - happy, happy, baby :)

Thanks to Michelle - I was inspired to get out of auto on my camera & play around. I do ALOT of editing in iphoto but these are completely raw, no tweaking . . .

I need to explore ALOT more but I was happy with these for a beginner :)

With CHA just around the corner, the scrappy world is overflowing with sneaks . . . have you seen what SEI has in store???? Check out these fab new lines!!!!

Can't wait to see them all in person :)

Speaking of SEI - the new sketch for July has been posted . . .

And here is my take on it using their "A Fair Day" collection . . .

A close-up showing a bunch of their fabulous die-cuts I layered behind the pic . . . believe it or not the circle border strip was actually lollipops, I just cut off the sticks :)

Hope all is well out there - be back soon with more Jillibean Soup & my August page kits for A Page 4 All Seasons!!!

ttyl - julie :)

tuesday . . .

2011-07-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

Sorry everyone - was hoping to pop in yesterday but got caught up in fireworks & some family fun!!! Hope everyone had a fab 4th!!!! Here is the project the project I mentioned the other day - a fun 4th of July themed silverware caddy for Jillibean Soup!!!

Sideview . . .

Covered the handled in LOTS of Jillibean twine :)

And a close-up of the star embellishments . . .

Oh & before I go . . . some new to me tunes I am diggin' right now - enjoy!!!!

<a href="http://jennyowenyoungs.bandcamp.com/track/great-big-plans">Great Big Plans by Jenny Owen Youngs</a>

Be back soon with some SEI goodies!!!
ttyl - julie :)

sunday . . .

2011-07-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone - sorry for the lapse in blogging . . . we have been beachin' it :)

Although I didn't scrap at all last week - I do have a few past assignments to share. Guess what - I may just have become a cardmaker thanks to Jillibean Soup. Because we have to do at least one for our monthly assignments, I have really been trying hard to work up some "card mojo". I played around with their Spotted Owl Soup line & this is what I came up with :)

Yes - it's true - I stamped!!!!! And gems too - I'm out of control over here - hah :)

Ribbon - say what??? :)

Believe me - my love is layouts, but dipping my toes into the cardmaking world has been fun :) I did dive into some serious scrapping this weekend, trying to finish up CHA assignments for Jillibean Soup. Here is the line I was given to work with (by the way - it's just FABULOUS!!!!):

Jillibean just previewed another line this past Friday - check this awesome one out:

If you leave a comment on their blog, you could win the entire Sweet & Sour Soup collection so head on over!!!

Oh & if you are still looking for some JB soup of your own, check this out. Remember Tammi from My Scraps & More (she sponsored a blog giveaway here) - well she shared with me that here entire store is 50% off to make room for new CHA goodies & guess what - JB Blossom Soup, Dutch Mustard Soup, Spotted Owl Soup, Chilled Strawberry Soup, and Watermelon Gazpacho are in stock (as well as tons of other scrapbook goodies) so head on over & use coupon code CLEAROUT50 :)

Check back tomorrow, for I have a special 4th of July project I created to share :)

ttyl - julie :)

thursday . . .

2011-06-16T17:07:00.000-07:00

It's funny - I was so excited for us (J & I) to get away - a break from the kiddos - an overnight escape. It was freedom, for any better word - as you mothers out there know, being a mother means always being responsible for another person - always helping, always worrying, always caring, always being there - and as wonderful as it all is - it is exhausting too. So to get away, even just for 24 hours was an exciting event to me & I don't think I felt this relaxed in a LONG, LONG time . . .

(Yes, I bought an Instax & it is just pure fun - love it!!!!)

Forgive my lack of self-timer skills - chopped off half my head :)

But the next day, when I returned to be with this one . . .

and this one . . .

well, being home felt even better :) It is so easy to get bogged down with the day to day, and to come back to it - even one night refreshed - well you can see things so much more clearly :) And the welcome home from these too - well - I felt like a million bucks :) Love my two little men :)

Being a slacker in the blog department . . . I have 2 layouts that are totally overdue being posted :( Sorry!!!

First up - some Watermelon Gazpacho from Jillibean Soup - this line is AWESOME!!!! Love how between a few sheets of patterned paper & embellies from the collection, I was able to create this fun Fourth of July layout :)

Here is a close-up of the title work - featuring my most favorite corrugated alphas ever!!!

LOVE all the new Pea Pod die-cuts & those kraft mini alphas are so fab!!!

Wait until you see all the other NEW Jillibean goodies coming out for CHA - they are RIDICULOUSLY FABULOUS - I mean it (and I am not just biased because I'm on the team - seriously WOWZER kind of stuff people) :)

Looking for some sketch inspiration???? Well this month's SEI sketch is up - full of multi-pics & these fun little pennant embellies :)

Here is what I came up with using their I'm An Athlete line - a GREAT sports themed collection people :)

Here is a quick close-up - love the tickets and die-cut stars from the collection :) See those cute pennants - just took some of the die-cuts and added a toothpick to the back - voila - instant pennant embellie :)

I haven't seen any pics of SEI's new collections yet, but I'm anticipating some WONDERFUL new collections - can't wait!!!

Speaking of NEW collections . . . have you seen this . . .

or this . . .

A new collection coming out this summer at CHA - a collaboration between Amy Tangerine and American Crafts - so fun - totally right up my alley kind of scrapbook supplies - I know I will have to have 2 of everything - better start my Christmas list early :) HAH!!!

Before I go, I am excited to share that I will actually be attending CHA this year!!!! This has been a dream for a LONG time - I have always wanted to go & it has (for one reason or another) never worked out - but thanks to Jill I will be able to attend this year - SO EXCITED!!! A bit nervous though, I have never traveled alone - so this will be a first - anyone else going??? I'd love to meet up with anyone who's going to grab lunch or do some perusing of the new CHA goodies :)

Oh - and I am SUPER excited to be guest designing in August for a manufacturer that I have LOVED, LOVED LOVED since way back when I began this hobby (or obsession - hah!!) - can't wait to be able to share with all of you soon!!!! Hope all is well out there :)

ttyl - julie :)

sunday . . .

2011-06-05T22:13:00.001-07:00

I was hoping to have posted this a few days ago, but seeing how hubby was out of town & mommy was on solo - not too much scrapping & blogging has been happening :) As I mentioned in my last post, I had the honor of being asked to be a featured artist at Scrapbook News & Review. I am super excited to share the two layouts I created for the post . . .

As you may see from my close-ups, the technique I shared was a quick how-to on faux stitching. Check out the full post HERE.

While playing with all these October Afternoon goodies for my assignment, I was inspired to also take a bit of time to create with their newest line, Rocket Age, just for fun :) Here is what I came up with . . .

And a quick close-up on the title work - LOVE these sticker alphas!!!

Many of the comments from my post at SNR mentioned my "splattering" & how I did this . . . I also think a few of you have mentioned that in comments before. I took a few moments today to take a couple pics of this super simple process. The real trick is to not actually use the sprayer as intended :)

Step #1 Get yourself an old box to contain you paper - this process is messy so ideally the sides of the box have some height to them. (You can tell mine has been well used!!)

Step #2 Now, instead of using the sprayer, take the sprayer/pump out of the actual container. When unscrewing it and pulling it out, make sure to tap it a bit on the sides so that there is just a little ink remaining in the pump/tube.

Step #3 Fling the end of the sprayer (the tube part) towards your paper (this can get messy, hence why the box is helpful). This allows for some fun splatters here & there around your paper. Also - you can control where they fall a bit by flinging the tube towards the direction of the paper where you want the splatters.

Hope that helps!!! Be back soon to share more :)

ttyl - julie :)

tuesday . . .

2011-05-31T20:21:00.000-07:00

over 2 weeks since I blogged . . . tsk, tsk, tsk . . . is everything okay????? Absolutely - just the end of school & start of summer break & being a mommy of two & being a wife & daughter & sister & aunt & scrapping assignments & everything else in between :)

Guess what??? Someone is growing, growing, growing . . . check this 20 week old out . . .

And this one . . . so grown-up these days . . . too fast I say!!!

And the two of them . . . stealing my heart . . .

(don't ask me why Ryan is wearing a sweater when it is a million degrees outside - he's into picking out his own clothes these days & usually I have to send him back upstairs to change at least one thing!!)

Now - on to the scrappy people!!!!

Lots of Jillibean Soup projects brewing these days :) Their new lines are just fabulous - but Dutch Mustard Soup really stole my heart :) Here is a mini I created to showcase the first year of Nicholas (yes a mini by Julie Bonner - doesn't happen often - LOL) . . .

I did put in pics for the first 4 months so far - here are the close-ups of the first 4 pages . . .

See the scalloped border - that's me breaking out the old decorative scissors - you know you have 'em in your stash!!! The base of this album is the JB soup kraft 4" x 4" accordian album - these are AWESOME & super easy & fun to work with - I highly reccommend!!!

I also created a layout of the little man using this collection again - this picture totally makes my heart melt!!!

I love that heart patterned paper & yes the deco scissors are in this project too :) Here is a quick close-up of the awesome JB die-cuts & stickers in action!!!

One of my June assignments was posted early to show a sample of a new sketch I created for the Jillibean Soup blog :) Use the sketch below & your fave JB products to create a layout or card, post it to their Facebook page. They will randomly select a few projects for an upcoming Soup Spotting & at the end of June at least one person will be randomly selected for some JB Soup goodies!!! Fun, fun, fun!!!

Here is the layout I came up with using the Watermelon Gazpacho collection - seriously a must have for summer everyone - such great patterned papers & of course tons of fab coordinating goodies!!!

Check out the adorable sprouts, die-cuts, and stickers with this "soup"!!!

But wait, I have more!!! My second May assignment for SEI features the White Elegance collection as a background & my all-time favorite SEI line Corinne!!! I just love the color scheme - so bright & cheery :)

The die-cut title & stickers are AWESOME!!!

Be sure to check back this week - I PROMISE I'll post again!!! I am a featured artist over at Scrapbook News & Review this week & had LOTS of fun playing with some October Afternoon!!! Can't wait to share :)

ttyl - julie :)

sunday . . .

2011-05-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

Celebrating 34 . . .

I must say Ryan is a sweetheart - he is a true party planner - I think we have at least one pretend party each day - he always has something to celebrate :) When he asked what we would do for my birthday I told him I wanted a princess party - I don't think I ever had one - so of course - this little planner did some organizing with grammy and a princess party we had - cinderella plates and of course a gorgeous tiara :)

I have gotten a few emails wondering about the little one (since it has been so long since I have blogged - right????) - Nicholas is doing pretty good - we have had some ups & downs recently - that troublesome reflux!!! He is so stinkin' cute though & his smile - well I mean just check this kid out . . .

He's already an avid reader - hah!!!

And I am teaching him to hug - I tell him mommy wants a hug & he puts his hands out & then when I get close he puts his arms around my head & pulls my hair - we are still working out the logistics on that one :)

Being a mommy of one was hard & being a mommy of two is even harder, but day by day it is getting easier & I just love them both to pieces . . .

As I mentioned before - I turned 34 - today :) I am so thankful for my life & the people in it & it wouldn't be right to not acknowledge the two beautiful people who brought me into this world . . .

thank you mom for your kindness, your love, the Halloween costumes you handmade, the songs you sang us, always knowing just the right words to lift my spirits, baking cookies with us every Christmas, making me a Cabbage Patch kid doll when we couldn't afford to buy one, instilling in me a love of crafting, loving my children as if they were your own, talking to me every day, and for being not just my mom, but a true friend.

thank you dad for your protection & watchfulness, I have always known you would keep me safe, for believing in me, for carving pumpkins with me at Halloween, for dressing up like Santa every year when we were kids, for playing games with my children & loving them from the bottom of your heart, for instilling in me a love of education that made me want to teach myself, for being strong & gentle & caring & devoted to your family.

On to some long overdue scrappy shares . . .

First up, SEI - this month we were asked to showcase the White Elegance collection. I decided to use it as my background & for one of my embellishments & then also mix in some of the gorgeous Couture collection as well. Here is what I came up with . . .

I used the new Tim Holtz Accordian Die & the White Elegance paper to create this flower. The die-cut butterflies are also from the White Elegance collection - some quick zig-zag stitching helped accent the body . . .

Here is the sketch that corresponds with the layout - be sure to grab some SEI from your stash or invest in some of the new collections & see what you can create using the sketch. Then be sure to join us for the SEI link party at the end of the month - can't wait to see what you come up with!!!

Next up - Jillbean Soup!!! This month is our first to share projects on the Jillibean Soup blog - I created this layout featuring the adorable Blossom Soup collection . . .

Broke out one of my Martha Stewart border punches to create this background - a perfect punch for this spring-themed layout!!!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Jillibean's coordinating die-cuts & stickers - they are just the perfect touches on your layouts :)

I also created a card featuring the new Dutch Mustard Soup line - I'll be honest, cards are tough for me & I definitely struggled with this part of our assignment. No worries though, I am hoping to "rock" the card world this month - I have some ideas brewing :)

My final share tonight are the layouts for the June She Said Monthly Subscription club at A Page 4 All Seasons - this month I worked with Crate Paper's Emma Shoppe - what adorable paper & embellishments!!

You can find more info about joining the club & purchasing these layout kits HERE.

Thanks so much to all of you for still keeping up with me on this blog - even though I have been a bit of a slacker on updating recently :) Hope all of you are well!!

ttyl - julie :)

monday . . .

2011-05-02T21:25:00.000-07:00

quiet . . . that is exactly what I hear right now, in my house, at 12:40 am . . . and I am soaking it all up . . . it has been one of those days, full of noise & craziness & tears & tantrums & me wanting to be everything to everyone but really ending up short all around . . . that's what happens when you try to accomplish too much in a day or be too many things to too many people :) Anyways - I am exhausted & should be sleeping, but I know tomorrow may bring the same wild day . . . so for now, I will enjoy my quiet :)

This boy . . .

so handsome and sweet and loving . . . but today angry, out-of-sorts . . . he's been wetting the bed a bit recently - not sure what that is about, hoping it doesn't become a regular thing . . .

This boy . . .

completely adorable and getting his own little personality :) He rolled over yesterday and is babbling up a storm. He will be quite the talker I think!! He is an incredibly happy child considering he barely sleeps all day - usually 2 - 3 hours tops. The acid reflux seems to always wake him up - I can see a quick jerk or twitch from him while sleeping, then a sour face and then, eyes open. We have been trying a few new things to help with the reflux, hopefully we will see a difference soon . . . anyone out there with reflux babies??? I'd be happy to hear any suggestions on things that help :)

I haven't scrapped much in the past week - taking a bit of a break . . . however I do have my last 3 layouts from BlueMoon Scrapbooking to share. First up, "She Makes You So Happy" - full of My Minds Eye goodness and a pic to make your heart melt!!!

The title work was a mix of Prima, Sassafras Lass, and My Minds Eye - the layered flower, a mix of Prima mistable canvas (awesome stuff!!!), patterned paper flowers, and a gorgeous My Minds Eye brad . . .

Next up - "Growing" - loved this pic of Ryan - looking back at me :) This layout is a mix of Prima, Sassafras Lass, and My Minds Eye . . .

Love the Prima butterfly above the "i" - I think I am currently a bit obsessed with tying twine around tags :)

Close-up on the journaling . . .

And last - my favorite . . . "4 years" - something about the overlapping sewn circles . . . love that . . and the pic of little man picking flowers . . . love that too :)

A few close-ups . . .

I will have more to share from SEI & Jillibean Soup this week so stay tuned!!! Hope all is well out there :)

ttyl - julie :)

tuesday . . .

2011-04-26T03:43:00.000-07:00

Where oh where have I been - on a bit of a blogging hiatus . . . things have been a bit crazy & busy & little man has been struggling a bit with the reflux, with sleeping, and now teething as well - some tough baby times going on people!!! I have LOTS of personal pics to share later this week (once I get them all uploaded) but for now LOTS of past scrappy assignments to share!!!

Remember the giveaway I had a few weeks ago??? Well I also had an opportunity to do a bit of guest designing for this sponsor (My Scraps and More) using the adorable Echo Park Playground collection. Such a bright & cheery paper line!!!

I believe she is still running a 20% off your first order code so head on over to the shop & enjoy!!! Tanks Tammi!!!

You may have noticed the list of companies I design for in my sidebar has dwindled a bit - sometimes life is all about focusing & prioritizing - my late nights are not my own these days as the little one needs lots of comfort & "mommy time", so I've been adjusting things a bit :) My last few assignments for Pretty Little Studios were cards (believe it or not) - I seriously struggle as a cardmaker - they just never come together easily for me like a layout might. However, I am pretty happy on how these turned out - just enough cute factor to have allowed them to turn out okay :)

Before I go, I want to share one more from my monthly assignments for SEI. Just playing around with a bit of Couture, such a gorgeous collection!!! I challenged myself to not measure on placement in this one, and just be a bit free with the design . . . love the color scheme :)

A quick close-up showcasing these gorgeous die-cut butterflies from SEI's White Elegance collection. I added a bit of bling (I know - me??? bling???) and voila - the perfect little embellishments :)

Be back soon (I promise) with more pics & scrappy projects!!!

ttyl - julie :)

friday . . .

2011-04-15T23:25:00.000-07:00

BIG NEWS!!!!! Can't wait to share Jillibean Soup's Mid-Season Release with you . . . introducing Watermelon Gazpacho Soup . . .

Full of bright colors & adorable graphics, it will be a must-have for all your summertime pics :) Keeps your eyes out- it will begin shipping to retailers at the end of this month!!! But wait . . would you like to win it before you can buy it???? Head on over to the Jillibean blog & leave a comment for a chance!!!

ttyl - julie :)

wednesday . . .

2011-04-12T19:56:00.000-07:00

Alright, it is the second Wednesday of the month which means the monthly Samantha Walker blog hop is on!!!! If you have been hopping along you should have just arrived from Samantha Walker's blog. Today I have this fun layout featuring Samantha's brand NEW Heidi collection for Creative Imaginations. I knew when I opened my package of new goodies from Samantha the other day, these papers would be perfect for some spring pics :) Just love the reds & yellows in this line - so bright & cheery!!!

A quick close up of the title work showcases just one of the many AWESOME die-cuts in this collection. I cut the flower die-cut in half and then used some of the patterned paper to create half of one of these folded flowers that are all the rage these days. I glued a strip of patterned paper at the bottom and added a small title banner I typed & hand-cut. (BTW - it is lined up perfectly in real life but for some reason my scanner makes the strip appear not quite along the bottom - the dimensional objects are always tricky to scan).

Thanks so much for stopping by - leave a comment on this post for a chance to win one of two fabulous prizes - some Samantha Walker fabric or papers & stickers from the NEW Heidi collection!!! Now, head on over to Karen's blog to see some more AWESOME Samantha Walker goodies in action!!!

tuesday . . .

2011-04-08T08:09:00.000-07:00

Guess who turned 12 weeks last week????? Wow - time really does fly . . .

Ryan decided to take some time & teach Nicholas the fine art of reading the Toys R Us circular - love how Nicholas is really paying attention to him :)

Here is little man & I - sporting his new sun hat from Grammy Susan & Granddad - thanks guys!!!!

On to some scrappy!!!!

April's sketch challenge for SEI is up - check it out . . .

Don't be afraid of the large photo - I printed it as a 6" x 10.75" pic, but certainly you could replace this with 2 or 3 smaller pics. Here is the sample I came up with using the gorgeous Couture collection . . .

Here is a quick close-up showing some coordinating die-cuts, butterflies, and tags in the collection - love all these embellies!!!

Need some more sketchy inspiration???? The April sketch is up at My Creative Scrapbook!!! Check it out . . .

Here is the sample I came up with using the April Main kit full of gorgeous BoBunny Gabrielle . . .

Check out these gorgeous chipboard in the kit - love it!!!

This sketch challenge is going on right now HERE in the forum!!!

Check back tomorrow to see some new Samantha Walker goodies & to be part of our monthly blog hop - lots of "Springy" inspiration :)

ttyl - julie :)

monday . . .

2011-04-05T22:49:00.000-07:00

Just popping in to share some scrappy :) I have taken over designing both layouts for the A Page 4 All Seasons She Said Club!!! This month is full of Echo Park goodness - check out the two kits being offered for subscribers . . .

Close-ups of each page . . .

These are on sale right now for subscribers - you can find the info to join HERE :) I am working right now with some gorgeous Crate paper Emma's Shoppe for June's kits - it is too fun to work with all this girly stuff (since I don't usually get to scrapping 2 boys - hah!!).

Before I go . . .

the winner for the My Mind's Eye giveaway provided by My Scraps & More is . . .

#8 - Amybug

AmyBug said...

Thanks for the link. I love the sketch. I'm off to check out the site. The MME stuff is awesome. I love MME! :)

APRIL 3, 2011 4:30 PM

Amy - please email me your address at dailyscrap@gmail.com & I will send it over to Tammi!!

Make sure to stop back tomorrow - I have 2 sketches to share & some more layouts!!!

ttyl - julie :)

friday . . .

2011-04-01T13:13:00.001-07:00

Yes, I am posting twice in one day - CRAZY!!! :) Thanks so much for all the congrats and well wishes on my NEWS :) I am SO excited!!!!!

I thought some of you may be looking for a little sketchy inspiration to start your weekend off :) A little over a week ago, a long-time blog reader and absolute sweetheart emailed me she was opening an online store, My Scraps and More and was curious if I might be able to create a sketch for her to kick off her April challenges in the forum. Of course I was happy to do so!!! Feel free to head over to the forum HERE and check out the sketch :) I am not gonna lie - I did a bit of shopping myself - new Bella Blvd & Echo Park were calling my name!!! My order was processed immediately and shipped out right away - love it!!!! And to top it off - there is a 20% off coupon code right now - AWESOME!! The owner, Tammi, wanted to share a bit about her store with my readers . . .

My name is Tammi Bennett and I have been a long time scrapper and paper hoarder! My dream has always been to own a scrapbook store and now it has become a reality!! I just opened an online store, My Scraps & More! My hope is to create a comfortable place where you can come to browse and buy the latest in scrapbook products offered at great prices with fast shipping, participate on the message forum with others who share in this great (and obsessive) hobby, and to inspire and to be inspired by sharing your work in the gallery!! I invite you to come over and make yourself at home at www.myscrapsandmore.com Please use coupon code MS411 during checkout to receive 20% off of your first order as my way of saying "thank you" for giving me the chance to be your new favorite scrapbook site!! As part of my Grand Opening, Julie has created an exclusive sketch to kick off our challenges on the message forum! I am also giving away some My Mind's Eye "Stella & Rose" goodies to one lucky winner! To win, simply become a follower of our blog at www.myscrapsandmore.blogspot.com, and leave a comment here. Julie will pick a winner by random.org on April 5th! I can't wait to see what you create with the sketch!!

So what are you waiting for????? Head on over & join in the first April challenge!!! Before you go, make sure to comment below and become a follower of the My Scraps & More blog to be in the running for this RIDICULOUSLY AWESOME & GENEROUS prize!!!!

Yep - that's right - all kinds of new My Minds Eye yumminess :) Love it!!! While you are visiting the site you may be tempted (as I was) to shop - don't forget that 20% off code (MS411) and this week's manufacturer special - 25% off Crate Paper :) I will also be guest designing for her site this month so keep you eye out for some fun projects on her blog & in her gallery :) Thanks everyone!!

ttyl - julie :)

friday . . .

2011-04-01T07:08:00.000-07:00

SERIOUSLY BIG, EXCITING, FANTASTIC, I WANT TO JUMP UP AND DOWN KIND OF NEWS . . .

I have admired this company & adored their products since they began. I was super fortunate to be a guest designer for them last year & can't believe I was chosen for a spot on their design team this year!!!!! A HUGE THANKS to Jill!!!!

thursday . . .

2011-03-31T21:29:00.000-07:00

This week . . .

We did some gardening . . .

Rode bikes . . .

Had fun at bathtime . . .

Worked at tummy time (Peanut is showing his support here) . . .

Did lots of smiling for mommy . . .

Made some homemade ice cream (ignore the messy house please) . . .

Picked flowers . . .

Laughed alot . . .

Learned to grab & hold onto things . . .

Had your first taste of cereal - yes this is early but Nicholas is eating so much that the doctor wanted us to start - he has already grown 6 inches in just shy of 3 months!!

Scrapbooked with mommy . . .

Had quality brother time . . .

Got tired of mommy taking so many pictures :)

As usual, a whirlwind of a week but we are all doing well :)

On the scrappy front . . .

Although it is not Christmas, or anywhere near it, I still have lots of holiday pics to scrap & the Christmas Wishlist line by Pretty Little Studios was perfect for these fun photos of Ryan . . .

Very simple in design but I like it anyway & I LOVE that vintage Santa tag!!!

By the way, the new April Showers collection is up for sale in the PLS shop - seriously cute & fun & bright - make sure to check it out :) Also, leave a comment HERE and you might just win the entire collection for free!!!

ttyl - julie :)

wednesday . . .

2011-03-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

My past week & a half (in pics) . . .

Welcoming spring . . .

Napping, napping, napping . . .

Riding bikes . . .

Loving Grammy . . .

Looking all grown up . . .

Tasty lunches downtown . . .

Tummy time . . .

I have also been scrapping :) Lots to share!!!

First up - a fun layout using SEI's new Corinne line - seriously LOVE this line!!! Full of bright colors & awesome embellies :)

A close-up of the title work - see those adorable clouds - I cut down a border strip from the collection & placed it behind the title. The colorful border was created by cutting 4 thin strips of patterned paper & simply overlapped them at the ends. Then a quick pen line draw over each strip to finish it off :)

Just because the border strips are 12" long doesn't mean you can cut them down to work for your page - here I trimmed down the pinwheel border strip & used it as a fun accent to the left of my photo :)

I just received the other new SEI lines & can't wait to play :)

Recently I purchased the new Jillibean Soup lines & have been having fun playing with them in between working on assignments. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE their new 12 x 12 sheets of stickers & die-cuts - they make embellishing so easy!!! I have been waiting to scrap this adorable pic of Ryan & his cousins since last summer - once I saw the new JB Blossom Soup line & knew it would be a perfect match!!

Here's a close-up on all these fabulous stickers from the 12 x 12 sheet - they are perfect for layering :)

Below is another close-up showing more of these stickers & a bunch of the awesome die-cuts as well. I wrapped some embroidery floss around the center of the diecut butterfly to accent the body . . .

Oh & before I go - Pretty Little Studios is giving away a free set of Hopscotch cut-out tags with any order until April 1st . . .

It won't be hard to rack up an order - all the Mini Bunting Flags, Mini Paper Ribbons, and Lemon Slices Garland Flags are on sale for $1.99 through March 25th - so get shopping :)

ttyl - julie :)