Gifting Scraps!

I think one of the best things you can give someone at Christmas is a gift of scrapbooking. Right now, I am busy working on a few little Christmas gifts for some very special people.

I am making someone a calendar, using about 50 photos from the last few years. I chose 3-4 photos that reflected each month's activities and events, and scrapped a simple layout. From one of my totally favorite stores, Just Scrap It, I bought a blank, coil-bound, 12x12 calendar and pasted the layouts for each month. Then all you do is add the month titles, the numbers, and voila! A beautiful, personalized calendar. I'm going to be finishing it up tomorrow night at JSI -- my "bad girl" scrap buds and I are having a Christmas potluck, scrapping get-together there. If you are coming to crop at JSI tomorrow night, be warned...there will be some yummy smells coming from the back room!

I've got something cooked up for my hubby...and another project for someone else...but I can't say. Some of them I can't reveal yet...you never know who is looking at your blog! ;)

I was in to JSI yesterday -- I just love that place! It's like Cheers -- you know -- "where everybody knows your name". Anyhoo, they had some beautiful new papers there -- even a kewl black and white "Nice & Naughty" list for scrapping your Christmas. Hmmm....my name was on there, Janet's name was on there, and Laura's name was on there. So was it a nice list? Or a naughty list? I guess we'll find out on Christmas. LOL

So much to do and so little time. I just realized that we have only two -- TWO! -- free evenings until December 21st. That's pure craziness, isn't it? Parties, meetings, get-togethers, lessons, concerts, activities -- just nutz. And all I want to do is hide out away from this cold nasty weather and scrap. Is it possible to call in sick when you are a stay-at-home mom? :( I didn't think so. I guess I'll have to get creative about finding my time!

STUCK!

Do you ever feel stuck? I don't know how or why, but today I am feeling just stuck.

Maybe it's the weather. Today it is minus 25, and with the wind it is supposed to feel like minus 35. I wouldn't know...I haven't been outside yet. And I don't think I am going to either. The girls are off to school and Curtis and I are home. Stuck. Too cold out today to go for a walk. That means no mail. No bubble gum run at the insurance place uptown. No coffee with a friend today. Maybe that's why I feel stuck.

Maybe it is my scrapping. I haven't created anything in a couple of weeks. Last time I went scrapping was with Corinne a couple of weeks ago, and I had a rockin night. 3 layouts that night. WHat have I done since? Nothing. Nada. My scrap room is a semi-disaster. I need to organize before I can do anything, but I am totally not motivated at all. Maybe I am creatively stuck.

I can think of a whole lot of reasons why I am feeling stuck today...but do I really need to vent them all on my blog? Not particularly! I think it will just suffice to say that I need a goal. I need to motivate myself to get my arse moving and do something.

Today is New Years...I am going to make some resolutions. I am going to go put on some music, go downstairs to fold that load of laundry that has been driving me crazy, and I am going to create something beautiful today.

Boy, that sounds ambitious. I'm going to need some chocolate.

Holy Smokes!

September 26...OK, I am officially embarrased that I haven't blogged for three months. Wanna know why? I'm easily distracted. I always intend to blog...but then something shiny, or pretty, or interesting captures my attention and away I go -- off to another land.



AnyHOO! What's new with me?? Not much. OK, a little.


I'm still designing at Just Cre8...and I love it love it love it! It's a happy happy day when my kit comes in. I get to experiment and play with free stuff. Who wouldn't love that?!? The December kit was revealed last week and it is full of wonderful, colorful, fuzzy stuff. Absolutely fabulous, dahling, absolutely fabulous. You can check it out here!


We have a new addition in our family. Meet Jack:Jack is seven weeks old. And we brought him home yesterday. He is a sweet little playful thing...but we have to watch where we step because he is always dancing around our feet. Why "Jack", you ask?? Well, that's what happens when you let kids name a pet. We brought him home in a box. So he is Jack. LOL Spookers, our 8 year old furball, is still getting used to his new "little brother". I am hoping it is not too long before they make friends.

Scrapbook-wise, I am excited for something new coming up! I am trying to start up a community scrapbooking group here. There are lots of people who scrapbook out here, but they don't know each other. They do know me, however! So we are having an informal get together in about two weeks. Not for money, or promotion, or anything like that. Just for fellowship and fun. And scrapbooking too, of course!

SO I am scrapping, and being mommy, and being wifey, and I am loving it. Most days, anyway. ;) That's what life is all about in small town Saskie.

Now off I go to go rescue my broom from mischievious Jack. See ya!

Two More Sleeps!

Wow! I've been busy getting ready for Just Cre8's huge Revive & Rejuven8 online crop this weekend. Two more sleeps until it is here! You won't believe the stuff we've got planned. Challenges, celebrity chats, sales, from Friday evening until Sunday night.

I have a challenge for you. It won't be difficult and it won't take a long time. But if you complete it and upload it to the crop gallery by Monday evening, you will have a chance to win a huge prize. I'm not talking a sheet of stickers or a package of eyelets, either. I'm talking a prize that will inspire you, and keep on inspiring you for a very long time! Trust me...this is something that I don't even have, but I want want want!! { I hope my DH sees this...honey, can you get me one for Christmas? ;) }

One more thing...come out and say hi to some of the people we have dropping by...
...Vicki Boutin, 2006 CK Hall of Famer
...Michelle Engel, designer for Scrapbook & Cards Today magazine
...Jackie & Katherine from Canadian Scrapbooker magazine
...Caroline Lau, from Maya Road
...Catherine, Kerry & Michelle from Scrapbook & Cards Today

And you won't want to miss the Gr8 Cre8ive Idol Search...the grand prize is a three month Design Team contract for Just Cre8! { BTW, being on this DT rocks! }

So please join us. It's easy to register and we'd love to have you with us. Two more sleeps! See you then!

Goodbye Summer, Hello Busy!

Has anyone seen my summer? It kind of slipped away from me, right under my nose!!

Our trip to BC/Seattle was wonderful, even though Renee was sick in both places and we had to visit the hospitals there. She is doing fine and we are very thankful for that. It had us worried, though. One word of advice...always, always, always invest in travel insurance. I've never had to use it before, but this is one time I was glad we had thought about it beforehand!

One thing I learned, though, is that I am truly a prairie girl at heart. I love the wide open skies and the laid-back (sometimes!!) pace where I live. No interstate highways or busy streets. No carjackings or safety issues here. Just small town, clean, good living. With a bunch of close friends and family by my side. Nothing in the world can beat that feeling, can it? Stepping off that plane felt so good, especially when I see my mom waiting for us in the airport. It is good to be home. :)

Today our Vacation Bible School started, and I have officially become "Secret Agent Head Cheese" for the week. I am co-directing this year, and I am dressing up like a bumbling Secret Agent Leader. It's lots of fun... but a lot of work too. It is amazing to see how the kids build friendships and learn all that they do during VBS week. I still have a hard time believing that we minister to over 60 kids every year. It seems like such a daunting task, and in many ways it is, but it is all worth it to see the kids experience so much joy when we have them with us.

And I am patiently waiting for my next Just Cre8 kit...the mail lady is going to put out a restraining order against me yet!! This is the September kit, and it looks fantastic! Sue put a sneak peek on her blog, {motiv8}. There are big things happening there...and all scrapbookers are welcome to join us! For details regarding the big happenings at Just Cre8, check out the link here.

All this happening, and all I want is a nap!!! However, duty calls and I guess I should make my hungry family some supper. So maybe hubby can take the kids so I can have a nap! LOL

Have Fun!
Scrap Lots!
God Bless!

And very special birthday wishes to my friend Corinne -- miss ya girl!

Day 8

Well, Day Eight is here...Seattle is great...but I think I am pretty much ready to come home. You know, I always say I would like to move back to the city again for the convenience and busyness. But after "living" in the heart of an urban area for over a week, I think I will take that back. I love small town, and I love Saskatchewan. I can't wait to come home! Miss you, everyone! Three more sleeps... :)

Starfish??

I saw a starfish up close and personal for the first time today. They are sooooooo cool! I didn't realize how colorful or BIG they were!! My kids were amazed. Here's a pic of Renee seeing a huge pink starfish...I love the look on her face! LOL

We are here!

Wow...Comox/Courtenay is beautiful. And guess what?

NO BUGS!!!

There aren't even screens on the windows and doors. Nothing like the monster, man-eating blood-sucking swarms we have at home. I was outside all day yesterday...without bug spray. And how many bites did I get?? None. Zero. Zilch. Nothing. This is way too cool.

Anyhoo...we are in Comox for a few days for the reunion. Lots of Lepages here right now! Meeting lots of people, doing lots of talking. It's all good. But I miss my mom. LOL I am such a suck.

Here are some pics I took over the last couple of days. TFL!

Russ and the kids at the Comox Marina yesterday morning...

Russ and Renee kayaking on Comox Lake...

The view from the clubhouse where the reunion is...

Almost here!

What's almost here?? Lots of things!

Our trip to Comox/Seattle is just around the corner. I can hardly wait! I think I have to borrow my mom's extra memory cards to put photos on, because believe me, I cannot wait for the photo ops that I am going to have!

You know you are a scrapbooker when you pack your childrens' suitcases, taking into consideration colour combinations of their outfits combined with mountain, forest, and ocean scenery so that all will look fantastic when you go to scrap the layouts later! LOL

News from Just Cre8! The Just Cre8 August kit is fabulous! Lots of goodies to play with! I can't show you now, but I can tell you that there are hints to be seen at the Just Cre8 blog, {motiv8}. Check it out! It will be revealed on the 15th.

And if you register in the Just Cre8 forum, Tammy Nice created a digital kit just for forum members. And Just Cre8 has big things coming for fall...so keep your peepers open. :D

Here are some designs from the July kit to keep you inspired...enjoy!

A flower mini album by Kat...genius!!

Lori uses the kit to scrap her son:

And a layout of Melanie's sweet little girl:

And a great idea by Tam...I love how she cut the title to put the rub on between:
And this is the trip journal I made for Renee...

Bad bad bad blogger!

I know, I know, I've been neglecting my blog!

OK, I'm back on track. Let's see if I can update at least 3 times a week in July.

What's new??

Just Cre8's July Kit has been revealed, and our designs are up! You can see the kit here and the fabulously talented DT's cre8ions here in Fascin8, the gallery.

My hometown is having it's 100th year celebration this weekend, with reunions, dances, displays, and more. It should be fun!

Our reno's are ongoing...windows and doors are next!

And we are getting ready to go to BC! We leave in two weeks for a Lepage reunion in Comox, BC. And then off to Seattle for a week. We've never taken the kids anywhere out of Saskatchewan or Alberta, so we are super excited to show them the mountains, the forests, and the ocean. It is going to be so much fun. :)

Just What I've been W8ing for!

Today is the day! The reveal day for the June kit at Just Cre8!

I have 4 brand new LOs that I've had to keep under wraps. Here is one of them, all materials from the June kit:

I am so not used to keeping my scrapping a secret! But working with this kit is tons of fun. Lots of funky papers, ribbon, goodies, and the stamps were neat too. It is also the first time I've used SkribblzArt by Katrina Murphy. They are the neatest things! Sue has also included a digital download with the kit...designed by Tammy Nice. My first attempt at hybrid scrapping. :)

This is my first DT reveal day, ever. I am a newbie, so I hope I get everything right! Although Sue, Kat, Tammy, Melanie & Lori ahve been so great to work with. It is a fabulous team!

Sometime today, head on over to Just Cre8 and check out the June kit and the DT June Designs. I can't wait to see what everyone else has in store.

Scrapbook Art

I am still convinced that, for me, scrapbooking is not just a hobby, it is an Art. We take everyday, ordinary moments and create one-of-a-kind visual interpretations. We create with our own hands and imaginations. Every time I look at a layout -- mine or someone else's -- I always savor the emotions it provokes.

And that is the way I create my layouts too. I start with an idea and just jump right in. I always let my gut instincts guide the way I cut and place paper & embellishments. If I have a spark of an idea in my head...I just jump right in and try it. If it works, that's great! If it doesn't...well...it's a learning experience.

Even if you don't think you are creating a work of Art when you scrapbook, I think you are. No matter what they look like, your pages are created with your experience, strengths, talents, ideas, and heart. No one else would work with those photos and materials exactly the way you do. We scrapbookers are all unique. We are creative. We are fabulous!

My scrapbooking advice for today...jump right in. Don't be afraid. Be unique. Go with your gut. And believe in yourself...because YOU are a Scrapbook Artist.

Big steps!

A lot of people I know just dread the arrival of Monday. But I am the opposite, I think. Monday is a nice, calm start -- unlike most of our weekends! DH goes back to work, DD goes back to school, and the house is almost solely mine again for another few days. I can read my newspaper with breakfast. I can have a quick coffee with my neighbours. I can leisurely check my email and tidy up the chaos from Saturday & Sunday activity. All with out the rush-rush-rush that seems to invade our weekends.

Today I am excited, because my goal for this week is my DT projects for Just Cre8. I have the June kit on my scraptable and I am ready to go! We had a great National Scrapbook Day crop there on Friday, and there are tons of unique and creative ideas that appeared in the gallery. So go take a peek! It's right here! If you want a sneak peek of the June kit, you can check it out this blog...otherwise it will be revealed at Just Cre8 on May 15th. :)

This last week has been pretty exciting for us too. The kids started soccer, and for the first time, I am actually a genuine "team mom"! I love it already. There is nothing in the world as neat as watching your babies strive to learn and grow something new. Especially when you don't have to teach them! Independence is an amazing thing. Here's a pic of DD playing soccer in her first game. (She's in the dark blue jersey.)

It isn't fun, though, dealing with the aftermath of a sensitive seven-year-old girl who has just lost the first game she ever played, especially after she let in 4 goals in her five minutes of goalie time. Her coach is amazing, though, and really puts an important emphasis on working hard and having fun. I think it's going to be a great season.

Another big milestone! DD learned to ride her bike without training wheels!

So, just like her Papa promised, she got to go shopping this weekend for a new two-wheeler, which is a beautiful bike. She is so proud, and all of these steps she has taken in the last few weeks just shine in her face. You can tell her confidence has made a great leap. I love that, because I think it is so important that girls develop confidence and grace.

Well, happy Monday & happy scrapping! I hope you all enjoy your day. :)

What a whirlwind!

Wow! We have had an incredibly whirlwind week...I am certainly glad to finally have some time to sit and catch up on things, including my blog. LOL

Firstly, our trip to Regina went well. Dianne is recovering from a few procedures to help her get better so she can have the surgery she has been waiting for for so long. Thank goodness! We had some important visiting time with her and my sister-in-law, who had been in Regina since last Friday. And I was glad for the opportunity to show them that I support them every step of the way.

We also had some time to sit and visit with a wonderful friend of mine and her husband. (Hi KJ & Aaron!) And we took the kids to the Science Center too -- a nice little getaway for them. I am just so grateful that things are looking up for my mother-in-law. I hate to see how much she has to go through. Multiple Sclerosis is a horribly difficult disease. I've been saying little prayers for a long time for those who live with it.

When we came back on Thursday night, I found the Just Cre8 June kit waiting for me. Woohoo! The box was stuffed full of lovely scrapbooking goodies, including the April & May kit pieces I had ordered. The June kit...SO COOL! It has.........I can't tell you yet! LOL You will have to wait until the reveal at Just Cre8 on May 15th. ;) It will be worth it! Oh, and they are having a National Scrapbook Day crop on Friday, May 4 with awesome contests and prizes. You have to come check it out. We are having a Poker Run. Yes, a Poker Run -- scrapbook style. :) You can find the details of the crop, including the Poker Run, right here at Just Cre8.

On Friday, I went to the Hawaiian Spring Fling at Just Scrap It in Saskatoon. I had 20 hours of cropping time with my scrapping friends -- we missed my mom Janet, though. The "Bad Girls' Corner" just wasn't the same without her. :( I did 4 layouts on the weekend. Here are a couple for you:

These were both "cre8ed" using the Just Cre8 kits, April and May. I just love the stamps from the April kit. Those barcodes are way too addictive!

At the crop, I also won one of the BIG raffle draws...a do-it-yourself acrylic stamp making kit. I'd never seen or heard of one of these before. Well, I played with the kit today and it is way too cool! You design your own artwork, and it takes about 20 minutes to make an acrylic stamp. Seriously! I love it!

I also won one of the layout contests..."Extraordinary Moments". I entered one of my most heartfelt layouts, "Papa's Patch". It looks like this:

It is the story of how much my grandfather's raspberry patch meant to me when I was growing up. When he passed away 6 years ago, the raspberry patch was left untended and this very special place that I shared with my papa quickly disappeared beneath the thistles that choked out the bushes. When I returned to the farm last summer, the thistles were taller than me and so thick we could barely see through them. I thought they were gone forever. And then we saw a raspberry peeking through the thick thorns of the thistles. And then another. And another! My mom, my aunt, and I pushed our way through the mess and, for the last time, we picked buckets and buckets of raspberries. And the taste of those sweet, juicy berries reminded me that my memories of Papa in his raspberry patch will always be with me.

What a week. There was more...but I will save those thoughts for another day. Perhaps tomorrow. Until then...

Take care, sweet dreams, and please, hug someone special. Each day you spend with them is truly a blessing. ((hugs to my mom today...love you, mom))

Tough Times

I just wanted to say we've hit some rocky roads.

For those of you who don't know, my mother-in-law has Multiple Sclerosis. You can read her story here ... https://msors.mssociety.ca/Walk2007/Sponsor.aspx?&PID=926934&L=2 It is such a destructive disease...we have not really known the full impact until now.

Our Dianne is in the hospital in Regina. We've had some not-so-great news, so we are taking the kids down to Regina to see her, and spend some time as a family.

Please, if you are so inclined, say a few prayers for Dianne...for strength, for courage, and for hope.

Thank you...and ((hugs))

Pumped!

Well, the Just Cre8 May kit was revealed yesterday...and...WOW! I'm lovin it. :) I ordered a part of the kit and it should be here soon for me to play with! This is a peek at what it looks like:

It's the Basic Grey Scarlett's Letter collection, plus items from 7 Gypsies, Making Memories, Bazill Basics and more. Plus it comes with Just Cre8's own line of acrylic stamps and a new product, SkribblzArt Designs. I am still learning the ropes as a new Cre8ive Crew member at Just Cre8, but so far it is a fantastically enthusiastic and positive place to be! I feel right at home.

So come join us! It rocks!

At last!

I can finally announce that I have made the Just Cre8 Cre8ive Crew design team!

Yaaaaaaaay!

This is the first time I ever applied for a DT, and I am so excited to get started.

This site is so unique, I just love it. The kits are amazing -- tons of product and they include more than just paper and embellishments. What struck me most, was the creative use of "8" through the whole site and the range of styles and talent in the gallery.

You have to check it out...www.justcre8.com

Working with Sue, Kat, Tammy, Lori, and Melanie is going to be such a great experience. And I can't wait to see my first kit, the June kit!

Today is a great day. :) :) :)

Inspired???

Mo & Jo have left the building.

You see, Mo & Jo bring me insight and creativity. They push me to take risks in my scrapping, like just cutting into that new piece of Basic Grey I've been saving for a special occasion. They get the journaling for a LO rolling around in my head, and form my words onto the paper.

I love my scrapping MoJo. It is exciting and absolutely uncontainable. Like a cartwheel in the middle of campus after 4th year final exams. And sometimes the tiniest little things will set them into motion. A great photograph or a fresh bottle of Glossy Accents. New chipboard. An ad on television. A conversation with a friend. Chocolate.

But when MoJo is gone, scrapping is the most difficult thing in the world. I could have a whole weekend to myself and not get a stitch done if MoJo isn't close by. Just ask my friends at Friday night LSS crop night. I could work on a LO for six hours and it just never looks quite right. I could have four free and clear hours to work in my scraproom, but I don't because I feel no direction. When MoJo is missing, scrapping doesn't have that fire or that spark that I love so much.

Today, I am looking for MoJo. MoJo will show up sometime today and I know it. Once I fold those three loads of laundry. And tidy my kitchen. Shower. Make some phone calls. Go get the mail. Then I will unpack from my class and start looking for that sneaky MoJo. Maybe it's under that pile of paper............paper............that new Fancy Pants paper right over there on my scraptable............hmmmmmmmmmm........

They're baaaack!

Happy Scrapping!

Where's Your Pen?

I was working on a layout yesterday afternoon. The layout, "Papa's Patch", was complete except for a 5"x4" rectangle I had left for journaling. So I cropped a 5"x4" piece of co-ordinating cardstock and began to write. There wasn't much room, so I stuck to the highlights of why my grandfather's raspberry patch was so important to me.

Four sentences. Yep. That's it.

Wrong! I spent my childhood in that raspberry patch, following my grandpa, my hero, around. I listened to him tell stories for hours and hours. The raspberry patch impacted my life in incredible ways.

And here I sat, confining my journaling, my feelings, my memories, to less than 20 square inches of handwritten text.

Why? Because it fit on the page. That's where I "left room" for journaling.

I cut two more pieces of that cardstock and I wrote. On both sides. And then I cut three more. And wrote again. I wrote until I was finished. I wrote until I told the whole story of that raspberry patch. And then I bound the pieces together into a little book that I will tuck into a pocket on that page.

That is what scrapbooking is about. Capturing the memories. Don't just "leave room" for your journaling. Your page is about your pictures and your stories. So tell them. Long or short, just tell them.

If you want to see incredible stories of journaling, check out DawnDawn's blog link on this site. She has an incredible gift for journaling, and she will inspire you to express yourself fearlessly.

And after that, pick up your pen. Journal. Relive your memories. Share your stories. Write as much as you can and want to. Because that's why we scrap.

A-Tidbitz-A-Day

I've been meaning to get back into blogging for a while now. Things seem to have changed so much for me in the last year or so, but the constants in my life still remain the same. Somehow, though, my life seems so different than it was just a few short months ago. I think my perspective on a lot of things has come 180 degrees.

So what is new with me?

I've lost 30 pounds. I feel like a whole new ME!! I did it on purpose, if you are wondering, with good food choices and exercise. Not a lot, just a little. And slowly I am getting into the shape I never was but have always wanted to be. What a huge difference this has made in my life!

I try to scrap every day. It is my therapy and my creative outlet. I don't understand why I ever let it slide for weeks at a time. I've also made some attempts to come into the scrapbooking industry in a professional way. I teach at an LSS. I applied for an online Design Team. I submit to magazines regularly. It is time for me to take some risks and put myself out there...which is scary, but it is good.

My kids are growing up. I guess this is inevitable! Renee is seven and Curtis is four. My baby is going into Kindergarten this fall. Renee is getting more and more independent every day. I feel like I am preparing myself for a new stage of parenthood. The "SAHM with no kids at home" stage. There are so many things to look forward to and so many things to fear.

I am thirty. There, I said it. My 30th birthday was hard in many ways, and so much fun in others. I've finally realized, I think, that I am an adult getting older. And that I ought to seek out opportunities and goals while I can. Because life is short. I'll say that again. Life. Is. Short. It can yank you back by the shirt collar when you least expect it. Even at thirty. So, whatever I have always wanted to do, I need to do it now. Now. While I am still able to. And that is how I want to live my life from now on.

What is not new with me?

I am loved. By my husband and my children. By my parents, my family, my friends. By God. I have support and encouragement. I have shoulders to cry on and people who will help me up when I fall. I am blessed. And I am thankful for those blessings.

I am important. Every day I am here, I will touch someone's life. It's up to me whether it will be in a positive way or a negative way. Even though I often don't realize it, I am making an impact on this world in one way or another. This may not be new, but I think remembering this every day will make a huge difference in my life.

I am Me. I am me. I will always be me. And I do not need to measure up to the person next to me at dinnertable, at the supermarket, or at the Friday Night Scrapbooking crop. I am unique and irreplaceable. And I do have something special to offer in my lifetime, even though I am not quite sure what that is right now. All I can do is be the best Me I can be. This is the hard part!

Now, I am inspired and full of fresh thoughts. I am going to go clean my scraproom!

Happy Scrapping,
Mandy