Finally, I'm back to blogging!

I want to start off by apologizing for the change of date for the "Toadally Loveable" class. Unfortunately, I seem to have sprained my arm. I am doing much better now, but for awhile, I was pretty immobile. It was very frustrating because I'm so used to doing things for myself. One thing is for sure, these days I'm appreciating the ability to use my arms much more! It's weird how we take such things for granted, isn't it? Anyway, today I'm very thankful!

I did finish my parents Valentine's Day card and since they have received it, I can now share a picture with you.

I think there's something special in anything that is homemade. I have a friend named Whitney who has since moved away, but she still remembers to send us a card on several occassions throughout the year. I miss her alot. It takes a special kind of person to be thoughtful like that and I realize how lucky I am to have her for a friend.

In other news...

I have been attempting to change the look of my blog. However, it seems that now I have lost the area where you can enter your email address to subscribe. DOH! Honestly, I find the world of blogging to be very confusing. So, please be patient with me while I try and figure all this out. I'll try to get that feature back a.s.a.p.

I saw that some of you were interested in a Make & Take pertaining to couples. I would like to know what kind of topics you would like to see offered (such as date night, travel, romantic pages, etc.). To make things a bit easier, I'm going to add a poll and I would appreciate it if you would vote. If there is something specific that you would like but it's not listed, please feel free to leave a comment under this message.

Hope all of you have an amazing Valentine's Day with the one(s) you love!!

Valentine's Day Card

A little card I made today for my in-laws. The one for my own Mom & Dad is still a work in progress. I wanted to make them both a bit different...especially since my Mom sometimes reads my blog! :o)

I used the Martha Stewart Doilie punch for the scalloped border. My friend Elizabeth used it on her recipe cards (we had a swap shortly before Christmas at our local scrapbook store). When I saw her beautiful cards, I totally fell in love! (and promptly purchased a punch of my very own! hee hee!)

So without further ado, here is a peek at the finished product....


I just realized my "bling" is a little off center. I'm okay with that though...home-made isn't meant to be perfect, right? Thanks for looking!

Some of my older work...

A few people have requested it, so today, I thought I'd share some of my own scrapbook pages that I have completed over the years.

The first one is a layout I made for a monthly sketch challenge at our local scrapbook store. Unfortunately, at the time I was using an 8 1/2 x 11 scanner and stitching is not my strong suit. The adorable paw paper is from Reminisce. I love how fun and colorful it is!

Aside from doing pet pages, I've also been working on layouts for my childhood album. Since I loved playing with dolls when I was a little girl, I thought this pattern paper from Karen Foster would be perfect. I cut the doll houses out of the pattern paper and then adhered them to the second page to make a little "neighborhood". I used some pop dots on various houses to give it more of a 3D effect. Then, using various colored cardstock, I made a paper piecing of a larger doll house (pg 1) to add a coherency between the two pages of my layout. Finally, I added some flower rhinestones...just because every girl likes a little bling! :o)

Page 1:


Page 2:

Close-up of my paper piecing:

The last layout I would like to share is also one from my childhood album. I came across some adorable chocolate chip paper one day while shopping at our local scrapbook store. I really wanted to use it, but unfortunately, I'm not much of a baker. But, I remembered how much I loved Sesame Street as a child. So, I decided, why not do a Cookie Monster page?!

Paper piecing is, without a doubt, one of my favorite parts of scrapbooking. In fact, I discovered my love for paper piecing through taking some of Cheryl's fantastic classes. (For those who may not know, Cheryl is the owner of our local scrapbook store. Prior to that, she taught classes for many years and is incredibly gifted). I have learned so much from her.

Anyway, so here is my Cookie Monster page (made again with some cute Karen Foster paper). The picture is a bit smaller...I hope you can see it okay!

Thanks for looking and have a great day! :o)

An update on classes...

The "So Beary Sweet" class has only two spots remaining.

Having the kinds of classes you like is very important to me, so I've added two polls to get a better idea of what to offer. If you wouldn't mind filling them out, I'd really appreciate it! Also, if there is something I've missed and you have a suggestion, please feel free to leave a comment.

I'd also like to mention that class kits are available to everyone, regardless of whether or not you live locally. If you see a class you are interested in, please don't hesitate to call the store (706) 321-0202. As long as the class is not filled, we can ship a kit to you. A shipping fee will need to be added, but Cheryl (the owner) will be able to tell you more about that when you place your order. **Please note that kits will not be available for shipping until after the class is held.**

Hope all of you are having a nice week!

Another class...

Here is another class that I finished Friday night at a crop. It's called "Toad-ally Loveable". To be honest, I think it's probably one of my favorite layouts. I'm not sure if it's the colors or the cute little toads, but something about this layout just makes me smile. I hope you like it too. The class will be held on February 7th from 1-3 p.m. Kits will also be available for those who are unable to make it that day. (706) 321-0202.

And a close-up of the toads. I paper pieced these using various sizes of circles, ovals and hearts.

If any of you haven't attended one of the Shoppe's crops yet, we hope you'll consider joining us soon! Schedules are available at the store and we always have lots of fun! It's a great chance to get caught up on some of your albums, and also to meet some new friends! Oh, and in case you haven't heard, a Pajama crop is on the calendar for February!!

So Beary Sweet!

This is the upcoming class on January 31st (1-3 p.m.).

And here is a close up of Mr. Bear:

This layout would be perfect for not only Valentine's Day but also for everyday pictures of your little sweetie.

These colors would also work well with your Vintage photos. Space is limited so please register early by calling (706) 321-0202. Kits are also available if you are not able to attend class that day.

A great blog for you to check out!

I wanted to tell you today about this fantastic blog I came across. Her name is Dawn and she is just the sweetest Christian woman that you would ever have the pleasure of knowing. With her permission, I have put a link under my favorite blogs. I wanted to draw attention to it because she is incredibly talented and her blog is amazing with tutorials, videos...all kinds of fantastic tips and techniques that I'm sure you'll enjoy. It truly is one of my favorites and I hope you like it.

And to Dawn, thank you again for allowing us to share in your enormous talent!

Yard Sale, class info...all kinds of fun stuff!

Today's yard sale was a lot of fun! I went by a little after 8 this morning and there were many people already waiting in line then! So many great deals. I even picked up a few goodies for myself! :o)

Rejean and I also went to the "Starving Artists" Event today at the Trade Centre. If any of you have never gone before, they have the most beautiful oil paintings at very reasonable prices. Rejean and I have gone two years in a row and really enjoy it.

The "So Beary Sweet" Make & Take is now at the store for any of you who might be interested.

There are also a few spots still available for next Saturday's class if any of you still would like to sign up. We'd love to have you join us!

Hope you all are having a great weekend!

And a picture to share...

I've mentioned them before so I thought it would be nice if I posted a picture. Meet the subjects of many of my scrapbooking pages...Bailey and Muffin. Bailey is the Westie on the left and Muffin is the shih tzu mix on the right. Rejean and I may be a little bias, but we think they're pretty cute! :o)

Home is where the heart is...

I am off to bed but before I do, I thought I'd share a card I made awhile back using my Cricut, a heart punch and some Technique Tuesday stamps. I left the inside black to write my own personal message. Thanks for looking!