Girl, Paper, Scissors...

Team B first reveal!

2012-01-20T15:57:00.001-05:00

It's Friday, and time for another sketch reveal at Let's Capture These Sketches! Team B ( that's my team!) is up at bat this week with a gorgeous sketch by Natalie Roy.

Materials:

PP:Echo Park, Jillibean Soup

journaling spots:Making Memories,Fancy Pants.

Stickers: Echo Park, October Afternoon, Sassafras Lass, Bo Bunny

Stamps: Imaginisce, Daisy Bucket, Memory Essentials

Ink: Ranger Distress Ink

I stuck the Jillibean twine on with bright yellow stickles, so the trails behind the little bees really sparkle.

You HAVE to go check out all the other pages created with this sketch!

Happy Friday!

Take 2...

2012-01-16T22:29:00.000-05:00

For some reason I find myself doing challenges and sketches twice these days. I'm not going to complain, it means I'm getting double the layouts done too!
This layout also uses Let's Capture These Sketches sketch #115 by Natalie Roy. Tricky tricky, LCOM owner Tink gave us Challenge #4 for the 8 Weeks 10 Challenges contest. ( you can still join!) We had to use this sketch, but it had to be a brand spankin' NEW layout.

I used some of this girly girly stuff from Crate Paper- Emma's Shoppe Collection. I totally forgot about winning this sweet collection at crop before the holidays.

Materials:
PP: Crate Paper ( Emma's Shoppe), smidgen of Pink Paislee
Washi Tape
stickers: Crate Paper, The Girls Paperie
unknown: eyelet, yarn
Lace: Love My Tapes
Resin Flower: Prima
Viva Decor Pearl and Paper pens

Die cuts: Crate Paper, October Afternoon

You may remember my 2011 layout I did for Challenge #1 of the 8 Weeks 10 Challenges contest? Well, seems I didn't have enough photos on it to meet the challenge ( Thanks Claude!). So here's the retake:

yes that is actual stitching around the photos. I even heat embossed the little square frame to turn it white ( it was red glitter). Not to take any chances, I included TWELVE photos this time ( a new record for me I think!)

Materials:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper
PP: MME Funday, Lily Bee Designs
Chipboard, Basic Grey, Pebbles, American Crafts

It's reveal day!!

2012-01-13T12:01:00.000-05:00

The new sketch team at Let's Capture these Sketches has it's first reveal today! The talent that is team A ( I'm on team B) shows their stuff with a fantastic sketch from Natalie Roy. Even though I'm not part of the team showing today, I couldn't resist creating with the sketch.

I can't believe I actually used rub-ons! Old Marcella by K rub-ons I've had since I started scrapping. Paper from Echo Park, and Pebbles. Prima felt and Pebbles, Authentique letters, Love My Tapes Lace, and Creative Cafe labels. ( oh and cork, mist, washi tape and some butterflies I made eons ago.)
Check out Let's capture these Memories Facebook page, and the Let's Capture These Sketches blog!
Loads of inspiration to be found!!

Double Duty

2012-01-10T00:17:00.000-05:00

It's rare for me to create a project for two separate challenges, but this one just worked so nicely, I hope you'll forgive me? :)
Although I originally put this one together for 8 Weeks-10 Challenges contest at LCOM. (It's not too late to sign up...the prize is a 50 dollar gift card!) It fit perfectly for my own challenge over at Practical Scrappers; today's Challenge Me Tuesday Post showcases more projects featuring trends from 2011. I had also mentioned it would be great if the project had a new year's theme. Why reinvent the wheel right?

The coolest thing about it, is that I'll be comparing it to this one for years to come:

I must go see if I have pics from last year so I can make it a true tradition!

Happy Tuesday!

Erin

Layout Contest!!

2012-01-06T11:00:00.000-05:00

If you love watching the card contest unfold over at Practical Scrappers, or if you participated in it, and were loving the challenge, You'll be happy to note that we're having a Layout Contest!! Check out all the details here. There are some great prizes to be won from some fantastic sponsors, and I promise there will be lots of inspiration!

Masking tutorial

2012-01-05T00:01:00.001-05:00

I'm up today on the Momenta Blog, using a Design Your Own Sticker as a mask. There's a full tutorial posted on how to create the look of this page, as well as product information.

Why is it the birthday layouts always get so many photos?

Thanks for visiting!

Erin

Last post of 2011

2011-12-31T16:29:00.000-05:00

I'm still unsure how the past year has flown by so quickly, but it seems the older you get the faster they seem to go. I just wanted to take the opportunity to wish you all a wonderful New Year, and hope all your wishes come true in 2012. I'll leave you with my last project made with the December little boy kit from Boys Rule Scrapbook kits. I had this story jotted down on a piece of scrap paper since summer of last year. I thought I'd better make a quick page before I threw it out by accident. It felt amazing to use up every last sticker from the sticker sheets to make the fun border around the page. I added some of the fun Jillibean Twine that was also in the kit, and used the Doodlebug Design Inc. stickers with a few from my stash. I love how the Hopscotch font blends so well with others.

If you are scrapbooking boys, big or little, you should really check out the kits available! I've never subscribed to a kit club before, because I was afraid of how much feminine product I'd receive and never be able to use. This might just be the answer.

Have a safe and happy New Year!
Erin

2011-12-30T13:06:00.000-05:00

I'm enjoying the tail end of our Christmas holidays. With the boys out of preschool, and the hubby home until after the new year, things are still pretty busy, and crafty time is at an all time low. Not having creative time is made even more frustrating by the unused pile of scrappy supplies my boys spoiled me with for Christmas and my birthday.

The New Year is fast approaching, and i'm throwing a few ideas for crafting related resolutions around in my head. If I ever decide on one, I'll let you know. I'm also open to hear if anyone else has some cool resolutions that'll help use up supplies, curb spending or boost creativity.

On that note, I'll leave you with a simple layout of my sweeties, and one of our new furry love. Life with 3 boys under 5, and a gargantuan puppy has it's crazy moments, but I can't help feeling totally blessed to be leading this life.

Materials:
Momenta PA-2331 12 x 12 Premium Paper Pad
Momenta ST-3270 Mini Puffy Icon Stickers
Momenta NC-1266 Card Pack
Momenta NC-1267 Card Pack
Momenta ST-1988 Metallic Silver Alphabet Stickers
Momenta ST-2042 Metallic Red Alphabet Stickers
Bazzill Basics Cardstock
Ranger Distress Stickles ( Picket Fence)
Ranger Distress Ink ( Walnut Stain)
Studio Calico Mister Huey's Color Mist (Calico White)
Jo-Ann Craft Essentials Ink (red, white)
Fancy Pants stamps (snowflakes)
Cuttlebug embossing folder
Sizzix Die (Tree, Pine Medium)

Materials:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper
PP: Lily Bee Design
Fancy Pants Felt
American Crafts Flowers, letters
Karen Foster Paper Floss
Queen& Co Candy dots
Viva Decor Pearl Pen
Silver jewelry wire
Doodlebug design Inc. brads, floss
Washi Tape ( Omer de Serres)
Tim Holtz mini staples, Distress Ink
Dollarama ribbon flowers.

More Boys Rule...

2011-12-13T23:34:00.000-05:00

Here's my second layout made using the December Little Boy Kit from Boys Rule Scrapbooking. There are 3 packs of K&Co stickers from the Spaghetti line in this kit. I used the Embossed stickers as journaling prompts, and the Grand Sdhesions and Mini Accents as images to embellish the responses. The Jillibean Soup Beanstalks Bakers Twine was a fun way to separate each response.

Although I usually like my fonts very even and classic, I have to admit the whimsy of the Doodlebug Design Inc. Hopscotch Font works perfectly with these papers. ( after doing 3 layouts, I needed to supplement with a few letters from another Doodlebug font in the same hue, but the beauty is you'd never know!)

5 years ago today!

2011-12-10T02:28:00.001-05:00

Please excuse the 5 year old layout, I was very new to scrapbooking at the time, and my only saving grace was that it was based on a sketch by the very talented Ann Kosten.

This was the day I became a Mom. A roller coaster of emotion. One of the defining moments of my life...but if you're a mom, you know what I'm talking about. I can't believe it's been 5 years since I held this tiny baby in my arms for the first time; and if the layout wasn't so darn dated, I would have thought it was only yesterday!

Happy Birthday Little Bear!

Boys Rule!

2011-12-05T17:47:00.000-05:00

If you know how much I love bright fun papers, you'll understand how happy I was to be working with the little boy December kit as a guest designer for Boys Rule Scrapbook Kits. This kit is bright and has super cute images perfect for toddlers right through to young school age children. With 3 boys under 5, this kit is perfect for multiple pages of my guys. If you're looking for some great boy themed kits, I suggest you check these out, but hurry, the big boy kit for December has already sold out!

Here's my first page; check back for more creations using this fun kit!

Materials:
(Boys Rule December-little boy kit)
PP: K&Co Spaghetti Collection
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper
Stickers: K&Co Spaghetti- Mini Ornaments, Icon Grand Adhesions, Embossed Stickers
Letter Stickers: Doodlebug Design Inc.-Hopscotch
Twine: Jillibean Soup BeanStalks

Something Fishy!

2011-11-29T01:09:00.000-05:00

Today is my turn again posting a project for the Momenta blog. I decided to alter another bit of toy packaging, this time a wooden box from a package of Melissa and Doug dinosaur magnets. We love Melissa and Doug toys, but the fact that the boxes don't have lids, makes no sense to me, and it seems like such a waste to throw them out.

Now Parker has an aquarium for his room, and there's no water to worry about !

Materials:
Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists
One Fine Day 5"x7" Cardstock Pad (PA-2337).
One Fine Day Puffy Flourishes ( ST-4147)
Beach Fun Layered Puffy Stickers ( ST-2114).
Pure Bubbles and Bling Stickers ( ST-1740)
Buttons- lots of em!
acrylic sheet
Diamond Glaze, Glue Dots, StixII foam squares

In case you missed it, the last packaging I altered was this:

You can check out the details Here

Happy Tuesday!

Erin

It's beginning to look a lot like...

2011-11-21T20:23:00.001-05:00

...time to start the Christmas crafts! I would usually wait until at least the 1st of December to break out anything Christmas related ( maybe that's why I'm always so rushed by the 25th!). We are starting our Christmas Holiday Schedule over at Practical Scrappers, and today we're all about Christmas cards.
Here's my contribution, made with an absolutely adorable Digital Stamp from La La Land Crafts. I did a combination of Copic coloring, and paper piecing using The Great Outdoors Collection from Momenta.

I added a bit of Tim Holtz Distress Ink in the new Seasonal colours of Evergreen Bough, and Iced Spruce (YUM), a sentiment stamp from Studio G, chipboard snowflakes from American Crafts, mini pompoms from the Dollarama, all on a 6 x 6 card base made from Bazzill cardstock.

Design Team Call!

2011-11-16T14:28:00.000-05:00

It's been a year already! Momenta is looking for a new design team! If you are interested in working with a great team, love big boxes of goodies delivered to your door, and the freedom to design with the products that fit your style- Check out the call!

A bit of everything and anything

2011-11-07T15:12:00.001-05:00

I'm not scrapping much these days, and I miss it horribly. Things are just a bit too hectic around here for me to get much time alone in my scraproom. I think it all started about 3 weeks ago when the flu bug hit our house. The last victims are slowly on the mend and back to school this week. In addition to the sick household, I received some bad news last week about my 6 1/2 year old cat Edgar. I took him in for a routine check-up, and his vaccines which were long overdue, in preparation for the arrival of our new puppy next week-end. The vet checked him over and asked me if we could hold off on the shots, and do some blood tests instead. Long story short, Edgar has cysts all over his kidneys, and is having chronic renal failure. He's now on medications, and a special diet to help, but the prognosis isn't good. I'll hopefully know more after our next vet visit on Wednesday, when we get a look at his kidneys to see how bad the situation is. Poor kitty, here I was thinking that the drive to the vet's office was the most stress he was going to have before the puppy arrives, and now we don't even know how long he's going to be with us.

On a brighter note, I have a new page done for My Momenta featuring some of their fun puffy stickers. Who can't use a bit of glittery puffiness to brighten their day?

Oh and here's one I forgot to share. It was posted on Halloween for Momenta as well. Have I ever mentioned how much I love googley eyes?

And now that My friend Claude has posted her layout from our First annual Mad Hatter Day Crop, I think it's safe to go ahead and post mine. I invited the girls over for a special crop on 10/6 (also the hat size tucked into on the Mad Hatter's hat band). We had tea instead of our usual Lattes, cupcakes, a few nonsensical rules, and a surprise paper swap where we each had to bring 3 pieces of patterned paper that somehow matched what we were wearing. We each ended up with one of each others papers, and had to make a layout with photos we took and a few extra goodies.

All I can say is thank goodness for double sided papers, and for understanding friends who willingly put up with my hairbrained schemes, even when it means cutting into papers they were intending for another purpose.

Happy Monday everyone!

Erin

Learning from the big boys

2011-10-29T21:51:00.001-04:00

Another everyday moment recorded. I know one day in the not so far away future, I'm going to miss watching the boys play together. I love now that Rowan is starting to be able to move around and stand sturdily enough that he can get into whatever the older 2 are doing. I really dislike the yelling and pushing that sometimes follows, but they are pretty gentle for the most part, and are learning to keep the small toys in their rooms where they will be safe from "baby slobber", and eventually the dog when she arrives.

I used a fabulous Sketch by Evgenia Petzer from the Pencil Lines Blog.
Sketch #256

Materials:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper
PP: 4 Heures 37
Washi Tape: Studio Calico
Letters: American Crafts
Bakers' twine: Doodlebug Design Inc.
Mini Staples: Tim Holtz
Rub-on: American Crafts
cork tile
Bread tag
scrap ribbon

The name game.

2011-10-27T14:06:00.000-04:00

This page was about a month in the making- no joke. I printed the photos not long after I took them, and they sat...and sat...and sat until I was rummaging through my papers one day and pulled out some old Dreamstreet papers thinking " will I ever use these?- how about now!" then I did the distressing and stuck the photos down and the whole thing sat again for a couple of weeks this time. The whole time, we are making each other crazy throwing out and rejecting each other's name choices for a dog. The cutest was Parker who exclaimed one morning at snack: " I know!" we can call the puppy Bumblebee..."then he said "NAwwwww" to tell me he was teasing, then suddenly he lit up like a lightbulb and said "let's call the puppy Raisintoast!" He was so proud of himself, I didn't have the heart to tell him it was too silly. Speaking of silliness, Ethan for weeks kept asking f we could just call the puppy "Puppy" and then he decided Sweetie was his favorite. For the record, I was ok with Sweetie, Mark not so much.

So the whole page evolved from a page about how excited the boys were to get all the puppy "stuff", and became about our quest for a name. you cam tell by the photos anyway how excited they were to try out her things.

Materials:
Paper: Dreamstreet
letter stickers: Basic Grey,Jillibean Soup, Fancy Pants, Studio Calico, Bella Blvd.
Tim Holtz Mini staples
Viva Decor Pearl Pens
pencil
pen: pilot

Our final choice in the end is Ruby, I'll share a photo soon!

Erin.

Down on the farm

2011-10-16T23:54:00.000-04:00

DOWN ON THE FARM, DOWN ON THE FARM

COME AND JOIN US, IT WON’T DO YOU ANY HARM

YOU’LL SEE A HEN, SITTING IN A PEN,

YOU WILL SEE A HEN WHO’S SITTING IN A PEN

OLE, OLE, OLE OLE

OLE, OLE, OLE, OLE

DOWN ON THE FARM, DOWN ON THE FARM

COME AND JOIN US, IT WON’T DO YOU ANY HARM

YOU’LL SEE A DUCK, YOU’LL SEE A DUCK

WITH A LITTLE LUCK, THEN YOU WILL SEE A DUCK

QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK

QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK.

QUACK QUACK QUACK QUACK

DOWN ON THE FARM, DOWN ON THE FARM

COME AND JOIN US, IT WON’T DO YOU ANY HARM

YOU’LL SEE A HORSE, EATING HAY OF COURSE

YOU WILL SEE A HORSE WHO’S EATING HAY OF COURSE.

MUNCH MUNCH MUNCH MUNCH

Thanks to the layout I just finished for the Pencil Lines sketch this week, I now have this song stuck in my head. The last theme before fall and Thanksgiving at the boys preschool was the farm, and this is one of the songs they sung.

Materials:

PP: Basic Grey

Stickers: October Afternoon, American Crafts

Paper Thread: Karen Foster

Buttons: Crate Paper

Mini Staples: Tim Holtz

pen: Staedtler triplus fineliner

I wonder how many days this one will be with me before my brain switches to the Sleeping Bunnies? ( don't say I didn't warn you that this was catchy!)

Erin

Just Like Grandad

2011-10-16T01:57:00.000-04:00

Around this time 3 years ago, my Father-in-law passed away from cancer. A few weeks earlier, he had used his last bit of strength to fly from Chicago to Montreal to meet his second grandson for the first and last time. I wasn't conscious of the coincidence of timing when I printed this photo tonight to do a page, but I'm happy I finally documented this little anecdote, and am missing him even more now.

The design is based on a sketch by Anna Bjorklund for the Pencil lines blog.

I used two gorgeous sheets of paper from Studio Calico, and a tonne of stamps from Hero Arts, Tattered Angels, Prima Marketing, MME, and Memory Essentials. Tim Holtz Distress Inks, Staz On, Ranger Distress Crackle Paint, Adirondack Paint Dabber, Goosebumps Texture Spray. Copic Marker, Copic Multiliner, Omer De Serres Washi tape, Webster's Pages letter stickers and Basic Grey letter stickers.

Wandering aimlessly?

2011-10-14T01:10:00.001-04:00

I'm guessing I'm on the verge of another swing in my scrapbooking style. not sure where I'm going this time, or if I'll ever get back to a consistent look. Just take a look at my last few pages, and see why I say I'm all over the place again.

This one was a page I did for our Frugal Finds Challenge over at Practical Scrappers. Kerri had challenged Christine and I to use food colouring. I decided to make my own glitter glue, using up what was left in the kids' white glue bottle, adding green and blue food colouring, and some fine green glitter. I had fun experimenting, and squirting out swirls and flourishes onto my splat mat, hoping they would be usable once dry. They peeled of nicely, and the final colour reminded me so much of melted cotton candy that I knew exactly what photos to look to for inspiration. throw in a bunch of odds and ends from my scrappy "junk" drawer, and voila!

This one is fun, but that diamond pattern is a bit hard on the eyes. Very clean and graphic for me, it feels like it's been ages since I placed a photo straight on a page.

So this one ended up pretty straight too, but I'm not in love with the big space between my title words. I don't know why I insisted on keeping that large felt "you" , after not being able to make it work well. Perhaps because of how cute it looked with one of my handmade polymer acorns in the center of the "O".
I'm anxious to figure out where this transition is bringing me. It would be nice to have some layouts that I really love soon, but I know that my Mojo is just working through something lately, and it'll all come together soon.
I'll be sure to share once it does :)

PP ban.

2011-10-04T10:34:00.000-04:00

It's no secret that I love green, so it won't be a surprise either if I tell you this layout came together very quickly last night either. I pulled out a bunch of green scraps, and a few do dads lying around, including the photo which I had printed weeks ago. At first, I struggled to not add even a teensy bit of patterned paper, but really, with all the tools and techniques available to me, I didn't need it afterall.

Check out the Awesome projects done for today's Challenge me Tuesday over at Practical Scrappers.
I also have a painting featured over at Momenta today, and it's a bit out of character for me. Check it out to find out why.

Happy Tuesday!

World Card Making Day Hop!!

2011-10-01T06:00:00.076-04:00

To celebrate World Card Making Day, we are hosting a blog hop with our amazing design team in hopes of inspiring your creativity with our fabulous products!

To participate, all you have to do is leave a comment on each of the 16 blogs on the hop (a complete list is below). The deadline for commenting is 11:59 EST, Sunday October 2nd. Five winners will be chosen by Random.org on Monday, October 3rd and will be announced right here on the My Momenta blog! Each winner will be receiving one of our five boxed card kits…

Each Card Kit contains 12 Cards and envelopes. Assorted stickers, cardstock borders and gems!

We are even tossing in a BONUS entry! Simply head over to our facebook page after the blog hop, like us if you haven't already, and tell us that you blogged hopped with us! Don't forget to leave a comment on the Momenta blog letting us know you have completed the hop!

I had fun designing fast simple cards using Card Packs ( NC-1279), NC-1278 with Cardstock (PA-2370) and Sticker Kit (ST-4826) from the Let's Party Collection.

The letters on this one are from the 12 x 12 Brights Diecut Pad ( PA-2393). I added texture and dimension to them by dry embossing them with a stylus. It instantly adds extra character!

We hope that you have lots of fun and enjoy the wonderful creations from our Design Team!

Blog Hop Line Up --
•Start: Momenta (http://mymomentablog.blogspot.com/)
•Abigail Prado (http://www.faithabigaildesigns.com/)
•Aymee Gandy (http://www.southernbellescrapper.blogspot.com/)
•Carrie Walz (http://everydaymoments-carrie.blogspot.com/)
•Christine Meyer (http://scrappingwithchristine.blogspot.com/)
•Cristal Hobbs (http://blueyecicle.blogspot.com/)
•Erin Morehouse (http://girlpaperscissors.blogspot.com/) You are Here
•Jamie Cripps (http://jamielanedesigns.blogspot.com/) Go here Next!
•Joanna Bandelin (http://scrap-making.blogspot.com/)
•Jodi Wilton (http://luvalotland.blogspot.com/)
•Kristine Berc (http://stashofprettypaper.blogspot.com/)
•Linda Abadie (http://lindaabadie.com/)
•Monika Wright (http://iloveitallwithmonikawright.blogspot.com/)
•Sherri Thompson (http://www.sherrithompson.blogspot.com/)
•Bonus Entry: Tell us you hopped along on our Facebook page! (https://www.facebook.com/mymomenta)
•End: Momenta (http://mymomentablog.blogspot.com/)

I wasn't supposed to but...

2011-09-21T00:04:00.001-04:00

I borrowed Ethan's silly bands to do a scrapbook page. I asked permission to borrow them a few weeks ago and he said "No mama, they're gonna get all yucky..." It took me two weeks to find the darn things. Ethan couldn't tell me where they were, and had me checking our games closet over and over. I thought my four year old had gotten sly, and just conveniently forgot where they were- turns out daddy confiscated them for some reason and had stashed them in his closet amongst the sweaters...
It was fun, and definitely worth it- plus all the glimmer mists washed off fine!

Materials:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper
Patterned Paper: Tim Holtz, Echo Park
Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists (Inchworm, Fairway, Candy Apple, Pomegranate, Alaskan Salmon, Cornflower Daze)
Stamps: Clear Art Stamps
Ink: Ranger Distress Ink, Memento
letters: Bella Blvd, Glitz
die-cut: Scenic Route
flower: Prima Marketing
Brads: Doodlebug Design Inc, Basic Grey
Viva Decor Pens
Chipboard: Bo Bunny

SSSHHHH....Don't tell Ethan.

Quirky

2011-09-19T06:00:00.001-04:00

My little man has a cute little quirk of sticking out his tongue to the side. It lasted about a week or so, and I think it was teething related, but oh how cute! I'm sure I'll be doing a page devoted to the quirk, but I captured it in one of these bath photos I used on a page for Momenta.

Who could resist all those little ducks? Definitely not me!

Authentique Giveaway!

2011-09-15T20:25:00.000-04:00

Hurry over to Practical Scrappers to see how you could be entered in a draw to win some goodies from Authentique!
Today's post features some great pages made with their products!

colour challenge

2011-09-13T10:44:00.001-04:00

Last week, Practical Scrappers Challenge Me Tuesday was a colour challenge. I took my own bait, and created this:

I loved these papers when I saw them, even though they aren't my usual style. Actually nothing about this page is my usual style- heck, that's not even my photography! Gotta change things up every so often.

Materials:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper
PP: Authentique Blissful collection
Flowers: Prima Marketing
Gems: Zva Creative, Prima Marketing
Washi tape: Omer De Serres
Brads: Basic Grey
Letters: American Crafts
Mini Staples: Tim Holtz
Stamp & Ink: Memory Essentials
Journaling stickers: Authentique
Photo: Magenta Studio

Getting messy

2011-09-10T01:37:00.001-04:00

I'm always up for trying a new technique, and getting a bit messy. This month's Focus On Techniques challenge at Practical Scrappers was no exception. The technique we were tackling we're calling "double" embossing. The original technique is to cover your base paper with Versamark, or an embossing ink, and then with an embossing powder. Once heated, then dry emboss using an embossing folder, and sand to distress.

You know me, I can't follow the rules. ( Well I can, but it's just not as much fun!)
So I dry embossed first, hit the high areas with Top Boss, and then sprinkled on the embossing powder. Once heated, I used Glimmer mists, and a bit of Inca Gold by Viva Decor to distress the background. Definitely lots of fun, and worth playing with again!

Have a great week-end!

Monochromatic?

2011-09-09T15:40:00.000-04:00

I loved these photos of Parker after I caught him sneaking marshmallows. But try as I might, I couldn't seem to find any paper in my overfilled drawer that worked the way I wanted. I decided to take a look through a very "girly" collection of papers from Momenta, and voila- a very grey layout with a punch of colour! Check it out on the Momenta site!

PA 2383 Kaleidoscope Pyramid Pad

PA-2360 5 X 7 Cardstock Pad

ST-4765 Free to Be Me Puffy Flourish

ST-1814 Metallic Black Alphabet Stickers

ST-4777 Medium Puffy Zebra Alphabet Stickers

PA-2395 12 x 12 Die Cut Pad

PA-2390 Black and White 12 x 12 Textured Cardstock Pad

other materials:

Sandpaper

Pilot Rollerball pen

Viva Decor Pearl Pens ( Black & Turquoise)

Sizzix Die ( Doll Body)

EK Success Punch

La La Land Crafts for Kids Contest

2011-08-25T23:22:00.000-04:00

My boys (Ethan age 4 and Parker age 2) love it when I clear a space for them in my craft room and break out the punches and craft supplies. They've recently taken to stamping, and I keep tins of small stamps at hand just for them ( oh ok- sometimes I use them too). They even have a bin full of their own ink, and know how to clean the stamps when they are done. I've come to learn though there is one crafty technique they love more than stamping; they love to cut up paper. Armed with scissors, punches and a paper crimper, all I hear is cut, cut, cut ( they are boys after all).

I had stamped Star Boy Luka upon request for Ethan, and Fireman Luka for my Fireman crazed Parker so that they could make birthday bookmarks for a contest over at the new La-La Land Crafts for Kids blog. This is all we had to show for it:

by Ethan age 4 ( and 3/4)

by Parker age 2 ( and 3/4)

Not only that, they didn't even stick around long enough to help me clean up!

Oh well, I guess they take after me after all.

Challenged

2011-08-22T22:10:00.001-04:00

You know me, I love a challenge, so when I stumbled across a new blog called "Another freaking scrappy challenge" I had to check them out. I think I would have liked to try out for this design team, but it seems like recent projects and deadlines had me focused on other things.
Here's a age I've done based on their very first sketch challenge:

The challenge was to create a layout based on the sketch provided, and to document something funny.
My personal challenge was to dig in to some fun Fancy Pants product that's been neglected far too long.

Parkerisms

2011-08-22T16:48:00.000-04:00

I've been collecting Ethanisms and Parkerisms for some time now. Those cute little things my boys say as they are gaining new vocabulary, mispronouncing words and just being plain cute. I'll post them on Facebook as daily status updates, jot them into my notes on my phone, record them as a voice memo, or grab a nearby notebook. I don't manage to get them all written down, as live is crazy with 3 boys. but the ones I do are worth so much to me.

This layout I did using Momenta papers and embellishments, and you can see all the details on the Momenta blog.

My favorite parts are the orange elephant ( a perfect specimen for my son who loves both the colour orange and elephants) and the Fancy Pants felt borders with the tickets tucked into them.

And the winners are...

2011-08-08T10:46:00.001-04:00

The winners of the Card sets from this week-end's blog hop have been selected.
Just to let you know this was totally fair, as I selected numbers from 1-30 from Random.org

#18 Lynn
#28 Cozy Crop House

Cozy Crop House: Please e-mail me with your name and shipping address so I can get your cards out to you. Girlpaperscissors(at)hotmail.com

Lynn: I know where you live, I'll give you your cards when you come to visit your grandchildren next week...next time, I'll specify who is eligible for these draws :)

Here's a quick one I did, playing with Tattered Angels Glimmer Glam, Glimmer Glaze, ( on the Magenta Style Chipboard Bird), and a Viva Decor Pearl Pen.
(Other materials: MME papers, 3Bugs in a Rug Die cuts, Bella Blvd journaling block.)

Have a great day everyone!

Happy 2nd Anniversary Practical Scrappers!

2011-08-05T00:01:00.001-04:00

Thanks for joining us for the Practical Scrappers Blog Hop. We're sharing projects that relate to the number two since it's our second anniversary! Today I'm sharing a project with you about my second son's second birthday. We often lovingly refer to him as "Thing 2". I've got a RAK to give out to TWO followers of my blog and Practical Scrappers' blog. All you have to do is leave a comment letting me know you were here. I'll be giving away 2 sets of 5 hand stamped cards and envelopes.

Here's my project celebrating the number 2 :

Thanks for stopping by! Hop on over to see Jessica next!

We have an extremely talented group of designers, I know you'll enjoy checking out their blogs.

Practical Scrappers

Christine

Kerri

Erin You Are Here

Jessica Go Here Next

Teresa

Happy Scrapping,
Erin

Where did that come from?

2011-07-27T21:54:00.002-04:00

I've started to panic lately at the vast array of scrapbooking equipment and supplies that I own. Up until now, my organization system has kept me feeling in control of my addiction. I knew pretty much what I owned, and where it lived. Lately, I've noticed more and more product not fitting neatly into my methods. I'm loosing touch with what I have stashed away in the nooks and crannies. I have finally admitted that I may just have more stuff than I will ever be able to use in this lifetime.
Although I can honestly say I love 80-90 percent of the products I own, many of them are not in line with my usual whimsical style, and often get overlooked. Thank goodness I have friends who recognize my problem, and ~~force~~ help me to use up some things I normally wouldn't.
Here is a page created from a page kit assembled for me (from my own stash) by my buddies JJ and Claude:

I got to finally get some of my collection of Basic Grey into my trimmer, and use up the new buttons I've been hoarding. Best of all, I scrapped a photo that I would have kept putting off because it wasn't in line with the bright happy papers I'm usually knee deep in.

Oh! JJ? Claude? I only have one question...Where the heck did that tag come from? I has so much fun stamping and altering it, I want to know if I own more before I go out and buy some more...

Materials:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper
PP: Basic Grey, Tim Holtz
Letters: Jillibean Soup
Washi Tape: Omer de Serres
Stamps: Memory Essentials, unknown
Buttons:Crate Paper
Ink: Ranger Distress Ink, Memento
Tattered Angels Glimmer mist ( Raven)
Tattered Angels Antique Key
Tim Holtz Mini Staples
Adirondack Acrylic Paint Dabber ( Pebble)
Viva Decor Pearl Pens ( Chrome, Black)
Viva Decor Inca-Gold ( Hematite)
Pen: AC Precision Pen
graphite pencil
tag?
pen:

Funny Guy

2011-07-25T08:00:00.001-04:00

Here's a page I designed for My Momenta, using my new favorite find, Design Your Own Stickers. I really love this shot of my usually serious boy being goofy.

Materials:
ST-3956 Sticker Kit
PA-2330 Super Paper Pad
ST-4515 Design Your Own Sticker- Jennifer Upper Case
ST-1814 Crimped Glitter Black Alpha
ST-4074 One Fine Day Puffy Borders
Punches- Marvy Uchida, Martha Stewart
Bazzill White Cardstock

Popsicle sticks

2011-07-22T06:00:00.001-04:00

I'm loving the challenges that Christine, Kerri and I are giving each other over at Practical Scrappers each month, using dollarstore finds. It seems as if each month, I regard the challenge item with dread, and by the end of it, I'm pleasantly surprised by what I was able to create. This time around, Kerri challenged us to use popsicle sticks. Not a very inventive use on my part, by I like the effect I got on the wood of the craft sticks using Glimmer Mist, washi tape, and a texture stamp with ink. Believe it or not, once I stopped trying to weave the popsicle sticks together using embroidery floss, the whole page came together really fast using Momenta products and a Design Your own Sticker alphabet!

Materials:

Momenta ST-4765 puffy flourishes

Momenta PA-2240 12 x 12 paper pad

Momenta ST-4722 Family Outing, layered stickers

Momenta ST-4517 DYO Alphabet Sticker

Craft sticks: Dollarama

Tattered Angels Glimmer mist, Alaskan Salmon, Marmalade

Memento Ink, Rich Cocoa

Stamp: Impression Obsession

Design Your Own Sticker!

2011-07-21T12:43:00.001-04:00

Those of you who know all about my scrapbooking passion, may have come to realize just how much I love fonts, and letter stickers. I have 2 large drawers full, in every shape size and colour, for fear that I might not have just the perfect one when I need it ( and because I can't pass up a pretty package at the scrapbook store). I have recently discovered every alphabet loving scrapbooker's dream...Design your own Sticker by Momenta. Whether you stockpile out of sheer adoration, or are just starting out with limited supplies, who wouldn't love the option of always having the perfect letters for a layout or project at hand?
They are so easy to customize and print right from www.mymomenta.com , or you can download the template for one of the myriad of styles, and D-I-Y using Photoshop or a similar application.

Did I mention Momenta is running a fabulous contest right now using the Design your own Sticker?
If you're looking to "enhance" your collection of scrapbook supplies, Momenta is offering a 250$ coupon for Momenta product, plus 100$ CASH to the winning participant! You've got nothing to lose! Design Your Own Sticker products are sold at locations such as Hobby Lobby, Omer de Serres, Zellers and Walmart. If you can't find any near you, you can also e-mail social@momenta(dot)com, to get a free sample to participate with!! Hurry, Contest is open until August 24th!

Check it out here!

I know how to do that!

2011-07-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

I have a BFA. Before you try and google that and think I have some rare disease, it just means I have skills and knowledge that most of the "real world" don't see as relevant. Bachelor of Fine Arts, in Studio Arts and Art History to be exact. Some of my favorite courses in University were textile based technique classes. Printing and Dying techniques, Fibers structures etc. Fibers structures is where I learned how to build things using techniques like coiling, embroidery, basketry, weaving, tapestry weaving, and so on. Yeah I know, basket weaving in University...no really!

So I had to chuckle a bit when I started this week's Focus on Techniques project for Practical Scrappers. Having wrestled with approximately 20 open wire coat hangers and a ton of torn strips of rags in order to make an up-cyled shopping basket, I found that a few strips of paper, and some cardstock were relatively easy to manage. So Mom and Dad, if you're wondering if all that time and money actually ever paid off...

The jury might still be out on that one!

Materials used:

Momenta PA-0658 Primary Textured Cardstock 12 x 12
Momenta PA-2330 One Fine Day 12 x 12 Super Paper Pad
Momenta ST-2561 Pure- Polka Dot Puffy Alpha
Momenta ST-2600 Small Vibrant Chipboard Alpha
Momenta ST-3956 One Fine Day Sticker Kit
Bazzill Cardstock (white)

Quickest page ever...

2011-06-28T15:28:00.000-04:00

This might be it, my fastest page ever, or maybe just the fastest to come together that I liked.
This week's challenge at Practical Scrappers was to use bingo cards or markers on a project.
I printed a photo, pulled out the only bingo style thing I owned ( stamps from Maya Road). The cork that I stamped on and papers that I used were all sitting out on my desk waiting to be put away ( I knew there was a reason I wasn't cleaning up!).
I even grabbed some Distress Ink and Glimmer Mist to give the newspaper print a bit of sparkle.

PP: Echo Park-For the Record
Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Staz On
Stamps: Maya Road
Stickers: Echo Park- For The Record
Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist-Marshmallow
Cork: Karen Foster

TA-DA!

2011-06-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

From this:

To this:

It's been awhile since I've tackled an altered project, and this box has been hanging around forever waiting to be re-purposed. All it took was some fun papers and stickers from Momenta to inspire a cute set for Rowan's room.

I am so planning on making a matching lampshade too.

Products used:
Momenta ST-1650 Sticker Kit
Momenta PA-1992 Super Paper Pad
Momenta PK-2150 Scrapbook Pad ( green cardstock)
Momenta ST-1740 Pur Bubbles and Bling Stickers
Judykins Diamond Glaze
Tim Holtz Fragments
Harmonie Acrylic Shape- Hearts
Green Tara Mini Tassel Ribbon- Blue
The Robin's Nest Large Dew Drops- Clear
Crayola Model Magic- White
Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist ( Riptide and Denim)
Washi Tape (Omer De Serres)
Crafter's Acrylic Paint

The Middle Child

2011-06-26T01:01:00.001-04:00

Thanks to my friend Ursula, I have decided to read The Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman. I won't get into the details of what I'm learning about myself and my birth order, but I will tell you it is extremely interesting, and I'm hoping to gain some valuable insight into all my children's personalities, especially this one:

This past week or so he's developed an interest in all the locks on the bathroom doors and our bedroom door. Not so bad when he locks himself in and you coax him to unlock it, not so fun when he locks it and then runs from the room and closes the door behind him.
He's been quoting random things lately too, all in his crazed sing song Parker way, so there is little chance of figuring out where the original quote came from.
tonight at dinner he says "Call the fire brigade, my tongue is on FII-IRE!"( although he says brigand instead of brigade, I think this is from a game he plays on Boowa and Kwala)
Another thing he likes to say again and again, is "We'll get you what you want" ( I think this is from Backyardigans music we play in the car) and "KA-BOOOOO!" while he's trying to make his baby brother laugh, or drive his older brother crazy. He is a non-stop little ball of climbing, rolling, singing,roaring,bouncing-of-the-walls with energy little boy.
maybe this week I'll try and keep a little list of what my little hooligan gets into, it might make a fun page all on it's own.

The page was brought about by a friendly challenge we had between the admins of Practical Scrappers this month to use everyday tape on a project. I used scotch tape to seal some punched shapes and sequins to my background cardstock. I then had a blast doodling and adding details like stamps and Pearls with my Pearl Pen and Glitter Liner from Viva Decor.

Materials:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper
PP: Scenic Route, MME, Momenta
Sequins: Unknown
Letters: American Crafts
Pearl Pen, Glitter Liner by Viva Decor
Ink:Colorbox Ink- Quicksilver
Stamps: Outlines, unknown
Metallic pen: Pilot Super Color Silver

Rainy Day

2011-06-23T20:01:00.000-04:00

Today was a rainy day. I used to love rainy days, I'd curl up with a big mug of tea, read a book, do something creative, have a nap. Now I have 3 kids. Three very active kids. ( well ok one REALLY active, 2 kinda active kids). I really dislike rainy days.

Today's craft took all of 2 minutes to prepare, and unfortunately it kept the kids attention just about as long. I need to find something easy enough for them to do that will also keep them busy for at least 10 minutes.

I had to make one to show them how to do it, and I applied the glue and drew the smile. I love Ethan's rainbow hued guy. We also put magnets on the backs so they could play with them on the fridge downstairs. Too bad I banned them from the room about 20 minutes later for being too rambunctious.

In other creative adventures, here's a page I made a couple of weeks ago for a store sample using the new BabySaurus line from Little Yellow Bicycle.

The best part of this one for me was the orange swirls which were scraps left over from a diecut I made, and getting to use one of my new paper/pearl pens from Viva decor. These are my new go to scrapbooking supply. They are really just too much fun to use.

The Dadbots

2011-06-19T06:00:00.001-04:00

Well that's what I'm nicknaming them...

My first challenge as a Design Team member for Momenta, was to create something for Father's Day. With the Canada Post strike still going strong, I decided I couldn't wait for my product to arrive to start creating. Luckily, I was able to find 3 locations nearby who carry a selection of ATD Momenta product.

These robot stickers just had to come home with me! Perfectly themed for my Sci-Fi television loving hubby:

Ethan had fun telling me which robot was him, which one was Parker, and which one was Rowan. He changed his mind a few times, but it seems Rowan will always be the smallest robot no matter what.

Here's the inside:

Happy Father's Day to all the great Dads out there!

Do's and don't for crafting father's day gifts with the kiddos

2011-06-17T15:44:00.002-04:00

**ETA do not post Father's day gifts to your blog/facebook before giving the gift to your spouse. ( I feel so dumb)

do prepare as much as possible ahead of time.
do keep things as simple as possible
do try and make sure it's something dad will use/love
do keep 2.5 year old away from paints after application
do try and keep your patience under control while controlling paint smeared 2.5 year old
do not try and paint a 6 months old hands and expect a clean handprint on anything except what you are wearing.
do not think you can juggle 20lb baby in one arm, hold back one painted limb, and apply second painted hand/foot to paper.
do not panic if baby eats green tempera paint ( try not to at least)
do not attempt getting paint anywhere near the 6 month old without another adult around for help...
do try and craft as near as possible to an area where everyone can be easily hosed down!

do try this at home- it was worth it!

I got the idea here

more flowers?!

2011-06-07T00:01:00.000-04:00

Can you believe I'm still making flowers? me? mom of 3 boys!? This time it's for our weekly feature Challenge me Tuesdays over at Practical Scrappers, This week we're featuring the scalloped circle. Good thing I own 4 different sized punches! Here's a quick card I made using every one of them!

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper

pp: Echo Park| Little boy

Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Inks, Scrappy Cat

Rub-On: Creative Imaginations

Stamp and Die Cut: Die-namics

Cuttlebug embossing folder

Brad:Heidi Swapp XL Brad

Paper pens: Viva Decor

I cut petals into each circle between the scallops, and then embossed and curved them with a stylus to give dimension. If I had a few more sizes of punches, I could have made an impressive marigold.

I used a Paper Pen to create the yellow dots on the brad in the flower center. you have to do this in layers and let it dry well in between, or the "pearls" will merge together. I also drew the veins on the leaves with my green Paper pen, and once dry, inked a few green shades of Distress over top.

Blog hopping, and loving summer!

2011-06-05T00:00:00.000-04:00

Practical Scrappers is hosting a Summer Kick-Off Blog Hop! Christine has assembled a great line-up of blogs for you this week, each with a variety of different ideas to share. to start the hop, and check out opportunities for some great prizes, go to Practical Scrappers.

Ahhhhhhh...

2011-06-04T16:29:00.000-04:00

It seems after we finally get the boys fed, bathed and tucked in bed, I have very little energy to create. Even if I was waiting all day to work on a specific project, by the time I can actually tackle it, the motivation and drive are gone. If I am lucky enough and the stars align, I usually can bet that's the night the baby will be up several times and need to be nursed back to sleep. So when the mood strikes, I gotta jump on it, even if it means staying up into the wee hours to put the finishing touches on a layout. Having a page that I actually like in my hands the next morning, makes the extra grogginess worth it.

I broke out some old Sizzix Die to cut the cork, and used a pearl pen to make the grass.

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper

PP: Echo Park/Little Boy

Trim: Doodlebug Design Inc.

Chipboard letters: Best Creation

Pearl pen by Viva Decor

Sizzix Dies

Adhesive Cork: Karen Foster

Tiny staples: Tim Holtz

Announcing:

2011-06-01T18:21:00.000-04:00

My newest Design Team!

I'm really looking forward to a new challenge, and to working with some great ladies!

little flowers

2011-05-29T23:30:00.001-04:00

I recently saw a great idea for a teacher's gift that I just had to make. Originally, the idea was for a gift card bouquet made by Amy. Since the mom's collecting for the gift were getting one gift card per teacher, each child has decorated or had help writing a message to be placed inside of their flower. I wrote each child's name on an attached leaf.

I think we're going to get each one a nice pot or vase to go with these.

I used the Cricut Mother's Day Bouquet cartridge for the flowers, embedded embossing with embossing folders to set the coloured centers into the white ( love this technique!), and SCAL to weld together the leaves and cut them on the Cricut. This project has me thinking I need a Gypsy.

I used bamboo skewers for the stems and a styrofoam cone for the base.

I can't wait until next week to have the children present them!

Getting Creative

2011-05-28T15:25:00.000-04:00

Sometimes it just takes a challenge to get my creative juices flowing. Unfortunately, I never seem to remember this whenever I get into a little slump. At any rate, I challenged my fellow administrators; Christine and Kerri over at Practical Scrappers to a friendly monthly challenge using items found at the local dollar store ( or hardware store).

This month, the challenge was coffee filters. Odd? well not really given that companies like Fancy Pants are selling diecuts made of the same thing for about 40 times the price.

Here are my layouts, but there are also more fun techniques and ideas posted in today's post at Practical Scrappers.

I folded the filters like you would if you were going to make snowflakes. Although I freehand cut the edges, you could just as easily use pinking shears or deco scissors. Another fun thing to try while you've got your filter all folded up- punch holes in it using your crop-a-dile.

I had lots of fun adding glimmer mist to these as well, because they are white and the colours show so true, and it doesn't matter how much you mist them, they dry flat.

After they dried, I stamped using my texture stamps and Staz On inks.

This page was made using the same folding technique, but I figured out that if I took a stamp, and stamped onto the folded filter and then trimmed around it, I could easily figure out where to place repeated stamped images in order to create a pattern. I think I tried this with robots, spaceships, elephants as well as flowers and frilly stamps- it was lots of fun!

I may just have to do a video tutorial so you can all see how crazy I really am.

2011-05-26T22:44:00.000-04:00

Did I mention the best part of my Mother's day was when my husband agreed to take my camera and get a few shots of me with my boys? I don't love having my picture taken, but I really dislike not being in them. Chaos is the only word I can think of when I try to describe what it is like to get all of the kids into a shot, all facing the camera at the same time. Smiles all around would be great, but not very likely. An added bonus to being in the shot? I can sneak some much neglected pink product onto my scrapbook page!
YAY!

Materials:
PP: MME Twist of Lime, Bella Blvd.
Diecuts: Jillibean Soup
Letters: Jillibean Soup, Adornit
Rub-ons: American Crafts
Pearls: Basic Grey
Gems: Dollarama, Kaisercraft

Pink Elephants and Corrugated Cardboard

2011-05-15T02:04:00.003-04:00

It's not as interesting as it sounds really, but I've been making cards again. I might actually be starting to like the whole process of card making more- I know I say that with each new batch...

The first one was made for a challenge on the CARDS blog using 100% pink product. This is a huge challenge for a mom of 3 boys who has very little in the way of pink anything in her arsenal. Can you believe other than the sheet of pale pink Core-dinations and the Double Dot ( Bo Bunny) cardstock that I used on this card, I do not own a single sheet of pink cardstock?! I had to dig and dig just to find those!Thank goodness for scraps!

This one was for my brother-in- law's birthday. He's got a cute bulldog, so I couldn't resist this La La Land Stamp of Luka and Tuffy, and colouring Tuffy to look more like his dog Winston. I haven't played around with monochromatic colouring much until now, and it was a quick job, but I'm pretty pleased all things considered.

I got some great shots of Parker outside in the rain today. He looked like a sad puppy at the window after nap asking me if he could go outside. He kept saying " I lub the rain... " I did what any mother who is off her rocker would have done. I put on his boots and coat, gave him his choice of umbrella and took him out to splash in the puddles and mud of a half completed back yard ( loads of mud!!)

Jillibean Soup Projects

2011-05-06T16:02:00.000-04:00

I realized I still had lots of projetcs I hadn't shared yet on my blog. Mainly Projects using Jillibean Soup products. I went all crazy before the last design team call, and then put all my Jillibean aside for awhile.

Good pages, although not stellar...The boys absolutely love the clock, I have it hanging in our laundry room, and they comment on it all the time. I think they just love seeing photos of us as a family everyday.

pink and blue

2011-05-03T20:07:00.000-04:00

Here are 2 very different pages if ever I saw...both based on April's Sketches from Practical Scrappers
I must say getting the chance to take pictures of my friend's newborn daughter was a treat in itself, let alone getting to play around with frilly girly scrapbook supplies for a change!

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper
PP: Basic Grey, Tim Holtz
Flowers: Making Memories, American Crafts
Brads: Basic Grey
Pebbles: Prima Marketing
Gems: Zva Creative
Mist: Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist
Stamps: Unity, Tattered Angels
Inks: Memento, Ranger Distress Ink

PP: My Mind's Eye

Chipboard: MME, Pebbles

felt: TOGA

Gems: Prima Marketing, Doodlebug Designs Inc.

Ink: Colorbox

Mist: Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist

Easter on time

2011-04-27T00:03:00.001-04:00

I can't believe I actually got Easter photos scrapbooked already! This must be a record for me or something! I just put away my Christmas and winter papers, because I was holding out hope that I'd get a few more pages done for those, but I guess I'm moving on to more recent pics.

Materials:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper
Bazzill Perfectly Pleated paper
PP: WRMK, Scenic Route, Reminisce
Letters: Bella Blvd.
Flowers: Making Memories, EK Sucess punch
Dew drops : The Robin's Nest
Chalkboard Glimmer Mist by Tattered Angels: Firefly
White corrugated cardboard: Omer De Serres
Sizzix Die, Ek Success Punch, Martha Stewart Punch
Die cut: MME

Materials:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper
pp: Echo Park
Border strips: Doodlebug Designs Inc. Frills ( crimped)
letters: Jillibean Soup, Bella Blvd.
Buttons: Doodlebug Designs Inc.
Stickers: Echo Park
Journaling spot: Jillibean Soup
White corrugated cardboard: Omer de Serres
Cricut Doodlecharms Cartridge

That covers Ethan and Parker, but what about baby Rowan? I really didn't get many photos of him over Easter, so I'll have to think up some way to make a page to commemorate his first without any really "Easter-y" photos

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T23:58:00.000-04:00

Basic Grey- Hopscotch

I haven't posted in awhile, neglecting my personal blog mainly because of life, and because I haven't been very creative lately. Wait- now that I think about it, my creativity just displaced itself for a few weeks- making Easter chocolates, making and decorating cupcakes for Ethan's preschool, and well, with a teething baby( it's been weeks of drool and complaints, but no teeth yet), and a tornado Parker, there is only so much a mama can do.
I've also been busy building up the courage to start a few paintings I've been thinking about..

Here's another store sample I did for Scrapbook Centrale. It uses papers by Basic Grey, and Cork shapes by Magenta which I inked with some chalk inks.

I'll be back again sometime this week I promise- right now, I'm feeling the effects of too much Easter candy, and not enough sleep.

Happy Easter!
Erin

Bella Blvd Giveaway!

2011-04-13T14:54:00.000-04:00

If you know me, you'll know I gravitate towards graphic, colourful papers and embellishments. Bella Blvd. is one company that I consider a staple in my stash. Happy day when we found out that Bella Blvd. was giving us some goodies to play with, and for giveaways! Head over to the Practical Scrappers blog to find out how you can win some Bella Blvd!

here are a few older projects of mine featuring Bella Blvd. product. To see some new ones, head over to Practical scrappers to see tomorrow's post.

Good Luck!

Perfect

2011-03-29T10:52:00.001-04:00

I found myself lamenting that I don't have any great shots of my babies and I in the hospital. When I did force a camera into my hubby's hands with our second son, The resulting photos were a little too intimate, and I cringe at the triple chin created by the angle of my head and hospital bed as I strained forward to see the baby. After all the complaining I did, I don't blame him for not getting me in the pictures this time around.

This time around, the morning we were scheduled to leave the hospital ( after 1 night only) I decided to take matters into my own hands and snap a couple of shots with my phone. Not perfect by any means, but at least I have them.

The title of this layout is Perfect. not the photo, but the sweet angel in my arms, the memory and the moment. Perfect. ( oh heck, maybe I have to go back and change my journaling now!)

Materials:

Pp: My Mind's Eye- Stella and Rose

Cork: Magenta

Vintage Lace

MME Journaling spot

Ranger Distress Ink

Gems: Dollarama

Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist

Gutterman thread

Cardmaking

2011-03-26T18:23:00.000-04:00

I am the first to say that I don't really see myself as a cardmaker, although I haven't given a store bought card now in years, and all our friends expect their handmade creations at every event. I just don't make a habit of making cards "just because". Since I've been asked to make some cards for my LSS showcasing new stamps though, I find I'm slowly starting to gravitate towards wanting to make more cards...

materials:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Prism Simply Smooth
Pp: Doodlebug Design Inc, WRMK
Copic Markers
Distress Stickles
Ink: Memento
Stamp: La La Land Crafts

Materials: Bazzill Basics Paper
Pp: WRMK
Stamp: Penny Johnson
Ink: Memento
Copic Markers

This next one wasn't for a sample, but for a very special little girl born on Thursday to our good friends.

Materials:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Prism Simply Smooth
Pp:Scrapmode
Flowers: Prima
Brads, Basic Grey, Dollarama
Rub-On: American Crafts
Copic Markers
Ink: Memento, Distress Ink
Stamp: Impression Obsession
Digi Stamp: Mo Manning (diaper crew)

Definitely more pink on these three than I've used in a long time!

Sooo tired.

2011-03-24T16:33:00.001-04:00

Busy as usual, working on less sleep than should be legally allowed. To add to the crazy nights in this house, I just removed the side of Parker's crib and made it into a "big boy" bed today. Naptime went off without a hitch, but if any of you know Parker, mayhem is inevitable.

Today after nap, Parker and I are having a little snack with milk, and I'm busy filling out a field trip permission slip for Ethan's preschool. Parker looks at me and says " MA-MA! don't draw and drink!" I had to laugh and reply " don't draw and drink?" Parker says " No, just drink!"

Here are a couple of pages I managed to do on Saturday, when the girls came over for an all day baby friendly crop.
You'll notice how sad Parker looks in the bottom photo- let's just say Gingerbread house construction was stressful this year, and poor Parker seemed to get the brunt of Mommy and Daddy's impatience. I've mentionned it before, but royal icing and two year olds are not meant to go together- EVER.

Materials:

Cardstock: Kraft ( Unknown)

Pp: American Crafts, Echo Park

Chipboard: Bo Bunny

Felt: Artemio

Stickers: Echo Park, Kaiser Kraft

Tattered Angels Glimmer mist ( Candy Apple)

Distress Stickles ( Picket Fence, Rock Candy )

Materials:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper
Pp: Sassafras Lass
Diecuts: Sassafras Lass, Jillibean Soup
Stickers: American Crafts
Bling: Prima Marketing
Felt: Hero Arts
Chipboard: MME

hello paint, it's been awhile...

2011-03-14T23:51:00.000-04:00

The last few projects I did which involved paint, were large scale murals for babies rooms. fun, but not particularly artistically rewarding. I calculated the other night that it's been close to 8 years since I've touched a canvas, perhaps even more, as I recall being deep into fiber arts and drawing in my last year of university classes. I shouldn't have been surprised that many of the tubes of acrylic paint lying in the bottom of my dusty red metal toolbox were dried up and ready for the bin. I was surprised at how easily the memories came flooding back when I examined the contents of my paintbox. I could remember the excitement of acquiring a new shade, or a new brush, projects I worked on, people I worked with, a different time, a different me, but I remember totally loving art, and my creative process.

My first canvas done for a workshop that I'm currently taking called the She Art Workshop from Christy Tomlinson, is a mere 6 x 12 inches- miniature compared to canvases I've worked on in the past. I knew I didn't need to take the class to learn techniques but I did hope to gain a kick in the pants, and an excuse to paint again. What I have come away with so far, is permission to allow my craft to intermingle with my art. My aha moment was as I was applying much neglected rub-ons from my scrapbook stash to the layers of paint, paper ink and gel medium on my canvas- I thought "now I know where I can use these damn things!"

I have to admit, I took a lot of liberties, and changed things up a bit from Christie's instruction, but then again, I wouldn't have had as much fun had I copied her process and design.
Here's my first She Art girl:

Materials:
Paper: Bazzill Basics Paper, American Crafts, Bella Blvd., Jillibean Soup
Stamps: La Blanche, Gel-a-tins, unknown
rub-ons: Heidi Grace, Prima Marketing, Basic Grey, Hambly
Ribbon: Doodlebug Design Inc
Ink: Ranger Distress Ink, Colorbox, Staz On
pens: Pilot V7, Bic Mark-it
Paint: Liquitex
gel medium: Omer de Serres
Sealant: Mod Podge

Busy busy

2011-03-10T23:11:00.000-05:00

Having 3 little boys is definitely proving to be a handful! In addition to being on the admin team for Practical Scrappers, I'm busy making samples with new CHA products for my local scrapbook store, and have just hijacked the store's blog from the owner. I've also been busy preparing for an upcoming manufacturer design team call- the first call this year that I just had to make time for! I'm doing an online workshop too, and hope to be digging out my canvas and art supplies again soon- oh! this could get messy...

I know I've been posting less recently, but here are a few layouts to hold you for now:

Materials:
cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper
pp: October Afternoon, Sassafras Lass, MME, Bo Bunny
chipboard, diecuts: MME
pearls: Basic Grey
pen: Uniball Signo, Copic Multiliner
self adhesive cork

Materials:

pp: Jillibean Soup
diecuts: Jillibean Soup
stickers: Jilllibean Soup
pen: Bic Mark-it
pearls: Basic Grey
brads: Doodlebug design Inc.

For the Record

2011-02-20T23:06:00.002-05:00

That's the name of the new Echo Park paper collection that I played with last night between feeding a fussy baby and trying to give someone computer support via chat on Facebook- never a great idea unless both parties know a great deal more about computers than either of us did- lots of room for mis-communication.

Anyways, I've been meaning to get some photos of my mom with the boys scrapped, but never really had the "right" papers. These papers are a bit different for me, but I can't wait to play with the whole collection now that I've had a taste. I was a bit of a bum, and swapped these with the Springtime collection I was originally given, (since I don't have much use for pinks and pastels) I'm kinda kicking myself, because I wish I could have seen what my pal JJ would've created with this line. ( sorry JJ!)

I did have some fun breaking out the distress inks, and my edge distresser, as well as fussy cutting and layering some of the cool stickers.

Safari Boy- Creative Imaginations

2011-02-19T15:07:00.001-05:00

More page samples- this time using papers I would never have thought to pick up off the shelf at the scrapbook store. This collection by Creative Imaginations is packed with glitter, something I'm not usually drawn to, but by the end of the process, I was really getting quite fond of. This glitter is kind of "enameled" on the paper, so there's no worry about the mess of traditional glitters, plus it gives some great dimension and texture to the designs.

I was surprisingly happy with the resulting pages- once again, the subject helps!

I stuck to using only elements from the collection, plus a liitle Bazzill Cardstock and decorative edges; and for me not to break out a sheet of alphabet stickers is unusual to say the least!

monkeys, spaceships, robots and superheroes

2011-02-18T15:18:00.001-05:00

I've been making sample pages with some new lines of papers over the past few weeks. I can't believe that 3 separate manufacturers went with the space theme all at the same time, and that 2 of them incorporate monkeys! Since we have robot crazy and monkey crazy boys in this house, I won't complain too much.

These lines are both mini collections from Reminisce. super cute, The 12x12 oversized sticker sheets were my favorite things to work with in this line.

I've already given in the pages I did using Bo Bunny's Blast Off Collection, and Fancy Pants' To The Moon Collection, forgetting to take photos of them. They've both got bright fun papers, Bo Bunny with cute monkey astronauts and constellations! I've already pre-ordered one of everything in the To The Moon line, and this one is so versatile, there are papers I know I'll be buying multiples of.

I'm certainly happy I caved and got both boys Super Hero Starter kits in Ethan's scholastic book order last month, as I'll be needing lots more photos like this one:

Have a great week-end!

Erin

Crayola Vs. Copic

2011-02-15T15:58:00.001-05:00

I haven't posted in awhile, just been busy with the kiddos, and trying to get some sleep whenever I can.
I had to stop by today though just to share a little gem with you.
Parker has been a VERY busy 2 year old lately, and this morning was no exception. I was ready to blow my gasket when he kept trying to grab the Copic markers from the bag on my table. I set him up with some white cardstock, and a bucket of his Pipsqueak Crayola markers. He still insisted on taking mine...I then fanned out all his colors on the table in front of him, and said "see? look at all the pretty colors you have!" his reply " Yeah but they not have names on the bottoms of dem!"

How could I argue?

1 hour layout contest

2011-01-22T22:08:00.003-05:00

Here it is...and with 8 minutes to spare! whew!

this was done for a 1 hour challenge at Practical Scrappers.

now for the long part...

Materials:

Cardstock: Bazill Basics Paper

PP: Echo Park- Little boy

diecut: MME- Breakfree

letters: American Crafts

Stickers: Echo Park

felt shapes: Lil Davis, Dollarama, American Crafts, Artemio, Hero Arts, Maya Road...

Pins: Maya Road

Brads: Creative Imaginations

Dew drops: The Robin's Nest

pearls: Dollarama

flourishes: Basic Grey

Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink-Vintage Photo and Black Soot

From A to Z

2011-01-22T10:39:00.000-05:00

I started out working with a cute new line by Reminisce last night for my LSS. Clean, Crisp, very cute and graphic. 2 successful pages if I do say so...

Enter JJ. My friend, crop buddy, and Glimmer mist Guru.

The evening ended in a flurry of mist, ink, rubber stamps and embossing powder, and a hungry baby who put a fast stop to all the craziness.

My head is still reeling from the extreme change of direction, and now I'm very impatiently waiting for the paper to dry so I can get messy again.

For now, let me share this page I did with my new favorite line from My Mind's eye. ( Alphabet Soup)

I love that this line is so colourful, and was surprised when I ended up with such a subdued monochromatic layout.

Materials:
PP: MME Alphabet Soup
Chipboard: MME
Letters, American Crafts, October Afternoon
Ranger Distress Stickles: Picket Fence
Ranger Distress Ink: Pumice Stone

Crossing my fingers.

2011-01-20T19:05:00.000-05:00

Wow. Can you believe I got another page done today?! I didn't get a shower, and I got drive thru McDonald's for the kids lunch...but ANOTHER page! :)
This is doing wonders for my mood. Almost as good as sleep!
Here's my little man at almost 7 weeks old. The animals are pop dotted in different spots and at different heights.

Materials:

Cardstock:Coredinations

PP:MME Alphabet Soup

Die-cuts: MME

Letters:American Crafts, Webster's Pages

gems:Doodlebug designs inc.

pen:Staedtler Triplus Fineliner

Hello Mojo!

2011-01-19T23:26:00.000-05:00

Oh I've been itching to scrapbook for what seems like months now! Now that I got a few warm up pages under my belt, I'm happy to say I can feel the mojo starting to come back. I had forgotten how it seems like your "normal" life is over when you have a baby, and you seem to exist on whatever food and sleep you can slip in between all the baby's needs. I thought I'd never scrapbook again. It's amazing what you can get done with a baby carrier and some crafty distractions for the preschool monkeys.
Simple, but right up my colour scheme!

Materials:
Cardstock: Bazill Basics Paper
PP: Creative Imaginations, American Crafts, Basic Grey
letters: Basic Grey, Pink Paislee
Colour Mist: Tattered Angels Chalk Mists
Pen: Copic Multiliner 0.5

Shh..baby's sleeping!

2011-01-16T01:47:00.002-05:00

I know I'm going to regret this in the morning, when my 2 year old is bouncing off the walls at 7am, but I took advantage of a very rare thing in this house; a sleeping baby. Rowan does sleep, only he fits it in between the constant feedings, and chooses to nap mainly in my arms or daddy's. I've had to resort to letting him sleep in our bed, and nurse at will at night, It's the only way either of us gets any sleep. Tonight, he's passed out in Daddy's arms, and I'm sure by now Daddy's passed out too.

I'll be a zombie in the morning, but I'm kinda getting used to the sleep deprivation now after almost 7 weeks...and, I got 2 layouts done!!

Here's my favorite -The colour is really off, but that's what you get for taking pictures in your basement scraproom at 1:30am!

The title was totally stolen from an American Crafts sticker, but It was so cute I had to use it!

Materials:

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper

PP: Bella Blvd, Basic Grey

Chipboard: American Crafts

Letters: American Crafts

Brad: Doodlebug designs inc.

pen: Staedtler triplus fineliner

where does time go?

2010-12-10T15:45:00.000-05:00

As I sit here nursing our 18 day old son, I'm thinking of the events of this day 4 years ago, when I first began this strange journey of motherhood. My feelings of elation and shock as they handed me an 8lb 2.5 oz. baby with a scrunched up little face. Our little Ethan. I was so unsure of what kind of a mother I would be, if i'd know what to do when I needed to. I remember being calm about the whole parenting thing once we got him home, but at the same time terrified for the day when my husband would go back to work.
Fast forward 4 years, and add 2 more babies- now I look back and realize how easy it really was with one baby. I definitely have more confidence in my parenting abilities, but I still have days when I question if I'm a good mom, and if I'm doing the right things for my kids.

Four years ago today I became a mom for the first time to a sweet little boy:

A little boy who today at 4 years old is still showing me the limits of my patience, helping me discover my creativity in things like cake decorating and toy mending. Helping me to become more diplomatic in matters of sharing and compromise, be a better listener, storyteller, tucker inner, and all the things a mom needs to know.

What other job do you know where you start with no previous experience or training, and learn on the job? I've got 4 years experience now, but I still feel totally unprepared for the challenges ahead...

I must be doing something right.

Happy Birthday Ethan!

He's here!

2010-11-30T15:59:00.001-05:00

Now that our newest addition has arrived, life will definitely take some time to get back to some sense of "normal". Both Ethan and Parker seem excited to have a new baby brother, but also seem to have forgotten how to listen, and how to generally behave with some amount of control; making me wonder if I can survive life with 3 boys.

Rowan Craig Kislingbury
Born November 22, 2010 at 12:52pm
4055 grams ( 8lbs 15 oz)
22.5 inches

The blondest by far of our 3 boys at birth, he was born 4 hours and 2 minutes after my doctor broke my water to induce labor.
It was a fast and intense labor, but instant and complete adoration.
My doctor checked me before leaving to return to his office saying "you're only 6cm dilated, and your cervix is still posterior- they'll call me when you reach 8 or 9cm..."
I muttered under my breath to my husband "8-9 cm will be much too late..."
15 minutes later I new the baby was coming fast so we called in the nurse Julie.
She checked me and said I was 7 cm. With the next few contractions I must have fully dilated and my cervix moved forward, because Rowan was determined to make his entrance right away.
With no time to spare, I had a nurse on either side of me, my feet on their hips ( no time to get stirrups). I felt the baby crown, and reached down to feel his fuzzy little head. It seemed then like both Rowan and I were suspended in time while I waited for a contraction. The nurses told me to give a little push if I wanted when the next one hit, but it seemed like forever waiting. I pushed a bit anyway, eager to relieve the pressure and meet my son. In a blink he was out, on my chest and in my arms. I felt the pulse of the umbilical cord, and watched as Mark cut it. I was so happy to be as aware and present as I was for this delivery.

I can see my toes, put on my own shoes and socks, bend over fully and play with my kids on the floor again. My hips no longer ache, the heartburn is gone, and I'm 14 pounds lighter 8 days post delivery.

I already miss being pregnant.

If I didn't have half a brain, and 3 boys already, I think I'd do it all over again and again...

Back on track...for now

2010-11-11T23:40:00.000-05:00

It's been a long time since I've posted anything, and a long time since I've done any real scrapbooking. Now that my studio space is 98% complete, I've finally started to get back into the groove. I'm sure the impending arrival of this baby will throw another monkey wrench in my creative endeavors for some time, so I figured I may as well share the few pages I've gotten done recently. Not the best photos, but I'm dealing with a whole new set of lights now, and I'll need to figure out the best technique.

Materials:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper
PP: Echo Park
Washi Tape: The Greeting Farm
Trim: May Arts
Letters: American Crafts
Robots: Maya Road
Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist: English Ivy
pen: Copic Multiliner

Materials:
PP: My Mind's Eye
Chipboard: MME, Pebbles
Trim: May Arts?
Letters: American Crafts
Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist: Raven
Mask: Maya Road Chipboard negative
Ranger Distress Ink: Black Soot

Mini Letters: Cosmo Cricket

Glossy Accents

Floss: Karen Foster

Google eye: Stash

Materials:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper
PP: Bo Bunny, DCWV

Diecut Spider: Cricut Doodlecharms

Rub-On: Bo Bunny
Letters: Doodlebug Design Inc.
Glitter: Doodlebug Design Inc.
Buttons & Google Eyes: Stash
Ranger Stickles: Lavender, Gunmetal
Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist: Raven
Ranger Distress Ink: Black Soot
Glossy Accents
pen: Copic Multiliner 0.5

Believe it or not I'm actually working on a double page layout right now- more Halloween goodness. What can I say? I have way too much Halloween paper in my collection, and need to do more than one layout this year to account for it. ( so I can buy more next year of course!)

This is where I used to scrap...update

2010-10-19T23:55:00.000-04:00

The title of this post should really be " This is where I should be scrapping..." Although the cabinets are still on time, and will arrive tomorrow afternoon, I still only have a half tiled shower stall and an ungrouted floor. Let's not harp on the fact that the electrical needs to be redone based on some insight we were given today by a separate team of electricians who were here on an unrelated mission ( more on that in a bit). The last guy who was here doing tile it turns out was really a great mason, but not so great at tile. We had to ask that the entire shower be demolished and restarted ( yeah it was THAT bad). The painters came and left, but the newly painted walls only made the shoddy plaster work more visible. So I have a beautiful grey green shade on the walls covered now by a million plaster touchups that are still waiting to be sanded. None of this is really stressing me out though. I actually find it all kinda comical really. I know that it will be done eventually, and all the mess ups are going to hopefully be at our contractors expense and not ours. Why so Zen you ask? I have bigger fish to fry...

Friday was a miserable windy rainy day. Actually really windy and rainy. So windy and rainy that I wasn't the least bit surprised when our power went out. I was in the middle of putting the kids down for nap, and I thought I heard a big thwangy sound when it went. I can't describe the sound really, but it's one I heard many times as a 1998 ice storm survivor. Now that I think about it, It must be the sound of a tree taking out a power line- serious, but not as scary sounding as a transformer blowing up. So the power was out for an hour or so when I noticed an orange amber light reflecting against my bathroom wall from the window; it was accompanied by a large electrical buzzing and then a loud thud type of a bang. Just enough to make me jump a little. I called our electric company to report the equipment damage, in case they were trying to locate issues while getting the power back up, and they told me that statistically, we should be out of power for at least 3 hours. "Hmmm- that means dinner out" was my first thought. Luckily, my husband called to say that his work was also out of power, and that he'd be coming home early.
So Mark got home shortly after the kids woke up from nap, we packed them up and went to the mall, then out for dinner. When we returned home, all our neighbors houses were lit up, but ours was still pitch black. Mark ran in ahead and checked the breaker panel, only to find several of the breakers tripped. He flipped them all back on, and we headed into the house. That's when we started discovering all kinds of issues- My fridge wasn't working, my computer wasn't turning on. several light switches didn't work... the list kept growing- our microwave ( the light inside comes on when you open the door, and the turntable starts rotating although there is no power to the main screen)- more outlets and lights( including a shattered halogen in our bathroom) A surge protector saved our television and stereo components. ( ladies if your husband wants to spend 100$ on a device to help clean the power and help picture clarity on his brand new flatscreen tv- let him get it- it saved ours from being BBQ!)

Last night Mark tried to pour the kids a bath and turn on the bubbles, only to find our newly installed air bubble tub unresponsive.

Today we had a team of electricians in to do a major diagnostic of our house to assess the damage, as well as the technician for the fridge, and a technician for the alarm system ( add to that the tile guys). More news- heated floor control fried in our upstairs bathroom, blown dimmer switches and yes the news that perhaps the new electrical being run in my studio/laundry room isn't up to code. GRRRR!

Now its like the last 2 years of renovations and improvements were like 100 steps forward, and now 99 steps backwards. Our insurance company doesn't cover electrical damage like this, unless of course it was caused by a force of god. Hydro Quebec, although they at times seem like it, do not fall under this category. They did say that if a fire had resulted from any of it, that would have been covered!

So we're crossing our fingers that the electric company will accept liability, and help us by covering the cost of the repairs and replacements, and that the main circuit board needed to fix our fridge arrives in less than the week or so they predict...

This is where I used to scrap...

2010-09-30T18:03:00.000-04:00

Yet another installment in the renovation story. I'm afraid I've been so stressed by all that has been going to even want to write about it. There have been days where I've waited in vain for Sub-contractors to arrive, after being told by our contractor to expect them. Days being confined to the house with one or both kids, who just need a trip to the park. There have been delays and poor communication all around, leaving both my husband and I with a bad taste in our mouths.

I won't go into detail, because I'm glad to hopefully have the worst of it behind us. The drywall is up, plastered, primed and partially painted. I have now wiped most surfaces in our playroom down on 3 separate occasions, and hope to god that the next person who decides they need to sand drywall, or break concrete has enough decency to hang up some plastic, or else get down on their hands and knees with the pregnant woman to clean floors and toys once they are done.

Today, a light at the end of the tunnel; a tiled floor! It was beautiful to have someone come today who made relatively little noise, and was able to complete a huge part of the job without any issues ( unless you count running out of epoxy mid job, then waiting for more than an hour for the contractor to show up with more).

Tomorrow, We're expecting the contractor to come and make some adjustments to our shower base so that they can cover up the fact that the wrong type of base was ordered in the first place. ( I'll be taking some photos before hand just to cover our butts in the event we have water issues later).

Then the shower can be tiled, and everything grouted on Monday! Whoohoo!!

So here are some of the shots before primer, paint and tile:

The first photo is looking through the craft room into the bathroom. The second photo is inside the bathroom. The washer and dryer will be on Ethan's left, the toilet and laundry basket shelf in the alcove behind Parker. The half walls you see in the left hand corner are the shower stall. The vanity, sink, drying racks, and cupboard will be where I'm standing to take the picture.

hopefully, I'll have pictures of the tile soon, and then we're just waiting for the cabinets to arrive on October 21st.

TWO YEARS AGO...

2010-09-29T10:44:00.000-04:00

This little imp finally made his arrival. Right on due date, after several false alarms and trips to the hospital.

He's proven to be quite the little character, still keeping us on our toes. Today, at two years old, He:

loves the colour orange : "odejage"
loves firetrucks "pie-er truck"
favorite animals are elephants "ehh-pant"
despite his little Bostonian accent (we're not from Boston) has quite the extensive vocabulary.
loves cuddles and giving "berbets"-Zerberts.
will drag a chair to the counter to "help" in the kitchen saying "help you! help you!" and insists on having his plastic "odjage knife" from ikea.
favorite show is the Firetruck Rocket episode of Little Einsteins, followed closely by any Super Why episode.
He knows many of his letters, especially "E" and "S"and points them out constantly saying "E mama! E!"
loves Playdoh and his firetruck playdoh tool.
favorite story book is Snoozers by Sandra Boynton
loves his stuffed ( identical) Lambs named Gordon and Other One Gordon "aw-one Gornon"
makes me play Raffi's Twinkle Twinkle little star on repeat in the car for an entire drive (and we wonder why I have such a short fuse when driving).
loves his big brother, and driving him crazy
likes to announce things that are loud "acoom keener loud!"
confuses the word "popcorn" for "lawn mower" ( ??)
loves snacks and his sippy of water.
has no clue what "Parker don't touch" or "no" means...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PARKEROO!

oh sugar sugar...

2010-09-24T12:17:00.000-04:00

Today I'm going to vent. I apologize in advance, but I just need to get some things off my chest before I explode. If you've come to see scrapbook pages, just scroll down for the latest, and skip the blah blah blah...ok?

Yesterday I spent half the day at the hospital downtown for blood tests, meetings with doctors and nutritionists. I got training on how to prick my fingers and use a meter to test my blood sugar levels. I got pamphlets on how to balance my meal plans, a chart to monitor proteins in my urine 4 times a day, a chart to record my blood sugar 4 times a day, a chart to write down every single thing I put into my mouth ( with measures). I also have a chart to record baby movements twice a day. Problem is I still don't fully believe I have gestational diabetes.

I didn't know I was going to take this so hard. I know it's a temporary thing, and that I'm lucky that I can control things with diet alone right now. But I can't shake this horrible feeling of having being given a sentence.

Why me? We eat fairly healthy in our household. We have our share of treats, but the focus is always on whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. The main packaged goods we tend to get at the grocery store would be crackers, cereal and pasta; other than that we tend to stick to the outside of the aisles.
other than the 15 pounds I put from the time I quit smoking 4 and a half years ago and through 2 pregnancies, I haven't ever had issue with my weight. As far as I know there isn't any history of diabetes in my family, and although I'm not terribly active, I don't think my poor gym attendance is solely to blame for this.

So no one can really tell me why I now have to listen to all these directives and log what seems to be every minute moment of my day. Why in 2 weeks I have to go weigh in, pee in a cup, have more blood taken, and be scrutinized again by a team of professionals.

If stress is a factor in high blood sugar levels, this may just give me something to blame it on.

So while I'm struggling with the inconveniences of renovations all over my house, trying to prepare for Parker's second birthday party tomorrow morning: I'm trying to figure out when to pee, when to bleed, and how if at all possible to fit chocolate cake trimmings into a meal plan that doesn't seem to allow for any wiggle room.

I'd just like someone to write down exactly what I should eat and when I should eat it- that'd take any control I have left away, and then I could just follow blindly until this is all over.

The good news is I shouldn't have to bother with all this stuff forever. Only nine weeks left until the official due date.

So for those of you who came to see some good stuff- here it is:

This week's focus at Practical Scrappers is on ribbon. I had just picked up some new halloween papers and was happy to use them! I also got to use the cute Pumpkin Magic digital stamp courtesy of Robyn's Fetish Digital Stamps.

BIG NEWS!

2010-09-22T10:52:00.000-04:00

Practical Scrappers is going through some great changes!
I have been asked by Christine to join the administration team, and am so thrilled about what we've got lined up for October...We're going magazine style!!

Here's the official news:

"Practical Scrappers is going to have a new format beginning in October. We are seeking project submissions for the following topics and will be featuring some of the great work that comes our way. These projects will be featured in the first two weeks of October. Projects should be submitted by October 3rd. In your email please include a link to your blog, if you have one, and tell us what country or state you live in.

Layouts: Submissions can be sent to practicalscrapperslayouts@gmail.com
Layouts that use five or more photos
Layouts that use black and white photos
Layouts that use distressing techniques

Cards: Submissions can be sent to practicalscrapperscards@gmail.com
Cards that use distressing techniques

We also will be running a regular feature showcasing projects that are displayed on our message board. If you have an awesome project you would like to share, post it on there and it may just show up in our October message board feature".

Be sure to get your projects tips and techniques in to conssidered for publication in our new format!

Colour core cardstock

2010-09-09T16:12:00.003-04:00

This week's challenge at Practical Scrappers is to use your white core or colour core cardstock. I have a bit of this in my stash, mainly because I love the colours of Core Dinations cardstock, and buy it to use as regular cardstock on my layouts. I'm not a distress kinda girl- I love the way it looks, but it's just not my usual style. ( which by the way explains my large but rarely used collection of Basic Grey paper).

I would have just taken out my embossing folders and passed some papers through the Texture Boutique as background, but that didn't seem daring enough for me ( even though I never use the folders or the machine).

Published in Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine, Spring 2011, p47.

I pulled out an embossing folder, but left it open and laid my cardstock over it. Holding it firmly in one spot, I used an emery board to file the surface of the paper. When repeated all around the edges of the cardstock, it gives the impression that the whole sheet underwent the same treatment. I also took an idea from the core dinations website, and used a paper crimper on the red paper before trimming it and sanding it. I had originally wanted to use my corrugated crimper, but I think I may have given it away. Thank goodness the crop cupboards at my LSS are fully stocked with tools!

The digi stamp is from our challenge sponsor this week- Robyn's Fetish. Since I'm not much into making cards, I find it fun to try and incorporate stamps into my layouts. Choo-Choo Charlie is perfect for my train obsessed boys, and may even get used large scale at our next train themed party.

other materials:
PP:Moxie, Sassafras Lass
Letters: MLS, American Crafts
pearls: Queen and Co.

This is where I used to scrap...update

2010-09-04T18:10:00.002-04:00

Just a little update on the scraproom renovations.
It was a loud long week filled with jackhammers, air nailers, and loads of banging. This meant very short to no naps for the boys and I ( we're trying to catch up this week-end). We finally have the drains in for the bathroom, the floor re-poured, the sub-floor down, the walls and insulation up, and those pesky air ducts boxed in.
The cabinet designer has gone back to the drawing board to accommodate the changes in the bulkhead height, and the higher than anticipated floor. When he asked me if I mainly used the space by myself, and I told him I planned on having friends over on a regular basis, he laughed and asked how tall they all were...

So girls- no growing past 5'8" ok?
We'll drink lots of lattes to stunt our growth...at least vertically :P

view looking from back "studio" wall towards bath/laundry

This is the view from the laundry into the "studio"

Monday to Wednesday next week, we're expecting the electrician and the plumber (as well as the new plans so we can be sure to get enough plugs and lighting where we need them). The next step will be to finally get the cabinets into production, and get all the drywall up- ughh more dust!

I think the computer area is going to now be located on the longest wall opposite the door. It just makes more sense because of the bulkhead. I've also agreed to drop the counter height down to 34' to give more space between upper and lower cabinets ( and because we've all solemnly vowed not to grow any taller...)

On a different project note, Mark went to get the paint today for Parker's new room. We're hoping he has time to start it tomorrow or Monday. ( today was all used up getting haircuts for both boys, and new indoor shoes for our preschooler...sigh)

The colours even sound bright and fun. Just imagine Morning sunshine ( soft yellow) on the upper half of the walls, white chair rail and Carrot stick ( bright orange) on the lower half. We plan on filling the space with the crib/toddler bed he has for now, and the dark green armoire and night stand. We're also on the lookout for Elephants, giraffes, zebras, monkey's and other fun animals to decorate with.

Have a great week-end

Write in White!

2010-09-02T09:04:00.000-04:00

White pens have become a scrapbooking staple; armed with a good one, you can do so much more than just journaling on darker paper. Our designers this week at Practical Scrappers have taken up the challenge, and come up with some great ideas for using white pens. There are some great doodles and accents, hand drawn images for cards, and drawn images using a Cricut. I scratched my head on this one trying to come up with something I haven't tried before. Did you know you can customize your twill ribbon with a Uniball signo? Now you do!

Here's a layout using some older photos of Ethan just before we moved into the new house. Our real estate agent was so great. When we closed on both houses he not only brought us a bottle of wine, but a bucket of Playdoh and an Elmo doll for Ethan. ( It was also Christmas time).

I had a blast with this one!
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper
PP: Reminisce
Trim: Pink Paislee, May Arts?
felt: American Crafts
Letters: American Crafts
Glossy Accents
Uniball Signo Pen
Martha Stewart Fringe Scissors

A little lace.

2010-08-26T00:01:00.003-04:00

published in Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine, Spring 2011, p33

This week's challenge at Practical Scrappers is to use your lace cardstock. I still have a pretty large stash of it in my possession, so I was happy to give this one a go. If you go check out the challenge, you will see some interesting variations on the lace cardstock theme, with Dt members playing by the Practical Scrappers rules and using what they had on hand. There are lace doilies, lace punches, Cricut and Cuttlebug diecuts as well as lace card.

I chose to use a sheet of green stars from KI memories; first using it as a stencil to mist the background paper. I then cut a swatch of it to use as a border under my photos, and proceeded to go crazy with the Basic Grey stickers!!
What a fun page to make!

This is where I used to scrap...Groan!

2010-08-19T16:16:00.000-04:00

They finally came and did the temporary install for the washer and dryer yesterday, but with the duct work being rerouted, I'm only able to get in there at night to do anything. It's going to take a few days to get caught up on laundry- good thing we don't plan on leaving the house while they are working, or I'd need more than mismatched outfits for the boys.

Did I tell you that I used to work in telecommunications? for a few years I was responsible for managing equipment required on site for fiber optic rings ( systems) and working with installation crews to make sure everything and everyone arrived on time. I processed emergency orders, movement of material from site to site and final reconcillation and billing- blah blah blah...what I'm getting at is that I've worked with a lot of installers, lots! So I'm not surprised at the following events.

Long story made short- there were water pipes in the way, and the guys asked me if it was okay if they passed the duct work on the other side of them. In the same breath they added " we don't really have a choice" ( in their best Quebecois). Maybe it's because I'm native New Brunswicker -LOL, but what I understood, and what they were planning were two totally different things. Not only does the bulk head pass along the entire length of back wall, they passed it through the side wall of the back room which is going to be the laundry/bathroom- right where the shower should sit.
ARRRRGGGGGHHHH!
I'm sure it's going to require more material, and add a few more hours onto the job, but they have no choice but to move the ducts to go around the outside of the room ( which was the original plan) and replace the studs they chopped down in the side wall.

Did I mention they chopped one of my motions sensors for the alarm off the wall? I got a call from our security company yesterday asking if everything was ok- only to descend into the basement and find one guy with the motion sensor in hand- he thought it was wireless, and that he could just move it.

We also had a small drip of a leak in a drain pipe in the furnace room. it's been there since we moved in, and we've had a bucket under it. Yesterday the bucket got moved when the washer and dryer got relocated. No one knew to put it back where it was.
No biggie...until someone also knocked the drainpipe, and turned our small drip drip into a trickle.

Now I'm waiting for the electrician and the plumber.

wish me an uneventful day!

on a positive note, I got my photos back yesterday! WHOOOHOOO!!
as I copied them over to my desktop, I kept seeing stuff I forgot I had, and feeling even more grateful that I hadn't lost them all forever- all 22,000+ photos! I won't complain of not having any photos to scrapbook for a long, long time!

Here's my scraproom in much earlier glory days:

Challenge day

2010-08-19T08:29:00.001-04:00

It's my day again at Practical Scrappers- this week we're trying out out stitching techniques. I usually overlook stitching as an option on my page, because I usually don't start out with much of a plan, and well, I'm an instant gratification type of girl. The faster I can get to the desired effect the better.
Stitching usually provides a very subtle effect, and I'm not so subtle...

So here's what I came up with:

A sheet of kraft paper, some embroidery floss and voila! custom paper! I added a few flowers, pearls, and my favorite mini letters from October Afternoon. It's simpler than usual, but I'm pleased with the result.

This is where I used to scrap...update

2010-08-16T18:07:00.000-04:00

I may bore you all to tears, but I'm going to try to post photos of my scrap space as it evolves, and record the headaches that come along with the renovations. It's really too bad I don't have any photos of how it really used to look- I think I may find some of those when our recovered photos are here.

The demolition is done, and measurements taken for the ductwork. The cabinet design is done, and just needs fine tuning...good thing I asked about the height of the countertops this morning, or everything would have been at desk height. ( I'm used to standing at countertop height). That little hiccup will change quite a few measurements, and possibly rule out upper cabinets along the long wall under the ductwork. I'm still unsure, but I think The counter height and lots of drawer space is more important.

So girls wanna see what happened to our space? (speaking to my cropping buddies)

This was it last Thursday:

That was early in the morning, after Mark and I finished emptying it. The yellow room if you don't recognize it is the back room that was filled with books and movies ( and boxes of books and all the other junk we haven't found a home for yet).

This is what it looked like Thursday afternoon:

And what it looks like today:

This is the view standing at the back wall of the back room ( which is all one big room for now)

And this one from where my computer used to be- looking at the back room.

( if you look closely you'll see my abandoned and much needed washer and dryer stored in the furnace room- the guys were supposed to come this afternoon to hook them up temporarily...I'm still waiting!)

The real work will start only at the beginning of September, so unless I scan in some design plans, there shouldn't be any more updates until then.

Now I just need to figure out how to scrapbook a 12 x 12 page in an 8 x 8 space....

I completely forgot

2010-08-16T11:41:00.001-04:00

...To post last week's project for Practical Scrappers! The challenge was to use some of our Summer themed product. I searched and searched, and realized that I had been pretty good at using up the summer papers I bought for our photos from Jamaica. I did find a stray paper or two and some journaling spots, but no real summer themed embellishments. What to do? - Wait, what is this large machine sitting on my desk again?! Oh yeah! I can use my Cricut! ( I always forget)

So I took the only shot I have right now from our trip ( We purchased it from the resort photographer) and used an assortment of papers to create a summery page. I used some basics papers from Basic Grey to make the sand castle, since the colour and textures were perfect! I cut the castle in two pieces, and used one on either side of my layout.

Cardstock : Bazzill Basics Paper
pp: Fancy Pants- Rustic Sun Collection, Basic Grey Basics, Creative Imaginations
Journaling spot: Bo Bunny
letters: American Crafts
Ink: Ranger Distress Ink
pens: Uniball signo- white, Copic multiliner- black

The winner is...

2010-08-13T22:50:00.001-04:00

Stacey!
I drew the number 4 at Random.org, she was the fourth comment to tell me what to create!

Stacey said...: Happy Anniversary & adorable layout. Boy embellies, cars, trucks, dinosaurs... Congratulations Stacey! send me your mailing address to girl.paper.scissors@hotmail.com, and I'll get creating some boyish embellies right away!

Wanna be a winner too?

2010-08-10T21:52:00.000-04:00

I decided to give my own sketch a shot during Saturday's Crop for the Cure crop put on by Scrapbook Star. My scrapping buddies were all very supportive too, and used the sketch for layouts and a card.

Lucky thing, because My friend Bella was the winner over at Practical Scrappers for the polymer embellishments.

There's still a chance for you to win your own set of custom embellies, just leave me a comment telling me what kind of embellishments you'd like to see, or what paper collection you'd like to have stuff to match.

I'm up for a challenge, and will be breaking out the clay after picking Friday's winner at random.

This layout is very strange for me, since I made the sketch, many of the papers, and coloured the digital stamp accents ( stamps by Dustin Pike). I find the distressing and cute stamp mix a little different, but somehow it works I guess! The square papers ( excluding the red and black diamond pattern) were made using Impression obsession stamps, Distress inks, and loads of Glimmer mist. The black and white papers are from MME. Stamps coloured with Copic markers, coated with Glossy Accents. Add some black distress ink, some distress Stickles, letter stickers by Basic Grey and Cosmo Cricket and there you have it.

A year already?

2010-08-06T16:23:00.001-04:00

I've been so caught up in all the challenges and fun going on over at Practical Scrappers, I almost forgot my own blog! Tomorrow marks a year since I moved Girl,Paper,Scissors over to bloggerland! Happy Birthday- er... Bloggerday to me!! I've met some really great people through my blog, loved all the comments, and found some great blogs!

In order to celebrate all the great fun the blog has brought me over the past year, I'm going to dig out the polymer clay I've been neglecting, and create a set of custom embellishments for one lucky follower. I'm also giving away a set over at Practical Scrappers as a prize for an online crop sketch challenge. Visit the Message boards and post your creation using my sketch by Sunday 11:59 pm EST to be eligible to win.

Here's the sketch:

come and visit the online crop this weekend for lots more fun and prizes!

Here's an example of the embellishments you could win:

( these ones were based on a set a friend of mine had that matched my layout perfectly- since she wouldn't part with hers which were created by Kimmie Prout- I had to improvise!)

Leave me a comment on this post telling me 1)what kind of creations would be fun to have or 2)tell me what paper line you'd love to have embellies to match!
I'll draw a name next Friday afternoon at random.

Happy Friday!

Sticker Mania!

2010-08-05T08:00:00.001-04:00

To celebrate It's one year Anniversay, Practical Scrappers is having 5 different challenges this week all involving the number one. Thursday's challenge- to use only one embellishment, but as much as you want. As...much...as...I...want? no one had to ask me twice! lol!

Well ok- I'll admit I did find this challenge pretty hard- I mean what constitutes an embellishment anyway? There were ways in which I was going to use patterned paper that could have been considered "embellishment", that goes for inks, mists and such too! If I used flowers, would whatever I used for centers be considered a second embellie?

In order to simplify things for my easily confused brain, I decided to "stick" with stickers. Lord knows I have tons of them, that I usually neglect them, and it was an easy way around the question of whether or not a title was considered "embellishing", since I could use stickers for that too!

This is what happens when you take a great shot of my boys, 2 packs of seriously cute Doodlebug Design stickers, and some yummy papers by my new favorite company- Echo Park- oh and don't forget those title letters by Pebbles!

Rainy Days

2010-08-04T11:56:00.001-04:00

First let me say that I'm amazed that I'm actually posting twice to my blog in the same day! This having the computer in the playroom might be a cool thing after all.

We've been hit with crazy rain the last couple of days, and even though the sun is out for now, everything is just too soggy to warrant going out with the boys. Monday- Painting and playdoh playdate with Luke, Yesterday more playdoh, and the start of a dinosaur train for the playroom wall.

First let me say that I had visions of either cutting these cute digital images by Dustin Pike on my Cricut, in layers of pattern and colour, or spending hours carefully colouring them with my copics.

Then the kids needed something to do- so we broke out the crayola markers:

Still a work in progress ( Ethan got sucked in by Word World on TV and abandoned his egg car). I think we'll let it wrap around the wall if the kids are still interested in coloring more.

Maybe I've been spoiled, or maybe we just need new markers for the kids, but man I missed my copics!

Hyperventilating

2010-08-04T09:34:00.000-04:00

Ok I'll admit it ( but only because my husband doesn't read my blog) I got a little ummm... testy...last night. It may have had a little bit to do with the pregnancy hormones, or just being tired, but I'm pretty sure it had a lot more to do with the fact that everything I needed to do last night went against the very nesting instincts I'm starting to listen to lately. I've spent the last two weeks sorting, purging and organizing in my scrapbook room. It was starting to look great- good thing too, because our renovations came really close to being canceled, and it made the thought of not having the room redone that much more bearable.

Yesterday, the contractors woke up and realized they were close to missing an important milestone in our project, ( and close to losing the job). It took 4 men, (5 if we include my husband) half an hour to conclude they couldn't possibly confirm any design plans until they started ripping out the ceiling and planning overhead duct work- ( Duh! we knew that 5 weeks ago!)

So- guess when they are starting "exploratory" demolition? Yup! TODAY.
Guess who was up until 1:30 am moving precious scrapbooking supplies, computer, cricut, camera...
No, not my loving husband, (who was content once the computer was moved). Me- the neurotic scrapbooker. Mark kept saying "they'll tape up the area's they aren't cutting to keep the dust out".

The experienced voice in my head reminded me of how effective plastic sheeting has been in the past, how plaster dust doesn't really care what precautions you've taken, and how likely it really was that anyone coming in to cut into my ceiling was going to view my scrapbook stuff as valuable.

I don't have any before photos- not until we hear more news about the hard drive recovery.

But if you've ever seen my room, you'll appreciate these...this is what I was left with at 1am:

everything REALLY important (except my albums) got relocated here:

...and here:

I keep reminding myself it's only for two months, and hoping that the boys will be understanding and share the playroom with Mama's stuff. I still haven't figured out a safe place for my trimmer...

Do you know the Derry-o?

2010-08-02T17:39:00.000-04:00

The boys are starting to sing songs other than Twinkle Twinkle and the ABC song by themselves. This is the rendition of Farmer in the Dell I heard Ethan singing while playing with Playdoh this afternoon:

"The farmer in the dell, the farmer in the dell- I know the derry-o, the farmer in the dell..."

It went on like this for a few repetitions until he moved onto something else.
Makes perfect sense if you know what the heck a derry-o is!

Happy Monday!
Erin

No Challenge!

2010-07-29T17:44:00.001-04:00

I was nervous at first when I read that this week's challenge for Practical Scrappers was to use at least 7 different things on a layout. OK- I guess I haven't sat back and counted before now, because it seems I actually do this on a regular basis...who new?!

The resulting page this week is different for me, because it focused more on memorabilia than on photos. The ultrasound picture featured looks like nothing to most, but it's the shot the doctor took after finding "it"- you know the anatomy bit that seemed to be hiding six weeks previously...

This will hopefully balance out the very pink and girly " Just Maybe" page in the baby's album.

I used a 6x6 inch envelope to hold the extra ultrasound photos, the DVD as well as the journaling. I punched the edge of the envelope flap just to remove the adhesive, and give it more "frill" I then punched and coloured a heart and glued just the bottom portion of it to the envelope so that the flap can tuck under it once closed. The digital stamp is from one of our sponsors Digi Doodle. I had no idea how I was going to use it when I chose it last month, but I think it landed on the perfect page- even got me to use up that MME transparency that I've had forever!

other Materials used:
PP: October Afternoon, Basic Grey
Cardstock: Coredinations
Letters: American Crafts
Flowers: Prima Maarketing
Gems: Doodlebug Designs Inc.
Pearls: Zva
Rubber stamps: Hero Arts
Markers: Copic
Border
Ink: Memento
Punch: Martha Stewart

Thursday already!?

2010-07-22T17:22:00.000-04:00

I've been so busy thinking about how I can still have "real" tea parties, Princess birthday's, and Barbie stuff in my house that I almost forgot to post my page for this week's challenge over at Practical Scrappers. ( I really am okay with the idea of a 3rd boy, but I will admit I was looking forward to certain novelties a little girl would bring).

The challenge this week was to use something from your stash over a year old. Now this is not a huge challenge for many of us hoarders who still own lots of product from past years. I view it as an opportunity to find something unique in my stash that I'm really sad I didn't use when I first bought it.

In this case, I rescued some Cosmo Cricket paper and die cuts, as well as a "Page Talkers" digital recorder from DCWV. I'm really happy I captured Ethan singing his ABC's while he still pronounces some of the letters in his 3 year old way. The photo is from a recent trip to Parc Safari, where my sweet little boy passed up the Batman and Spiderman facepainting options, and asked for Hearts ( with glitter). Maybe I'll get to throw a princess party one day after all.

Baby news!

2010-07-19T23:42:00.002-04:00

I know a few of you are waiting for this post.

I had my 22 week ultrasound done today, the doctor examined the heart, saw the 4 chambers and listened to the heartbeat.The kidneys and all other major organs look good too. Measurements were taken of the head, the abdomen, the femur, all measuring in accordance with my previously expected due date of November 25th. My placenta looks good, so does the fluid. The words "very active baby" and "lots of umbilical cord" were uttered several times by the doctor before he stopped, looked at me very solemnly and said: "I have some bad news..."

My heart stopped beating, I stopped breathing, then waited what seemed like minutes more than seconds before he continued. " you're having a boy" he said- "That is the best news you could possibly give me!" I replied, as the blood and oxygen started to circulate again in my system. I watched him again for a split second just in case that too was part of the joke, and he was going to tell me it was really a girl.
I think he apologized to us over 10 times during the rest of the exam because he felt bad for having made us think for 6 weeks that we might be having a little girl.

That darn umbilical cord! This time it's 100% certain, we all saw it on the screen, no mistaking the parts this time. His 100%'s haven't been wrong once in the last 30+ years, and I couldn't be happier- now to pick a name!

My little artist.

2010-07-15T11:01:00.001-04:00

Ethan loves to do crafts and colour. He's been pretty good with his crayons since we gave them to him at 18 months of age, respecting that crayons stay at the table when you want to get up and roam around. Maybe it's because Parker is a second child, and doesn't have my undivided attention, but he is a completely different beast when it comes to art supplies.

It seems Playdoh, and crayons are a 5th food group for my toddler. I tried giving him pencil crayons, but he'd chew on the tips. I tried markers, only to discover that a red Crayola felt tip, one chewed, horrifically resembles blood when oozing from the mouth of a child. He's got a thing for seed beads too; after dumping a tube of them all over my craftroom floor, he started chomping on them. As I scrambled to get them contained and cleaned up, he was climbing over me like a madman trying to get more to shove in his mouth. Needless to say diaper changes were interesting in the days following.

Next came the experimentation with drawing on things other than paper. His hands, face, beloved stuffed lamb Gordon, wall, toy shelves, kiddie table and chairs have all served as canvases at some point or another. Then came the couch- our BRAND NEW, dark grey plush corduroy sectional.

I saw him with the yellow finger paint.
I removed it from him.
I placed it back on the table in the craftroom then closed and locked the door.
How the following events occured I have no clue!

I told both boys to play for a minute while I ran upstairs to get their things together so we could go meet friends for lunch. I returned not 3 minutes later to find Parker with yellow paint on his shirt and jeans. Thinking it had occured earlier, I started to take measures to get him changed- then I noticed paint on the floor. Panic started to set in as I scanned the room for the paint jar. All I could see from where I was standing was the back of the couch dividing the playroom. I took slow deliberate steps towards it and then got to the other side petrified at what I might find... Yellow hand prints and blobs of finger paint were splattered over the ENTIRE seating area. Yellow hand prints on the seat of the lazyboy chair, (and days later I discovered) yellow paint all over the canister of my vacuum cleaner.

I'm really glad the damage to everything was minimal ( because I caught him quickly), and cleaned up relatively easily ( did I mention we were still waiting for the stain treatment for the couch?) I am thankful that I've invested in non-toxic, washable, kid friendly crafting products, and even secretly hopeful that this behavior might indicate a bit of creative genius or something.

With that being said, here's this week's layout for Practical Scrappers showcasing another creative endeavor by Parker.

The challenge this week was embossing. I let Parker have my Versamark pen, and the background sheet of Basic Grey paper. once he had scribbled his thing, I quickly dusted it with American Crafts embossing powder in Denim, and heat set. I journalled in sections with a Zig embossing pen, and embossed it with a detail black powder by Stampendous. I added a little spritz of Glimmer Mist, clear dew drops and pebbles, then the AC Thickers for my title.

I plan to take some direction from my 21 month old and experiment a little bit more with my supplies; hopefully the outcome will be just as spontaneous but more controlled.

Happy Crafting!
Erin

Halfway There!

2010-07-08T17:58:00.000-04:00

No photos today I'm afraid. just wanted to share that today marks week 20 of this pregnancy, and that I'm so grateful to be at this point. I'm happy to feel the baby moving, to see my belly growing, and yes even to watch my belly button deform and "pop" ( it's halfway there too). If you really want to see a photo, you could always stalk my friend Claude's 365 photo blog. I think yesterday, this bulging belly of mine may have made photo of the day, but she hasn't posted it yet. Just 11 days until the next doctor's appointment, and hopefully a definitive answer to the pink/blue question. Can you tell I'm just itching to buy baby clothes?

Summer fun

2010-07-08T08:47:00.003-04:00

Trying to keep both kids contained in our yard is not an easy task. Because we live on a corner lot, and have a sunken stone patio in the backyard, the most kid friendly space we have is the big expanse of grass and driveway in the front and side of our house. Kids being kids, they usually end up going in two different directions, and get too close to the road for my liking. Thank goodness for sidewalk chalk!

Even though Parker is still just making lines and scribbles, and Ethan is only starting to make circles, and adding some details like eyes and smiles, they have a blast with the chalk. Mama and Daddy get lots of requests for various animals, flowers and such, then the boys "colour" them in.

Due to my recent computer crash ( which I may start referring to as the Great Crash of 2010) I find myself with a huge lack of pictures to scrap, and more incentive to make sure I take the camera along with me. I'm getting photos of things I don't think I would normally have taken. trips to the park, pool, and everyday play at our house.

This is the layout I did for this week's challenge at Practical Scrappers. The challenge is to use any type of cartoon/animation on a page or card. Anyone who knows me, knows that this is not a huge challenge - I love cute characters! I dug through my stuff intent on showing some love to some much neglected items. It makes me happy to use old stuff collecting dust, and to use new stuff right away. This layout is a mix of both.

I used some Colorbox inks ( chalk and pigment) to stamp all the little Imaginisce animals on the black cardstock. I took a cloth and buffed them a bit before they dried completely just to add to the chalkboard effect. There are red crabs in there too, but they don't show as well in the photo. I also added a few spritzes of the new chalk Glimmer mist before adding the Fancy Pants sun, Basic Grey letters ( I love these!!) , Bella blvd journaling spot, Making Memories flower, and MME die cut lizard.