My favourite new cookie - just in time for Christmas!

Note: the earl grey tea just slightly flavours the chocolate. Thinking i might just try some pre-flavoured chocolate from the store and or adding some hazelnut coffee syrup to what I have. Hmmm, possiblities are endless eh?

New Baby Card

My neice just had a baby girl. Didn't want to send a card with a sappy poem in it. This seemed to do the trick though.

Fall Colours

Oh, the colours of fall are my favourites. I tend to use them on 'un-fall' layouts too! The following is a two page layout from our Thanksgiving last year. I used some fabric leaves from Michael's ($1/bag) and some artwork from that I purchased from lillypad.com (I want to say Kate Hadfield designed them but I could be wrong and I am too lazy today to double check). Anyway, fun layout to do and enjoyed making my own paper (on the right).

Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce

This is so yummy and so easy! From a Canadian Living magazine that was at the dentist's office. No I didn't rip out the page Mom, I copied it out on the back of a receipt I had in my purse.

4C cherry tomatoes, halved
4 cloves garlic, sliced
3tbsp olive oil
1tbsp balsamic vinegar
2tsp minced fresh rosemary
1/2tsp salt

Place all in 9 x 13 pan. Roast at 400F until shrivelled about 25 min. Juice comes out of tomatoes so I thickened with some flour like you would gravy. Spoon over pasta and sprinkle on fresh basil, goat cheese, and black olives (the good kind with wine in the brine).

Pour yourself a nice glass of red wine and enjoy!

I just can't stop making cards ... help!

This one using some artwork from Kate Hadfield designs. She's so puny!

From Halloween to Shaped Cards

Snowing outside today . Made some flower cards to make me feel better!

Dream Job

I just realized I forgot to mention my recent employment at a cool local scrapbooking store called Paper Trails. I have only been in there for one afternoon for training but I know it is going to be great fun. The owner Deb is super and so nice! It also doesn't hurt that my job will involve talking with fellow scrapbookers and being surrounded by awesome product.

Paper Trails also has awesome classes and a late night crop once a month - $5 which includes pizza and a drink. I think Deb would like to put on more crops but there needs to be demand. I hope to be at the next one on the 23rd. Join me?

Oh yeah, see Paper Trails blog at left.

Some 'not so Halloween' cards

Inspiration:

I really like all the Halloween themed papers, embellishments, etc. but have few pictures to go with. Was thinking of ways to use in cards so that they could be sent year round. A previous post showed one I did for a get well card, this one is for a birthday. Picture on the front is actually stamp by Outlines Rubber Stamping Company. I coloured it with watercolours and added some gold stickles.

Thank a teacher today!

Today is world teachers' day!

Sent a couple of cards to school with the boys this morning. The top ten list came from somewhere off the net. Will look up source and give credit here later.

New Online Colour Picker Tool

Upload a photo and website will find matching colours for you! Can't wait to use.

http://www.scrapbook.com/color/

New Cards

One girlfriend just had a baby boy and one girlfriend just had back surgery -- good incentive to make cards.

Really like the witch one. I wonder if she think of me whenever she sees it?

If anyone has any great card sayings to do with witches and spells - please send!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Guess it's that time again, birthday. Turning the big 4 0. For some reason don't feel the need to celebrate that - lol. However, not depressed about it either. Feel good health wise, boys and hubby are amazing, and in a really good 'spot' in life. How could I possibly complain about being 40 really?

p.s. Two weeks and a day until kids are back in school!!!!!!

Man, photoshop elements 7 is awesome. Just want to turn all these pics into prints for my wall, they look so professional. Here is one I altered of Waskesiu Lake.

Jazzin Up My Vacation Pics

Took a LOT of pictures during our trip to the Maritimes. I wish we could have been there longer. Too many things we missed. Perhaps some day I will be lucky enough to return.

Took some panoramic pics which I would piece together on a scrapbook page. Separately the pictures are boring though. So, for an assigment in this Photoshop Elements class from jessicasprague.com I used a beach photo and really it made it special using a texture file and some type. See below. Quite tickled with how it turned out.

Before:

After:

Some birthday cards I made from a kit - Card Kit in a Stack (DCWV). Tried to use only what was included except for some artwork from Stampin Up and some lettering was done on the computer. I think I made at least a dozen cards? Fun challenge for myself = huge mess on the dining room table.

Sigh, wish I had more time ...

to read and look through everything on the following website:

http://stamptv.ning.com/

A friend sent me the link. Site is not just ideas but has some tutorials as well. Check it out!

Trip to Waskesiu

Had a wonderful trip up to Prince Albert National Park. We typically stay right in the townsite aka Waskesiu. The weather was a bit on the chilly side but then still nice to go on bike rides and hiking trails. Early June is a great time to be up there as the tourists and the mosquitos haven't quite reached their maximum population. However, this year was an exception I guess. No mosquitos but the crowds at the beach were unbelievable!!!!

The Scrapbooking Essentials

The following is from the Scrapbooking and Cards Today website. It lists the things they look for in every layout they receive. I think it is a good summary of what a good layout should look like. I may just print out and tack up by my scrapbooking desk to refer to every time I do a page.

1. Balance is key—start with strong photos, a large, visible title, and a spot for journaling. Look at the weight of these three variables and place them accordingly. If using multiple photos; try clustering them together (or else they will appear as if they are “floating”)

2. Allow room for white space (NOTE: white space does not necessarily have to be white—it can be any colour as long as it is “empty” or restful space)—white space should occupy approximately 1/3 of your layout

3. Create a visual triangle on your page and a strong focal point—the eye should lead from the focal point (usually a photo) and move through the rest of the visual triangle (usually the title and journaling)

4. Repeat elements on your page—if choosing a flower theme, for example, integrate flowers in more than one place on the layout

5. Knowing when enough is enough is key—don’t add so much to your page that it loses balance, white space, or a clear focal point—embellishments should add to, not take away from, your overall design

6. Add some visual interest to your layout—try adding a sub-title (in a different font or colour); choose dimensional adhesive to accent one or more things on your layout; ink edges of photos, journaling blocks, embellishments, even the page itself

7. Add embellishments in clusters of 3 or 5—again pay attention to the rule of thirds and try to create smaller visual triangles

Design Tips

In an earlier entry I think I mentioned a great scrapbooking book called clean and simple. I happened upon the writer's blog and it contains some great design tips, inspiration, etc. Check it out!

http://cathyzielske.typepad.com/

Oh, yeah there is sequel to the book too. I wonder if anyone would get me those books for my birthday? (hint, hint)

Cleaning Out my Craft Room

Yes, spring cleaning if often not the most glamorous of jobs but it's has to be done. Not sure when my supplies have last been 'cleaned out' but I am creating quite a pile. Trying to be a bit brutal about it too. Not only are paper doubles going but papers not quite my style. Packaging them all up to take to LSS, Paper Trails, to sell at their 2nd hand table.

Tip: the extra large ziploc bags from Zellers fit 12x12 papers quite easily. They would be great for organizing layouts to take to work on at an upcoming crop.

I guess I should probably swing by that shop to see if they can handle everything that I intend to bring!

New Layouts

Okay, so it has been awhile. I have been scrapbooking a bit. Seems I am easily distracted by other projects though. Finished an acrylic landscape. Didn't know what the heck I was doing but my husband thought is was cool. I suppose I need to take a real class one of these days. Although I just copy from books and other pictures so afraid I will get in a class where they will stick a bowl of fruit in front of us and say paint it! That I wouldn't have a clue how to do. So in this I suppose I am a copy artist rather than a real artist? Hmmm.





Back to scrapbooking. A couple of new layouts to post. Lake Monsters was inspired by a layout I saw on the net somewhere, not sure where, and some new paper by October Afternoon. Got scrounging around in some old pictures of my boys wearing goofy swim masks to do that one. That shark mask always created some real excitement at the beach! p.s. Gray around the outside is a frame that I put it in to display on my fridge.












The other layout is from a series of pictures of Ev when he was four. The pictures were taken at sunset. Pictures and the horizontal 'boards' are all sanded to look weathered. Metal embellishments and of course I had to add a couple of flowers cause I LOVE flowers!!!!!








All for now. Hope to do some scrapbooking this weekend if I keep making progress on my spring cleaning. You don't want to know how many garbage bags/paper recycling bins I have filled this past week. Oh, and a local store (Paper Trails) is offering to set up a garage sale table for the summer. Bring in the stuff you no longer want, if it sells, you get store credit for that amount. Who knows maybe my junk will be someone else's treasure?

Spring has Sprung

Finally spring has come to Saskatoon! Birdies are singing and somehow I don't mind the slush in my shoes. Hope to go for a walk this afternoon and breathe in all that fresh air. Here is a great poem about spring.


Spring Will Be Pretty

Spring will be pretty. Just give it a week, When flowers are blooming down by the creek.
Bees will be buzzing as trees start to bud, But for the moment I'm covered with mud.
Snow has been melting, since winter is through, Replacing the whiteness with puddles of goo.
I stepped off the sidewalk and into the ooze. Next thing I knew, I stepped out of my shoes!
Mud on my ankles and mud on my clothes. I stumbled face-first and got mud up my nose. Spring will be pretty, but I must confess, The first days of spring are a muckety mess!

�Dave Crawley

Deviation from Scrapbooking ...

They are done. Interesting painting on glass. Wasn't sure how much the colours would change when using acrylic paint. Probably could have used glass paint but then I do have A LOT of acrylics to use up. I bought the glass bricks at home depot. You can drill a hole in the back and insert some mini lights if you want to put in a dark corner. Already thinking those deer would be pretty on a sconce light over a fireplace. Hmmmm.

MIA

Yes, I have been MIA from posting to my blog. I have been working on a consulting project with a friend and any free time has been spent keeping house and family in some semblance of order. Project will be coming to a close this week. So, look out! Lots of pics and recipes to follow!

In the meantime, check out one of my favourite websites:

http://www.scrapbooksetc.com/takeaclass/

Great Recipe!

Please try the following recipe, amazing. It is a light cheesecake, only two blocks of cream cheese. I, of course, had to substitute for my tofutti cream cheese and sour cream and it still turned out great. I did not put pecans in crust but rather sprinkled on top along with a drizzle of chocolate. Yum o! Enjoy!

New Layouts

Watched some curling this weekend on tv. Have a hard time just sitting and not doing something with my hands. Created the following layouts.

The baseball one is hand stitched. Reminded me that spring will come eventually.

The other was based on a challenge from the Canadian Scrapbookers website. They want layouts using ladybugs. I didn't use ladybugs but I did do the red with black polka dot thing. Looking through my pictures on hand, the only ones I had with red in them were pictures from Canada Day. Not sure where the green came from but seems to work with the red, white, and black. Make for a nice non-traditional Canada Day page I think! p.s. Black border is acrylic paint, plus I used chipboard and paper die cuts for accents.

The Postman Cometh

A little update. The UPS man dropped off a little package on my doorstep today from Simple Scrapbooks. Inside were 4 computer disks from Glitz designs. They contain images to print and or design digital scrapbook pages. Designs are okay but really don't print much at home (maybe a little clipart). Ink costs too darn much. I also received some chipboard pieces and some fabric stickers by American Crafts. Nice. Great way to start the weekend eh?

Sticker Deal

Looking for sticky tac in Zellers today and got sidetracked (happens a lot, sigh). Found a bag of sticker packs, all brand name stuff. Retail value $40 but got for $10. NICE! Has 3d stickers and alphabets. Check it out!

I won!

Need to toot my horn here. In an earlier blog I posted this silly little scrapbooking story that I entered in a writing contest with Simple Scrapbooks. That was in November I think. I thought they had forgotten about the contest because no winners were posted by the end date. I received an email last night saying I won and to send my addy so they can send my prize package. Now, that just made my day! Not exactly sure what I am getting but sure hope the shipping isn't worth more than the contents...

Prairie Chicks Adventure

Last Saturday, Feb 7th, my friend Carolyn and I went for a day of scrappin out at Prairie Chicks in Hague. What a great time! I have gone to some big events and they are fun but this was nice and quiet and most importantly, I got a lot accomplished. Five pages and finished my mini 'Believe' album. Food was good and the other ladies there were a delight to visit with.

Here is one of the pages I completed. Very simple but wanted pictures to remain the focus.

Oh, and Prairie Chicks' prices are awesome. Comparable and or cheaper than in Saskatoon.

Almost don't want everyone to know about my 'find' then I won't be able to get a seat at the next cropping event in April. Oh well, I guess it's too late now. lol

Colour Inspiration

Been doing a lot of scrapbooking lately. Too cold outside so best get as much done now before spring comes. Once in awhile I get stuck when it comes to choosing colours. Found a couple of websites that are kinda neat.
www.colorblender.com
http://www.colorsontheweb.com/colorwizard.asp

You pick your main colour and then it gives you some options for other secondary colours. Wish you could scroll through a bunch of options but ah well. If you know of a better site, add a comment.

Working on a mini Santa album. Will post picture when it is completed. May have to finish it at the crop in Hague this weekend. Only four more sleeps!

More layouts

I just love my boys! Can ya tell?

future of scrapbooking industry?

Well, just found out the other day that one of my favourite magazines is being dissolved. Simple scrapbooks will somehow become a part of Creative Keepsakes magazine, it's parent. I wonder how many people are out of work? Then, I read that Creative Memories has filed chapter 11 from its creditors. It is still business as usual for them but they will need increased sales levels for the next couple of years in order to dig out. Hmmmm. Also, overall sales figures for the industry are declining. Perhaps because of the economic crisis in States?

Anyway, sad to see that. I for one, plan to keep making scrapbooks so the industry doesn't need to worry where I'm concerned!

The big meltdown

No, not me, Saskatoon. As long as you don't look at how gross the roads are, the above freezing temperatures have been absolutely wonderful. Any more of that -40 temperatures and I would have traded in my old Dodge Caravan for a trip to Mexico!

The library here in Saskatoon is amazing. Just reading a couple of really good scrapbooking books. The first called 'Focal Point' a Memory Makers Book. Most of the layouts, in my opinion, are pretty busy. However, they do use different techniques and materials that I haven't thought of before. For example, taking a photograph and changing it into a black and white drawing with Photoshop. From there you use watercolour pencils to colour. Hmmm. Interesting eh?

The other book is called Scrap Simple by Hillary Heidelberg. I REALLY like everything about this book. Shows you how and gives lots of examples to use minimal design elements on a page. I plan to scraplift a few layouts and did so with this one about my nephew James. I am firm believer that the major focus of a page should still be your pictures not your embellishments. Plus, I am too cheap and too busy to be able to add all that to my layouts anyway. (smile)

Okay, off my soap box now, need to make supper and pay attention to boys for awhile. Enjoy the rest of your day everyone!

Road Trip

I've heard of this little shop called Prairie Chicks out in Hague, Saskatchewan. My friend Phyllis and I had talked many times about making a trip out there to see it. Well, we finally did it and brought another friend Carolyn. Yup, you guessed it, it is scrapbooking store! The front half of the old bank building is quilting supplies and is decorated/arranged like an antique store. Very pretty. But then the store seems to go on forever back into the scrapbooking supplies and crop area. FYI: they are having a crop Feb 6 & 7th.

I think we managed to touch just about everything in the store and my pocketbook was not too much lighter - I resisted a lot! Here is a link to their website: http://www.prairiechicksquiltingandscrapbooking.mysite.com/

We then stopped at I think the only restaurant (attached to gas station) for lunch. You know you are in small town Saskatchewan when the specials are $6.95 and they include soup/salad, entree, and desert. Oh, and everything is home made! Yum.

Speaking of homemade, tried out a new muffin recipe. It is fantastic - enjoy!

I'm cold. It is -30C this afternoon. What is weird though is that in two days we are expecting a high of +2C. That is going to feel like the tropics! Okay, well not really but a girl can dream.

Got a lot of photos developed the other day so let the scrapbooking begin. Perhaps tomorrow I will get a chance to go down to the basement....

Submitted the following little story to a Simple Scrapbooks writing contest last month. Supposedly three winners were to be chosen but have not seen anything announced yet. It was just a spur of the moment type thing but I thought it was cute. Perhaps someone reading this will send me a prize. (snif, snif)

Musings from a Paper Addict – by Sandy Crowe

I will be the first to admit that I am a paper addict. I tend to lean towards kits or paper packs simply because you seem to get more for your money. The other bonus is that the papers are coordinated which makes planning a layout all that much easier. Regardless, there is nothing like that little flutter in my stomach when I find that perfect pack. Yes, I said flutter. Oh come on ladies, you have felt it too! The paper is either in the same theme as my next project, the colours are just my favourites, or even better, they are both.

My first clue that I was perhaps addicted to paper was when I would invite a new friend or neighbor over for coffee. Eventually we would end up in the basement in my craft room, a.k.a my studio, which sounds so much more important doesn’t it? Upon entering the room their eyes would eventually fall on the shelves of neatly arranged papers by colour and paper pack. Inevitably the next comment would be OH MY or WOW, you sure do like paper don’t you? As you can guess, these comments are coming from non-scrapbookers. Fellow scrapbookers would instead say, cool – where do you shop? My husband on the other hand doesn’t say a thing which is probably a wise move on his part.

In my little mind I think that paper is a staple commodity. You are always going to need it and it can be used in the background or as an embellishment itself. I have recently been playing with some paper flowers for example. A little bit fiddly but fun to do whilst watching an episode of House on a cold winter night. It would be interesting to know how many other paper addicts exist. I have a feeling there is someone out there (who doesn’t work for a magazine or supply company) who is worse off than me. Just in case, I am open to any donations to fuel my addiction! Seriously though, to avoid getting into too much debt, keep repeating after me – buy only what you need, buy only what you need…

Have a great day everybody!

I did it! My first blog posting ...

After reading so many blog postings by others I thought I would step up to the plate as it were and give it a try. Plus, just send photos of my latest scrapbook pages to family and figure this would be a better way to share.

We are snowed in here today in Saskatoon. Snow is just starting to fade, I think. Need to shovel the driveway AGAIN! Ugh. Looking forward to the weekend and above normal temperatures. Hopefully go skating on the pond with my boys.

Here are my latest pages. Been inspired to do some doodling on my pages. Used black pen and or acrylic paint. Hope you like!