And I was like...

The time has come...

2010-01-01T11:20:00.004-07:00

I've been thinking about it for a long time and today's the day I quite thinking and make the change...this blog is moving to a WordPress platform.

Same me, same quirky posts, same gaps in blogging, but in a format that's a bit easier for me to manage.

So update those blogrolls, readers, rolodexes and cavewalls and follow me to

http.ak2co.wordpress.com

...not too different...just change one little word and you've got it.

All the old posts are there waiting for you to join, even a new post with a layout and a funny video...come on let's go play.

Friday Fill-Ins

2009-12-11T15:39:00.003-07:00

actually on Friday...I know I'm shocked too

#154

1. Good times: good times. (I always think it should be a pair and this phrase always reminds me of my sister.)
2. I need to clean my home.
3. Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?. Go on I dare you to try and come up with something else.
4. _Little by little, my house is looking more festive.
5. Once more for old time's sake.
6. when will it end?
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching Glee again, tomorrow my plans include cleaning (blah) and Sunday, I want to bake and craft!

Real world Math

2009-12-08T17:32:00.002-07:00

Uber cold weather = short walks for the doggie
Short walks + Genetic Energy = bored doggie
Bored Doggie = Destructive Dog
Destructive Dog = Unhappy Mom
Unhappy Mom + Guilty Mom = New toys for Doggie
New Toys for Doggie = smaller bank balance for mom, but a happy dog

Good thing he's cute!

And to think my HS geometry teacher said I'd never be good at math, either he was a genius at reverse psych or a total ASS, 20 years later I still choose the latter.

Stay warm my friends!

Going on a Horsie Hunt

2009-12-07T20:04:00.002-07:00

going on a horsie hunt
Originally uploaded by akchristyn

You know sometimes it's the simplest pages and pictures that make me smile. This one tells the story about a stroll S and I took along the Highline Canal in October. Our mission was to find some horses and we met a couple of beautiful creatures as we enjoyed a fabulous fall day. I knew as soon as I saw the red and brown papers from Jenni Bowlin they would be perfect for this page. So happy with the way it turned out. Now if only I could get my hands on some more of these corrugated letters from Jillibean, yes I know I have a paper crimper and could make them myself, but where's the fun in that?

Friday Fill-ins and a Layout

2009-12-04T12:26:00.001-07:00

1. You get what you deserve.
2. You gotta fight for your right to party. (yep, vintage beastie boys proof my brain can be pretty random)
3. It's hammer time.
4. That my brain is thinking in musical answers is pretty ridiculous!
5. I feel more of the holiday spirit this year than the past few.
6. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a...goodnight! (ok a little early on that one)

7. And as for the weekend, I vegged Friday night, today my plans include breakfast with Houston and a little crafting and Sunday, I want to watch the Broncos hand it to the Chiefs!

And now for a little layout, pretty happy with the way this one turned out. So many times, I'm afraid to cute paper up, it's just too cute...That was the case with the blue gingham, the other side looks like a reading primer from the 50's...after being in the stash for a couple of months, I finally allowed myself to cut it, and I'm so glad I did.

Tuesday Craftiness

2009-12-01T17:23:00.002-07:00

fall-in-love
Originally uploaded by akchristyn

Where does the time go? I made this layout at a crop in Ft. Collins over two weeks ago, don't know why it took me so long to post it here. Darn funny videos keep getting in the way. Anyway...love, love, love this picture of S from Halloween leaf play.

I find this time of year a little hard to focus...crafting, decorating, baking, shopping, eggnog latte consuming... which to do first? And it's not like work is a walk in the park this time of year. I wonder if others feel the same...

Speaking of crafty distractions...crafting god --- Tim Holtz started his 12 days of tags, an annual tradition, on his blog today. If only I can restrain myself from running out to Michaels or Archivers to get every stinkin supply (I know, I know...you're shocked I don't already own it, me too...me too). See what I mean distractions abound.

what do you get when

2009-11-30T18:20:00.004-07:00

you combine one of R&B's biggest divas --- Mary J Blige and pop opera icon Andre Bocelli and one of my favorite christmas carols. Something really special indeed. I watched this on Oprah just a few minutes ago and the rewound and watched again and then searched on youtube to share with you --- think of it as an early christmas present. The good stuff starts about 1:30 in...

It's Good to Have Friends

2009-11-29T14:08:00.002-07:00

ATC Tray
Originally uploaded by akchristyn

with connections! You might remember me posting some atc creations and bemoaning the fact that I really wanted the ATC tray to put them in...I went on a search --- no local stores, pooh. Online...sold out, sold out, on SC in a project kit this month but the kit was $41 and all I wanted was the tray but I was willing to pay for the whole kit.

Then out I went to get the mail, there's a key in the box and I thought 'oh no I thought I was doing better at getting the mail did I forget last week and the mailman move the crap to the bigger packages box. Crap!'

Slowly I opened the box, and what to my surprised eyes did a see a big envelope from my dear friend Rachel with the printer tray enclosed, I practically skipped home, it was such a great surprise. I quickly put my cuties in their homes, they were a little big, but I was able to cut them down without too much trouble. Now I want to make some for Christmas. Can't wait!

Thanks Rach, you made my week --- maybe even the month!

everyday moments

2009-11-24T06:31:00.002-07:00

DSC_0005
Originally uploaded by akchristyn

Another layout from November Studio Calico goodies...one of my favorite things about kits I that they stretch my creativity, determined to get the most out of each one, I use things I wouldn't normally buy for myself like the paper I cut the weekly tabs out of or the flower card from Sassafrass. In the end, I'm grateful for the stretch, the pages turn out so much cuter---having a cutie like this to scrap doesn't hurt either.
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey(Green), Studio Calico(Daily Tabs)
Flower Card: Sassafrass
Brad: Basic Grey
Alphas: AC (green), Crate Paper(Yellow)

In Case You Missed It

2009-11-23T06:18:00.000-07:00

This one is for my fellow Dave fans...

These skits always make me crack up, but Dave as Ozzy well...it doesn't get better than that...

My Favorite Things

2009-11-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

First Oprah, now thrifty decorating blogs...who can resist the appeal of 'My Favorite Things'? Certainly not me...320 * Sycamore is a great decorating blog full of ideas to make things on the cheap, but this weekend she hosted a blog hop with lots of people playing along. Totally seemed like fun, so here goes...my favorite things --- if I won the Powerball lottery or married Mr. 66 Million dollar contract (I wonder which is statistically more probable)I would buy one of each for each of you until then you'll just have to dream along with me.

1. Bath and Body Works Lip Gloss...no day is complete without 3,4 or maybe more applications
2. iPod Nano with my favorite songs from this year

3. Glimmer Mists in all the basic colors, not just for scrappy fun, I've used mists on dried flowers, fabric, even a painted tin star. Don't stand still in my craft room, you might get misted too, who couldn't use a little more sparkle in their life?

4. Studio Calico subscription

5. This Lens (ok so this one is really a wish, but I'm betting it would be one of my favorite things if I had it)

6. My inner 8 year old put this on the list...why didn't they have cool stuff like this when I was a kid, I did melt my own in the easy bake oven to make multi-colored circle crayons.

7. A soft fluffy fleece blanket, mine is green...but this one from pier1 might be making it's way to my house soon

8. Restaurant Style El Milagro Tortilla Chips from Whole Foods, just like chips from your fav mexican place...light, flaky, perfect

9. Emily, my hairdresser extraordinaire at New Energy Salon...of course I can't give you Emily, but I would give a gift certificate to see her...purple optional

10. Egg Nog Lattes

Darn 10 so fast, can't stop yet...just a few more...

11. Christmas Movies...No Holiday Season is complete without a couple of movies, these are just a few of my favorites

12. The list wouldn't be completed without Dansko's, I bought these beauties at a charming little shop Hearne's in Old Town, Ft. Collins.

And finally because some of you may just have had this little ditty going through your head..

Julie Andrews not your thing...try the vintage jazz god John Coltrane

You Tube is definitely one of my favorite things...

Now it's your turn!

Friday? Fill-ins

2009-11-21T07:29:00.004-07:00

so I'm working off the better late than never motto here, since it's clearly Saturday morning at least in my neck of the woods...I've seen these cute little fill-ins on a couple of blogs and thought they looked kind of fun (I've always been a sucker for mad-libs) of course they're really intended to be answered on Friday, but...once a procrastinator, always a procrastinator

1. We need more laughter in the world.
2. I was clued into this blog on Emma from Glee's fashion style and it made me smile.
3. If you want something, be prepared to work for it.
4.Don't buy condoms at the dollar store because you'll probably need to get the pregnancy test too. (yes I saw both at my visit this week, some things are worth the money)
5. Massachusetts has a proposed 5% sales tax on elective cosmetic surgery; I think if the money goes to kids and/or eating disorder clinics I'm all for it. (Can you imagine the people that would show up for that Tea Party)
6. Seeing the joy on little one's faces makes for a happy holiday.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to resting, tomorrow my plans include laundry(first load already in) and Sunday, I want to see the Broncos put their game back together!

And now for a little crafty goodness, I finished this layout at the crop last weekend and it makes me smile...

Kit: Studio Calico, Marketplace
Patterned Paper: BG, October Afternoon
Brad: Sassafrass
Alpha: Making Memories
Flower: Bella Blvd
Mist: Tattered Angels Dazzling Diamonds (I know you can't see it in the pic but the bow and plaid paper sparkles)

Happy Weekend!

Handmade w/Love

2009-11-16T07:48:00.004-07:00

Patterned Paper:Hambly
Stamps: Studio Calico
Ribbon: AC
Brad and Journal Spot: Sassafrass

As soon as I saw the dress form paper from Hambly in an add-on kit from Studio Calico, it was a must have, that it came with fun stamps and other fab goodies was an added bonus. I couldn't thing of a better way to use it than a page about the dress I made for Sienna.

Permission to play

2009-11-16T07:45:00.006-07:00

Anyone who knows me knows I'm all about structure and rules and habits, I'm happiest when I can create rules...and uncomfortable when I'm around people who 'break the rules' except when in the crafty world, where I'm drawn to the work of the rule breakers. I watch them and think 'no way' will that turn out and it does. for them, not me or at least I thought so until I read through a class by one of the best...Miss Ronda Palazzari created for a Cocoa Daisy Online Crop.

I read these words on Sunday morning as the snow fell all around and thought gee that sounds familiar...
We cloud our minds with the "what ifs?" and self doubts.
What if i don't like what i do?
What if i mess up my paper?
I don't know how to do this.
I have never tried it before so i will just mess it up.

So lets clear those self doubts by just playing! After all, sometimes it is just about the journey. You may mess up. You may lose a few pattern paper scraps a long the way. Let go of those worries. We all make mistakes

And I did and boy am I glad I did...

I gave my permission to make a mess...and a mess I did

I'm not sure my desk will ever be the same...

I gave myself permission to play with all of my mists, stamps, paint, rub-ons, misc supplies and just play

And play I did and here's what I ended up with...ok so once color scheme started to emerge I went with it and then the theme emerged of positive messages to myself...now if only I could get my hands on one of those cute ATC printer's trays from 7 Gypsies to put all of my pretties in...

Thank you, thank you Ronda! Be sure to check out her class Loads of Layers and give yourself permission to play!

where does the time go?

2009-11-15T08:11:00.009-07:00

the last week seemed to vanish, I had great plans and blog posts written in my head of things to share but that's as far as I got.

Friday was an exciting day because this little layout was highlighted on the Studio Calico blog, snatched right out of the gallery along with a few others. It made me so happy to get the email and a little ashamed that it was shared with the 'world' before here with my loyal readers. But you get the extra special story behind it...Patterned Paper: Sassafrass, Cosmo Cricket
Mist: Tattered Angels (Yellow Daisy)
Alpha: Cosmo Cricket
Journal Spot: Sassafrass
Cardstock: Scenic Route (blue grid)

It all started with the tree shape and as you may know if you scrapped with me recently I'm a little obsessed with Glimmer Mists so I wanted to mist a tree shape on some cardstock to make a page, but not wanting to waste a piece of cardstock for the template I decided to use this piece of Sassafrass paper included in October's SC kit, which did not appeal to me at all, let's face it this paper in the wrong hands can go wrong. I couldn't find my sheet so Houston gave me hers. I cut the tree and misted the shape on cardstock but it just didn't quite work out the way I envisioned in my head (such things rarely do) so the little tree cut out hung around in my stash for a few weeks, it was too cute in a 'so ugly it's cute' way that I couldn't throw it away and once I printed these pics I was sure glad I didn't. I was perfect for these shots I took of S in a tree (don't worry moms not too high up and I was right there to ensure safety). Add a few Martha butterflies and a little mist and a happy page is done.

Here's another example of my mist obsession, this one totally inspired by Rhonda. I misted through plastic mesh and on some bubble wrap to make the kraft background and then lightly misted the cream background.

Patterned Paper: Sassafrass (hippos), Jenni Bowlin (Text)
Stickers: Pink Paislee (woodgrain scallop), WeR (flocked flowers)
Alphas: Sassafrass (Zoo), Jenni Bowlin (Crw), AC (E)
Mists: Tattered Angels (Turquoise, Key Lime)

And speaking of mists, yesterday I went to a crop in Ft. Collins and set next to the queen of mists Liz Hicks, seriously the queen aka the education coordinator for Tattered Angels. Oh My! Very Inspiring!! Can't wait to try out a few things I saw her do.

I Love Lunch

2009-11-06T06:51:00.001-07:00

I couldn't let you all down, here's the improv video from the today show

Love the Claim Chowder girl aka Ann Curry

Pouting w/o Glee?

2009-11-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

Yeah me too, silly, stupid baseball...

In the meantime, the Improve Everywhere gang is at it again, appearently they were on the today show this am, I was of course at work so I missed it, and sadly that one isn't posted on their you tube channel yet, but I did find a new to me Grocery Store Musical for us all to enjoy while we pout over Glee and wait for the next installment

Ponder

2009-11-01T15:45:00.005-07:00

Lots to Ponder...

How long will it take all of the snow to melt?

What happened to the Broncos?

When visiting friends why the dog jumps their fence and ends up in the neighbors yard, but won't jump back?

To take a nap or read a book for the last precious hours of a Sunday afternoon?

If I don't go to the grocery store today, will there be enough Halloween candy to sustain me for the night?

How did this girl get to be so cute?

I wish I could take credit for this page, but I lifted the combo from this layout by ArlaMo at Studio Calico.

This Post Brought to You by the letter...

2009-10-29T09:50:00.006-06:00

photo by Leo Reynolds via flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwr/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

S as in...
Saturday... check out the gorgeous fall weather we had a mere 4 days ago...

and now we have Snow, lots and lots of SNOW...you can barely make out the path Tanner and I took on the am walk near the bottom of the picture, snow was up to my knees.

Sew, Sienna and Surprise

Yes I surprised myself by actually finishing the dress I gave you a peek of last week, in time for her to wear it for awhile on Saturday. I gave up on the reversible part, we'll save that for another day. Clearly it's a little big, but we made it work.

Sorry, couldn't find any forward facing shots that showed off the full dress. She's staring off into the pasture where there were horses just a few minutes ago. We took the trail specifically to go on a horsie hunt, hoping to see some horses in their pastures or if we got really lucky, someone riding along. We got our wish, not only did we happen upon some horses in a pasture, but our timing was perfect, the owner of the horses we looked at came out to the field to halter a horse as we were standing by the fence and he brought the horses over. S was in shock! It's one thing to see a horse in a book or out in the field, but standing right next to you is a whole other story.

Speaking of stories, here's the picture of her telling the story in her own toddler-ese as we made our way back down the trail...

Off to make the most of snow day number 2, laundry is going, dishwasher running, maybe I'll hit the scraproom.

I got my wish!

2009-10-28T07:00:00.002-06:00

It's a snow day, yippee! But I'm still up and in the morning routine---checking various email accounts for anything of note. I came across this ad from Petsmart...

Seriously? As you know I'm a lover of all things fall, I have many items with the pumpkin spice sent in my house at the moment, but I think I'll draw the line at having Tanner smell like it too. Something just doesn't seem right about that.

Enjoy your snow day if you have one!

A storm is brewing...

2009-10-27T19:56:00.005-06:00

and I'm 'not so' secretly hoping for a major one that turns into a snow day. 5-10" is all we're predicted to get so I doubt my wishes will come true, just enough to make driving a pain.

Once upon a time this was a scrapbooking blog, so I thought it only fair that I finally show off a layout or two. I scrapped on Friday and Saturday night with some of my favorite girls, so inspiring they are...and the laughter, so much it hurt.

So for Jen, who I've missed so much a double page layout, with only a couple of buttons...
I love the way Sienna walks with such determination, here she is one the hunt for the perfect pumpkin, which sadly was elusive on this particular day. Oh well maybe next year...
and if you think those are cute, wait until you see her in her halloween costume, we took the essential costume/leaves pictures on Saturday. I have lots of editing to do, but here's a sneak peek for the fam.

"Dressing the Nest' for Fall

2009-10-22T18:19:00.005-06:00

How did it get to be Thursday so fast? If you remember way back on Sunday, I promised a glimpse into some of the fall decor I've been inspired to put together. In all honesty, I started this post last night and then got swept away by Glee (Emma as Audrey, simply wonderful). All inspiration credit goes to The Nester and her 31 Days to a Better Dressed Nest Series(although today's post ---fix something not particularly inspiring or maybe it's just because I like to put my head in hole and avoid those things, wonder if a call to the prop manager counts?)

The fall banner(center pic and close up on right) is what started this whole thing. Nester found it somewhere else and made one and you know it was everything I had not to rush out an buy some burlap that very minute. But I couldn't just hang a plain burlap banner ---oh no I decided I really wanted to redo the whole fireplace 'focal wall'. I've been scouting punched tin mirrors at antique stores and outside markets for a few months ---long enough to know the real deal is way out of my budget. So off to Hobby Lobby to try and find something similar, that was a no go, but mirrors were on sale so I came home with a plain black mirror. I painted the molded frame white and rubbed some silver to antique and I'm pretty happy. Banner is super easy...cut burlap into triangles, stencil letters in brown paint (I used some old BG chip letters to make the stencil) then punch 4 holes with your handy dandy crop-o-dile at the top and thread some twine or ribbon. The original poster had twine, but I'm thinking she must not have had cute brown and white polka dot ribbon, otherwise how could she resist.

The Nester is a big promoter of the 'Shop the House' theory for accessorizing and decorating, Yay for her as she has clearly spent her extra pennies on accessories at TJ Max and Ross. I shopped my house and came up with 3 types of things: clothing, craft supplies, and dead and faded dried flowers. Sadly hanging my beloved pink denim jacket on the wall just didn't look right, so I moved on to the craft supplies. Who knew mists could bring life to faded flowers? I wrapped a basic jar candle in my beloved ribbon and stuck a misted prima in the middle. Did you know burlap is super cheap? Not great if you suffer from asthma or allergies, but if you can get past it, this stuff is great for decorating for fall on the cheap. Not only did I use it on the banner, I used as table covers and runners for a bookcase, dining table, and side table. Then I stuffed an old pillow in a folded piece and stitched it up with some twine. Cute, made cuter by hot gluing some silk leaves (in the $1 spot at Target) on the front.

Even my October kit from Studio Calico got in the fun, I copied this from
one of the Tinas on the SC Design Team. Make a tree from Bo Bunny rubons, spell out Autumn with BG letter stickers, add some Cosmo Boyfriend paper, Brown cardstock and green pompom trim and you've got a festive art piece, stick it a frame from Goodwill with some silk leaves hot glued on and you've hit a home run.

I'm still on the search for the perfect pumpkin to be the centerpiece on the dining table, for now the white plastic one is filling in just fine.

How about you, how have you dressed you nest for fall?

I'm alive...v. #123?

2009-10-18T11:03:00.003-06:00

I know it seems like most of the posts these days are either ...'I'm alive'(that title is really for my mom's benefit, I presume that most of the rest of you assume I'm alive) or 'Catching Up' so much so I'm thinking maybe I should start version-ing those titles are heck change the name of the whole blog to one of those two. I had good intentions of coming home each night, often writing the post in my head on the way home, but then I get here and Tanner, my tummy, tv and bed get my attention and off to bed I go without a post.

So in effort to make sure another weekend doesn't go by without a nod to anyone who's still reading, here's what I've been up to...

1. I wrangled this box of layouts, plus other random ones laying around my scrap area into albums, yes albums...two brand new red AC albums, as you can see in the second pic, this is my first foray in nearly 15 years (ack!) of scrapbooking that I have attempted any uniformity in the album department.

2. I started and have nearly finished sewing a dress for S, with some fabric I have in my stash for ever. Confession: I bought this fabric almost 2 years ago...Rach I was going to make an apron for you out of it, but now you're the apron goddess that I decided it was probably ok to do something else with it. I think it may be the first thing I've tried to cut from a pattern since 8th grade home ec. And of course all these years of Project Runway have seeped into my brain and I feel the need to off-road it a bit. When it's done it will actually be a reversible, with a small black and white polka dot pattern on the opposite side. Wish me luck that I get it made before she grows out of it.
3. I was introduced to a wonderful decorating blog...The Nesting Place via Michelle from the Kraft Girls team. I love the Nester's motto: 'It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful' This month, she started a series: 31 days to a Better Dressed Nest. Serendipity stepped in and I found these curtains on about day 3 and the desire to redecorate the living room was born.
In all honesty, re-decorate might be a stretch, it would mean that the room was decorated to begin with. Until now, it was a pretty basic room with one major piece of art, several photos, and a Japanese screen...no curtains, TV on a TV tray and a mess of cords for TIVO, etc in plain site. So I've been working on it the past couple of weeks, repeating to my self 'it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful' and it's really starting to come together. I'll post a few pics of some of the crafty projects later in the week.

4. I've been reading more than ever now that for the first time in years --- I got a library card. I think my neighborhood library is in the running for the poshest library ever. It moved to the new 'suburban trying to be urban' development about a mile or so from my house. I has a deck with Adirondack chairs overlooking the courtyard, lots and lots of beautiful computers, my favorite part is the online request and self checkout features...and you may be saying 'so what my library has those things' and I'll say oh yeah well does yours have Valet Parking? Because mine does. Ha! Ok so maybe it's for the whole complex, but the entrance is right across the street from the library.
5. S, her parents and I went out to the madness that is the Chatfield Pumpkin festival. I had no idea what an event this is until I neared the park and saw hundreds of cars, since her parents aren't much for crowds and we were trying to squeeze it in between a Troy's game, naps and a barbecue I don't think her parents had that much fun, S was in a mellow mood too so it was pretty much a bust, but I did get some cut pics like this one, so that's something.

Happy Birthday

2009-10-04T09:34:00.003-06:00

to my dad! Sienna has become a huge fan of the webcam so we put together this little gem just for him.

Flash Mob gone crazy...

2009-09-12T14:09:00.003-06:00

I like to think the flash mob trend started with our Food Court Musical friends(not true really started by an mag editor in 2003, but not as much fun), long time readers of this blog, all two of you, know I am a huge fan of seeming random and many times humorous events occuring in public places and as such have post videos of some of my favorites over the past couple of years. As of Thursday's Oprah show(I saw some of your rolling your eyes, yes I did, but this one is worth it so get over it) the trend has hit the big time, with 1,000s of people all dancing the same choreographed moves to the Black Eyed Peas. Since this little blog o mine has been tracking the fun for so long now, I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to post the 'main event' along with some vintage 'mob' videos from past posts.

Dancing on Oprah

The classic food court musical

And twins on the train

9.9.09

2009-09-09T18:35:00.004-06:00

while this date is not quite as cool as 9.9.99 (wonder what I was doing on that day), I thought it was still cool enough to merit a blog post...but what oh what dear friends to blog about, definitely a period of blahness happening around here...totally normal and expected as I come down off the rush of school starting, hard to believe a month has almost come and gone already.

Luckily for you I have a couple more layouts from the September Kraft Girl Kit to share with you. The kit is full of goodies that are perfect for back to school pics, so I thought I'd get into the spirit with a couple of school layouts of my own.

The first is about my typical school day from the admin side...the number of emails, phone calls and paper that crosses my desk...even my beloved water bottle makes an appearance...while I don't always remember to eat, I do drink a lot of water, a girl has to stay hydrated after all.
This one is a few pics of S at daycare, and if you're wondering to yourself 'did she go visit just so she could have pictures for this layout?' well the answer is absolutely, I have no shame, I've taken entire vacations just to have pictures to scrap. I had been meaning to go for months, so this was the perfect motivation...Special thanks to Houston for the alpha border...

Speaking of kraft girls...a shout out to some of the DT girls who's goodies appeared on the Jillibean Soup bloggie today

Just as yummy is the sale that's going on at the site right now...buy June, July, August or even the fab September kit and get November or December for only 5 bucks. I've been longing for the
November kit full of Scenic Route Sonoma goodness, I might just cave and get ~~June~~ July...oh no they're both great I can't decide...

Happy 9s day!

Kraft Girls Kits --- Reveal Day!

2009-09-01T06:19:00.002-06:00

I feel like I've only scratched the surface with this kit, can't wait to get deeper in throughout the month...

I know if Sienna wasn't on this page, you might wonder if it was really a Christyn creation...I'm in the midst of a mist addiction (cheesy I know, but I couldn't resist the word play). Until this layout the mist had been contained to chipboard and flowers, but Houston challenged me to spray a whole layout and so I did, plus a little misted bubble wrap ala Rhonda.

This layout is all about 'mr. man's' visit to the vet after he caused a fight at doggie daycare. The report card is one of 6 that combine to make one super fun piece of paper.

I love so many things about this picture, it needed a special layout. I 'borrowed' Rhonda's idea and made flowers with the text paper from Jenni Bowlin included in this kit.

Finally one with a cute picture of my dad and Sienna 'driving the boat', I love the grin on his face.

August Leftovers

2009-08-31T06:09:00.001-06:00

I had a little self conflict yesterday posting sneaks, knowing full well that I had several layouts done in August that I haven't posted, some of you who know me well know I am all about order and routine, so you understand the inner conflict. Certainly not all are post worthy, but there were a few that I absolutely loved and felt they needed a little room in the spotlight. So since there is one more day left in the month I thought I'd squeeze them in...

The first one was for the August sketch...contest ends TONIGHT, just in case you're incredibly motivated...

Playing around with scraps...look out...if something is standing still I might just hit it with some metallic mist as is what happened with the thickers and flowers in this layout...

The 'rule follower' in me says I should teach her now that slides aren't for going up and that's dangerous, but the 'embrace the cuteness' me trumped that voice...

Hard to believe it's been almost a year...

September Sneaks

2009-08-30T11:22:00.004-06:00

Where did August go? Birthday fun, crops with friends, unexpected vet visits and school starting made for an exhausting month. Even though the kit arrived early in the week, exhaustion from long work days trumped any motivation/inspiration that might have been fostering when I opened the box of crafty goodness. Once the weekend hit, I've been scrapping away...

This kit is totally fabulous, there's a little something for everyone with great products from Cosmo, October Afternoon, Jillibean Soup and Jenni Bowlin to name a few, perfect for back to school, summer, or just 'cause layouts. I sat next to the amazing Rhonda at a crop in Ft. Collins last week and you can tell some of her influence rubbed of on me and ended up on these pages.

Sunday Scraps

2009-08-16T19:03:00.002-06:00

pigtails

Now you know I don't really do New Year's resolutions, but I love my friend Arleigh's idea of monthly resolutions. A few months ago I decided that Sunday's would be my day to sort my scraps from projects created over the week. It's my one small step to keeping my scrappy studio in order. Occasionally, as was the case a couple of weeks ago before life got totally crazy, in the process I get inspired by combinations of papers in their color family. The papers in this fun layout all came out of the blue bag and I love the combo. I also love that this page came together in under an hour(super fast for me), of course this cutie pic of the little one doesn't hurt.

Hope you have a great week!

2 days in

2009-08-14T20:25:00.004-06:00

to the school year and I am...

image via visualthesaurus.com...love this site!

Now watching the Broncos first season game, I've keep repeating to myself 'building year', 'low expectations', etc. Yet still upset that the defense on first possession gave up 15 yards on a 3rd down and don't even get me started about an interception in the red zone on the offense's first possession...so much for the 'new Broncos', it's going to be a long year.

Calling Louisiana, W. Virginia and Delaware

2009-08-06T18:36:00.006-06:00

You may remember my 100th post from a few months ago when I posted a map of the my visitors from around the US...At that time I was missing 7 or 8 states from acheiving my goal. I haven't quite made it, but...I'm so close I can almost taste it. 3 more to go...

I could make sassy jokes about each of the missing states, but I'm afraid that might keep people away so I'll let you make them up in your head, or if you so desire you can leave it in the comments.

So here's the deal, I have some goodies to give away from my stash (a little Cosmo early bird perhaps) to either a. someone from one of the missing states or b. a friend of someone from one of those states that gets their person to come visit. Desperate much? You might call it that, but a girl has got to meet her goals and keep moving don't you think. So the nitty gritty, come visit, LEAVE a comment with either where your from or name of friend from one of those states. Friend must also comment. Picky, Picky I know...if this actually works and I have multiple people to choose from I will use the handy dandy random number generator to choose.

So we're looking for folks from Louisiana, West Virginia, and Delaware.

Thanks for your help!

Video Fun

2009-08-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

but not the usual kind you find here in Christyn land, but instead one made by me! Today is my first day to host the blog in kraft girl land and I wanted to do something special. The aha moment occurred about 8 am on Sunday...make a video... So, I sat down on Sunday and was determined to master iMovie and while 'master' might be a stretch at this point, I'm pretty happy with the results, happy enough to show off in two places...

This a 'not so' quick tutorial on making lace edges with various border punches. Hope you find it helpful.

Altered Journal Goodness

2009-08-04T06:05:00.001-06:00

Have you noticed the school supplies everywhere you go, I love all of them...crayons, binders, and especially composition books on sale for 50 cents. I usually stock up and by 10 or so. Then I have them on hand when the inspiration hits...and hit it did. I gave this birdy a glitter bath thinking he would go on one of the layouts I posted yesterday, but then he just turned out so wonderful I thought he needed a project where he could really be the star.

I built up his nest with other goodies and adhered them all to the front on a composition book, I know this glittery friend with the cheery yellow will bring a smile to my face on those stressful days that the start of the school year brings.

More Kraft Girls Fun

2009-08-03T05:50:00.003-06:00

I have a couple more Kraft Girl Kit layouts to share with you...

A little hybrid action on this layout...I added the frames in PSE and then printed and cut out the frames and the 'memories' quote. As if that wasn't enough newness, how bout a little mist action on the birdy. The kit only comes with 2 birds, but 2 wasn't enough(ok really, I was planning on using the second bird here, but after it got a glitter bath it needed a project by itself) so I traced and cut another bird and then hit it with some Archival Mists. Then...I wanted a little more shimmer so I rubbed some liquid pearl on the wing and on the flowers. I distressed the tag too, just for fun, the white seemed a little too white.

No fancy techniques on this one, who doesn't love black and white polka dots?

If only

2009-08-02T08:07:00.004-06:00

all weddings started this way, I wouldn't avoid going to them...

Thanks to coworker Kim J. for posting it on facebook.

It's Reveal Day

2009-08-01T06:12:00.000-06:00

(in my head I can hear an HGTV host saying the title)

anyway...

If you've been visiting my blog over the past week, you know that I am over the moon with the August kit from Kraft Girls Kits . From the moment I peeked in the box through 4 layouts(yes 4! and to think usually I do 4 layouts in a month) and a special project, I cherished each element.

You can see all my projects along with others from the rest of the ubertalented design team on the KGK blog or our super duper brand new flicker group. We want to see your kit work there too!

Here's the first of my layouts, I think it's my favorite, but then again I still have lots of goodies to play with...

Be sure to check the main site, there's lots of goodies to come including...

Instructions for this layout and projects from the other DT members (they might not be up yet, but will be very soon I'm sure)

A chance to win a free kit! KGK will be sponsoring 52 weeks 52 Sketches the week of August 9^th and will be giving away one of the August Kits. (Although I would say you should plan on buying one too, really I could use two and I'm sure you could too. )

There's will be a sketch contest for August, another chance to win goodies

Plus there will be a chance to win a little goodie on the blog this weekend.

Seriously 3 chances for free goodies, who else does that?

But wait there's more...The November and December 2008 kits are 50% off and the March kit is 25% off. What are you waiting for, jump on over to the KGK site right now.

1 More Day

2009-07-31T08:24:00.002-06:00

Glittery Goodness

2009-07-29T20:29:00.002-06:00

Another project done...oh how I love glitter

2 more days until reveal and you can see this guy and all of his friends in all their glory.

Another sneak

2009-07-26T14:43:00.006-06:00

Just a quickie(get your mind out of the gutter) to show off a couple of goodies you haven't seen in my stuff yet.
I've finished 'the required elements', so I'll have one more peek tomorrow or maybe I'll keep you in suspense. The whole shebang 'goes live' on August 1, I can't wait for you to see it and I can't wait to see what goodness the rest of the DT has whipped up.

In other news, you no doubt have noticed the Back to School supplies at your local Target, it's not too far off...13 work days before my school opens the doors to 2009-2010...who am I kidding even the weekends will be work days from here until mid September. I just have to remember to breathe and try not to cry in public. Savor the last bits of summer for me...

Sometimes...

2009-07-25T10:12:00.005-06:00

Cleaning is a good thing, I was organizing my scraps last week and putting some pics away and came across these goodies...any chance of continued cleaning and organizing was out the window and instead my body found itself at the desk, when the mojo starts to roll, you've just got to go with it...I have the rest of my life to clean.

I think I may be the last scrapper on the planet to buy the Martha butterfly punch, I really don't know why I resisted so long...

Supplies: Pretty much everything from the BG Wisteria collection, ribbon from god knows where? and the aforementioned Martha punches.

Sneak Peeps...

2009-07-24T06:45:00.004-06:00

Quick name your top five favorite scrappy manufactures...

Did you happen to name: American Crafts? Jenni Bowlin? Sassafrass? Crate Paper? Maya Road? Pink Paislee? Hambly? Prima? I bet you named at least a couple from this list which is why you're going to love the August KGK kit...They're ALL in there, yes there is a little treasure from each of these manufactures in that box of love...now you can understand why I held up traffic just a bit.

Here are some sneaks from my second layout, turned out a little different than my norm, but definitely some Christyn touches, can't wait to show you the whole thing Aug. 1.

The xacto knife jumped into my hand...

and cried out for help from his buddy the bottle of glassy accents... Clue #2 this little guy peeps and has several friends from a couple of different manufactures.and the quickutz didn't want to miss out on the party...

Can't get enough sneaks, be sure to check out the main KGK blog and the other team members...great stuff, I can't wait to see their layouts/projects.

Late Night F.U.N

2009-07-23T00:02:00.003-06:00

Stick of butter: .75 cents (or so, not really sure since I buy butter in large quantities @ Costco)

Visit w/xrays to Doggie Er to make sure wrapper from said butter is not stuck in dog's throat: $256
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Living 5 minutes away from said ER, happy healthy dog who throw-up said wrapper at ER and a restful sleep: Priceless.

And so it came to be after 2.5 hours we're home, he's asleep already and I'm trying to wind down from my second wind.

It took so long because there were a few other animals who weren't quite as lucky as us tonight(although I think their ok too) and that's something to be thankful for...the staff at the Animal ER are truly wonderful...even though it was really just an upset tummy(ok a VERY upset tummy) they treated me and Tanner with the same compassion and care. Lots to be said for that!

Sneaky Peak Part 1

2009-07-22T05:43:00.002-06:00

ooh, I got my first Kraft Girls kit in the mail today...I had it delivered to work so I knew it would get delivered, only downside...I wanted to leave and play and it was only 1pm so that wasn't a choice(drat!). I snuck a couple of peaks in the office and a closer look on the way home (sorry to the drivers behind me @ the Holly light).

Finally, I got home and busted it all out and started to plan, I think some fun and a little different for me layouts are in store.

Here's a couple of sneaks from my first layout... Clue #1 the kit includes some 'elusive' letters from a favorite company, in a favorite color, in a favorite 'material'.

and flowers, you can never have enough flowers...especially whimsical ones.
Start saving your lunch money kids, you're going to want this kit...

80's classic reborn

2009-07-21T06:15:00.000-06:00

I know it's been a bit since I showed a video here, just waiting for the perfect one to cross my path. Special thanks to my brother, John, for sending this one my way.

Don't you just love how they mimic the sounds of a thunderstorm so perfectly...

More Jessica Sprague Fun

2009-07-20T19:40:00.000-06:00

The class ended today, and as usual, I'm a few days behind...which is better than months ala the 'Stories in Hand' class. Even better, I'm using the techniques and having fun with them.

First up a couple of different variations of this cute photo of Sienna, both apply a sepia color tone and frames. Easy peasey....

Next up, some colorization and applying texture and a frame, you can't beat bare toes for a quintessential summer shot.
Finally, a technique I was so happy to learn and master... using layer masks to a pop of color on a black and white photo. Way easier that the old method of layers and erasers. A little edge burn and a quick frame on this one too.

Now I'm off to learn about storyboards, yay!

Where oh where did my slick writer go?

2009-07-19T07:03:00.000-06:00

Yay, I don't think there is a better feeling to finish with a project that has been in the works for a prolonged period of time. I started this little layout before my trip to Ak. I think I could have played it safe and mounted it on kraft or natural smooth and be done before I went to AK, but I really wanted to challenge myself to use a color background. Unfortunately the photos don't quite do it justice, so you may be saying 'she should have stuck with the kraft'...irl the cardstock is hot pink, super fun for summer.

This photo cracks me up, this is what Sienna's hair looks like post nap/pebbles styling when she manages to get the barrette or elastic out of her hair. I would journal all about it, if I could find my slick writer, off to buy a new one today, which is pretty much a guarantee I'll find my old one tomorrow. I have a couple of other 'favorite things' about this layout. First the butterfly, I used a spellbinder die to cut the butterfly and then dipped it in misted distress inks...want to do it yourself? Check out Jen McQuire's how-to video...careful it's addicting. Then I added glitter and sealed with super seal so the glitter would stay put. A little bling and some wire (salvaged from a bind it all project that went wrong) and this cutie comes to life. And just to show you how the ticket obsession is coming along, I layered the butterfly on top of a new SEI ticket that's glued to a Collage Press die cut ticket (it's a sickness, I tell you)

Speaking of things I can't get enough of...there's a Jenni Bowlin button in butterfly land, but was that enough...heck no! I cut three in half and used them along with small buttons to make a scallop border along the photo. Love how it turned out, no doubt this technique will show up on another layout at some point.

Supplies:
Patterned Paper: OA (stripe and polka dot), Studio Calico (Newsprint)
Embellies: Heidi Grace(pink journal square), SEI (bus ticket), Collage Press(blue ticket), Jenni Bowlin (buttons), AC (ribbon), Fancy Pants (colored buttons), Spellbinder(butterfly die cut), Kaiser (pink bling)

Hope your weekend was fantastic!

Oh Jen...

2009-07-18T08:51:00.003-06:00

I love altering wooden letters and monograms, so when Jen asked if I would do a set for her little guy I was happy to do so. It took a bit(ok 6 weeks) for the inspiration to strike, I realized that all of the letters I done in the past were for girls...easy to add flowers and sparkle, but a growing boy? I was at a loss until I really looked at the paper Jen gave me.

A little fussy cutting and some rub-ons and voila. I'm in love with the 'waves' on the E, it's my favorite of the set.

Now to make a plan to deliver them and I'm on to the next project.

A little bird told me...

2009-07-16T20:10:00.005-06:00

I should share this sneaky peek for August Kraft Girls Kit with you. He said I would love it and he was right, now I'll just count the minutes until it arrives on my doorstep next week.

So happy to see such fun stuff, especially tickets...if receipts from latest supply shopping are to be believed I'm developing a little addiction to them.

Stay tuned for layouts with these goodies and while you're waiting check out the work of some of my team mates, links to the left. :)

Great News!

2009-07-15T19:20:00.002-06:00

sometimes life brings you good things and happy news via emails like this...

"After going through all the fabulous submissions for the... the design team call, yours was one of the entries that really stood out!"

So I'm a little late in posting this here, but better late than never. I considered writing a blog post and scheduling it to pop first thing in the morning, but I was afraid to jinx it...

So get the the news already, right? Little old me was chosen to be part of the Kraft Girls Kits design team. I've been stalking the kits for some time and they are filled with delicious scrapbooking goodies...I can't wait to get me hands on my first one.

Let me tell you, this is one talented team! I'm thrilled to be included along with these fab ladies, I've been blown away by my quick peeks at there blogs. I hope to have everyone linked up here in the next few days.

And as if it couldn't get any better, So You Think You Can Dance is on and I'm tuning in. Have a great night!

Fun w/Photos

2009-07-10T18:54:00.003-06:00

If you didn't sign up for the free class on photo editing at Jessica Sprague's site you are missing out my friend...then again if you're a digi wizard or inclined to spend hours playing in photo shop you just might be ok. For the rest of us, I'm glad peeps like Jessica lead the way.

Of course I am a little behind and will spend some time this weekend to catch up on a couple more lessons.

Lesson 1...Add a frame and word art --- basic I know but a little review never hurt anyone

Lesson 2...Brushes --- I'll admit that even though I knew how before, I didn't really play with brushes on photos until now. I had plenty to play with, but did that stop me from searching the web for more? heck no...which might explain why I'm a couple of days behind. I gave myself bonus points on figuring out how to have to colors on the same brush image.

Lesson 3...Blending modes and hand tinting ***swoon*** again lots of playing, I'm so in love with how this turned out it motivated me to finally make a copyright stamp, lest cute baby girl end up as a poster in Uzbekistan or something. (yes, I know if they want to steal it, they will, but let me be an ostrich with her head in the sand for just a second)

Off to play more, hope you have a great weekend!

2009-07-07T20:57:00.005-06:00

Let's pretend for a second that instead of the fabulous weather in Ak last week, it actually rained like I thought it would...I had planned to share these layouts, better late than never, right?

This one I did for Houston's birthday, I feel so blessed to have her as a friend.
Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket, Studio Calico, October Afternoon, Collage Press
Alphas: QK BeautyQueen, others hand cut from SC paper
Embellies: Making Memories, Collage Press, Jenni Bowlin

This layout is all about Sienna showing off her body parts...

Patterned Paper: Fancy Pants
Journaling Spot: Ali E brush from Designer Digitals printed on Kraft, Making Memories tiny alphas
Embellies: Fancy Pants Buttons, Bazzill Flower

She loves stuffed animals, so when I found these barrettes at a gift shop I knew they would be perfect, good thing I didn't expect them to stay in her hair very long...

Patterned Paper: Sassafrass
Alphas: American Crafts thickers
Journaling: Ali E. for Designer Digitals printed on kraft
Embellies: Tim Holtz tickets

This pic is actually from a few years ago, but it could have easily been last week, in fact if I hadn't done this layout right before I left I probably would have come home with an identical photo. More cosmo early bird, I love this paper, it makes me so happy every time I look at it, in this one I fussy cut the pinwheel paper to make it eyelet like.

Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket
Embellies: October Afternoon stickers, Making Memories frame and buttons, AC ribbon
Journaling Spot: Collage Press

Unplugged

2009-07-06T20:51:00.003-06:00

I had great intentions of spending my week updating the blog and working on other inside stuff, assuming it would be typical Alaskan summer weather and rain for the majority of our trip, instead something quite miraculous happened...7 days of near cloudless skies and warm(hot by Alaskan standards) temps.

I spent as much time outside as possible and in the land of the midnight sun(photo above is Denali aka Mt. McKinley around midnight) that's a lot of time...on the boat, in a lounge chair, even on the grass playing with S. No wifi, no cell reception, just the sounds of the wind, water fowl, voices of family and a few books to fill the time made for the perfect break.

It's hard to adjust back into a life where I actually need to do something, I'm trying to look a the bright side and be thankful I have a job and a life that affords such luxuries as a week away doing nothing but reading...trying really hard. I have a few (ok, 190 or so) pics and a rosy tan from the week to remind me of days left behind.

Here are a couple of my favorites...

Hope your summer is going well, hard to believe it's July already.

Interviews...

2009-06-24T18:13:00.003-06:00

I guess I should feel (ok not guess or should, I do, I really do) blessed that I have taken part in more interviews from the hiring side than the interviewee, but it doesn't make it any less exhausting.

We interviewed 17-18 candidates over the past few days, and if there is one bright side to the economic crisis it's that other districts our having to layoff really good folks(no, that's not the good part) and their loss is our gain. As always there were some clear standouts, this year more than others, many middle of the pack(I found myself channeling my inner Simon Cowell and thinking 'I'm just not sure they'll be memorable' and sure enough at 5pm today as we were ranking we often found ourselves saying which one was she?) and a few that, well...they need more work. With those folks in mind I went to find a past post about interviews, found it funny that it was almost exactly the same time last year, in fact if I posted this tomorrow am it would be the same day.

Here's what I was thinking then and my additions for this year...
It's that time of year where we interview for new teachers. After 10 years of being an interviewer, I have some definite opinions of Do's and Don'ts for interviewees and after yesterday feel a strong urge to share them publicly.

1. Do read the posting carefully.

2. Write your cover letter and tweak your resume to match the posting. This year I had one cover that really stood out. The candidate used a two column format on the left side listed our organizations mission/goals and on the right listed her qualifications on meeting those goals. Not only did it show research (#3), but also she is at least an intermediate understanding of MS Word.

Another note about resumes, don't go to the extreme to make them stand out...please,please use a traditional font. I'll be honest if a resume is done in papyrus or god forbid comic sans it's going to the bottom of the pile no matter how qualified you are, I can't get past the font.

3. Do research on the company before your interview, if possible go beyond the company website and try to glean as much information as possible. Work your research into your verbal answers.

4. Don't be wishy washy in your answers. It's totally ok to ask for clarification on what an interviewer is asking so that you can be specific. I want to know how you will have impact and if you can quantify it, even better.

5. Do listen to the question and if I ask you to give me an example of a situation and resolution be very specific. Don't pretend to be perfect and say you've never had this situation because that tells me you don't have enough experience. Try to find an example that's most relevant to the job you're applying for. Ex: Tell me about a time you had to deal with a confrontational student/parent/employee/customer and strategies you used to resolve the situation. I would answer that question with one of the following --- autistic boy who used to scream at the top of his lungs all day and the steps I took to build a relationship with him, a mother who cussed me out for suspending her son and 1 month later called and asked for help, or my all time fav supervisor/employee termination story where the employee called his mom during the termination.

6. Do dress in business attire for the interview, even if your research says it's a casual workplace. My personal preference is that you also remove piercings in places except for your ears and cover as much as your body art as possible. You want me to focus on your answers and behavior, not staring at the giant ball in your chin. If your piercings are an important part of you and your look do ask in the interview if the company dresscode allows you to wear them. Try really hard not to play with your hair the whole time. PS. what's with men who feel the need to empty their pockets on the table? If you can't sit with your wallet, cell phone, keys in your pocket for 30 minutes perhaps you should leave them in the car. I'm just sayin...

7. Do prepare some questions and make sure to ask them. Often times the questions you ask me are weighted as strongly as the answers you give me. I am looking for someone who cares about my mission and is not timid.

8. Do be up front about your compensation needs either before the interview or during. Nothing ticks me off more than calling a candidate and then being told 'I can't work for that much money' when they knew how much the position paid before they even applied.

9. Do be ready for the standard questions. Have great answers for the following
* Why do you want to work here?
* Why are you the best candidate?
* What are your strengths? if you struggle with this question I highly recommend Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham.
* What are your weaknesses?...and don't say I'm a work-a-holic. It may be true, but I might just think that your not efficent with your time and have to work late often because you spent to much time chit chating or surfing the web during the day.

10. Do mimic/mirror my body language. There have been several studies on successful interviews and they have found that when the candidate mirrors the interviewer they are more likely to be offered the position. Why? Non-verbal language tells me that we're a match and can get along together.

11. Don't talk negatively about a previous employer or place blame for your leaving on another person or member of the team you worked on. As an experienced supervisor, I usually jump to the conclusion that you're a difficult person to work with and I don't want that kind of negativity entering my work environment.

13. Google yourself before the interview, you should know what your online footprint is...we asked this as the last question and I was surprised to find out how many people had never googled themselves or at least would admit it.

Of course I could go on and on, but I'll stop here and just say if you're out there interviewing Good Luck, do everything you can do to be memorable!

I'm alive...

2009-06-20T10:15:00.007-06:00

I know it's been a long time since I went a week without blogging...life has been just a little crazy the past couple of weeks, full of blogworthy events except they've left me a little overwhelmed and exhausted. Here's a quick run down...

1. Graduation...132 grads, 1500 of their nearest and dearest + handful of muckety mucks
2. Car broke down on way to said graduation w/diplomas in car
3. Car towed to dealer for look-see
4. Look-see revealed breakdown because of relatively cheap issue, while there let's look do a 60,000 mile check-up, ok
5. Check-up not ok...more things to fix...$1400 grand total but that does include a new drivers
6. Stressed because car really needs another $1000 of work and I can't afford it without savings taking a serious hit, thought I would put it on the CC, but bastards dropped my limit. thanks for that surprise.
7. Made 20 cards on Thursday night for teachers who are now on summer break
8. Had my summer hair appointment and decided to let the inner wild child come out...hello purple...

My craft room has been the sanctuary through it all and I've been playing a little each day. I'll share some of the crafti-goodness in the days to come.

Good things are on the horizon, looking forward to some time with fam in AK and taking this free class at JessicaSprague.com (my favorite classes) bonus and blessing that this class is free and at the perfect time for me to take advantage of it. Registration starts on Monday, come learn with me.

Pretty Please with a Cherry on Top

2009-06-10T06:59:00.000-06:00

What's not to love about a sticker with that phrase? I took the plunge and bought a Studio Calico kit this month...ok you caught me I bought 2 kits...the main and the Cherry Pop add on...I rationalized the second kit knowing the Houston really wanted it and fear that she didn't have internet access while in the wilds of Yosimite. I was prepared to give it all away and then...it came with it's bright cherry stickers and papers and well...we split the kit. Main kit is full of Cosmo goodness which I usually have a hard time cutting into, but since I had special ordered a full kit of just that I had now problem punching a few circles out of one of the papers...and the circles kept coming. This is one of those layouts that completely evolved as elements came together. It started with a polka dot background, color photo, a fussy cut flower, and punched circles. Polka dots got switched for kraft and I had polka dot letters but then the gingham ribbon practically jumped on the page by itself and I needed more red out with the chipboard letters and in with stamped letters...which didn't match the colors in the photo...finally at around 9 it all came together and I love it.
Patterned Paper:Cosmo Cricket
Alphas: AC Tickers (ooh peacock chip, yum!) OA stamps
Embellies: Jenni Bowlin(chipboard buttons), K&Co Bling, OA(Cherry, Polka stickers), QK (rings, leaves from re-use set)
Ribbon: Michaels

Monday Quote

2009-06-07T20:07:00.006-06:00

“One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes. In the long run, we shape our lives and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And, the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.“ – Eleanor Roosevelt

Sunday is challenge day in designer digitals land...or at least it's the day I discover the challenges...the best thing about challenges there is that they come with freebies. Yay! Of course Sunday also has .25 cent items too, which have led me down a spending path the couple of weeks, who wants to charge .50 cents? Clearly I'm not alone, it must work out pretty well for the site or they have a great credit card contract that doesn't charge a fee for each purchase...I digress...the challenge is what this post is really supposed to be about. Secret Desires, what a perfect thing to think about, of course traveling immediately popped into my mind, perfect except that it's not much of a 'secret', so I altered the challenge just a bit.

This great overlay by Anna Aspnes was part of the challenge, it made for an easy page to come together...and who doesn't love an easy page?

Since it's so easy, I challenge all of you in bloggie land to scrap this topic, I promise it will be a fun one. Want to use the template? Go get it here. (you'll need a designer digitals community account to access it, I know one more account blah, blah, blah, but this one is TOTALLY worth it, I promise)
Hope you have a great week!

Random Invention time

2009-06-04T06:13:00.002-06:00

This is the time of year based on environmental(sun shining in the window and birds that refuse to sleep in) + work pressures(see yesterday's post and multiply by 132) have me waking up way, way, way to early. And while my brain is awake, my middle aged body says otherwise, which means the brain is off and running into work and sometimes, like this morning, thinking in completely random directions. Maybe is was the story about invention camp on last night's news that lead my brain down the path...

Here's my grand idea for an invention, refrigerators should have some sort of altered POS (in this case it stands for 'point of sale' for you non-retail folks and even those with retail experience whose minds immediately go to 4 letter words). The POS would have a scanner in the door and you would just scan your items as you put them away. Then the fridge could help track expiration dates, inventory etc. and have a little display on the front side...

Ex:
Fresh:
Apples Purchased xx/xx/xx
Hamburger purchased xx/xx/xx

Use this week:
peppers
blue cheese

Use in 3 days
Watermelon
Steak

In danger of turning green

Throw it out already
Milk
Eggs from 2007

Basics to purchase (and then you could network the fridge and print a shopping list)
Salsa
Eggs
Yogurt

If only I could figure out how to scan leftovers I would never have anything turn green in my fridge again...yeah right, hey a girl can dream.

As I typed this I realized this is just may be a classic example of you can take the girl out of retail, but you can't take the retail out of the girl and I'm already compensating for the loss of my beloved part-time job at Scrapbook Destination.

Why I Do What I Do...

2009-06-03T08:55:00.003-06:00

from gatewaynews.org

Sunday, May 31, 2009

HOPE ON LINE EDUCATION TURNS ROUGH GIRL INTO PROM QUEEN

COMMERCE CITY -- Susana “Vivi” Briones was on the road to trouble during her days at Adams City High School. She hung out with the rough crowd, smoked pot, and ditched class.

Arguments and fights were common for this tough girl in training, who smoked her first joint at 14 and seemed destined to become a high school dropout just like every other member of her family.

“I thought why should I go to school? No one in my family graduated,” Briones said. “Why should I care?”

Fate, family and faith changed everything for Briones, who became Hope Online Learning Academy Co-Op’s first ever prom queen last month – a distinction earned through academic achievement not popularity.

The change, fostered by her mother’s love and the support of teachers and mentors at Hope Online’s New Heights Academy learning center in Commerce City, mellowed Briones’s rough ways and taught her the importance of academic success.

The big shift occurred during Briones’s sophomore year. That’s when her mother took her out of Adams City High School and placed her into a Hope Online learning center in Commerce City. Briones, in typical teen-aged fashion, rebelled.

“I did not want to go there,” Briones said of the school that specializes in on-line education and letting students learn at their own pace. “I thought it was a school for dumb kids. I did not think it was a real school. This is just a roomful of kids on computers, what will they learn?”

As it turned out, Briones learned a great deal.

Briones’s final transformation occurred after her older brother dropped out of high school just one month away from graduation. Suddenly, Briones realized that she could become the first in her extended family of 40 to earn a high school diploma.
“My mother wanted to see a diploma in my brother’s hands. When that did not happen, I saw how disappointed she was,” Briones said. “I did not want her to go through that again. … My mother gives me so much. I realized that I needed to give back and start all over.”

Like a modern-day version of “My Fair Lady,” Briones changed from a troubled teen into a top student.

“Had I not moved to Hope Online, I would have been a typical dropout who gets pregnant at 18,” she said.

Now, Briones has a bright future. She will attend the Community College of Denver in the fall and work to become a teacher or counselor.

Briones is proof that the hands-on approach followed at Hope Online works for thousands of students who need more than what is provided at standard brick and mortar schools.

“I started getting excited about graduation during my junior year,” Briones said. “I saw that I could be the first in my family to graduate. My entire attitude changed thanks to my teachers and mentors who never gave up on me and told me that I could do it.”

Briones will be among 130 fellow Hope Online graduates during the school’s graduation ceremony on June 11.

Posted by gatewaynews at Sunday, May 31, 2009

PS...Prom Queen here, unlike the popularity contest at other schools, is decided purely on academic merit. Yay!

Culture Shock

2009-06-01T06:19:00.001-06:00

In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. Martin Luther King Jr.

I was sitting in a meeting not so long ago, when one of my 'trigger' sentences was uttered...In our culture...a seemingly innocent and interesting utterance, after all we are nothing without culture. It is our story, our community, our life. I believe it can also be an excuse for not taking steps to build a stronger culture. Throughout my career, I've heard it used in ways that quite frankly make my skin crawl.

In our culture
...we don't talk about substance abuse
...we don't talk about mental health
...we don't talk about sex ed
...we don't talk about child abuse
...we don't talk about suicide
...we don't talk about domestic violence
...we don't talk about the benefits of good early childcare, when parents aren't available(and in some cases appropriate to care for children)

It makes my skin crawl because by not talking about these things, we condone them..., we look the other way and our people suffer. ''Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. I know talking about culture is sometimes a dangerous slope, so often we are judged by the color of skin as if it was the only factor in determining culture, when in fact ethnicity is only a small component of culture. It is my strong belief that if we are ever to truly change the world, we have stop using culture as an excuse, begin in our own back yard, start pulling at the weeds, start being pricked by the thorns of difficult conversations, address these issues so our culture will grow stronger, so our legacy will be fulfilled, so we can say and know I made a difference.

Ink-a-licious

2009-05-31T18:18:00.008-06:00

You know it's a good weekend when your hands look like this at the end of the day on Sunday. With MK's birthday card I seem to have rediscovered my lost love of sponging and other ink and paper combos that I played with all weekend and now my hands look stained.

I also worked in a less mess format on this digi page about Sienna and her ever expanding vocabulary.

Patterned Paper: MTeresawa, Designer Digitals (Beautiful Day floral)
Elements: AEdwards, Designer Digitals (Details), KPertiet, Designer Digitals(Stacked Vintage frames) MTeresawa, Designer Digitals(Ric Rac, Sticker, Tab)

This age is one of my favorites as the vocab expands seemingly on a daily basis and the never ending struggle to decipher what she is really saying. I was also reminded how much toddlers thrive on routine. I stopped by to visit her at her Nana's on my way home from site visits on Friday and it took the poor thing 10 minutes to try and make sense of me at Nana's, that's never happened w/o one of her parents there at the same time.

And as the weekend fades away, I'm celebrating a goal met...check out the number of May posts...33 baby, I did it plus a couple of bonus entries. Yay Me! Bring on the new month...

2009-05-30T21:19:00.003-06:00

Have a box like this? Full of cards looking for a good home and you've given out as many as you can and still have leftovers, because let's face it making them is just plain fun. I challenge you to join me and send them off to Cards for Heroes. You've probably heard of this organization, but maybe like me and haven't taken the time to learn more. I stumbled onto a blog hop to promote the organization over the memorial day weekend and was moved to participate. How it works: we send our cards to a CFH shipper and they send them oversees to Afghanistan, Iraq and other bases in harms way and the folks serving can take there pick to send back to their loved ones instead of having to buy mega-expensive cards...and we all know that handmade cards are 100s of times better than store bought cards. Their also looking for any hero cards, cards with notes from random people like us sharing gratitude. So I made a few of those with some scraps hanging around my desk...now I just need write in them and send away.
I did make one special card for the extra special Mary Kay for her birthday last week. I think I may have over done it...go figure, me over doing it, sometimes I can still here my HS art teacher saying sometimes less is more...and other times it's just right.

2009-05-29T20:15:00.003-06:00

So let's dance, this last dance
let's dance, this last dance
let's dance, this last dance tonight

Sad, so sad, tomorrow is the last day for my beloved Scrapbook Destination. I have loved nearly every moment and wonder what Saturday's will be like after tomorrow.

So, come on baby, dance that dance
come on baby, dance that dance
come on baby, let's dance tonight...

Idol Withdrawal

2009-05-28T18:41:00.001-06:00

I know it's been over a week and I really should move on with real life, but thinking about this performance makes me smile a week later, so that must be good for something. Sorry this is about the best quality I could find.

PS...yes Houston I realize I just posted a country artist on my blog, the ends of days must surely be near.

Mix it up...

2009-05-27T06:24:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to reassure all that despite my recent forays into the digi world, I'm just as content to push paper around for hours, and while this layout ended up being super simple, it sure didn't start out that way...I tried fussy cutting and then some pleating and I forgot what else, but in the end I came home to stacked flowers and tiny alphas, you just can't beat them for the perfect pop of color.

Patterned Paper: MME(dotted background), Cosmo(Title, Stripe)
Embellies: Primas, unknown button
Alpha: Making Memories

Bubbly Toes

2009-05-26T06:11:00.006-06:00

So this was the layout I started a few days ago and mentioned that it wouldn't really fit with the blog. Distressed and vintage papers on a layout about modern tech just didn't jive, go figure remember I started working on after my bedtime, but with a picture of cute baby toes, what could be better?

Template: Katie Pertiet, Remembering You Designer Digitals
Patterned Paper: Jessica Sprague Thank You Kindly Kit(peachy floral), Rhonna Farrer 2 Peas(Brown Distressed) SBetc. Sweet Country
Elements: J Edwards Smoothie Shop Designer Digitals(Stitching), Ali Edwards Designer Digitals(Blessing of You)

Reflect

2009-05-25T09:15:00.005-06:00

"Reflect on your present blessings, of which every man has many; not on your past misfortunes of which all men have some" Charles Dickens

This week my ever wonderful friends at google reader recommended the 'One Little Word(OLW)' blog, I love it! (totally stole the quote from OLW) I wonder if I've been under a rock or so lost my own little world to have missed it for so long. I met the lovely Rhonda P at Emily's house not so long ago, it was great to see more of her work and some other uber-talented scrappers. If you've missed it too, definitely worth checking out. This weeks word is reflect, couldn't be more perfect for my little space of cyberspace, with that as a jumping off point, I returned to my idea of a digi-page celebrating the 100th post and thinking about why I blog. I think it's a little funny to scrapbook a blog that's about scrapbooking.

Despite the fact that it feels like 'little old woman who swallowed a fly...' sound in my head to do this page, it was excellent to really think about this blog, what my goals are and remember why I spend the time to develop it. Hopefully it will be a reminder to me for 'those days' when the last thing I want to do it blog, those are the days I probably need to do it most. Reflection, indeed.

Patterned Papers: JEdwards Designer Digitals(Smoothie Shop:floral, stripe, hotpink) RFarrer 2 peas(green scallop)
Elements: MWise Designer Digitals(Reflect), SBetc(ribbon), JSprague(Scratchy overlay, recolored)

Card Fun

2009-05-24T15:58:00.004-06:00

I've totally been in the card making/stamping mood lately...I blame enabling blogs like Jennifer McGuire, Angela and Becky(just to name a few, I could go on and on) and if my 'scrap' stash is any sign I could go on and on making cards and not buy supplies for years (where's the fun in that) since I've been on a supply shopping spree lately, I'm justifying it by combining old papers with new stamps or vice versa.

First up: a card for the weekly challenge on the Hero Arts Blog. Pattern look familiar? Sentiment looks like it's on a grocery bag? That's because they both are...this week's challenge was to recycle/repurpose something for the card, as I was putting away the bag I realized how cool the 'pineapple' print would be as a background for a card and since I was cutting up the bag I might as well use it for the sentiment and accent pieces, I think it turned out pretty cool.
Next a lift of a card Jennifer McGuire did awhile back,...go figure... mine didn't come out quite as cute as hers, but I still like it, the color combo makes me happy.
Lest you think I forgot my bellas, think again, although this card doesn't technically use a bella girl, the precious owlies are from stamping bella so that still counts.

Finally a card I did last weekend but never got around to posting...again using a die from the summer QK 'Re-Use' special edition set. This is the tree that sold me on the set, I didn't notice at first glance the number of teeny tiny leaves that made up the design, much smarter to use the relief(is that the right spelling for the leftover part?) I think the alpha is awfully 'metro' like, but I still like and think it will come in handy. I also used my score pal to add some decorative embossing...
see what I mean, new things with old supplies, I'm giving myself a billion brownie points to trade in for more new items at some point...heck I've got to find a way to justify it some how.

100th Post

2009-05-23T22:24:00.000-06:00

The moment almost passed me by...I knew I needed to blog I didn't want to have this be the day that my goal of daily blogging for a month falls apart, again, how sad would that be since I'm so close....and I looked over at the running tally and saw 99. A celebration is in order and since this is a crafty blog I thought I should post something crafty, go figure, but it's late...so I had the brain child of celebrating the achievement by doing a digi-layout, but the one I was working on just doesn't seem to be working out and I need to go back to the drawing board...and since it's almost 10 and all energy for the day was tapped about 8 hours ago, the post will have to be projectless. :(

I know 100 is just a number, but for this blogger it's a significant one...one that took me until mid-August to reach last year. Better news: people are actually reading it. I started this blog when I moved from Alaska to Colorado in the summer of 2006(did you wonder where the blog addy cam from? now you know) and at that point only my mom and occassionally a few Alaska friends checked in every so often and I really didn't write all that often. Over the years, I've gotten better (talking consistency here, not necessarily writting or content) and many of you have found this blog and better yet have come back, I can't tell you how happy it makes me to see readership increase. After 3 years and some 300+ posts I have almost achieved national domination...there are just a few states that have yet to send any my visitors to my blog, at least according to google analytics.

The goal is to have a totally green map, then I will move on to global domination. So if you know anybody in the white states who is a crafter please send them my way, pretty please.

Hope your weekend is going swell!

Summer Days...

2009-05-22T15:48:00.003-06:00

I have been so looking forward to this weekend for a number of reasons: an extra day off couldn't come at a better time, my patience has worn thin and I am in serious need of downtown to de-stress and gear up for the next couple of weeks. Plus today marks the day we move to a summer work schedule. Friday half days, the week of July fourth off and no Mondays in July. The extra time off is a critical motivator to get through these last few weeks of school.

In other news, our office is moving and I saw the new space today...it has pros and cons

Con: Commute is doubled(no pity party needed, I'm still under 20 minutes which is way better than most)

Pro: An office with a door. no more cubicle farm. Windows, floor to ceiling windows that face south, close to a plethora of lunch time yummy choices, pass the big 3 craft stores on the way home. Yippee!

And...this started last night, bring on the dancers

Common Cement

2009-05-21T06:08:00.001-06:00

With graduation looming on the horizon and consuming a lot of my time lately, I thought this was the perfect video. Tulane commencement with Ellen...I know this is a little long, but if you've got 10 minutes it's funny in a classic Ellen way and heartwarming at the same time.

Basket Babe

2009-05-20T06:44:00.000-06:00

Nothing says Easter like pink bling, right? This is another one of those layouts that's been in limbo, I started it at Emily's house month or so ago and just put the finishing touches on this past weekend. I think you can see the title better in real life, but maybe not.

Weather is starting to lean towards hot summer days, I was in Greeley yesterday and the carmometer said 95! Blah, spring can never last long enough for me, I would be so happy to live somewhere where it was spring all the time... maybe a week or two of fall and then back to spring...and lilacs and tulips bloom year round. Is there such a place? In my dreams...probably so

Hey Little Girl...

2009-05-19T18:01:00.003-06:00

I honestly can't remember if I've shared this page or not, it's hard to believe that I haven't, it's become one of my favorites from the past couple of months. I love it so, because the photo so accurately portrays S for the fun, quirky, little girl she is quickly becoming. Often content to chatter away to herself, if no one else is listening.

Monday Quote

2009-05-18T07:21:00.000-06:00

A man has made at least a start on discovering the meaning of human life when he plants shade trees under which he knows full well he will never sit.
D. Elton Trueblood

That's all I have for now, wasn't much in the editing mood last night...might be back later with something crafty to share and then again maybe not.

Cards? Yes, Cards...

2009-05-17T08:20:00.004-06:00

I was supposed to organizing my space to make room for the supplies I've been hoarding as the store's final hours tick away (so sad), instead I was totally in the mood to make some cards. I started with an easy assembly of this card, totally designed and prepped by Kelly McGarry(who doesn't have a blog, but totally SHOULD, you can echo that in the comments maybe we can guilt trip her into it) all I had to do was assemble, what could be better than that?At the frenzy I stamped a couple of extra hello trees on the green because I thought it was such a great combo and knew it would come in handy a some point... and it sure did last night...Inspiration #2 this video by Jennifer McGuire she posted a couple of weeks ago, she's such a genius always thinking of how to add something a little extra...like color to embossed and then sanded card fronts. Love her! Love the way the card turned out.

the pink ribbon looks straighter IRL, at least I think so...

Inspiration #3 the weekly HeroArts blog challenge...'Dots'...could there be a challenge that is more me?(ok so maybe a scallop challenge could come close) so I worked out the last card, using new dies from the QK special edition 'reUse' set. I think I got a little carried away with the dots, imagine that.Hope you having a wonderful and creative weekend!

Layout of the Day...

2009-05-16T16:40:00.005-06:00

Do you ever feel like you get into a grove and you start to see particular patterns emerge everywhere you look, it happens to me quite often (perhaps because of the unusual amount of tetris I played in my younger days). Lately that pattern has been grids, everywhere I look...websites, scrappy mags, online galleries, I'm drawn to the grid. So I decided to try it on a layout myself(yep the layout I've been talking about since I began my foray into digi is the same layout) I also wanted to try out Emily's great tips on making pleated flowers she posted on the Studio Calico blog a couple of weeks ago(how time flies) oh yeah...and...I wanted to work in some stacked frames that I see Paula use all the time. And maybe that's the problem, individually I love all of the elements, together I'm not so sure...but two weeks is about the longest I've ever fussed with a layout and I'd say it's about time to lay down the cards on this one and walk away. Time to start something new, don't you think...

Note to self: I've been spoiled by my work machine with the full version of PS where cropping and straightening is a breeze. Trying to see if 'I can live with' just photoshop elements; definitely need to research how to do the perspective crop at some point.

Patterned Paper: Basic Grey (Wisteria)
Frames: Katie Pertiet
Embellies:Tim Holtz (tickets), Making Memories (Button)

Layout of the Day...

2009-05-15T18:46:00.006-06:00

Left to my own devices, this digi layout didn't come together quite as easily as the ones we did in the class. I had several instances of 'paralysis by analysis' going through my digi supplies, so easy to swap papers, photos, etc. I just kept tweaking until I came up with this one and then decided to apply the same methodology I use w/paper scrapping and just walk away.

Patterned Paper and Tags: Jessica Sprague
Other elements: Scrapbooks Etc.

Daily Dose

2009-05-13T06:21:00.006-06:00

Here's today's layout, can't remember when I was successful in making enough layouts/scrappy projects to fill a week's worth of posts. How many days does it take to form a habit? 21? Or is it 21 to break the habit... I think I knew that at some point...that seems like a lofty goal. Can I tell you how cute I thought this quick page was from Katie Pertiet(another freebie from my Jessica Sprague class) so I was totally motivated to use it quickly. Add a cute photo of S crashed out on the coach at my house and voila super fast and cute page...gotta love it.

Patterned Paper: Katie Pertiet(Bear's Life quick page)
Frame: Jessica Sprague
Word Art: Jessica Sprague Fonts: Marker Felt, Cracked

Animal Lover

2009-05-12T06:31:00.001-06:00

Just wrapping up one of the last assignments for the Jessica Sprague class I've been blabbering about for the past week. Does everyone feel this euphoria when the digi finally clicks? Don't get me wrong, I will always love my paper and glue, but there is something a little rewarding about spending time on the computer and having something to show other than email chats and high scores on silly facebook games.

I'm still struggling with the organization system just a bit, thinking maybe I'll sort by color as I used to do when my regular supplies until I really got to know the styles of the lines/designers. We'll see...

Patterned Paper: Rhonna Farrer(Funky Florals-Pink Floral), Jessica Sprague (blue)
Elements:Rhonna Farrer(yellow flower strip), Tia Bennent(stitches), Carina Gardner (Journal Card)
Fonts:321 Impact, Never Let Go, Allura Script

Monday Quote

2009-05-11T06:44:00.002-06:00

(quote and image from JessicaSprague.com --- Stories in Hand Class)

A little reality check page about/for me...

Patterned Paper: Jessica Sprague(Up and Running Class Supplies)
Alphas:K. Pertieit(Snap Frame Alpha), Fonts: Anthology, Myriad Pro
Brushes: Jessica Sprague(Flourish-Up and Running Class Supplies)

Another layout

2009-05-10T09:00:00.002-06:00

Getting bored yet? sorry...I'm really proud to have finally spent the time to build some digi-competencies. For a gal who prides herself on being fairly tech savvy it was a little embarrassing to not have digi-skills. Now I do...although this LO isn't the best example, it is good practice.

Patterned Paper: Jessica Sprague(Blue, Stripe), Jennifer Pebbles(blue polka dot), ???(green), Katie Pertiet(sanded overlay)
Template: Jen Caputo

I feel so special...

2009-05-09T08:15:00.004-06:00

Reason #87 why twitter is cool...

(image snapshot of my tweetdeck app)

of course what she really means is...'my layouts look beautiful with your pictures in them' but I'm not picky, I'll take what I can get.

Will she, won't she...

2009-05-09T07:36:00.001-06:00

I know you're on the edge of your seats to see if I have another digi-layout to share today...will she make it the end of the class?(I wondered the same thing myself, 4 weeks of assignments is tough). So far so good, I'm a little sad that I only have two more assignments left, perhaps I should sign up for another while the mojo is still running or maybe I'll give the paper layout sitting on my desk some love this weekend.

For now, I have this little gem to share from the bonus assignment in week 3. Using templates...I had done this once before, but the results weren't nearly this cool. It's got my mind running and wondering if I can turn some of the sketches I did for the SD blog into templates, that would be so cool.
Don't get too excited I didn't organize my digi files, but did leave PS up so I could give proper credit before closing the files.
Patterned Paper: Carina Gardner(Pinks, 2 Peas May Freebie), Jessica Sprague(Blue, Echoes of Asia kit) K. Pertiet (Sanded overlay)
Template: Jen Caputo as part of JS class supplies/materials.

Even though I'm not, nor ever will be a chronological scrapper, I was still feeling a little guilty for not scrapping a page for Sienna's first steps(really, what kind of aunt am I?) so there's a feeling of relief to have this important moment documented.

Welcome to the weekend, hope it's a great one!

Friday Fun

2009-05-08T06:40:00.003-06:00

So way back at the beginning of the year, I set a goal to blog more often overall and bonus points(if you can give yourself bonus points, I'm thinking camera lens) if I blogged everyday for a full month. I made a run in February, but fell short by just a couple of days. Maybe May will be the month as I show off class projects...then again May is crazy so don't hold your breath. In the meantime here's the layout from the 3rd lesson of the Up and Running Class.

fun, fun, fun...hey mom(or anyone else who cares) you can click on the layout for a better look at S.

Branching Out

2009-05-07T17:42:00.004-06:00

still rushing home from work to play with digi scrapping stuff. Maybe the fact that the store is closing so the thought of not having some where to go to get supplies is a subconscious reason for the draw to digi this week or maybe it's the new mac that's super fast and has room to store, whatever it's the perfect match for me this week. So the first few layouts were built on templates, I just had to add photos and other elements in, last night we were on our own(by we I mean 'new Mac' and me, it's not a synchronous class) to build a layout from scratch to show off our new skills. What I learned is...for a paper scrapper I have downloaded a lot of digi-elements. Not unlike the person who would walk into a store and say I've spent $xxxx dollars and never made a page(except I haven't spent that much because there are a LOT of freebies out there) here's what I came up with...
I know I should give credits, except I have some serious organizing to do here in digi land(skipped that bonus assignment) and can't remember much other than the patterned paper comes from a kit called whitie tighties(yep really) and it was a freebie with the JS class. Everything else came from 2 peas just not sure of the designers (so sorry)

Bitchassness

2009-05-07T06:15:00.001-06:00

I confess I have a special place in my heart for Sean 'Diddy' Puffy, etc. Combs. How does a fat middle age white chic happen upon a crush on the ultimate king of hustling players? It's all about the sense of humor and awe at his mastering of the PR spin machine...this video is a classic example.

*ETA...Em's early comment reminded me to say this is not a kid friendly video, you could probably tell by the title and subject, but just in case, best to make sure kiddos are at school or otherwise occupied before you turn on the volume.

Mom, Look what I made...

2009-05-06T18:27:00.003-06:00

ok, so in terms of digiscrapping these layouts are a little like the proverbial 'ashtray' kid sculpture (do people still say that, if not, what do we call questionable clay sculptures?)

Super easy with Jessica leading the way and most of the template already done...for those keeping track this is 3 layouts in about as many hours, meanwhile a half done paper layout(the one I needed the frames for) sits undone days later.

all supplies came from Jessica Sprague 'Up and Running w/Photoshop' Class.

Digi, who me?

2009-05-05T19:53:00.005-06:00

Yes me, so I was on the hunt for some free frames(I blame Paula and Lisa for that) and stumbled upon a sale on Jessica Sprague's site, my credit card number was in before I even knew what was happening. And here's my first layout(technically my 3rd digi-layout) I pretty much stuck close to the directions, off roaded by adding a couple of extra stars and voila...why share...because Jessica told me too (yes really, it's homework and you know I'm a stickler for getting assignments completed) that she thinks I'm awesome doesn't hurt either. Idol will have to wait, I'm on a role, off to lesson 2.

2009-05-05T07:47:00.002-06:00

Sunday Worship Service

2009-05-03T11:41:00.006-06:00

image thanks to ar1lee via twitpic

not me either, well at least not today, I found myself worshiping at the house of Apple, although my local 'cathedral' is nothing like the NYC one, that's really a site. And it was much like other 'services', love the music/opening...in this case a 'getting started' workshop, but the time with 'preacher' aka 'apple genius' left me wanting more. You might be wondering why as a long time mac user I went to getting started workshop, I wondered the same thing myself...would I really get anything out of it, but since the new operating system is so slick and has many bells and whistles I thought it wouldn't be a bad way to spend an hour on a Sunday am and I already had made the genius appt so would be going to the store anyway. It was nice to have a demo of the bells and whistles...and it really was a demo not a 'workshop' but we'll save a semantics lesson for the apple kids for another day.

My genius appt. took all of 6 minutes. I went because I was having a hard time finding my photo files I spent hours transferring last weekend, I could see them in iPhoto, but couldn't get them to open in elements or otherwise see them as independent files. 'Genius' says that's purposeful and to secure the iPhoto database and the only way to use them is to drag to the desktop and choose 'open with'. meanwhile keeping his sunglasses on and since he wasn't wearing a genius shirt I'm hoping he's wrong. It seems so un-Apple like to make it that difficult to get to individual files, so I got up and left thinking I'm going to go home and google this...why didn't I do it before? well I was sure something had gone kooky with the file conventions. Wish me luck and send advice if you have any.

Random Rant

2009-05-02T06:45:00.001-06:00

or maybe not so random...

Today is National Scrapbooking Day, yes I know non scrappers it's hard to believe there's an actual day to celebrate this hobby, but for those of use obsessed with the craft, it's a bit of a holy grail day. The store will be full of projects and deals and we'll see lots of crafters come through and browse and play. We welcome all with open arms, but on the other side there's a couple of things that really bug me, most I can get past, but there's one that just grates on my nerves.

People who walk by my table and say 'that's kinda cute'. What do you mean kinda? Maybe I take it all too personally, but when I hear that I immediately think of the ugly baby or dog and no not the one that's so ugly it's cute, the really U.G.L.Y. ones. And that is opinion I think you should keep to yourself. Either something is cute or it's not, doesn't appeal to you? No big deal, but don't walk by my table and insult me and those that are working on the projects, we like them and most of the time I think things I make are pretty darn cute. so there.

And on that note, go forth and celebrate this day with lots and lots of cute projects.

2009-05-01T16:04:00.001-06:00

Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net

another @God twitter find...contemplated waiting until Sunday to share, but was afraid I would forget.

Grow

2009-05-01T14:24:00.006-06:00

Sometimes(heck most of the time) I have serious concentration problems on Friday afternoons, especially post faculty meeting. Today is one of those days. So what's a girl to do while she's trying to remember what she needs to do? Well... write a blog post of course. Not that I have anything profound to say today, that only happens occasionally. So how about a layout instead. I love this pic of Sienna discovering some of Spring's first blooms (you know the ones that popped up before the late storms, only to be destroyed later.) And I had been holding on to this Jenni Bowlin bingo card forever, I thought they made a perfect combination.

Patterned Paper: Making Memories
Cardstock: Basic Grey
Embellies: Jenni Bowlin(bingo card), Cosmo Cricket(Journal Card), Heidi Swapp(bling), staples

Looking forward to celebrating National Scrapbook Day at the store with the monthly frenzy and super sales. Be sure to stop by if you're in town, we have great projects and super duper sales.

Video Thursday

2009-04-30T17:44:00.002-06:00

Talking about boundary pushers...check this out

I know 5 minutes of trick bike riding isn't the typical content here, but let's just say I felt like shaking things up today. The stuff this guy does is craZy.

Admins should teach classes??

2009-04-30T10:33:00.005-06:00

(yeah I know I've shared this LO before, but it was a good visual for this post, which is not crafty at all from here forward)

Regular readers of this blog know that I occasionally divert from the crafty realm and talk about my work life and sometimes mention a colleague that pushes my thinking. Today is one of those days. He wrote a post on his blog 'Talking about teachers when they are not around' In the post he had a decree 'All district employees should teach at least one class to students at all times.' No doubt in frustration after meeting w/admin types who seemingly don't care about teachers or individual students.I believe it's his first year out of the classroom and in a central role. It's a tough transition, one I would have said I remembered well, but my gut reaction...'grr Admin work hard too and teachers don't appreciate it' told me told me it's been a while since I've been in his place. One thing I have learned after 9 years in an administrative role is to beware of knee jerk reactions and too look at all perspectives so I didn't shoot off an email last night, instead rested and pondered and crafted this response and sent via email this am...of course he's a stickler for sharing and collaboration and challenged that I should share publicly. (did I mention he was pushy)

I pondered this post overnight and talked to the dog about it on our walk this am(which is where I usually process your posts/challenges/projects feel free to join me in the field at about 6:45 am to get my thoughts before the school day gets rolling), so here I am fresh from the walk with a response in hand, actually writing before I go in and it gets lost in the 'what so' of the day.

I think this post touches (although in a slightly biased way)of one of the inherent flaws of education...there's always someone to blame. Teachers blame admin for just 'not getting it', not enough resources, etc. Admin blame teachers for not doing their job. Teachers blame other teachers...'math teacher has no idea what it's like to spend the night grading papers' and if those don't work we can always blame the student.

But at the end of the day there are still 1000s of students who are not engaged learners. So it is up all of to us to use our skills sets where they are best served, and in some cases that means teaching, in others working on the bigger picture. And maybe just because I know more than a few admins who I would be scared, for the student's sake, if they taught a class I don't think your solution, although Utopian sounding, is the right one. What they lack in teaching skill, these same admins have an excellent ability to see the big picture, to negotiate with vendors, to handle the upper level politics also inherent to education. What I do think is that all stakeholders should have meaningful interactions with students and faculty on a regular basis and if you meet with an admin and ask when was the last time you talked with a student and they can't answer that's a problem.

'I cannot wait to leave places when others are complaining about the rogue teachers who are pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable in the district.' I bet this is frustrating, would that more of my teachers push the boundaries, be solution oriented, etc. Instead the ones I complain about are those that don't, those that cannot explain in specifics why 1/2 of their students are failing and what they plan to do about it; those that cannot tell me without looking at their notes and even then maybe not with certainty who is on track to graduate. This is what I find frustrating and keeps me awake at night. If they don't get it, how are the students going to get it? What can I do to support the teacher who doesn't what to/think they need support? Some days I feel like I'm surrounded by the 'we can't...' and would gladly trade for boundary pushers.

Why is it that the perspective changes so drastically when kids are removed from the situation, making someone believe that they know better than someone that is with the kids? They don't know better, but the perspective does change when your talking about all the students in a school or district. It's my hope (and I may be living in what Tina calls my 'lala' land) that at the level you are working with they're looking at the big picture...3000s kids, 40,000 kids and as much as teachers struggle in their classrooms to find the 'key' for any given student think about finding the resources for all 40,000 and knowing, just as a classroom teacher does, that what works for one will not necessarily work for another, yet we're still responsible to stakeholders for finding large scale answers and resources. I hope that those you are working with feel this weight, even if it's not visually apparent, I know I do. And what an admin position lacks in the physically draining aspect of day to day teaching, at least for me, has 3x the emotional drain. Throw this into the mix with the teachers I referenced above and you know why I look at you with glazed eyes first thing in the morning.

Now a few hours hours later I'm still thinking, I didn't really offer a solution. No doubt there needs to be mutual respect and admiration, but how is it gained? Administrators at all levels through superintendent should have opportunities in which they have meaningful long term relationships with students...teaching a class may not be the option, but what about mentoring, special programs, etc? I agree that it should be more than a casual tour through or a one time conversation. But what of teachers having a greater understanding of the administrative role? How do we get there? I had typed out a bunch of snarky suggestions of things I've had to do over the past 9 years that never crossed my mind when I was in a classroom, but snarky comments only contribute to problem and don't help. So teacher friends/colleagues...What say you?

How Swine Flu Spreads...

2009-04-27T17:09:00.003-06:00

admit it...you've been wondering...

via @God, too good not to share with my nontwitter friends

Monday Quote

2009-04-27T06:49:00.001-06:00

Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine. - Anthony J. D'Angelo

Sienna is always like sunshine in a bottle to me, even when she's sick like she was last week she can make me smile. Looking at her in these pics also helps me keep a positive attitude about the crappy weather(snow on April 27, hello!)

Patterned Paper: Making Memories(blue flower, green print), Imaginisce(yellow, orange)
Cardstock: Prism(nat. smooth) Bazzil(Red Swiss Dot)
Embellies: October Afternoon(journal card), Scenic Route (circle sticker), Making Memories(Ticket)
Alpha: Quickutz Sugarsweet love this font!

Do you know about...

2009-04-26T10:49:00.003-06:00

GoodSearch? I didn't until I stumbled upon it recently, it's a great search engine that raises money for a charity of your choice at the same time.

Check out the home page...you can set your charity of choice and download an extension that will make it the default search on your browser. Granted we're talking pennies per search, but if you use the internet like I do all those pennies can start to add up.

There's also the partner site, Goodshop, for all of you internet shopping junkies, if you start your search and purchase from select vendors your charity gets even more money. Bonus! Plus sometimes they have special deals, coupons, and discounts just for Goodshop users.

So what are you waiting for???

Ok PSA time over, back to work...

Finally!

2009-04-25T18:42:00.004-06:00

after months...ok years...of saving and a little help from my tax refund...this bad boy came home with me. Hallelujah! I went back and forth and while the PC pulled close, at the end of the day I'm so happy to continue my love affair with these fantastic machines. So the rest of the weekend will be sent transferring files, downloading apps and breaking this puppy in. I hope this one lasts as long as my iBook that has served me well the past 5 years.

Easter Pics

2009-04-25T08:52:00.004-06:00

Yes I know Easter was 2 weeks ago...blah, blah, blah... it seems like I spend a lot of time 'catching up' on this blog, I suppose it's a little like life in general...always moving at a super speed and find myself having to go back to in time to be thoughtful.

Mary had been practicing 'egg hunts' with Sienna for a couple of weeks so by the time the big day came she was a pro at finding and hiding.