Wishing You and Yours....

I have been busy all day preparing for Christmas. 

Last minute store runs. 

Cooking. 

Baking. 

Cleaning. 

And now, Phew! I have a while to sit and relax before our guests arrive. 

We didn't take a trip back home which I am a little sad about, but regardless, we will still be celebrating with friends. People that we care about and matter to us. 

So, with all this Christmas cheer in the air, I want to wish all of you a VERY Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year! 

Thank you for making my 2008 a wonderful year!

You Gotta Go See the Genius

Just a quick one this morning, but I have to tell you about the amazing projects that my wonderful friend Anam Stubbington made with the Prima Build-A-Books. They'll blow you away. Totally.

See it here and here.

Go and see on here blog and the Fire & Ice blog. You will not be sorry!

Slooowly Updating....

This past weekend I sat at home and began a mission. I knew that my blog needed a serious makeover. I've known it for a while now and I finally got to it. 

I dusted off that little piece in my brain that housed my HTML knowledge (and good gosh it was dusty) and got my google on. 

So, here is the beginning. So far, so good heh?

There will be a few more things that I may add and subtract in the next little bit, but this is the gist.  

If you want to do a bit of polishing up on your blog too, I found a really great site that is pretty straightforward and tells you how to do a lot of things in blogspot. 

The Blog Doctor

See you soon with more posts!

Gathering in Warm Places, Sharing Fun Times

BBBRRRRR!

Tonight I am sitting in my warm chair by my Christmas tree and listening to my house creak and pop as it climatizes to the freezing cold of winter settling in. 

Alberta has finally settled into a deep freeze and it finally feels like Christmas is around the corner. 

Life has finally calmed down for me and I am thrilled to do a bit of relaxing. I am now going to look forward to baking cookies, spending time with my family. This year I am most definitely enjoying Jake really discovering the magic of the Christmas season and watching his excitement and anticipation at Santa's arrival. As a parent, playing the Santa games have a quality of fun and excitement for myself. However, with Trevor being away on a job, I have had to purchase Santa gifts in front of my child, my creativity flowing as I make up stories about the check out girl scanning them just so Santa knows exactly what he wants. Thank goodness the kiddo is young enough to be trusting of every word I say, as I suspect it won't be so easy in years to come. 

But despite all of this, I have a lot of things to catch up on....

The past week has been filled with doing up projects and preparing for a class. So, despite the cold temperatures and the impending Christmas preparations, I woke up my vehicle, braved the cold to spend time with the ladies from Scraps of Joy at the Crossroads Church in Red Deer. 

A special thank you to our hostess and coordinator Angela for putting together such an enjoyable day. 

The crop started off by us looking out the windows of the church as the CP Holiday Train rolled by. I was so happy to see it as I was really wanting to see it stop in Red Deer or Lacombe, but the schedule wouldn't allow it. So that was awesome!

US and Canadian ladies, if this train ever rolls into town, you really got to go see it, the lights and entertainment are a real Christmas treat. 

After a filling lunch, I taught a Christmas page class using some fun techniques using Prima Paintables, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist and the ever so fun glitter glue for adults, Ranger Stickles! 

Here is the one of my ladies, Margrette and her son showing her handiwork!

And as far as me and crops, I never get anything done, I just go for good conversation. I never manage to get anything done! Which is fine, it gives me a chance to get to know some wonderful ladies who love scrapbooking!

Here's Shauna not trying to think of the cold and scrap some warm and sunny holiday photos.

Here's the bubbly Coralee working away on some projects she will be teaching at Scrapbooker's Paradise. Go check her stuff out and as well as other great teachers projects like my friend, Jessi Lute. 

I also met another enthusiastic and talented scrapbooker, Gail. I loved watching her work. She is absolutely resourceful and is giving me deep thoughts of doing so as well. Sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in buying products when with a little ingenuity and forethought, you can make truly unique pieces from scratch!

One of Gail's favorite papers and embellishments are My Mind's Eye. I wanted to show you all the fabulous work that she does with it. 

Blew me away.

 Here she created a mini album from scratch. It is for her mother and inside she placed some breathtaking photos and some of her mother's favorite Bible passages. 

So a great day had by all! I need to go back and have another visit and I will. 

And earlier this week, I made a fun project using Prima's Voila! Felt. Remember, there are many other options than just black. Turn it upside down and I'll show you what I mean........

If you have ever worked with the Voila! Felt, then you know that it has an adhesive back. So peel off the protective backing and lay a foil transfer to the felt's adhesive, like Stix2 Transfer Foils. Lift off the transfer and what results is a metallic accent without weight and bulk in a cool die cut shape.

And lastly, I have a little toot, that I am extremely excited about. One of my very first hybrid pages that I ever made is in the latest issue of Canadian Scarpbooker Magazine. Don't forget to check it and other awesome projects. Oh, and I must make a little shout out to Ms. Stubbington, whom I often speak of here and never get to see enough, had her ad debut in the same issue and it is a FULL PAGER! That's right. too cool. Kudos chickie, good on ya. 

And that's it for now! See you later!

Like Fall Things are Winding Down.

Hey there. 

Tonight I am sitting here in my living room and letting my mind wander. Doing that has been few and far between lately, I feel like I am always needing to do something. Actually, this evening I definitely have something to do, but I'm giving that a rest for a short while. 

I have lots of little things on my mind and the first one is how bitterly cold it is getting outside. I know that I we've been lucky here in Alberta as far as the weather is concerned, but regardless I still feel sad that the snow is setting in. On the other hand with Christmas coming up it just wouldn't seem the same with the fluffy white stuff. 

Although I do remember a time about 10 years ago that Christmas came and went and I was wearing a light sweater and no snow to be found. It was the craziest thing. I think Mother Nature was just being gracious to my family that was up visiting from California. hee hee

It was kinda funny too, as the weather set in I had a deadline that has wrapped up as well. It was a biggie and I think I did alright. In fact, I cross my fingers that it is better than alright as it was a tough thing to do. I'll let you know when it materializes, but it will be a bit from now. Think spring. 

As a little send off for fall I did a page for Prima's December Build-A-Page sketch by Miss Anam Stubbington. They are from a series of pictures I took of Jacob a couple of years ago. 

I cut up a Prima Clear Paintable and painted it with some Claudine Hellmuth Acrylic paint. 

Oh, and if you haven't bought any of this stuff, you should. Best. Paint. Ever.  

Then I accented with those lovely, glittery Ranger Stickles. 

I actually went quite Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist crazy on this page. I have a lot of fun mucky-mucking around with them. 

First cool thing, see the piece of cotton lace that is below the pictures? Yeah, the lace's original color is a soft blue. I colored it with Olive Vine Glimmer Mist.

I sprayed the leaves as well. It is hard to see but there is a nice Glimmer to them. 

And look! Love these Prima Pebbles. They are full of vintage-kitsch goodness. 

I also used the Glimmer Mists on my title. Then I accented them with the Distressed Stickles from Ranger. They are cool. I love the texture they add. The Glimmer is very muted. If you aren't much for a lot of sparkle but want to try Stickles, this is a good start. 

And now before I forget, I wanted to thank Anam, Ian, Lily and Miss Fay for the wonderful birthday party. Jake and I made a special trip to have some fun and wish little Miss Fay a Happy Birthday! We had a blast. 

 

As for this weekend I know it will be a busy one. I have to decorate the house with some Christmas cheer and want to bake some sugar cookies with the kiddo. I already got most of my shopping done, I just have easy presents and stocking stuffers to get. No, I lie, I have to get Trevor his gift too. But I don't have to leave the house to get it. Hee hee. 

So that's my story and I am sticking to it. Have a wonderful day! 

Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Crop!

The weekend was perfect for traveling and the company was fabulous. Off to Calgary I went for the fun and amazing Jingle Bell Crop. 

We had a wonderful host, the amazing Christy Riopel did an AWESOME job at organizing this event. The goodies were fabulous, the food was tasty, the company was warm. So, first thing is first, a great big round of applause for Christy!!!!! 

 

I was also so happy to see some old and new faces. The fabulous Allison Orthner, host of the one and only Crop and Cruise, the sweet Crystal Mann, from the Scrapbook Pantry

and new faces like the extremely talented Colleen MacDonald of Stamp It! Australia. 

I also got to crop with some friends that I met at the Scrapbook Your Heart Retreat. Laura and Mindy, thanks for the giggles and I look forward to seeing you again. And yes Laura, I told you you would end up on my blog!!!! 

My Prima class was full of messy good fun with a good smattering of Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists, Prima Paintables and a good dose of Ranger Alcohol Inks!

A special thank you to all the ladies that participated and a congratulations to the winner of the Prima Aloha pack Cheryl Fawcett! And as an aside, I am a little jealous. When I saw the prize, I was quite sad that I had to give it away. sniff, sniff......

So, thanks for making this a memorable event and for those that couldn't make it, you definitely missed out on a good time! 

A Big and Little Reminder

Hey everybody! 

Today I want to start by taking a minute to pay respect to this important day. I want to pay a special attention and pay gratitude to the men and women this Remembrance Day. If it were not for those that fought and gave their life for our country, I fear that we would not be here enjoying freedom and equality. 

What a truly important role they play. What an important sacrifice. 

Thank you. 

While we are on remembering, don't forget coming up on Saturday is the Jingle Bell Crop!

I am really excited about seeing old friends like Allison Orthner, Christy Riopel

from Monday Night Class and Crystal Mann of the fabulous Scrapbook Pantry.  But I am also so excited to meet new friends. The more the merrier. 

I am also excited to teach my fun class for Prima. I got all the kitting done last night and it mad me feel so completely energized to do so. I can't wait. 

 

Take care and tonight I am going to scrap. I am going to relax and get some things done that I really need to do. Now just need to have sleepy time in toddler town.....LOL 

Good night!

 

A little ol' Update About Nothing (well lots actually).

I know that a number of you are wondering what happened to me!!! In fact, I think a few have been wondering if my blog was going to turn into some decrepit cobwebby old thing that will not yield one darn thing anymore.

Well, rest assured, that I have no intention of letting this blog go to waste although, even from where I was sitting, it was beginning to look that way.

Right now, I am trying to do a little refocusing and reorganization of not just scrapping, but family. Nothing horrible, not to worry, all is fine here, just trying to prioritize. I had to rest from the good ol' blog.

And dammit, I swear it has haunted my dreams.

So here I am. And I have a horrible writers block. Partly out of deep thought, partly because I am thinking about 5 million other tasks I have to achieve in the next week and a half and partly because there is too much to write about. What's a girl to do?

So, I guess y'all wonder what I have been up to lately?

Personally, I have been taking some time to be with my boys. With Trevor's volatile work schedule, I needed to place some priority on them while I had the chance. These boys are my life and I am theirs. It needed to be done.

Last week, we also took a trip back home for the passing of Trevor's grandfather. He was a wonderful man and Trevor was very close to him. He grew up with him living in the same farmyard which had made him an extremely large influence on his life which is completely evident and obvious. Grandpa will be deeply missed by many.

The day job is ever stressful right now. But when is it not? No need to bore you with that!

So moving on, all things scrappy have been a busy thing. I have a lot going down and trying to organize that has been a bit of a trial. But I will manage and I am taking it one task at a time. I will be back on the attack in the next few weeks but I have to finish up some commitments and I will be back on my game!

Building with Clear, Build A Book Style!

Did you know that Prima has a great Build A Book Contest going on? All the details right *here*.

So, you never done a clear album before? Doesn't matter, give it a try!
But where do you start?

Well, clear albums are like a big puzzle with layer showing through layer. But you don't have to go to town and do all clear. Break it down a little bit. Mix it solid pages. I did one that employs this very method.

Let's break down what I did to complete an my album.


Here's the cover. I love mixing both solid and clear elements. For the paper I used the Dude Collection. I'll tell you two different thing I like to remember about patterned paper.
First, for clear, double sided paper is a bonus. Because you can see through the other side, the 2nd side save you from having to find elements to cover up a bunch of white. Think of it, the less planning you have to do for both sides, the easier you are gonna make it for yourself. You save product and time.

Since we are all about clear, I like to make sure that I use clear to the upteenth degree. For a different look to your photos, I printed one in black and white on an inkjet transparency and applied it to a clear page. For the best effect, make sure it lays against a subtle pattern. This yields the best detail from these photos.

And don't forget to stagger your page sizes either. Laying a shorter page over a full width page makes for a "teaser" of sorts to what lies underneath!

Don't worry about every little detail shows through pages. Use the pages as partially revealing. Remember, you will turn the page and all will be revealed.


Like I say, start simple.

Using all clear pages can seem extremely daunting because you feel like you have to be more aware of what is going to show up on all layers. So, break it up a bit. With my book, I didn't want the extra complexity so I decided to use one clear page as an embellishment overlay of sorts on a solid page. This allows me to plan what is going to show underneath one page, not all of them.

And this is also a nice balance to allow you to create a clear element page that can iclude journaling. All clear albums do make this more dificult so, mixing it up is a great alternative to do so.

Use a clear page just like a frame of the next otherwise known as a vignette. With a clear page, I was able to add a title over my picture, but once I turned the page, the complete detail of the picture was revealed.

There is always much complaint that embellishment covers up important picture details and this is a definite solution to this debate. I know sometimes I am guilty of placing decoration over detail, so this element made me really happy to solve and share.

And don't forget to pull out your stamps and a solvent based in like Staz On by Tsukineiko. Notice how I used the Bold O Lay stamps as a frame around my picture on the Build A Book Page?
So, how do I hide the adhesive?

I use several adhesives to and employ a few different methods. But I will give you a hint for my favorite.

I love Glue Dots. They stick, they are easy to place and they are not messy. I use these for attaching transparencies. Iwill use mini dots and cut them into quarters. You still have th same amount of stick but less surface area.

I also like to place them strategically. I try to add them under opaque elements or I use them in areas that are busy. If I must put them in plain sight, I try to place them in a "busy" area so that they are "camoflaged". If you look close you'll see the adhesive, but the detail does not make it obvious.


I hope these pointers get you on your way to making a Build A Book of your very own. Go at it. Enter the Prima contest. Enjoy making your project. They are fun to do.

And if you need another little boost of inspiration, make sure you check out some other websites.
Here, I'll help you out.......

Trisha Ladouceur Build A Book Creator
Michelle Van Etten Build A Book Creator
Fire & Ice Blog
Prima Blog

So As I Was Saying....

It was such a nice relaxing weekend. Didn't do much. Hung out. Scrapped. Enjoyed the last little bit of warm weather that we have left.

There really is nothing exciting to report, so I will back up a month in time and tell you a story.

At the beginning of the month, I told you that Jakers and I went to visit Trisha and Anam. Well, we all had a wonderful time as usual. We met Anam's sweet little Lily and the lovely Faye!

Now, the last time Jake met Faye, Anam and I took them to Tim Hortons for a doughnut and chocolate milk. Us two Moms had a chuckle at how cordial they were to each other. Here were two little 3 year olds, sitting still and having a discussion about all the things that they like. Hilarious and amazing all at the same time.

So, flash forward, they meet again. They had a ball together. They chased each other around Treasured Memories (which was quickly stopped, LOL) and then a nice, quiet lunch at Applebee's. Yes, they were very good.

So then back off to Anam's house to drop them off. Me and Jake in my car and Anam and crew in Trisha's.

I bet Jake in and get in the car. We start pulling away and Jake blurts out, "Mom, Fay is my girlfriend."

WHAT? Actually, it was pretty cute. Yep, he likes her.

So, I took a few pictures of the two of them and did a little page. Anam also did a page and you can see it right here.

Love it. What a cute memory for us Moms. AWWWWW!

So cute, I tells ya!

Weekend Adventures and MyBig Primadonna Reveal!

This past weekend was incredibly busy. And you know the kind. It was the type where it seems that everybody is planning something. The kind where you have carefully scheduled in the events, but no matter how hard you try, you just can't make them all. The kind of weekend where you seem to run into just about everybody.

But it was also the type of weekend that makes you realize that you are lucky to have so many friends that want to include you in their plans.

I was thrilled to meet up with my dear childhood friend, Terra. We met in Mrs. Ooms grade 4 class and realized that we lived up the street from each other. Soon we spent our days dressing up her cats (much to their disapproval, I think they held a grudge against me for that for many years), playing in the park and the school yard, hanging out watching movies, sharing our deepest secrets and having a good time along the way.

She was up to Red Deer to visit family and me. We met up at the Farmer's Market and caught up over a coffee and some mini donuts for my Jakester. Glad to see her but our visits are always too short.


And along my travels there, I ran into a couple of other friends from work and one of my favorite scrappers and friend, Jessi Lute and family. That farmer's market is always the place to see it all. I will miss it when it is done for the season. If not for the fabulous goods for sale, then for the people I am happy to see.

But I also had a full house.
My good friend Trisha (I think y'all know her, LOL) and family finally came to visit me! After all the times that Jake and I have invaded the Ladouceur's home, I think they owe me.

So down they all came for the Provincial BMX finals. What a fun time and holay, that BMX track was packed! Jake and I had a great time watching the races, particularly Carter. Unfortunately, I missed Logan.

I am so glad they came down to Sylvan, only next time they better come down and hop in our boat for a little rest and relaxation! Not enough taking in of all that Sylvan Lake has to offer, dagnabbit!


But also as I said, it was one of those weekends that I couldn't be everywhere and regretfully I missed the Member's Night bash with Monday Night Class's Christy Riopel and the lovely owner and operator Crystal at the Scrapbook Pantry.

But as I mentioned before I am going to be joining those gals along with Canadian Scrapbooker's Allison Orthner and Stamp It! Australia's Colleen MacDonald for the Jingle Bell Crop.

And today is the big reveal day! I can finally proclaim my total and utter excitement because I this is my first Primadonna class!

Drumroll please.............................................


Christmas is a time for for all things sparkly and and shiny. Join Prima Endorsed Designer, Janine Wahl as she teaches you some glitzy, sparkly techniques in a Chistmas theme!
This class is jam-packed with gorgeous Prima products and not to be missed! You will be learning some fabulous new techniques for transparencies on Prima's Clear Paintables and adding on tons of sparkly with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists and Ranger Stickles.

Tada!

And you are interested, it sounds like you better get crackin'! I got word that my class is filling fast. I have 50 spots and I am at approx 50% sold!

Registration for the Jingle Bell Crop is available at either Paper Pastimes or the Scrapbook Pantry.

Hope to see you there!

My Baby Is No Longer A Baby.

Excuse me while I weep a little. Yes, I am having a little pity party for one.
Ok, not really, but I believe a little piece of my Mommy heart is broken, but at the same time, I am happy.

Is that really possible? And why?

Well, today was the first "official" day of school for the little Jakester. He started pre-kindergarten. This is not playschool, but actual school. My baby is no longer a baby, and frankly, I think it happened too fast.

On Friday, I went with him to get him settled into his new classroom. He was so excited and confident to be there. Which was cool, but as I watched him, I couldn't help but have a little tear swell up in the corner of my eye. ..........sniff, sniff.

And like I said, he was confident. I had to laugh when all the kids sat on the meeting rug and the teacher went over the date. The teacher asked the class what month it was and there was Jake raising his hand saying, "I know! I know!"

So the teacher called on Jacob. So, he sat and thought about it for a second. Then he turned to me (I was sitting about ten feet away), cupped his hand by his mouth and in a not so quiet whisper asked me, "Mom! What month is it?"

Ahh, my confident little goofus.

So yes, it was good and Jake took to school like a fish takes to water. The only thing that he doesn't like is that he only gets to play on the playground for fifteen minutes. That darn recess just ain't long enough!

So in memorium (you know I am being a drama queen about this, I am gonna milk a little bit of sorrow out of this) I got greaat pictures of his first day and did a page. I kid you about the sorrow, I am really proud of him, but not the page.


Bright and primary colors! There were so many colors going on in that classroom that I happy to have the bright new Prima Summer Releases on hand. They are perfect for busy school shots.
I used the background using the Little Guy (yellow) and the Spaceboy line (green).

I know you can't really tell in the picture, but the detail of the Spaceboy line is shiny foil! How cool is that.

I also mixed it up with a new Prima transpareny and used a pinch of the Dude line too.

So, I am sure that there may be one day when I join mother's everywhere in the anticipated countdown to school, but this year I'll just reflect in a bittersweet milestone.

Guess What? Come to a Crop!

You know, I am typically a last minute Christmas person, so this is really weird of me to bring it up this early. But I am very excited to announce to you my first class of the season!

Thanks to my good friend Christy Riopel and Monday Night Class, I am excited to announce......


That's right folks! Join us on November 15th for a cropping extravaganza!

I will be joining the very talented and accomplished Monday Night Class Design Team Member Colleen MacDonald and Calgary's very own Breakfast Television scrapbook expert extraordinaire, Allison Orthner in providing you with some fun-filled classes and cropping time.

I have a fun Prima jam-packed, technique-filled, blingy class for your enjoyment. Stay tuned on September 16th for my big reveal!

And we have a great venue for you to get lots of projects done with plenty of scrapping space. And we have an awesome marketplace brought to you by The Scrapbook Pantry and Paper Pastimes.

Be ready, registration starts September 16th. Hope to see you there!

Honey, Stick to Your Day Job.....

Hey, everybody, just got back today from a very productive weekend at Trisha's house. I had not been there for a while and we both figured it was time to have another playdate. I don't know what it is about her house, but I always manage to get a whack done there. You'll see that stuff soon enough.

We had a great time and I was so excited to meet up with Anam, Fay and the brand new baby Lily! It was a great visit and a good story too, but I'll save that for another day.

Why? Because I have been meaning to get on here and tell you this.

So, the other night, Hubby walks into the room doing his best (worst) Sears catalog pose. Only thing is, if Sears allowed this man to pose this way in their catalog they would be filing for bankruptcy.

But anyways, he drops a bombshell.

"I am taking up a new career. I am now a male model."

Ummmhmmmm........OK. So, what brought on this career change?
Were you discovered by Ford Modelling Agency at the Swift Current Tim Horton's gingerly sipping your French Vanilla cappacino while batting your eyelashes in a semi-seductive manner? Like, can you elaborate?

So, he sits down on the couch and pretends to flick his imaginary frock of hair. And please keep in mind, this man is as far away as you can get from metrosexuality, so he ain't carrying this little act off very well. And frock of hair, you have not.

He says, "Yeah, when I was working, my boss called me and told me that I have to pose for some promotional shots, for the company of moi, working on a rig, in all my glory."

Oh really now. After all of that, you'd swear the man was gonna be on the cover of Vogue.

My dear, I love you dearly and I think you are handsome and charming, but I made a card for this occasion..........


Please. Get help.

Alright. Alright. No really I am proud of you. Just like me, I get excited to get a scrapbook page in a magazine and Andy Warhol has declared you are allowed 15 minutes of fame. Enjoy it.

And especially for my hubby, I have included a little ditty I think you are all familiar with. Please, I insist. Enjoy.

Hey! Too Cool Fire & Ice!

I am sitting here this morning enjoying my coffee and finally taking a rest. It has been go, go go! Hubby has come home after a three week stint in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. This is where the bulk of his work has been happening lately and will for a good long while. The funny thing is that every time I mention that to someone from home, they always ask if we are gonna move back.

No, sorry, it don't work that way. They just send him there, but it doesn't mean I can't come visit. If I have my way, I'll come visit more often.

I also want to thank all of you for the well wishes and support on my new Prima teaching venture. Just a few more arrangements and I'll be posting classes soon! It has been a bit of a trail to get things started and organized, but I am feeling encouraged and motivated! So thanks!

Also, I really want to thank Michelle and Trisha from Fire & Ice for featuring my album on their blog.

This is just one page, I can't show you everything! I am particularly happy with the cover though. So go see if I peaked your curiosity or if you just want to see what a whole lot of talented artists can do with the Build-A-Books. It will blow your mind!

The War of the Duelling Canons.....

My husband and I are at war.

It is competitive and it is extremely territorial. We are pulling out the Canons and I tell you it ain't pretty. Or maybe it is. At least the our pictures, anyways.

Trevor and I have been in a battle of picture. When we entered the world of digital cameras back in 2004, my husband brought home a nice, handy point and shoot Sony that served our purposes quite nicely. However, as I became consumed in scrapbooking, we found that I was taking over that camera and felt it was time for a sweet little upgrade.

We needed bigger. Better. So off I went and opted for a nice Canon A640.



Perfect! 10 megapixels, 4x Optimal Zoom and a schwack of options to play with.

It has great settings and did pretty much everything I wanted to do. It is a great camera to get started when playing with different settings. But again, considering the whole "scrapbooking focuses on pictures" thing, here I go hogging the thing. My only beefs were shutter lag time and a lot of settings required that you stand like some ridiculous mannequin to avoid blurring. It did get some great shots with it.

This camera hogging, of course, frustrates poor Trevor. You have to understand that all his life, he has been a little shutterbug. I came to this conclusion looking through his mother's picture stash, where a large majority were taken by him. His particular interest is landscapes and wildlife with a peppering of familiar family faces.

And he truly believes I am just a "point and shoot" kinda gal that purchased too much camera for her "knowledge".

So, with all that said, if you consider that I have marked the family camera as *my* territory, you can imagine this poor guy frothing at the mouth to try and steal it away from me, which wasn't happening. Considering his job, he ain't taking it away from me for extended periods of time.

Keeping in mind that he loves pictures and has a mean streak of not being outdone, he saved up his spare change for a darn long time and non-chalantly came home with this. Just to re-establish his role as the one who wears the picture taking pants in the family. And let it be known that he has proclaimed it as "his toy" and now his pet project to get the most of this specimen.



JERK!
Let my envy begin. He knew it too.
You know, I simply cannot have that level of smugness oozing out of him.

In the spirit of this war, I pulled out a weakening blow. Camera knowledge. Oh yes, Sweetheart! Right now, I know more about this camera than you do. Ha! Take that!

So now, this only motivated him more. His shots have been A.MAZ.ING. But just to throw in another jab, I have fun flaunting my Photoshop knowledge by tweaking the photos.

So where does this leave me? I was in a tough spot. To be honest, the Rebel is too much camera for what I need. I just want good pictures for projects. My good ol' A640 had served me well, but I was thirsty for more.

And so, alas I am ashamed to admit, I upgraded.


Don't judge. It was on sale. If I am going to lose the arsenal race, I sure as heck am going to go down with Canons ablazing.

12x Optical Zoom, Image Stabilization (the clincher) and again a schwack of settings to choke Ansel Adams. Ok, not, but close.

And no we haven't shelved the A640. In fact, we passed on the enthusiasm and gave it to good friends with a new baby and an awakening passion to take a million pictures. If Trevor and I can pass on the enthusiasm, the war was is a means to an end.

Introducing..........

Prima Hybrid Products:
Sweet Notions by Meredith Fenwick
White Papers and A Little Magic 3 by Vera Lim Designs
One Sweet Day by Corina Nielsen
Gem Shiloette Baubles by Iron Orchid Designs

Here it is! I am so excited to be included as part of Prima's Endorsed Instructor Program!
So, what does this mean?

One, I am joining a great group of uber talented ladies. Prima has got some of the best and well repected instructors in the industry.

Second, I'll be out there teaching folks how the latest and greatest techniques with Prima products.
Build-A-Books, Paintables, mini albums and more! I have a few classes up my sleeve.

If you are interested, I could be teaching at a retail store or retreat near you!

And if you are a retailer or retreat holder that is interested in a class taught by me, you can contact me through the sidebar on this blog. Come see the benefits of having a Prima Endorsed Instructor has in mind for you.

Reflection After A Week

You know, despite going back to work after CHA, this week has been completely relaxing. The kiddo was with Grandpa and Grandma for the rest of this past week. Of course, now he is home and the hubster is back to work and here I am, back at scrapping.

So what did we do?

We took full advantage of this short time by reliving our days when we could come and go as we please. We had date nights. A movie. Supper alone. We just decided to do things together on a whim, and it just feels nostalgic you know, even a little bittersweet.

But I did miss our little nuthead and glad he is back home.

I spoke to him on Monday night when I got home and after he greeted me, he said, "Mom, I am having a really good time at Grandpa and Grandma's, but I miss you."

Such a sweetheart, my little man.

So with all that, I just vegged this week. Didn't email. Didn't scrap. If I haven't returned a message of dropped you a line this week, that is why. I just needed a small breather and had to seize the time alone with my guy. (wink, wink)

Before I say anything else, I want to extend a big CONGRATULATIONS to my dear friend Anam Stubbington and family for the arrival of baby, Lily Mae! I cannot wait to see her, she is a beautiful baby. I think she takes after her cutie patootie big sister!

And I know I am late in doing so, but I also wanted to say a big CONGRATULATIONS to my friend Leica Forrest and family as well for their new arrival Ireland! Another little beauty!

I swear, it is like a baby bonanza around the scrappy world. Good on you girls.

And.....I did reflect on CHA and this morning, I got back to some scrapping.

I must say that one of my favorite booths at the show was tucked back in a corner, but it was some of the most interesting paper designs I found. This company only started a few months ago, but they are starting to create some buzz and I can see why!

The Black Market Paper Society. I love their stuff and I wish them well. I got my hands on some of their paper and in honor, I did a page with it. I wish them much success!


I mixed it up with a little old school Hambly, some American Crafts Thickers and of course a dash of Prima.

Also, the last little bit, I have been playing with my friends Trisha Ladouceur and Michelle Van Etten's creations, the Prima Build A Books. I am trying out some phunk-ay techniques with them.

And in fact, before I show you my album and some fun things to do with them, I need you to take a special note of the page I just showed you. I actually used one of their vintage scalloped pages on my page. They just aren't for mini albums!

So, what else can you do with them? Of course you know that they are great for layering. But I am talking about more than just paper and embellishments. It is time to pull out your inks, paints and other stuff. Let's show you how I got my hands a little dirty!

Here's the cover that I created for my mini album. I used a scalloped circle and layered various embellishments.



I layered my paper and embellishments both in front and behind the acrylic. But my next page is a little more interesting....


So how did I get those funky aqua dots on my page? First, I randomly dabbed Ranger's Adirondak Acrylic Paint Daubers in Aqua on top of the page. Once dry, drew a white line aound the paint with a white paint pen.

Next, I covered the dots with Ranger Glossy Accents and let it dry. Lastly, I lightly accented the circles with some Ranger Stickles. To cover up my handy work on the back side, I simply covered it with double sided patterned paper.
I also painted a fun border on my page using acrylic paint and a white paint pen. I simply painted my border in black paint, and once dry, I drew the white with a paint pen.

Also, notice that I used some Ranger Stickles to one of the tabs.

See, lots of fun to be had with the Build A Books!

It's SHOWTIME!!!!!! The Details, the Whole Details and Nothing But the Details.

Prepare for a long post folks, but it will be worth it.....


Here we are! I made it, I made it! It was quite the journey to get here, but I made it safe and sound. I had some delays and a mad dash for customs, only to be delayed again, but it was well worth it to get here.

What a fabulous show. It has been a long two days, but not without a lot of excitement and good times.

As of this post, I am taking a rest in my hotel room, watching the airplanes fly overhead as I try to catchup with some posting and emails.

I came along with the gals and Gordon at Treasured Memories. I have to give them a HUGE THANK YOU for letting me tag along and watch them in action. They really went all out and purchased some really, really fun products for the store.

Here is one of my partners in crime, Juli Cragg. Let me tell you, that girl was hi-lar-i-ous! This was Juli's first show and she was like a kid in a candy store, and why the heck not? I think that watching her excitement really made the trip.

I think to sum her excitement up the best is to use math. Here is the formula:

Juli x American Crafts + Celine Navarro + new Coach shoes = one heckuva excited girl

And make sure you visit Juli's blog because I know she's posting a TON of product pictures.

And speaking of Celine......

I was thrilled to meet her! I hope to meet here again because that girl has got it going on! Seriously. She is one mover and shaker in the European scrapping scene. I am excited for her because she is launching her own scrapbook magazine that is available in Europe called {entreARTistes} magazine. It looks fabulous and let's face it, there is a plethora of utter talent in that part of the world so I am thinking it may be something that I need to try to be getting my mitts on.

And the make n takes. One word. Fun. When we got to do them, that is. Seriously, there was almost always a line every freaking place we went. But there were some really great projects muck around with.


See? Told you. Look at that Kelly Goree in action at the Basic Grey booth! That girl did. not. stop. I did get to briefly chat with her, which was so nice because I had not seen her since she taught at Scrapbooking Crop for Kids. However, it had to be short only difference is that she was the gal that was non-stop busy.
And watching demos! I was having a good ol' time watching some of the top names in scrapbooking and paper arts, just work their magic. I managed to catch Ali Edwards showing off some fun things to do with acrylic and alcohol inks.

I also had fun and got inspired watching:
* Tim Holtz - I swear I learn more from watching that guy for ten minutes than a whole night of mucking around myself.
* Claudine Hellmuth - that girl has a fun new product line coming out. I am seriously loving the self-adhering canvas paper and some new acrylics that are unlike anything else that I have used (I did the make n take too)
* Suze Weinberg - the woman works UTEE like nobody's business. 'Nuf said. Go click the link.



And seriously now. Like I am not gonna mention Prima? Pshaw! Of course! Loved going to visit everyone at the booth and put face to names. I'll break it down into three statements:

1. The booth was gorgeous.
2. The products far succeeded the booth in gorgeousness
and
3. The staff is a HOOT!

Saturday night a whole gaggle of us gathered together to for a big ol' pizza at the famous Gino's East.

Chantal's husband Gordon double-fisting the Coronas. Mmmm.........beer and pizza.


KC and Chantal relaxing after a hard day of walking the floor.

And kicking back with the girls at Canadian Scrapbooker! Left to right: Jackie Ludlage, Kathy Thompson -Laffoley, Heather Starosielski, Connie Nichol and Katharina Doyle.

Alrighty, that is about the size of it all. I am so sad it is done. But now, I have to prepare for my flight tomorrow by making sure that all my liquids and gels are placed in their proper packaging. Ugh.