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!