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Martha Stewart + K & Company

There were over 900 anticipated exhibitors (3500 booths) at CHA this time around. It took me all four days to walk the entire show. In order for me to remember my faves, cause there's a ton to check out, I brought along my monstrous camera. Don't ask why I didn't just bring along a small handheld snapshot camera...that would be the smart thing to do, don't you think?! I took quite a few photos during my four day escapade in CHA land. There were quite a few animals (kiddo collections) on display along with collections reminiscent of days past - think "Etsy" here. There were also quite a few travel lines (typical for Spring), one of my faves coming from Making Memories. Another ongoing theme at show; food. I think we're expected to attend a lot of picnics this Summer. Laugh. Lastly, there were a number of international inspired patterns and products at show. K & Company just released a bohemian style collection (found it at Michaels today) called "Que Sera Sera". Basic Grey will soon release "Marrakech", another collection of international flair. Neither dissapoint.

I'd love to know what your faves are so far from this Winter's CHA. Leave a comment below along with a link so that we can all see what's a "must have" this Summer.

Ok, this is where I start posting a million photos from my visit at CHA. I'm first starting off with Martha Stewart and then, K & Company. Warning - this post will take time to load. Image heavy. Click on Photo to view full size image.

          

A Week at CHA Winter '09

I'm officially home from Irvine, California after attending CHA Winter '09. I returned home to the usual snow and a frigid eight degrees above zero. I watched ice crystals form on the outside of my plane window as I neared home. I caught a photo of it just before landing. It feels wonderful to be home. I've had a lot to do since arriving home, but mostly, I've been dedicating myself to some serious cuddle time with Ethan. I so missed the little guy while in California.

The CHA show was fantastic. I don't say this lightly either. Manufacturers are releasing a lot of great, new product over the coming months. I have a long line of faves to share and I'll be posting pics from the show over the next several days. Some of my faves include Melissa Frances's "Bingo Cards" chipboard album (best product at show. Can't wait to work with this mini album.), baby mini album, rhinestones, and mica flakes. I also love Websters Pages new pattern papers, sampler packs and letter stickers. Next in line would have to be Doodlebug's "Chunky Glitter". I had an opportunity to stick my hand in a large jar of the new chunky glitter and boy, was I was a happy lady or what?! This stuff is nummy. I also liked their new "Candy Shoppe" alphabet stickers..curly & cute. This is just a small sampling of items I soooo wanted to take home with me. It's a good thing I didn't bring these items home with me though...my suitcase was massively full and Mr. Northwest made me pay for it big time. I guess I don't really know how to fly when it comes to packing suitcases..laugh.

I did bring a few new lines home with me upon leaving CHA. I got a chance to play with Crate Paper's latest collections right before the start of the show. I was up almost all night finishing three layouts at the very last minute for them. I don't think I've ever finished that many layouts in one night...laugh. I clocked in a total of three hours of sleep and still walked the show the next day. Call me crazy and tired will ya?! Those layouts will be posted on Crate's website in the near future. There wasn't enough light for me to photograph them at five in the morning. I want to continue working with the new collections once things settle down a bit. Below you'll find some pics of Crate's new stuff, including stamps!!

 
Lillian

Little Sprout

Orbit

Here's some lovely Sassafras items you'll want to peek at..I'm diggen' the girl and her mad, crazy tricycle. She's going to make her way home on one of my creations in no time flat. "Vintage Yummy" is one of my favorite collections from show.

I think Pink Paislee's newest collections are even better in person. I purchased a few items from them for my next project kit. The papers are bold, bright, and enlivening.

Captivating

Enchanting

Fascinating

Fetching

Before leaving California, I had a chance to purchase some last minute brand new American Craft products. Scrapbook Oasis had a nice selection of their products for sale in their store and I couldn't leave without bringing some of it home with me. Really like the "Craft Fair" collection from American Crafts...handmade inspired.

Ok, it's getting late on my end, so I'm calling it quits for the night. I'll start posting CHA picks tomorrow evening. Pics will be categorized by manufacturer. I'll also share pics of some cool projects on display at show. There was a lot of inspiration to be had at each booth...especially at the Martha Stewart booth. Off to retire.  See you tomorrow!

The Plane. The Plane.

A little Hog Heaven from Sassafras..indeed. I created this layout for the Sassafras booth. It will come with me on Saturday when I leave for CHA. I have six or seven layouts to deliver and another three to create while there. I still have to pack my bags and do an assortment of other chores before getting on the plane. I've started a to-do list for the trip. There's a 99% chance I'll forget at least one or two things before I leave. Luckily, I'll be staying with a friend while in California and I'll also have car with GPS (cause I'm terrible with maps..I don't even know how to fold one). I'll be gone until Thursday. My blog will take on a few cobwebs while I'm gone. I'm going to attempt to update it while at show as I'll have my laptop with me. We'll see how it goes. Get me on the plane please..I'm ready for warm weather after last week's -30 degree below spell. While it was -30 here, it was 88 degrees in California (a record high). What's up with that?! Not fair..not at all.

Funky vintage inspired patterns, color combinations, and textures make Sassafras's newest collections some of my favorites...I almost feel like it's a match made in heaven for me, especially "Vintage Yummy". I'm sure you've seen it already..but I've had to peek at the stuff more than once cause it's irresistible and I never tire of it. It conjures up pictures in my mind of my great grandmother's wardrobe. Polyester a-la-mode. Not that I'm a polyester fan really, but my grandmother swore it was in style at the time she was wearing it (um...1990?!). She wore it well and I was impressed with her commitment to the material. Sassafras's new collections will need to come my way in doubles. If it looks vintage..feels vintage..smells vintage..it's darn near edible and will find an immediate home in my scrapbook collection. Smile.

October Afternoon has their new baby collection posted on their new blog. If you don't have a "little one", no worries. There are a lot of neutral designs in this collection that will go great with various themes/subjects. *We're initiating rubber charms once again. Check out the rubber ducky (literally)!! Isn't he cute? :)

Ethan has started to build can towers in the kitchen. His favorite part is toppling over his can building creations. Amber, our kitty cat, seems to think he's a tad bit crazy when he knocks over his can towers. Check out the look on her face as one of his towers falls to the ground...she looks like she just saw a ghost. Ethan was having a fantastic time and so was mom. Had to get a few photos of this undertaking of can construction.

Is that my cat sitting on my laptop?! What?!! I think he's trying to get a weight reading...last time we checked, he weighed in around fifteen or sixteen pounds..it's rough getting old isn't it Casper? Now get off my computer..laugh.

Actually, Casper is my fave cat in the house..he's very friendly. He's my cuddle bunny.

  

A Homage to Summer

October Afternoon has organized their first sneek peak of one of their latest, soon-to-be-released collections; "Cherry Hill". Find it on their new blog:  October Afternoon
 
October Afternoon is also giving away some fabulous prizes. You'll want to get in on the drawing as we've put together a fine stash of OA goods for three lucky winners. All you need to do is tell us what you'd like to see on OA's new blog! Hop on over!

Tomorrow, I'll be sharing a new layout using Sassafras's "Hog Heaven" collection. If you haven't seen Sassafras's sneak peeks (which I'm certain you already have cause they are so darn cute), you're missen' out! At least I think so anyway cause I can hardly wait to play with their new collections.

Love this time of year!! It's like being a kid and visiting the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory. Lot's of new scrapbook product to play with..how will I ever choose?! I don't think I will..he,he. What's your fave?! Do share!

Golden Harvest + Holiday Cheer

As promised, I've posted "Golden Harvest" & "Holiday Cheer" kits for sale in my sidebar. Below, you'll find extra info for purchasing kits. Please take a moment to read the info closely as all sales are final. Also, I've listed kit contents below along with photos of each of the projects.

Golden Harvest/Holiday Cheer Mini Album Kit Purchasing Information

I finally gathered all the supplies needed for both kits and they're ready to ship! Below, I've provided instructions for purchasing kits from Retrospection. Please read through the instructions thoroughly. They contain important information about shipping/handling costs. Thanks so much!

Kits for Sale:

• Golden Harvest $54 (Jenny Bowlin border rub-ons substituted with Basic Grey Border rub-ons)

• Holiday Cheer $54

All orders are shipped via USPS, including international orders.  If placing an international order, send order request to retrospection30@gmail.com. An invoice will be emailed to you with exact shipping/handling costs and payment information. Domestic orders are shipped USPS priority at a flat rate of $12.00. Canada/Mexico orders are shipped USPS priority at a flat rate of $25.00.  Up to two kits may be added to order for single shipping cost. Additional shipping costs are included for orders with more than two kits. If ordering more than two kits, please send order request via email.

If package is lost in transit or is damaged, please contact me via email.

Orders will ship two to three days after completed transaction. All orders are shipped from Irvine, California.

Each Kit includes supplies needed for completing project along with a supply list, detailed project instructions & photos via CD.

Please carefully select your purchase as all sales are final once complete.

Kit Contents:

Basic Grey
Lotus Dark Chocolate Chipboard Album
Ambrosia Bitsy Medallion Clear Stamp Set
Offbeat Mod Rub-Ons
Zest Pattern Paper (Orange)
Peculiar Pattern Paper (orange hectagons)
Charmed Pattern Paper (turquoise)
Seasoned Pattern Paper (brown)

Jenny Bowlin
Black Label Stickers
Rub-On Borders (Substituted with Basic Grey Border Rub-Ons)
Brown Large Dot Pattern Paper
Brown Bookprint Pattern Paper
Flower & Vine Pattern Paper
Tangerine Dream Turquoise Dot Pattern Paper
Turquoise Die Cut Label Paper
Bingo Card (Black/Adore)

Sassafras
Lots O’ Luck Pattern Paper (brown floral)
Golden Love Pattern Paper (yellow/hearts)
In Love Pattern Paper (deer/scenery)
Take a Chance Pattern Paper (bingo/green)
Love Letters Pattern Paper (colorful lines/different shapes)
Fawnd of You, Too Monogram Stickers
Fawned of You, Too Pal Around Chipboard

Making Memories
Paperie Journaling Pages (6 Pages/Mocha)
Paperie Shimmer Alphas (Greenhouse)
Label Fetti Expressions Stickers
½ Making Memories Paperie Brad Combo
Mix of Making Memories Blossoms & Buttons

October Afternoon
Cozy Home Pattern Paper
Hometown Journaling Cards
Weathervane Line Stickers








Kit Contents:

October Afternoon:
Peppermint Sticks pattern paper
Falling Snow pattern paper
Sugar Cookies pattern paper
Sleigh Bells pattern paper
Gingerbread pattern paper
Tinsel pattern paper
Good Cheer Die-Cut Shapes
Good Cheer Stickers
Merry Bright Rub-Ons
Snow Flurries Rub-Ons
Garden Chair pattern paper
Rain Boots pattern paper
Crunching Leaves pattern paper
Daydream Die-Cut Shapes
Scallop Album

Making Memories:
Rouge Big Dot pattern paper
Mocha Geometric pattern paper
Silver Shimmer Alpha
Pebble Stickers
Rouge Dimensional Stickers
Rouge Spiral Book Pages
Flowers

Jenny Bowlin:
Pink Label Stickers
Red Mini Bingo Cards
 
Heidi Grace:
Christmas Words pattern paper
Christmas Punch Board Add-Ons (Full pack)

Buttons
Brads
Green Scallop Circle
Red Ribbon

Circle Borders (Ali Edwards)

Have you seen the most recent issue of Creating Keepsakes? Ali Edwards has written a great article about scrapbooking childhood memories. I'll admit, I haven't done a lot of scrapbooking about my childhood. I scrapbook mostly present and future. The idea of scrapbooking my childhood is something I've never really thought about. With so many stories to tell and photos to share that primarily focus on "today", the idea of going back twenty years is a bit overwhelming. After reading Ali's article though, I was inspired to review bits and pieces of my past. Twelve years ago, while attending my freshman year in college, I met my soon to be husband, Eric. Didn't take long for us to culminate a friendship and while doing so, Eric was involved in a photography class. Because of his involvement in the class, he was always taking photos of us. On one particular day, he sat me down and captured a few images of me in the upstairs of his mother’s home. If I remember correctly, he needed photos for a portrait assignment. He ended up only developing a few of the photos he took of me that day. I kept one of the photos on file for future reference..not entirely sure why, but I did. Today, I feel very lucky to still have this photo. When I saw Ali's article and her creative use of circle punches, I immediately felt compelled to finally scrapbook this photo of myself. While scrapbooking the photo, I kept thinking about how time changes everything. The moment in which this photo was taken, I'd just met Eric and we were a new couple. We had very few worries to concern ourselves with and we were having the time of our lives together. We were both in college and investing in our futures. Fast forward twelve years later. It's hard to believe that we're no longer "physically" together. Our plan was to grow old in each others arms and maybe one day, retire and never leave our home. Within one year, this plan was dismantled and Eric lost his life to cancer. Twelve years ago, I had no idea that I would experience such deep loss and lose the man that took this picture of me. Because the photo was taken by Eric, it has significant meaning to me and I'm very grateful to share it's story. I recommend reading Ali's article if you haven't already. There's a lot of inspiration to be had and her suggestions for using old photos are great. Loved the article. 

The 3-D butterflies are from K & Company’s Cut N’ Paste collection. The letter stickers are Basic Grey. I thought it might be kind of fun to combine the title of the layout with a few butterfly stickers. . The title takes on some added charm when given some glam via added embellishments.

While in California, I picked up a handful of vintage inspired cards. Some of the cards had “raised” areas that could be cut out and used on crafty projects. The yellow flowers on this layout are from one of the cards I brought home from California. I hand cut the flowers from the card and attached them to the layout as shown.(Cards designed by “Punch Studio”, Culver City, CA)

Here’s the circle punch “border” idea provided in Ali’s article from the current issue of CK. She’s always creative when it comes to using punches..had to take advantage of this technique!

Kit reservation emails go out tomorrow! If you’re expecting one, please respond to the email within a day or two to ensure you receive a kit. Kit’s will be made available via my blog this Sunday on my sidebar. They’ll begin shipping next week.

Home Sweet Home

I hope you guys don’t think I’m a negligent blog owner.  There’s not been a lot to post about and in all honesty, I’ve been spending a lot of time at the OA office. What you see above is a small view of my everyday reality.  It’s the almighty laptop that I work on while at OA. I have a few projects I’m working on for OA. Won’t get into too much detail, but with CHA just around the corner, I’ve been trying to finish up on some last minute stuff. It’s a crazy time, as is typical two weeks pre-CHA. There are a number of things that still need to get done before I leave town for the show, including design work. I’m also working on getting kits ready for those that have been waiting for kits from me. I’ll be posting a paypal “widget” in my sidebar this Sunday for purchasing kits. Those on the reservation list will receive an email from me this Friday along with purchasing information. If you’re on the reservation list and no longer interested in purchasing either of the kits, please contact me via email with your reservation cancelation. 

I know that Christmas isn’t exactly “in season” these days, but there are still a lot of cute Christmas projects to be seen.  There’s one particular project I’ve had my eye on for the last couple of weeks. I’ve grown quite fond of these beautiful handmade houses. The artist ‘s name is Katie Watson. She’s a designer for Maya Road and Pink Paislee. She’s the creator of these intricately detailed houses. The textured scallop rooftops are inventive to say the least and the glittered windows are so darn cute. These houses remind me of the old fashion papier-mâché houses I saw at Gertens a month or so ago. Katie’s provided a video tutorial for creating one of these houses on her blog. Maybe someday I’ll have to sit down and put together a small town of houses similar to hers…just beautiful. 

One last thing I want to share today is this nifty idea of using an empty frame as a tag/card holder. Found this online last week. It’s a simple project and alternative way to showcase all kinds of paper crafts. It’s also a great excuse to hit a local flea market for some vintage wares.  Simple & Easy.

Back to scrapbooking…more later!

Sleep in...

The highlight of my day was having the opportunity to sleep in this morning.  Last night, I hosted an October Afternoon sponsored make n’ take at “The Scrapbook Shop” in Circle Pines, Minnesota. Ethan stayed with grandma while I devoted Friday evening to the event. I had a wonderful time at the event. Rhonda, the owner of “The Scrapbook Shop”, had a make n’ take bar set up for me and a full set of croppers wanting to get in on the action.  While there, I took a few photos of Rhonda’s beautiful store.  I’ve shared a few of the photos below…

Thank-you Rhonda for the invitation to join in on the Grand Opening of your new location! I would also like to thank all those who participated in the make n’ take. I had a great time and look forward to many future visits. *Thinking of you Elizabeth! Smile.

 

A few days ago, I friend of mine called me to tell me that Michaels got some new scrapbook product in for the Spring Season. After attempting three separate visits to three different Michaels, I finally located the new items. I was totally thrilled with what I had found..and maybe you were to if you picked up some of it already. There are two new Making Memory collections, an Autumn Leaves collection, and some new Mambi products worth checking out. My fave so far is the Making Memories “Chloe’s Closet” collection. It’s soft pastels and vintage like feel reminds me so much of Autumn Leave’s earlier Foof-a-la collections.,  How I miss those collections…

Speaking of Autumn Leaves, have any of you tried their specialized clear stamp inkpads? I recently tried them out for the first time and I’m really liking these stamp pads. I wished I would have of discovered them sooner. I’d seen them previously when they first came out, but hadn’t really thought of using them. I couldn’t justify buying more inkpads. Well, I’m totally sold on these inkpads. The colors are soft, unique, and go well with many of the scrapbook papers on the market. The pads themselves are well inked and conveniently stackable.  The best part about these inkpads though is that they work great in combination with clear stamps. Every image I’ve stamped using this ink is crisp, smooth, and well coated. I’m now regretting having waited so long to try out these inkpads. If you know of anyone that still sells this inkpad brand, could you please let me know? I would love to have a few more colors to play with and use on projects.

 It’s getting a little late around here. Suppose I should retire for the evening…no sleeping in tomorrow. Take care you guys!

*Kits will more than likely go on sale this week!! Just a heads up! Those on the reservation list will receive an email from me in the very near future. Watch your inbox. You’ll only have a few days to respond before kits go live . Kits will ship from California/Scrapbook Oasis. All orders will ship USPS. 

Thank You

It’s late in the evening, but I wanted to post a few words in response to all of you for your words of encouragement and support.  I really wasn’t sure what to expect with this first anniversary of Eric’s passing.  In response to my confusion, I decided to keep things familiar by doing the things I ordinarily do. Monday morning, we woke up early am as usual, we got ready for the day, and I went to work while Ethan was with grandma. It hadn’t really hit me until I started driving home from work in the pm. Like grief always does, it blindsided me and knocked me off my feet. I kept thinking about those final moments. The tears started pouring from my eyes and my anxiety shot up like a thermometer in hot water.  They didn’t stop until Eric’s mom showed up at my front door later on that evening. Her timing couldn’t of been better. I think Eric knew I needed support and the one person I counted on the most while Eric was ill was his mom. She was wonderful and provided me with opportunity for outpouring. We spoke of Eric at length and watched video footage of him. Ethan loves to see his daddy on the camera. Eventually, Ethan grew tired and it was time to say good-bye. I felt ten times better after having spent some time with my MIL. I fell right to sleep after she left. The next day, I stayed home from work. I was super tired, as expected. Spent the day on the couch and relaxed. Last night, I took some time to read all the comments left on my blog. I just want to thank all of you for the words of encouragement. It really means a lot, especially in the wee hours of the night. I’m grateful for all you share with me.

My father is the most compassionate man I’ve ever known in my life. He’s been there since day one and after Eric passed away, he did everything he could to help me with the transition. Over the last year, he’s developed a close relationship with Ethan. Ethan calls him “Papa Dwayne”. He spends the late afternoons with “papa” while I’m at work. The two of them have a great time together. I finally put together a layout about their special relationship. I took this photo of the two of them together during the Summer months out near Papa’s backyard pond. Every Summer, Ethan hangs out near the pond with Papa. My dad is a gardener by trade, so the backyard is a fun place for little Ethan to hang out at. He just loves being back there with Papa.

I created this layout using some of Sassafras’s papers and embellishments. I also took out my Slice machine and put it to work. I cut the flowers using the machine. I backed the flowers with yellow color cardstock. I distressed them with ink and layered them with various size flowers. I added the usual bling and attached the flowers to the layout as shown. 

I also added a number of borders to this layout. I used a Sassafras border stamp and next to the stamped border, I applied a Sassafras pattern paper border (one of their funky pattern paper edges which I totally love.) Neither is noticeable. Note: I never preplan layouts…some layers go hidden, which is often the result of my indecisiveness. Unplanned creativity. 

Remembering

 

"When he shall die, take him and cut him out in little stars, 
And he will make the face of heaven so fine 
That all the world will be in love with night, 
And pay no worship to the garish sun."

-Shakespeare

Yesterday was the year anniversary of Eric’s passing away. Beneath the slew of emotions I’m feeling right now, I still can’t grasp his absence in our lives. Ever since arriving home from work last night, I’ve been thinking only of him. I woke up at four o’clock this morning unable to fall back asleep.  While lying in bed, I kept pondering the loss and the impact it’s had on our lives. This last year has been the most difficult year of my life. With each passing wave of grief, I thought I’d never survive. Still, today, I wonder if I’ll make it.  There are many obstacles I’ve yet to face and year two is just starting.

This next year will present it’s own unique set of challenges in relation to the loss. There will be new reasons to grieve. I’ve been thinking a lot about the house, work, parenting, Ethan, and other areas of my life that need constant tending to. I’ve also been thinking about our long term future. Now that I’m in a better position to think about these things, I feel it’s time to start reviewing them.  Ultimately, I seek simplicity. I’ve been heavily invested in various areas of my life these last three years and I want to “downsize” some.  I’m looking at the kinds of ways I can make this happen. I would love to have more time for creating and being with Ethan. Both take priority above all else. So, with this next year, I’ll be looking at ways to simplify my life and meet some new goals.

The photo above of Eric is one of my favorites. I adore his genuine smile in this photo. How I miss that smile…love you Eric.