my_weblog

Ribbon, Ribbon on the Wall...

Just a little inspiration to start your week off on the right foot. I spent quite a bit a time online today navigating various websites and attempting to catch up on some of my favorite blogs. It was slow going, but progress was had and there was plenty of eye candy to go around. Thought I would share some of  my finds (and one suggested find-thanks Amy for sharing Paper Studio with us.). If your a huge paper fan like myself, you're going to love Paper Studio..hold on to your wallet folks cause temptation is just around the corner:

 

Paper Studio has a substantial collection of hand-made papers from around the world, including India, China, and Japan. The papers are sold in large sheets and prices vary. Even if you don't buy anything, you'll still be glad you visited this site. Don't forget to check out their blog too!!

Here are some more items from Paper Studio:

 

Typography Pattern Paper for the typography lover.

 

An assortment of misc. items are also up for grabs at Paper Studio. The Chatterbox butterfly rub-bons are on order. I can hardly wait to get them.

 

Holland Fabric House, a quaint European shop found on Etsy and located in Netherlands, is selling this adorable embroidered ribbon. Not only is it bright, but it's intricately detailed and would be a ton of fun to use on a layout or other type of craft project. Truly a one-of-a-kind ribbon that is nearly impossible to not want to take home.

If the ribbon wasn't enough to catch your fancy, how about these iron-on patches from Holland Fabric House? I think I see a new scrapbook trend on the horizon..I know KI Memories sold something similar a few years ago, but these are even better. I'd buy them in a heartbeat.

 

Last, but not least, I received a newsletter from Land of Nod (I can only dream of having a bedroom for Ethan like those at Land of Nod) this morning. Take a peek at the woodgrain rug. Who sais grown-ups can't shop for home decor for themselves at Land of Nod?

 

**Tomorrow, I'll be starting a new weekly post titled "Creative Blogs". Each Wednesday, I'll post three creative blogs that offer insight and ideas into paper crafting and all things "artsy". If you know of a creative blog that you think other's would love (craft related/graphic design/interior design/etc.), please email me with your suggestion'(s) and I'll credit you via a link. Thanks!

Yesterday's Travels

 

In less than five weeks, I'll be back on a plane and heading back to California for a special teaching event I've been preparing for this last month or so called "Reflections". This will be my third visit to California since last November. The class I'll be teaching at the event is titled "Yesterday's Travels". Those attending the event will be creating a mini album focusing on a forgotten vacation or a vacation not yet documented via scrapbooking. The above photos are of the items used in the class. A select number of the items have changed, though only slightly. Each and every item will be used in the creation of the mini album I'll be teaching at the Reflections event. Over the next couple weeks, I'll be sharing bits and pieces of the album both here and at the official "Reflections" blog.

I'm almost a 100% recuperated from our trip to the Dells. There were a couple days over the weekend when 12:00pm felt like 12:00am. All I wanted to do this last weekend was eat and sleep..literally. I was a walking zombie, accept I was alive and breathing. The Dells trip knocked me off my feet. I finally stuck my head into my scrapbook area and nearly finished the "Carnival" mini album. One more page to go and I'll have full album images to share. Hoping to share those by mid-week (though instructions for the album won't be complete until mid-May) . 

Today, my folks came home from Florida. We greeted them home this late afternoon. Ethan received a gigantic lolly-pop from grandpa and grandma. He was super duper excited to see them, but mom was even more excited. I can't tell you how much I've come to appreciate them this last week or so. They're of tremendous help in raising Ethan. Their a vital part of our life and without out them, I'm not sure I'd survive. Every single mom out there deserves a Nobel Peace Prize and a trip to Cancun. It's the hardest job on the planet..no doubt! Sign me up..for the trip to Cancun. Laugh. Seriously. No kids please.

I'll be back to post links to a few new blogs I've fallen' in love with recently, along with images of the completed Carnival Mini Album...later.

Back from the Dells..

 

We're home!! After six hours on the road, three days at the Wilderness Lodge, two days worth of swimming and very little sleep, it feels wonderful to be home. I'm loven' every moment of it, but I've a lot to catch up on, especially in the email department. If you haven't heard from me this week, don't panic. I'll be responding to emails over the next couple days. I also have a couple of blogs to update and need to get back on board with two ongoing large projects due to be finished in three weeks. It's going to get a bit crazy around here you guys and I promise, I'll keep you posted of the madness via my blog. Laugh. Looken' forward to getting busy...

The trip to Wisconsin Dells was short lived, but we managed to tire ourselves out within the short time frame we were there. During the day, we swam in gigantic pools, played games at the arcade, hung out with family, and ran back and forth between two hotel condominiums. Ethan was on overdrive the whole time. He was super excited to be with his cousins and amongst all the commotion. At night, he refused to sleep. He kept asking about all the strange noises we heard over the evening hours, including the loud furnace and neighbors next store . He didn't sleep at all the first night in the hotel. The second night, he actually slept more than six hours. It was a huge relief for me to get six hours of sleep that second night. One thing I quickly learned during this trip is that vacations with kids are a ton of work! It was wonderful to watch Ethan have the time of his life, but mom was ready to keel over half way through the trip. Laugh. Now that we're home, I finally have the chance to relax and sit for a few minutes. Feels like heaven. Laugh. Oh no, is he crying?! Ok, so maybe being home doesn't necessarily translate into "quiet time". Laugh. One can dream, right?

I've posted a few photos from our trip. I didn't take a lot of photos during the trip. There were a lot of people at the waterparks and I didn't feel safe carrying my camera around with me. I left it behind in the hotel room most of the time. I grabbed a couple photos near the end our trip.

 

 

At this point, our hotel room/condominium was well-lived in and we had stuff scattered everywhere. The condominium had a large kitchen, two bedrooms, and a beautiful sitting area near the back with large open windows looking out on the lake.

 

 

 

We had hoped the ducks would come visit us, but no such luck. Ethan didn't mind, he was busy playing with the sand and throwing the stuff in the air.

 

There goes that tongue again....always hanging out. Laugh.

 

Above is my sister, Charlie. I have another sister also, Kathy. We did the trip to the Dells together with husband and kids in tow.

 

Warning, when bringing your camera into a high humidity area, watch out for excess moisture. Didn't take long for my camera lens to fog up in the pool room.

This was the indoor mini-pool area in our hotel that we visited the first day of our trip. We went to a larger indoor water amusement park the following day that was ten times the size of this one...and was super busy.

 

 

 

 

Time for a tub in the Jacuzzi. Two minutes later, I fell in head first and nearly took out a hip while attempting to step into the tub. Talk about an embarrassing moment. Laugh. This clumsy lady can't even get into a deluxe Jacuzzi without injuring herself.

One topic scrapbook related today-Tsukineko has released a new set of dual tip markers that match perfectly with their Memento's ink pads. I bought them because lately, I've been doing a lot of drawing and was attracted to the greens in this package. I'll provide a full review of the markers in the near future. Just wanted to share cause I thought they were kinda cool.

Accidents Happen

 

Tease. Ok, I did mention that I wouldn't show anymore pages from the Carnival album, but that may have been an itty bitty, tiny, little lie. Sort of. Actually, it was never my plan to share more of the album (full page images), but I've been having a wonderful time creating it and couldn't resist sharing this one pink/red polka-dot page.

There's a lot about this page that sort of happened by accident. Most of what I create happens by accident. I'm not a planner. Far from it. I find that planning a project prevents me fully embracing the creative process. The "act of creating", at least for me, is more enjoyable without a road map. I can't work and walk a straight path while trying to complete a project. Sometimes, I'll fool myself into believing that I need a road map, but it usually doesn't end well. Laugh. Somewhere in the middle, I'll get stuck and quickly lose momentum to continue with the project.

When working with my project kits (or any kits), feel free to change things up a bit. Make the project your own. Move things around & experiment with alternative product combinations. Even though I provide overly thorough instructions in each of my project kits, bring a blend of your own ideas to the table. The instructions are a general guide for finishing a rich, vibrant mini album. They're not a definitive road map. Surprise yourself just as I did with this page. That's why I had to share it....

 

More sneak peeks from the Carnival album..I've dedicated myself to this project for the next week or two..along with the project for my upcoming class at Reflections in May. You'll be seeing a lot of mini album images on my blog over the next few weeks. I'm in complete "mini-album" mode right now...and moving along ever-so-slowly.  

 

 

I'm departing for a last minute mini-vacation to Wisconsin Dells for three days. We hadn't "planned on going", but I made a last minute decision yesterday to go ahead and make reservations at a nice water park lodge for myself and Ethan. Both of my sisters will be there with their kids. Ethan is super excited about the trip and can't wait to hang out and play with his cousins! This will be a special time for both of us-our first official trip as a family! So looken' forward to it :)

I'll be posting once again this Sunday..excuse my absence over the next couple days. Have a great week everyone!

Door Greeter

 

This big chubby cat represents seven years of my life. He's one of my closest confidants and knows more about me than most people. He hangs out with me everyday. He greets me at the door. Always. He follows me everywhere. I swear he's my shadow, but personally, I don't mind cause I love having him around.  He's a total cuddle bunny. Familiarity at it's finest. 

Sometimes, you don't always need a lot of supplies to make a layout happen. I'll routinely refer to my pens, markers, and paints when working on scrapbook projects. They're convenient, flexible tools that can be used in a variety of ways. When it comes to ink or paint, the possibilities are endless. To create and capture the smallest of details, I often use these basic supply items for doodling on my pages. They're the "finishing touch". I wait until I've got everything done on a project before moving forward with ink and paint. It's often the last thing I do in completing a page. A page doesn't feel complete without it and most of the time, the amount of doodling I do is minimal. Less is more. I tell myself to keep it simple because I typically work with a lot of "stuff" and usually, my layouts are already covered with a hodge podge of products. A little bit of doodling can go a long way. 

Here are my favorite doodle devices: 
- Souffle Sakura Gel Pens (every color available/dries well on most surfaces/great coverage on any paper) 
- Glaze Sakura Gel Pens (Dries shiny!)
- UniBall Signo Gold Gel Pen
- 05 Black Millennium Zig Writer
- American Craft Writers (available in an endless array of colors)
- Marvy Brush Markers (great for coloring directly on red rubber stamps/clear stamps).  

 

Speaking of doodling...Pamela Garrison is a constant source of inspiration for me. Her art journals are phenomenal and her use of color..well, need I say more? Her recent article in Somerset Studio's "Art Journaling" magazine is what inspired the doodling above. If only I had half of her artistic vision...supremely divine. 

 

I completed this layout using Mon Scrapbook's March kit. This is my third project using the kit and Basic Grey's Marrakech line. 

I recently found out that Mon Scrapbook specializes in importing European scrapbook supplies. How cool is that? It's not easy to find European scrapbook supplies here in the US. It's great to have a place to go online for these kinds of products.  I'm still thinking about the "Adele" (thanks to the many of you that for providing me the name of this collection) collection from Rouge de Garance (France). I need me some of that paper!! Beautiful. 

 

I crave pattern paper. I crave it more than any other scrapbook supply item out there. Manufacturers can't keep up with my pattern paper addiction. It's not normal to love pattern paper as much as I do. When I can't get to a store to buy the stuff, I turn to my computer. I purchase digital papers and then print them out using my home printer. Sadly, I don't have a 12" x 12" printer, but the standard 8.5" x 11" printer I own does a fine job of printing pattern paper for me. I simply crop the pattern paper to size using Photoshop and print it on Kodak's Premium Matte Photo Paper. One word of caution-watch your ink levels. I use a lot of ink in the process of printing my own pattern papers at home. I only print pattern papers on occasion or when I find a digital kit that I absolutely love and can't be without.

The above pattern paper collection (Online Digital Scrapbook Kit) is called "Be Resolved" by Audacious Designs at We Are Storytellers. 

 

 

I covet my scrap space. Ethan visits my scrap space only a couple times a week cause he still gets into everything. Today, he decided to take a trip on mom's super cool spinning, rotating chair in my scrap area. He lasted three spins and then called it quits. Before he got off the chair, I quickly grabbed a few photos, including this last photo which took me by complete surprise..love the expression on his face. 

Congrats to....

 

I'm continuing to work on the Carnival Album. Today, I finished the second page of the album and the above image is a small section of the page. For those still thinking about purchasing the Carnival Mini Album Project Kit, please know that the number of kits available are very limited at this point in time. Quite a few of you have reserved a kit (or two) and there are only a dozen or so left. I'm almost certain there won't be kits posted for sale in May as almost all kits are already reserved. To take advantage of the last dozen, email me for reservation info.

A huge congratulations to......

Sarah said...

Wow! I normally pay no attention to kits. They don't usually have enough items that jump out at me - maybe a sheet or two of paper, and a few embellishments. Then the rest I just don't see myself using. THIS one though, I am in love, and would totally use every bit of it. And your cover is gorgeous, and the color combinations just inspire me. I would love to play with this kit!

 Sarah-Please send me your shipping information! You're the winner of the Carnival Mini Album Project Kit! Congrats! 

 

Also,a huge "THANK-YOU" for the feedback everyone! There were many of you that responded and I can't emphasize enough how important your feedback is to me. Thanks a million for taking the time to leave a comment. Truly, Truly Appreciated!!

Genius Numbers

Thank you for the wonderful comments everyone! It’s difficult to select only one winner, but I will do so tomorrow afternoon and post the winner’s name tomorrow evening. You have a few more hours to participate in the drawing, so if you haven’t already, leave a comment in response to the previous post. 

 

I’ve had my eye on these chipboard numbers from the moment I first saw them on Sassafras’s blog. Oh, those numbers!! Could it really be true?! Are they hanging out in my mailbox waiting for me to find them and bring them into my home?  Most certainly! I received these yesterday from Sassafras. They’re bigger, better, and packaged simply and beautifully on a clean white background. I’ve set aside the numbers for a special project. There’s a high likelihood I’ll be using them in my class at the Reflections event. For those attending, this is just a small something to anticipate over the next six weeks. Sassafras will actually be at the Reflection’s event participating in a host of ways. Can hardly wait. I’m already preparing for the class I’ll be teaching at Reflections. I’ll share more about that in the near future. 

 

This is the second layout I created using Mon Scrapbook’s March kit. You can review a post I wrote in reference to this layout at Mon Scrapbook’s blog (you’ll have to scroll down a bit to find the post): Here 

Also, while visiting Mon Scrapbook’s blog, be sure to check out the tutorial using Tattered Angles Glimmer Mist. Love the idea of outlining the masked image using a fine tip pen. 

  

Lastly, does anybody know the name of the manufacturer that produces the pattern paper shown below (photo credit: Mon Scrapbook)? If so, please email me with the name or leave a comment to this post. Thanks!

A Kit Giveaway & Album Cover

 

 

 

**A Payment Plan is available for reserving/pre-purchasing the "Carnival" Mini Album Project Kit. Please email me for more info at retrospection30@gmail.com 
*Carnival Mini Album Project Kit will ship Mid-May. 

Do you remember the ever-so-lovely scrapbook collection, Foof-a-La, from Autumn Leaves? Do you remember the book, “Foof-a-Life”? Last night, while working on my latest project kit, I was reminded of Foof-a-La and it’s partnering book, Foof-a-Life.  I love the vintage, whimsical nature of Foof-a-La. During their release (2006-2007), I remember there was a huge movement and growing popularity in heavily embellished layouts/projects. Layouts being created were without boundaries and had strong artistic flair. Scrapbookers were trying new things and testing the limits of design. It was a great time to be scrapbooking and while doing so, scrapbookers were using lots of product and not worrying so much about rules. I was one of those crazy, wild scrapbookers. I followed that trend like there was no tomorrow. Even though the trend has subsided some, I remain an artsy scrapbooker. Foof-a-La is still one of my favorite releases and I still read Foof-a-Life from time to time.  Both serve as an inspiration for the “Carnival” mini album, which I finally started over the weekend.

Last night, I completed the cover of the album. It will be the only page of the album I’ll be posting until May. I’ll continue to share sneak peeks, but only on occasion. I want to keep the project kit a “surprise” for you guys! In the mean time, I’d love to hear what you think of the album thus far. Please leave a comment below…one lucky person will win a “Carnival” mini album project kit. Also, please let me know what sort of kits you’d like to see from me in the future. Thanks everyone!

 

While attempting to photograph the cover of the album, Ethan couldn’t resist picking it up over and over again. At one point, while looking over the page, he said, “Beautiful Mommy!” I totally didn’t see this sweet, little comment coming my way. I had no idea that Ethan even knew of the word beautiful. Laugh. It made my heart melt.  

 

And then, two minutes later, he was mad at me cause mommy was taking too long to take pictures.  I stored the camera away after I captured this look on his face. Priceless. 

Carnival Mini Album Project Kit

 

It's finally here - The "Carnival Mini Album Project Kit" is in progress and starting next week, I'll be sharing sneak peeks of the project here on my blog. The "Carnival" project kit was inspired by a recent article I read in "Domino Magazine" about old style circus extravaganzas and interior designs inspired by the glamour & adventures of the circus arena. Think "big top" white & red stripe tents, extravagant color saturated costumes, cotton candy, glowing lights, acrobats, and magical performances. Colors associated with carnivals are often bright and whimsical, though sometimes they can be dark and mysterious. For this particular kit, I brought together a host of complimentary colors, including cherry red, turquoise, black, antique yellow, gold, pastel pink, kelly green and deep chocolate brown. The project will be a mini album, which I’ll be creating using pages from Jenny Bowlin’s red label cards. The album will be a celebration of “everyday life” - a collaboration of good moments shared by family and friends.

“Carnival Mini Album Project Kit” will be available for purchase Mid-May, though quantities are extremely limited (due to high volume of product included in each kit).  If you’d like to reserve a kit, please email me at retrospection30@gmail.com. All reservations will require a non-refundable deposit of $25 (which will go towards cost of kit).

Carnival Mini Album Project Kit - $74

All orders are shipped via USPS, including international orders.  If placing an international order, please request a shipping and handling estimate via email. 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 three kits.

*Kits will ship from South Saint Paul, Minnesota (USA).

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.

 

These are additional items provided in the kit. Below, you’ll find a list of kit contents:

Pattern Paper:

Melissa Frances Scallop Graph Paper
Cosmo Cricket “Something True”
Cosmo Cricket “Cheerful Charlie”
Cosmo Cricket “Monday”
Prima Marketing “My Mommy and Me”
Pink Paislee “Spectacular”
Pink Paislee “Pleasant”
Pink Paislee “Graceful”
Pink Paislee “Adorable”
Websters Pages “Ever After”
Websters Pages “Magical Life”
Websters Pages “Love Note”
Websters Pages “Classic Beauty”
Jenny Bowlin “Black Micro Dot”
Jenny Bowlin “Flower Sack”
Anna Griffin Flocked “Butterflies”

Embellishments:  

Melissa Frances Vintage Attic Treasures Sparkles “Green” (Full Pack)
Melissa Frances Provincial Resin Medium White Frame (Oval)
Jenny Bowlin Die-Cut Calendar Cards (Full Pack)
Jenny Bowlin Black Label Stickers (Full Sheet)
Jenny Bowlin “Royalty & Wings” Rub-Ons (Full Sheet)
Jenny Bowlin “Kindergarten Alpha Turqu.” (Full Sheet)
Cosmo Cricket “Girl Friday” Rub-Ons (Full Pack)
Pink Paislee “Captivating” Chipboard Letters (Full Pack)
Sassafras Paper Whimsies “Vintage Cluster” (Full Pack)
Sassafras “Sweet Treat” Cardstock Stickers (Full Sheet)
Anna Griffin “Carolina” Epoxy Stickers (Full Pack)
Anna Griffin Mylar Overlay Sheets (three 8 x8 sheets/one of each design)
Anna Griffin “Georgette” Resin Cameos (1/2 Pack/one of each design/3 total pieces)
Anna Griffin “Carolina” Embossed Foil Alphas (Three large size letters/Misc. Letters)
Prima Marketing Essential Flowers (1/2 Container)
Prima Marketing Red Lollypop Flower (1/2 Pack/1 Flower)
Small Selection of Buttons (Yellow/Red/Black)
Assortment of Ribbon (Three Varieties)
Seven Gypsies Antique Silver Binder Ring
 

*Melissa Frances Crystal Clear Stamps (Prestamped on transparency/Stamps available for additional purchase at $9 per set)

A Visit to Stillwater

There are only a handful of boutique shops I visit on a regular basis.  One in particular that I love, though is often out of reach for me, is small, stately store in the heart of Stillwater, Minnesota called “Rose Mille”. It's a place that dazzles the eye with a vast array of shabby chic decor, refurbished finds and vintage inspired handmade clothes that are almost too precious to wear. I feel like I’m dreaming whenever I’m there. It’s hard to believe that such a place even exists in Minnesota. It’s a small piece of heaven on earth. Whenever I’m in the mood for buying alternative, unique craft supplies, it’s the place I visit. Hidden in the back of the store is an assortment of paper craft items, including vintage ribbon, canisters of glass glitter, German foil paper trims, die-cut scraps, miniature flowers and so much more.  Today, it took me a solid hour to rummage through everything and decide on a purchase. In the end, I left with a bagful of beautiful goods, which I’ve shared below. Also below, are photos of the store itself and many of its offerings. Take a peek.

 

 

 

 

A large card display reworked from old lattice metal shelving and painted wood board. This would be great for displaying works of art..wouldn’t it?!

 

 

Colorful felted birds looking for a home…charming..

 

This is an actual display board that’s been covered in vintage labels. I would love to have something like this hanging in my scrapbook area. Inspiring.

 

A fabric sample display that got me thinking about mini albums..a different pattern paper for each page.

The Delicious Craft Section:

 

 

These tiny drawers contain small precious treasures like petite cherries, glass leaves, vintage buttons, embroidery floss, and other small items.

 

They offer paper via the roll and by the sheet.

 

 

 

How much glitter does a girl need?  They sell it by the jar and in small affordable bags. I bought a couple of each J

 

 

I have a major ribbon weakness, even though I don’t use it as often as I should. There’s something about a ribbon’s texture and color that always grabs me..can’t be without ribbon.

 

Not sure how to use all that ribbon? Found this book and almost took it home. The photos in this book are amazing! 

Took it Home:

 

Rose Mille has a website.  They sell many craft items on their website. Find it Here.

 

These are very similar to traditional epoxy stickers. They’re backed with Japanese pattern paper and are packaged and sold by color. Made by “The Rare Orchid”. Find them Here. 

 

Where my weakness prevailed. Laugh. Ethan couldn’t help but wear it. I let him. We were having such a good time. 

 

 

 

To change the topic completely, look what arrived in my mailbox today?! First, let me mention that I’m not a regular contributor to publications, so I was thrilled to see this today. I’ve known about it for six or so months. I was invited to be a guest designer in Scrap Artzine’s December issue (A German Scrapbook Publication). I happily accepted upon receiving the invitation. This is my first time seeing this article..I asked Ethan what he thought, though he didn’t have much to say in response. Laugh. Mom’s celebrating by herself. Smile. Thank you for the opportunity Scrap Artzine! The article looks great, though I wish I could read it! Laugh. 

 

Thinking about subscribing to this magazine now. The projects are detail oriented and artsy. There are quite a few step-by-step (photos also) instructions for various projects throughout the magazine. It’s somewhat different (in a good way) from what we have available (publication wise) here in the states. 

On a last note, I’m doing much better than I was over the weekend. The gloomy, not-so-happy feelings have subsided some. Another round of grieving done and gone. Feeling at peace today. I’m thankful.