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Surprising Progress - A DIY Weekend!

I believe that I've yet to introduce this mighty and powerful machine - Say "hello" to my four year old Husqvarna Viking! This baby has pretty much survived it all. Not once has it hiccuped. Maybe I'm just lucky, though I'd been well familiar with the reputation of Husqvarna when I purchased the machine. It's up there next to the Bernina and they very rarely give way to repairs. I expect it to last me another four years + some. Currently, it's housed in my four season on top a specially made sewing table (given to me as a Christmas gift from Eric a couple of years ago)  and it's most frequently used for sewing on paper and clothes alterations. 

 

I love the abundance of natural light that finds me in the four season. I only wish the same level of light were available in other areas of my home, but alas, I'm without, especially in the living room since the four season hangs right off the back of it. I envy those of you enjoying the benefits of big windows!! If I had an opportunity to rebuild, I swear I'd install glass walls!! Love the warmth and airiness of natural light!

 

There's a reason for the sewing machine's grand appearance on my blog today. I devoted three hours of the afternoon to sewing the paper squares that had been mentioned in yesterday's post. I did so while Ethan took an extensively long nap, though the non-stop mission continued even after the nap was over. Ethan volunteered to help out too! It turned out to be a significant bonding moment between the two of us - Mom played seamstress while Ethan took to the scissors like a pro! Together we finished 3/4's the goal amount - the remainder will more than likely be taken care of by tomorrow afternoon.

The wall project is already over halfway done at this point - I plan to photograph the completed wall hanging on Monday as I'm still trying to determine whether or not I want to add a layer of Modge Podge to it. After piecing most the squares onto the canvas (yes, I'm that close to the finish line already!!), I realized that the project might be able to live without additional surface coverage. If I move forward in painting a thin coating of Modge Podge, it'll more than likely happen tomorrow so that project is dry and prepared for display on Monday. I promise to share it with you then...

We were very careful with them scissors as they're my fabric scissors!! Ethan typically doesn't come within more than ten feet of the things because I guard them with my life - they're still razor sharp! If you're without a good pair of scissors, I highly recommend investing in a high quality pair for yourself. They'll last you forever and are easily resharpened - they're also ideal for trimming fabric! When trimming fabric, a good pair of scissors can make all the different in the world!!

 

There was someone else joining me on my sewing journey and it happened to be this white furry critter named Casper! He stopped by for a moment or two before quickly growing tired of the noisy machine - can't say I blame him because never is a sewing machine on the quiet side. 

The second half of this post is scheduled for Monday  - it'll include the final outcome of this weekend's ongoing massive size project! Should have it up and hanging by then! Yeah! ~CM

Modge Podge Meets Car-Size Canvas

I'm not quite sure how I talked myself into creating this monstrosity of a project, but Ethan's room requires additional decor, especially above the bed,  and since we're on a tight budget these days, the only real way we're going to get a decent piece of art on the walls is by me utilizing the magic of paper and modge podge. Sounds simple enough, until Chris rampages to the nearest Michael's store and purchases a 4 foot by 3 foot blank canvas. It barely fit in the car! I almost thought I was going to have to tie it to the roof! Laugh. Amazingly, I squeezed the thing in the back of my Honda civic and away we went! It wasn't until I dragged the canvas into the house that I realized how absolutely crazy I was in thinking that I could actually cover the canvas with paper from corner to corner. Obviously, the rational part of my brain was well aware of the tedious nature and time investment that would have to be put forth if I was going to really succumb myself to pasting 104 4" x 4" squares (sewn & distressed) onto a massive size piece of fabric. Seriously Chris, what were you thinking? I obviously wasn't....ambition always gets the best of me! 

 

I stood back and took an image of the canvas as a whole and it ended up looking ridiculous. It's too big of an object to be photographed  semi-decently. And see them little squares? There will soon be over a hundred of them and each will be a family member of either turquoise, red, olive green or yellow. They'll be hints of black and cream as well...it'll be eye catching to say the least!

 

I'm doing a quick arrangement of stitches around the outskirts of each square. Thankfully, I've a hefty duty sewing machine to help me with all that stitching! It's an investment I've never really regretted - the machine still runs like it's brand new too!

And yes, that would be Amber laying claim to the canvas - I thought it'd be kind of cute to include her in the photo :)

 

Following the sewing is the hand application of Distress Ink. Swipe and sponge it on as quickly as possible 'cause there's another hundred of them waiting - I plan to sit a full evening and distress the entire pile of squares while watching a round of the First 48 or Parking Wars...

 

And here's a pic of the paper assortment that'll eventually find it's way to the car-size canvas - isn't it nummy? Perfect for a little guy's room! 

 

And on to a completely different topic, white balance. I've a long history of going without a decent grey card for managing white balance on my camera. I've never really owned one before - well, after aimless attempts to color correct images in photoshop, I finally caved and picked up this $12 "wearable" card combo from Amazon.com. It is the bomb!! I wish I would of bought it a long time ago as it makes a huge difference in the successful output of accurately colored images. To use it, I simply photograph the card with my camera (stretch and click!). I then access the camera's menu and instruct it to use the image {containing the grey card} to set-up color parameters best suited for the environment in which I'll be taking my pictures. I often do a double check and grab a couple misc. shots to make sure the parameters are decent {usually they are}. From there, it's all photography 'til another white balance reading is demanded. 

If you're curious as to the specifics of this particular product, you'll find it HERE. If you ask me, I think it's a really great deal! I'm extremely happy with it...

 

Can't leave without a cat pic, right?! I should probably start charging this cat rent since he thinks my scrapbook desk is his turf and not mine. Funny thing is, I let him lay there like a lion because I've a weakness for cute cats like him. So much so, that I allowed him to make himself at home on top my new Collage Press papers from Pink Paislee. Love is blind my friends...

We'll see how far I get with the canvas this weekend - I'm betten' that'll not see more than twenty squares by the end of the weekend, but who's really counting anyway? Smile. Have a great weekend guys! ~CM

Sneaky Mama + Linkies

Sneaky. Sneaky. You really shouldn't do that mom...at least that's what he thinks, but as far as I'm concerned, I love checken' out this little guy in his bed again because it's been six long months of sleepless nights on the couch. Yes, Ethan wasn't keen on the idea of sleeping alone in his bedroom and there are reasons for it that I won't go into because I'm afraid it might result in your thinking I've fallen' off the rocker. Let's just say I'm a firm believer of the spiritual world these days...in any event, I was determined to help him find his way back to his official sleeping grounds. I initiated an overhaul to his bedroom and the last three weeks, I've been eyeing paint colors, bedding, furniture, floor rugs, etc. In the process of doing that, I've run into a few new places I thought you might be interested in checking out (thanks to Pinterest!). They're not exactly kid oriented, but still, they're very much worth investigating! You never really know what's out there until you start looking around....

 I'll list my fave first...

Does it really get any better than this as far as patterns are concerned? I mean seriously, why does it always have to be fabric that guru illustrators like Tula Pink use to sell their designs?! Come visit us in paper land Tula Pink!!  These collections are make me want to convert to quilting again...it only there were more hours in a day and then maybe....

 

Ever wanted one of them really cool, trendy blogs for yourself only to realize you're without the skill level to take it on? Allow Powder by Pastries to help you with that..I plan to take a full day at some point to navigate and study the mounds of css & html info that's posted on the blog. As a computer programmer and self-taught designer, Katrina {maker of blog} is my new go to blog design expert. 

 

Next up is this eye candy display of a store {Pip Studio} - now if only I could move it and live with all that color! I'd be the happiest girl on the planet! And sadly, it's far, far away - Amsterdam.  If only....

 

Gorgeous stationary and color palettes to boot, this blog was added to my google reader this morning! Can we ever really get enough of beautiful, inspiring imagery? Betsy White helps to fill the void...

I should probably return to this morning's scheduled homework. Technically, I probably should of started it two hours ago, but then again,  I'm nearing the end of the year, so I don't feel entirely bad about abandoning it temporarily. Hope you've taken to the links - have a lovely afternoon! ~CM 

A Brand New Inspire then Crate....

I just finished up a brand new "Inspire then Crate" post for the Crate Paper blog today! Typically, I'd follow this up with all kinds of jazz, but I figure you'll find plenty of content to read at Crate concerning this latest project of mine. There's also a free collection kit waiting for one lucky person if you've time to visit the blog - scan to the very end for specifics! I'll rejoin you here shortly! :)

And who says you need bunny ears?!

Happy Easter to all of you out there! Because Ethan is without a well adjusted pair of bunny ears to reign in the holiday this weekend, we thought his Mickey Mouse hat might possibly fit the same category of cuteness and still hold true to the whole bunny theme. Actually, I think the hat is perfect for the occasion and being that it made me smile, it'll bound to make others smile too. Once again, Happy Easter & best of luck on them egg hunten' adventures! :) See you Monday!

Pretty Lil Things :: Art, Lace & Layers

Here we are again. It feels like such a long time since I last posted on this subject, but at last, I've more Pretty Lil' Things to share with you. Believe it or not, the box is almost full - minus a spot or two. I'm going to leave some wriggle room in for myself I think from this point forward. You never really know when I might sit down to scrapbook a tag or something else of a similar size that'll eventually require a home - that being the box. With that stated, I'd like to kindly thank all of you whom contributed - I'll cherish and shelter your handmade creations the many years ahead and eventually, some time in the very near future, I'm going to photograph the box with all it's contents! I've also small stashes of Crate Paper products to ship to you, so be on the lookout for them beginning mid-May. If you're an international contributer, there's still to be an investigation concerning shipping as I'm not fully aware of the costs yet. I've done a substantial amount of international shipments in the past, so I'm going to find out what's the most practical plan is here. I'll keep you posted! In the mean time, thank-you once again - here's today's Pretty Lil' Things....

I'm always astounded by the idea that with today's technology, we have the ability to ship things around the globe within just a few week's time. Sue Tonga, from the far away island, Australia, contributed this beautiful decorative pocket to the box. It's actually quite substantial with varied layers of vellum, patterned papers, cardstock, borders and intricate stitching. The front displays two different transparency butterflies that overlap one another {the small on top the large} and on it's center, lays a petite, vintage rhinestone setting. Accommodating the butterfly is a message concerning one of art's great purposes - rehabilitating the soul. Oh, how I can relate to this on so many levels!! I bet you can too. Thank-you Sue! 

 

I'm sensing a common theme amongst all the contributions - detailing. There's been an abundance of it, including this Crate accommodated tag from Shazi Gilliam. This is one of those tags that just has to be seen and held in person to really get a true sense of it's overall dimensional feel and appearance. It's perceptible-tactile likeness makes it almost impossible to part from. It's truly endearing. Thank-you Shazi! The tag is absolutely gorgeous!

 

And now the very last, Kim Stewart brings forth lovely lace florals that I'm guessing is trimmed via her die-cut machine, though I can't be certain - hopefully she'll chime in! I'm a prolific fan of fine-line illustrations that lend a sort of airy look to one's design. Backed with patterned papers or tucked beneath small openings, they give detail all on their own! Thinking in terms of contrast, fine-line anything when housed next to heavier, larger elements, assists in developing a type of contrast that is highly intriguing. I'm drawn to the pair! Thank-you Kim!!

This does not officially end Pretty Lil' Things, as there are still a couple of projects well on their way! I'll present those as they arrive and of course, they'll also be a few from my desk. I've already an idea or two..one from a Caribou Coffee visit today! Go figure! You never know when you're going to run into inspiration while out there living your life! I usually try my best to pay attention when out and about so as to not miss what might possibly be, a perfect excuse to create!  All it takes is a single idea..right? ~CM

The Advantageous Kit :: Sundae

What exactly is the advantageous kit, you might be asking? Well, after numerous positive responses from you, it's the name I decided to go with after realizing the true potential and benefits of promoting self-made kits as I've come to realize that "all of us" have an abundance of supplies awaiting use on some project or another. Advantageous insinuates "taking advantage of", so it seemed perfectly fitting given the goal of the  self-made kit. It's simple, really; Hunt, Collect, Collage and Create. Every other week, I'm going to debut a carefully coordinated, exquisite arrangement of papers, modern embellishments, vintage notions and unique baubles here on my blog. I'll then bring forth a project made from the items displayed (+ a few extras in light of change) a few days following their presentation. By doing this, I hope to inspire you to reinvent your very own self-made kit by either echoing what is shown or delving into a kit that is reflective of your most current needs. I'm sure that in earnest, you'll work magic with your collaborated items and you'll have done it without the requirement of would be extras. Progress feels so good, doesn't it? 

Patterned Papers: Pebbles Dandy {Happy Go Lucky}, Heather Bailey Zinnia, Sassafras Floral Fields {Sweetly Smitten}, American Crafts Cilantro {a la Carte}, American Crafts Orchid {I Do}, Cosmo Cricket Boardwalk {Snorkel}, MLSB In Stitches {Sew Cute}, The Girls Paperie English Garden {Vintage Whimsy}, Jillibean Diced Tomatoes {Old World Cabbage Stew}, Anna Griffin Green {Carmen}

Cardstock: American Crafts Vanilla, Clay, Crimson, Sky, Lavender, Plum, Kraft

Stickers: KI Memories Hot Strips {Quick Strips}, Jillibean Blossom Soup {Cardstock Stickers}, Bella Blvd. Spinach & Pickle Juice {Sophisticates}, Cosmo Cricket Upcycle {Cardstock Stickers}, The Girls Paperie Jubilee {Sticker Market}, American Crafts Enchanted Accent {Remarks}, Jenni Bowlin Vintage Label {Strip Sticker}, Jenni Bowlin Blue {Label Sticker}, Anna Griffin Mackenzie {Circle Epoxy Stickers}, KI Memories {Elsie Flannigan Stickers - Retired}

Chipboard: K & Company BW Flora & Fauna Butterflies, Scenic Route Butterflies {Plain Chipboard}

Rub-Ons: Basic Grey Olio {Rub-On Booklet}

Journaling Spots: Jillibean Chilled Strawberry Soup {Journaling Sprout}, Martha Stewart Flourish Tags

Florals: Bella Blvd. Blooms A Bella Rosa, Prima Blue {Flower Sculptures}, Sassafras Ellie's Pick {Foldies}

Brads & Rhinestones: My Mind's Eye Stella & Rose Gertie "Delightful" {Decorative Brads}, Doodlebug Designs Lilac {Jewels Adhesive Rhinestones}

Misc: Anna Griffin Carmen {Vellum Quotes}

 

What do you think of the strip assortment pieced together from the many pattern papers in the kit? Isn't it truly delightful - it's what really gives the layout it's mismatched piece-mealy feel. I think I must of fell in love with all the papers when I decided to do this because I had difficulty in choosing just a few of them. Instead, I opted to go "all out" and started cutting strips from all of them! I then layered a couple of them with small border stickers and various decorative punched-shape borders. Each strip is hand-cut in a sort of imperfect fashion to create that not-so-perfect look. After gluing them down, I sewed over them with my sewing machine {Yes, I'm sewing more! It's actually easier than I originally thought it would be.}

*The embellishments, Journal Spot and Photo were placed into position after the creation of the background. :)

Remember the naked chipboard butterfly from the previous post? I took it up a notch with the addition of hand-trimmed vintage book paper, a square transparency frame {Fancy Pants}, and a second vintage yellow button. The frame is adhered into position with the help of Spray Adhesive {Love the stuff!} Beneath the butterfly sits a large square journal spot {Jenni Bowlin} &  light blue gold foil journal spot {K & Company}. 

 

You'll notice a couple of extra products that hadn't been mentioned in the kit supply list - I stated earlier on via this post that I'd be throwing in an extra item or two along the way . This is because I'm one of those undecided designer type folks! Feel free to to do the same with your own self-made kit if you'd like..the kit contents aren't set in stone!

Above is another one my personally created 3-D stickers {love making them!}. The "Happiness" sticker {KI Memories} fits in perfectly because it echoes the various golds found throughout the layout {buttons, butterfly, etc.}. The label behind the two-part sticker combo is of a French scrapbook company that I no longer remember the name of - anyone feel like taking a guess?

This is my most favorite quote from the Anna Griffin Vellum Quote booklet. The red ornate label style frame is gorgeous! I'm also a huge fan of vellum!  The key to working with vellum is to back it with something interesting like a journal card or a piece of subtle patterned paper - it'll lend it character and curb appeal! Behind mine sits a polka-dot journal card {October Afternoon} and a small snippet of flashcard {October Afternoon} - use Ranger's mini stapler when playing with vellum or a regular ol' stapler if you're without the mini one.

You obviously know that I succumb to flowers on almost every single one of my layouts - yes, I can't seem to forgo them. They're what I call my "right hand man" when faced with large voids of empty space!! When appealing to size, flowers don't count 'cause one is allowed to make them as large or small as they want..though I don't recommend a full 12" x 12" flower!  Mine usually range from 2" to 4" , are made from eclectic assortment of materials and house at least one or two pop dots.  The chosen materials are meticulously  hidden from me at the beginning {not a single one is ever planned!}, so it takes quite a bit of time for me to produce each individual flower.

There's a wee bit of cleverness happening here..it's minor, though it demonstrates an idea for those misc. apostrophes that are a routine addition to the popular alpha sets we seem to collect on a regular basis. In setting up the word "eleven", I positioned apostrophes on either side of it. Turns out, they're a great accent option! 

* The Happy Day Ticket; Creative Cafe {Creative Imaginations) - possibly retired.

An improved, closer look at the layout's background. Glue first, Sew last. Then, add embellishments. Test various arrangements before officially deciding on the placement of the strips. Go from light to bold to promote contrast and also pay attention to pattern sizes! Big next to small, geometrics next to florals, solids next to mixed colored patterns, etc. 

This concludes The Advantageous Kit feature - I'll have another for you in the next couple of weeks {every Two!}. In another day or two, Pretty Lil' Things is to return - I've three brand new cards to share that have found their way into the box! They're absolutely beautiful, as usual {detailed and intricate}...have a lovely Monday everyone! I'll see you soon!~Christine M.

Ice cream {Sundae} Inspiration

It's now four weeks and counting 'til school is done and gone! I'm beyond excited about it and that's mostly because this time of the semester can be a real bear!! It seems most professors prefer to pack in the homework the very last month of any given semester. I've still plenty to do before the four weeks is over including finals, which falls around the week of May 9th. After that, I'm off 'til next September!! It's Crate Paper and Scrapbooking all Summer!! Woohoo, I can hardly wait!! 

Ethan and I enjoyed a busy, eventful couple of days this last weekend. We visited the local hotspot, Como Zoo, and mingled with the wildlife housed around and about the park and also, the flower displays located within the zoo's conservatory. Since I tugged along the new camera, I pretty much photographed everything in sight, including this beautiful tulip that was set-up as part of their ongoing Spring Flower Show. While Ethan took to the pond at the show, I took to the flowers. It was extremely refreshing and gratifying to be around flowers again..especially after six long months of Winter! I photographed quite a few of them (probably more than most there) and of those captured, this image is my fave! I love the hints of pollen and bright purple surrounded white center!  

 Speaking of which, after the visit to Como Zoo, we took straightway to Izzy's Ice Cream so that we could partake in some of the best ice cream in town! We just located the shop a month ago and now we're insatiably hooked on it!! The ice cream is made entirely from scratch at a neighboring building. It's flavor offerings are highly unique and change day to day - I can't get enough of their Salted Carmel ice cream while Ethan adores the cotton candy goodness. If you're in the area and are seeking gourmet, once-of-a-kind ice cream varieties this Summer, you must absolutely check out Izzy's Ice Cream!! It's hand down the best ice cream joint in town (St.Paul/Minnesota)...I'm missing my tub of Salted Carmel tonight, big time! 

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Photo Credit: Design Seeds

On a completely different topic, I finally caught up on homework yesterday after what seemed a straight two weeks of solid studying and daily stops at the library. So, I devoted today solely to scrapbooking, photography and blogging as a small reward to myself after all that hard work! Laugh. As a result of today's relaxing, leisurely activities, and after numerous online sightings of gorgeous inspiration collage boards at Pinterst, I thought it'd be fun to try one out here. It's not necessarily perfect, but it's color assortment is lively to say the least! My source of inspiration lies above.... 

So, what do you think? Is this something you'd like to see more of here? The plan is to construct a layout from the items shown in the next couple of days and then post it here alongside two of the above images. Ultimately, I'd like to establish a specialized couple of posts that concentrate solely on an anesthetically pleasing collage of supply items, followed by an eye catching layout. In spreading it out via "two days", the first to showcase would be the collage and then the second would be the layout. So, now, I'm seeking your feedback on this still evolving, brand new idea - make a mention of your thoughts below if you will! I'll have the coinsiding layout from today's collage posted in the next couple of days!  

Another way to interpret this feature would be as a kit, but not necessarily one that you'd be buying. You could replicate parts of it using your own supply stash and then go about creating whatever it is you want..I think part of the reason we love "kits" is that it takes the guess work aspect out of the design equation and makes our busy lives semi-easier. My whole thing is though, why do you have to run out and actually buy a kit to work up a project if  you already have lots of stuff at home that's just waiting to be utilized?! How about a collage board to look at instead and then using it a means of starting a new project for yourself using those things you already own?! Makes sense, doesn't it? So again, leave me feedback on the idea...inquiring minds want to know! 

Going to leave you with a host of kitty pics I captured this am. Them buggers were following me everywhere (like always), so I chased them with my camera near one of the large windows in my dining room (love the window!!). Say "Hello Mr. Handsome!" That'd be Casper..the friendly ghost kitty. :) Actually, he's my sweetest fella of the bunch! 

Ms. Macy Grey - blame it on the hair! Remember the famous singer Macy Grey (not sure if that's how you spell her name or not, but it'll suffice for now) - oh ya, I was a huge fan of that woman's hair and my cat totally rocks it! Well, sort of....laugh.

The third in line (um, I have more cats than I care to admit), Peanut - gosh, he's getting so big!! The kitty days are forever gone I suppose, though he's a serious cuddler - always wanting to be picked up, petted and loved. Believe it or not, he was a semi-feral kitten at the time I took him in..who would of thunk it?! :) He almost had me fooled...

Happy Friday to all! I'll return with a brand new layout this weekend (collage) and another further update! :) See you soon! ~ Christine.

April Crate Paper Card Menu

April's Crate Paper Card Menu is officially up and running at the Crate Paper blog this morning. This is just one sampling of what's on display..there's ample prettiness to be had if you feel up to visiting Crate today. I'll be awaiting your company my friends:) See you there! ~ CM

Totally Caved....

There's been an increased frequency in scrapbooking this week, though not the kind that would find it's way here. There's a deadline looming for an upcoming article I've to have projects prepared for by the 11th and with what little time remains 'til then, there is still one more project to finish. I've already constructed two full layouts in the last couple of days, which is actually quite fast for myself. As far as details about the article..well, you'll just have to wait and see. I'm not to tell a soul 'til it's in print and available for public viewing.

So far, I'm taking to heart the many lessons I've learned in developing the article. Never before has there been an opportunity like this for me to fully analyze the methods of my scrapbooking process. I'm sort of creating outside my normal range, which has turned out to be really beneficial because it's opening my eyes to alternate possibilities that I never thought I could pull off..it's refreshing and fun! I'll talk more about this after the article is published...I don't want to give it away entirely.

 There is more good news on the horizon....

I caved..actually, my Rebel caved. It's battery has been on the downslide the last couple of months and the camera itself has seen enough wear and tear the last four years, that it's capturing abilities no longer fit my needs..it's also past it's prime in terms of technology, so I made the extremely difficult decision to retire it "for good" and went ahead and purchased a new camera body, the Canon D60. I've had fourty-eight hours or so to experiment with the new camera and so far, I'm loven' it! It's engine (processor) is ten times faster than what I'm used to and because of this, I've noticed a sudden increase in my ability to capture instantaneous moments without issue of motion blur. The images themselves are crisper, cleaner and sharper, though they still require some tweaking in Photoshop (as always). Overall, I'm really, really pleased with the camera and can't wait to work with it some more in the coming days/months/years!! Laugh. It'll be another long while before I buy another one of these things..at least I'm hoping. 

 

Me and Ethan have a favorite hang-out we go to at least once a week - maybe you're familiar with the eatery chain  already, Noodles and Company. I've a huge crush on their calorie friendly chicken noodle soup while Ethan can't get enough of their kid's mac n' cheese. I also enjoy the modern decor of most their establishments and of course, the beautiful photography adorning their walls. After running an errand or two this evening, we took to N & C and helped ourselves to the usual likings + a life size serving of rice crispy bar. If you've not tried their rice crispy bars, you're totally missing out! They've the best rice crispy bars on the planet!! Freshly made every mornen'!

While stuffing ourselves silly with good food, I took out the camera (because I'm attempting to learn as much about it as is possible at this point) and played a bit. In peeking at these images, it's clear to me that I would of never been able to produce them with the rebel..Ethan was moving too quickly and erratically. Feels good to slow down time and catch Ethan "in the moment" or shall I say "in the second" as really it's normally impossible to get the kid to sit still for more than, well...a second. Laugh. Funny how that works out...

 

These water droplets are amazing!! Can't wait to scrapbook the photos from the backyard today...too cool! Yeah! 

I've to return to the ongoing scrapbook making that'll continue into tomorrow night. I'm so sorry I've no new projects to share..but you all know that I'm a super slow scrapbooker, right? And with three layouts in a row here, it's not entirely surprising that this week exhibits slow on the project side of things. Promise to have something brand new for you next week! There's also the Crate Paper Card Menu to show next week too - so keep pace with me folks! In the mean time, I'm off to scrapbook! Take care everyone - have a lovely weekend! ~CM