My Scrapbook Nook August kit

How would you like to get your hands on this scrappy goodness?

The August kit promises to please on a very high level of scrap worthy pleasure.  Full  of Jillibean soup Lime Twist goodies, in colours bright and bold enough to handle all those gorgeous summer photos you've been taking.  The best part about this month is that if you join now for a 12 month subscription, your 13th month is FREE!  Who doesn't love free?  The shipping is reasonable, and Pam and Leah do their best to ensure they fill each kit with as much product as possible for under $30/month.  Some months they even go well over that amount in product (keeping the price the same for us) just because they love us.  The add-ons are always thoughtfully chosen to compliment the kit and maximize our crafty possibilities.  Hurry head over here to get yours before they're gone.  For those of you on Facebook you can keep up with all things Nook on their page here.

Oh how I love the Nook.  It's an encouraging and positive environment with wonderful ladies from (literally) all around the world.  In my opinion, there's no better scrappy place to be.  I should also mention that there's a Design Team call currently posted, so if you've ever considered sharing your crafty creations with the world here's your chance.  More info on that can be found here.

Happy Friday friends,

♥ S.

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Can't get enough October Afternoon

*warning loads of scrappy goodness to share*

I woke up this morning with a specific picture of D & me, and layout design for said picture in my head.  I even got out of bed early so I could get on paper before my breakfast date.  (I sure hope this keeps happening, twice in one week is definitely a record for me)  Here's the end result.

fun right?!  Please excuse the poor crop.

And here are the cards I completed last week and promised to share.

All of the above made with the fabulous 5 & Dime Collection

I also made a couple of stitching focused cards, inspired by the every so talented Sasha Farina.

Patterned paper & bling: My Mind's Eye, Alphas: American Crafts, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics, Embroidery floss: DMC

A straight up lift of Sasha's design.  Cardstock: Bazzill Basics, Patterned paper: Studio Calico, Butterfly: Cosmo Cricket, Sentiment: SRM stickers, Twin: The Twinery, Embroidery floss: DMC

One last layout to share.  This one was for a July sketch class that Katrina hosted over at My Scrapbook Nook.

Patterned Papers: October Afternoon (5 & Dime), Artisan Element: Pink Paislee, Mist: Studio Calico, rub on, and cardstock butterflies: Jenni Bowlin, Trim: May Arts, Alpha: American Crafts, Perls: Martha Stewart, Doily: Wilton, Punch: Marth Stewart, Buttons: assorted

This July Kit was definitely one of my favorites of the year from The Nook.  I still have some scraps of paper, and a bunch of chipboard, and shape stickers left.  I'm hoping to make a few book marks and tags out of them.  I'm sad to see it go though.

On a happier note did you notice that my last layout posted has been picked up for publication.  I'm thrilled to be seeing my work in the October issue of Scrap Street magazine.  A few of the writers are also Nook designers, so I think that's pretty cool.

I'll be leaving right away to pick up my babies from camp.  I'm so excited to see them.  The break was nice, though, I have to admit, and I'm sure they feel the same way :)  Tomorrow we're leaving for the lake.  We'll be back on Wednesday, as that evening we're off to see Hairspray the musical at Rainbow Stage, featuring George Wendt as Edna Turnblad (the mom).  If you don't know who George Wendt is this should help you.  The girls and I are pretty excited to see it live, and sing our little hearts out right along the rest of the cast.

Thanks for stopping by today.  I'm always touched that you choose to visit.

Cheers,
♥ S. Pin It

Carla Danelle EP release party

This girl...

has one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard, and she's a genuine sweetheart to boot.

If you're in the Winnipeg area, and free tomorrow night she'll be hosting her very first EP release party.  I am so excited for her, she's worked hard to get here, and I wish her all the very best as she shares her music, and stories with her friends and fans.  You won't be disappointed, I can guarantee, as she'll also be joined by my friend and uber talented musician and worship leader Drew Brown.  You can have a  listen to some of her tunes, and get more details on the Sam's Place show here.  So go on.  grab a couple of friends, and plan to have a great time supporting local talent. Pin It

Insomnia leads to layout

For some reason I just couldn't fall asleep last night.  It's rare for me to suffer from insomnia, generally my head hits the pillow and I'm out with in a few moments.  Last night, rather than laying there staring endlessly at the ceiling, I got up and headed to my scrap table.  I had had this design floating around in my head for a few days, so it felt good to finally get it out on paper.  As it turns out the colours I had in mind matched up perfectly with the latest inspiration challenge over at Scrapping Everyday Miracles, a happy coincidence.  Here's what I came up with.

I have more scrappiness the share.  So check back soon.

Happy Tuesday friends Pin It

Scrapping Everyday Miracles

It was a while back that I mentioned this new Christian based scrapbook site called Scrapping Everyday Miracles.  I've been keeping up with them in spirit only thus far, as it was so busy the last month of school, and then being away at the lake.  Last week however I had a chance to participate in my first scrappy challenge with them.  The challenge was to scrap a layout using lyrics of a Christian song to inspire the layout.  I took this picture while driving home from the lake one Sunday evening last summer.  I've used it several times while leading worship, or a  devotional time with my group, etc.  The photo doesn't boast the best lighting, but even still, one is able to see the rays of light cutting through the sky, and flowing down from the Heavens to earth.  That is my favorite kind of sky, aside from the Harvest moon.  I always imagine that it's the result of God pulling back the curtain of Heaven to have the angels, and those that have gone to join Him before us, to reveal what His children are up to.  The song that rose up in my heart as I was looking at it last week was on oldie called "Be Still And Know".  I thought it had been DC Talk who sang it, but I can only find a Newsboys version.  Perhaps I remember wrong.  At any rate it's the same song I remember.  You can hear it here if you're interested.  This song takes me back, and the words ring as true today as they ever did so many years ago.  A sky like this causes me to be still for a moment and take it all in.  His great, great love for us, demonstrated by the 'pulling back' of the Heavens and drawing us near to Him.

Materials used: Alphas: Basic Grey & Sassafras, Paper: My Mind's Eye, Studio Calico, Chipboard Heart: Maya Road, Sculpture Flower: Prima, Trim: My Mind's Eye, Embroidery floss: DMC 747

Thanks to the lovely Sasha I've gotten a little hooked on hand stitching :)  I love the tone on tone here, still working on getting my stitches closer together, need to find a proper needle. 

Happy Monday friends.  I hope you'll pop by again soon. Pin It

Summer Camp for Two Kiddos

We made the hour long drive out to Roseau River Bible Camp this evening to drop Eden and Théa off for four nights.  Théa was really excited to be returning once again this year.  Eden, on the other hand was excited to finally be experiencing what she's heard her sisters speak of for the past several years, but we could tell that she was a little apprehensive also.  She was excited to check in, meet her two councellors, and set up her bed.  It wasn't until the dinner bell rang, and we were giving her a final kiss goodbye that we could see the look on face change somewhat.  As we were walking away I could hear one of her counsellors explaining to her the times throughout the day that she'll hear the bell ring and what the procedure was once it did.  I know that she'll be fine, and trust that by the end of dinner she will have made a friend, if not two, and will feel right at home in this sweet little camp.  She's got her sister, and two other friends there who will help her to learn the ropes too.  I look forward to hearing all about her week when we pick them up on Thursday night. 

Théa(R), Eden(L)

Coincidentally, the girls ended up being in the same cabin their big sister Isabelle stayed in her first year at Roseau River.  I did some digging and found the layout I made about them there four years ago.  My heart swells with pride as I see how much they've grown and matured from this cute photo so long ago.

Eden-5yrs(R), Théa-6yrs(L)

Théa-9yrs, Eden-8yrs

Being away for a bit last week was really great.  I love the laid backness of the lake, and so do the girls.  The best part was there was no fighting.  I could hardly believe it.  I guess they really are growing up, and learning to really enjoy each others company.  Or maybe it was just a nice week, after all, the fighting resumed to normal once we got back *sigh*.  I finished both the books I spoke of in the previous post, and they were both quite good.  I picked up this book on Friday, and can't wait to dig into it.  I've heard it's a good one.  There's already a movie that's been made based on it.

 

I managed to get a lot of scrapping done on Friday and Saturday.  I'm excited to share it with you as soon as I get the photos taken.  There are several challenges, sketches, and more inspiration over at The Nook you really should pop over there and have a look for yourself.  Speaking of The Nook,  my friend Leah is hosting a fabulous sounding class next month.  Check this out

You can get more info here.

This week is pretty low key.  I'll have both Wednesday evening and Thursday morning all to myself, can't wait.

Any thoughts on the new look for the blog?  Good?  Bad?  Too busy?  Font too small?  I'd really appreciate your feedback.

Thanks for stopping by friends, hope your week is off to a good start.  Pin It

Unpluging for a few

Just wanted to pop in and say that the girls (my girls that is) and I are getting away for a few days.  Off to the lake, just us.  The weather has been really nice here, and is suppose to continue well into next week, so by the beach is where we want to be.  It will be nice to unplug for a bit, and recharge.  A friend loaned me this book, and I'm excited to dig into it.   I started this one a couple of weeks ago.  It's a little slow moving though, so if it doesn't pick up soon, I'm moving on.  I've also jumped back to the book of Exodus in the Bible, and continue to be blown away by the sheer number of specifications, and directions the Israelites were required to follow in order to gain forgiveness from their sins.  It leaves me deeply thankful every time I read for the incredible gift of salvation Jesus offers us by taking our sin upon himself once and for all.  There's no way I would have been able to keep all those details straight. 

On the scrappy front.  I was super thrilled to see this post on My Scrapbook Nook forum the other day.  It's so neat to see others' interpretation of my work.  I played around a little more with my July kit and created this quick and easy card for Danni's recipe challenge.

There are some other great creations to see, you should jump over and have a look.  I just love the talented bunch at the Nook, we have a lot of cyber fun together.

The ever so talented Pam, also had an Ad Challenge this moth.  Here's what I put together for it...

I really like this layout, and loved the challenge, it totally took me outside of my comfort zone in design style.
All the new CHA stuff has been revealed by now, and I'm totally looking forward to this, this, this, this and this just to name a few.  What's caught your eye this release?

Time to get moving here.  Hope you're having a fantastic summer thus far.

Thanks again for stopping by, I sure appreciate it.

♥ S. Pin It

Wordless Wednesday

I'm borrowing a blog style from my Scrapbook Nook friend Pam  she does this once a week.  This will not be a regular style from me, however, I don't take nearly enough photos for that, but I was going to post just pictures with out words, and when trying to come up with a title, her's came to mind.  It's Wednesday, and I have picture.  Needless to say all this rambling no longer makes it "wordless", but I really wanted to give her the credit. 

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Cosmo Cricket Love

I received my July Kit from My Scrapbook Nook yesterday, much to my delight.  I wasn't expecting to receive it until much later in the month due to the postal strike, but yippee, it was waiting for me in my mailbox yesterday.  It is full of Cosmo Cricket goodness.  Normally, I find Cosmo wonderful to look at, but difficult to use.  This 5 and Dime line, however has got the mojo going.  Here are two layouts I created yesterday afternoon.

Eden in mid air at the school playground

I had so much fun with this one.  It came together in about an hour.  I love the added touch of the embroidery floss on the Maya Road canvas tags.

The talented Jessy posted another fun sketch challenge over at the Nook.  Not sure how it is that hers are the only ones I manage to complete, but hey I guess that's a good thing.  

Here is Jessy's sketch:

And here is my take on it:

I hand cut most of those large flowers from a sheet of patterned paper (the one in the bottom right corner, however is a chipboard sticker).  This layout took me much, much longer than the first.  I played around with the composition a lot more before finding something I was satisfied with.

I've had these photos of Belle & me at the lake, all year, but was never really happy with the layout I'd come up with to scrap them, so they've sat untouched until now.  I flipped the sketch, and made some minor alterations to suit my needs, but am very happy with the final result. 

What kind of creative projects have you been up to lately?

Thanks for popping in.    Have a great day!

♥ S.

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Building Self Esteem Through Cookies?

Remember these?

Eden bought herself one the other day with her birthday money.  I wish I had taken a picture when she was carrying it out of the store.  She bore a smile as wide as Niagara Falls.

Yesterday, her fabulous Daddy helped her break open the box, and baked miniscule size cookies with her.   They weren't bad actually, given that they were baked with a 100 watt light bulb.

The little afternoon experience they shared (while I was out in the yard gardening - hence the very few photos) was highlighted for me this morning, as I read the Proverbs 31 Ministries Devotional.  Today's note was all about raising girls to know their value within the freedom of God's deep love for them.  It talked about our desire as mothers for our girls to not fall victim to the messages of the world.  Messages that say "you're only lovable as long as you...look like, sound like, participate in..." etc.  We want to model to them what living with a healthy sense of self-worth and self-esteem looks like.  Our job begins when they're very young, and continues on until the day we are no longer around to do so.  Having a daddy take the time to wash pans, stir batter, ensure she doesn't burn herself, and share in her fresh baked goodies meant the world to our 8 year old daughter.  Her self esteem was built up just a little bit more yesterday afternoon, through intentionality.  My prayer for her is that in times when the voices of the world want to creep in and drown out the voice of the Holy Spirit, that she will remember this brief, sweet afternoon with her daddy.

 

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe…” Ephesians 1:18-19a (NIV)

Thanks for stopping by today.

♥ S. Pin It

How much browner can a brown woman get?

This in not a riddle folks.  I am seriously wondering.

With the warm, warm...okay, who are we kidding hot, hot weather we've been having lately I have been just getting browner and browner.  It's to the point that I almost do a double take when I look at myself in the mirror.  I suppose it's what you lighter skinned peeps love to see when this time of year rolls around.  I don't have the same love affair with darker skin.  On me, that is.  I think I'm plenty dark enough, all my make up suits my 'normal, 8 months of the year' skin tone, and I like it that way.  However, I'm not complaining about the heat, I love it actually.  I finally invested in some sun BLOCK, and will be using that from now on rather than the sun SCREEN I had been using.

As previously stated, we've been outside quite a bit.  I've taken several shot of the girls, at the beach, and the water park.  The girls are beautiful, the shots are not.  I really, really need to invest in a reflector if I want to have better images of them in the bright, beautiful sunshine.  Until then, I won't let the shadows keep me from snapping away.  So with all that outdoor activity comes little time to blog about our goings on.  I can say this for the past few days however,  I've been contemplating what it means to live with purpose, and to raise my children in such a way, I've been contemplating ways to live on less, and save more, and I've been contemplating ways to have my girls (and me) memorize more scripture, to really fall in love with the written word of God.  I've not arrived at many conclusions yet (shocker), but I have something on the go that seems to have brought out the best in my girls, and that makes life richer for all of us under this roof.

That's it for now, I'll leave you with the scrappy creations I spoke of in my last post.  Although, you'll notice there aren't too many cards, that would be because yours truly actually forgot to take pix of all the teacher's thank you cards before sending them off :(

Théa & Eden'sTap 3 Class at Kick It.  This was the last day of classes before the recital, so they're dressed in costume and having a ball.

detail shot

another detail shot of the cute pin and ribbon

All 3 girls in one shot - whoot.  There's hidden journaling to them in the pink pocket at the top of the photo.

detail shot of the layering

I know....winter photo in the middle of summer.  But I love this girl, and I love this photo, so there :)

a peek at the hidden journaling.

A card I made for the July Color Card Challenge over at My Scrapbook Nook.

I can't remember if I've shared this one or not.  I made it for a challenge over at My Scrapbook Nook last month.  It's hard to get photos of this girl, she's getting much better though.  I will place a note to her in that sweet little envelope (to discover someday down the road).

Have a great rest of the week friends,

♥S.
ps. It's late, and I'm too tired to proof read, please excuse any spelling/grammatical errors.  Thanks. Pin It

My Scrapbook Nook July Kit

 Time to play! July’s kit is sure to bring back memories of carefree summertime play, small town parades, and childhood innocence! Capture your perfect summer days with this kit including:
October Afternoon Paper
Binder Clip
American Crafts Picot Trim
…Maya Road Canvas Tags
October Afternoon Rubber Charms
American Crafts Thickers
October Afternoon Mini Market Alphabet
October Afternoon 12×12 Vintage Sticker & Border Sheet
It is the season for fun, so schedule a playdate with yourself and the July kit today!

With the mail being so back logged I'm sure mine will show up in time in August, unfortunately.  But the colours and patters scream summer, so it gives me more time to keep snapping shots.

I have a few layouts and cards I've done over that past few weeks to share.  I'll get those up soon.

Happy Tuesday friends,

♥S. Pin It