Exciting News

Today I am finally able to let you in on my little secret.  

My work will be among many fabulous layouts all based on the sketches of the very talented Kristine Davidson for her brand new release Creating With Sketches 2.  I had a great sketch to work with, that I paired with Echo Park's Scoot papers.

You may recognize the photos from a previous layout.  I loved them so much I thought they'd be fun to work with again, and this sketch was perfect for them.  Journalling is hidden on the tag.

Sketches are a great way to get the mojo going when you just don't know where to start.  And this book has over 120 of of Kristine's trademark jump starters.

Kristine has very generously offered up a great deal for one of my lucky blog readers.  ONE FREE DIGITAL COPY.  Isn't she wonderful?  In order to get in on this amazing deal all you have to do is make sure you're a follower, and leave me a comment telling me you've done so.  You can increase your chances by sharing, or linking back to this post on any form of social media.  One extra entry per method shared.  Just leave me additional comments with your links.  I'll post my winner on this Friday morning.  Be sure to leave me your contact info so I can get a hold of you personally. 

If you are too anxious to wait on a draw, Kristine has also generously offered up a discount code for immediate use.  Use code CSW2Discount to save 2$ off your newly released digital copy of Creating With Sketches 2 today.  Coupon code will be valid until March 31 at 10pm EST.  If you prefer a paper copy, they are also available right here on Kristine's site.

Thanks for popping in today.

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Pieces of Me

Happy Friday the 13th friends.  Hooray for the weekend!

I've been here, there and everywhere.  Isn't that just how it seems to be in summer?  Rather than bore you with all the details, and better than not checking in at all, I thought I'd give you a quick run down of what I've been up to.

Had a layout published in Scrap Street Magazine this month.  It's all about my current musings, and wishes for myself, and my family.  Although I cannot share it here yet, you can see if for yourself here.

Eden on "our beach"

 Been out to the lake once so far.  I still love going out there, but have to face the reality that the rest of my family only puts up with it for my sake, so we will be selling our trailer this summer.  It makes me a little sad, but I know we can relax just as much in the city if we're intentional about unplugging from time to time.

This girl got braces this week.  There's some correction that needs to happen to ensure she'll have strong, healthy, and beautiful teeth to last her a lifetime.

I finally dug into the Hunger Games series, and devoured the first book in one sitting at the lake (another reason why I love going out there so much).  I have finished the first two book, and will begin the third this weekend.

Had a movie night with D recently and went to see 21 Jump.  We laughed so hard.  It was the perfect movie for us, and our  quirky sense of humor.

 Bought this little beauty the other day.  It makes me happy every time I pull out my phone.

Sent in my photos and write up for my upcoming Feature Artist spot in Scrapbook News and Review Magazine. I'll keep you posted for when if finally comes out.

This gorgeous hose is only 3 short blocks from ours, and in a few weeks it will be home to one of my favorite people in the world.  I can't wait!

Teaching these layout classes next week.  Two in the afternoon.

a mini album right on the layout

all about pennants, punches, and pinwheels

 And two in the evening of July 19th.

All about layers and misting

 If you're one of my lurkers, and would like to try your hand at scrapping, I'd love to have you come out and join me. Call The Scrapbook Cottage to register.

Girls night out for dinner at Mongo's Grill

But, mostly I've been spending lots of time with these lovely ladies.  I do not take it for granted that I get to be home with them during their summer holiday.  It is wonderful thing watching them grow.

How about you?  Anything exciting happening in your corner of the world?

Thanks for popping by today, hope you are in for a wonderful warm weekend!

♥ S.




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Personal Trainers

Happy Monday friends,

I'm finally able to share with you the layout I created for Scrap Street magazine last month.  It was such an honour to have been asked by Stacey to create something especially for her article on Spring/rejuvenation.  I was asked to create a project that focused on personal rejuvenation.  The first thing that came to mind was working out, either physically, or spiritually.  I decided to go with the spiritually focused one.  I am lucky enough to have a few women women in my life who fill that role in my life.  Sandra, Angela, and Linda are all the kind of friends to whom I can share my most personal feelings.  Thoughts on parenting, friendship, faith, struggles I may be having in any one of those area, and the like are all topics discussed with no holds barred.    These are the woman who can call me on my 'stuff', encourage me when I feel like I'm failing, and just overall love me unconditionally.  I entitled the layout based on the fact that time with these ladies does feel like a bit of a training session, the best kind.  One where you have your own dedicated person looking out for your best interest.  That's them.  I am so very lucky to know each of them.

I journaled all about why I see them as personal trainers on both sides of a tag and hid it behind the photos.  I tend to do that whenever the nature of the story is very personal.  I used a lot of Studio Calico on this one, with a little Amy Tangerine, and some other embellishments from my stash.  This is one of my favorite layouts.  I think because the design, and happy colours are such a great reflection of the intimate, warm fuzzy feelings behind the layout.

Thanks for stopping by today. 

♥ S. Pin It

Painting

I have a few scrappy online friends who love to use paint in their projects. They do such a fabulous job, that I was inspired to get myself some paint of my own around Christmastime.  I've made a few meager attempts to use it, but not to the extent these talented ladies do.  Well I finally got around to it.  A Member Inspiration Challenge over at My Scrapbook Nook opened the door for me.  The challenge was to life this layout by the sweet, and uber  talented Zarah.  I was excited, yet nervous to dig in and get a little messy with my white paint, and stamps.

Using Pink Paislee Prairie Hill Collection

The final product is not exactly as I had hoped, but I can now say I've actually used something a little more exciting on a layout.  I still think the Ormolu tag should be tucked further behind the photo, but it's so cute I want it to show.  Originally the title was on that tag in a yellow font, but it just didn't look right so I removed it and went with this look instead.  Even though it's not exactly as I had envisioned, I think I'll leave it.  Do you ever go back and re-do layots?  I am anxious to give painting another go though, I have another idea I want to try out.

On another note the April issue of Scrap Street Magazine is out.  I had the privilege being asked by one of the writers(who also happens to be one of my scrappy heroes) to create a layout  that documented one of the ways I re-energize myself.  The focus of the article was Spring, focusing on how it is a time of re-birth, and rejuvenation.  The first thing that came to mind was having one-on-one time with some of my closest friends.  I went on the hunt for photos, pulled out some fun, and colourful Studio Calico Memoir papers, and Amy Tangerine goodies, and went to work.  Here is the magazine page where my layout is featured (sorry I'm not actually allowed to post it anywhere until next month).  All the journaling is hidden on a tag, tucked behind the envelope,  it's pretty lengthy, so I'll leave it for when I can share the layout here.  I hope you'll pop over and have a look.  It is officially my new favorite layout.   Some of my fave people, bright and cheery, layered  all over, with fun little bits sprinkled around, and mist...love!  If you take the time to go back a page in the magazine you'll see another super talented scrappy hero of mine, who also happens to be from Winnipeg, and who I had the delight of meeting for the first time last week.

I hope this finds you in the middle of a great week friends.  Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by, and especially for your sweet and encouraging comments.

♥ Sherri


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Another Publication

A friend of mine turned me onto Scrapbook News and Review recently.  It's an online crafting magazine that is loaded with inspiration.  According to them each issue is jam packed with dozens of articles, technique tutorials, and hundreds of layouts, cards and projects!  We also have sketches, product reviews, digital templates and a rockin' mixed media section.  It really is worth the time to grab a cup of coffee and take in all the eye candy, learning a thing or two along the way.  I submitted a card I created for their "Welcome Home" category this month, and it was selected for publication.  Yay!  I can't show you the project, unfortunately, but wanted to share the news.  I'll be sure to share it with you once the 30 days are up.

It's been a long week here.  Dh has been out of town for 3 days, and work, the kids schedules, and volunteer duties have kept me very busy.  I feel like I'm dragging my feet around from one day to the next.  I think the lack of sun has something to do with my demeanor also.  We've not had sun for the past 2 days.  It would seem as though we likely won't have any for the next few either.  I'm a person who can be easily affected by the weather.  I don't like that fact, but it is what it is.  When it's grey and rainy I feel sleepy and apathetic.  When it's cold and slushy, I stay in, and watch too much tv, and on the few days of the year when the sun shines in all it's glory, I have a ton of energy, am very productive, and have extra bounce in my step.  I miss the sun.  Not only would I feel more energized, but I could also photograph the few projects I've completed to share with you.  I have a little time tomorrow, so I'll try my best to capture a shot as best as I can, sun or no sun.

For now, how about an oldie of dh and I.  The photo was taken last year about this time in Banff.  It is so gorgeous there, the mountains never fail to captivate me.  We'll be back there again in less than two weeks.  Can't wait to get away with just my guy for a little R&R.

Happy Thursday friends, hope it's treating you well,

♥ S.

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