It's New Year's Eve!

Happy New Year's Eve friends,

Do you have big plans for the event?  It's our anniversary.  Seventeen years ago today, I said "I do" to the sweetest guy I know.  It's been a wonderful journey of growing, and learning together, and best of all welcoming our three girls into this world, and into our family.  It hasn't always been easy, but Ecclesiastes 4:12 "though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (the verse we used as our wedding verse) proves to be steadfast and true as we navigate the rough waters, and occasionally take in the view from the mountain top of marriage.  We will celebrate tonight by going for a dinner at a fancy - shmancy restaurant, then over to a friend's place for hanging out in the hot tub, more munchies, and games.

I have something a little different for you today as far as scrappy inspiration for the day goes.

This week Brenshevia had a bit of a challenge for the Let's Get Sketchy DT.  She challenged us to scrap a photo that was less than perfect.  This provided a great opportunity for me to scrap these photos of D and I from his birthday evening.  It was a pretty low key day, filled with lots of football, and at home down time, just like he likes it.  We sported our Bears jersey's and watched them beat the pants off of the Vikings.  It was a great game.  Since then they've not played so well, but that's besides the point.  These photos were taken inside, in the evening, and are a little shaky.  It's not so easy to tell through the screen, you'll just have to take my word for it. 

I used My Mind's Eye Indie Chic papers, combined with a lot of Chic Tags, and some other goodies from my stash.

This basket weave cut was made using my Silhouette Cameo.

The "wonderful you" title cut was also purchased through the Silhouette store.

Love this little cluster, using some Chic Tags, Studio Calico veneers, and some MME bling, and a strip of paper.

How about you, have you ever scrapped less than perfect photos?  You can see what the rest of the DT created by popping over to the Let's Get Sketchy blog.

From my family to yours we wish you a very Happy New Year and all the best for 2013! Pin It

Why I Scrap

Hello friends,

I hope you all have been enjoying this festive time of year, with quality time with family and friends, and hopefully some down time in there also.  We've been having a fine holiday.  A little busier than I would like perhaps, but spending time with friends and family is something that is hard to fit in during the regular hustle and bustle of the school year.

Just thought I'd pop in to share a layout I created on "why I scrap" for my girls to look back on in the future.  This hobby is more than just playing with pretty paper and embellishments, and I am so glad to have discovered it.

I used up the last of my Crate Paper's Peppermint collection from last year on this one.  That was probably one of my favourite collections by them.

Journaling reads: Even after all these years of preserving my family's memories in this way called scrapbooking, I am still unable to adequately express how grateful I am for my girls.  They are at the root of every decision I make.  The memory of growing up and becoming a mom is still crystal clear.  No matter how wonderful, and difficult, and rewarding, and beautiful I dreamed it would be, the reality has far surpassed the dream.  This fun hobby of srapping, in my opinion is the best way to document all the ins & outs, and ups & downs of our family.  Together we are able to look back and see the history we've made together.  All the firsts, all the achievements in school & dance, the lives that have left us but continue on in Heaven.  It's all being recorded for future generations.  Because of this hobby, you girls will get to know me as more than just your mom.  You'll see that there's much more to me than just that role.  I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity to leave a a legacy like this.  Our blessed life through pretty paper, ribbon, and oh so many photos.

Thanks for popping in today.  I'll have one more layout to share with you before the new year.  So come back on December 31st to see something a little different.

Until then, Pin It

the Rockn' Roller Coaster

It's Christmas Eve! 

I can't wait for our church service tonight, and to enjoy our yearly tradition of The Polar Express with hot chocolate and popcorn before bed. 

I bet most of you are deep in the throws of Christmas gatherings, traveling home, and/or hosting family and friends.  For those that are ahead of the game however, I have a little Let's Get Sketchy inspiration for you to enjoy over the holiday.  Here is my take on this week's sketch by Tabitha Triplett.

I used JIllibean Soup papers, and double layered the hearts to create a more dimensional effect. The photo is one taken during the Rockin' Roller Coaster ride at Hollywood Studios in Florida.  If you enlarge the photo you can see the look of sheer terror on Théa's face.  I still laugh out loud when I look at this photo almost one year later.  She was so freaked out thinking the entire ride would be in the pitch black.  The girls and I had waited in line for just over 60-mins to enjoy this ride, so there was no way I was letting her miss out on it.  That, plus the fact that I wasn't sure where the rest of our family that had been waiting for us were.  I didn't want to just let her wander back outside all alone, nor did I want to give up our spot, and have to wait all over again.  So she was stuck going on the ride.  After the initial shock, she managed just fine.

Here is Tabitha's sketch. 

Playing along with 3 out of the 4 challenges this month will see you entered into our draw to win a fabulous prize from our sponsor C'est Magnifique Kits.  Hope you'll get a chance over the holidays to create something.  Please pop over here to see what the rest of the DT created with Tabitha's sketch.

Thanks for stopping by today.  From my family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, and hope you experience the blessings of season as you spend time with loved ones over the next week. Pin It

Today's Story

Happy Sunday friends.

How about a quick share before I leave for church this morning?

I picked up Alison Kreft's new collection for Echo Park called Today's Story.  The papers were designed for Photo Freedom, a line specifically made to make documenting the everyday a little easier.  Journal Spots, and photo mats have been creating to simply snip and fit directly into the 4x6 or 2x3 page protector sleeve.

I picked up that heart doily at my local bulk foods store.

The arrows and "you" were cut using the Silhouette Cameo

I created this quick, simply, and clean layout of my baby.  Although she's not so little anymore. This was just one of those photos taken on the spur of the moment as she was standing near a window looking like her beautiful, sweet self.

Thank for stopping in, and having a peek.  Hope this finds you ready for Christmas morning, and enjoying time with friends and family. Pin It

I Got A Makeover

Well my blog did anyway.  What do you think?

The very talented Kristine Davidson did a fabulous job giving me a fresh new look that matches my personality, and even reflects my scrappy style.  You'll noticed lace trim, banners, doilies, and butterflies, all of which find their way onto many of my scrap pages.
Kristine has a great rate, and she works fast (my makeover took her less than 48 hours). You can see more of her blog makeover designs here.  I love my new look, it makes me happy every time I open the page.

I thought that today I'd share a few projects with you.  First up is a new layout.  This was one of those layout that came together super quick.  I had the photo, and knew I wanted to pair it with some of my Double Dutch scraps by Lily Bee Design. Add a little mist and half an hour later, a completed page.

This is Gus, our friend's cat.  We cat sit him from time to time when they go out of town.  Isabelle is always in her glory when we get to visit.  She adores cats, but we will likely   never own one.  I made the poloroid frame using my Silhouette. 

Next are a couple of layouts I had up on some DT blogs over the past while.

This one was made using My Mind's Eye All Is Bright papers, and some fabulous A Flair For Buttons Flair.

 

This one was up on the Chic Tags Blog featuring many of their fabulous tags, and more of that same MME collection. 

I have a few more project to share with you, but they'll have to wait for another time.  As will a scrappy little secret I've been keeping from you.  That will have to wait just a tad longer though.

On the agenda today I'll finish wrapping the girls' stocking stuffers, and deliver little homemade treats to our sweet neighbours.  Only a few more sleeps to go, are you ready?  Tonight I've got a scrappy date with my girl Tara.  It'll be nice to catch up with her.

I hope this finds you doing well in your corner of the wold.  Thanks so much for stopping by today, have a wonderful weekend friends!

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Like Forever

It's Sketch Reveal Day over at Scrapping Everyday Miracles.   I used these recent photos of Isabelle and her bestie to create a layout.

These two have never known life without one another, as they are only 6 months apart in age.  Hannah is like one of the family to us.  She knows when she's here she's welcome to anything we have, and that there is nothing she could do to keep us from loving her dearly.  She is a wonderful friend to Belle, and my hope is that the two of them will grow old together making each other laugh until they cry all along the way.

I used a Silhouette file to make a mask as my background, and used Mr Huey's in two different colours to achieve the effect I was after.  Some Studio Calico papers, and stickers, Chic Tags, and some American Crafts jute helped the rest to come together quickly.

Here is the sketch you get to work with this month.

Created by: Nerrida Mitchell

You can see what the rest of the team created using the sketch here.

As mentioned at the beginning of the month.  We have been the gracious recipients of two sponsored prizes this month at SEM.  The sketch challenge will have it's own dedicated prize this month.

Blog   Facebook   Kits

The Paper Bakery was created to make things easy on those scrapbookers and crafters out there that love projects, layouts, cards,  and mixed media, but want the ease of putting projects of all sorts together. The Paper Bakery offers you unique project kits at an affordable price each and every month. We also offer scrapbook kits and mixed media kits with unique items in them for your crafting pleasure. In addition to fabulous kits each month our design team offers you tons of inspiration for you on our blog every day. 

Sarah has generously offered our Sketch Challenge winner a $10 gift certificate to use on any item of their choice from the shop INCLUDING memberships.  As an added bonus she is also offering all our readers who sign up for a new member to the kit club free shipping on your first kit.  Simply use the code: ILOVETPB at check out to redeem.

We hope you're able to squeeze in a little time to create, among the holiday preparations.  It's a great sketch, and the prize won't disappoint either.  

You have until December 31 at 11:59 pm to link up your layouts here.

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I Am Thirty-Nine

Even to say it, it doesn't sound true.

I celebrated my birthday on Monday.  It was a very understated affair.  No big party, a couple of small gifts, and dinner at home, made by yours truly.  Some may have been disappointed with such a simple evening, but I for one could not have felt more blessed.  It seems that the older I get the less it takes to make me feel loved.  I am strong, and healthy.  I live in a country where I am a free black woman, able to do pretty much anything I set my mind to.  I have 3 beautiful girls, and a husband who is a wonderful father to them, and a sensitive, and caring partner to me.  We have a lovely home, in a beautiful neighbourhood, a dog who adores each of us, and more 'toys' than we need.  Life is full.
Life is good.
I am blessed.
Life won't ever be perfect, but I am acutely aware of how unnecessary perfection is.  I'm learning to be comfortable in my own skin.
I'm learning that life is short, and I need to make the most of my 24 hours everyday.
I'm learning to stop comparing my life to others'.
I'm learning that I am unique, and have talents and abilities that are worth sharing with the world around me.
Every year I discover more of who I am, and who I was created to be.

The title reads "feeling awesome at 39"

I added a little more bling than usual trying to capture a girlie feel

Thank you to all of my friends, and family who contribute to this life of mine.  I wouldn't be the same without you.  And you dear reader are a part of the blessing.  Thank you for being here.  For your encouragement, and for allowing me to share with you, and in return for sharing with me.

Here's to another year of learning, and growing, and playing, and discovering more about this life I've been given.  I welcome thrity-nine with open arms.  Bring it on!

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It Was An Adventure

This little cardstock sticker by My Mind's Eye was the perfect title for this layout.  The layout documents the beginning of the little journey Théa went on this fall.  The photos were taken on Day 2 of practices for the American Girl movie she had the incredible opportunity to be a part of.  The girls just loved working with J.Blaze and hearing little stories about some of big name talent she's worked with in the past.  She was such a sweetheart to to pose for a few photos with the girls after practice one afternoon.  She was an even bigger cheerleader for them as they worked incredibly hard during the actual filming of the movie.  What a neat experience for my girl.

Created using Scraptastic Kit Club October kit

This week's sketch comes to us courtesy of Janessa.  If you pop over to the blog you'll be able to see what the rest of the DT did with it.

Hope your Monday is off to a great start everyone!

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Chic Tags Sale - Day 9

It continues today with these babies.

I decided to use mine to make a handful of quick and easy Christmas cards. I grabbed these supplies to use as my base, and went to work.

Here's a sneak peek of what's up at the Chic Tags blog.

 

I'd love if you'd hop over and have a look at Chic Tags.  You can see all the fabulous Christmas tags in the shop here.  Each day, for 12 days there is a new set on sale for just a buck, there are a few more days left, and I happen to know there will be something super special up for grabs during one of them.  You'll have to check back daily to see what it is.

I'm off to church, and then to the Pancake House for an early birthday celebration.  Today marks the last day of my 38th year, bah, I can't even believe it!

Happy Sunday friends, thanks for stopping by!

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Happy Friday

It feels like the days are getting shorter as we gear up for Christmas.  The sun sets sooner, and the cold most definitely has me wanting to just curl up under the covers in front of my tv, instead of leaving the house as I must.

I'll leave you this week with a CAS layout of a 8X12 photo of us almost a year ago in Florida. We loved Disney World. Universal Studios, however was way more our speed. I wish we could go back tomorrow. I'd leave in a heartbeat.

I used Bazzill Basics Two Scoops for the background paper, some Chic Tags, and some SEI goodies that came in my thank you stash from Scrapbook Trends. The twine is from My Mind's Eye.

No Winter vacation in the works this year. What about you?

I hope that wherever you are today, you are warm, healthy, and surrounded by people who love you.

Have a great weekend friends. Thanks so much for stopping by.

S. Pin It

10 things you probably don't know about me

Jana Werner did a post like this recently.  It reminded me that I use to do such a thing, but haven't in ages.  So here goes...

1. I always, ALWAYS double, and triple check that I have placed my car keys in my purse before I lock my car doors.
2. I brush my teeth with warm water because I hate the taste toothpaste.
3. I moved out of my parents home when I was 17.
4. I always wanted to have a family of three boys when I was growing up, instead I have three girls.
5. I've worn glasses since I was five years old.
6. I've had the same Dentist for 33 years
7. I sleep with long pants and socks almost every single night of the year.
8. My mother passed away 12 years ago, and I've not spoken to my father in 7 years
9. I was once on 5 billboards, and one bus ad in the city(along with one of my girls).
10. I need at least 8 hours of sleep to be able to function properly the next day. 

There you have it. 

Why don't you leave me a comment listing at least one thing that I don't know about you.   I'd love to learn a little more about you my faithful readers!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

♥ S.





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The Good Life

Happy Monday friends, I hope you each had a wonderful weekend.  Can you believe it's December already?  The beginning of a new month also means it's time for a new Challenge over at Scrapping Everyday Miracles.  Tracey had us focus on the joy of the Season this month.  To me, the Christmas season is a time to be thankful first and foremost for the baby that came to save the wold.  The gift of salvation is the greatest gift I've ever received.  Second to that would be my family, and that would not have been possible without the unconditional love of this man.  The love of my life for the past 16, soon to be 17 years.  My joy is found in everything he is connected to.  He is a wonderful and hardworking provider for our family.  A hands on dad, who takes a genuine and daily interest in all three of his girls.  He puts up with all my type A personality-ness, and occasional nagging.  He is my biggest cheerleader, and a wonderful example to our girls of the type of man they should, one day, expect in their lives to grow old with.

The twist this month is to use bling, or sparkle on your layout.  I chose to add some My Mind's Eye bling, and some Studio Calico Shine to my layout (sorry they're a little difficult to see with the white backgroud).  Here are some close ups.

Cut file from Studio Calico

I loved this All Is Bright Collection from My Mind's Eye so much I didn't want to reserve it only for Christmas photos.  I think it looks great with everyday photos too.

You'll want to pop over to the SEM blog to check out what the other dt members created, and see who our generous sponsors are for the month.  That's right...sponsors, as in plural.  We are fortunate enough to have two prizes up for grabs this month.  There will be one for the Main Challenge, as well as one for the Sketch Challenge (which I will be posting for you in 2 weeks).  You can see all the details here.

Thanks so much for popping in today.  I hope you feel inspired to go and create a layout that focuses on your own blessings.

♥ S. Pin It

My First Post

Happy Friday friends,

It's my very first blog post over at Chic Tags. 

I sure would appreciate it if you would pop over to the blog to see what I created using Veronica's fabulous product, and say hi.  Thanks in advance for taking the time, it means a lot!

Here's a little sneak peek...

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

♥ S. Pin It

If The Shoe Fits

Sharing a layout I created for Let's Capture These Sketches last week.

Meet Eden, my crazy passionate, cracks me up with the funny things she says and does girl.

Jouranling reads: Eden's feet grew about tow sizes during the summer of 2012.  We were shopping for school shoes when she comes up to me wearing these beauties.  She was so happy they fit.  She flt very grown up in them, and seriously wanted me to buy them for her.  There was no way that was happening. (We decided to make a quick pit stop at one of the local shoe stores directly after Dance Camp one day (hence the body suit, and shorts)


Once again Jocelyn delivered in the sketch department.  Sketch #159 over at Let's Capture These Sketches features a lot of blocking to work with.  To this type A personality neat orderly lines often make me happy.

Hop over here to see how the rest of the team interpreted the sketch, and to link up your own take if you'd like.

Thanks for popping in today friends!

♥ S.

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You & Me

Just popping in to share a layout I had up, over at Let's Capture Our Memories the other day.  

Have you seen the new Pink Paislee Portfolio Collection?  I just love it.  yellow, cream, and grey seem to be very big right now in the industry, and Pink Paislee mixes them perfectly in this new line.  I had this photo of my little buddy Nyah and I kicking around since summer.  I love this photo of the two of us.  She is one great kid!  I knew I wanted to create a great layout with this sweet photo of us.  With this collection, and the help of my Silhouette Cameo, I think I did pretty good.

 

You can see the Portfolio papers in the shop here.  I added some old Echo Park Charming brads, and some Mr. Huey's, as well as some more of Shelley's flair from that Etsy shop I told you about earlier.  I hid the journaling on the tag with the pull out ribbon under the banner flair badge.  It reads "I couldn't love this girl anymore if she were my own.  I remember praying fore her while she was still in China.  She's been here 4 yrs now, and she blesses us all."

I love the way this turned out.  The muted colours really allow the photo to pop.  Is there a collection you've fallen in love with lately?

Thanks so much for popping in today,
♥ S. Pin It

Guesting at Use It Tuesday

I won a guest spot with the girls at Use It Tuesday a few weeks ago.  You can see the layout that won the spot here.  Today is the day I'm up on their blog.  I love what their mission - to encourage scrappers to use up their hoarded, or simply forgotten about supplies.

The challenge they have for you today is to use a stamp that has never been inked.  I'd be willing to bet you have one, or two, or 5 kicking around too, just like me. 

This Jillibean Soup Travel set came in a Scrapbook Nook kit two summers ago.

I loved that globe, but somehow just never got around to using it.  I had only used 3 of these 9 stamps in fact. 

This challenge combined with our recent trip to Las Vegas provided the perfect opportunity to ink it up.  I decided to emboss it so I could set it on top of a few layers.

I used the October kit from Scraptastic to complete the layout, along with a sheet of Studio Calico paper that I've also been hanging on to for months, and months also.

The painted background was done using a Pink Paislee mask

Hidden journaling exposed

more horded product: Sass letter, MME brad, and SC arrows

I am so happy with the way this layout turned out.  I always enjoy adding several bits and pieces to my layout, but often forget that stamps can get the job done too.  Please hop over to the UIT blog to see what the rest of the team pulled out of their hoarded stash for this week's challenge.  Perhaps we've inspired you to pull out some of those stamps and get 'em dirty.  If so please link us up.  You have a week and a half to link up.

A huge thank you to Siobhan and team for having me today!

♥ S. Pin It

Let's Get Sketchy Reveal

Happy Monday friends,

I have a new sketch to share with you today.  Laura created this beauty for us to work with this week.

I had a lot of fun playing around with this one.  Moved a few things, and layered to my heart's content.  This is what I came up with.

Isn't that flair adorable.  I ordered if from Shelley at aflairforbuttons on Etsy. She's got adorable stuff in her shop.

The rest of the product is from older Studio Calico kits.  

Don't forget that linking up for 3 out of 4 of our monthly sketches, gets you into the drawing for the giveaway.  This month it's a fabulous prize from Paper Issues that could be making it's way into your hands.  You also have a chance to be our Guest designer in an upcoming month simply by linking up.  You can do so right here, and check out what the rest of the DT created.

Happy Monday, and thanks for popping in today.

♥ S.

eta: Cyber Monday sale at Chic Tags!!!!  30% off all tags one day only.  Check it out here.

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Ready, Set, Go

I mentioned that I had the privilege of attending Crop & Crete in Saskatoon a couple of weekends ago.  I realized last night that I hadn't yet shared anything from the event.  Let me edit my photos, and I'll do a post with them next week okay?!

In the meantime let me share a fun layout I created for one of the challenges over the weekend.  The challenge was to "emphasize fonts".  We were free to interpret that in whatever way we felt like.  I decided to go with a mix of fonts in bright, bold colours to go with the Amy Tangerine Ready Set go papers that I chose to use. 

Quote source

The quote is one that I discovered online while searching for something to go with the photo of my second favorite Starbucks mug (my favorite on is a Christmas one, I think I'll create a layout on that one too at some point, ha ha).  The journaling reads "I couldn't agree more.  My ceramic Starbucks mug is my best friend every morning of the week."

I didn't win the challenge, but I did win a different one.  I'll share that layout with you sometime soon. 

Have a great day friends.  I so appreciate you taking the time to pop in!

♥ S.

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I have a teenager?!?

My baby (she detests being called that, by the way) is thirteen today.

I used the City Sidewalks collection by Pink Paislee, and several Chic Tags to capture the memory.

  We took these photos last week at Starbucks, it was a little treat after the orthodontist, before heading back to school for the day.  I can't believe that what was once only a dream is now a living, breathing, spunky, diligent, and hard working, mouthy at times, fashionable, kind, and loving (when she wants to be) young woman of mine.  I am blessed, and I thank God everyday for the privilege of raising her.

Journaling reads: "How often I heard 'cherish it, it goes by quickly'.  When you were little I didn't really believe it.  I can still remember bringing you home - so tiny and perfect.  Look at you now.  Growing into a beautiful young lady.  Be still my heart."

Happy 13th Birthday to my beautiful girl!

♥ S.

ps: are you one o my Chic Tags winners?  Check here to find out. Pin It

Chic Tags Winners

I have a couple of winners to announce today for last weekend's Chic Tags Blog Hop.

I used Random.org to help me select a winner.

Congratulations.  Please email me @ sherrifunkATgmailDOTcom with your mailing address so I can get it to Veronica, who will get your December Daily kit in the mail to you asap.

And here is the little grab bag I have to offer to one of you who were existing, or became a brand new follower of my blog.

25 Days Arrows, Spring Doilies, Photo Circles, and Journaling Tags

Once again Random Generator helped me choose a winner.

 

Congratulations Danielle!  Just send your snail mail address to the email I've provided above, and I'll get your goodies in the mail as soon as I hear from you.

Thank you once again everyone for hopping along with us at Chic Tags, and following along with me on this bloggy journey I call life!

Have a wonderful day!

♥ S.

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