the picky princess

First Momenta Project

2012-02-07T13:15:00.009-05:00

I was tickled pink to come home Friday night to find a *HUGE* box by my front door. My Momenta stuff had arrived!!

I didn't get much time to play the weekend since it was my birthday (highlights to come on another post/layout) and I was busy goofing off with family. I did however spend some time making the chevron pattern seen on my layout. It took a while but I love how it came out and I have more left over for use on future cards. I used four colours of patterned paper and followed Jen Maguire's tutorial on YouTube.
I had a wonderfully crafty morning here playing with my new goodies and putting it all together. Here's my first page! (Click to see the images bigger)

The papers and embellishments are really easy to work with and work well together. The colors are fun and very saturated, love that. I am absolutely smitten with the Puffy Alphas too. I need more of those!!

Momenta Supplies used:
12x12" Die cut pad,-Black and white (PA-2395)
12x12" Super Paper pad -Free to Be Me (PA-2263)
Chipboard Icon Stickers (come with bling seen here)- Black Tie (ST-3087)
Puffy Alphas- Black Tie (ST-3190)
Pastels Textured Cardstock pad (PA-0656)

Other supplies:
Tattered Angels Chalkboard Ink in Sprout
Mr. Huey's Ink in Calico White (Studio Calico)
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek!!

Trash to Treasure

2012-01-31T11:42:00.005-05:00

One of my guilty pleasures is plundering the local Goodwill store. My neighbourhood has a pretty diverse population but it also sits on the edge of a very affluent neighbourhood. It seems that many residents with good taste send there cast offs to our Goodwill. I've found many, many treasures in the last 17+ years. (Geez has it been that long?!)
The other day Sid and I were hunting and came across an rather ugly picture holder. It was anitqued brass and really dirty. The wires were bent out of shape. I passed right by. Sid said "Mom, look at that thing? What is it?" I told her what it was and she replied "You could make it look pretty!". Being half off it came to a whopping $2.00, so we bought it. Here's a peek of it's original ugliness. (I forgot to take a before shot).
I bent the wires back, spray painted it white and die cut some frames, added photos and crafted the heck out of it! I used Crate Paper's Portrait Collection and some green embossed stamped images. Right now it's holding a black and white selection of Christmas pictures. I will rotate the pictures from time to time but right now I like the colour scheme to brighten the winter dreariness. Click on the pictures to make them bigger!

Tutorial Tuesday and some good news.

2012-01-23T23:21:00.006-05:00

So... I have two big exciting things to announce!
First off my Tutorial Tuesday staff grew a little this week. The picky princess herself, Miss Sidney, joined me on my new video. We are making name/One Little Word necklaces..especially for kids. Please take a peek!

Secondly, I was very happy to be asked to join the Momenta D-Lite team! It's a design team of sorts but it also involves helping with product testing, feedback and development. I also get one heck of a selection of goodies. Wee!
You can see the announcement HERE.
Thanks for stopping by.

A little page...or two

2012-01-18T23:11:00.005-05:00

There's a few things brewing in the princess-dom (that's not a word but you know what I mean!) that I am super excited about. I will be able to post both of them soon, In the mean time here's a recent page I did without pictures featuring Sidney's Nutcracker acceptance letter. And here's the little mouse herself, about to go onstage. I'll leave you with one final layout...about yogurt, the frozen kind. Both layouts were made Studio Calico's Glee club kit.

One Little Word: 2012

2012-01-04T23:46:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year!
This year Sidney and I both picked words. She's old enough to get the concept now and I thought it might be a good experience for her. I chose "active", she chose "calm" and we both made necklaces to give ourselves visual reminders for the year. It wasn't until I photographed said necklaces that I realized that are words are pretty much opposites and that they are what we need from each other.
She needs me to be more engaged in her life than I have been. I'm good at going through the routines, getting her to places on time..etc. I'm not always so good at paying attention.
I need her to learn how to not take everything so seriously and enjoy a little more. I worry that her perfectionism is keeping from experiencing all that she can.
On a more personal note, I chose this word as an extension of last year's word. I need to implement many of the strategies I came up with last year, in other words I need to act on them.
I've made a good start health wise so far. I've begun to meditate, lost 11 pounds and started to understand my health a bit better, but there is so much more to be done. Gradually, I'm getting there and I know it's the right direction.
Share with me your word this year and your plans for it!!

Christmas Past

2011-12-18T17:18:00.005-05:00

Here's a selection of layouts from seasons past. Have a happy and safe holiday!!

Nutcracker Diva and One Proud Momma

2011-12-14T23:05:00.006-05:00

The picky princess had her Nutcracker debut this past Sunday and even though she was only on stage for about a minute and a half, I thought she was spectacular. I was watching on monitor at the stage door. She was a perfect chubby, grey mouse. No pictures yet of the costume but here's a few from before the big show. She was so nervous and scared. I told her to take a breath and look at all the kids coming to the show. Maybe they would watch her dance and want to become a ballerina. Maybe she could inspire someone.

Snow Globes

2011-12-09T21:29:00.014-05:00

A little while I go I stumbled across these "Snow globes" in Anthropologie. I actually burst out loud laughing when I saw they were $30! Then, I gave myself a challenge! I went to Dollarama, stocked up and raided the cupboard for mason jars. Here's a little tutorial so you can make your own too for about $1.00 each!
First gather your stuff:You will some want some glitter glue and white paint too.

Then cut out 3 circles the size of the INSIDE (the white part) of your lid. Layer them on top of each other with pop-dots. Cover the top layer with white paint, let dry and add some glitter glue.

Hot glue your items to your cardboard base when dry. I snipped off the loop of the mini-star ornament and hot glued it to the top of tree. Make sure you check the size of your jar when you do this, or you'll get a wee bit frustrated when it doesn't fit!
Clean your glass super well inside. Add a small amount of glitter and plastic snow. You really only need a TINY amount, otherwise, all you decorations will get covered up.

Run a bead of Glossy Accents around the orange part of the lid liner (if you want to centre your tree in your jar. I used an embossed jelly jar with a window so I didn't want to have my ornaments and fence facing backwards). If your using a plain mason jar you can skip this step. Flip upside down and let dry. Clean the outside with windex if necessary.
Add the sealing ring, shake and enjoy!

Here's another a made with a bigger, plain mason jar.

If you make some of these link them up, I'd love to see them. Thanks for letting me share with you!

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

2011-11-29T16:36:00.002-05:00

Tanya C. send me your address! My email link is on my sidebar. Just click and send!
Thanks everyone!

Inky Tags

2011-11-25T23:18:00.012-05:00

Tutorial Tuesday- the Saturday edition!
Well, it's been a while since my last entry and my tutorials have ground to a halt! All I can say is Sean has finished his practical teaching assignment for school and my work hours have finally chilled out, so without further delay here's my next video:

P.S. Since no one actually got my grammar flub on my last video (but did find a few other choice mistakes!) I will keep the giveaway of accordion flowers open for the comments on this post. By the way the lovely term I used was "Not so much great". I think I just felt my English teachers all cringe in unison.
So, leave me a comment and I might send you some of the flowers from the video and some other surprises from out-of-control scrapbook stash!
Thanks for visiting.

Not-so-Tutorial Tuesday

2011-11-08T13:02:00.005-05:00

Okay, I don't have a video ready and all my still picture tutorials are too Christmassy. Oops!
The princess was cast in the National Ballet of Canada's Nutcracker as a baby mouse. And let me tell you, it's a BIG deal. So instead of shooting a video this week I was busy being a stage Mom. It's a wonderful opportunity (and a great layout/mini-book project!) so we are going for it. I can't believe my litte girl will be dancing on stage with professional ballerinas in a world class production. I'm feeling pretty blessed.
I am about to shoot one now for next week so in the meantime here's some scrappy projects from the past week. I ambitiously entered the Hambly design team call. I know I don't have a hope but it would be a dream come true, so you can't fault me for trying!! Here's a couple of layouts I made for the call:

Thanks for looking and reading, I'll be back next week with a new video.

Tutorial Tuesday-Embossed Accordion Flowers

2011-11-01T00:31:00.000-04:00

Another Video for Tutorial Tuesday...enjoy!!!

Give away alert!
Leave a comment identifying my lovely grammar blooper for a chance to win some accordion flowers!

Tutorial Tuesday-Washi Tape Weaving

2011-10-25T00:00:00.004-04:00

Hello all!

I'm starting a new series of tutorials on my wee blog here. I've already recorded two videos and have a few fun ideas that I can't wait to share.

The first is Washi tape weaving. Washi Tape, for the uninitiated, is a Japanese art paper tape. I have quite a few rolls that I purchased from the Paper Place in Toronto, and hardly ever use them. I recently came across a tutorial on weaving that was lovely, but completely baffled me. So I put my crafty OCD to good use and developed a new way to play with it. I them filmed a cheesy video to share with you all.

Here is a couple of cards I made with the technique. The circular card is made from the sample I did in the video.

And without further delay here's the video...enjoy!!

Returning

2011-10-20T17:10:00.005-04:00

Hello Blog World!
I have been absent for far to long from this place. I miss blogging very much.
I've spent some time lately re-designing this site a little, so if you looking at on your reader, pop over and tell me what you think. It's still a work in progress, but I'm having fun with it!
I want to start posting some tutorials on here and I just finished a video tutorial and will have it up in the the next few days.
In the meantime, here's a little crafty jewellery project I made the other day, based on This Button Bracelet Tutorial I found on on Pinterest. (By the way here's my boards, come follow me and I'd love to follow you back!I am completely addicted to Pinterest. I'm sure this addiction is part of the reason I haven't been blogging). I made it with some antique buttons that I inherited from my Grandma. The are a bit old and worn but that makes me love them more.

Thanks for stopping by!!

the princess turned 8!

2011-08-21T00:08:00.003-04:00

Okay, it was over two weeks ago...I'm a little slow on blogging. This year was pretty low-key in the birthday department. With my hours at work and Sean at Teacher's College in July we opted to skip a party. We've had a party for her every year, so I thought I year off was in order. We had a special breakfast at home (Sean and I filled the dining room with pink and white balloons the night before), went shopping for a brand new bike at Canadian Tire and out to dinner with a friend of her's and her lovely Mom. It was a fabulous day. And now for the photographic evidence:

a little bit sad...

2011-08-16T00:08:00.006-04:00

My Auntie Louise passed away on Saturday and we are all a bit sad here. Auntie Louise was my Mom's sister, and a very interesting woman.
She was so smart and remembered everyone's birthday, where they lived and any detail you could ever want to know. She was the unofficial family historian. As a scrapbooker, I loved that. I knew where my grandparents grew up because she remembered. There's a lot I never got to ask her.
She raised three great kids (now great adults) as a single Mom and put herself through university, all on a teacher's salary. I don't know if she ever knew how much I admired her.

Even though my daughter didn't see her great aunt very much they had a special relationship. Auntie Louise would send her notes and stickers all the time. I'll never forget the encouraging note she sent Sidney when she was frustrated about being left handed. It made her feel so much better...since Auntie Louise was left handed (and had such nice printing) it was okay that she was too.
We'll miss you Auntie Louise.

those sweet faces...

2011-08-03T00:07:00.003-04:00

Look at those girls! Aren't they lovely???I could just eat them up. Hmm...maybe I shouldn't say that, guinea pigs are considered a delicacy in some places in the world. Euw.

Anyway.... a good chunk of this page was made with Pebbles patterned paper, chipboard and rub-ons. I also used some doilies I coffee stained. I'm loving that technique...I picked up here via Pinterest.
Speaking of Pinterest, have you tried it yet? I'm addicted! Follow me and I will follow you back. Find me here.
Thanks for peeking!

the Big Book

2011-07-28T15:47:00.006-04:00

I was thrilled to finally receive The Big Book of Scrapbook Pages. I was lucky enough to have these two pages in the book. I've always had a silly little goal of having my work in a book (actually thought it would be my jewellery) and I'm happy to cross it off the bucket list.

my class...

2011-07-09T22:07:00.004-04:00

is coming together nicely...finally. As you may have noticed I've been away from the blog (again). Sean's school started in mid-June and it has been an amazing amount of work. Coupled with the fact that I've been working an insane amount of hours, I have not had much of a chance to do anything on the computer, except help him with projects.
He's doing so well, though, it's more than worth it. I knew he'd do well, I knew he'd love every minute. It's wonderful to see him so engaged and inspired. I have no doubt this was the right thing for him, for us.

So back to my class here's my sample layout and sketch:

I'm teaching on the 16th of July and a follow up class on the 26th (it's a Tuesday at 6:30). The second class will focus on design. I'm in the process of designing a double page layout that incorporates traditional design theory translated for scrapbookers. If you are a new scrapbooker or even a seasoned vet who wants to brush up on design , this class will be a lot of fun! All the contact info is on my right sidebar, or leave me a comment and I will set you up!
Thanks for peeking!

P.S. Did you see my new icon in your browser? If you're in Google Reader jump onto my blog and check it out. I can't believe I finally figured it out.

Sunday Round Up

2011-06-12T11:54:00.006-04:00

First off let me say Ballet is done for the year woo hoo! The princess had her recital at the National Ballet School yesterday. She was beautiful. Tears started flowing the second she put her pointed toe on stage. We couldn't take any pictures or videos, so here's a shot of the princess post-recital. Sorry for the unedited grainy photo!
Also, I'm done working Sunday until September...woo hoo!!! Our weekends are ours again. It will so nice to have a few days a week with no where to go. Especially since Sean start's school next week, so our week days will be very busy.

I have some big exciting news! I will be teaching my first ever Scrapbooking class this July. It will be at SDG Crafts on Eglinton Avenue in Toronto. My first class will be "Introduction to Scrapbooking" so if any of you want to get started scrapping and haven't known where to start this class will show you how.
The contact info is on my sidebar or you can send me a message and I will set you up! I'm so excited!! Roxanne and Andrew who run the store are lovely people and very helpful if you have any questions.

Here's a few pages I have yet to post:

Studio Calico

2011-06-09T00:27:00.002-04:00

I was lucky enough to pick my own Mother's day gift this year since Sean and I were both working crazy hours (both of us even worked on Mother's day, so I'm still waiting for my brunch...lol). So I ordered a kit from Studio Calico. I've been drooling over them for years! It was so beautiful I didn't even want to take it apart, never mind cut it up.
I've only made one page so far, but now that I've finally plundered the kit there will be lots more projects to follow (actually, a bit of the canvas in the last post was from the kit too).

Stepping back.

2011-06-04T00:05:00.005-04:00

For the first time in about three years I'm no longer scrapping for hire. I've decided to take a break from Design Teams this summer season...or possibly longer.

For practical reasons, it's due to a big change in the Murray-Moore household. As many of you know, Chef-boy is heading to teacher's college this summer. I will have my hands full being the main bread winner for a few months and keeping the princess out of his hair.

It's more than that. I'm burnt out artistically. I love that DT's force me to create and force me to finish, but I need to play, experiment, discover and grow. I need to be inspired rather than inspire. I need new challenges. I need to start blogging again too.

So, I've been making new pages, a new blog header, painting (please be kind...lol!) and exploring an exciting new opportunity that I hope will come to fruition.

Stay tuned for the journey!

Another day off, another sunburn

2011-06-01T21:04:00.003-04:00

You would think I'd learn to use sunscreen by now. Oh well, the icky flu bug has left our house and all is well. A few weeks ago I came across this tutorial while hunting for Michael's coupons. so I gave it a go. I changed it up a bit as I skipped the hanging ribbon thingy and added another layer of paper strips to make it look fuller. As well, instead of lining the inside of the wreath with paper I used some flowers attached with brads. On the top of the flower I put grungepaper butterflies that I had punched out, painted, coloured with copics and decorated with pearls.
It was a lengthy project but fun. Now that I'm no longer on any Design Teams I plan on making more stuff for the house...but more about that next post!
Here's the wreath on my super ugly door!

Some pages....

2011-05-30T20:30:00.002-04:00

Not feeling too talkative, just sunburned and feeling sick...blech! So here's some random scrappery:

Happy Birthday to you.

2011-05-26T00:00:00.003-04:00

Happy 42nd Birthday to my beloved! You are my inspiration everyday. You make me laugh, you don't freak out when I cry and I cannot live without your hugs.

Echo Park!

2011-05-25T21:37:00.003-04:00

Echo Park Paper is having a Fresh Face Design Team Contest and I figured why not throw my hat in the ring. It's been a long time since I've blogged and I thought it would be a good way of getting me back into it! Here's a few pages I did with the "Life is Good" line.
It's a really fun and versatile line. Girly but not too girly, if you know what I mean! Thanks for peeking!!

Anyone out there???

2011-03-05T15:14:00.004-05:00

Hey blogland! I have returned to the blogosphere. (How may words can I use "blog" in??).

I've been huddled up working way too much these days, but I have been crafty...a bit. I completely forgot to post about joining the Scrapbook Queen's Design Team. Scrapbook Queens a is a gorgeous LSS in Mississauga.
Here's a few of the pages I've made since joining in January:
In other scrappy news I was extremely excited to be a runner up in the Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine's Spring Cover challenge (top left, click to see all those tiny hand-done stitches):That's it for this rainy Saturday. I promise to be back soon!

Last Scrapping Turtle Reveal

2011-01-19T22:04:00.004-05:00

*Sniff* The day has finally come... it's my last reveal as part of the Scrapping Turtle Design Team...and I'm kind of sad...
Although, this month's kit was rockin'!
I received We R Memory Keeper's "Merry January" line. Here's some of my projects:
The last layout is about my "One Little Word" for 2011. I honestly don't remember mine for 2010 but here's a link to what One Little Word is all about and my past "words" for 2009.
Thanks for peeking!!

Top 12

2010-12-31T00:40:00.004-05:00

Hello blog world! I'm a bad, bad citizen I know.
I promise to be back in top form in 2011. Until then here's my top 12 (one for each month but in no particular order) layouts for 2010:

Thanks for peeking this past year!! (Can you tell it was the year I discovered Kraft coloured cardstock?)

Paper Garland Tutorial

2010-11-24T23:52:00.003-05:00

I made a little video for the Scrapping Turtle's 12 gifts of Christmas project. It's on now on the Turtle's message boards.

Here's the final product:

Look for me....

2010-11-11T09:30:00.003-05:00

That title totally reminds me of this song by my musical hero Neko Case:

Anyway, look for me on the BELLA BLVD BLOG tomorrow! I'm very excited and totally intimidated to be spotlighted. I keep repeating Stuart Smalley affirmations in my head:
"I'm good enough, I'm smart enough and gosh people like me".

Shopgirl

2010-11-07T21:09:00.002-05:00

Here's a page I created for the latest challenge at the Turtle. We scrapped our "everyday" and since I'm working so much lately, I thought I'd scrap it. The picture is my view from desk in the office at the back of the store. I haven't added journaling yet. Still thinking about what to say.

Mother daughter witches...

2010-11-04T22:18:00.004-04:00

That's what the princess and I were for Halloween. According to the King it was like any other day. Very funny.

Scrapping Turtle Sneak Peek

2010-11-02T20:49:00.003-04:00

I got some lovely happy mail from the Turtle this week. The "New Arrival" line from Pebbles, well..um...arrived! It's a gorgeous, understated baby girl line. I've hardly ever scrapped any of Sid's baby pics, so it's perfect for me!
For my sneak I did Sid's birth story. She loves the story and often begs me to tell it at bedtime. I thought it was time to write it down.
More layouts and projects coming around mid-month for the full reveal.

Allan Gardens

2010-10-31T22:20:00.006-04:00

First off I want to apologize for the weird look of the last post. I've tried to fix those giant spaces about ten times and it simply can't be done. It looks fine in the the compose and preview windows but once published it gets all wonky. Grrrrrrrr.

Okay, enough about that! As many of you know Sid started serious ballet lessons this past fall. Which I'm proud to say are going very well. A couple weeks ago I took my camera along and snuck out to Allan Gardens down the street. I got a few nice shots before my battery died. It was a lovely tropical refuge on a cold morning.

want...

2010-10-23T21:43:00.016-04:00

They say if you really want something you need to put it out there. So here's my current wish list. It's pretty random, sometimes mundane, but never the less on my mind.
I want to take a photography course with a better camera to expand my horizons.I want to live in an old quirky Victorian house in downtown Toronto.I want to travel somewhere far away I've never been with my husband.I want to really learn to meditate.I want to be thinner.I want to be neater and more organized. (no picture available...lol).
I want to kiss more.I want to study something new.I want to play more with my daughter.

Scrapping Turtle Fall Reveal

2010-10-18T22:35:00.003-04:00

This month I was so pleased to play with My Mind's Eye's "Haunted" Line. It's a fun, spooky line made with a kraft base, distressed with white and embellished with black flocking.Thanks for peeking!!

It's Rockton time!

2010-10-11T22:46:00.003-04:00

Thanksgiving means counting our blessings for sure, but around here it means it's time for the Rockton World's Fair.
Candy Floss, livestock, country air, giant vegetables...it doesn't get much better.

Things on my mind:

2010-10-03T22:05:00.007-04:00

-Excited to be on the Bella Blvd Blog any time soon!

-Frustrated that I've typed that title three times and published it three times, with out any text below and with a giant typo. Guess I'm tired!!

-Wondering what is going on with my internet service

-Wondering if I have any readers left

-Wishing I had some more time to play with my camera

-Enjoying editing these photos of creepy Jarvis Street Victorian Mansions:

-Happy to watch Sid grow as a ballerina so much in only three weeks

-Wanting to share some newish work I did for the Scrapping Turtle (from the Echo Park's Life is Good line):

-Glad to be back blogging!

a bejewelled princess & some new pages

2010-09-05T00:12:00.008-04:00

The princess finally got her ears pierced after a year of earning "big girl behaviour" points and getting her nerve up. She chose white gold and rubies...fitting for royalty, no? It hurt a bit but less than she thought it would...just like I said.

I totally forgot to post my DT work from the Scrapping Turtle last month...oops. I received the Peacock Lane line from Bo Bunny. It very whimsical and fun with great colours and patterns too.
I'm looking forward to back-to-school next week so I breathe some life back into my old blog here. I just re-did the banner with some awesome *free* graphics from the amazingly inspirational blog: Just Something I Made. If you haven't checked it out yet...go...now!
Thanks for peeking and I hope you're all having an awesome long weekend!

Heritage

2010-08-26T16:55:00.003-04:00

I have tonnes of pages to show you guys but no inclination to blog. Summer does that to me!
I recently got my hands on so me old snapshots of my grandparents. I've been having great fun scanning, cleaning and sharing them. They are circa 1935 up at the family cottage on the Severn river. (My heart aches for the Severn, haven't seen it in almost twenty years).

All About Me Birthday Bash Blog Hop

2010-08-14T03:00:00.003-04:00

Wow, that's about the world's longest blog title!
Anyway, the blog is celebrating it's first birthday with a great crop and some fabulous goodies. The theme is about Birthdays of course.
I've been racking my brain to figure out my favourite birthday memory and well...it's so hard to pick.
One of my favourite memories was when I turned 18. I was really sick with mononucleosis and hadn't been to school for a few months. Needless to say I was pretty down in the dumps. My birthday was on a Wednesday and my parents were taking me out to dinner, after a day of sleeping to store up enough energy to go out. Just me and my parents, as my brother was away at University two hours away. My boyfriend came over and we had gifts with my parents. My parents looked all silly and said my big present was in the garage. I opened the door and there was brother! I was totally surprised! We had such a fun night. Don't laugh too hard at the picture, it was the 90's after all. Here's my phrase. Collect all the words to be eligible for a cool prize on the blog. All the current DT members have them on their blog. If you started here go back to the All About Me Blog to start your hunt! Your next stop on the blog hop is Diana's Blog. Have fun!!

Hello! Remember me?

2010-08-08T22:44:00.003-04:00

Can you tell it's summer? We've been having oodles of fun here. Niagara Falls was awesome, Nana and Poppa's pool rocks and the Toronto Island beckoned. So all that means not much blogging...especially when coupled with a computer meltdown. All is well now so here's a few pages I've been making:
The first is my Sneak Peek from the Scrapping Turtle. This month I received Bo Bunny's Peacock Lane line. It's a very fun, whimsical line. The picture is from our Niagara Falls trip.
The second is layout I did with a picture of an old building on Queen Street West. Pretty much all made from American Craft's Dear Lizzy line.
And last but not least is the latest Challenge from All About Me. This challenge was to do a layout about a favourite birthday memory. I chose getting ready for Sid's party this year as I really enjoyed giving her a special party at home. The DT has been generously sponsored by SRM stickers this month and the site has tonnes of fun going to celebrate it's first birthday.

I've had a couple of awesome opportunities fall in my lap recently but they are still hush-hush, so I can't spill the beans just yet! I hope I can soon.
Thanks for popping by!

M.I.A.

2010-07-19T22:08:00.005-04:00

I've been a bad blogger, having the princess around 24-7 is exhausting! We just had Sid's Pinkalicious spa Birthday party yesterday. Here's a few pics:
Ten giggly girls...phew. It was pretty fun though, we painted nails, did hair with homemade bows, and painted faces. Not sure if Sean's recovered yet.

The fam and I are off to Niagara Falls for few days...I'll be back soon!
In the meantime, here's a layout from the latest Scrapping Turtle Challenge.

Score!!

2010-07-07T23:44:00.006-04:00

I've been looking for one of these babies for ages! I almost bought one of the cute 7 gypsies reproduction trays (and I still might) the other day. Then last Sunday I found this beauty at the St.Lawrence Antique Market. Since this picture was taken I've already added some goodies from my grandmother's sewing basket and some special treasures.

The past week the product of the month was reveal at the Scrapping Turtle. We got to play with 12" die cut paper. The store will cut any patterned paper or cardstock for you in to various shapes, and right now they have a great sale on the service too (man, I wish I lived closer). I received the puzzle cut and made a layout about Sid and her cousin Chas. Click the layout to read the journaling.

Scrapstreet Magazine

2010-07-04T00:20:00.005-04:00

The All About Me Blog has been published! We're in an article at Scrapstreet Magazine. The challenge this time was to scrap our greatest fear. We also got to speak a bit about what we like about the All About Me blog and how it shapes our scrapping. So check it out! And play along with our challenge here.

Banners&Pins

2010-06-28T22:15:00.004-04:00

One of the latest challenges over at Scrapping Turtle board was to use the oh-so-popular banner in a layout. I used some yummy Crate Paper I picked up at Scrapfest and a cute pic of Sid and her buddy dressing up on a playdate. Man we've gotten our money out of these costumes over the years!

A few days ago, I picked up a badge maker for Sid's birthday party (did I mention I'm hosting 8+ girls for two hours. I.HAVE.LOST.MY.MIND!!!)
I, of course, needed to test it out to see if it worked. I love that Sid now has toys I can play with! So I made some cute Hambly buttons for my favourite, but really worn out, purse. Hambly makes anything look good!Come back July 1st...I have a some cool news! See you then and thanks for peeking.

everday idols

2010-06-24T23:10:00.003-04:00

The latest challenge at the All About Me blog was to scrap our idol. Ummm...that was a rough one since I have many. And despite the fact that I live my life like an open book I really didn't feel like scrapping that. Shocking...I know!
So, I put my thinking cap on and had a little epiphany. I don't have one idol. I have thousands. No one is perfect and I treasure something about everyone in my life.
I picked people in my day to day life and narrowed down their best traits to just one (which was really hard!). They are my everyday idols.
Come play with us on the blog, there's an awesome prize this month!

Bella Blvd.

2010-06-16T21:00:00.004-04:00

I love Bella Blvd, especially the Estate Sale line. I bought up a bunch at Scrapfest this past April. So I was thrilled to get some in my Scrapping Turtle DT kit this month. Here's a few layouts I made with it:As you can see it's perfect for my girly girl!!

Two challenges for the price of one.

2010-06-10T09:14:00.003-04:00

I'm falling behind on posting my Turtle challenges. I've got the mother of all colds right now and all I want to do is sleep.
Here's my layout from Heather's challenge from the Turtle DT.
As well, this month our "Product of the Month" at The Scrapping Turtle was Dress it up Buttons. I received some very cute ice cream, pinwheel and flower buttons. I had to wrestle then out of Sid's hands to keep them. (Okay, not really but she wants any "leftovers"). Also they are 15% off this month, just click on the link above to see them. Here's what I made with them:
Thanks for peeking!

Still beaming...

2010-06-06T22:32:00.006-04:00

I'm still feeling oodles of pride about my little girl. She's sooo excited about starting at the National Ballet School this fall. I have to say I'm pretty excited too, even though weekend sleep-ins will be a thing of the past.
It's no secret that dance was my first love and I always wondered what life would have been like if I'd followed that path. (Thirty pounds lighter, I'm guessing!)
Well, I'm doing my best not to project my dreams on to Sid and become a crazy stage mother.
Really. I. Am.

Since she could move she's been a dancer. Even before she could walk she would wiggle her shoulders and hands to the music. She's had a love for music and performing. Here's a video of her doing some ballet moves at the age of three...and yes there's some very silly crazy fat mother in there too. Hope you have a good laugh at my expense!

Next up for your viewing pleasure is her recital last year. Tell me that girl doesn't have presence!
Sorry for the gloating post....I'll be more scrappy next time!

Am I worthy...

2010-06-03T23:51:00.006-04:00

That's the latest challenge up the All About Me Challenge Blog. I made a hybrid-art journal-layout type thingy(I think I just invented a new genre!).
First I took a photo of me, opened it in a 8.5x11" page in Photoshop Elements and covered it up in a transparent red. Then, using digital brushes and erasers I added texture. Can you see me there? After, I added the digital title and printed it out.
I dipped the end of an empty paper towel roll (stolen from my guinea pig...sorry Petal) into Gesso and stamped it all over the page. Next I went to town writing all my past insecurities out and doodled.
There you have it...not sure what I will do with it but it was therapeutic!!

Old buildings and a new Ballerina

2010-06-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was Doors Open in Toronto. It's one of my favourite Toronto festivals. Interesting buildings all over the city throw open there doors for free tours. Over the past few years Sean and I have visited some very cool spots that are normally off limits to the public. This year we went to Sunnyside....or I should say what's left of Sunnyside. It's a beautiful old 1920's bathing Pavillion. My parents remember the original amusement park which was torn down in the 1950's, but I had never been near the site before. It was great fun to photograph and browse the Art show that was on, we even bought a couple photographs from this lovely artist. This man's photographs also blew my mind.
We then visited the Gladstone Hotel and had a lovely walk in the Queen and Ossington neighborhood.
We received some fabulous news this past week; Sidney was accepted into the National Ballet School's associates program. So, it looks like my life as a stage mother has officially begun.
I celebrated by creating a layout with my DT kit from The Scrapping Turtle. This month I was so lucky to receive Bella Blvd's Estate Sale line. Very cute, retro and cool! Thanks for peeking!

lots of pictures

2010-05-31T07:46:00.004-04:00

The last challenge at The Scrapping Turtle was to do a double page layout with loads of pictures on it. I really needed this challenge to get my butt in gear to finish this layout I started about...umm...SIX months ago. It's very minimal but I like that you can really see the photos. I know I did a digi version of this page a while back, but that will never get printed!

More Dt work:

2010-05-29T21:42:00.002-04:00

These two layouts are the last of my projects for the May Design Team work at the Scrapping Turtle. I used Fancy Pants products and loved them. They have the most awesome products, especially rub-ons.
The Easter page is a bit small, I can't get it any bigger(click to see it bigger). I had fun making an accordion flower for it.
I've really been slacking off in regards to blogging but I have a tonne of projects to post so stay tuned!

Join us at the Turtle for....

2010-05-25T12:13:00.001-04:00

First reveal!

2010-05-15T11:52:00.004-04:00

It's reveal day at the Scrapping Turtle, my first reveal on the new DT...whoo hoo! This is one of my projects this month (and it's my favourite!!)
My parents recently moved and I inherited my Gram's sewing machine (a lovely black and gold Singer from the 20s) and her two sewing baskets filled with gorgeous thread spools and buttons.
This Month, I received Fancy Pants paper from the Turtle and it was perfect to show off the buttons and thread in a shadow box.
Thanks for peeking!

My zen man

2010-05-13T20:52:00.002-04:00

I made this layout for Shelley's sketch challenge over at the Scrapping Turtle board. I went for a pretty minimal layout (well, for me anyway) to reflect Sean's zen like attitude.
The boy is my rock. I whirl about with all my craziness and he just hugs me.
He knows me, understands me and for some crazy reason still loves me.

Mom's day

2010-05-09T23:28:00.003-04:00

Happy late-night Mother's day to all those Moms out there.
The highlight of my weekend was sitting in my brother and sister-in-law's lovely kitchen showing my blog to my Mom. She'd never seen it, and didn't even really know what a blog was. It was wonderful to show her all my work and thoughts. Especially this layout I did for her. I read to her, tried not to cry and then we hugged.
Happy Mother's day Mom!

Baby Ballerina

2010-05-06T22:12:00.005-04:00

Sidney went for an audition at the National Ballet School this past weekend. For those who are reading from far off places the school is probably the biggest and most prestigious in Canada. We're not thinking of sending her full time or anything just for a weekly class. Yes, you have to audition for that. She was very excited and not too nervous as we just said it was a practice class to see if she liked it.
The jig was up when we got there as the kids were assigned numbers and she heard the word "audition" spoken a few times. Even so, she did very well, especially for a girl who hasn't had a ballet class in over two years. She had excellent posture, a fabulous point and listened nicely. We find out in four weeks (there was some serious stage-mother competition), but you know, as Sid said " I don't even care if I get in. It was fun to try and I will keep trying until I do."

This week's challenge at the Scrapping Turtle was to use Pinwheels on a card. These are fun and totally addictive to make, here's mine:Also for May's product higlight we got to play with Kiki Art's Fun tape. I picked the zigzag stitches, it a quick way to add a little sewing detail.
LAYOUT REMOVED FOR PUBLICATION...back soon!

And it was a great excuse to finally scrap Sid's school photos! Thanks for peeking!!

Yay!

2010-05-01T23:02:00.003-04:00

I'm so very happy to announce I'm once again part of the Design Team at the Scrapping Turtle.
The Turtle Soup has been a wonderful community for me over the last two years and I'm excited to be designing for them again. This month's product was Fancy Pants Papers. I received the Artist's Memo Book. It's chock full of lovely papers, some girly, some neutral, some very graphic and funky. I really love it all, there's not a bad sheet in the mix. I picked up some coordinating embellies at Scrapfest a couple weeks ago and have had a blast playing with it all. Here's my sneak peek layout:
More to come on the 15th, including an altered piece I'm so excited about!
Thanks for sharing my good news!!!

What's your angle?

2010-04-24T21:44:00.005-04:00

The next challenge at All About Me is up! It's about seeing the world from your angle. How do you see things? I love this challenge, it reminds me of when I was kid and was fascinated how things looked to other people. I remember lying in bed awake wondering if my green was someone else's orange. I so wanted to trade bodies for a day to see the world that they see.
Here's my contribution: Stop by the AAM blog to see the other fabulous creation the DT came up with!
Thanks for peeking!
P.S. I've got some exiting news to share in the next week here's a teaser:

Up close and personal with spring

2010-04-12T21:03:00.004-04:00

I love shooting in macro.
I think it's because most of my pre-scrapping photographic experience was shooting pictures of my jewellery.
However, I really have a tough time shooting macro outdoors. Nothing comes out the way I want it to.Thankfully this past week I had a break through. I realize I usually get embarrassed taking close up photos around strangers and I rush the shot. So, this time I slowed down, relaxed and didn't worry about how crazy I looked. After all, if I saw someone taking a photograph I would think it was cool.
The first two shots are from produce bins in Chinatown. The second is a Magnolia, to which I added a wet plate texture. The last one is water drops that Sidney and I shot after school on Thursday.
All photographs were edited with the Pioneer Woman's actions for Photoshop Elements 5.

Winner!

2010-04-09T19:06:00.003-04:00

Audrey you are the winner!!! Send me your address (to victoriamurray@rogers.com) and I will mail out your tiny pack of pretty goodies Monday!
I love the RAK thing, I may have to do more!

RAK closing tonight

2010-04-09T11:30:00.001-04:00

See below for my wee little RAK and enter if you haven't already.
I'll be drawing a name tonight after 6 p.m. EST
Good luck!

Blog Hop!

2010-04-03T19:39:00.013-04:00

Welcome to my entry for the All About Me blog hop.

If you didn't start from the AAM blog, please go back there for official instructions on how to put your name in the hat for a fabulous prize from Treasury of Memories.

Our challenge this time was to create a page out a personal flaw. If you know me or read this blog on occasion you know I'm a bit a messy. (Click it to see it bigger). The sad thing is this picture is a couple years old and it actually looks worse now. It's a miracle I'm still married.In honour of the blog hop I'm offering my first ever RAK. I've made a few ribbon rosettes and have a pack of pretty coloured sticky pearls to give away. Leave me a comment about a few layouts you've seen on this blog hop and I will draw a winner on the weekend. (US and Canada only ... sorry!)
Now hop on over to Diana's blog for more eye candy!

Join me...

2010-03-29T21:05:00.001-04:00

for the All About Me Challenge Blog's Blog Hop!Stop by here April 7th for some fun and even,possibly, my first ever RAK!

New pretties

2010-03-27T23:37:00.004-04:00

Here's a few projects I've been working on, scrappy and otherwise:The last is a set of tea towels I embroidered fro my oldest(eta: she's not my oldest friend, she's actually younger than me. I've just known her the longest. Hopefully she's happy now) friend Cynthia's birthday. I've known her since we were four...which is a very long time!! She's an awesome friend and is very crafty herself.
Thanks for taking a peek!

Stichin' and picture takin'

2010-03-20T23:50:00.007-04:00

I haven't scrapped much this week due to March Break. It's great not getting up early to rush Sid to school on my days off but all that sleeping in means the girlie is staying up well into crafting time. I didn't book any time off this week since I'll be having a tonne of time off over Easter and Passover. However, we did make good use of our time off. The weather was gorgeous so we spent lots of time outdoors. We had a fabulous day on Dundas and Queen Street West and a lovely picnic with the dollies at the park. Here's a few shots:I did manage to finish and embroidered brooch I started over a month ago. It's my first attempt, please keep that in mind.Can you tell I ran out of purple floss? Ooops.
Thanks for peeking at my ramblings!

Writing about what's hard to talk about

2010-03-18T00:05:00.008-04:00

The All About Me challenge blog has their new challenge up and it's a doozy. The challenge is to use the quote "Giving up doesn't always mean you are weak; sometimes it means that you are strong enough to let go."There was only one thing I could think to explore in layout. It's not something that I talk about a lot here. I'm not even sure how to start....which really bugs me. Depression has such a stigma attached to it, that over six years later I still feel embarrassed.

When Sid was born I spiraled down into a life altering depression. I was plagued with extreme anxiety and very dark feelings. If not for my family and medication I don't know what would have happened. Yet, many people in my daily life had no idea. I was on medication for almost five years. I flourished, no doubt. Life was beautiful again.
Eventually, I wanted to be medication free. The short term memory loss as brutal. (Seriously, who forgets that they shampooed their hair while they are still in the shower?) So, in the summer of 2008 I went off the pills. It was rough, but manageable. I lasted about 11 months, then anxiety seeped back into my life. Almost unnoticeable at first but it quickly gained momentum. I started not sleeping, then crying about not sleeping, then crying about crying. It was time to face facts. Me+Zoloft= Good.
I'm a better Mom, Wife and a better ME.
I know many people who struggle with mental illness everyday and I am TIRED of the stigma! We don't hide physical illnesses, so how do we expect to heal mental illness by covering it up. So here's my layout and you just read my two cents. I hope, maybe, I can open one mind by talking about about mine.

GCD studios lovin'

2010-03-10T09:07:00.005-05:00

A few weeks ago I feverishly put together an application for the design team call at GCD studios after finding their paper at my LSS. (Which was actually a funny story. I was there for distress ink one morning an overheard the the lovely girl who works there mention a new shipment of Hambly had just come in. I practically ambushed her after she got off the phone. You see Hambly is like scrapping crack to me and there is nowhere in downtown Toronto to buy it. So she let me fondle, I mean check out the new shipment before it was on the shelf. I think she thinks I'm a little wacko. So I go through the box, trying to not squeal every five seconds and see there is GCD paper in there too. It's gorgeous and totally my style, so I end up buying more of it than Hambly).
Not so long story short I put together some layouts and a mini book, cross my fingers and send off my application. I didn't get an email on call day and I'm not surprised at all. Hey, it was a good experience just getting it ready right? Then comes yesterday and I'm checking out the blog to see who was chosen. I happen to scan down the posts and see my name at the bottom of the list for the Spotlight gals. Whaa???
I'm all alone and just about to leave to pick up Sid from school. I look over at my guinea pig and yell "Petal! That's me!!!" (My neighbours already think I'm crazy by the way).
So, yeah there's my (exciting to me but probably boring to you) story. Here's the mini book and a layout I made for the call. Thanks for reading this epic!

A weekend in March...

2010-03-08T00:09:00.005-05:00

What a gorgeous weekend it was. Despite the fact that I'm fighting some kind of bug and felt horrible for most of Saturday and Sid had a painful sty we got outside as much as we could. We went for brunch, for a long walk and to the Royal Ontario Museum. Here's a few photos:That last one is so Sidney (she was joking by the way). What a goof.

All about me...

2010-03-04T23:00:00.003-05:00

Well, the All About Me Challenge Blog, that is. The new challenge is up and it's the first one since I joined the Design Team. The theme this time is "My Personality".
I had to brainstorm this a little before creating my layout. As I've written here before I'm not an organized kind of girl. I'm not tidy or frankly ambitious. However, I'm ALWAYS on time. Punctuality is a disease with me. I simply hate being late and even find getting somewhere just on time stressful. I'm so bad Sid often asks when we are getting ready for school and I'm trying to hurry her "Are we late or just "Mommy-late"?"
Yep, she knows me.
Come join us and play along.

Grandmother

2010-03-02T22:25:00.003-05:00

Okay, I'll admit it this layout was supposed to be titled "Grandmother Murray" but I ran out of thickers. Seriously, I need a second job for all the thickers I go through. Anyway this one's a bit of a tear jerker. My grandmother passed away when I was six (same age as Sid is now) and I only have a few memories of her. I literally cried while making this. Both my grandmothers were such great ladies and I so wish I could sit down and have a chat and a couple glasses of wine with them now I'm an adult. I recently did a layout about my other grandmother but I'm not happy with and will re do it soon and share it here. Thanks for taking a peek and click on the layout to see it larger.

New work & a mag

2010-02-26T12:46:00.007-05:00

Inventive title non?
Here's a layout I've been working on. I used packaging to create the acrylic background pieces. I cut them with a Spellbinders die, embossed them with a Cuttlebug embossing folder and then coloured them with alcohol ink.Got my copy of Canadian Scrapbooker today and I was so excited to see this layout in it:

And this one was nice to see too. It has a funny story behind it. Can you read it? It's right under the layout (click to see larger).
Thanks for stopping by!

Trees

2010-02-20T23:20:00.005-05:00

I like photographing trees. Winter, summer, fall or spring. I love their grace, stability and elegance. Here's a few of my recent favourites:1) October 2009-Davenport Road, Toronto. 2) February 2010-Toronto Harbour. 3&4) December 2009-Farmer's field near Norwich Ontario 5) October 2009-in our neighbourhood.
Click on the photo to see it in more detail. Especially #3, it's my favourite.

V-day and some happy-scrappy news

2010-02-14T00:16:00.003-05:00

I love Valentine's Day. Love it. Being married to a chef I don't get to celebrate it much though. Unbelievably, Sean has it off this year. Equally unbelievable is the fact that I'm working. Figures. Oh well, I've been promised a lovely dinner when I get home...yum!
I didn't take any pictures of this years crafty goodness yet since I made them all last minute.
Here's a few projects of years past instead:I received an email last night from Melissa who heads up the All About Me challenge blog asking me to join there design team. Woo hoo! My term starts March 1st. It's a fun scrappy blog, that is very well run and has lots of fun in store, so stay tuned.

Sicky

2010-02-11T14:57:00.005-05:00

Yep, that's me. I've been sidelined with the stomach flu, it hit me right in the middle of my work day yesterday. Nothing says embarrassment like puking in front of your boss!
Oh well, I'm a little better today, just very weak. I had planned on visiting my LSS, Bizzy B's Stamp and Scrap for a little window(or possibly actual) shopping but I'm too darn tired. Boo.
Here's a few new pages. First up is my latest entry for A Year in the Life of an Art Journal. The theme this time was hope.The second is a age I did on Sidney loosing her first tooth.
This page I made from another batch of packaging. I adhered some old book pages with gel medium and covered them in gesso. I then sponged on distress ink over a mask. I used the same ink and perfect pearls on the doilies.
I thought it was pretty cool that it came in on Victoria Day and fell out on my birthday day, since my name is Victoria. She ended up wanting to keep it and left a note for tooth fairy. The Tooth fairy was overstocked in teeth last week it turns out and left her a little cash anyway!
Thanks for taking a peek, have a great day.

Scrappy Sunday

2010-02-07T12:51:00.005-05:00

It's a bright sunny COLD Sunday here in Toronto. The royal family is about to head out for brunch but I wanted to share a layout and a photo too. Here's a recent layout, made with the backing of my Basic Grey paper pack. There seems to be a city wide shortage of Kraft cardstock around these parts, so I had to improvise. I had a lovely birthday this past Friday after working a killer 55 hour work week. My sister in law Kym and my brother Chuck made a lovely mini Taco Birthday Fiesta for me. It was super fun!
I scored big time in the craft department. Chuck, Kym and Chas bought me The Martha Stewart Encyclopedia of Crafts . Sean treated me to a shopping spree at Micheal's. I was very good though, I really wanted the Slice,but it was way too expensive...sigh.
Thanks for stopping by! Here's a peek at the festivities:

Well...

2010-02-01T23:31:00.006-05:00

I'm pleasantly surprised to find out I was asked to be a guest designer on the "All About Me" challenge blog and received an Honourable Mention from Nikki's Sivil's Design Team call. Yeah, I didn't make the team but I didn't really think I would especially since I somehow left out half my application info...duh!
This is the layout I did for the Blog DT call. The picture I took as a joke when Sean was making fun of me, but I kind of like it.

Gift

2010-01-30T22:10:00.003-05:00

This is my latest embroidery project. Surprise it's another tea towel...I really need a Micheal's run! I'm very pleased how this sweet little kitty turned out.
This little gal is a birthday gift my wonderful mother in law, who by the way reads this blog sometimes. (Hi Judy, please forget you saw this!!) I love giving her stuff I make because she actually appreciates it. She also loves cats so when I saw this pattern I immediately thought of her. I'm planning on making a few more with similar patterns to complete the set. She's fostering a whole mess of abandoned kitties right now. So, if you live in Southwestern Ontario and are looking for a kitty leave me a comment and I can hook you up!

I've been scrapping up a storm lately but don't have anything to share just yet. Most of it's half finished or not photographed or top-secret!
Next week I'm working a million and half hours so I won't be around much to play...sigh. Also, on Friday I officially become middle aged...yikes!

Art therapy

2010-01-23T23:59:00.002-05:00

Well that title is a bit of a misnomer. I'm not an artist. Just a slightly crazy chick who likes to make stuff... a lot.
I recently started playing along with A Year in the Life of an Art Journal after discovering it in on Glenda Tkalac's blog. I've never done any art journaling before but have wanted to for a long time. It's very freeing to create something just for me. And I'll never turn down free therapy either!
The first prompt was about what is holding us back in our art. I carried the idea a bit further to encompass how I tend to talk myself out of taking any risks in life. Here's my first attempt at Art Journaling:
I'm not giving up the day job just yet.

Winter photos

2010-01-17T21:42:00.004-05:00

Yesterday Sid had a playdate at a friend's house so I found myself with a little, unexpected free time and a new bouquet of tulips. The light was lovely...for January so I fooled around with my camera a little. Yes, the dial actually was not set on AUTO or PORTRAIT for a change. Here's the result:

Thud!

2010-01-06T22:13:00.006-05:00

That was the sound of my mother falling over in shock.
Yes, the girl who literally sewed her thumb to her pencil case project in grade seven has taken up stitchin'.
I've been embroidering on my layouts for sometime but it took Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching to really get me hooked on giving fabric a try (pun intended....sorry).
Here's my first official project (well my first real project looks like Sid did it in her spare time during kindergarten, so this is the first one I'll show publicly).

This a cheap tea towel and it desperately needs ironing but I like it. It's going to be a blanket for Sid's doll once I french knot some more sprinkles on the cupcakes.
In more scrappy related news I did my first two layouts of 2010. Both were for the new Page Maps call at Scrapbook and Cards today magazine. I did one paper and one digi. It's been a very long time since I used photoshop to scrap and it felt great. I much prefer the digi layout and it took a quarter of the time. Of course it's only existence will be on my computer if I never get around to having it printed.

Top ten of 2009 (picture heavy post...sorry)

2010-01-03T13:05:00.006-05:00

Many scrappy bloggers are posting their top ten layouts of the last year. I just went through my layout photos and it was pretty interesting.
- In 2009, I barely did any digi-scrapping, which used to be my number one hobby.
- In 2009, I started many layouts but did not finish them.
- In 2009, I didn't photograph many layouts.
- My absolute favourite layout I can't share as it got picked up by Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine.
So with out further delay, here's my top ten picks for 2009: (click on any photo to see it larger)

New decade...rambling post of refections

2009-12-31T17:33:00.003-05:00

Geez, it's 2010 already. 2000 was a minute and a half ago.
Ten years ago:
- I was 26-27. It was one of the best years of my life.
- I was a newlywed.
- I opened my own jewellery studio in a creepy old building.
- I came, smoked (not cigarettes), drank and went as I pleased.
- I became comfortable with myself.
It was a good year and a damn good decade.

Many things shaped the last ten years but nothing as earth shatteringly, shaken to the core important as the princess herself; Miss Sid.
The last six years define this decade for me (and Sean, I'm guessing).
I remember being on the Ossington bus , five months pregnant and having a total panic attack that I would lose myself after Sid was born. I was freaked that I would not be the same person or see things the same way after she came.
That fear was justified. I lost myself for better and worse. We all remember the worse, so I won't dwell on that. As for the better, it's a total cliche but I'm a better person because of her. Kids have a habit of letting you see what is important and what is crap.
That being said, I'm not perfect, far from it. I have a long, long, loooooong way to go. However, I have an excellent guide in my picky princess.

So here is my status for this New Year's eve:
- I am a Mom.
- I have a challenging job I enjoy.
- I don't make jewellery anymore (for now) but I still create every chance I get.
- I love my little family more than I can say.
- I own a rockin' rodent (lol).
- I'm still comfortable with who I am, although I need to work on the shyness/lack of confidence thing I've got going on.

So. Happy New Decade. Thanks for being part of the last one.

Starlight, star bright...

2009-11-26T23:30:00.004-05:00

Sid had a her stage debut last night. She was selected from the audience at the Elgin theatre to go on stage during the production of Robin Hood. Can you guess what bad Momma and even worse scrapper didn't bring her camera? I'll be kicking myself for years!!!!!!!!!
Anyway it was a fabulous, very funny show. There's a little something in it for everyone so go see it if you get a chance. Just sitting in the beautiful, haunted Elgin theatre is worth the price of admission.
Here's another layout from a few weeks past.:
It chronicles our little bee visitor from the past few summers. This layout has lots of layers and dimension (aka pop-dots), but it really doesn't show in the photo.
Thanks for taking a peek!

I think I used to have a blog....

2009-11-21T18:19:00.005-05:00

Well that was a world record for not blogging! I've been going back and forth in my mind if I'm going to continue. Life has zapped all my energy these days. All of it has gone to arguing with a certain princess.
In the meantime here's a few layout I've done lately. I really love them, if I do say so myself! I recently pick up Basic Grey's "Nook and Pantry" pack and it it yummy.
I've got a few more layouts to share but can't find them on the computer so I may be back later.
Ooo! I've even started a new hobby. Well, I've bot the supplies that is. I'll share when I actually make something.
Thanks for stopping by!

Long time no post

2009-10-24T12:28:00.002-04:00

I'm just not into blogging lately. Life has been pulling me in every direction and I'm pooped! I have been scrapping though! The reveal at the Turtle went up on 15th here's smattering of my efforts:

A seasonal canvas...

2009-10-06T21:17:00.003-04:00

The Scrapping Turtle does a product highlight each month and this month we got to play with Tim Holtz Distress Crackle paint...yum! I'm a bit of a Tim Holtz junkie lately so I was excited to try it out since I haven't tried it before.
I used "Peeled Paint" crackle paint, lots of distress inks (Mustard Seed, Fired Brick and Vintage Photo) on the background, Grungeboard letters and distress stickles. Also some American crafts rub-ons and stamps.
I want to do one for every season now!
You can check out the rest of the DT's work here and Tim Holtz's awesome demo here.
Thanks for peeking!

A new season...

2009-10-03T00:23:00.004-04:00

Fall is always a season of change for me. This year is no exception. Sid's starting grade one has changed the routine of our daily lives immensely.
My scrappy life (OK, is it really sad to call my hobby that? Yeah...probably) is ready for a change too. I've decided to not re-apply to the Butterfly Crafts DT. I've had a great nine month run and loved my time there but feel I need a change. I've been on a design team of some sort for for the the past 18 months. So, I decided to take a break and just scrap for me. Then (literally that same week), I got an email form the Scrapping Turtle asking me to be the guest designer for October. Of course I said yes. How could I not? I love the community there and the great ladies I've met there and well, they have awesome stuff too!!!
My not-so-little kit came this week and it chalk full of scrappy goodness. I received Dream Street's "Merry & Bright" line with papers, rubons, chipboard, felt, ribbon, brads and lot of other goodies.
Here's my first page: I'll post more in the coming weeks. Thanks for peeking!

Some new work...

2009-09-28T10:07:00.004-04:00

Not much to report today so here's some things I've been working on.
First two are made with some Jillibeansoup goodness. The card is actually painted with watercolours.
The next is a card I did for my brother's birthday. I used glimmer mist, distress inks a plenty and some Tim Holtz masks.

Then we have a card that was custom made for a co-workers special birthday. I love making cards for the girls at work...they pay me in coffee...mmmm....coffee. I digress.

Finally here's a fun layout I did the other night.
Lots of doodling, spray ink, Sassafras, Prima, thickers. I coloured the button with alcohol ink and then added stickles.
Thanks for looking!!

The Bee

2009-09-24T20:57:00.004-04:00

Meet our bee. I say "our bee" because he likes to sit on our balcony. Right on the corner, looking out, quietly surveying his kingdom (or bee-dom).
He comes most days in the summer and has been coming for a few summers now. At least, I think it's the same bee. He always does exactly the same thing. If we are out on the balcony then he literally turns around in midair and flies away. He generally returns in a few minutes. He never bugs us (pardon the pun) and Sid loves to watch him.
I got this shot from our balcony door when the glass was out being replaced.
I love this shot.
P.S. Click on the picture to see him up close...he's fuzzy.

Bad to worse....

2009-09-18T23:39:00.003-04:00

Ugh, what a week.
That's all I will say about that.

On to brighter things!!!
Here's my last challenge for Butterfly Crafts! Check it out here.
Scrap a summer tradition. I did a mini album of our mini vacation this summer (fitting, non?)
It makes great bedtime reading for Sid. So come play with us!!

A crafty weekend

2009-09-15T09:19:00.004-04:00

The princess and I ( the king was busy as he's a chef and it's the Toronto International Film Festival right now, so he's working like dog... poor guy) enjoyed a nice quiet weekend at home, complete with crafts.
Here's a few:
A layout:

Some flower barrettes (made from left over scrap supplies and my glue gun):

And cute pumpkin lanterns (which are not quite finished). I saw the tutorial on this awesome blog I just discovered. Check it out here, she has wicked projects for adults and kids:

Hope you had a lovely weekend too!!

This week

2009-09-11T22:44:00.006-04:00

I've aged about five years.
Sid started grade one. For the most part it's been great. The one and only problem: lunchtime. We live close enough to her school to walk but it takes her about 20 minutes. Couple that with only an hour for lunch and a sleepy Dad who works late as a chef (not to mention a Mom who works part time and would like to get back in the jewellery studio soon) and you see why we'd like her to stay for lunches. I have to say the school program is pretty awful. I don't blame her one bit, especially since most of her friends either go home for lunch or are in other classes.
After crying and a trip to McDonalds for lunch, I bribed her with getting her ears pierced and she found a lunch buddy...phew. Let's hope next week is better.
Here's some pics of the first day:

Heart on my sleeve

2009-09-03T23:06:00.003-04:00

Well I wasn't going to post this but I figured what the heck...I worked too hard to not show these beauties off!
I just (as in at 7 a.m. this morning) finished my application for the Tattered Angels Design team call. You might know them better as the manufacturer of Glimmer Mist.
When the call came out I was sooo excited. However, the more I saw other applicant's work on the net the more my heart sank. Then, it hit me, I didn't really care if I got picked or not...honestly. I had a lot of fun (and frustration) making my layouts. I think I learned a lot about new techniques and really got into the joy of experimentation again.
So here's a few to take a peek at:

Kinda cool...

2009-08-26T13:59:00.003-04:00

A few months ago I sent in a layout to Canadian Scrapbooker, not quite sure what issue it was for. Then yesterday this came in the mail. Not only did they use my layout, they did my demo too. (It's a little different but close enough....I used quickutz).
Here's the page and the issue. I'm such a geek, this makes feel giddy.

Vacation

2009-08-17T22:22:00.003-04:00

Vacation was wonderful, stressful, exciting, frustrating, goofy and above else...FUN! We went to Niagara Falls for a few days and then did some day trips from home. Here's way too many pictures:

Besties

2009-08-15T22:55:00.008-04:00

I'm very lucky to have many wonderful girl friends in my life. So. I decided to make the next challenge at Butterfly Crafts all about best friends. I did my layout about three special women in my life:

The journaling reads:
Cynthia, Kate and Emilie are three very different girls. They are all unique and true friends. Each is generous, thoughtful and kind. I realized I met them at various milestones in my life. Cynth at the beginning of school, Em at the start of high school and Kate on my first day of University.
I feel very lucky to have these girls in my life and I hope to be as good as a friend to them as they are to me.
Thanks ladies.