Get It Scrapped!

February and March Crops Planned!

2011-01-03T14:57:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone,

See the links below for more information regarding my planned February and March crops. I am offering a special right now if you sign up for both crops. Save $5 and pay only $45 for both crops if you have signed up and paid for both crops by January 25th! Sorry, there are no discounts on single crop sign ups at this time.

I hope that you will be able to join us!

March 12th 2011 Crop

February Crop Flyer

2011-01-03T14:56:00.002-05:00

February 2011 Crop Flyer

Halloween Card Workshop

2010-09-28T13:29:00.002-04:00

Halloween Card Workshop
October 8, 2010
6:30-9:30
NIA Insurance Building, downstairs
4927 Southwestern Blvd.

We will make 2 different cards, 3 of each.

All supplies to make the cards and an envelope each are included.

We will also make 2 super cute different Halloween favors.

Some supplies needed to make additional favors will be available to purchase that evening.

All orders placed that evening will receive free shipping and will be ordered the next morning, 10-9, so that you will have your items in plenty of time to create for Halloween!

The cost for the evening is $15. Please bring your adhesive tape runner and small scissors. I will have some extra, however you might have to share depending on attendance.

You do not need to have experience to come out and make cards with us on the 8th. So if you have never tried making cards and have wanted to, or if you just like making goodies for Halloween, please join us. Let me know if you are brand new to this hobby and I will pay extra special attention to your success.

Anyone that registers with payment by October 3rd will be entered in a drawing to win a color stamp pad of their choice.

Please register by sending me your name, address, phone number and email along with your payment to;

Joanne Berg

2183 Shadbush Way

Lake View, NY 14085

Questions? Please connect with me at 627-4826 or jberg30@roadrunner.com.

Hope that you will join us!

A Little Too Much

2010-09-04T09:35:00.004-04:00

So what did you do last weekend? If you attended the Stamp, Scrap, Art Tour at the Erie County Fair Grounds, then you will know exactly what you are looking at. I went on Saturday, just for a little while, so that I could get a new idea or two and maybe add a new goodie to my already oversized collection. Little did I know that the Universe had decided I would be the winner of the Saturday drawing. $5 and 6 tickets later, a half a dozen phone calls from friends congratulation me, and 2 baskets FULL of new scrapbooking and stamping items. The question now? What will I do with all of it!

Stampin Up Color Changes

2010-05-27T15:34:00.004-04:00

If you haven't talked to me about Stampin Up in a while, then you might not know about color changes that are happening as we say farewell to the current idea book and welcome in the new idea book.

I am telling you now only because many of the colors are beginning to show up on back order lists for cardstock and re-inkers, and there are a couple that are already no longer available. I do not want you to miss the chance to stock up on your favorites.

Click here for more specific details about what colors are leaving and the changes beginning July 1st;

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

It's Just Beachy Scrapbook Crop

2010-05-17T12:10:00.010-04:00

Hello everyone,

This is a reminder, or a news update for those that had not heard yet...

I am hosting another scrapbook crop on June 12th from 12-8pm.

I have included the information below. Please register as soon as possible as spring keeps me busier than the winter and I need to make plans for meals, etc. accordingly.

I hope that you can join us!

Joanne

Spring Cleaning the Craft Room

2010-03-22T14:04:00.004-04:00

I am cleaning up again in the craft room. So I have more stamp sets that are ready for a new home. I have them listed as they are shown from left to right in the pictures. Some of the prices are higher than others. That is because of how new/current the set is. For example, Circle Circus is offered in the current catalog, so the sale price is a little bit higher than the others. Let me know if there is anything that you would like. Anything not sold by Wednesday afternoon will be listed on ebay. Have a great day!

Merci, $6
Polka Dot Punches, $6
Polka Dots and Paisley, $6
Noteworthy, $6
Sparkly and Bright, $12...new, sold for $17.95 in the book
God's Beauty, $6
Lots of Thoughts, $6
Seeing Spots, $6
Holiday Best, $7 current host set, Level 1
Circle Circus, $20...new, sold for $28.95 in the book

Asian Artistry, $14, current host set, Level 2
Word Search, background, $6
Geometric, background, $6
Polka Dots and Petals, $5
Good Times$5
Friendship Blooms, $5
Stippled Celebrations, $8
Beyond the Basics, $4
Riveting, $5
Yummy, $5
Sweet Centers, $15, new...sold in Fall mini catalog
All About Occasions, $4
Alphadot Numbers, $4
Fresh Fillers, $4
Twick or Tweet, $14, new...sold in Fall mini catalog
Alphadots, $10

Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for looking!

More Storage Potential

2010-03-14T20:30:00.003-04:00

I cannot get enough of these cases from Stampin Up. I purchased some cling back mounting foam for my blocked rubber stamps. I unmounted the wood mounted rubber stamps that I decided to keep. Then I stored them in the new cases. All I have to finish now is scanning the front of the blocks so that I can store the images in the case covers. I have included a picture so that you can see just how much of a difference this is making to my storage area.

Just Think of My New Storing Potential!!

2010-02-10T19:19:00.010-05:00

The proof is in the picture! With the new edition of these clear mount stamp sets from Stampin Up, I have had the chance to think about the future of my craft rooms storage issue. I have continued to love my wood mount stamps, but NOT the space they require to store.

Both of the baskets in this picture are close to the same size. The one on the left is actually a bit smaller due to the angel of the basket sides. So on the left, there are 13 of the new clear mount sets, and on the right, there are 8 of the normal wood mount sets. There is also room for two more clear mount sets in the basket on the left. (I know because my sister ordered two and they fit just right...I should also mention I was tempted to keep them there because they were not part of my collection yet, JUST KIDDING LISA!)

For those of you that are worried about the image that you get with the new stamps, I have noticed no negative differences. Please feel free to ask me questions or arrange a time to get together with me so that you can try them.

Right now is the PERFECT time to "collect" these new stamp sets. Stampin Up is currently running its Sale-a-bration promotion. That means when you purchase $50 of merchandise, you can choose one of the other new clear mount sets in the Sale-a-bration flyer for free! Don't miss out.

Contact me to find out about how you can host a demonstration and earn FREE stamps and supplies!

Sale-a-bration!!

2010-02-08T18:15:00.005-05:00

Have you heard that Stampin Up's Sale-a-bration is happening right now? When you spend $50 you can choose from the stamp sets in the flyer, or this year, there is a selection on the back page of that flyer. (Email me and I will send you an attachment that allows you to see the choices.) There is also a paper stack and one of the new edge punches for you to choose from.

The new clear mount stamps are awesome! If you have not seen how they work, just get in touch with me and I will explain or find a way to get in touch and show you.

Another way to get Sale-a-bration sets is to host a demonstration. You have until the end of March, and I would love to help you host a demonstration, and try some of the new stamp sets while making new pretty cards with your friends.

Want more information? Respond to this post, or email me at jberg30@roadrunner.com.

Don't miss out, the sale ends March 31st.

Joanne

2010-02-02T18:57:00.003-05:00

March Crop

When: Saturday, March 13, 2010 from 12pm-8pm
Where: Wayside Presbyterian Church
5017 Lake Shore Rd, Hamburg, NY 14075
Contact: Joanne Berg, jberg30@roadrunner.com, 627-4826
http://www.joanneberg.stampinup.net/

Includes:
8 hours of scrapbooking or paper crafting
Thank you gift
Door prizes.
Light snacks and soft drinks
Dinner; Assorted subs, salad and dessert
Sale and Swap table. This is an opportunity for you to resell or swap excess paper craft supplies. You will be responsible for all transactions. Wayside and Joanne Berg are not responsible for lost, stolen or broken items!! Contact me for more information.

Cuttlebug and Sizzix Sizzlet
Machines and die cuts will be available for your use.
Cost $25
**Make Check or Money Order Payable to:
Joanne Berg
2183 Shadbush Way
Lake View, NY 14085

PLEASE REGISTER BY 3/2/10 SO THAT I CAN HAVE AN ACCURATE COUNT OF WHO WILL BE ATTENDING!! THANKS!!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Registration

Name: _______________________________________

Phone: ______________________________________
Address: _____________________________________
Email Address: _________________________________

Cropped Before? _______

**Returned Checks will incur a $30.00 fee*

Crafting in January!

2010-01-18T17:10:00.005-05:00

Hello Everyone, well, I mean everyone that might stop in to read anyways,

It is winter, one of my favorite times to cozy up with my hobby and get something done. So I have provided pictures of a few of the things that I have created for you to see.

This past weekend, I attended a nine hour scrapbook crop. Nine hours sounds like so much time, and that is the number of pages that I accomplished, 9!

Some of the pages that I finished were from Kalob's 4th birthday. Isn't that exciting. I think so, until I remind myself that Kalob's 11th birthday was the day before this crop!

The other picture that I have included is a cute little Thank you card that I created with a friend last week. It uses one of my new favorite stamp sets from the current Stampin Up mini catalog, With All My Heart. For those of you that have your doubts about the new clear option, please note that these stamps are not completely clear like the acrylics that you might be used to using. They are the rubber backed with foam, only without the large wood block. They are clear block mount! So you can use the same blocks that you have been using with your acrylics, although Stampin up has some really cool new blocks for sale too!

Reminder, I have a Winter Workshop coming up this Saturday from 1-4pm. Check out my Stampin Up site or email me for more information. The space for this is limited!

I hope to be posting information about a March crop very soon! Please watch for an email or check back here for a date and details. Enjoy your week, and get out those scrapbooking supplies and get something done this winter.

Stampin Up Sets for Sale!

2010-01-11T15:00:00.006-05:00

Stampin Up Stamp Sets for Sale!

Hello crafty friends, it is the New Year and I am parting with some of my older sets.
All of these sets have been well loved, and a few of them, BARELY USED!!
So take advantage of these crazy low prices, first come first served.
Please call or email me with any questions.
FYI: I will work with you to get them to you, but I want to be done with them by the beginning of next week!!
627-4826 or jberg30@roadrunner.com

Sweet and Simple, $5.00, Sold!
Occasionally, $5.00
Flowers and Friends, $5.00, Sold!
Quick and Cute, $5.00, Sold!
Polka Dot Party, $5.00, Sold!
Framed Fun, $5.00, Sold!
Flaky Friends, $5.00, Sold!
Letter Prints, $5.00
Mini Messages, $4.00
Loving Hearts, $4.00, Sold!
Birthday Whimsy, $4.00
Heart Talk, $4.00, Sold!
Alphabet Soup, $4.00, Sold!
Best Blossoms, $4.00
Lexicon of Love, $4.00
Bold Greetings, $3.00, Sold!
Delightful Doodles, $3.00
Burst into Bloom, $3.00
Borders Mini, $3.00
Made from Scratch, $3.00
Very Merry, $3.00
Say it Simply, $3.00, Sold!

Sets are listed from Right to Left and Top to Bottom. Please note that the Bold Greeting set has been well loved and is stained.

My Newest Organizational Addition

2009-08-26T13:08:00.007-04:00

They are finished! Check them out. You never know what a trip to the clearance section will get you to accomplish. The pen cans on the wall were actually unfinished and by one of my favorite companies. The little cans were easy to unscrew off the wood back and then with some of the paper in my collection, a little white acrylic paint, and of course some Mod Podge, they were ready. I love them, but more importantly, I love being able to see my gel pen and painty pen collections!!

It's Their Fault...They Know I Am A Collector!!!

2009-07-27T11:47:00.006-04:00

No Really, it is all their fault. Companies like ekSuccess, one of my favorites so I have to mention them first, Ranger Ink, Provo Craft, Sizzix, aka Ellison, Stampin Up, and really, as I look around I could spend all day listing them. Anyhow, they all have me, yes me and you if you are like me, in mind when they get creative and come out with something new.

So the picture that I am sharing today is of something new. The challenge for me, and please feel free to laugh when you read this because you know it is SO true about me, is to collect the set of what they have come out with. Yes that's right. I don't believe that it is one item all alone out there in a universe of different things that I can buy. I believe, someone call a therapist now, that these items are a family, and therefore I must have them all to use together, and they should not be separated. Are you laughing?

So what are these? Well, of course while the picture is not the best, you can tell that they are Halloween items. Everyone needs to purchase Halloween items in July because you won't find things in the fall when you are supposed to be able to buy them. I also have convinced myself that since all it does is rain these days, I can certainly think about and shop for whatever season I would like.

So, ekSuccess has done it again. These are some of their newest hot off the presses punches. They are slimline and so they are "Slimmer" and they lock for great storage. When they first released them, they were available in cool new border patterns, and some medium, but now as you will see they have larger ones, towards the back of the picture, and little ones. They are nice to hold and punch with. Different that some of the things that we are used to using on our projects. Companies like eksuccess are working to make things smarter, not harder to use.

So enjoy my picture, and if you want to know more about these punches, I would be glad to give you more information about how they work. In the mean time, there is this cool You Tube that you can check out, listed below.

FYI, for all of you that are just cannot wait to ask me if this is the entire set...NO, there is a bats border punch, not in Halloween packaging, at least not so far, and there is another set of the small punches that has a jack o lantern face and a small ghost.

Yippee! My Crack Ink Has New Skinny Relatives!!

2009-06-18T14:31:00.013-04:00

In an older post, I had shown off my crack ink...well here is their skinny relative that now lives at my house too! The colors are so much fun with the little ink pads, that I just had to have the matching markers to craft with. They are so much fun, and oh the colors! With names like Lulu Lavender, Lady Bug and Grape Jelly, I just cannot wait to craft with them again.

There is only one question that I still have to answer about my collection of crafting products, why do I feel the need to own things in sets? For instance, the new Stampin Up ink pads will soon be available, 6 new awesome colors, and to have just one of the six, or even two, just wouldn't be enough:-)

Want a sneak peek of those colors? First, think Candy Land, yes like the game, then check out the following.

Trust me, if you are having doubts, the scan does not do the colors full justice. The colors from left to right are; Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo, and Dusty Durango. I know you are thinking that you must have them too. They will be available for you to purchase very soon!! Check out my website to keep up to date or sign up for notices, http://www.joanneberg.stampinup.net/.

Creating Keepsakes Convention Memories

2009-06-11T09:51:00.010-04:00

The Buffalo 6

While I only knew one familiar face as a fellow convention goer, I didn't know any of these women before standing in the line with them for 45 minutes. We used that time to plan out just what we would shop for and how we would work as a team to get the first shopper deals when we got upstairs. It went from casual shopping to frantic planning. It was almost like black Friday! With only moments to spare, we snapped this photo to keep a memory of the Buffalo 6.

Chris, Wendy and Carrie are busy at work finishing projects from Day 1.

No one here minds pausing and posing! Look at my scrapbooking friends!!

It's all about our stuff. We are collectors as much as we are hobbyists! As you can see in these pictures, we live for all of the great supplies that help us craft better!

Thanks Terri! She held up a project, so now everyone can know that yes we really do get work done on our hobby, and no, not all of our discussion is about WWJD! Did everyone autograph Cindy's book?

So this has been just an update. Thank God for things like Creating Keepsakes Conventions to bring us all together. I am thankful for all of my Scrapping Friends, and I cannot wait until next year, although if I don't start using my collection...

The Make Over is Complete!

2009-03-06T14:41:00.010-05:00

Just a few before and after photos to show off all the hard work that I put into this room. I want you to know that the hardest part of this project for me was making a bigger mess before being able to experience the end result!

The inspiration came from a birthday card last year. Shawn's Aunt Yvonne sent me a computer printed Holly Hobbie card for my birthday. I was so excited about the card. I love Holly Hobbie when I was little, so it brought back fond memories.

I decided then that if I ever did anything with my craft room, I would make it a place that incorportated the colors, blues, greens, some brown maybe, and this is the result. I love the paint color. When the sun shines into this room, it is very relaxing.

So now what? Well in the picture with the desk, you can see two large blue bins. They hold all of my projects and kits. And the other picture of the wall with the window displays all of the albums that have been a work in progress that need to be completed. So there is plenty to do.

I would like to thank Target. Crazy I know, but those stackable cubes are called "Itso" cubes. They are sold at target and that is also where you can get all of the bins and trays and shelves, etc for inside of them. The best part for all scrapbook enthusiats that need storage, they are big enough to store 12 by 12 sized papers, albums, etc.

Thanks for looking!

Mind Block

2009-02-03T14:14:00.013-05:00

Well, I decided to post what I am not getting accomplished. This morning when I woke, I knew that I was still tired, but my brain is really fried when I cannot do anything with simple black and white.

It started this weekend. I have been a little on the cabin fever side, wanting to do anything that makes me feel like I am not stuck in this box, the house, where there are so many things waiting for me to get moving. First, I finally went back and experienced Stephenie Meyers Midnight Sun on line. I had been meaning to finish it, but felt too selfish stealing time enough for 264 pages. It was worth it, and I am left feeling aggravated because someone leaked the story, allowing me to read that much online, but bothering her enough to put it on hold. I promise to buy the book when she finishes it someday. I hope that will make up for part of that persons lapse in judgement.

Anyhow, then I decided I would go down and look for a specific picture from my past. OK, I did not find that, but anyone related to me should be concerned with what I found. I could have some real fun scrapping what I found. In the little baggie of pictures of my life before family, I found the pictures that I have posted today.

The first one shows a close up. The picture at the bottom was of me at the Eastman Theater in one of the rooms we used to warm up and get dressed. For this reason, at some point in my past I decided to cut all of the picture around me out of the picture. But the memory is awesome! I was in high school and this was an All County Choir event. Meeting new people and getting together for a small period of time to produce one of the most magical musical sounds I can remember! (I know, I know, enough already.) But I loved dressing up, the glamour, and I loved this dress. Formal black always makes us look great, well almost always.

The other picture is from one of those photo booths. I was at a local amusement park with my family and this is the result. How vain, just had to have a picture of myself. My hair looks cute, but I must confess, it took a lot of hairspray to produce and keep that look while going on water slides and rides!!

So now, what to do, simple black and whites and totally stuck. I am thinking about scanning the pictures in and making them larger. They might be more fun to play with that way. I promise to post my result when there is one.

My thought about scrapbooking for the day is, don't wait, scrap random pictures, it will motivate you to try new techniques and break away from just trying to complete that one project that you have been working on forever.

New SEI for February!

2009-01-22T16:32:00.004-05:00

Well, it isn't the best picture, but what a treat this will be to get in the mail. Now, the goal is to not just toss it in the pile of things that I need to do someday, but to take some pictures between now and the beginning of February that I can use this paper for as soon as possible. Oh how pretty. Maybe it is the tea cup in the picture that does it for me :-)

If you are into a kit here and there, SEI is a great choice. The mega kit is every other month, but if you do not need or want the kit, you are sent an email and you can opt out for that selection.

I signed up at the Creating Keepsakes convention, just because you got this cute little pink bag with black straps!

Well, off to be with the kids. More posts soon.

Don't Crop It!

2009-01-20T20:42:00.008-05:00

I am still working on the little fall book, more pictures soon, I promise, but I was looking at this picture today and thought that I would share. I have decided, after looking at it amazed that you can see everyone's faces and that it is a pretty decent photo of the 6 of us, that I just cannot crop the life around us out of the photo.

So this is my simple lesson for the day; don't be in a hurry to crop your picture. when you cut around the people in the picture you ruin the moment that you were in when it was taken. When I look at this picture, I am reminded that Sarge was a puppy at our house and it was his first Christmas. The I see the things on the refrigerator that the kids work so hard to leave me. I love the way that I can see the advent wreath on the table, something that was important to all of us this season.

So don't be so quick to make your pictures look so perfect by cropping everything around the focus out. Remember, pictures tell the story of what we were experiencing at the time, without the details, they become less of a memory.

I will post the page when I scrapbook this photo!

Oh SOOOO Cold!

2009-01-19T15:28:00.012-05:00

I am starting over! There is no excuse for not blogging, I was just so busy having fun. Now I am just cold, so I will sit indoors more often and get back to it.

When I last blogged, I was working on weight and pictures of progress. I still have been, I have just been enjoying other activities in a little bit more.

So I have decided, since I have been working on all of these other simple projects, to change my blog name. My new name is "Get it Scrapped." It will be fun to post my project accomplishments, as well as new ideas when it comes to scrapbooking and organizing all of those things that keep us from getting our work done.

So my first project of 2009 is this little book of pictures that my mother and sister took of my children. It was fall and the kids were visiting for the weekend. I have wanted to do something with those pictures that was more than just a page. If you know anything about me, then you will know that I am all about little books of pictures that can be displayed on a table or the mantle. I have attached a picture of just a little bit of the progress that I have made. This book was a dollar store find that sat in my collection of items for a while before I found this purpose for it. Enjoy the picture and now that I know you will be looking for a big finish from me, I will get back to work!

Oh, and I also have attached a picture of a little guy that is a BIG reason for me not blogging! I will probably post more pictures of him than the kids!!

COOL KIDS

2008-05-19T18:34:00.001-04:00

Try JibJab Sendables!

NO! My fingers are not broken!!!

2008-05-08T13:29:00.002-04:00

Husbands new job(S) schedule, life changes, floor, door and vacuum estimates/ installs, volunteering at the school, painting, Girl Scouts, new furniture, High School Musical.....

Ok with those reasons out of the way it is time to move on and get blogging again. With the CK Convention only 3 weeks away, it is time to get back into that little room that I call my own and spend some MUCH needed time on projects.

So, while I didn't get to bloggin, I was still working on my scrap it off challenge...were you? I have an end of April picture, but I am having camera issues. See, I went to see High School Musical with my daughter last Saturday, and I took pictures, but as I snapped away, my camera decided to tell me that it was full. You see, I had not put the card in it, it was home in the laptop! No big deal I thought, but now, the pictures on the camera don't want to come out of the camera, and where is that manual that I got with it some 5 years ago now? SUNDAY IS MOTHER'S DAY. COULD THERE BE A CAMERA IN MY FUTURE?

So we need a new challenge. Oh yeah, I almost forgot... a friend of mine has wanted to go to Weight Watchers meetings. I have thought about it in the past, but never wanted to do it on my own. Guess what? I have been going. First week, weight gain! No I am not kidding. It was only .8 but that was a devastating blow that lead me to purchase a digital scale the same day!! So it was only water retention, because a day later and bam, the scale said different. It can be harder to make sure that I eat the points, than not eat the points, but with the right food around, going to a meeting is an encouraging way to be accountable for what you are consuming. Side note: since I started scrap it off, I have lost 9 pounds!! I hope that you will join me if you have not.

So the new project. Let's talk about picture taking. I know that I have promoted getting in them if you are not already the center of your own attention, but this time I challenge you to really admire yourself! I challenge you all to take a picture of yourself that instead of criticising, you put in a frame and hang in your scrapbook area. Try and really get a shot of you, not just you at a table, behind a table, etc. Somewhere that you can SEE yourself. That is the idea here. You need to like yourself, and admire yourself to be comfortable enough that you can make the life style changes you need to loose weight.

Well, that is all for now. Off to answer email and enjoy my coffee while it is still ALMOST hot. I promise to get back here soon, I will be dealing with the camera in the next few days...hint hint husband and children!

Joanne

Moving Around!?

2008-04-16T17:57:00.004-04:00

No Really! This is not one of those games where I show you the picture and you have to list the items you saw when I take it away. Actually, this is one of my 12 pictures for the 12 and 12 layout that I really need to finish and post. I did clean up the table and put things in the cupboard behind it away, so it looks a little bit better, but notice the letters still waiting with the sunshine on my desk, that's right, they are waiting for me to make them into that page I spoke of before.

This week has been busy, the kids are off from school and Shawn started a new job. All very busy, and when I go into my room, I realize that I cannot call it that much longer. We are going to begin a "finish the basement" project in the near future and I am pretty sure that I will be moving down there. The benefit for me is huge. Maybe some new storage solutions and definitely some room to set up big tables that friends can work at with me! To make matters crazy right now, we don't have a lot of time to get the hubby set up, I mean, he needs to be able to work in a work space, and me, I need to clean up my toys that as you can see are all over the place in there. So what am I doing to fix this? Well, I painted my bedroom yesterday and today, uh, here I am blogging! So I wasn't ready for all of this transition, so what, it got here before I was ready.

The best news throughout all of this is that I have lost 6 pounds, without as much effort as I should be giving it, and maybe that end of the month picture that I need for this blog will look better than I thought it would.

2008-04-10T16:39:00.003-04:00

After bringing the boys into my work space and asking them what they thought of my letter pattern, it was apparent that they had not composed my beautiful message with the sunshine. IT WAS AMANDA!! She said that she was waiting for me to be finished with a phone conversation one day, and that was when she did it.

Thanks for Five, Can't Wait for Six!

2008-04-10T16:34:00.002-04:00

What happened, where did the time go? Happy Birthday little guy. Today is the big day, Now We Are 6! This picture was taken in the fall. He really has grown up since then. I was in Toys R Us last week, searching for anything Sponge Bob that I could use on his cake over the weekend, and there was a little guy shopping with his mom. It was his birthday, he had a crown on and was carrying a balloon. The store announced him and I was in the area when they heard the announcement and were jumping up and down. I thought about that today as I put Josh on the bus for school. Ice cream cups bundled in his backpack and ready for the day, I realized that this was his first birthday that I would not have the day to spend with him. He was in great hands though. He celebrated at school and was announced there! Tonight, we are making pizza and ice cream sundaes.

So how did I spend the day, no not on my paper crafting. I know, I need more time! I feel guilty, the house, outdoors and in have needed my attention. Tomorrow I have to get ready for the 12 of 12 project, you can read about that here. So that will get me working on things again. In the mean time, I have so much time to think when I clean, so here is my thought of the day. If Josh is 6, then it has been 6 years since I had my last child, and girls reality set in, having children=weight gain, is not an acceptable tell myself excuse anymore!! (LOL!) If that is not motivation to work out, then I don't know what is.

Scrapbook Ghost?

2008-04-04T08:30:00.000-04:00

Secret Message? I don't know, but when I arrived in my little work room today this was what I found. Was it a little craft elf? No, because other work is not done! Was it scrapbook aliens? The use of letters suggests this is possible although those were the only letters in the pile? Maybe one of the children, more likely and this answer would keep me from getting shoved into some mental institute. Now just to figure out who? The littlest has a real curiosity for letters lately, however the oldest enjoys messing with me, things stuck to my back, etc. And whoever it was added the sun die in the middle of the picture. I am going to use this picture, and of course the sun, to scrap this experience. When the children wander through my book, they will see the picture and some of this text post and maybe admit to it in order to receive credit. In the mean time, I will toil away today trying to figure out the meaning of this message. Where is that Scooby Doo gang when you need them?

2008-04-03T21:47:00.000-04:00

For those of you with EAGLE EYES, I really do know how to spell restaurant. So please forgive me and know that I will think of you all as I repair my page!! Hopefully you can see the doodling on the stems. This was just a versa marker that makes that cool watermark image on regular card stock. I like this page because it was just some basic supplies and it is very simple.

I Did it Again!

2008-04-03T21:37:00.000-04:00

OK, OK! I did it again. What can I say, no excuses. I am thinking about my blog, I am just not blogging.... so here I am. So here is the picture that I decided to use for my before shot. How appropriate, and I never said it had to be one of those pictures where you have to get into the tightest clothes that you have, it just had to be a current picture of you now. If you forgot to do it, do it now!! What are you waiting for. Then at the end of April, you can take another picture to see if you notice a difference.

Notice the food to go, the empty dessert plate. This restaurant was not one of those that you go to and not sample the desserts!! I was behaved however and you will be happy to know that at the bowling banquet that I attended later that night, yes I said bowling (we took 11th place and there is a prize for that), I did not eat anything!

View that page that I scrapped this on above. I used this layout at my mini crop last weekend. This was one of the reasons that I haven't been an active blogger. Very simple. Some patterns from Scrapbooks etc, and a different way to use a light pink patterned TLC paper. I think that it is important to shake things up and do simple, yet different things every once in a while.

Did I Do That?

2008-03-25T21:14:00.000-04:00

Well, it appears that I missed posting for a couple of days. There have been so many things going on. This is one of the pictures that I am working on scrapping right now. All I can say is "THANK YOU EASTER BUNNY, BAWK, BAWK!" (I really love the commercial that came from-Cadbury I think). Anyhow, these are my 3 beautiful babies. The boys really wanted to wear suits for Easter, I had nothing to do with it. Joshua, the youngest, really did not feel the best, but he was excited to put the tie on and with a few early Easter treats in his belly, he seemed to improve dramatically throughout the morning.

Did you take your picture yet? That's right, you need to take your before picture within the next couple of days. I have so many pages that I need to picture and post for you. Tag pages, my current scrapitoff page and yes, my before picture for April.

I am hosting a mini crop this weekend, and I am very excited about getting inspired by all of the creative women around me. Oh, I almost forgot, I got my very cute I "HEART" simple tote today in the mail. It is huge and will be one of my prize totes this weekend. I LOVE IT!!

Well, off to enjoy just a little bit more time with my scrap books before bedtime. Look for my new picture posts soon I promise. (I know I have said that already)

A Little Irish in Everyone!

2008-03-17T16:29:00.000-04:00

Maybe it is the color green, but there is something about St. Patrick's Day that makes everyone want to get in on the fun. This picture was just a few cards that I made to send out to family. Busy, but I that seemed to make them more fun to make!

The weekend was busy, but I am proud to say that I stuck to my promises to myself, even with my daughter's lunch and limo Girl Scout celebration and our bowling banquet on Saturday, and our Brunch with the bunny on Sunday.

I did pick up my pictures and get things put together, now to just adhere them down, then snap and show you all. You should all be getting as excited as me, Spring is this week, and what a perfect excuse to get up and move. I am pushing my family to get everything done indoors, so that we can get outdoors as much as possible.

I am also going to be posting a couple of links, I hope to a few blogs that have some great craft ideas.

The scrap it off assignment for the next page is a Before/ After theme. Get a picture of yourself by 3-31, this is the before picture, and then we will take one after 4-30. We will start a 2 page layout, for before and after and see how much we can challenge ourselves to look different in 30 days. Think about April and Spring and go through the collection of supplies that you have, and begin to think about what type of layout you want. You can plan your pictures accordingly. Let someone snap them of you outside if you like. Don't worry about what you look like, love yourself for who you are and let someone take that picture!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Crack Ink

2008-03-14T11:02:00.000-04:00

I admit, I'm your pusher! You all caught me. I had such a great laugh last night. I can't help but talk about and share the tools that I love most, and these little babies are my crack.

So here is how it all went down. I went to my little scrapbook club at the club last night and I took my Art Bin case that holds all of my little Versa Magic and Brilliance ink pads. What is not to love about them. So many colors, easy to hold and use, did I mention all the colors? Anyhow, a couple of club goers were checking into some blue inks to use and just couldn't connect with what they were looking for and there I was, my chance to push my crack ink! I did, and let me tell you I should buy stock in the things I believe in because I had plenty of people checking them out last night, most popular question, where did you buy these? Of course I could tell them the aisle number and price with and without coupon.

Crack ink addict count- those that I can personally take credit for pushing since mid Feb.- 7. Not bad if I say so myself. So beware friends, wherever I am, so is my crack ink.

Oh, yeah, I almost forgot to mention. This little picture is my tag pic for my Kathy Z project. My little printer needs to be fed, no ink, no pic, that's just the way it is, so I will be forced to resupply. Then I promise to get some projects posted.

Working on the Next Page

2008-03-11T15:16:00.000-04:00

I am holding myself accountable. It is time to take that new picture. It doesn't matter what the picture looks like, it just matters that it is taken so that I can see what I looked like in March of 2008. I have an idea for the type of picture that I would like to take and then how I might like to scrap it. I don't know how noticeable a change there will be in the picture, but I do know that I am beginning to feel different, I think that's because of the strong urge I have to tear open bags of chocolate!! Stay strong and work on those paper projects. Grab a glass of water, or tea and stay away from the pantry! I know that I can do this. Look for that picture post soon. I will also be posting more of my tags from the Kathy Z. project. I know many say they don't have time, but they don't take long and you find yourself looking forward to the next one- at least I do!

One of my Tags from the Kathy Z challenge

2008-03-08T21:15:00.001-05:00

Kalob might enjoy this post, but I am not so sure about Amanda. They had this picture taken at Chuck E Cheese without my suggestion. A present that I will cherish always!

The BIG-inning Picture Scrapped as Promised!

2008-03-08T21:02:00.000-05:00

So here it is. The layout that started it all for me. This is a picture of me at our Halloween party and I love the picture. It made me realize how much I want to get rid of the excess weight, and so I am scrapping it off. My goal is to scrap my changes along my journey! The paper here is from TLC, the beads used were used to wrap up a birthday present that I was given and the letters at the top were cut using one of my favorite tools, my Cuttlebug!

Get Serious

2008-03-08T19:16:00.000-05:00

Get Serious! I need to! Well no time for feeling guilty, I started this blog and I need to get serious about keeping up with it. Maybe I am the only one that reads it, but whatever works.

I have been busy since I started this blog. Today I was a little deflated. I was hosting a mini crop and thanks to a large March storm, in like a LION, I had to postpone it until the 29th. So here I am, using the day to catch up with this blog and spend some time on my projects.

Shawn is off on an indoor golf outing tonight and so the little room in the house I call my own is seeing a lot of me. Sometimes when I go in there, I cannot work because I love to just look at all of the stuff that is Mine! But, this afternoon I promised myself I would accomplish something and I caught up with my tag book project that I have been working on.

For those of you that like little projects, you might want to check out the tag book project. It is a challenge from Kathy Z. You can find out more about it on her blog! Anyhow, I really am finding out that I like to journal almost as much as I like to scrap my pictures. Da, I know that they go hand in hand, but I have to admit, maybe my journaling is corny to others but when I go back and read, I am proud to see the story behind the page, and I am always AMAZED that I wrote what I am reading.

My other goal for tonight is to get my actual first scrap it off page uploaded to this blog. I need to get even more motivated than I have been, times a wasting and so is my waist line!

So check in, and hey, share those comments. If I know you are listening, I will get more motivated!

The BIG-inning

2008-01-17T12:57:00.000-05:00

I know that most of my friends will think that I am crazy for doing something like this, but I just had to get motivated! It was time to commit to something other than what I had been doing because what I was doing was not working.

It is simple. I am a wife to a wonderful man and a mother of 3 wonderful kids. Lost in the day to day, I enjoy life, but I was not taking care of myself. The truth is that we all have some way of making ourselves feel better about things, but the real truth is that most of us stretch that truth in order to do so. That's what I was doing.

I love to scrapbook! It is in my blood. I might not get my pictures down on paper as fast as I would like, but they are all kept on either paper or brain storage waiting to become a reality. Since last fall I have been scrapping pages that are current in my life. This has motivated me to catch up with old projects. While scrapping the current, I realized something in the journal on my page, the cold hard truth!

You cannot scrap without pictures. I LOVE pictures, so when had I started making sure that I was not in them? All of the memories that I was scrapping were of all my family and friends, minus me, as if there was no record of me being there. Then in October, my husband and I hosted our second Halloween party. Someone else used my camera, and friends shared their photos, and there I was. The truth right in front of me. They weren't bad pictures, but I didn't like what I looked like in the pictures because I didn't feel like it was the real me.

So I got started. I recently changed one of those pictures into my reality, my truth by scrapping it. I wrote the truth about all of the things that I don't like, specifically my weight, and I decided that every few weeks I will take a picture, and no matter what it looks like, I will scrap it and my progress. My plan is to scrap it off and get in those pictures!

I just started this blog. My thought was that I could share it with my friends and family. Maybe others will be inspired to join me.

Watch for my original page. Once I learn how to post pictures on my blog, I will include my scrapped pages, ideas and materials.

Thanks for reading!