Scrap-Utopia

True Love (Creative Scrappers #193)

2012-02-27T23:48:00.000-04:00

I am sharing with you today a very special layout that i made as a gift for my Mom and her boyfriend whom i both love very much. It was inspired by gorgeous Sketch #193 from Creative Scrappers' very own Amarylis Doria:

The pattern papers used are primarily from KaiserCraft Madame Boutique collection. I also used Prima and Petaloo flowers, Dusty Attic chipboard, KaiserCraft wooden shapes, Zva Creative crystals, Bo Bunny trinkets and misc glitter stickers, gems and eyelets. The Dusty Attic chipboard was distressed using Glimmer Mist and Smooch.

I cannot wait to put this layout in a frame and give it to the happy couple! :)

Prima February PPP

2012-02-25T15:51:00.000-04:00

I know this is quite late in the making, but i absolutely wanted to share with you this month's gorgeous Product Pick & Palette from Prima.

Warm pinks, chocolate brown, lavender, earthy tan... what perfect colours for the month of February! And of course, Prima never disappoints in offering us beautiful flowers and embellishments of all styles and shades.

Last night was our monthly Midnight Crop at my LSS, and today, Mother Nature has blessed us with quite a big snow storm, so needless to say i have spent a lot of time scrapbooking in the last 24 hours. And guess what colors i've been creating in?

Yes, i have indeed completed my layout inspired by this Prima PPP, but i cannot share it with you just yet, as it is also my next DT reveal for Sketchabilities. Let me just say that you will not want to miss my post at the end of the month to see Karan's new sketch. It is a beauty!

Well, while my sweet man is shovelling snow outside (he's the best!), i'm off to scrapbook some more since i want to try to squeeze in a few more challenge entries before the end of February. :)

Kiss a Frog Card (The Paper Variety "Leap Year" Challenge)

2012-02-23T21:11:00.000-04:00

YAY! I was able again to play with the new challenge at The Paper Variety inspired by the movie 'Leap Year' (i have not seen it yet, but am definitely planning to do so).

I decided to add a little froggie on my card in honor of the 'leap' theme.

Cute, isn't it? Perfect for a special little girl in my life whose birthday is coming up really soon!

Thank you for 'leaping' by my blog today! :)

Flashback Friday Challenge 20.0

2012-02-22T15:06:00.001-04:00

Was i ever excited when i came accross this challenge blog today!!!

Flashback Friday Challenge

This blog was started by Amy, also owner of the beautiful Tsuruta Designs of which i was already a follower, in order to go back in time a bit to rediscover and share with our blog friends our very first scrapbooking endeavours based on different fun themes every month. You have to create a 'new post' of your original project as bad and embarrassing as it might be! - hehehe. It's all for fun and who knows... you might realize that you ALWAYS had the scrapbooking touch! :) What an awesome idea for a Challenge blog, isn't it!?

This month's challenge, the 20th since the start of this blog, is:

First BLACK & WHITE card

Well, since i have only been blogging for a year and taking pictures of my projects for not much longer than that, i had a hard time finding my first black & white card... especially since i don't tend to scrapbook in black & white a lot. There's always other colors creeping through - hehe

Speaking of 'creeping', i did find this one though which is really not that old so i'm not sure that it will qualify as a Flashback project (it dates back to October of last year), but it is still the first one i blogged about that met the theme of this challenge the most.

So am i embarrassed by this card?

Not at all! hehehe

I promise, for the next Flashback Friday Challenge, i'll really try to dig deeper in my old vault of scrapbooking 'fails'!!!

Candy's Craft Corner 400 Follower Giveaway!

2012-02-22T09:49:00.000-04:00

I was introduced to a new blog today... Candy's Craft Corner, full of inspiring and gorgeous creations. You just HAVE to check out Candy's adorable cards - she's full of talent!!!

She is currently hosting an amazing GIVEAWAY to celebrate her reaching 400+ followers!

Check out all the goodies in this prize pack!

I will keep the link in my sidebar until the draw on March 19th.

For details on how you can win, visit Candy's Craft Corner right now!

Birdhouse (A Simple Stories Creation)

2012-02-21T23:48:00.000-04:00

Today, i would like to share with you a little piece of Summer!

No, it's still very much Winter here in Canada, but for the last couple days, it has been Summer in my craftroom. I have created this adorable birdhouse with the gorgeous Simple Stories collection Life Documented.

Starting with a simple wooden birdhouse shape bought at my local DollarStore, i went to work cutting up and punching papers, misting Dusty Attic and Maya Road chipboard pieces as well as Prima leaves and adding some good ol' fashioned twine. One simple tip: LOTS of GlueDots!

I'm sure that most of you will agree that Summer cannot come soon enough!

Can't you hear the bluebirds singing already? :)

Irene Tan's Book Launched Celebration Giveaway!!

2012-02-18T10:38:00.000-04:00

Have you ever seen Irene Tan's amazing creations from the Scrapperlicious blog? If not, i strongly suggest you hop on over to admire her talent right now. Ever since i started blogging myself, she has been a real inspiration and is one of my favorite designers!

She has just launched her first solo eBook.

To celebrate, she is hosting an awesome giveaway full of love-inspired goodies! You have until the end of February to enter to win. Click HERE to learn how.

Melts your heart, doesn't it? <3

Good luck to you... and to ME! ;)

Baby Girl Card (Artful Delight ASC#17)

2012-02-16T22:15:00.000-04:00

Just a quick post today to share with you a sweet little card i put together tonight for my friends who recently had a little girl. I was inspired by ASC#17 at Artful Delight:

What collection would be more perfect than Simple Stories' adorable Baby Steps to make this card!

I know this card is fairly simple compared to what i normally do, but i was thinking that simple and cute would be perfect for such a special occasion as the birth of a sweet baby girl!

Thanks for visiting! :)

Simply Paper's Spread the love GIVEAWAY!

2012-02-15T20:09:00.000-04:00

One of the first blogs that i started visiting regularly is Vicky Alberto's Simply Paper. In a lot of ways, she was an inspiration to me to start blogging myself!

Well, on February 25th, she will be celebrating her 2nd Blogoversary and to thank all her followers (800 and counting), she is giving away some wonderful blog candy!

All you have to do for a chance to win is become a follower of her blog and for a bonus chance... SPREAD THE LOVE! :)

Click HERE for all the details!

Pawprints (Sketchabilities DT Reveal #65 & Winner of CS eBook!)

2012-02-14T12:55:00.000-04:00

WOW! I have quite a few things to share with you today...

First of all, i want to wish you all a very HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY with your loved ones!

That being said, it's already the middle of February and that means it's time for another exciting DT reveal with Sketchabilities! One look at sketch #65 and i bet you you will be running to your craft table to start scrappin'!

Doesn't Karan absolutely rock these sketches?!

You can see my fellow DT members' inspiring creations and link up yours before the end of the month HERE.

Also, before i share my creation with you, i wanted to announce that Sketchabilities is looking for YOU! Yes, you guessed right... they are looking for new designers to join their design team for a 3-month term starting in April. Click HERE to know how you can apply! Take it from me, it is a GREAT team to be a part of!

And now, here is my layout based on sketch #65:

Ever since i saw their very first paper collection, i totally fell in love with Simple Stories. Just the brand's name is perfect, wouldn't you agree? One of my scrapbooker's dreams is to one day be able to join such a wonderful company as Simple Stories and be part of their amazing DT. You never know, my dream may come true as they are having a DT call right now and they're even looking for 'undiscovered talent'! See the details HERE!

With this layout, i used the Year-o-graphy collection. I love the earthy colors and all the soft patterns of their paper. All the journalling elements that they offer with every collection are superb. The creative possibilities are endless!

I made all the bigger flowers and leaves by hand (the small glittery ones were bought at my local dollar store) using a Tim Holtz die and a couple punches. For the flowers, the trick is to lightly mist your paper so you can crunch it up and mold it to whatever shape you want. Adding lots of layers, you get a nice-looking flower that matches perfectly with your layout and didn't cost a thing since you're using up your leftover pattern paper.

I cannot wait to see your take on this wonderful sketch! :)

And now, last but certainly not least, it's time to announce the winner of my Creative Scrappers eBook giveaway!

***DRUMROLL***

Sherri Caramico Feb 13, 2012 06:35 AM

AWESOME LAYOUT! AWESOME BLOG! Such inspiration! So HAPPY I found you! I am now a follower! (feel free to follow me too! <3)

I LOVE a good Challenge, and since finding Kristine's Creative Scrappers I am ADDICTED to sketches!! Would LOVE to WIN!

Congratulations Sherri! Please email me (nicutopia@hotmail.com) and i will be sure to forward your email address to Kristine, the creator of the eBook. She is the one who will send you your free PDF copy!

Bliss (My Creative Sketches January)

2012-02-13T18:28:00.000-04:00

Despite all the chaos happening around my house the last couple weeks (i am happy to say that the renovations should finally come to an end tomorrow!!!), i still was able to sneak in some scrappin' time.

On the weekend, i played with January's sketch from My Creative Sketches:

I spent quite a while looking in my stash of pictures for one special single shot to scrapbook and then, once i found it, i had to look through my HUGE collection of paper for the perfect patterns to match it. Pink Paislee's beautiful Butterfly Garden immediately caught my eye! :)

As you can see, lots of punchwork, handmade stitching and distressing went into this layout. I especially love the way the Pink Paislee butterflies look with the Kaisercraft wooden cage.

The brown chipboard title and other pieces are from K&Company and were originally white but i colored them using my Copic markers.

All flowers are from Prima while the swirly bling is from Zva Creative.

Doesn't it make you long for Spring?! Well, in the middle of this long and cold Winter, i sure hope it leaves a happy, peaceful and warm feeling in your heart as it does in mine :)

Creating with Sketches Ebook (& giveaway!!!)

2012-02-07T22:49:00.001-04:00

I was SO honoured when Kristine Davidson, founder of the famous Creative Scrappers blog and one of my favorite sketch designers, asked me to be part of her first ebook of sketches!

Including 101 amazing sketches and original layouts from 50 talented designers, this ebook is an absolute MUST-HAVE for any scrapbooker who likes to create using sketches.

A printed version is in the works, but the ebook version - which is a PDF file (13MB), is available TODAY!
Click HERE for all the details!

Now here's the fun part!

If you'd like to win your very own PDF copy of Creative Scrappers: Creating with Sketches, just follow these 2 easy steps:

1. Become a follower of my blog (if you aren't already)

2. Leave me a comment letting me know how much you would LOVE to win!

I will pick a winner randomly on Valentine's Day so make sure to come visit again on that day to see if you're the lucky one! I will then need your email address so that Kristine can send you your prize.

Before i go, here is the double-page layout (with close-ups) that i created inspired by one of Kristine's sketches and which is featured in her ebook:

Hope you enjoy! Go order your copy right now!

Petite Maman (Crafty Sketches January)

2012-01-30T22:32:00.000-04:00

For my Sketchabilities #64 DT Reveal post, click HERE

I have found yet another great sketch challenge blog with an amazing DT! It is called Crafty Sketches and i seriously urge you to go check it out!

Here is the adorable sketch for January that i used as inspiration for this double-page layout that i created for a friend.

The pattern paper is an older collection from My Mind's Eye. Other products used are Dusty Attic chipboard, Maya Road chipboard alphas, Spellbinders, Prima flowers, etc...

Here are some close-ups...

Thank you for visiting! Please let me know what you think - i appreciate each and every one of your comments! :)

Wild Thing (Sketchabilities DT Reveal #64)

2012-01-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

YAY! It's time for another DT reveal at Sketchabilities, this time with Sketch #64.

Isn't it amazing? There is so much fun elements to work with that it is bound to inspire any scrapbooker, no matter what style or taste they hold! You can easily turn this sketch into some fun and playful layout or something more classy and vintage. Whatever your fancy!

Be sure to visit Sketchabilities to see the rest of the DT's creations and to link up your layout.

This time around, i chose FUN! I was also inspired to go back to my roots, so to speak.... I created a double-page layout! :)

As you can easily see, the left side was inspired by Sketch #64. The right side was inspired by this great sketch (Challenge #2) from Colorful Creations:

The cute little boy in the pictures is my friend Nathalie's son, Tristan. :)

The collection i used is "Alphabet Soup" from My Mind's Eye.

This layout is so colorful, and Tristan so darn cute, that it makes me extremely happy just looking at it! Hopefully it makes you happy too! :)

Ourson (CS#192 & another Kristine sketch)

2012-01-29T13:48:00.000-04:00

Aww... Sunday! The day when i can finally relax, settle down in my scraproom with nothing else to do but set the creating aflow! Hmm... I wish! After quite a bit of cleaning (we are in the process of getting our main bathroom renovated so you can just imagine the dust!), 3-4 loads of laundry and a little budget drama, i was finally able to sit down in front of my craft table and do a little scrappin'.

Before i do that though, let me share with you this double page layout on which i put the finishing touches just 2 minutes ago!

You'll probably recognize cute little Tristan (my friend Nat's baby boy) in the pictures. I'm so happy that Nat let me scrapbook these precious shots!

I was inspired by 2 different sketches to make this double-page, both designed by none other than Kristine Davidson, one of my favorite sketch artists.

The right page is based on Sketch #192 from Creative Scrappers:

and i used this adorable sketch from Kristine's personal blog to create the left page:

The papers i used are a mix of Pebbles Inc., Bazzill Basics, and BoBunny.

Well, thanks for dropping by! Now i'm returning to my craft table right away! I have to squeeze in some more scrappin' time before i get distracted by housework again!

Rosette Card (The Paper Variety Challenge)

2012-01-26T21:27:00.000-04:00

Everyone will definitely agree that the paper rosette or fan fold is one of the most popular scrapbooking embellishments of 2011 and its popularity just seems to keep growing right smack into 2012!

The latest challenge at The Paper Variety asks us to show off our love for fan folds!

I decided to make a fun "blooming" card using a few rosettes as flowers and some lovely BoBunny paper.

Sorry for the low quality of the pictures. Canadian Winters = not enough daylight! :-P

Have you tried your hand at making rosettes yet? If not, click HERE to check out Sandi's easy-to-follow tutorial on how to make them posted on the TPV blog.

Glitz Designs New Collections

2012-01-24T08:48:00.001-04:00

Have you seen the new releases by Glitz Design yet? They are FABULOUS!

Here's a sneak peak...

Be sure to go check them out HERE (French Kiss), HERE (Happy Travels) and HERE (Pretty In Pink) in all their exquisiteness! You could even win!

A Huge Birthday Giveaway from Melissa

2012-01-18T18:44:00.000-04:00

Guess who's turning 40?

No, no, not me. Not for another year and a half anyway!

It is Melissa from the Creating from the Heart blog. Today is her birthday and to celebrate, she is hosting a very special giveaway which includes a $140 Michael's GiftCard and loads of other crafty goodies!

Go wish her a Happy 40 HERE! You have until February 1st to enter her amazing giveaway!

Dad & Me (Scrapbook Kits Inspiration & Sketch Challenges)

2012-01-16T19:33:00.000-04:00

While doing my regular round of blog browsing, i came upon yet another great scrapbooking blog which offers delightful kits and hosts cool challenges. It is called Scrapbook Kits With A Difference. I urge you to go check it out!

Their January 1st Challenges immediately caught my eye so i just had to play along with both:

Inspiration challenge (provided as inspiration is a nice refreshing image - oh my! makes me SO long for Summer!!!)

Sketch Challenge (provided is this wonderful sketch by Julianne)

I hope it was ok to blend the 2 challenges together because that is just what i did!

Most of the papers used are from older collections of My Mind's Eye. I thought they matched perfectly with the fruity colors on the picture. Now let's take a closer look:

As you can see, i am not cured from my addiction to stitching! :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Emma (Sketchabilities DT Reveal #63)

2012-01-15T09:51:00.000-04:00

As most of you already know, i was chosen to be on the new term of the Sketchabilities Design Team. For 3 months, i will be creating layouts with amazing sketches by Karan Gerber who is truly a gifted sketch designer!

I am so excited to share with you today a layout for my first DT reveal inspired by sketch#63:

Please click HERE to see the rest of the DT's amazing layouts and to link up so that we can see yours too!

I created my layout as a gift to some friends for the recent birth of their daughter Emma.

I will let them add their own picture of the little Princess!

You probably recognized the beautiful Baby Steps collection from Simple Stories. Does it get any sweeter than that? I still swoon every time i take a look at these papers, and i plan to make lots and lots of Welcome Baby cards with my scraps! :)

I had used this KaiserCraft wooden baby carriage before (HERE) and was ecstatic when i got my hands on the very last one at my LSS! This layout just wouldn't be the same without it!

Do you think that my friends, and most importantly Emma, will like it?

Thank you for joining me in my first Sketchabilities DT Reveal!

From This Year Forward (OUAS January 1st Challenge)

2012-01-13T21:33:00.000-04:00

The January 1st Challenge on the Once Upon A ...Sketch blog had "New Year's Eve" as a very fitting journaling criteria, asking us to share on our layout our feelings about this time of year or reminisce about our most memorable best New Year's Eve.

My most memorable New Year's Eve was in 2006, the first that i spent with my soulmate!

The journaling reads: "After years of searching, I finally found you... On the eve of 2007, I was happier than I had ever been, blessed with your love. At midnight, I kissed my soulmate."

And our love has grown stronger every day since... from that year forward!

I based my layout on this wonderful OUAS sketch designed by Nadia Cannizzo:

The products i used are, among others, a blend of My Mind's Eye (paper), The Dusty Attic (chipboard), Magenta (corrugated cardboard), Prima (flowers), KaiserCraft (flowers & bling)... I used Tim Holtz distress inks, stains, and Tattered Angels' Glimmer Mists to alter paper, chipboard and some flowers.

Here are some close-ups:

I am so happy to be able to share one more special layout with you and i do appreciate with all my heart every kind comment and word of appreciation you leave me! Thank you!

Just Wanted To Say (Authentique January Sketch Challenge)

2012-01-12T06:00:00.003-04:00

Yesterday i shared with you a layout (My 2012 Resolution) that i created with the wonderful Journey collection by Authentique Papers! Well, today, let me show you a card i made out of some of the leftover papers (i plan to do so much more with those beautiful papers!) and inspired by this Authentique sketch for their January Sketch Challenge:

The Authentique Paper products used are: Journey Collection "Stroll", "Promenade" and "Itinerary". Unfortunately, my LSS didn't have any other of their products in stock apart from the paper. I will definitely have to find another way to get my hands on those goodies!

I used the Donna-Salazar "Fanciful Flight" Spellbinders die to make the butterfly. I then covered it with a coat of Glossy Accents to give it a glossy texture. The fancy circle was made with Spellbinders' Picot Edge Circles Nestabilities.

Have you ever used Spellbinders? Are you like me and wish that you could have every single one of them? Well, perhaps you can get a good start! Spellbinders is having an Abilities and Beyond Blog Frenzy starting today and there are TONS of prizes to win everyday for the next week or so, including a major grand prize worth $1900!!

Thank you so much for visiting!

My 2012 Resolution (Get Picky & ASC#16)

2012-01-11T22:12:00.000-04:00

I have been working on this layout for the past week, and i am so excited to finally being able to share it with you today! I was inspired by Get Picky's December Inspiration Challenge #15 that asked us to reflect on the New Year and what we resolve to do in 2012.

Of course, like everybody, i always give myself a few resolutions every year, #1 always being to get myself in better shape! Often, i end up disappointing myself... But after reading the inspirational poem written by Sandra Sturtz Hauss that Get Picky shared with us (click HERE to read it yourself - it is very beautiful!), i immediately got stuck on this sentence.

"Find time in each day to see the beauty and love in the world around you."

We so often concentrate our attention on the negative things in life, the pain, the sorrow, the hate, the disappointments... In 2012, i resolve myself to be more positive and open my eyes to all the wonderful gifts that this world has to offer every day! It IS a wonderful life, after all!

My layout is based on this delightful sketch from Artful Delight for ASC#16:

I know that this is only one of my first layout of the year, but i do have a feeling already that it will be in my Top 10 of 2012! The Authentique Paper collection that i used, called Journey, is so pretty and of top-notch quality, its thickness perfect for distressing!

Using eyelets and regular brown thread, I did a little bit of lacing...

Apart from distressing the paper, i had a lot of fun distressing all the Dusty Attic chipboard pieces too. Some of them, i just simply sprayed with Glimmer Mist, and others, i painted and then covered with Glossy Accents to give them a glow.

Now, what do YOU resolve to do in 2012? Keep CREATING i hope! :)

Pouty Girl (Colorful Creations Sketch Challenge)

2012-01-09T07:00:00.005-04:00

Just a few weeks ago, i discovered this new sketch challenge blog called Colorful Creations and i thought that i would play along with their first 2012 Challenge! My layout is therefore based on this adorable sketch of theirs:

The sketch immediately inspired me to create a fun colorful layout with these papers from My Little Shoebox. The collection dates back to 2010 and is called Imaginary Friends. I never quite knew what to do with them, but i love how this layout turned out!

I have seen a lot of projects using corrugated cardboard lately, but i had never tried it myself. Well, let me tell you that i just LOVE it! The corrugated alphabet used here is from Magenta as well as the little birdhouse. I can assure you that you will be seeing some more of my newly-found 'corrugated love' on upcoming projects! :P

As you can see, there's still lots of stitching on this layout. I do not think that i will ever stop stitching now that i've started. Any layout or card that i do seems kinda bland without it!

I also love the look of kraft twine! And we cannot forget the eyelets! :)

Hopefully you enjoy this fun layout as much as i do!

The Key to My Heart Belongs to You (BoBunny & TPV)

2012-01-08T13:41:00.000-04:00

What a beautiful Sunday it is turning out to be here in New Brunswick! The sky is as blue as can be, and the ground is covered by freshly fallen sparkling snow... as light to shovel as feathers (my fiance could attest to that)! The house is filled with the smell of spaghetti sauce stewing in the CrockPot and my mind is full of creative ideas. Just a quick blog post followed by a little stroll outside before i settle for the rest of the day in my scraproom to create!

I'm sharing with you today a "lovey dovey" card that i made based on this BoBunny sketch:

and inspired by this first challenge of the year at The Paper Variety:

I decided to plan a little ahead this year and made this V-Day card (i know Yves won't mind seeing it a whole month in advance! hehehe).

I scrambled through the BoBunny section of my scrapbox and was able to find black paper from the Mama-razzi collection and some black and white DoubleDot paper. The red heart, the beautiful key, the stamps and the gem are all from the newer collection Timepiece. The black flower, which was once blue before i sprayed it with GlimmerMist, comes from the Sophie collection.

So there you go! A very special card for a very special person!

Goes to show that the best treasures are often found in the Scrapbox!

My Creative Sketches Ultimate Grand Prize

2012-01-04T23:03:00.000-04:00

Those of you who regularly come and visit, you all know that i recently participated in the Big Sketch Contest at My Creative Sketches... and i am SO happy with the layouts that i created based on the wonderful sketches provided.

I'm sharing them with you again, in one single post, in order to qualify for the Ultimate Grand Prize which is a 3-month subscription to the fantastic Limited Edition Kit!

Sketch #1

(This layout is the left side of a double-page inspired also by Sketch #3 - see below!)

Sketch #2

Sketch #3

(This page is the right side of my double-page layout inspired also by Sketch #1)

Please wish me luck!!!

Really Reasonable Ribbon's 2 Year Blogoversary Giveaway

2012-01-02T09:30:00.000-04:00

Would you love to win this fabulous pack of goodies?

Well, make sure to go visit Really Reasonable Ribbon before the end of day January 25th and find out how! :-)

My 2011 Favorites

2012-01-01T13:27:00.000-04:00

I wish you all a very

HAPPY and CREATIVE 2012!

I started this blog in January of 2011 (on January 12th to be exact) so i cannot believe that it has been one year already. I have had loads of fun and have been inspired so much this year. I have participated in a lot of challenges and have been lucky enough to win many prizes. Also, i have been blessed to be part of my first DT with The Paper Variety and have just started designing for my second with Sketchabilities. I have made lots of new scrappy friends and am so looking forward to making many more!

Before we start off 2012 with a creative bang (i have a few projects on the go right now that i will share with you in the next couple weeks!), let's just take the time to look back a little and see some of what i have created in the past 12 months. Here are my monthly favorites!

JANUARY - In Daddy's Hands

FEBRUARY - Happily Ever After

MARCH - Always Delight in Today

APRIL - Your Music Fills My Heart with Love

MAY - Once Upon a Time

JUNE - Beautiful

JULY - Blessed Grandkids

AUGUST - Sweet Birthday Memories

SEPTEMBER - Make a Wish Card

OCTOBER - Just the Two of Us

NOVEMBER - Let Your Light Shine

DECEMBER - Christmas Card

Hope you have enjoyed this little trip down Memory Lane!

Webster's Pages Sunday Picnic Giveaway!

2011-12-30T08:45:00.001-04:00

Because they are simply the best, Webster's Pages is giving away a HUGE handful of their brand new collection Sunday Picnic!

Beautiful, isn't it!? It will definitely be the collection to have this Summer!

Click HERE to find out how you can win!

Fabulous Giveaway by Keren Tamir!

2011-12-29T10:01:00.000-04:00

I am so sorry to be posting this so late, but i had put myself a note to do it a couple weeks ago, and in all the fun and excitement (not to say chaos) of the Holidays, i lost the note!

But like they say, better late than never! You still have 2 days to participate (click HERE for all the details) and try to win this amazing prize:

The generous woman behind this giveaway?

Keren Tamir

Make sure to visit her blog and see all her beautiful creations HERE!

Walking in a Winter Wonderland (My Creative Sketches #3)

2011-12-26T22:11:00.000-04:00

Can you believe that Christmas is already over? As always, i have spent a lovely time with my nieces. Seeing the excitement and joy on their faces on Christmas morning is always priceless.

I hope that you all have had a wonderful time with your family and friends.

I haven't had a lot of time to scrapbook lately, but i did spend the day finishing this double-page layout that i absolutely wanted to share with you today.

The right side was inspired by Sketch #3 of the Big Sketch Contest at My Creative Sketches.

And the left side was based on Sketch #1, which was the first part of the same contest

for which i missed the deadline that was way back in October, but i still wanted to play to be in the run-in for the grand prize!

The Snowfall collection from BoBunny has got to be the most beautiful Winter collection this year. Every different pattern paper is glittery and the embellishments are all gorgeous. I used some of the trinkets and brads on this layout. Also used were some Dusty Attic chipboard which i dabbed with distress stain and then sprinkled with white glitter. I also played with paints this time and created a snowy effect on the background paper by flicking my brush over the paper. I used a Martha Stewart punch as well to make the snowflake border which i then sprinkled with glitter too.

The pictures were taken last year on one of our many strolls at Daly Point, a nature reserve where i live. Birds and sometimes squirrels come feed out of our hands, which is always such a joy! (It takes quite some patience to get some nice photos though since they're pretty quick to fly away! hehe) It is definitely my favorite place to go in the Winter - i always come back energized and full of a sense of peace.

Well this wraps up my post for today! I am so looking forward to starting to scrapbook more regularly now that the rush of the Holidays is almost over. Next on my 'to do' list is my very first layout as DT member for Sketchabilities! So stay tuned! :)

Merry Christmas to all of YOU!

2011-12-22T21:50:00.000-04:00

Just a quick post to wish you all a safe and merry Christmas! Hope you all get to spend quality time with your loved ones and take many happy pictures to scrapbook in the new year! :)

I will be visiting with my nieces for a couple days so i won't be around until early next week. I am so sorry that i haven't posted much lately, but life has been keeping me quite occupied. I am working on a very nice double-page layout though, inspired by My Creative Sketches and hopefully i can finish it in time, the deadline being December 28th! I am reserving Boxing Day for nothing but scrapbooking! hehe

Also, i am quite excited on starting my 3-month term with the Sketchabilities Design Team! I have checked out the sketches that i will be working with and let me just say that they are FABULOUS! The new DT's first reveal will be on January 15th so make sure to stay tuned for that!

Thank you for visiting!

My 2011 Christmas Cards

2011-12-18T23:00:00.000-04:00

Well, i did it! I finally finished my Christmas cards and they're all ready to be mailed out tomorrow. Hopefully everyone will get theirs before the big day :-P

I wish to share with you my favorite, and the special cards that i made for my nieces.

I always try to make fun cards for Ella & Daphne and this year, i brainstormed for a while before i came up with these:

I popped up the stockings with foam dots so i could slip the candy canes in. As always, all the stitching was made by hand and i used the Cuttlebug to emboss the background cardstock. Hopefully they'll enjoy!

And now, on to my favorite Christmas card of 2011...

I can't even explain why i like it so much... probably the pale colors and the twine and just the simplicity of it. I will probably be making more of the same with all my scrap paper, for next year.

Here are 2 close-up shots:

I'm entering this card in The Paper Variety challenge this week because the prize is just too awesome!

Wish me luck!!! :)

Melissa's End of Year Giveaway!

2011-12-18T07:34:00.000-04:00

I came across this amazing giveaway while doing my regular round of blog hopping...

Melissa from Creating from the Heart (Keepsakes by Melissa) blog is giving away:

A $150 gift card to Michael's craft store

1 Copic Air-Brushing Starter Set System

1 Color Copic Swatch Book

36 Copic CIAO Marker Set

How wonderful is that, uh!?!

Click HERE for more details. You have until January 1st 2012 to enter.

Thanks Melissa for the chance to win!

A new (but last for me as DT) TPV challenge

2011-12-14T13:09:00.000-04:00

This week, we have a new challenge at The Paper Variety that you just HAVE to participate in! It also is the last challenge of 2011 (where did the time go?) and the last challenge of my 6-month DT term with TPV (again, where did the time go?! hehe)

For this week...

If you do decide to join in on the fun, click HERE to know more details, see awesome inspiration from my talented friends on Team B and link your project before Tuesday. You'll be playing to win this cool collection kit from none other than Echo Park!

Before i go, i do want to take the time, once again, to thank Abby and Suzanne at The Paper Variety for giving me the opportunity to be part of their wonderful team for the last 6 months. I have been blessed to work (or should i say play) with such a bunch of talented and nice ladies. My teammates were beyond exemplary too! I urge you to follow the links to each of their blogs (that you will find on the sidebar for another couple weeks) so you can see for yourself! Thank you girls for a great creative time, and i'm sure we'll run into each other often in the scrapbooking virtual world! I will definitely be trying out again for a future TPV DT spot! :)

So Excited to Announce...

2011-12-13T13:44:00.001-04:00

I was selected to be on the Design Team for Sketchabilities from January - March 2012!

Click HERE to see the official announcement and to visit my fellow DT members' blogs!

I cannot wait to start working with Karan Gerber's beautiful and intricate sketches!

This will only be my 2nd experience as part of a DT...

(My term with The Paper Variety is soon coming to a close and i cannot thank them enough to have given me my first DT opportunity!!! I LOVED playing along with their wonderful challenges every second week and have gotten to know some very talented and amiable ladies along the way!)

... and all i can hope is that there will be many more in the future! :)

ScrapFriends - Yummy Candy to win!

2011-12-08T09:14:00.001-04:00

I have just heard about this new blog ScrapFriends that is definitely worth checking out! They offer GREAT products and will also start running challenges and competitions soon. To celebrate their opening, they have some goodies up for grabs. Visit them HERE and learn how you can become their follower and have a chance to win one of 3 GORGEOUS prizes!

Here's a sneak peak (to see the other prizes, be sure to click HERE)

I am soooo drooling here!!! The draw will take place on January 1st. I just hope i stop drooling before then :-P

TPV Challenge #63 - Falalalala!

2011-12-07T19:40:00.000-04:00

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..."

This week, The Paper Variety wants you to...

You must know the rules by now...

Link up your project HERE for a chance to win these goodies from My Mind's Eye (i wish i could play too to have a shot at that awesome prize!!!)

The song that inspired me was the one i was singing at the beginning of my post!

I made myself an early Christmas gift while creating this layout - mixing 2 things that i adore: double-pages & Christmas! These pictures were taken a few years back while on a visit to Santa's Village! The title "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" and the papers from the Basic Grey collection 'Eskimo Kisses' seemed to suit the theme perfectly!

I was also inspired by this double-page sketch from the BasicGrey Blog

... and the BG December Flickr Friends theme which is: STITCHING

(and god only knows, i have been doing a lot of that lately - my carpal tunnel infested fingers could attest to it!)

So hopefully, this layout will get you in the Holiday spirit if you aren't already.

Psst... I have a confession to make. As much as i love Christmas, i have to say that i had not been feeling too Christmassy so far (i haven't even made one Christmas card yet, believe it or not! SOOoo not acceptable)... but i'm slowly getting there. Working on this layout sure has helped me get in the festive mood! I am now ready for some heavy duty card-making on the weekend!

For the Love of Chipboard

2011-12-05T21:01:00.000-04:00

I have to say that one of my very favorite scrapbooking elements to play with is definitely CHIPBOARD!

Whether it's spraying it with mist, embossing it, chalking it up, cutting it in pieces to fit my creative need or even just leaving it natural, i simply love playing with any type of chipboard and i adore the added layer that it brings to any layout, card or crafty project.

An awesome laser-cut chipboard company i have been recently introduced to is Imaginarium Designs, and they are having a DT Call. I couldn't pass up this great opportunity, so here are my top 10 projects featuring...

CHIPBOARD

(The title of each layout links back to its original post which often includes more information and close-ups!)

I don't own a lot of Imaginarium Designs chipboard right now, as my LSS unfortunately doesn't carry, but, a few months ago, i was lucky enough to win a few pieces off the ID blog and i am planning to order some more very soon! I am totally hooked, and i would be so very honored to be part of their Design Team! :)

TPV Challenge #62

2011-11-30T21:55:00.000-04:00

Are you ready for another fun challenge at The Paper Variety blog???

You know the rules by now... Link up your project before Sunday evening for a chance to be spotlighted by TPV and before noon on Tuesday for a chance to win a fabulous prize sponsored by the Precocious Paper Etsy Shop! Click HERE for more information and to admire the wonderful projects of my fellow DT members.

I also have some very exciting, but at the same time bittersweet, news to share with you all... My 6-month term with The Paper Variety is soon ending. Time has gone by so fast and, already, i only have 1 more paper project to do for the TPV blog. I am so very grateful to Suzanne and Abby for having given me this opportunity at being on a design team. There's a first for everything, and i couldn't have asked for a better first! :)

So, that being said, The Paper Variety is looking for some new designers!

Click HERE to get all the details on how to apply.

Visiting Quebec City (CS #180 & #184)

2011-11-30T21:22:00.000-04:00

A quick post to share with you a double-page layout. Yes! I do definitely still do double-page layouts - I just find myself having to conform myself to the general scrapbooking community's preference of single pages lately. But no worries, i will always love doing double-pages!

This layout is based on two November sketches from Creative Scrappers.

The left side is based on sketch #180

And the right side was inspired by sketch #184 (which i've flipped horizontally)

I had so much fun using the Vicki B collection from BoBunny: lots of bold and bright girly colors mixed with just the right touch of elegance.

Hope you enjoy and come back soon!

Mother & Daughter (a OUAS & Prima layout)

2011-11-29T19:22:00.000-04:00

This weekend, I had the pleasure and honor of scrapbooking a layout about the most special woman in my life who is none other than... my MOM!

My mother has always been a great inspiration to me as a woman... strong, outspoken, funny and generous. Throughout the years, we have always shared a special bond as mother and daughter and together, we have been through happy and sad times. Every day my love for her and admiration of her grow and know no bound. I know that i do not tell her nearly often enough how much i appreciate her and i'm proud to have her be MY Mom! :)

This layout was inspired by the November 15th challenge at Once Upon A ...Sketch for which the journalling had to focus on me as a woman or any female in my life. This beautiful sketch was also provided as inspiration:

The journalling, a vellum quote that i love and that speaks so true to my relationship with my Mom, reads:

The special bond shared between a mother and daughter is the one place in all the world where hearts can be sure of each other. Like branches on a tree, we may grow in different directions, but our roots remain one. And through the fury of the storm or the calm of the rainbow, we depend on each other for understanding and compassion.

If you are a fan of Prima, you will have surely recognized that my layout is mostly based around Prima products, using the November Product Pick. What a gorgeous palette of fall colors!

All Prima products used on my layout are: Pastiche "Seaside", Printery "Page Four", Printery "Pressman", Reflections "Scribe", Flocked Rub-Ons "Reflections", Watercolor Rainbow "Precious Morning", Swallowtall Butterflies Tiger, Avon Rose Alla Prima, Backstage Sugar Blooms, Whisper Collection Reflections, Mini Roses, Say It In Crystals

Thank you so much for visiting!

Precious Child (ASC#14)

2011-11-23T13:51:00.000-04:00

(It doesn't happen often, but this is my 3rd post of the day. I'm on a roll!

To read about this week's challenge at The Paper Variety, click HERE, and to see more details on my Prima BAP layout, click HERE)

I seem to be working well under pressure this month. I just managed to finish another layout only a few hours before the deadline and i have to say i'm quite pleased with the result.

Here is sketch #14 at Artful Delight, followed by my layout:

The picture is of darling little Tristan, my friend Nathalie's son. Isn't he cute?

Products used are, among others, Moxie papers, Bazzill flowers, Maya Road journalling pieces and We R Memory Keepers chipboard.

I had been holding on to these papers for quite a while, and i'm so happy to have finally found the perfect picture to match. Take another closer look at cute Tristan!

Isn't that smile contagious?!

Thanks for dropping by!

So Thankful (Prima November BAP)

2011-11-23T08:29:00.000-04:00

(To see today's post on The Paper Variety's weekly challenge, click HERE!)

What a beautiful sketch i had to play with this month for the Prima Build-A-Page Contest!

This sketch, along with this week's challenge at The Paper Variety (click HERE for more details), inspired me to create this layout:

I am so ever thankful for Yves...

for his kindness, his patience, his understanding, his unconditional love

so i created this layout especially for him.

Most products used are from Prima: mixed papers, flowers, crystal swirls, gems, chipboard journaling shape...

I decided to be a little daring and sprayed red Glimmer Mist around the edges of the background and added glaze on the swirly design.

And now a few close-ups of the gorgeous Prima flowers and leaves!

The chipboard pieces are from Dusty Attic and Imaginarium Designs.

Thank you so much for visiting!

TPV Challenge #61 (Image Inspiration)

2011-11-23T08:25:00.000-04:00

It's time to share with you another cool challenge at The Paper Variety.

Click HERE to be inspired by projects made by my fellow DT members and to link up your project before Sunday evening for a chance to be spotlighted by TPV and before noon on Tuesday for a shot at a fabulous prize!

To create my layout, i was inspired mostly by the bright red leaves on the image and so i decided to make the colour RED its main focus. I then accentuated with a lot of Prima leaves and worked around the theme of Fall and Thanksgiving.

For more info and details on this layout, please click HERE!

Now, take out your paper and glue and get inspired!

Let Your Light Shine (My Creative Sketches Contest)

2011-11-20T17:31:00.001-04:00

I made it just in the nick of time! I couldn't pass the opportunity to participate in this great contest at My Creative Sketches. I didn't have the time to play last month, but i am determined to catch up since the sketches are awesome and the prize this month is phenomenal!!! Check this out!

I mean, how gorgeous is that prize!? I would be SO elated to win only ONE of these fantastic products so can you imagine winning ALL?! The contest goes on for 3 months and next month is the last, so make sure to check out the rules HERE and make sure to participate in December!

This month's inspirational sketch was so nice, it got my creative juices flowing right away...

I just ADORE this candid picture i took of my nieces when they came to visit earlier this month. We had gone for a little walk in a wooded park close to where i live and they were so excited and amazed at everything that they saw. I wish that they always keep looking at life with such awe! :)

I used papers from the Simple Stories' Year.o.graphy collection, Dusty Attic chipboard, a K&Company chipboard title 'Shine' along with miscellaneous brads, buttons and paper flowers.

Here are some close-ups...

Thank you so much for dropping by! I hope i've inspired you to create, if only just a little...

Amazing Giveaway at Once Upon A ...Sketch

2011-11-18T09:29:00.000-04:00

Now wouldn't you just LOVE to win this amazing kit

featuring Melissa Frances 5th Avenue collection?!

I know i would. For more details on how to win, visit the Once Upon A ...Sketch blog now!

WOW! 100 Followers!

2011-11-17T08:30:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it! I remember when i started this blog way back in January of this year (not that long ago - hehe), i kept wondering and worrying on how to get people to come visit and become followers. Every blogger's dream is to get a ton load of followers! :-) I never thought i'd reach...

100 FOLLOWERS!!!

I wish i had the time and the talent to make a fancy banner to celebrate this milestone!

I want to thank each and every one of you for visiting and looking at my crafty projects. Hopefully you can find a little bit of inspiration on this blog! I still consider myself a newbie, and i still have lots to learn in both the scrapbooking AND the blogging world, so i'm hoping you'll keep visiting and sharing in on my joy of creating.

I do not update and create as much as i'd like to, but i'm not one of those fortunate people whose full-time job is scrapbooking. I spent many a hour during the day sitting at a desk doing minial office tasks and WISHING that i could be at home in my scraproom instead! But without that boring office job, i probably couldn't afford to scrapbook. Such a vicious circle! hehe

I'm working on a few layouts right now that i will be able to share with you soon... I can't wait to have a little free time on the weekend to put the finishing touches on some of them. *sigh* So many projects, so little time! :-)

Before i go, i have some exciting news to share with you! I have decided that when i reach 200 followers, i will host a special giveaway on my blog (i promise, the prize will not disappoint), so if you know any friends who you think would like my style, be sure to tell them to come visit!!!

Once again, a million THANK YOU's for your appreciation and support!

TPV Challenge #60 - Thanks!

2011-11-16T23:15:00.000-04:00

Here in Canada, we already celebrated Thanksgiving in October, but every day is a good day to give THANKS for all the wonderful things that life has to offer!

This week, at The Paper Variety, we want you to say Thank You with paper!

To be in the running for the wonderful prize shown below, make sure to link up your project HERE before noon on Tuesday! If you'd like the chance to be spotlighted by TPV, link up before Sunday evening.

By being 'thankful', you could win this gorgeous stamp set by My Creative Time:

I cannot wait to see your 'Thanks' projects!!!

B'day Wish (Sketchy Thursdays 11.3)

2011-11-09T21:23:00.000-04:00

I found that this sketch from the 11.3 Sketch Challenge at Sketchy Thursdays was just awesome so i just had to play!

I was a bit scared to do anything with this old picture of my 11th birthday because it's just so... hmmm... not my favorite (to say the least - hehehe). I mean, look at that goofy face! LOL But i do think i found the perfect collection to go with it and the perfect sketch.

The collection is Fancy Pants' It's the Little Things which i love!

Because i'm pressing for time a little bit (the deadline for the challenge is fast approching and i need to 'link up'!), i'll just let the close-ups talk.

Thanks for dropping by! :)

TPV Challenge #59 - Family

2011-11-09T07:02:00.000-04:00

Another week, another awesome and not-to-be-missed challenge at The Paper Variety!

This time, it's all about FAMILY!

Link up your project HERE before Sunday evening for a chance to be spotlighted by TPV or before noon on Tuesday for a chance to win this wonderful kit from Echo Park!

For this challenge, i chose to honor my 2 scrapbooking Muses... my lovely nieces!

I used this sketch from the Monthly Challenge at Imaginisce:

The collection used is one of my favorite Imaginisce collections, Garden Party. All flowers are also from Imaginisce, as well as the crystal snowflakes in the center of the flowers and the stamp 'Love' in the title. I used a Martha Stewart border punch all around the background.

Thank you so much to TPV, Imaginisce and Ella & Daphne for inspiring this layout!

Always Create (OUAS Nov 1st Challenge)

2011-11-08T20:12:00.000-04:00

Today, i am sharing with you a very special layout i made for the November 1st Challenge on the Once Upon A ...Sketch blog. The journalling criteria required me to add at least 2 SENTENCES on WHEN i started scrapping and WHY?

This is the sketch that they provided as inspiration:

The journalling reads:

"I have always been a very artistic person, either it be drawing, writing poetry or crafting. In 2004, when i lost my father to brain cancer, i wanted to pay homage to his life in some way and the idea of a scrapbook came from a friend. Not only was scrapbooking the perfect way to ease my grief, but it quickly became a new way for me to express my creativity."

And i could have added that scrapbooking was probably one of the best things to come into my life at that time when i was trying to deal with the loss of my Dad... Ever since, i have enjoyed every single aspect of this craft and i feel at my best when i create.

To create this layout, i used a mixture of products, including Creative Imaginations papers, Imaginarium Designs chipboard (flourishes), Dusty Attic chipboard (fancy window frame and 'always' title), Maya Road chipboard ('create' title), Prima and KaiserCraft flowers, as well as some eyelets, twine and thread.

To give them their shiny almost metallic look, the ID chipboard title 'always' and the flourishes were covered with 2 shades of Liquid Pearls "Gold Pearl" and "White Opal". On the title 'create' and the rest of the chipboard pieces, i sprayed some Glimmer Mist "Coffee Shop". Each letter was embossed with the Cuttlebug using a flowery border. Then, i rubbed some "White Opal" on each and resprayed with Glimmer Mist. I wasn't too sure how it would all turn out but i like the outcome :)

Hope you enjoyed looking at it as much as i enjoyed creating it :)

Birthday Wishes (MME Blog Challenge 29 - Card)

2011-11-06T16:20:00.000-04:00

I know so many people who are celebrating their birthday this month! It's a good thing that i have a few cards done up in advance because i would never be able to manage! I did take the time to create a card for a very special person this weekend though, using My Mind's Eye Blog Challenge 29 sketch:

The challenge this month is to not only use this fabulous sketch, but also use "BROWN" on the card which is easy for me because i just love brown and i would use it on every single project i make if i could.

I used papers from the older, but still beautiful, So Sophie collection. Unfortunately, i didn't have any other MME products in my stash that matched the papers, but with a little chipboard, some border punches and a little stitching, i was able to make a lovely card for my well-deserving friend.

And voilà!

I'll take this opportunity to wish the best Birthday ever to all my November Birthday friends!!!

My ScrapRoom

2011-11-04T22:38:00.003-03:00

One of the best parts of our new house is definitely the added space for Yves and myself... Yves has his own office and i finally have my very own SCRAPROOM!

Let me share with you some pictures of where i now happily create!

view from the door

my 3 working tables

where the cutting and embossing is done

the color corner

my glimmer mist collection

where i store most of my tools

scraproom or scrapstore? hehe

thread, ribbon, paper, embellies

paper, paper and more paper

flowers, chipboard, bling, alphas & albums

jars of yummy paper blooms

PRIMA!

Of course, i need entertainment while i scrap

And now back to the door where i keep most of my punches...

So now you know where i dwell! :)

TPV Challenge #58 - Laughter

2011-11-02T07:00:00.000-03:00

This week, at The Paper Variety, the challenge requirement is to create a paper project with a sense of humor ;) A funny card sentiment, a silly photo on a scrapbook page, something to bring a chuckle!!

Be sure to link your fun project HERE before Sunday for the chance to be spotlighted by TPV or before noon on Tuesday at the latest to be up in the running to win a generous prize sponsored by

Check out The Paper Variety blog for all the details and for amazing inspiration from my fellow DT members from Team B!

Happy Halloween!!!

2011-10-31T07:01:00.000-03:00

I just wanted to take a quick minute to wish you all a...

Happy Halloween!

Be safe and don't forget to take lots of pictures of the little ones - hehe

Speaking of which, here are some treat bags that i made for a few special Trick or Treaters who came to visit on the weekend. Needless to say, they were taken apart in a matter of seconds to get to the candy!

I used my leftovers from the wonderful October kit from Funtoolas for which i was the monthly featured guest. I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank Funtoolas for featuring some of my creations and for providing me with their kit which allowed me to create so many fun Halloween projects this month. I loved my experience and will always be a huge fan!

Thank you for dropping by!

Just the 2 of Us (Prima's October BAP & PPP)

2011-10-29T06:55:00.001-03:00

Every time i get the chance to play with loads of Prima products, i always feel a certain peacefulness in my crafty soul! I know, i know, this sounds very sappy, but it's true. Some of my favorite Prima products are so soft and soothing to the eye, it is simply a delight to play with them, just equivalent to the day at the Spa!

Well, i decided to pamper myself this week by participating in Prima's October Build-A-Page challenge.

Here is the inspirational sketch:

And the soft and romantic layout that it inspired:

Prima products used are : (papers) Botanical "Far Far Away", Botanical "Sweet Heart", Botanical "My Darling", Jack and Jill "Green Fields"; (chipboard) Botanical Glittered Cardstock; (ribbon) Lace and Pearl Borders; (flowers) Grape Summer Carnation II, Sunshine Floret Collection, Craftable Flowers; (rub-ons) Flocked Rub-Ons.

The fancy chipboard circle around the picture and underneath all those gorgeous Prima flowers is from Dusty Attic. I inked it with Tim Holtz' Distress Ink and added some Stickles for a more textured and sparkly look.

Of course, Prima is not all about soft and sweet! They offer bold and bright products too, something for all tastes. Just check out this month's Product Palette :

Spectacularly Spooky, aren't they? Perfect to scrapbook all your Halloween pictures this year!

Fall Love (Get Picky 1st Birthday Blog Hop)

2011-10-28T09:09:00.000-03:00

OUF! I finally got my layout done for the Get Picky 1st Birthday Blog Hop! Once again, just in the nick of time! Needless to say, i was stitching until the wee hours of the night. But i'm so happy with the finished result. Get Picky is one of my favorite challenge blogs and there is no way that i would have missed celebrating this important milestone with them :)

Here is the sketch that was provided as inspiration, followed by my layout:

For this layout, i mixed and matched different products, using papers from the Basic Grey's Oxford collection along with some Zva Creative bling, KaiserCraft rub-on sentiments, as well as We R Memory Keepers and Maya Road chipboard accents.

Hope you enjoy! And before i go...

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY to the GET PICKY blog!!!

Glory of the 80's (OUAS October 15th Challenge)

2011-10-27T20:45:00.000-03:00

I had so much fun working on this layout! When you see the picture, you'll see that it was quite the challenge, searching for the right paper, the right layout, the right embellishments - hehehe I think it worked out pretty well.

The October 15th challenge at Once Upon a ...Sketch was perfect to scrapbook the infamous picture since the journalling criteria asked for a minimum of 2 sentences on an awkward or embarrassing moment that you will remember for all the wrong reasons or even an awkward or embarrassing characteristic or feature of yourself or someone you know. This sketch was featured as inspiration:

When my cousin showed me this picture of her family's trip to Walt Disney World back in the late 80's, we had quite a laugh over it! Most of us who have grown up in the 80's are sure to have some nasty fashion pics like this one hiding in their closets! I immediately asked her for a copy and her permission to someday use it on a layout. She was very curious as to what i would come up with. Well, with some flashy Imaginisce papers and flowers, lots of glitter and some bling, here it is Cyn! My homage to the Fluo Family! Hope your parents don't hold a grudge for too long! hehehe

Thank you OUAS for giving me the inspiration to finally put this picture to use! :-)

TPV Challenge #57 - Halloween

2011-10-26T08:00:00.000-03:00

Halloween is such a fun holiday to scrapbook, wouldn't you agree? This week, at The Paper Variety blog, we want to see your Halloween projects. Be sure to link up your project before Sunday evening for a chance to be spotlighted by TPV and before noon on Tuesday for a chance at this AMAZING prize.

Don't forget to also share your project on TPV Facebook page if you'd like to be a future guest designer.

As part of my DT release, i decided to make 2 of this cute candy-filled card that i will be giving to my nieces. It was fairly easy to do, with recycled packaging and papers and embellishments from the wonderful October kit from Funtoolas.

I cannot wait to see how Halloween inspires you this week!

Fall in Love - Post 2 (PageMaps Studio Purge Sketch Contest)

2011-10-19T22:28:00.002-03:00

In my previous post tonight, i shared with you information on the left side of this double-page layout, and now here are more details on what inspired the right side.

All of you who are familiar with Becky Fleck from PageMaps know that she is the best sketch designer out there, and throughout the last couple years, her sketches have inspired me to no end. She is currently hosting a Studio Purge Sketch Contest (check out the amazing prize up for grabs HERE) for which she provided this awesome inspiration for the right side of my layout:

As you can see, i simply rotated the sketch and substituted the 3 little pictures for just a bigger one and 3 patchwork squares. The collection used is My Mind's Eye Lost and Found Two "Sunshine" which i just fell in love with the minute i laid eyes on it. I immediately wanted to own every single item available.

The picture on this side of the layout specifically is very special to me. The love between Yves and i is just bursting like the colors of the trees surrounding us. Every day, i feel so blessed to be loved by such a wonderful caring man. He makes me happy like no other person ever has!

And now on to the close-ups:

(I love you P****)

Fall in Love - Post 1 (MME's Blog Challenge 28)

2011-10-19T22:26:00.002-03:00

I've been waiting to scrapbook this pictures for a year now, just waiting for the perfect paper collection to come along. As soon as i saw the Lost and Found Two: Sunshine collection from My Mind's Eye, i just KNEW! Just like i knew the day i saw Yves that he was special and worth getting to know. Not long after that day, we fell in love... and every day since, 'we fall in love all over again'!

This layout was inspired by this wonderful sketch (by Anam Stubbington) for My Mind's Eye Blog Challenge 28 (i had to use 80% of MME products and "Fall" as my theme):

Here are some close-ups:

As usual, i made this layout as part of a double-pager, shown below. Click HERE to see more details and read more information on what inspired the right side.

My Mind's Eye products used include (from Lost and Found 2 Sunshine):

"Forever" Dotted Paper; "Lovely" Sewing paper; "Lovely" Plaid Paper; "Lovely" Layered Stickers; "Memories" Sweet Paper; "Memories" Blossoms Paper; "Memories" Layered Chipboard Stickers; "Memories" Buttons; "Sunshine" Brads; "Two of Us" Pearls

Other products used: Dusty Attic Chipboard, Prima Flowers, Basic Grey Alphabet Chipboard