What made you start scrapbooking/stamping?

I had some scrapbooking kits in our garage sale and a sample of pages made with each kit. So many people stopped to admire them and the comment I heard over and over again is "I'd like to start scrapbooking but .....,"
So the question I have for you is why/when/how did you start scrapbooking or stamping?

I started when my son was born 11 years ago. I didn't like any of the prepared baby books. Went to a Creative Memories party and was hooked. Didn't have the money to buy an album so worked on a package of refill pages tied together with ribbon. When Aaron was old enough to turn the pages my husband told me I'd better go and buy an album before our little guy destroyed it.

I was introduced to the world of stamping by my sister in law who as a graphic designer created some stamp designs for a local stamp manufacturer. I took some stamp classes in a scrapbook store and have never looked back. I had my own online scrapbook business and worked in a scrapbook store. My best friends and my daughter are all scrapbookers/stampers so I think it will always be part of my life.

Today's stamp/scrap day projects

Thanks Eliz for coming up with today's projects. Lunch was as usual fabulous. Had a great time. Even had a chance to continue to work on the layout this afternoon but am waiting for a photo to be printed and to come up with a title. I will post the layout and the Christmas cards when I finish.

Card making resource

I received a copy of the Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Card and if I can pry it out of my husband's hands long enough I will have a better chance to review it.

My unromantic fellow turned right to the romantic section of the book and the first thing he read was

"Can I have your picture so I can tell Santa what I want for Christmas"

Not quite sure how to take it but I am sure he was trying to be sincere.

I'll let you know if I like it as much as the

Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Word which I have used over and over again for verses for my scrapbooks.

And the winner is:

The winner of my blog candy for giving me the pages of the latest issue of Scrapbook and Cards Today is Eliz. I'll deliver her candy to her on Thurs.
Thanks Barb and Leeny for leaving a comment on my layouts.

Scrapping Saturday

As promised. Some of what I accomplished yesterday. It was a great day. Thanks Shannon for hosting.

Scrap room to die for

I got my new issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine through a subscription offer from Home Interiors and showed Arthur a page with a peg board scrapbook area and he said they didn't know that scrapbookers had too many supplies to hang on one peg board.
Well I got blogsurfing and look at this room. Its to die for.
http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/
She had some great ideas though. I especially like the embellisments organized by colours. Hmmm will have to make some changes to my scrap room.

Thanks for cropping today.

Thanks to my friends who came to crop while I worked today. It was great to see all of you and made the day just fly by.

Some Scraplifts from latest issue of Scrapbook and Cards Today

Ok girls, I admit it. I scraplift like the best of you. What's really great is I found the ideas for each of the pages on different pages of the lastest issue of Scrapbook and Cards today. Go find your copy today and if you can tell me which page number was the inspiration for each of the the 4 pages, I will enter your name in a draw for blog candy.
(Not sure what it will be yet but Carolyn and I are going to the Scrapping Bug in Kitchener tomorrow and I'm sure I can come up with something.
Carolyn, thanks for the wonderful photos. You get an extra ballot.
If you don't have the magazine in front of you leave a post with your favourite summer memory and I'll enter your name into the draw too.
I will draw the winnning name on Monday July 23rd. So here's the chance for all of you blog stalkers to become a poster. If you have any trouble posting just use the email me link on the right hand side of my blog.

But do go and check out the free magazine given out by participating scrapbook stores. (I got mine at Scrapaholics in Mt Brydges) This issue and past issues are available for download in pdf format at http://www.scrapbookandcards.com/magazine.html

Wedding Card

I did this card for our last Stamp/Scrap Day but hadn't posted it yet. Sorry for the quality of the photo. I just can't seem to get it right.

Pocket double slider cards.

There is a story behind why I bought this stamp set. I always thought it was cute but didn't really think I'd use it much. I was at a Stamp Camp at Heather's and she used it for a Father's Day Card. I didn't realize there was a stamp for the pocket so I traced a piece of paper where the pocket was cut out and then started drawing the lines when Heather noticed what I was doing and gave me the stamp. Then I had to have it.

What better to do on a rainy day than to stamp with a friend.
When the cards are closed , you just see the pockets. When it is opened a frog or friends pop out. What cute kid birthday cards.

Here is a link to tutorial for the double slider card. I just tweaked it to fit the size of the pocket.

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/doubleslidercard.php

I'll post my changes when I get a chance.

Stampin Up Party

Went to a Stampin Up party at Jan's this evening. Love the projects Lizz.

You did a great job!

The scrapbook page was done using my current favourite stamp set, Baroque Motifs. I cherish the moments when my 11 year old still cuddles with us. I know soon he will be too big to do that and it will make me very sad. I'm going to do a corresponding page with Jenna and each of us.

A Good Weekend

It was a good weekend and went by too fast. I took a card and gift wrapped in paper stamped with the swirl from the Baroque Motifs set to a housewarming party and received compliments on it. Didn't think to take a photo though. I'll have to play with that set some more and see what I can come up with. I'll have to clear off my crafting table before I can do that so I'd better get at it.

4 " round and square blank chipboard coasters share

Anyone interested in purchasing 4 " round and square chipboard coasters? We thinking of putting in an order with a Canadian source. Minimum order is quite a substantial number so we will have them available in lots of 100 (50 round/50 square). Reply to this post if interested and I'll send you further details.

Wedding card and Jacob's Ladder

The girls were here for our Stamp/Scrap day. We did a Hidden Message Slider, a Wedding card and a Jacob's ladder mini album. We laughed so hard trying to get the mini album together. Then we couldn't figure out how it works when all of a sudden Eliz's started to flip as she held it. Here are some photos of the mini album.

The far left picture is side 1 of the ladder. The 2nd one side 2 flipped. When you turn it over you would think that side 1 would just be upside down but that's not the case. Its magic. The 3rd one is what you get.

The pictures are in reverse order.

If you want to make your own Jacob's ladder here are some tutorials:

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/jacobsladder.php

http://www.crafttvweekly.com/player.html?wid=92

I've been tagged by Heather

I've been tagged!
I have been tagged by a very talented blogger, Heather check out her blog!!! http://stampwithheather.typepad.com/stamp_with_heather/
Here are the rules:
I must post 7 random things about me
Tag 7 other bloggers to do the same.
Leave tagged bloggers comments on their site so they know they've been tagged.
I've let you know my favourites already on my blog so will have to come up with other information
1) I was born in Northern Rhodesia, now Zambia and emmigrated to London Ontario when I was 3 with my parents and brother. My sister was born here.
2) I have both my E.C.E. (Early Childhood Education Diploma and an Honours BA in Social Work) which I plan to use shortly
3) My mother tongue is Dutch and I can still speak, read and write it. My husband says I'll revert back to it when I get old so the kids better learn it too.
4)Got married when I was 37. Had my first child on our 1st wedding anniversay and my 2nd one a month before I turned 40
5)Will travel on a moment's notice and would never pass up the opportunity to going somewhere exotic.
6)Can find a million things I'd rather be doing that housework
7) Enjoy white wine and tropical drinks.

Fishing Derby in Port Glasgow

The fish were nibbling on both minnows and worms but we were unable to catch them. We tried a few places to fish. Despite that we had a very nice day at the Fishing Derby in Port Glasgow. The kids all received embroidered hats, minnows, a bobber, fridge magnet, pamphlets and a lunch ticket when they registered. They participated in a casting contest and after all was said and done they also received door prizes. Great day and the weather was perfect.

Girl's night in

Jenna and I have a date with our new digital cable service for a girl's night in. We have cool beverages, comfy pyjamas and some treats usually reserved for movie nights.

Bathroom Reno almost complete

Here is the light fixture that started it all. I'm really pleased with the results and I don't have my border or print yet. It's all all coming together nicely now.

Because of the large mirror over the vanity it is difficult to photograph.
Eliz, do you recognize your shells? I painted the shadow boxes with the same paint as the walls to get an exact match. I need the border up for the correct placement of them.

Look what I bought from Ebay

Look what I bought from Ebay. I've been looking at them for a while and have had several unsuccessful bids. This one I caught just at the last minute. All in my overall goal of getting things organized this summer before I return to the workforce.
It is 22" wide x 3 1/8 deep x a little over 18" high and will hold 75 ink pads. Better start buying the rest of the Stamping up colours to fill it.
The seller is in Brantford and I had considered going to pick it up but the shipping was only $12 and I can drive both ways for that.
Not sure if the parcel delivery man will remember me. I haven't had anything delivered since my Wishblade.
Updated: Impressive shipping. Was here the day after it was shipped.

What do you think of this print?

I've done it again. I've gone searching the internet for something for my bathroom. I'd love a print for the larger wall across from the mirror. Originally I had thought of one of children playing along the water's edge but fell in love with this one.
Its called Looking to Sea by David Schock. I think it might compliment the new decor perfectly. Here is the room so far: See even Jenna matches!
I'm happy to announce that now finishing the bathroom is up to me.

The boys are going on a canoe trip

The boys are getting ready to go on a canoe trip this week. Aaron has done a little canoeing with Scouts and I don't know how experienced Arthur really is but they are going with some family members who had done the trip before. Hope the weather is good. They are canoeing from Wed. morning to Thursday evening. Jenna and I will meet them in Paisley and she may join them in the canoe from the town to Saugeen Bluff Conservation area if all goes well.

They are going from Walkerton On. to Paisley On. along the Saugeen River.

There is a description of the route from http://www.svca.on.ca/canoe3.htm
Walkerton to Paisley - 39 kilometres -- 7 to 10 hours

Day at East Park Layout

Here is my version of Barb's Yummy layout. (Here is a link to hers.
http://barbdean.typepad.com/fun_stuff/2007/06/yummy.html. Personally I like the vibrant orange in Barb's layout better than the green in mine.

The photo is of Aaron, Jenna and our friend MacKenzie in a mushroom water shower at East Park Water Slides. We had a great day with Carolyn, Braedon and Calum. Great way to start off the summer

Had an Awesome first day of summer

We had an awesome first day of summer. A friend invited us to join her at the Brain Injury Awareness Day held at East Park Golf Gardens in London. The kids played a round of mini golf and then spent the afternoon playing on the water slides. The weather was perfect. We had such a good time.
We also had the kids fitted for new bicycle helmets they were giving away for a donation.

Couple of cards using my Wishblade

We are losing both our Principal and Vice Principal this year so I made a couple of cards using my Wishblade and downloaded files. I just love the intricate cuts. If only I could learn how to design stuff this beautiful.

Finished Stamp/Scrap Day Layouts

I know its been a long time coming but here are a couple of Stamp/Scrap Day Layouts I finished up last night. The sentiment is one Deb used on a layout for the store.

The St Thomas Air Show one worked well with the colours in Jenna's shirt

Teacher's gift card holder

I spent hours playing with a gift card holder for this year's Teacher's gifts. We bought cards from Chapters Book Stores. {Aaron wants to insist his teacher buy something for herself and not the class with it.}After several attempts I decided to use the Hidden message slider format http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/hiddenmessageslider.php
with an oval card holder as seen in http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/578032?cat=500&ppuser=89711 to show the apple and book on the gift card.
This card it way too thick to mail but I'm please with the results. The greetings on the card were done using some $1.50 acrylic stamps from Michaels. The doodle style of the words match the flower and the Basic Grey patterned paper I used.

I love a challenge

As some of you already know I love a scrapbook challenge so my friend Eliz called me with one this morning. She wanted a 1 page layout for 2 photos she has of a recent fire in Petrolia. I have some glitz and glitter to add to the flames. Oops I gave it to her without taking a photo of it.

St. Thomas Air Show

Summertime and the living is easy. We got comfortable this afternoon at the St. Thomas Wings and Wheels Air Show. A little sun, a little food and a little entertainment. The aerial manoevers are just amazing. That they can control the aircraft and make it look so easy.Show. A little sun, a little food and a little entertainment. The aerial manoevers are just amazing. That they can control the aircraft and make it look so easy.

Favourite Summer Song

Now that summer {my favourite season of the year } is officially here I am compiling a list of all time favourite summer music. I want to make add some summer music to a MP3 player and need suggestions. I already have


Walking on Sunshine- Katrina and the Waves
Under the Boardwalk - The Drifters
Kokomo- Beach Boys
Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini
Under the boardwalk? (added by Leeny)
Tequila Sunrise - Eagles
Pina Colada song {Escape- Rupert Holmes}
Margueritaville -Jimmy Buffet (am I sensing a theme)
Summer Lovin' - Grease
Summer in the City - Loving Spoonful
School's Out - Alice Cooper
Surfin USA - Beach Boys
Hot Fun In The Summertime- Sly and the Family Stone
Sunshine On My Shoulders - John Denver
Summer Of '69 - Bryan Adams
Brown-Eyed Girl, Van Morrison
Dancing in the Streets, Martha & the Vandellas
Locomotion, Little Eva
Seasons in the Sun- Terry Jacks

In a scrapbooking mood

I was in a scrapbooking mood last night and this

afternoon. I finished a couple of layouts I have had kicking around for a bit. The home one is a scraplift of one that Deb did for the store and the pool one is one I did when I scrapbooked in St. Thomas. The birthday one was a scraplift of 2 different layouts in the current issue of Scrapbook and Cards today. Still have to add photos to that one.

I think I only have 2 more layouts started that need photos. Both of them I did when Eliz hosted our stamp and scrap days. We are going to an air show tomorrow so will be able to complete one soon for sure.

Some scrap paper cards

I was making up cards from extra kits I had at work today so continued on this evening with cards made using scraps of paper. I used the Becky Fleck card sketches at http://www.pagemaps.com/

and some strips of patterned paper and cardstock. The stamps are the $1.50 ones from Michaels.

Thanks Eliz, Ann, Cheryl and Kathy for coming in to crop today. It was nice to see you.

A New Look

We changed the screen door on the front of our house because the cat could come and go as she pleased but so could the bugs. Several people who visit regularly said it was a good thing the car was parked in the driveway. They almost didn't recognize the house. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or bad.

We are also redoing the bathroom just because I wanted a more energy efficient light fixture. Didn't know we were going to have to exert so much energy to redo the walls.

Jenna asked me if I was going to change everything in the house. I told her that after being here almost 8 years, we have only redone her room and Aaron's. It was time the rest of the house had a facelift too. So watch out Arthur. I've got lots of projects up my sleeve yet.

Father's Day

What could be finer than spending Father's Day with Dad:
* A warm summer afternoon.
*The kids got to go swimming at the public pool across the street.
*Then mom's best apple pie
*Family movie night watching Mrs. Doubtfire to top it off.

Major changes ahead

Some recent events have made me take a hard look at things and decide that it is now the time for some major changes in my life. I have decided that after the summer I will leave the business world of scrapbooking behind and re-enter the work force to use my education, training and skills in other avenues. We have some plans that require me to contribute more to the financial goals of our family and our children are now old enough to allow us to leave them alone for short periods of time.
Wish me luck and I will continue to maintain this blog as a creative outlet.

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Arthur says he doesn't like cats but judging from the photos I'm pretty sure that Kally has won just a little bit of his heart.

Good weekend so far.

Last night the Scouts went to the Delaware Speedway and invited family to come along. It was a beautiful evening to spend time together. We had a nice time. I hadn't been to the races since I was a child. We had neighbours who were involved at least 35-40 years ago. The took us a few times.
It was so nice to come home to a house that is nice and cool. We had been without air conditioning for a week and I put off calling a repair service afraid that we would have to replace the unit. Fortunately that was not the case. We needed 2 new capacitors although we had replaced one a couple of years ago. In any event it was worth a good night's sleep.
Tonight when I get home from work we will celebrate Aaron's birthday. I'll have to remember to get the camera out. I haven't taken photos in a while and want something new to scrap.