Scrappingfor7

Cards

2011-09-26T10:14:00.001-04:00

Some Thanksgiving cards I made while watching a movie over the weekend. I love the paper pad I got from We R Memory Keepers, and I used it for all of these cards.

Birthday card

2011-09-08T09:19:00.004-04:00

Well the kids are back in school, and with the cooler weather, I am looking forward to getting some more scrapping done. Here is a card I made for the Gel-a-tins challenge on their blog, to create a card using light blue, pink, light green and pale yellow. I also used the Gel-a-tin stamp set 'Admission is Free'. I am in love with the Gel-a-tins again, they have gorgeous designs. The paper line is Basic Grey. Thanks for looking!

Back to blogging

2011-08-30T07:56:00.003-04:00

It's been a while since I have updated my blog. Summer is hard to stay up to date with blogging, scrapping, or pretty much anything that is done indoors. But fall is around the corner, and I am feeling that familiar itch to start creating again. So I think I will be posting some projects soon.

Cards

2011-04-12T14:49:00.002-04:00

I had about an hour today when the boys were playing outside, and thought I would get some stuff out to make cards. Mother's day is coming up, and so I had to get some cards made in time to mail out. Then a made a few others, as I am getting low on cards in general. I think I need to take a few days out to replenish my supply.

Scrapfest!

2011-04-11T08:57:00.002-04:00

Scrapfest just finished for another year. It was great to see everyone again. I was supposed to host the crop, but with my recent health challenges, I had to bow out. I did, however, manage to volunteer a few hours on Friday, right when many people were checking in, and that was fun. But boy did those few hours wipe me out! I think it was the most energy I have used since my hysterectomy, and I felt it! I tried not to do too much walking around, and just stay stationed at the desk, but it still caught up with me. It was worth it though!

I was also excited to meet Carolyn from Maya Road. I have known her online for about 6 years, but this is the first time we met in person (see pic above). And it was great to see so many others that I only get to see every Scrapfest.

Thanks to Lisa and the rest of the Scrapfest crew, for another wonderful Scrapfest!!

Scrap therapy

2011-04-04T09:49:00.004-04:00

Well after everything I have been through, I think it's about time I find something therapeutic to do. Scrapping is the answer! I have been scrapping a lot the past two weeks. I really missed it. The layout above is one I did using pics from our PEI trip last summer.

I also missed keeping up with other blogs, and seeing what is going on in the scrapping world. So if you notice my presence more on your blog, it's because I am finally coming out of my fog.

So it's been awhile

2011-03-30T21:11:00.009-04:00

I haven't been on here in quite some time. I haven't been spending a lot of time on the computer at all, in fact. I have missed following everyone's blogs, and trying to keep up with my friends and the scrapbooking industry in general. 2011 didn't exactly start well for me.

I had a hysterectomy on Jan.31. I was planning on laying low for about 4-6 weeks, taking some time to heal. But there was a complication that turned the next two months of my life upside down. Here is how it all went. If you're still with me, you may want to grab a coffee or something.

My hysterectomy was Monday, Jan.31. All went well, or so it seemed. The Dr. came in the morning to tell me so. But he said he noticed at the end that the urine was not flowing down the ureter. Quick medical lesson - the ureter is the long tube that carries the urine from the kidney to the bladder. A very important function, I quickly learned. The Dr. figured it would work itself out. Well it wasn't long before the pain I was experiencing was unlike anything I was prepared for. The nurses assumed it was just hysterectomy pain, and they encouraged me to take the morphine (I am allergic to aspirin and ibuprofen, which cancels out all the good drugs - leaving me with morphine and percocet).

So I was living on that for the week - all to the dismay of my stomach, which did not agree with any of this, and violently protested. With the basin never far from me, I did my best to manage the pain. I am tough, I told myself. Had 5 big kids naturally - I can do some hysterectomy pain. I was in the hospital for a week, but still had a catheter because my bladder seemed to be swollen from the surgery. So after a week I was sent home with the catheter. And still in tremendous pain. I should have caught on, seeing that the pain was all centred in my left side in the back.

I remember asking the nurse that came in for homecare if hysterectomies are supposed to hurt this much. I spent the next week crying in pain, wondering why the pain wasn't subsiding at all, in fact getting worse. My dr. called daily to check on me.

Finally on Friday, Feb. 11, almost 2 weeks after the surgery, he had me to an ultrasound. He called me within 3 hours to give me the results - still no urine flowing through the ureter. This concerned him. So he scheduled me for a CT scan on the Monday. I spent the next two days in more unbelievable pain. And to top it all off, I have been nauseous and vomitting through all of this, partly due to the percocet and I am sure due to the pain.

Monday, February 14. A day I will never forget. I was so nauseous, but had to get up to get to the hospital for my CT scan. I am sitting in the waiting room, with two large glasses of water that I was supposed to get down before the scan. Not happening. I was just too nauseous. They were very understanding, gave me a cot to lay down until it was my turn. The scan was awful. They had to inject me with dye, which feels awful going in. They had to do this a few times, and there was a lot of waiting. And the pain was even stronger than ever - partially due to the liquids that had now entered my body for the scan. After what seemed like an endless scan, I could finally empty my bladder and go home. I arrived home, and immediately went to have a nap. I was sick, in pain, and just couldn't take much more. Little did I know, this was just the beginning.

I woke up to the doorbell ringing - a delivery man with a dozen beautiful red roses from my amazing husband for valentine's day. It was our 21st valentines together, and this was the only bright spot in my day. Not an hour later, my Dr called with the results of the scan: I was in that immense pain because my ureter was completely blocked, therefore not allowing any urine to flow from the kidney - for two weeks to the day. My kidney was now in danger, and I had to get in for surgery right away, as in that evening. Then he said that they also discovered a blood clot, called ovarian vein thrombosis, that is located in the vein beside the ovary and where the uterus used to be. And he said I would have to go on blood thinners.

So I contacted my husband and he came home right away. We prepared the kids that mom was leaving for the hospital again, and would hopefully come back feeling better. The Dr called me at 3:30 pm with the news, and I was in surgery by 8pm. The idea was to insert a stent through the ureter to open it up. I remember waking up in the recovery room, muttering the words "did it work?" to my Dr, who said "no". I cried. I would still be in pain, this attempt was for nothing. The next plan of action was to get a nephrostomy tube inserted in my kidney, through my back. This would relieve the pain, as it would allow the urine to drain through the tube that comes out the back, and down the leg into a bag. I felt like I was in a nightmare - how can this be happening? Turns out, all of this was due to the fact the Dr stitched over my ureter when finishing the hysterectomy. An error that happens in about 1% of vaginal hysterectomy's. Lucky me.

Feb. 16 I had the nephrostomy tube inserted. This was an awful procedure, one I hope to never have again. Luckily during this time, my dad and step mom drove down from Ottawa to stay with us for a week, and help out with the kids. I also had a lot of friends help us out with meals, and such. What a blessing! Friday Feb.18 I had my first blood thinner injection. Within 4 hours, my bag completely filled with blood, and scared both Derek and I. We called the Dr, who had given us his cell number in case of emergenccy. He said to discontinue the injections until he could consult with a specialist.

I will try to fast forward this a bit now, as the next few weeks are filled with dr visits, more attempted stent procedures (failed). I am so limited with this tube. I can't shower, I can't sleep properly, I worry constantly about what is going to happen. I have rashes from the bandages, blisters from the tubes, itchiness from the tape.

Finally I get some good news on March 24 - the blood clot is no longer an issue. I had to go to the thrombosis clinic at McMaster in Hamilton, and the Dr assured me it would be scar tissue at this point. Could things be looking up? I had my next stent attempt on Monday March 28. By then the stitches would have dissolved, and the ureter would either open up, or it would not and I would need surgery. And the surgery is big, and would recover minimum 2 years of doctor's follow up care. I absolutely did not want that surgery. But even with all of this, I felt calm. I was in church the Sunday before my Mcmaster visit, and this calm came over me, like God's way of telling me everything would be ok, and not to worry. Beside's, Chelsea's first communion is May 1, and if I had surgery I would miss it. That just wasn't acceptable.

Monday I went into the hospital, the Dr inserted a tube, and it went right up the ureter!! That was the best news! It was a little sticky at the part where it was stitched, so he still had to put a stent in. But he was so encouraged that he even removed the nephrostomy tube. That was a surprise because I was told they would keep it in for a few weeks just to be sure. But the tube is now gone, and I can't tell you how relieved and free I feel. This stent is annoying - makes me feel like I have to pee all the time! And there is a lot of pressure too. But this is nothing compared to what I have gone through the past two months.

I am sure I left a lot out, but it's hard to remember everything that happened over the past two months. Especially when some of it I would rather forget. But it's finally coming to an end.

Praise God!! And thank you everyone for your prayers!! I can now start planning for the future, our Disney trip, and the summer. I feel like I have learned so much - appreciate the little things, take care of your body, cherish your friends and family as they are your amazing support system. And my husband was my rock through all of it. He is amazing, and was my strength when I felt like I didn't have anymore.

Well if you have read this far, that's amazing LOL Sorry for the long post, I should have been updating all along, but during this I was having vision problems. They think it was the anesthesia from having it a few times. I have missed following your blogs, and keeping up with everyone. I will try to do better now that things are finally getting back to normal.

Lovely voice

2010-12-01T10:50:00.002-05:00

I decided to post some of my 14 yr old daughter's music on Youtube. She has a beautiful voice, and even has a Christmas CD.

Click this link to hear a song from her Christmas CD, she recorded when she was 12

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkQrYs7B_IU

Then click this link to hear her singing a song she is learning from Phantom of the Opera

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBBlU8s6nT8

And here she is singing at church last week

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zylP3FLjCA8

December reveal

2010-12-01T10:45:00.003-05:00

It's December already! I can't believe how the time has flown by. And December is promising to be even busier. Good thing I was able to finish my scrapping in time for today's reveal. Here are my layouts below, don't forget to check out the other talented ladies at Two Scrapbook Friends

October

2010-10-26T22:12:00.003-04:00

I have been such a neglectful blogger. I find it so hard to keep up with it at times, and I have been just as neglectful keeping up with others. I need to put google reader back up, that would help me.

October has gone by so quickly. It's been a terrific month, with gorgeous weather. Thanksgiving weekend was amazing, with +20 temps. We took the kids to Wonderland on Sunday since the weather was so great. Monday was also warm, so I popped the turkey in the oven, and we went off to the pumpkin patch for our annual visit. We had fun in the patch, and in the corn maze. Here are some pics of our day.

Design Team Reveal

2010-10-01T13:07:00.002-04:00

Oh I am such a bad blogger lately. Well I finally found some time to scrap. This is the kit I was working with for Two Scrapbook Friends. Gorgeous papers, and I loved using the first day of school pics for some of it. If you want to see what the other amazing ladies at Two Friends did, check out the gallery.

Memories of summer

2010-09-03T09:35:00.002-04:00

Rarely a day goes by when I don't think about our fabulous summer vacation in PEI and Nova Scotia. We had the best time, and made some amazing memories. I digi scrapped this layout of some pics of the kids on Cavendish beach, PEI. Can't wait to go back!!

Silhouette for sale!!

2010-08-02T13:08:00.001-04:00

Hey fellow scrappers! I am selling a brand new Silhouette machine, with all accessories, and 3 brand new rolls of vinyl. Originally worth almost 400.00, selling for 250.00!! Email me 7sloans@gmail.com if you are interested!

Design team reveal

2010-08-02T09:22:00.002-04:00

I had to work fast with this kit, as I was on holidays for most of July. I used Echo Park Sweet Summertime, and it was fun to use some of my holiday pictures with it. The last item I used something I have had for a while, it is a big wooden plaque divided into sections, and can be hung on the wall. I decided to use the first day of school pics from 2009. It isn't quite finished yet, but you get the idea.

Check out my other team member's fabulous work at Two Scrapbook Friends

Peggy's Cove pics

2010-07-27T16:05:00.002-04:00

So after we left PEI, we went to Nova Scotia. My fav day was Peggy's Cove. Here are some pics. I just had to touch the ocean. This pic is Derek helping me up from the slippery rocks.

Here is where I put my foot in the ocean, but got more than I bargained for when a big wave came up and got me all the way up to my waist! You can see the surprised look on my face.

The family with the mist and waves all around us. Such a cool place!
My favourite family shot. This is still at Peggy's Cove, you can see the ocean behind us.

More vacation pics

2010-07-27T15:43:00.002-04:00

Here are the kids having a blast at Chelton beach, Prince Edward Island. They loved the warm water of the Northumberland Strait.

This is a pic of them at Cavendish beach. This body of water is the Gulf of St Lawrence. freezing cold, but much calmer.

Here we are around a camp fire at the cottage we rented for the week in PEI
Derek and I on 'Lovers Lane' in Cavendish, PEI
Derek and I outside 'Anne of Green Gables' house.
Me outside the birth home of the author, LM Montgomery
And Derek and I relaxing outside our cottage. Loved waking up to this view. I could seriously live there, it was amazing!
The lane to our cottage. Loved the red sand!

Vacation pics

2010-07-27T15:35:00.003-04:00

We are back from our three week trip, we had an awesome time. I have a lot of pics to share, so I am going to put them in different posts. This is the beginning of our trip, Canada Day. Canada day is also our anniversary, this year was our 15th. Below is a pic of us near Parliament Hill.

This pic was taken on Sparks Street Mall. It sure was busy down there, the kids loved it!

And I like this pic of my dear sweet hubby.
Here is a four generation pic, myself, my five children, my mom and my grandmother. It was my grandmother's 80th birthday, so glad I was able to be there with her.

New scrapping inspiration!

2010-06-05T15:06:00.003-04:00

My girls are in dance, and have their recitals coming up next week. Here they are in full dress, Chelsea all cute in ballet, and Cassaundra too grown up in jazz. Lots of scrapping inspiration for sure!

Friendzy Friday - Two Scrapbook Friends

2010-06-03T22:59:00.001-04:00

It's that time of year, when we are planning our summer vacations, whether it be long trips or weekend getaways, or just keeping track of fun summer days. I love the idea of keeping a summer journal to store our pictures and memories. My family is going to the east coast for two weeks in July, so I bought this journal from Two Friends, I love how sturdy it is. I flipped it on it's side, and then I altered it using Fancy Pants 'Family' line. Fun and easy, and will hold our vacation memories for a lifetime!

Design team reveal

2010-05-31T21:59:00.002-04:00

This month's kit was full of fun, bright colours. I used it to create a variety of layouts. The paper line is The Paper Loft, Morning Rain collection. Fun to work with, and loved the word strips. Check out the other girls awesome work at Two Scrapbook Friends.

Mrs Potts

2010-05-21T20:26:00.002-04:00

Cassaundra was Mrs Potts in her elementary school production of Beauty and the Beast. She did a fabulous job. Below is her as the teapot. If you would like to hear her beautiful singing, click this link to see it on Youtube. Sorry not the best quality, as it was video taken from my point and shoot camera.

Wonderland!

2010-05-16T21:54:00.003-04:00

Today we headed off for our first visit to Wonderland of the season. Just the first of many, since we have season's passes again. The weather was perfect, and we all had a lot of fun. The kids were thrilled with all the changes in the kids area, all the new rides were fun. Here are some pictures of our fun day.

Friendzy Friday

2010-04-29T22:54:00.002-04:00

It's Friendzy Friday at Two Scrapbook Friends, at it is my turn to post. I chose to show how neat beads can look on a page or layout. Simply stamp an image, place glue where you want your beads to go, and start laying them out using tweezers. The end result I turned into a Mother's Day card. Since you can find beads at a dollar store, this is an inexpensive way to jazz up your cards and layouts!

Scrapfest follow up

2010-04-23T16:33:00.002-04:00

Remember I told you that I took this fabulous clay flower class at Scrapfest? Well here is the arrangement I bought from the teacher of the class. She has her own business, called Invite Me Creative Announcements, and she makes the most gorgeous arrangements. I have 3 of them now. Here is the latest, can you believe these are clay?!

And this is the project we made in her class. We learned how to make the flowers, we made a bunch of clusters of them, and put them with a picture in this shadow box. My flowers don't even come close to hers, but I plan on doing lots of practicing so that I can keep getting better.

Another successful Scrapfest

2010-04-17T20:46:00.002-04:00

Well that was fun!! I spend the last three days at Scrapfest - well the first day was helping set up, but then the other two days was spent cropping and shopping!! Fun fun fun! Had a blast with the group from Two Scrapbook Friends - it was great meeting so many terrific women! Met up with a lot of friends I haven't seen in a while, and bought so many yummy goodies. One of them is this great book by Kimber McGray. I was able to look through it briefly, and love what I saw so far.

Then took this great class from Tracey Paul, from Invite Me Creative Announcements. She makes the most beautiful clay flower arrangements. We made a shadow box with hydrangeas. And I had to buy another arrangement, it's my third I have of hers now. Check out her site to see her gorgeous creations.

Well now I had better start to unpack my stuff. I am a bit tired after a busy few days. Thank you to Lisa, Sandra, Lorna, and some helpful husband's for working so hard to put this event together. It was a great success!!

Wednesday 'how I used it'

2010-04-07T08:17:00.002-04:00

It's my turn to showcase 'How I used it' at Two Scrapbook Friends for this week.

I was in the store last week, and picked up loads of glorious new lines of papers. Two of my favourites had similar colours and I wanted to show how we could combine some lines to make them coordinate and compliment each other. This layout uses elements and patterned papers from My Little Shoebox, and American Crafts 'Dear Lizzy' collections. It is so spring/summery, perfect for this time of year.

So next time you use up a lot of some collections you have, look for those that you can coordinate together.

April Design team reveal!!

2010-04-01T10:12:00.002-04:00

This is the reveal for the design team work for Two Scrapbook Friends. We were challenged to work with My Minds Eye, and I love this line!! Check out the gallery at Two Friends to see some fabulous work from the other design team members.

Mother's day Card

2010-04-01T08:12:00.003-04:00

It is my turn to post Thursday's card challenge at Two Scrapbook Friends today. I chose to make a card using a quote on the front of the card. I used flower soft, because I love how this looks on a card. And of course, it's almost time for Mother's day, so I turned it into a Mother's day card just by adding a stamped image.

Check out Two Scrapbook Friends for all kinds of great weekly challenges!

Friendzy Friday

2010-03-26T10:26:00.006-04:00

It's Friendzy Friday at Two Scrapbook Friends and it is my turn to post. In honour of the kick off to Scrapfest weekend at Two friends this weekend, I thought I would show you something I made using a product I bought at the very first Scrapfest I ever attended 4 years ago.
So I came up with this cute little Easter bunny made from this fun fiber. The instructions are simple, as you can see by the pictures above. You simply need the fiber, a stamp, ink, parchment paper and an iron.

Ink your stamp with a colour that is similar to the fiber. Then place a generous amount of fiber over the stamp, place the parchment paper over top and iron on medium setting. Once you see the image show through, you can remove the fiber, and the end result is this little image into the fiber. I then used it to create the Easter card above. It's really fun to work with, and can produce an interesting element to your cards and layouts!

Green and Brown

2010-03-16T09:24:00.002-04:00

It was my turn to post the Monday layout challenge on Two Scrapbook Friends

I haven't been scrapping much lately, so Sunday night as I sat up late due to some sick children, I started and finished this layout. It was around midnight when I realized I better get something made. I love these new papers from My Mind's Eye. So my challenge was to create a layout using the colours brown and green, since they are the colours that remind me of the beginning of spring, as the snow melts. Or in my case, since we don't have any snow, just what my yard looks like.

Don't forget to check out the forum at Two Scrapbook Friends for many other daily challenges!

Maya Road kraft envelopes

2010-03-04T10:25:00.002-05:00

I was at Two Scrapbook Friends store this week, and among a lot of other things, I picked up these cute Maya Road kraft envelopes. It was my week to post the 'how I used it' on our forum, so I decided to profile these.

The first card I used a small envelope as an embellishment on the card, and it is big enough to hold cash or a gift card, perfect for my teenage daughter's birthday this month!

The second card I used the large envelope, and turned the whole thing into a card by gluing it on kraft cardstock. When you open the scalloped flap, there is the envelope opening where you can tuck another gift card, or something special for the recipient.

Thanks for looking!

Design Team Reveal

2010-03-01T07:44:00.003-05:00

March 1st, can you believe it? It means it's time for the design team reveal at Two Scrapbook Friends. Wow this winter really has gone by fast. It helps that it was the easiest winter that I can ever remember. February was a great month, we did a lot together as a family and had a lot of fun. And the pictures in the layouts above reflect that. And you will also notice that since February is the month of love, every one of my layouts and cards has that theme in common.

Check out the gallery at Two Friends to see what my other talented co design team members did!

Critter card

2010-02-25T08:19:00.002-05:00

It is my turn to post the Thursday card challenge at Two Scrapbook Friends. I chose to create a card with a cute little critter, using the Cuttlebug embossing folder. BG patterned paper, bling in his eyes, and I inked him to stand out.

We have daily challenges over at TSF, so check it out!

Castle

2010-02-22T14:08:00.002-05:00

The challenge this week at Lil Red Wagon is to work with ribbon. I had been working on this castle project for my 6 yr old, and finally finished it with lots of ribbon and bling. I wasn't sure what I was going to put at the top of the castle, but since I was working on the ribbon challenge, I thought that would be perfect! Check out their site if you want to play along with the challenge.

Digi layout

2010-02-21T21:20:00.002-05:00

I really need to find some time to scrap, I haven't had enough free time lately. So tonight I thought I would do a quick digi while watching the hockey game. I paper scrapped this same picture, now I am doing a digi layout with it. It is the most recent pic of hubby and I, and this is just before we left for the Jann Arden concert.

Friendzy Friday

2010-02-20T09:17:00.002-05:00

It was my turn to host Friendzy Friday over at Two Scrapbook Friends

I chose to highlight this family tree from Kaisercraft, as I love how it turned out. I still have to put some pictures and finishing touches on it, but here is how it looked before and after. It is quite sturdy and easy to work with. I used Kaisercrafts's Duchess line for patterned paper, and inked with some colorbok.

Two Scrapbook Friends has some in stock, so check it out as this would be a great addition to your home, or as a gift.

Tuesday Trigger

2010-02-17T12:26:00.002-05:00

I took the challenge for the Tuesday Trigger over at Moxie Fab World. Love the bright yellows and red in their photo, and this card is my take on it. Head on over there if you want to check out the challenge.

Scrap 'happy'

2010-02-10T15:34:00.002-05:00

So I took that pic I published earlier, and scrapped it for Two Scrapbook Friends Monday layout challenge to scrap a happy picture. I used crackle accents for the chipboard heart and Love title, and crystal lacquer for the other shapes.

Thanks for looking, and check out the challenges happening all the time at Two Scrapbook Friends!

Rak winner

2010-02-10T08:08:00.005-05:00

So sorry I am late!! Things have been very hectic around here. Really have to get used to this working thing LOL I hope to post some scrappy projects in a bit, but for now I wanted to make sure I posted the Rak winner. Rosemary from Ontario, I drew your name! So please email me at 7sloans@gmail.com to send me your address so that I can get your rak out to you!

And since no post is complete without a pic, here is one of my two youngest being cute and playful.

Thanks for stopping by my blog everyone! I love to rak, so there will be more chances to win :-)

2010-02-07T18:29:00.002-05:00

Ok ladies, Scrapfest registration opened today, and I am hearing that the crop is selling out so well, that there is now limited availability!! How exciting! And if you plan on registering for the crop, you should join us at our reserved tables for Two Scrapbook Friends where we will be having our own party at the crop with challenges, prizes and some surprises!! Leave a comment here or on the forum at Two Scrapbook Friends, or in the store to reserve a spot at our table.

Here is some info on the crop, then go to Scrapfest to register:

*Title:* ScrapFest Crop
*Date:* Friday, April 16 and Saturday, April 17, 2010
*Times:* Friday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to midnight;
Saturday, April 17 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
*Location:* Kinsmen Arena (adjacent to Marketplace in the Kiwanis arena)
*Price:* $70.00 + GST (this includes your 2 day event pass to the Marketplace at a $20 value).

*Attention: You do not need to buy the general VIP Marketplace pass as this is included in the price of your crop*

*Description:*

Tons of unfinished projects but no time to finish them? Are you looking for some scrapbooking fun? Then the ScrapFest Crop is the place for you. Take time for yourself and come *Shop, Crop, Learn* and *Create* at ScrapFest, your /Ultimate Creative Paper Crafting Destination/!

Croppers…bring your projects that you have wanted to work on for ages but just haven’t found the time. Imagine having the opportunity to shop in the Marketplace with 45+ exhibitors to find that perfect paper or that one embellishment to complete a page. Bring your unfinished class projects back to your cropping space and have the time to complete it before leaving for home. All of this and more…please read on!

*_NEW:_* The ScrapFest Crop is starting _two hours earlier_ this year! That means two extra hours of cropping time to get all those unfinished projects done, hang out with your friends, and just have a good time.

Croppers will have the opportunity to setup and begin cropping on _Friday, April 16 at 10 a.m_.

And there’s more…The Marketplace is opening at *2:00 p.m.*! This means 8 hours of shopping time on Friday. More time to crop and more time to shop—what could be better than that!

This year we’re very pleased to partner with *Scrapbook and Cards Today* as they generously sponsor and donate to the ScrapFest Crop. Every participant will receive a signed copy of the newly released Spring issue of Scrapbook and Cards Today magazine. They will also be donating items for the crop bags but we will leave these products as a surprise!!

Throughout both days, there will be _scheduled contests and/or giveaways_ by various exhibitors— Scrapbook and Cards Today, GO Scrapping, Two Scrapbook Friends, The Paper Pickle Company, and Simply Scrapping, just to name a few. Great prizes will be given away by each of these companies.

Other activities include the “Show Us Your Creativity Contest”, a layout contest, and a meet & greet with some of Canada’s most recognized scrapbooking personalities including *Catherine Tachdjian, Vicki Boutin,* and *Kelly Panacci.*

Just a summary of what this price includes: over 24 hours of cropping time, a 2 day Marketplace pass, a “crop” bag, prizes, a time to remember shared with friends and so much more!! Don’t miss out on this once a year opportunity!

*PLEASE NOTE:*
1. ScrapFest Croppers will receive a “crop” bag filled with fun product from our sponsors (but not the VIP “scrap” bag).

2. This price does not include any meals. The Marketplace Café will have drinks and food available for purchase.

3. You are permitted to leave your materials/projects and your rolling totes at your seat over night in the Cropping Arena. ScrapFest does provide security throughout the day and overnight. However, we do recommend that you take any expensive items (eg Cricut) home with you on Friday night as we are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

Scrapfest 2010

2010-02-06T08:55:00.003-05:00

I have some exciting news!! Well first of all, the countdown is on for SCRAPFEST 2010! Registration is tomorrow, and you won't want to miss it. The lineup of classes is fantastic! And of course there is the ultimate crop party. It will be the best yet, the organizers have been working hard to make sure that this is the best crop they have ever had. And it is sponsored by Scrapbook & Cards Today! How exciting!

And what's even more exciting is that my favourite LSS, Two Scrapbook Friends will be hosting our own 'party at the crop party'. Join me as I host our own tables of Two Scrapbook Friends customers and friends with challenges contests and prizes! Our talented design team will be showcasing some of our favourite products and projects, and will even be able to share some tips and techniques with you all.

If you would like to be part of the fun, along with a few surprises, simply sign up online at the Two Scrapbook Friends forum where we have a special section for the Scrapfest crop party. And I will have a few challenges between now and Scrapfest, so be sure to get in on the fun! You can also email me, or leave me a comment here with your email address to sign up. It's free to sign up with us, as long as you register and pay for the crop at www.scrapfest.ca

Hope to see you at the Scrapfest crop!

Card Sketch challenge

2010-02-02T08:54:00.005-05:00

I made this card for the sketch challenge at Stamping Bella I love their stamps, and this little lady bug is so cute. It doesn't show well in the pic, but her wings are all glittery as I added Glamour Dust to them. The 3 little dots are also from Stamping Bella. The 'Lovebug' stamp is from an exclusive set from ScrapCentral. And I used my new loopy border punch for the top of the pp.

Don't forget to leave a comment to say you stopped by, and your name will be added to the draw next Monday for a rak!

Journaling challenge

2010-02-01T22:45:00.003-05:00

Check out this week's layout challenge at Two Scrapbook Friends. It was my week to come up with the challenge, so I decided to do a journaling challenge. I just want to see layouts where the journaling is a major part of the layout, like the one I posted above, with my hubby's smiling face holding the youngest of our five children.

So if you want to play along, check it out. And don't forget to post a comment to say you stopped by my blog, as I will be having a draw from all names next Monday.

February Design team reveal!

2010-02-01T09:01:00.004-05:00

It's February 1st, and that means it's time for the Design team reveal for Two Scrapbook Friends We worked with Fancy Pants this month, and it was fun to see how different I could make all of my layouts.

I created five layouts and 2 cards, here they are Leave me a comment to let me know you stopped by, I will be drawing a name for a rak next Monday.

Valentine's day car 3

2010-01-28T15:05:00.003-05:00

I just completed another Valentine's day card. This was a challenge to use up some scraps for a challenge at ScrapCentral So I used up some things I had left over from another card I made, and a layout I was working on. Valentine's cards are such fun to make!

Love card

2010-01-28T10:52:00.003-05:00

Lots of challenges lately!! This card I did for the challenge at Two Scrapbook Friends, we were challenged to use felt on a card. I discovered a whole pile of felt I had but have yet to dig in to. So this is what I came up with, it was pretty simple and quick! And now I have another Valentine's card in my collection.

Valentine's day card #2

2010-01-28T10:19:00.002-05:00

I just did this card this morning for the heart challenge at Little Red Wagon

I used the glitter cardstock for the red hearts and oval mat. I love red and white together, it just pops.

2010-01-26T15:37:00.003-05:00

I have been so busy working on layouts for the design team reveal, but I can't show them yet. But here is one I just did today for the weekly layout challenge at Two Scrapbook Friends. We were challenged to scrap a picture that is over five years old. This picture is of me pregnant for my 3rd child 6 years ago. It was a fun challenge!

Valentine's Day Card

2010-01-23T14:11:00.003-05:00

I was at Two Scrapbook Friends last night, and boy were they busy! They had a great card class going on, and others doing some shopping. I bought 13 new Stamping Bella stamps - love my Bella's! Here is a card I made using one of them I heat embossed it with red embossing powder, matted it on red glitter cardstock, added a ribbon and brad. Now I am motivated to get at my other stamps

Another card

2010-01-21T17:20:00.002-05:00

One thing about challenges, they definitely get me to scrap! I told myself this week that I would scrap as much as I could, so to get my mojo flowing I am working on challenges. This one is from Everything But the Kitchen Sink I gathered and stitched the ribbon, added pearls and blossoms, and a quick and easy card!

Snowflake gift bag

2010-01-21T14:48:00.004-05:00

While looking through anything snowflake I had for the challenge at Little Red Wagon I came across these Snowflakes cutouts that had been sent to me a while back from a friend with a Silhouette. I thought they would look great on a gift bag, and that this gift bag would make a perfect 'pick me up' filled with baked goods to a friend on a cold winter day. I got out my glue pad, and my favourite Glamour Dust (you can find Glamour dust at Two Scrapbook Friends ) and with the Glamour dust I glittered up my snowflake.

Snowflake challenge

2010-01-21T14:14:00.004-05:00

The challenge for this week on the Little Red Wagon blog is snowflakes. I haven't had much scrapping time lately, so I thought I would do this one while the boys were having their lunch today. Quick and easy, and hopefully the start of getting my scrap mojo flowing. I used some snowflake ribbon and a snowflake brad.

Polka dots

2010-01-13T15:51:00.003-05:00

Little Red Wagon is having a polka dot challenge, so I thought I would join in the fun! I love using my Stamping Bella stamps, so here is another one with one of my newest.

Another card and a rak!

2010-01-09T09:09:00.005-05:00

Here is another card I made for the crop. We were challenged to use a favourite product, and right now, mine happens to be Glamour Dust. Love that stuff, it can glam up anything! So I got out my glue pen, and 'drew' around my the flowers and butterflies on my pp, and then added the glamour dust. Voila, instant glitz! I know you can find this yummy stuff at Two Scrapbook Friends in Waterloo (they also have an online store for those of you who aren't close by).

Now for the winner of my rak - I drew from all the names of people who commented on my blog this past week, and REGAN, I drew your name!! Just send me your address, or I can leave the rak at TSF for you to pick up if that works too!

Have a great scrappy weekend everyone!

Time to scrap!

2010-01-08T11:20:00.006-05:00

It's the weekend, and there is a crop going on at ScrapCentra l, my social online hangout, so I plan to get a lot of scrapping done. Ok, well some scrapping done LOL I need to get working on some cards, so I will focus on that for now. Here is my first one.

And don't forget, today is Friday, I will be drawing for a rak later tonight for anyone who has made a comment on my blog in the past week. You still have time!

New Tattered Angels

2010-01-04T20:36:00.005-05:00

Did you see the yummy new Tattered Angels Glimmer Glaze? I can't wait to get my hands on some of this stuff! And congrats to the educators they have listed, see the full list on their blog I recognize quite a few of those names, including Karan Gerber and Vicki Boutin. I can't wait to see what these talented ladies will do with this!

And don't forget, leave a comment on any of my posts this week to be included in the drawing for the rak on Friday!

Explosion Box

2010-01-04T09:04:00.003-05:00

Two Scrapbook Friends has 'Friendzy Friday' on their blog each week, where a design team member will showcase a tip or tutorial. My turn was last Friday, so I did a tutorial for an explosion box. You can see the finished product below. And if you want to get the instructions for it, check out their blog I love doing these, as they make great gifts, or are a great way to use up a lot of those pics that are themed. The pics in this one are all from a day at the pumpkin patch. And don't forget to leave a comment on any of my posts this week, for a chance to win a rak that I am drawing for on Friday, Jan. 8

Design team reveal

2010-01-01T08:04:00.008-05:00

Happy New Years everyone!! Today is January 1, the first official day of my design team term, and the day of the reveal for our January kits. We were given 3 Bugs in a Rug patterned paper to work with. It was a lot of fun, and I tried to create things showing the versatility of the paper. I made some layouts, cards, and a tag. The other ladies on the design team did some amazing work as well. If you want to check it out, visit Two Scrapbook Friends

Since it's Jan 1, I thought we would start the year off right by sending out a rak. So all you have to do is leave a comment below, telling me if you do anything different or make resolutions for the New Year. I will leave this open for a week, and next Friday I will draw a name and send that person a little rak from me. Thanks for looking, and I wish you and your family many blessings in 2010!

Christmas Eve

2009-12-28T22:37:00.002-05:00

Christmas Eve is always such a magical time. The wonder and excitement in the children's faces. So excited to get to bed, to finally see what is wrapped in all those presents. For me, it is a time to reflect about the true meaning of Christmas as well as enjoy the excitement the children bring to it. I love looking around my home with the lights off, and just enjoying the twinkling of the lights on the tree and on the mantle, in the peace and quiet of the night.

I will miss this time of year, but I will try to take some of that reflection with me into the New Year, and remember the importance of life's little moments. This is a digital layout I did of two pics I took on Christmas Eve.

Many blessings to you and your family in the New Year.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-26T16:32:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas everyone!! It was a busy day in our household. It started off with Christmas eve, when the kids were so excited they could barely contain themselves. Here is a picture of the house just after Santa left, and before the kids attacked LOL

And of course one of the reasons Christmas is extra special and extra busy, is that Caiden (my fourth child) has a birthday on Christmas day. He turned 4 this year, and requested a Star Wars party. Below is a picture of his R2D2 cake. It was awesome, and he loved it. The party was a lot of fun, we managed to fit Christmas and a birthday into one day, fun but exhausting!

I hope you all had a blessed Christmas, and I wish you many blessings in the New Year!

Birthday cards

2009-12-16T11:30:00.003-05:00

I think I am finally done with making Christmas cards. I decided to replenish my everyday cards, so here are a few birthday cards I made. I still love pink and brown together, and I also like to sew on my work. Here is some examples of both.

Home for the Holidays

2009-12-15T20:39:00.003-05:00

Webster's pages has a gorgeous Christmas line out, Home for the Holidays, and it is so hard to get! My LSS had stocked it and made a beautiful kit with it, but they sold out quickly. So I was on the hunt to get this paper, but it is sold out everywhere. Then tonight, Christmas came early. My LSS happened to get some more in, and made a few more kits. Well I got mine put away for me, and I am so thrilled to get it. If you are interested, check out Two Scrapbook Friends for more info.

Boy cards

2009-12-15T10:16:00.002-05:00

I always tend to get so many girl cards done, I thought it was time to do some boy cards. I used Stamping Bella stamps again. I really need to get some more boys from their line. I used the same stamp, but notice how I made both cards so different. That's what I love about stamps, they can be as unique as your own creativity.

Girl cards

2009-12-14T11:02:00.003-05:00

I just love my Stamping Bella stamps! They are so cute and fun to colour using my Copic markers. Here are a few cards I made for some birthday parties that were coming up for my 6 yr old daughter. I used Stamping Bella stamps, Copic markers, and Basic Grey patterned paper, and Bazzill cardstock.

Scraptime!

2009-12-13T21:58:00.002-05:00

If I ever want to get the latest scoop on new products, or how to's and techniques, I head over to www.scraptime.ca. It is an internet video show that showcases all those and more. I can always find out how to use the latest tool, or get reviews on some new product. And most of the techniques I have learned I get from Christine on Scraptime. She is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers, so her reviews are unbiased, and have helped me many times determine whether I really want the latest and greatest product.

If you have a favourite website you visit to get your scrapbooking tips and techniques, I would love to hear about it!

Christmas music

2009-12-07T23:58:00.007-05:00

This is the cover of my daughter's Christmas CD.

With the Christmas season in full swing, the sounds of the season can be heard in the malls, the radio, and in homes. I love Christmas music, it really gets me in the spirit. My absolute favourite CD is one you won't find in stores, not yet, anyways ;-) My daughter has a beautiful voice, and recorded a CD of Christmas music last year, when she was 12. If you want to hear a sample, check out her blog at Cassaundra's blog and you will see the download link on the right hand side, half way down, it says 'download song'. Listen to that, and you will be amazed at how good she is, especially for a 12 year old. She sold a few hundred CD's, and I have had people ask for more for gifts. So if you enjoy Christmas music, download her song, and enjoy!

Lots of scrapping material, November pics

2009-12-07T20:41:00.004-05:00

Well it's been a busy November, and December is about to get pretty busy too. In November Brennen tested and received his green belt in karate. My kids have been in karate since they were 4, and I am so glad they stuck with it. Below are some pics of Brennen receiving his green belt from his Sensei. Congratulations Brennen, we are very proud of you!

And it was Chelsea's 6th birthday, and her first 'friend' birthday party. It was a ballerina party at her ballet studio, and was a big hit with the kids. And there is also a pic of the three little ones having a tea party. Think the boys will want me to take this pic out to show in about 10 years? LOL So I have lots of scrapping material to get busy with, before December's photo ops start stacking up.

The Tea Party

The birthday girl at her ballerina party

Budding ballerina's

My karate kid

Bowing as he receives his belt and certificate

Christmas cards

2009-12-04T06:08:00.000-05:00

Have you sent your cards yet? Or are you still finishing them up? I have made about 50 so far, and still have more to go, I will finish them up this weekend. I made a few different styles. These ones I am showing you today are my cutesy ones. I had fun putting these together.

I find that not everyone sends Christmas cards these days, but I still like to. And I do love to receive them, I make sure to display them all over my home. I already have a few of them for this year that have been sent to me.

Now that I am almost complete my Christmas cards, I have started on my thank you cards that I will send out after Christmas, to thank family and friends for gifts received or other holiday cheer that my family and I may have enjoyed.

The countdown is on

2009-12-04T00:54:00.000-05:00

Here we are in December, and my kids are so excited because the countdown has begun! And in my house, advents are a big part of December, especially when chocolate is involved. With my two older ones, we used to do the ritual in the morning, but with my 3 younger ones, I find it is easier to start the bedtime routine if I promise a treat from the advent countdown first LOL.

I didn't buy the typical advents, this year I wanted to craft my own. So I bought the Karen Foster countdown, and the Kaisercraft. I love how they both turned out. Here are pictures of each. The Kaisercraft (the one with the gold embossed numbers) was a little more work, as it had to be completely assembled, but well worth it!

Finally, my scrap blog!

2009-12-04T00:41:00.000-05:00

Hopefully I blog better with this scrap blog than I did with my personal blog. I just made the design team at Two Scrapbook Friends, so it was time to create a blog. I plan to share my creations, as well as inspiration I get from other blogs and fellow scrapbookers. For example, I found this cute idea for ballet cupcakes from a blog called parties and holidays. So I used it as inspiration for my own daughter's ballet birthday party, and I created invitations and my own version of ballet cupcakes seen here. They were cute and fun to create, and I got a lot of comments! That's what I love about blogging, the sharing of great ideas!