Evolutions

Open Book: Another Day, Another Page, Another Process.

 Happy President's Day...is that the correct sentiment? However you'd like to say it, I hope it's a nice day. I slept in. Took a long shower. Drank a spinach smoothie and am now writing this little bit and sharing some pages. This current journal has been a little funny in the fact that it started as a folded book and I pried it apart and did two pages spreads as one page. I'm still considering how I'm going to bind it all together...but that's part of the fun, right?

I've had some requests and I said some time back that I would talk a bit about my process. I'm very fickle and don't really have a uniform procedure that I follow, so very sorry if that's disappointing! (If you care nothing about my process ramblings, move on to the pictures and be happy. LOL)

My beginning steps are usually the same:

Paper (I like a nice heavy paper--watercolor or mixed media--a bit toothy)
Gesso
Collage down some 'background' (usually pages of books I'm not smart enough to read)

Often from there, once my collage is dry, I will do a thin coat of white paint, maybe some acrylic paint or some ink  mist across the page. Next, I might do some swipes of acrylic or watercolor...maybe even lay down a little bit of  Inktense color...side note, have you tried these? I'm IN. LOVE. I will admit to having splurged, not only on the pencils, but the blocks, too.

The following step is my personal preference and I'm not sure how many people really do it this way. I just grab my favorite pen and draw some doodles. Swirls, circles, whatever is bouncing around in my head. Very rarely do I actually journal at this point. Most times, I will have six pages 'drawn' before I ever write a word.

Why do it that way? Probably, like many people, I think and feel a lot of things that I never tell anyone. Just making the shapes and act of putting that pen to paper feels very calming and sorting to me. Sometimes, after I draw a few pages, I don't feel the need to say the words at all and then use the page to tell a different story that I might not otherwise remember. That's why you will see some pages with journaling and some without for right now. Work In Process...that's me. (I have purposely blurred a few of the pages too personal to share publicly, thanks for understanding!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You might notice that on the majority of these pages, I went with a single color story. I may go back and color some more...I might not. I'm kind of digging them just as they are. I did color a few, though...

 

 

So there you have it. Some pages, some process and some ramblings. I think I maybe have a few knitting bits to babble about in the coming days...and I might even have a few more things to give away...it's still February, after all!

 

I basically shared all my (very non-exciting) secrets here today...now tell me a secret!

 

 

WINNER, WINNER!!

Thank you so much for taking the time to tell me about yourself. I enjoyed reading every comment and it proved to me, once again, how the web can bring together an amazingly diverse group of people that enjoy common interests. Fun! Well...time to let Becky (who has a really interesting blog, btw) know that she won the Henslowe scarf, the print and a bunch of other fun goodies...that will just be a surprise when they show up!

Now that I've paused through the 'giveaway' period I'll be back more regularly with art journal stuff, knitted stuff and my kids...you know, the usual!

 

It's February...It's 200...It's a Gift!!

I've been excited for February for a while now...I'm not usually a huge Valentine's Day fan...but I do like the excuse to bandy about some pink, maybe set somebody up with some fun handmade love and post here for the 200th time! I almost did this post yesterday...but somehow posting on the even numbered 2 seemed...luckier. So weird, I know! LOL  Anyhow. Moving on.

Giving it away. I didn't do a Pay-It-Forward this year, like I have in the past. The pressure of trying to make something incredible for someone I don't know just made me even crazier. Yes, I over-think things and the whole point was something small...but I actually like doing it up big. Silly. I know.

THANK YOU ♥ THANK YOU ♥ GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED!!
So. My 'big' giveaway. Includes:

A Perfectly Pink Handknit Henslowe Scarf

 

An 11x14 print

 

 

 

And a few surprises...some of my favorite things that I would love to share with someone else.

♥♥♥

So. How am I going to give this away and what are the rules? Well....just leave a comment. Tell me something. Not just "I'd like to win" but something about you. Make me laugh,  make me cry, I don't care. Tell me about a hobby you enjoy or something innapropriate you found on the sidewalk. Whatever. Anything will qualify you. On February 14th (around 9pm PST) I'm going to draw a name and send them a scarf, a print and some surprises....now, if you are overseas and would still like to play along, I only ask that if you are drawn, you help me with the shipping process--as in telling me the most efficient/cost efficient way to make it happen.

♥♥♥

Oh. One other thing. Obviously, only one person is going to win. So sorry it has to be that way, but if you need a little consolation prize-I came up with this little printable for you. It's small--like Project Life size. (are you doing that? I wanted to, but knew I'd over-think it and give up) So, if you like this little card, click on it and it should pop up full size-saveable and printable. Let me know if you have any problems! **I added another little printable...for the non-coffee drinkers out there!**

HAPPY FEBRUARY!

 

 

Open Book: What? Me?

So...Christmas flew by. New Year's Eve & Day flew by. Lots of family time and celebration. Very low key...nice, nice, nice. I'm having a hard time getting back into the swing of normal life. This is the first (and only?) full week of school for my kiddos this month. I'm anticipating lots of warm and cozy with them.

I feel like I've been creating SO much art. Every day I'm waking up inspired and painting and drawing and doing. I kept thinking I would spend one day just photographing and sharing and as I investigated further, I'm not sure I have much in the way of finished product/projects. I hope I'm not the only one who does that.

I have been sharing lots of previews on Instagram...now that I've updated my iPhone to the 4S, I've been using the camera like crazy. So....here's a couple of photos that I shared on Instagram... Hope that's not too disappointing...eeeeeek!

On a related note, it seems I could (*blushingly*) share that I was invited to do a little interview over at the fabulous Create Mixed Media for their Journal Fresh blog column. The marvelous and completely inspiring Dawn Sokol sent me a list of questions and I'm pretty sure that I come off as a complete ignoramus...but just in case you might be interested: Blog Post. If, by chance, you came to this blog from that article...I'm so flattered and would love to hear from you. ♥♥

I think my next blog post is the big #200 that I've been obsessing about. I may take a little time between now and then to do some blog updating (you know design, links, galleries and such)...so don't be alarmed if you don't hear back from me until February...it is, after all, the month of love and boy do I have big plans for my readers in that department!!

In the mean time...one more little preview. You just never know what it could mean. *wink, wink*

Open Book: Commissioned Art & Some for You

I mentioned in my last post that I met Amber on Ravelry, who asked me to create an art piece for her. I was happy to do so and we had a nice little trade. She let me know she received her quote, so I am officially sharing.

I moved on to making another 'saying' for my niece and then had so much fun with the technique I used to make hers, that I made a few more. The fun part of these? They're really not one of a kind (like Amber's). I'm putting the three below out as a free download. If you like them...print them, share them...but please just don't claim them as your own. It's Christmas, don't be a grinch.

These guys are big...11x14, actually...I, personally, don't see a point in small prints. So..if there is one you like, click on the title:

HAPPY LIFE

ONE YOU

AWESOME

and then right click and 'save-as'...if you need more help on downloading/saving, just let me know and I'll see what I can do.

Happy Holidays!

 

Open Book: Winter Musings

I'm still caught up in lots and lots of holiday makings...how about you? I wanted to take a little time (before I forgot...because, sadly, that happens a lot, lately) to put up some winter/holiday journal pages.

These are a little less abstract than usual, but I'm also trying for a December daily album and I thought these might fit in to that nicely. It's still in random pieces, sticky notes and digital files...but I'm hoping I can pull it all together at the end of the month?? Is that laughable? Delusional? Anyhow...

Another exciting project going on right now is a commission I took from a super sweet knitter I met on Ravelry through a yarn de-stash. Funny how these things happen, but she asked me to illustrate her favorite quote. I don't want to show the entire thing until I know she has it and loves it.

This is probably a less wordy post than usual, but I wanted to also add a few photos of our beautiful, icy winter wonderland...no snow yet...knock on some wood-for me, I'm quite happy without it!

This is post #197...still taking opinions on what to give away....

On The Needles: A Few More Little Projects

I confess, I've been knitting like a fiend. Pretty much ignoring all else...housework, email, holiday decorating...everything really. Not sure why I didn't have much knitting mojo this summer, when it would have been in my best interest to knit gifts... So, a few things...and more to come.

Both of these hats are from the Rustling Leaves Pattern/Coastal Knits book. I knit the green first and then modified the pattern somewhat to make the orange a more fitted hat.

Green: Yarn/ Sanguine Gryphon Bugga in the colorway Cuban Cockroach (very hard to find now)
Orange: Yarn/Casbah Sock in the colorway Pumpkin

Next up is this little sweater, which will be gifted to my niece at Christmas time--it was a relatively quick knit for a sweater-something about the tiny size, I'm sure! Althought tiny, I realized I still despise picking up stitches for button bands--urrgh! 

Funny story: I find it difficult (probably because I'm a moron) to sew buttons on to knitted garments and my first attempt on this sweater was hilarious. I, very carefully, placed and attached the buttons, convinced Seth (to his abject horror) to model and took photos. As I was editing the photos, I realized that I didn't have the ruching matched up on both sides, it looked like I was drunk when I affixed the buttons...not the case, but the fact I didn't notice until I edited the photos made me laugh. Re-attached buttons in the properly aligned places and re-photographed...Ask Seth how much I had to pay him to model this a second time AND walk out the door in front of his sister's friends to do it.


Pattern: Tiny Tea Leaves
Yarn: Miss Babs Yowza! What A Skein
Colorway: Smooch

I'm hoping by next week I have some more knits to share. I'm also working on some more journal pages AND trying to figure out how to make a December Daily work for me this year.

I also noticed, as I wrote this post today, I'm coming up on my 200th blog post. Probably not a big deal for most people...but for me, I thought it might be fun to have a little giveaway when I hit that mark. Any suggestions as to what I should give? Knit? Yarn? Art? Gift Card?

Family Time: Turkey Day Trip

I'll be honest, I never feel that I'm as thankful as I should be...I can also admit that it's something I am working on. I had a huge dose of thankfulness this past week and my heart feels fuller than it has in a long time.

For the first time in many years, Eric had the Thanksgiving holiday off from work. While we were invited to spend it with my brother and sister-in-law in their new home, we opted to leave a day early and head to Oregon to spend it with my sister-who otherwise would have been alone. Aside from thankfulness for family, I feel thankful that my immediate family was brave enough to spend six hours trapped in a car with me. (I have really terrible anxiety issues when it comes to car travel)

I didn't take my camera and relied on iPhone-ography for little snippets of our trip. Looking through what I did capture makes me laugh because I really only pulled out the camera app when I was in the car! I think the rest of the time we were too busy eating and having fun that I didn't even think to record it. Guess that's where words will have to do, right?

We started out with a packed car and some Muppets radio in anticipation of seeing the movie.

First leg-stretching stop--over looking the Yakima valley

It wasn't until we crossed over into Oregon that we hit anything but sunny blue skies...and then the drive got a little hairy because the rain was coming down so hard. We hit some slow downs for accidents and traffic. In fact, once we hit Portland it took us over an hour to go the nine miles to my sister's! It made me feel very thankful to live in a place that doesn't know the meaning of rush hour.

My kids are not used to a wet climate and couldn't believe that moss just randomly grows on things. Eric learned the hard way that walking on the lawn after a few days of rain wasn't a good idea.


We had such a good time talking, knitting, watching movies, reading...we ate until we could hardly move and then ate some more. I'm pretty sure we're fasting until Christmas! Everyone was sad when it was time to leave.

The funniest part of leaving was our navigation system in our car. We hardly ever use the thing (living in place where it's ten minutes to anywhere) and thought it would be useful in this instance to get us back to the freeway/highway we needed. We plugged in our info and chose the route that looked like it was taking us the way we wanted....pretty soon we were winding through Portland residential and their famous funky little neighborhoods. The kids and I were cracking up...Eric didn't think it was as funny was we did everytime that little nav voice told us to take a right and we entered into more residential.

Finally, we were on the road home and had a beautiful drive the entire way--no rain...which was quite helpful with my little car travel issue!




One little bathroom/gas break...oh, during Sonic happy hour, and we were home and exhausted!

I'm so thankful that we went, that we had a good time, that my kids enjoyed (and behaved) themselves. As far as working on being thankful, this trip really fit the bill!

Tell me what you're thankful for, big or small.

 

Open Book: Took A Workshop

I've been a long time admirer of Lori Vliegen and her style of art, especially her lettering and letter forms. How excited was I when she opened up a workshop to learn some of her techniques? Uhhhmmm...beyond very? LOL I whipped through the videos and have not stopped embellishing my journaling yet. That's inspiration, right?

If you happen to be interested in taking her workshop, just click this little picture!

Now for a few of my own journal pages (in my new journal...which I'm still adapting to the format)

I guess that is my little bit of arty bit for today! I hope you are enjoying some fall (winter? spring?) inspiration yourself.

Any classes or workshops you've taken that have really inspired you lately? Any you have your eye on but haven't quite committed to yet?

On The Needles: Fall Knits

Not too much to say...getting some quick fall knits done for future gifting.

October Leaves Fingerless mitts out of Casbah sock yarn in the Pumpkin colorway...delish and totally wish I was keeping these for myself! pattern here/yarn here

Caliper hat made of Madelinetosh MCN yarn (hard to find) in the colorway Saffron. Made this one for my hubby...gotta keep his ears warm on those long runs! pattern here/yarn substitute here

Scrunchable scarf made from  my favorite (and oft used) yarn, Madelinetosh Tosh DK in the colorway Stovepipe. I am not a lover of knitting scarves, so only people I really care about get them--lol. This one was gifted to my sister-in-law. pattern here/yarn here.

Speaking of scarves...this one was made for my mother-in-law's birthday. Super fun pattern to knit and so yummy/squishy when finished! Unique Melody scarf knit from Malabrigo Worsted Merino in the colorway Blue Surf. pattern here/yarn here

A few other projects for Christmas in the works...nothing to show quite yet! 

Knitting is my go to fall happiness...now that I'm off caramel macchiatos that is...what's your fall go to for warmth and happy?

Open Book: Back At It

So. A week ago I did something really stupid. Stupendously stupid. I wanted to make some baked apple slices--you know, the ones you've been eyeing on Pinterest? Yeah, those. Well, my knife skills will never get me onto Food Network, so I bought a mandolin slicer. You see where this is going, right? Even though it came with a safety device...well, as per many times over...arrogance=stupidy=a big old chunk of finger missing. I did learn that there's a lot of things I rely on my right pointer finger for!!

Art & journaling being just two.

In the meantime, I made a few digital pages for my 'year in review' approach to my new scrap philosophy.

Sources: Lots of Paislee Press and One Little Bird found at Oscraps. Also some Gina Cabrera found at Digital Design Essentials and a bit from Jessica Sprague. Font: Harting.

Sources: Lots of Paislee Press found at Oscraps. Polariod frame by Fuzzimo. Also some Gina Cabrera found at Digital Design Essentials. Font: Harting & Pea Olson.

Sources: Lots of Zoe Pearn, some Eva Kipler & Fee Jardine all found at Sweet Shoppe Designs, Some very old additions from Catscrap & Digichick. Polaroid Frame: Fuzzimo. Font: Harting

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Finally, once I had a millimeter of good skin grown back I was able to complete the last few pages in my journal...the anticipation of breaking into a new one has been eating me alive!!

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The funny thing about missing a chunk a of my finger is that I was still able to knit. I was mid-project when the slice-n-dice occured, but, fortunately, was able to finish up this yummy little shawlette in time for my mom's birthday.

Pattern: Sugared Violets       Yarn: Squoosh Fiber Arts Sublime Fingering  Colorway: Loganberry

That about it for the 'workshop' update from around here...I've been playing with lots of new ideas and projects that I just can't wait to finish up...mostly so I can start my next art journal-you know?

Favorite apple treat? Crisp? Pie? Baked? Sauce? Butter? Recipe? Link? Share!!

 

There Went That Attempt...

Good blogging routine, what?
I guess it's that time of year where I re-evaluate what it is that I'm actually doing here and why.
I use this blog for so much.
A personal history.
Project sharing.
Art sharing.
I talk about my kids.
I invite anyone that stumbles across to share an idea or opinion.
But really...should I do that?
I hate it...like beyond really hate it...when blog writers pull you in to their personal lives and then make cryptic comments. Instantly that blog is off my read list...because, really? What's the point of even reading a statement about something you aren't going to tell us? I'd rather be transparent or not at all. Is that weird? I like opinions and if there's something I want to keep personal...well, I don't write it. Is that odd?

On that note, though, I've had some ideas recently that I'm trying really hard to develop and I soooo want to share and get advice and ask opinions...but I'm stunted by the thought that I could just look like an idiot. Aaaack!! How does one push past that?

Ponderment.

Anyhow. Moving on to the what's up list...pictoral style:

1. some senior shots for my seriously gorgeous neighbor

2. saying goodbye to the 'summer hawk'  aka getting a school hair cut

3.spending some time with cousins

4.finishing up the first of many ongoing knitting projects

5.soccer, lots and lots of soccer...first game 100 degrees midday, one week later 54 degree morning game...ahhhhh...SO much better!

Basically the last month's wrap up...minus Evynn's birthday that didn't get any photos because we had only what seemed like 500 other events going on. Poor kid. It probably isn't fair. On top of having the worst timed birthday, she's a middle child.

Now. This would be where I would normally insert my art journal pages...I mean, I haven't blogged in a month, right? Uhhmmmm...this is where I refer back to the beginning of my post and my rant about people being cryptic. I'm working on some drawings. I want to do something with them. I'm hesitant to talk about that project for fear of falling on my face. I'm as insecure as the next person and didn't go to art school long enough to gracefully take criticism. Uhhhmmmm. I'm working on it. Bear with me?

Fall. It's coming up...are you as excited as I am? Pumpkins! Leaves! Sweaters! Lattes!! Have you ever had a Fall party just for the sake of being happy it's fall?

 

Crafty Catch Up & Kitchen Cabinet Progression

I seem to go in this cycle of craftiness wherein I'm either A. not feeling crafty at all or B. so busy with so many different projects I can't see straight. I'd be really excited to find a happy medium!

I've been knitting, sewing and drawing a little...

First up: Three Sisters Scarves #3  in Hand Maiden Sea Silk (total divinity to wear and knit with) colorway: Topaz

 

And then there is:
Sweet Oak Shawl/Scarf in some squishy merino...a yarn that's no longer available. This is going to be my winter scarf...I always have issues with my chest/neck being cold...so this is going to be my big, squooshy solution!

I've spent some time finishing up this quilt that I've been working on. No specific pattern, a simple bordered square-- I really wanted the focus to be on some of my favorite fabric, Darla by Tanya Whelan. I just love the vintage-y patterns and colors and how they just washed up into complete comfort. I'm shipping this off to a dear friend soon...and because she's a crack photographer, I'm really hoping she'll send me a pic of her & her love bug curled up in it!

A few little art journal pages:



And finally a shot of the (will you laugh if I say) nearly? mostly? not quite? completed kitchen cabinets. I still need to decide on hardware. We still need baseboard trim. I still need to talk my sweetheart into phase 3.....heh heh heh. Anyhow, for whatever it's worth--already we have a huge new amount of light in this area:

The next big undertaking around here is school shopping/back to school and kids' birthdays (yes plural--they are all celebrating within weeks of each other!)...did I mention that yesterday I found out that the other two children both need orthodontia soon? Today I'm frantically planting my $$ seeds. Make a wish that a big tree grows for me, will ya? I'm not stingy, I'll certainly share should I get a bountiful crop! LOL

Now that we're almost 'back to school' I feel like the papers are flying around already. My desk seems to be the favorite dumping ground. What's your best organizational tip for this kind of thing?

Summer Fun: Family Pic Intensive

I'm sure I'm not the only one who is in disbelief that summer is winding down! This month is flying by and it seems there's something planned at least every weekend for the rest of it. This last weekend was especially memorable because Eric's family came for a visit and we hit the pool...by the end of this day, everyone was pretty much flat out exhausted.

 


 So there it is in picture format: water, cousins, ice cream...everything summer is about!

I do have some more journal pages, kitchen photos and maybe even a knitting project or two to share...in order to work myself back into regular blogging, I think I'll save those for a future (not too distant) day.

Swimming? Love it? Hate it? Do it? I, personally, love it...but will not be caught in a swimsuit to save my life...my fantasy is a home pool, but sadly, our yard isn't quite big enough.

Open Book: Mid Week Page-a-Palooza

Just a few doodles to share since last week.
Not many words to say.
Kitchen coming along.
Living with the latte color for a while...considering one of these two colors for the walls and one of these two fabrics for some curtain panels...eventually.

Still pondering...by the time I get around to painting and drapery making I will most likely have changed my mind twenty times. (I hope I'm not the only one who does this!)

Now for some journal pages.

This journal is getting crazy 'fluffy' and hard to photograph because all the pages have a life of their own...so forgive the occasional paperweight rock. *laughing*

Now it's time to grab myself a cup of coffee and think about all the things I should be doing today--Happy Wednesday!

What's the best thing you've done so far this summer?

Open Book: Personal Musings

I recently moved my desk around, once again, trying to make it more functional. I think we're *almost* there. I can, at least, work on my journal on one side and watch movies/tv use my computer on the other side. Small victories, right?

I also, recently, jumped on the bandwagon and got myself an Instax mini. Seriously, I'm not sure there's anything better than instant gratification. Maybe this goes hand in hand with coming from years of scrapbooking...I like throwing a photo on my page and talking about it. That I can have it instantly? Better than....hmmm....puppies? Yep.

Another thing that came to mind recently is that a lot of the art blogs that I enjoy talk a lot about process. For a long time I have shied away from talking process/method. It's a deep seated fear that I'm doing something wrong. Finally, finally I have decided that even if I am doing something "wrong" I'm going to own it. Therefore, I thought in the upcoming posts regarding art journals I'd talk a little bit about process...what do you think? Interesting? Not interesting?






I feel like I had extra journaling time this week with no children and drying paint! :) The many joys of summer!

 

Life As A Process...

Maybe my titled post should be 'life IS a process'...is that a hard lesson for anyone else? I, literally, always find myself more racing to finish something because I have a hard time being in the process. I sincerely hope that's a common denominator in the human condition.

This week's 'process' is something that's been on my mind for some time--remember me asking for opinions on my kitchen cabinets? No? That's ok...it was forever ago. I finally carved out a niche in time to start phase 1...(unbeknownst to my dear husband there are three phases to my devious plot). The time to act came in thanks to my forever patient inlaws and their unboundaried love for my children--they took five kids on a road trip to Seattle for six days...(yes, I'm sure they're up for sainthood).

Anyhoo...kitchen cabinets...six days? Could I do it? Sure!! Plenty of time, after all...everyone in blogland makes it look so easy, right? Uhhhhmmm....are you rolling around laughing yet? My kids came home yesterday and I have the upper cabinets painted and 'curing' before re-hanging them. The lower cabinets, as of today, are primed and ready for their coat of creamy white paint. We are *almost* there. Setbacks? Yes, there were plenty--two days worth, to be exact. No need to rehash my frustration here...but I will give you a before photo and hope to share an after with you next week. 

BEFORE:

A while ago, we were considering listing our house and went neutral..like really neutral. We decided against selling for the time being and we've lived with the neutral and it's just really, really boring.

Like the paint splotches on the wall? Yeah...I was thinking grey...but then it started looking a little cafeteria-ish. Then I thought "what the heck, I love blue, I love green, I have low ceilings and not much natural light...why not go with a light, bright blue-y-green-y color. Mmmmmm....$50 in samples later and I still haven't found my heart's desire....so repainted over the myriad of paint samples with the same old (insert neutral induced groan) latte color I had before. I think I'll be able to judge better when all the cabinets are finished, yes?

Now for hardware. It's time...these cabinets are tired. I'm having another internal debate that perhaps some opinions will help. All the kitchen re-do's that I've been scoping include small-ish knobs on the bottom corner of the cabinets, something like this:

My issue? I think they kind of small and out of proportion to the actual cabinet. I think I'd like something more like this: But now I'm doubting myself, wondering if I'm just being a fuddy duddy by not following the trend of small knobby pulls. ??? Thoughts???

The drawers will be getting these:

I will certainly take all the opinions you can muster. Paint color for the wall? Knobs vs pulls? Curtain treatment above the sink? Links to favorite things that would make my kitchen more enjoyable? Have at it. :) (gently, of course, I'm sensitive, ya know.)

Are you a lover of the 'process' or are you like me and enjoy the finish so much more?

Sharing Sunday: More Open Book

I think I've been so immersed in memory keeping from a scrapbook point of view for so long, that I really thought because I don't use (what I consider) traditional "art journal" imagery that my journal wasn't really a true "art journal". So...I was inordinately surprised when I saw some of my pages on Pinterest. Surprised and so grateful and appreciative for the supportive comments left here on my blog, as well. 

I have a few more pages to share today. More watercolor, more pen doodles..random pretty bits of paper scraps...ordinary thoughts about my every day happenings.

On that note, my husband is home from his 20th class reunion (yes, we're THAT old and still wondering how it happened) and I think I'd better go listen to his stories!

What's the most surprising thing that's happened to you lately?

 

Summer Days

She looked so pretty the other day when she got done with her hair, that I couldn't help but want to capture a few photos. She's always been my 'model'...I just wish the other two would get over their 'cheese' faces!

Open Book...More Art Journal

Just a few more art journal pages...I've been putting a lot more thoughts down on paper lately and wonder of all wonders...I'm actually sleeping at night. (this is a HUGE deal for me) Does anyone else ever suffer with insomnia because of a brain that won't 'shut off'?

A few notes.
I think everyone has a different idea about what an art journal should be.
For me, it's a place to try new things (laser transfers), new colors (see the brown/red/yellow page), draw my odd, doodly little drawings and basically just think outloud.
I like to put pretty little bits of pretty paper and fun tabs...lots of tape for texture.
That's just *my* style.
I'm a rabid fan of those that can truly illustrate, truly paint, truly letter...but for right now, just finding a little creative outlet that's not pure scrapbooking is really working for me.

Oh...one other little note--Michelle received the base journal she won here and she was just so gloriously kind and put a bunch of pictures up on her blog. She made me feel like a million dollars (truthfully, she's the kind of human that makes everyone feel that way). Go check her out if you want a visual treat.

I find myself falling back on my 'favorite' colors quite frequently...do you ever do that? Do you have a combo that you always seem to go back to?

Happy 4th SC-versary!! It's Challenge Time!

I was so excited (as I mentioned several times-lol) to be included in the 4th Birthday? Anniversary? of Studio Calico. I was there from, almost, the beginning and remain a huge fan today. So happy SC-versary to some of the most inspirational people I know...Congratulations on all of your successes!

We were so lucky to work with July's kit, Mind The Gap--and I hope by now you've had a chance to peruse the gorgeous design team gallery...I know I was drooling!!

My challenge: Scrap a song, song lyric or any part of a song and how it relates to your life.  It's also up on the SC blog (where prizes are being awarded) with an awesome take by Waleska (her page cracks me up...and if you have kids you will immediately understand!)

I can't even adequately describe how happy this memory makes me...I wish I had a video of it, that's all I can say!

My second page has more to do with the entire song. I love all kinds of music, but am a lyric junkie at heart. If a song has meaningful lyric(s), I will instantly love it. This is one of those for me--

So--happy scrapping (if you're taking that opportunity this weekend) & happy Independence Day, remember what it stands for and enjoy.

A Sneak Once More

I was honored to be ask to help celebrate Studio Calico's 4th Birthday by issuing a challenge with their July kit: Mind The Gap. I can't tell you what the challenge is yet, but I can tell you that it will be on the SC blog on July 3rd along with some other challenges from past designers.

I know, I know! I don't scrap anymore...but let me tell you...this page was a LOT of fun. :)

In It To Win It

Thanks, everyone, for your sweet comments. Michelle, I'll be contacting you!
(Isn't that Mr. Tea cup the coolest?)

What the what? Catch up...pic intensive (again) & A Giveaway!!!

I'm probably a broken record when I say "Wow! these last few weeks have been crazy!"
Today is the LAST day of school and then all summer breaks loose...As usual, I saw tons of good ideas for teacher gifts--and as usual, spent so much time browsing I got overwhelmed. For my recent birthday my talented friend Andrea sent me one of her darling mug rugs...and she also posted a tutorial on her website. I couldn't go wrong!

A super fun scrap buster and  once I got the hang of the 'backwards' binding-super easy! Thanks, Andrea!

Since completely destashing my scrapbook supplies, I have been doing more collage and art journaling. I still had/have? tons of little scraps of paper left and did keep some of my most basic supplies/favorite stamps...combined with the massive amount of art supplies I own...I thought it might be fun to play. Just for kicks I'm sharing a few of my favorite works in progress...(because of the extremely personal nature, I did blur out some of the journaling)

***************************GIVEAWAY CLOSED--THANK YOU
NOW. Because I love sharing art and I love anyone who actually reads my blog...I may have a ripped up, stripped down, semi-doodled, crazy bits journal to give away. I made my sister a doodly, sketchy, starter collagey journal and had so much fun I have made a few more...not as intricate as my personal journal, of course, but a fun base for you to layer on and add to and make it all your own.

Interested? Leave a comment, I'll randomly draw a name next Wednesday (6/22). Here's a few pics of my sister's--yours will be similarly decked out (but not exactly the same), spiral bound...some paint, some tape, some doodles, some prompts, some sewing, some vintage paper and some new paper bits...and so much more.
****************************

Won anything lately? I haven't. Not one thing...I didn't even get a measly $2 on some birthday scratch tickets. Tell me something you've won so I can feel vicariously lucky! :)

 

Snips + Snails...(photo intensive)

Little boys. I forget.
How fun they are.
How funny they are.
How sweet they can be.

How exhausted you can be after spending a few hours in their presence.
Our weekend looked a lot like this...

There were so many awesome conversation and funny moments...it's like energy in a bottle!

Have any funny stories or smile  moments to share with me?

Just going on what my childhood was like...

I sort of thought that once my kids got older that they would do their own thing and I would just do my own thing...Uhhhmmmm....*laughing at myself*

He's finally getting it...the love, that is...I even caught him watching some MLB over the weekend. Yahooo!


Track season was short...and I'm not sure they even really had enough time to get into the meaty aspects of it--only four meets...but she enjoyed herself and it was fun to watch her express her athletic side.


Despite all the activities of late...I've been wasting a lot of time on Pinterest--(exactly the reason I don't do Facebook...such a time suck for those of us *me* that are easily distracted). I also snuck in a little bit of quilty time...enough to complete my constellation top. Now I just need to find the perfect fabric for the back. If you have any opinions on that, I'd love to hear them!

This is the first quilt that I've made that I haven't just been in love with...I think it's one of those that the actual quilting will make the entire thing *crosses fingers, hoping*-if that makes sense...The original was professionally done in a swirly/star pattern...not exactly sure yet what direction this one will take. Again, ideas welcome.
I've been thinking a lot about summer activities for the kids--only twenty something days of school left--and this summer we're taking some time to focus on better eating habits and ways for them to get involved in their own healthy food preparation. Any books, blogs, sites that you particularly love for this?

Achievement.

 
*What I'm about to say is not an attempt to illicit any statements to the contrary--just purely an opinion of myself that I carry--as many people carry opinions of themselves, whether they be dead on or slightly skewed.

Now. In thinking about things, I never really consider myself a person of achievement. Things happen, life happens, starts happen, stops happen...I kind of go with the flow and try to make the best of whatever is....not letting the quits, didn'ts or misses weigh on me.

Today. I felt a funny thing...a feeling completely new to me: An immense sense of accomplishment. Today, all of my children are readers. Not just people who can put letters together and make sentences sound like they are supposed to...no, that's the easy part. Today, all of my children LOVE the written word...they enjoy stories and feeling of being transported outside of themselves.

Why today? Both of my daughters have been avid readers and lovers of books and stories for quite some time--and often they are compelled to share a bit of what they're reading, recounting parts of stories that have captured their imaginations...but today...
Today my son walked down the stairs, reading aloud, completely engrossed...completely captured by the story.

Why should he matter more? He doesn't, really...it's just been a longer journey. In the beginning, the basics of reading came a little harder to him--mainly because of his speech issues, somewhat because of his disinterest. He was never one who sat and enjoyed stories read to him, he always had more to say, more to do--he wanted to be outside--he's a doer, not a dreamer, I think. (Very much like his dad)

How have I achieved? How do I count it as my achievment? In truth, they're the readers, they've learned at school from wonderful teachers the basics and more...but seeing it all click..come to fruition....a nearly indescribable feeling of joy, fulfillment and yes, achievement...a goal met--recognizing them as fellow book lovers, sharing one thing that is such an ingrained part of who I am. That's the achievement.

Feel like sharing an achievement of your own with me? Perhaps you'd just like to turn me on to a great book you've read recently...?

Recently

A while ago, I posted about circles, fabric & monsters...After a month or two of not sewing anything I finally finished the quilt! If you would like to make your own, the fabulous tutorial can be found at Cluck, Cluck Sew. The monsters I embroidered are actually on the scrappy back...photo soon.

I'm moving on to my next obsession...do you subscribe to Fat Quarterly ezine? LOVE the features, and the moment I saw the Constellation quilt, I wished I could just buy it...but knew I'd have to make my own. Trying out some solids because the chances of getting my hands on the original fabric...uhhhh...right. Not in love yet...trying another block today to see if I can change my own mind.

Dog sitting this sweet old lady while my mom is at a dog show for a few days. She's old, sweet and immediately plopped herself down in a sunny spot. (disclaimer: dark wood floors=constantly dusty...no matter how often I swiffer)

We went to see this guy play some T Ball...he's hilarious and I just really couldn't love him more if he were my own. He cracks me up...even if he does occassionally drive his mom around the bend crazy...but that's the great part of being an auntie--right?

*knocking on wood before making the following statement*
It finally feels like some good spring weather is upon us...I keep thinking about all the little things that make me happy this time of year; open windows, kids playing outdoors...what's making you happy right now?

 

Regarding Mother's Day

Just feeling so blessed today. We've had a quiet day...Mr. Seven Year Old was first up at the crack of dawn very eager to get Mother's Day underway...a little breakfast in bed, some lovely poems and artwork...very spoiled. I took this photo yesterday and it instantly became my new favorite. I think everytime I see one of my children's capacity for empathy, comfort and love it just enforces my faith in following my own heart when it comes to raising them.

Happy Mother's Day.

I ♥ Baseball...pic intensive

For those that know me well, it's no secret that baseball is my favorite sport. I've been diligently counting the years until Seth could play. We finally made it. It's early days, still...BUT...I'm just not sure he loves it quite as much as I do.

I'm not quite sure why he doesn't love love it...maybe because there is long periods of waiting (he's seven). Maybe because he hasn't quite picked it up as naturally as some of his other sports (soccer, basketball). I guess all I can do is keep encouraging (but not pressuring)..right?

Anyhow..the boy in action:

*Disclaimer: Normally, I'm uncomfortable posting photos of kids that I'm not related to...in this instance our team has a facebook page and since I'm a staunch holdout...well...?

Do you have a favorite sport to watch/play? Did you play sports as a kid? Have a favorite?

Easterversary...

Eric and I had our "Earthaversary" (you know Earth day + anniversary)...well, his parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on Easter. We surprised them with brunch at the Couer d'Alene Resort. They thought it was only going to be our little family joining them...the surprise being Eric's brother's family, his cousin's family and his aunt & uncle also came along! A super way to spend  their special day. We ate, we talked, we laughed, we walked...you know, the good stuff.

One of the funniest quotes of the day came from my 4 yo nephew...we happened to be discussing Easter and the program they'd attended when he pipes up "Yeah, it was kind of gross, 'cause Alia ate Jesus skin!!" It was clarified that Alia had taken communion and Coby was referring to the wafer...but seriously, I had to hear that twice and still the tears streamed down my face. Out of the mouths...right?

Funniest conversation also came from Coby...he looked at the chocolate Seth had smeared all over his white shirt and said very disgustedly "Aunt Jenn, he's got chocolate ALL over his shirt!!"
I replied "I know, he's sort of messy, huh?"
Coby looked at his own shirt and said "I'm not though! I don't have anything on my shirt....(pauses looks down at his shirt) because it's BLACK!!!"

Cutest moment of the day had to be anything Lucy (little lady baby in the stroller) did. She is Eric's cousin's daughter and seriously the cutest baby I've seen in my entire life, hands down. She enjoyed the wide variety of fruit the brunch offered and we all enjoyed her darlingness.

Now it's back to the real world...busy week! Baseball games, NOVA creativity fair, track meet...the list goes on! Spring projects are commencing around here...as usual, my ideas far exceed my budget! Do you have any favorite gardening idea sites?

Earthaversary...could be a word...

It's Earth Day! Woot!
It's our 16th Anniversary! Woot!
I never imagined I'd fall for such a hunk...

Back In The Swing

I know! I know! I haven't blogged in forever...you wouldn't believe the fun I've been having...kidding! My problem? All computer issues, hopefully (please cross your fingers or knock on some wood) resolved. I'm sure, if I were really computer savvy, I would have seen it coming--but it took me completely by surprise...I suppose I was due a few weeks worth of frustration-everything has really been running too smoothly. Anyhow, back at it.

I wish I had all sorts of great tales to tell about my 'time away'...realistically, it was life as usual. A little bit of this:





Spring soccer was a short (and cold) season...we're now onto baseball--first game Thursday...and WE are EXCITED!!!

A few of these (forgive the crummy pics, I  had to steal my own back from Ravelry-lol): Mock Pinstripe Slouch based on the pattern found in this book.

Teardrop Hat. Pattern found here.

We've enjoyed some warm weather:

Some cold weather:

We've also enjoyed multiple loaves of bread...of which I wish I had photographed...but were consumed too quickly! A new favorite recipe: Anne Burrell's Focaccia  SO easy and completely delicious. A bread you could dress up any way you like, would also be amazing as a base for appetizers or even, dare I say, pizza...

Also, a very heartfelt thank you to everyone who was so supportive in my 'retirement'...fortunately, I had a few local friends who came and hauled away boxes of scrap supplies until I was left with nothing but a few strips of paper and a smile. Rest assured, I'm still keeping our family memories...just in a different way.

Really, that's my story for today. Just trying to get back into the swing of my 'journaling'. Gearing up for Easter--which also happens to be my inlaw's fortieth wedding anniversary...and especially for such an ocassion, we're doing this: Coeur d'Alene Dockside Brunch. I've stopped eating this week in preparation...heee!

Your Easter plans? Do you have any? What are they? (yes, I'm nosy that way!)

Short & Sweet Weekend Catch Up

Ooooh! It was a good, good Bread Monday around our house!
I've seen many reports of  'no knead' breads on blogs--but this was my first experience. I happen to think kneading is the fun part--but this time I wanted something quick and easy. I used the No-Knead Crusty White Bread recipe. I love that it made multiple loaves and realistically could be used for up to a week.

Excited to say that I finally finished my "Verdant Hills" cowl...just not soon enough to wear on St. Pat's day..oh well. Hopefully there are not too many days left to wear it...seems like spring might be coming to our neighborhood...I'd love to just pull it out when winter rolls back around many months from now! Pattern Here. Yarn Here.

We had some fun(ny) visitors this weekend! Our niece & nephew came and we went bowling, ran around the house, had cupcakes, played robots...whew! They are so much fun...it's been way too long since we've seen them.

Now I need to get some work done...after being sick and taking way too much time off...actual paid projects await! I'd better get to it!

Any signs of spring in your neighborhood?

No Bread Today

I keep humming a song called "No Milk Today" and laughing to myself because I've been substituting the word bread instead of milk...because I didn't bake any bread yesterday. Have you heard that song (it's an oldie)? I first heard a version of it on my fave tv show Sons of Anarchy...anyhow..cool song.

So, yes. No bread yesterday--this is my third week of being sick, first a virus and now a continuance of that showing itself as a nasty headcold/hacky cough--I didn't think any amount of handwashing/clorox wiping would be enough not to transmit my germs into a loaf of bread. Blech!! If you know of any full house bleach bombs...share your info. Seriously. Enough is enough! Thanks to this crud, all pictures today brought to you courtesy of iPhone.

What have I been doing?

    *Watching a lot of television (recently having discovered Hulu Plus)...catching up on shows I never thought I'd be able to watch because they coincided with something else I already watch. Yes, I'm fully aware that I'm a tv addict. Detroit 1-8-7. Amazing show...apparently with not enough fans because it's on the chopping block to be cancelled? Huge bummer...it really hits it's stride in the second half.

    *Got a little something on the knitting needles. It's green, it's lush and it's GOT to be done in time for my favorite holiday...yes, St. Patrick's day is fully viable as a favorite holiday--if only an excuse to drink more beer. 

    *Need to sew the binding down and tack on the crochet flowers to my niece's little birthday wall quilt. I hope she loves it!!  

    *Chopped off this kid's hair. Holy COW (or should I say sheep, because honestly, it was like shearing one). We cut off nine inches. She begged me to do it, over taking her to a salon. It's dang cute. If I had even an 1/8th of the hair she has, there's no way I'd cut it...but I suppose it was getting to be a burden for her.

    *Packed up all...yes ALL the scrapbooking supplies from my office and they are currently sitting out on my dining room table. Do I know what to do with them? No. Do I want them gone? Yes. Surprised that I  made the plunge of 'retiring' from scrapbooking...A little. Actually, it feels really good. Any stories I want to tell can be told digitally and so much (self-induced) pressure has been lifted from me. Now if I could just lift the weight of the unused supplies from my mind/table. :)

    *Discovered Cadbury Orange Creme Eggs. Long have I been a fan of the regular kind..but add orange and let's just say that several craving trips have been made to procure more. Damn those Cadbury people. If you're immune...well, I currently dislike you.

    *Loving this child. How he can make my heart expand even more every day is just a mystery to me. I keep finding sweet little notes like this on my desk, in my purse, in my pockets. Adore is not nearly a big enough word to explain how I love him.

Whew! I guess that's about it for today. Off to take another dose of cold medicine and inahle some steam. Here's hoping I can at least taste the beer by Thursday!

Spring? Is it coming your way yet?

 

Code Word: Yummy

Is it too hedonistic to claim that I revel in yumminess? And does the word yummy have to pertain to food? I mostly don't even equate that word with food...maybe I'm just funny that way. I'm going to let the pictures do the talking.

A new shawlette/scarflette: Mezquita In a beautiful silk/merino blend by Squoosh Fibers.

Our old dog snuggled onto the top of our old couch while my hardworking husband takes a breather.

Hearth Bread made on "Bread Monday". A dense loaf with a crusty top...
delicious AND as easy as it's touted to be in the recipe.

My next door neighbor in her Sweetheart's Dance dress...we've lived next door to each for nearly 11 years, so I've watched her grow into a lovely young woman. I wish there would have been a little more daylight for these photos...

 

My own daughter, also growing into a young woman and the awesome sunset making her hair glow...I snapped this photo to test my camera settings and had to laugh that she's so used to me snapping away she didn't even look up from her texting...teenagers!!

What's on your "Yummy" list lately?

Breads & Threads

Do you ever wake up just feeling like 'today is a great day to make something'? Monday I woke up with an energized feeling and had the overwhelming urge to bake some bread...
A few things to know:
    a. I don't like to cook. I can, I just really despise doing it.
    b. I haven't made bread in a really long time.
    c. our house is cold and dry right now.
    d. none of those things really counted as deterrents...I mean, I had the urge, kwim?

I'd been scouting recipes for a few days...but really felt like a braided type of bread was the way to go. I chose this recipe: Classic Challah

I had a few stumbling blocks--see item c. on my list. The other stumble being my oven that is apparently WAY hot. Oh well. It was a fun thing to do, my house smelled good and apparently the smell of baking bread just makes people happy. Who knew? (obviously every bakery on the planet) I'll definitely be doing this repeatedly to perfect my technique...maybe Mondays will be bread days?

*******

I've been oddly productive lately...I believe this to be a direct result of having abandoned all things internet. Go figure, right? Over the weekend, I managed to finish a project that had been weighing on me in its infinite problems. Happily, it's done, it's given, it soft and crinkly and yummy.

Just an improvised wonky log cabin with a big center block surrounded by smallery blocks. I used Martinique by 3 Sisters for Moda and did one little block of embroidered birds drawn by the really talented Natalie Lymer/Cinderberry Stitches (the birds are part of a BOM series called Tail Feathers).

I've got more sewing still on my mind...remember the pictorial clue? Well, here's an update...

I have lots and lots and lots and LOTS of circle blocks to put back together. In my infinite wisdom (are you cracking up yet?) I decided to triple size the original. LOTS of blocks. Yes, I'm feeling really smart right about now.

********

While I'm typing this I'm waiting for the big snowstorm we're supposed to be getting and wondering if it will impact our 45 minute drive to Carson's birthday party this weekend...Yes, this guy

is turning FOUR!! Wow. I thought my kids aged at the speed of light. :) 

I suppose that's enough babbling from me today...I really should get to work on all those circles...or sweep my floor...or work on my circles.

We have to shop for a new microwave this weekend. Our (what I consider) expensive Whirlpool microwave that was barely two years old went to the big appliance factory in the sky...I'm dreading the shopping...I don't want to buy another Whirlpool...any brand you think I should look at?

Draw It, Stitch It, Sew It Down...

Please tell me that title make you think eighties songs, too? Hee!
So. I said I'd come back with some monster bits...maybe a little bit of a pictoral riddle?

What do these

1. Raw Edge Circles Quilt, 2. raw edge circle quilt 002, 3. Fun with bubbles quilt after washing, 4. IMG_5465

and these

and these

have in common? Guess you may have to wait a week or two to find out!
Wish me luck though, I'll be trying a new tutorial/technique and I *really* want it to turn out!

*******

I have been doing a lot of sewing lately...I made my sister a shopping bag, she moved to Wilsonville, OR last year and doesn't have a car, so I though a grocery shopper might be handy for her.

I also finished the very last of my RAKs from last year. (hanging head in shame) I am so embarrassed about how long it took me to finish these. I hope it's worth it to the recipient.

Both Bags made from the pattern found in Joelle Hoverson's Patchwork + Quilted Gifts.
Clutch pattern by Oh! Fransson (doesn't appear to be available right now)

I'm super excited that Valentine's Day is coming up. Do we do anything special? No. Is there anything really to be excited about? No. I keep thinking of pinks and reds and hearts and just feeling happy. I'm not even going to be ashamed of myself for admitting that!

Any super secret Valentine's Day surprises up your sleeve?

Cheezios

By default, we're Packers fans...so yesterday was a good day. Seth, in particular, enjoyed the Superbowl--even if he is not totally understanding of the rules of football. No big party, just stayed home...I half watched, half did other things and have just a few of Eric's iPhone pics to share-- 
 

This was part of Seth's "buffet" Green & Gold jello (eventually jigglers)

This is "I don't have a cool foam cheese hat so I'm going to go with grated cheddar in a ziploc...and my dad is super cheesy because he made me do this"

I think these two photos are celebratory from the early touchdowns, taken in order to text to Grandpa G since we weren't watching with him in person.
 

Looking at these, you may wonder why S is wearing a Dolphins uniform...because that's HIS favorite team, duh! So, this photo, is what happens after the excitement of the first two touchdowns wears off...yeah, I'm pretty sure he looked like this from the 3rd quarter on.

************

Meanwhile...like I said, I half watched and half did other things..this being one of those other things--I little iPod pillow for Evynn. She'd been admiring this little embroidered girl, so I thought it would only be appropriate to make her into a pillow! (Pattern by Cathy Gaubert from Fat Quarterly vol.3)

I haven't done any sort of embroidery in a long time, and honestly, obviously, this is mostly just a simple backstitch, but it was fun...fun enough that Evynn wanted to learn, so she's working on her own project. Remember the Love Monsters? Apparently, they make great embroidery patterns...more on that tomorrow. ;)

Part 1: Any 'skills' you've learned at a younger age that you never thought you'd use again...only to surprise yourself? If so, have you passed those skills down a generation...and how so?
Part 2: Glee fan? I have not loved season two At. All...but thought last night's was one of the better ones--you?

Sweetness. Just Sweetness.

I'm well beyond the point of having any babyhood left in my house. My kids are 13,10 & 7...most days I'm really *really* good with their independence. But sometimes there's nothing better than having someone give you 'up' arms or having a sweaty head nestled into the crook of your arm. It was a good weekend.

I can't even describe in words how cute he is. His expressions, his gestures...Just sweetness. I'm sure he has his holy terror moments, but being an auntie, I get to overlook any of that. Besides, pretty soon, he'll be super independent and free thinking like his big brother.

So funny. This was the best I got when I asked him to look at me...I'll take the smile.
They pretty much sum up the weekend. Loving having some little people around-never a dull moment!

On a side note, their dad (my brother and one of my favorite people in the world) has a birthday today...so if you see him, wish him Happy Old Fart Day. :)

♥♥♥♥

On the scrapspiration front--did you happen to catch Jennifer Johner's White on White layout? Completely inspiring! I didn't really have any photos that I considered monochromatic in nature and haven't printed any b&w's in a while...so I went with these.

I started with a cream cardstock and layered some white brushed paint, some grey stamping, more white paint, some white Mr. Huey and then set out to just build textures and layers. I'm really so happy with how this turned out. I don't typically think in monochromatics...definitely found a jumping off point for future inspirations. 

Anything particularly inspiring that you'd care to link me to today?

Just A Few

I've actually done a little scrapping lately...trying to use up some some of the supplies before all the new ones come out. ♥  A couple paper, a couple digital.

lots of scrappy bits: some Studio Calico, Maya Road, American Crafts, Making Memories, Basic Grey, Crate

tons of different bits here: Zoe Pearn/Sweet Shoppe Designs, Pattie Knox/Designer Digitals, Kristin Cronin-Barrow/Sweet Shoppe Designs, Libby Pritchett/Sweet Shoppe Designs

More Studio Calico kit goodness here--most everything from December's kit with some stash adds of the gems & the alpha

Digitals by: Paislee Press/Oscraps, Katie Pertiet/Designer Digitals, CD Muskowsky/Little Dreamer

More digital: Fee Jardine/Sweet Shoppe Designs, Libby Pritchett/SSD, Gypsy Cotoure, Lili

So! Almost the weekend...I think our nephews are coming to play & stay...should be good times! Let's cross some fingers the weather gets a little warmer so we can run around outside for a few minutes, at least.

New products debuting at CHA this weekend...any that you're most excited about that I should be scoping out?

 

Monster Mania

Last year I knit Seth this fun little monster--maybe you remember him...maybe you don't. One of my favorite projects (and most beloved, might I add) thus far. I absolutely fell in love with the patterns for all of Rebecca Danger's monsters. Awesome little gifts...but sometimes, knitting is just not the fastest way to get something made. Talk about happiness...not too long ago, she came out with a sewing pattern for a monster! Woot! Yesterday, I decided to try and  make a few.

Learning points:

• I think I probably could've stuffed mine a little more firmly
• Sewing up the last little closure where the pattern directs was HARD on my fingers, I think next  time I'll leave a little gap on the side seam, instead...you know, make it a 'design element'.
• Yay me for thinking of using applique film to put on the hearts and smiles...SO much easier!
• Obviously, I just pulled bits from my scrap bin, I think it would be fun to make some less busy ones with more personality in the face...maybe a pocket or something.

Anyhow, I think these will be the cutest Valentine goodies for my littlest niece & nephews.

Speaking of Valentines Day...you know I love all the pinkness and hearts of it...right? I thought it would be fun to make some happy little hearty sticker monsters to use on my kiddos Valentine projects...so why not share? I think I will! So. Here's what they look like:

CLICK HERE and Save (will save as a .png file). If you need some directives on using a .png file, just send me a quick email. If you do end up using them, I'd love a link to leave you a little love. :)

I think I'll save the layouts I have to share for another day (let's hope tomorrow?) and just leave you with my question.

Do you like Valentines Day or do you think it's commercialized crap?

UNBELIEVABLE, REALLY.

I was sorting and organizing and picking up and putting away and I just sort of fell into making a couple of pages. Hmmm...could this be the motivation that works for me? Both pages are from a compilation of the last several Studio Calico kits/add ons...just please don't ask me which ones. It's always been a serious downfall of mine that I like a jumble of things and never remember what was what. :{ Sorry!

^I wish the sparkly bits showed up a little better in this one...I love my glitter, you know! 

So...both just a fun mix of things. No techniques, nothing genius...just a bit of true life.

Now for the deep thinking part of things:

During this period of...let's call it 'temporary uninspiredness' I've been thinking a lot about storage, organization, sharing, etc. Most of us go through that in January, right? I have more supplies than I'll ever use (and somehow keep acquiring more--Hoarders be banished!!), I have an ever shrinking space (thank you other hobbies) and limited time (who doesn't?).

In this digital age, I've gone to reading most of my books on my phone--one storage problem solved. Yet, every time I pass the boxes of gigantic and unwieldy albums the idea of swimming back into digital layout territory keeps hovering around the recesses of my mind. I keep re-visiting the idea that I can digitally create & prepare my layouts in hardbound books (or even store them on discs) and have three copies printed so that each of my children has the same piece of their childhood memorabilia. Storage. Sharing. Easy...Not to mention the amount of space I could free up if I actually (once more) pared my paper scrapbook supplies to the mere basics.

What about the joy of actually using scissors, glue...actual real, hands on supplies? Maybe that's where knitting and sewing come in...making things in such a way that I still use my hands, materials to create and share things that I don't feel guilty about not replicating in triplicate?

All of this has been circling my brain and I keep wondering if it's the "things" that are bogging me down. I've felt that way before and although I've done two major purges in the last year, I keep wondering if maybe I'll feel more free when it's all gone...

Decisions! Hard Decisions! I'll take any input you may have...and thank you kindly for it!

What Should I Do??

BEE WINNER AND WEEKEND KNIT/SCRAP

Well...after lamenting the loss of my scrap mojo, Kimberly made me a deal...she'd pull out a scarf to finish knitting if I tried to scrap a page. How'd you do, K? I did scrap a page...I had to finish it this morning...and it's digital...but I did it! Nothing earth-shattering, but I definitely felt the urge to clean up my paper scrap area and at least try to get a few layouts made.

(lots of different things here from Ashalee Wall, Paislee Press, One Little Bird, Digital Design Essentials, Fei Fei's Stuff)

So...Yes! Evynn did win the spelling bee in her grade at her school. Next month she will participate in the county(?) spelling bee. Wish her luck, she's VERY excited!

You knew, I'm sure, that even though I made a page this weekend, I still couldn't go a whole weekend without knitting something. (Linda, you really created a monster, you know, right?)

This hat is a bit of an amalgamation of two different hats...and in the interest of selfish knitting, I made it for myself. You can visit my Ravelry Page on it if you need details. New year and already two new knits solely for me. I'm starting a sweater for Evynn next...so I don't feel too self indulged. Heee!

I guess that's what I have to say for today. I need to go stir my chili and get cleaning on my scrap space.

I've been browsing TONS of DIY blogs and design sites lately, thinking and dreaming of fun things to do to my *almost* blank canvas of a house. I keep bringing project ideas up to the point that I think Eric's brain will explode...(we still haven't done our kitchen cabinets, btw)...

My questions today are: Do you do 'projects' around the house? What's your level of handiness? Do you hire everything out? What's the biggest project you've ever taken on?

Warm & Cozy

Our winter here in the middle of Washington State has been a little like this:

Cold. Snow. Warm. Melt. Cold. Really Cold. Colder Yet. Snow. Warm. Melt. Repeat. Yesterday we had such a hard freeze overnight that school was closed due to the slippery roads. Today? Forty degrees. Go figure.

Now me...I'm not a snow lovin', cold feelin', winter embracin' kind of person. Nope. I'd rather be tucked in warm and cozy with some cushy slippers and big sweater. (For the record, I hate being too hot, too...my perfect world is a constant 65/70 degrees). Anyhow...what that has to do with anything...oh...yeah...knitting.

This year, among my many resolutions, knitting for myself came in near top. Of all the knitting I've ever done, the only thing I've made myself is a pair of socks. 2011 is off to a great start in that I've already made something selfish.

This is the Sarai wrap made from 2 stashed skeins my much beloved tosh dk yarn. Big enough to wrap around the shoulders when it's 50 degrees and soft enough to scrunch up around the neck under a coat when it's 30 degrees (or less).

So...because my conscience won't let me knit something purely for myself without making something for someone else, Ella (my ever patient model) got a Crooked Paths hat made from her pick of tosh vintage.

 

 


Now...with all this warm and cozy knitting...scrapbooking has sort of fallen to the wayside...well, photo taking has, too, for that matter. I feel like I need a little mojo infusion.

Issue: I keep just walking away from some unfinished layouts because they're crap...I've done three so far that I basically ended up ripping the photo off and trashing the rest because it was so bad. Do you think that's a sign? What would you do? I've browsed galleries, I've viewed blogs, I've looked at outside inspiration...nothing seems to help. I've been at the 'walk away' stage for three weeks now....any ideas greatly appreciated!!

 

 

Life as a Whirlwind

December really passed in the blink of an eye...not being one to jump on the early train for anything, I definitely spent my time in a haze of crafting, shopping, decorating and doing. About 12/31 I realized I took NO holiday photos...and am just going to have to make peace with that. The few photos I did take looked something like this:

Carson and Uncle Eric Santa

Shane ready to rip into his birthday packages

 

Sweet boy enjoying his birthday cake

Sledding preparation

Is this considered sledding?

 

Abbie and Grace visiting
 

I did send out a few Christmas cards...intending to use this photo, but i got so  much grief for Evynn's hair blending with the leaves I went a different route with the actual card:

Actual Card:

Digital Supplies can be found at Digital Design Essentials, Little Dreamer Designs, Designer Digitals and Sweet Shoppe Designs.

 

Christmas Crafting fared no better in the photo department, but the tally of Christmas craftiness, looked something like this:
7 zip clutches, 7 table mats, 3 hats (make that 5 by 12/31), 1 cowl, 1 scarf and 1 quilted advent calendar. The only photos I took are these (and only because I had both of these done in advance and took photos for my Ravelry page!)

Jindabyne Cowl  knit in Madelinetosh Vintage (colorway Windowpane-a personal favorite) gifted to my sister.

Annis Shawl/Scarflette knit in Madelinetosh Merino Light (colorway Filigree) gifted to my saint of a hair stylist.

Whew! I'm ready for January...definitely enjoying my first solo quiet time in a while this morning! I'm still considering my resolutions, hoping there's no hard fast rule about when they have to be decided. I did (patting self on back) completely honor my 2010 resolution of not drinking or entering a Starbucks establishment...considering having a chip minted to celebrate the acheivement.

Any Resolutions for you this new year?

She Had Some Serious Spirit!

Last week was Spirit Week at the Middle School...and if there's anything Ella loves, it's dressing up in costume. I've heard some community members (obviously w/out kids in jr high) were a little befuddled by some of the 'fashion'. That just makes me laugh...I always love seeing something completely unexpected and then wondering about it.

DAY ONE: Trash Bag & Duct Tape Day (my personal favorite)

this skirt was an engineering marvel...made with velcro in
order for her to remove it easily and quickly for PE class!

 

DAY TWO: Princess Day. (Her personal favorite, I think) She lucked out in that her friend had the perfect 'Cinderella' dress...because, really, what other princess would she be? 
 



 

 

DAY THREE: 7th Graders had 70's day...so she went with a Jane Fonda/Farrah Fawcettesque idea instead of the traditional Hippie thing.

 

DAY FOUR: Color War Day--7th graders had Blue and Yellow. Most of this outfit is borrowed, I believe. LOL

 

DAY FIVE:School Color Day-Red/Black/White. (and finally Friday! whew!)

What a week--I know at first she was a little stumped with some of the days, but overall the only outfit I helped her with was the trash dress. Everything else she came up with all on her own, so other than having to roll out of bed a few days to do hair, I got off pretty easy. Some parts of this teenage independence I truly love. :)

I suppose I should say that I've been knitting up lots of potential bday/xmas gifts. Wish my fingers luck that they hold out/hold up...I've got a lot left to do! I haven't had much time to scrap, but I did manage a few pages last weekend...once I photograph them, I'll post them here.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner...we're just hanging around. Eric works Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun...so I think we're just keeping it casual and easy. Hopefully (in the kids' eyes) it will snow a little more so they can make that snow turkey they've been talking about! Thanksgiving Traditions? What's YOUR favorite...past? present? future?

 

 

Sometimes, It has to be said...

Every mom has the prerogative to think her children are spectacular, right?

Just a little sample of our '2010 Who Cares if You're Freezing Your Butt Off Just Shut up and Smile or Die Christmas Card Photo Shoot'...

Now we're all fighting the sniffles, but I look at the photos and figure they're worth it. I'm sure someday there will be a story about how 'my mom made me go outside in the freezing cold, walk a mile, smile even though my teeth were chattering just to take some crazy a$$ed photo for a Christmas Card'...hopefully followed by 'she's still crazy, but we love her anyway'. :)

Happy Tuesday!

Starts and Stops

I've been finding, lately, that my life is just packed full of starts and stops. Small ones, like starting something-being interrupted-and having to stop only to not really remember where I left off.
Big ones, like having started this blog-given it an entire redesign-and then stopping, feeling like the least interesting person on the planet. Sometimes I'll start thinking 'I should blog that' and then stopping when doubt or indecision take over. Hrrrmppfff. Anyhow, I've been gently chided that I haven't updated in a while...so what the heck.

Let's start off with some scrap pages? These are all Mosh Posh October.

And then maybe a few photos...

The SnowTracks cap--LOVE how this came out, made this one for our sweet neighbor girl--but will be making another soon for Seth.

Another Button Tab Hat, I love the chic-ness of this cap...I devised my own way to make it w/out picking up stitches. Easy, easy!

 

Seth "Snake Breath" finished up soccer. A super positive experience this year. He had a great team and a fantastic coach. I loved watching him 'attack the ball'.

I made my Mother-In-Law a bag for her birthday with the help of my friend Kellee. The help she gave me making all the difference, every subsequent bag has had more than one hiccup.

Went to Grandma's house and helped her pick out her newest puppy. Hard task, I tell you!

Spent some time with one of our favorite people. Ran him around the park until {we} were worn out...yeah, that plan pretty much backfired. His energy is boundless.

Ella is just finishing up with her volleyball season. Probably not the season she hoped for, but not awful for a first time out. She's looking forward to Track in the spring...I wonder what kind of gear I have to purchase for that?

So...there it is. A few starts, a few stops and the story of the last disappearing month. I'm hoping the next months go smoothly. Not having any winter sports means we'll all be tucked in nice and cozy...I've got a lot of knitting/sewing to do...I'd better find some kid friendly projects to avoid the stops and starts!

 

His Big Day? My Big Day?

Ooooh! I hardly know where to start...it's been so long since I've blogged! I've been caught up knitting some items that need to be mailed off and I've been neglectful of most other things. Ooops!

Today is worth talking about, though...my littlest peep is Seven. Yup, Seven! He's so darn happy and smiley today, it's adorable. His sisters and I burst into his room singing Happy Birthday to him this morning and his grin just lit up the room. It hardly seems like seven years have gone by...but I really don't even remember him like this...

(5 months)
(10 months) 
(almost 3)

(almost 5)

And now he's this guy. 7. If I loved him any more...well...not sure how I could love him any more. It's knowing that I hardly remember his days gone by that makes me so happy that I'm a scrapbooker...and wrote most of the important feelings down.

 
I think tomorrow I'll come back and talk about some knitting, some pages and all that kind of stuff...but for today, I'm just going to go clean my house and bake him some brownies. Happy Monday!