masterful scrapbook design: one big dead gator

here's the layout that goes with that black and white story i linked yesterday.  it's really a good one and i'm so glad i wrote it down.  seeing it here now reminds me that i need to call my dad as soon as i get off this keyboard and start on the next one!  i remember when i first wrote that post i had intended to scrapbook it and title the layout, "swamp people" as i was into that bit of reality tv at the time.  several months went by though and when i finally did get around to scrapping it the title morphed into "best friend in my pocket."  if you read the journaling, you'll understand that it does fit so much better.

i'm trying to get all my layouts posted.  i've still got a backlog of 11 unposted ones!  how in the world did this happen?  i guess i haven't been in a blogging mood for a few months and now i am.  i have several things i want to say, but feel i must get caught up first.  mainly because i want to do one of those favorite layouts of the year posts.  i love doing those.  love looking back over all the stories that got told, remembering them, it makes me happy.  but i don't think i can wait 11 more days!  guess i'll have to start doubling up to get'er done . . .

this is another i made for the "old photos" seminar at masterful scrapbook design.  i'll be chatting there again in march.  the topic is "ooomph and polish," aka adding all those tiny finishing touches that make our pages oh so special.  :)

masterful scrapbook design: old photos

i think this one will make my top twelve layouts of 2012 list.  it's funny too as these photos are of my cousin before i was even old enough to play with her.  funny that i would end up with them, but i was charmed by old photos at an early age and if my mom allowed me to take a few black and white's that weren't overly important to her then i was going to take them for sure.  and then later on i started scrapbooking and truly i would never have imagined using these photos on a page as i had no memories of my own attached to them.  but i find if you spend enough time with old photos and let them speak.  then really listen to what they have to say they will share their stories with you.  you see, when this little girl was born, my mom already had four kids of her own and the last, a wide open boy child, had rather worn her out.  but she held that baby girl in her arms and said, "if i knew i would have a girl with blonde hair (she already had two brunette daughters) i might think about having just one more."   then i was born on her very first birthday.  i am here because of you sweet baby girl in these black and white photos.  thank you ever so much for helping me tell my story.  your story.  our story.

i wanted to tell more black and white stories in 2012.  especially my dad's black and white stories.  i am sad that i only got one done.  it was one of my favorite posts last year and  i am determined to tell more of these stories this year.  they are treasures that need to be preserved for the next generation.

this layout was part of last year's "old photos" seminar at masterful scrapbook design.  it is packed with information and inspiration and is still available if you're interested.  debbie delivers.  always.

get it scrapped: you love books

as i've been pondering my plans and dreams for 2013, books are at the forefront of my mind.  i am a firm believer in the power of the written word.  i was a voracious reader as a child.  the books i chose back then played a tremendous role in shaping me into the person i am today.  as g's getting older, my time to mold him is shrinking.  while i still have my little captive audience of one, i want to read to him.  i started our read aloud program last year and we are both greatly pleased by it, but this year i want to move beyond the love of reading into the power of reading.  i want to read to him some books that make him think about his values and what's important in life.  i'll keep you posted . . .

this page was created for an article on symmetry at get it scrapped.  bilateral symmetry to be precise.  it's not a design that comes naturally to me, but i love a good challenge! 

jbs mercantile: happiness makers

i woke up this morning with my pseudocold hovering on the brink of reality.   i staggered to the bathroom where the mirror displayed the evidence of yesterday's haircut gone wrong.  the scale shouted the news of a three pound gain from last night's holiday food orgy.

as i type this, the kitties are enjoying their new feather toy and gabriel is giggling watching them play with it.  a new vintage library table is heading my way this morning!  hello organization!  my close friends and family are all ringing in the new year with life, health, and happiness.

yes, happiness is a choice.  and not one that is easily made.  g and i, our lives are perched on a triple beam balance and it's my job to make sure the positives outweigh the negatives that life can and will throw our way.

these photos were all taken at the beach over labor day weekend.  we were there in florida because my dad was scheduled for emergency spinal cord surgery.  you may not be able to see it, but there was a good deal of tension in those toes.  as i lay there listening to g and his cousins playing in the surf while watching the clouds float by and munching on my sister-in-law's freshly popped real buttered popcorn i knew.  the greatest bits of happiness can often be found by focusing on the tiniest of details.

it is my goal this year to zoom in on the happiness makers. 

happy new year to you and yours!  may your 2013 be filled to overflowing with blessings both big and small.

this layout was created with the january 2013 jbs mercantile papercrafting kit. it's the most amazing kit ever.  i told jenni that if i hadn't already gotten it, as broke as i am, i would still find a way to get it.  it's that good.  check out the design team gallery and look for lots more eye candy on the 10th!

get it scrapped: red

this one delights me.  i love the sequins, the fun filmstrip, the overlay of washi tape on the photo, and that one lone button on the chevrons.  even more i love reliving this moment.  the little scab on his nose.  oh how i worried my niece would kill me for that one.  seeing him in his little man suit.  the joy on his face.  i think he could have danced till dawn.  he was so adorable and charming.  he makes my heart beat.

this one is featured in an article on the color red over at get it scrapped.  it's a good read.  it was made (mostly) from the november jbs mercantile papercrafting kit, which features jenni's most recent release, red/black extension v, and artisan add-on.

we have a winner!

congratulations CristinaC!  we'll get your class pass sent soon!  :)

This class looks awesome!! Thanks for the chance to win!
2peas: CristinaC

Two Peas "Start Here" Workshop with Lisa Truesdell - Giveaway!

I'm very excited to tell you about a new workshop, "Start Here," offered at Two Peas in a Bucket by my talented friend, Lisa Truesdell.  The class is amazing (I've seen it)! and I'm truly honored to have been a participation in the inspiration process.

Start Here mini workshop with Lisa Truesdell

"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working." - Pablo Picasso

Get a jump on inspiration with Start Here. In this workshop, Lisa Truesdell will give you the tools to turn almost any image into a jumping off point for your next layout. You'll learn to break down images into smaller elements and use them to inspire your page's color combo, design, or even new techniques. We'll talk about finding images you love and identifying what grabbed you about them, and how to put that inspiration to work! Lisa is joined by twelve talented contributors who will each be sharing a page based on one of Lisa's inspiration pieces, as well as their thoughts on finding starting points in unexpected places.

Included in the workshop are 27 brand-new scrapbook pages (15 from Lisa and 12 from her contributors) showcasing a variety of interpretations of inspiration pieces, 3 printable PDFs and 3 brand new videos following Lisa as she makes a layout starting with an inspiration piece.

Lisa's talented contributors include Allison Waken, Ashley Calder, Becky Novacek, Doris Sander, Erica Hernandez, Emily Spahn, Kelly Noel, Kristina Nicolai-White, Laura Kurz, Lexi Bridges, Lisa Dickinson, and Marcy Penner

The content of this workshop will be available immediately upon purchase. The lessons are available for you to work at your own pace and upon purchase can be accessed in the "Workshops" section under "Classes & Events." A private message board forum is also available to ask questions for Lisa and to connect with other participants. Enjoy!

Two Peas is graciously giving away several spots in this brand new workshop! for a spot in start here leave a comment on this post with your two peas username by sunday, december 16th. i'll post a winner on monday morning. if you've already registered, 2peas can refund your class fee or pass your spot along to a friend.  Be sure to check out Lisa's post where you'll find many more opportunities to win!