Goodbyes are hard, ya know?!

Yes, I said goodbye to some really great scrappy friends on Saturday. I must admit, although we do not see each other very often, the time we do come together and share our love for scrapping, gossip, munchies, shopping and of course..."rolling on floors," are memories that are etched in my heart as well as my memory of fun. I was very nostalgic driving home...in the dark, alone. My son had left for Fort Hood and it was the last time we would have him in our home here in Georgia as we are planning a summer move to Bowling Green, KY. It was a nostalgic weekend as I started preparing the house or "staging" as one would say for the impending sale. As my throat knots up with certain memories I know that we will make new ones in our new state. I am sure to find new scrappy buddies and all will be well again.

But all I can say is....GOODBYES are just so darn hard.

Earth Day!

Anyone that knows me will tell you that I have a special passion for the Earth as a whole. Today is Earth Day. Earth Day is every year celebrated on April 22nd. Earth Day has been celebrated since 1970 and it is a day when all around the world we recognize that we as humans must take care of our Mother Earth and all of her resources. The most precious resource she has is water. We also learn that "going green" is protection of Mother Earth and everyone that lives on her great planet.

There are many things that one can do to protector her resources and recycling is just one to name many ways to conserve and keep her healthy. Our family does our part by using N*Vision light bulbs. We changed out our light bulbs over 6 years ago and we have never changed them since first installing them. An example is that the 14 watt bulb puts out the same light as a 60 watt light and they never dim. We also recycle plastics, paper, aluminum, and do not purchase water in plastic with the exception of "sometimes." We also wait to use our dishwasher when it is completely full and the same concept when washing clothes. I try my best to stick with "Earth Friendly" cleaning products. These products not only protect our living environment but their bio-degradable time is considerably less than standard "everyday" cleaning supplies. We keep our air filters clean and use recycled fibers within our filters as well. We take pride in our "dirty" on the outside car as to preserve water as much as possible. I am happy to note that our children have taken up our passion for the earth in the same tradition that we instilled in them when they were home. Several days a year we participate in cleaning areas of the Appalachian Trail where day hikers did not "pack out" what they "packed in." We have lots of areas of improvements within our home life and we try to live daily with a conscious thought as to how we are purchasing products and disposing of them. As a lover of the arts and scrapbooking, I try to incorporate ways to reuse packaging with our crafting and my scrapbooking. Last week I was thrilled when The Scrap Review issued a challenge to "reuse" on a layout and NOT incorporate patterned paper. I immediately took the challenge and I love the layout that I created for this challenge. The challenge simply stated to use "junk-mail" on ones layout. We do not accept 3rd party mailers much but sometimes they slip through at the post-office and make their way to our mailbox. In my layout below I used wording from the "mailer pak" and I also used paperboard that was in a scrapbook club box I received in the mail. I then used an international mailer that I received from an ATC swap from overseas and loved the stamps on it from the Philippines to show the "earth" theme and also to use the paper board by drawing a tree that would go with the stamps. The one thing I am most proud about this layout is that I did not use regular photo printing paper for my photos and I printed on the back of advertisement. The quality was not pristine but I felt it got my point across. My theme is simply this...NOT JUST TREES ANYMORE. I challenge you to reuse packaging or advertisement mailers in a layout and please be sure to let me know of an innovative idea or use for your products. It truly is limited by only your imagination.

So, how are you going to start "Saving the Earth" and incorporate the "GREEN" idea within your own lifestyle? Yes, even we SCRAPPERS can do it!

Save the Planet!

Spectacular Saturday!

Just popping in to post a few layouts I completed yesterday with the April Studio Calico Kit "Jack and Jill." I also purchased the add on kit, "Bo Beep." I so cannot wait to use the Bo Beep Stamp. I coveted her greatly during the sneak peeks. So, I hope you are having a terrific Saturday and enjoy the beautiful weather. We are!

Earth Day Challenge!

I have been thinking about Earth Day coming up next week on April 22nd.

Here is a SNEAK PEEK at what I have been working on today to share my thoughts about an important day for the WORLD!

Artist Trading Swap Theme-"Journey"

I have mailed off my recent ATC's to Canada. I joined the "Journey" swap at Art Freckles. This is my interpretation of the swap and I sure hope the gals like them!
I loved using my Studio Calico-Label Map Stamp for this ATC.

I hope you are having a great week!

It's Monday...

The Bunny Loot!

The "aftermath" of a fabulous weekend with loved ones is the "cleanup" process. While I kept the kitchen clean and "stuff" picked up...one can definitely see the residue of having a full house. But, it is the small price to pay for making memories! The Easter Bunny once again graced us with his presence this year.

Brianna had a big week to begin with and it ended on a great and glorious Sunday.

So, here are a few photo shots of some fun.

I love old dolls and Brianna has taken up the same passion for them. Raggedy Ann and Andy now live in her room and they are just adorable. I love the tea dyed material they were made with and there is something about a "red" headed yarn doll that takes me back to my youth.

Plans are in motion and the moving company is sending their representative tomorrow to access the packing and time they will need to move our things to Bowling Green, Kentucky. I have anxiety about finding a new home but I know it will all work out. One thing is for certain, I have mounds of photos and have the creative itch to scrap. I plan on hanging out in my art room for a few hours today as the rain falls this Spring Monday.

Lots of POPPY TALK going on...

It's GOOD FRIDAY and my house is full of family! Lots of cooking and celebrating Zachary's Tour of Duty being completed from Iraq. So, today I thought I would share my April Kit designs from Art Freckles. The kit is full of fabulous papers and goodies from Pink Paislee. So, check it out as there are only a few kits left!

Have a WONDERFUL Easter Weekend!

Egg Garland

In keeping with my daughter's age and how she loves to have the garland hang in her room after the season, I created this Easter Egg Garland for our mantle.

You can visit Art Freckles Blog to see the "How To." It is really simple.

Okay, so I am not tall enough to take a really level photo and was not keen on stepping on a ladder. But you get the idea!

Have a terrific Palm Sunday Weekend and let me know if you create an Easter Garland and send me a picture!

Holy Week Is Coming Up...

We are ready to have a wonderful Holy Week. My son stationed in Texas is coming home and we are excited that it is Spring Break and lots of activities are planned. So, I will be sharing some of my Easter Celebration decorating with you today. My new favorite item is the little felt bunnies for our Easter tree.

They come in many Spring colors and I chose green, pink, purple, and blue for our tree.

Of course, my favorites that have lasted through the years!

I have been working on our mantle "EGG GARLAND" again for this year. Each year I change it.

The Easter Banner below is from last year...so, stay tuned for tomorrow as I will post the new "Egg Banner Garland" I created to adorn the mantle.
My daughter said the cutest thing..."Mom, bunnies do not hang out in trees!" My response is..."They do in our HOUSE!" lol