Artist Trading Cards~anything goes!

It's Spring and the Artist Trading Card Swaps are in full swing over at Art Freckles!

Here is what I have created for this swap~
Let me know if you enjoy ATC's and maybe we can swap sometime!

Got My Scrap On...

Yesterday was a rainy and windy day here. So, what is a girl to do but scrap! I used the 3 Scrappy Boys April Add On Kit. I managed to scrap 3 layouts before 10 AM and then spent time with my family for the day. I will show 2 layouts that I created and one layout is for the newsletter. So, if you do not receive the 3 Scrappy Boys Newsletter, head on over and get signed up.
The April Kits are on sale now!

*click on images to view closer*
Well, I am heading to work this morning. Still feels weird to say it let alone blog about working.
I am sure I will get into routine, soon!
Have a Great Week

Yes, I am still here...

I work today and have to get ready in a few but time is simply swooshing bye so quickly this year. Our son, Stephen graduates from College in about 1 month. We are planning his graduation gifts and it simply takes me back to pictures and glimpses of time. How exciting this time is when one passes another milestone. When in college, one has their foot in youth and one foot in adulthood. Stephen is on the top step about to take the leap to walk forward in life and make his mark. To graduate from college brings back my college memories and the doors I walked through and left a mark after achieving "on paper" the milestone that set me for success. It can be scary, but at the same time it is an overwhelming feeling of, "I DID IT!" I am proud of him and I know that he will be successful in his walk that will lead to many levels of steps. There is only, "up!"

"Time," is that thing that flashes by in seconds and then the moments one reflects upon after new wrinkles, a few gray hairs, many fashion statements, and melodies that take you back when heard on the radio...seem to be more important later rather than in the "real time" in which they were happening seems to brush by ones face as if to say, "look back." Remember that?

I am "officially" middle aged and I know the saying that is going on right now that "40" is the new "30" and so on...but really? No. To go back is not an option. To change the path one took is not an option. To change the direction of the path taken is the conscious choice to make a difference. How precious time and memories have become after embarking on what is the precipice of life. It is simply to live the best life that one can have.
The control and choice is in the decision maker.

Reflections can be melancholy or "happy lines!" I choose the path/direction of "happy lines." They are well deserved.

It's Sinking In...

Wow, I really cannot believe I used to do this. You know, raising a family and working. Except before I had the boys home, all 4 of them. I am still trying to get my bearings but I must say, I completely forgot how time consuming and how much money I used to spend just to stay on top of my game *fashion* wise and it is NOT CHEAP I tell ya.

Yesterday, I had my Hair CutI have my make up updated and refilled by my favorite, CliniqueYes, I did it...I went and had a manicure and nails done. I have not had acrylic nails for over 7 years. I have never scrapped with these nails on either. They definitely make my hands look nicer. But all I can think about is "can I play with my glue in these things?" Silly, I know.This time around, we just have one child home. Our little girl. She is adjusting well. We have her in a fabulous after school program and she is crafting and playing games. I was off work yesterday and went to pick her up early and she was not ready to go. She was busy crafting, therefore,
I stayed with her and watched her creativity bring a smile to her face as I joined in and did whatever she wanted me to do on her "melting" project.

I think this new change is good. I am meeting incredible people and find I smile much more throughout my day and I am not alone in my own little world. I am part of a team. It is nice and the reward so far is great.

Now, just to fit in my creative time and learn to unwind playing with my paints, paper, and glue.

Happy First Day of Spring!

It is gorgeous outside.
The mid mornings to late afternoon the temperature has been perfect.
Well, here is the latest. After 7 plus years, I have re-entered the workforce! Yes, I am now a "lady of leisure" no more. I went back to work for social and interactive reasons. I chose a completely different career path for which I did not attend college and receive my degrees in and I must say...I am loving it, "so far." I have been back to work for 4 days and I am finding it quite rewarding and the compensation is not bad either. Our family is learning to adjust to the "new" me and how "home" must adjust to our new schedules. Spring is a time of "new" and I must say...so, far...it is great. I will not be working on my scrappy and mixed media as much anymore but when I do create I am sure it will be a blessing and a great "get a way." I plan on creating the early part of this coming week as I have 2 days off in a row. I will catch up on "house" duty and play in my art room. So, the excitement in our house is a buzz and I am thankful for SPRING!

Big Day today....

I have a big day ahead. I will talk more about it later this week.
I just need to get my "feet wet."
But I wanted to post a few layouts I completed this past weekend.
I hope you are having a great week so far and tomorrow be sure to wear GREEN!

This Weekend...the happenings.

This weekend is GIRL TIME! It is just Bri and I. Brian is headed to Georgia to watch our son play baseball. He hit a GRAND SLAM a few days ago. He will be graduating from College on May 8th. We are so proud of him. He will be working for Ernst & Young in Atlanta and his ADULT life will begin. I mean let's face it, when you are in college it is one foot in YOUTH and one foot in Adulthood.
He will soon, have TWO FEET in Adulthood.
Congratulations Stephen!

So, this weekend I plan on cropping with the girls over at Art Freckles and there will be loads of fun to be had for sure. Lots of prizes, games, and challenges to get your GREEN Beer Celebration Scrap ON!

So, if you pop over to Art Freckles, you may see what the below layouts/card is all about. Remember, you do not have to be a kit subscriber to join in. Just simply sign up on the message boards and join in the fun!
I hope I see you over at Art Freckles this weekend. You will have so much fun and you will be challenged to create and use your stash at the same time. So, what are you waiting For?
Come by and join in the fun.

Green Beer Crop!

Yes, I said it...GREEN BEER CROP over at Art Freckles!

Join Us!

"THE GREEN BEER CROP"

March 12th -14th, 2010

**make n' takes**
**challenges**
**games**
**PRIZES**

Time will be Springing Forward!

Can you believe it is that time already? This coming weekend the time will Spring forward one hour. I love Spring and I love the early mornings. The birds are already chirping at 4:45 AM and I am thinking their clocks have already changed. The flocks that land in the golf course field behind our home are really busy finding mates and nesting in trees. It is a hurry of busy business to get Spring, sprung!

This month over at 3 Scrappy Boys I was blessed to receive the March Main Kit!

Here is what is in this fabulous kit!

6 sheets double sided Jillibean Soup Old World Cabbage Stew paper
4 sheets Bazzill cardstock
2 sheets American Crafts cardstock
1 sheet of Jillibean Soup stickers
1 pack My Mind's Eye Lush chipboard alphabet
1 pack Prima Say it in Pearls
1 Maya Road chipboard days of the week keychain
1 yard Prima ribbon
1 kraft Jillibean Soup shipping tag
4 American Crafts felt flowers
7 Jenni Bowlin buttons

Here are a few of my creations with this kit as well.

Remember, there is still time to submit your entries for the next term of Designers at 3 Scrappy Boys.
This is an exciting time and I hope I see you on the boards or better yet, on the new team!

Inspired...

My inspiration for this layout came from Stephanie Howell's Sketch. I am really a "sketch" challenged individual. It is hard for me to stick to a sketch. I guess it makes me feel confined and I rarely scrap with sketches in mind. But I really liked this sketch and took the challenge.
The weather is delightful. Spring is definitely springing up.
I am thinking it is getting that time to decorate for Easter.
Gosh, it is only a few weeks away.

Summer Eyes!

I can taste Summer coming. It is a beautiful Monday here. The sun is bright and the temperature inviting. Our bulb plants are emerging from our flower beds and I am anxious to see what blooms. This is our first Spring here in Bowling Green and I just know with all the Bradford Pear trees and Dogwoods, it will be beautiful.

This is why I scrapped a few older photos of my daughter from Summer two times ago. I was inspired by the March Main Kit at 3 Scrappy Boys! I am still scrapping with the kit to be revealed soon, but I could not wait and give you a taste of the fabulous product within this kit.

Remember, there is a Design Team Call at 3 Scrappy Boys.
So, be sure to come check out the forums and join in on all of the fun.

Home Sense!

Art Freckles has put together a fabulous kit for March! It is called, "Home Sense."

Here is what you will get in this fabulous kit!
1 pkg. Bella Blvd. blooms
6 - 12x12 Coredination cardstock
1 pkg. Crate Paper rub-ons
2 - 3" butterflies
1 pkg. natural hemp cord
8- 12x12 Nikki Sivils double sided paper
1 sheet Pink Paislee cardstock stickers
1 bottle Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist
1 floral sprig

This kit has so much product that I am still creating with it.
Here is what I have done so far.

Design Team Call at 3 Scrappy Boys!

If you have never been to 3 Scrappy Boys,
then now is a good time to head over and register at the boards and get to know everyone!
There is a Design Team Call and you may go here, for all the details! It is truly a great team to be associated with and the kits are fabulous.

There are other activities as well to participate in that will allow you to dig into your scrappy stash and use the product you have on hand that will allow you to purchase the new goodies in the store arriving daily!

Here is a stash challenge issued just this morning. STASH CHALLENGE!

Here is my "take" on the challenge.

Can you believe it? It is March already and I am ready for Spring!