scrapbooker for hire

today was a beautiful day.

T and I spent the afternoon running through the park playing on the play ground, collecting sticks, rocks and flowers and chasing the squirrels. It's days like this that make me wish I had a nicer camera. For the last five years I've been shooting with a Kodak Easyshare something or other and while I'll admit that it's gotten me some nice pictures it absolutely cannot keep up with this girl. Plain and simply, it just takes too long to take the damn picture and by the time it finally snaps, the photo op has come and gone...again. So, I'm putting it on "the list," which is the list of big ticket items we keep in our heads and whenever we have lots of extra money, we cross a few things off of it. =) So, within the next year I'll have a new camera.

Anywho, this weekend is going to suck.  I'd love to take full advantage of the fact that it's mother's day and make my husband wait on me hand and foot but, I have a crap ton of homework and will be spending my days at the library. Tomorrow I will spend roughly eight hours writing mathematical proofs. The next day I will spend however much longer it takes me to finish the proofs, do my calculus homework and then study for my computer science quiz. While I'm on the subject, here's the layout that I completed yesterday reminding myself why I'm studying these things

Products: Rusty Pickle patterned paper, file folders, and alphabet stickers. Basic Grey chipboard alpha and Doodlebug stickers.

The journaling reads: Because for as long as I can remember I've loved numbers. Because in elementary school I thought the timed math tests were fun. Because counting is a favorite past time. Because the more I know the more I want to know. Because from the first moment that I sat in front of a computer I've loved them. Because computer science flourished from mathematics. Because it's learning a new language. Because it's something that happens naturally in the world which we live. Because it's beautifully technical. Because it's awe inducing and inspiring. Because it makes me happy. Because there's nothing else I want to do more.

That's it. I'm off to bed. Have a great weekend!

an update, part 2: new projects. beware, this is a photo heavy post.

I finished this several weeks ago. It's a congratulatory layout to myself for finally finishing my Associate's degree last December. The layout is a Rusty Pickle project and features the School Daze line along with the Starry Night 12 x 12 chipboard. Both of which are a couple of my personal favs and can be picked up at the Rusty Pickle book this weekend at Portland CKC I also used their new alpha stickers for the title but, as a mask rather than actual stickers. Scroll down to see what I mean.
This technique is really simple, really versatile and really cool. First, adhere the stickers to your layout (card, mini album, or whatever other project you're working on) as you normally would. *Don't push down on them too hard though, because you will be picking them back up and you don't want them to tear your paper.* Once they're down simply trace around them with any pen of archival quality and when you've finished that you can fill them in however you desire. 

Mine are scribbled in from side-to-side to match the feel of my layout. You could easily do anything and everything else from polka dots, to tiny dots, zig-zags, BOLD, or leave it as just an outline. I've also used these same alphas as masks here. The difference is that I first painted the chipboard shape white, then put down the sticker masks and then painted over them and the entire chipboard shape with the blue. Cool, right?

This next project is the only thing that I've accomplished all month (and I mean February when I say that because I have yet to accept that it's already March of 2009, holy sheep shit). One of my very best friends, Mandy, whom I've known since the 4th grade and is like a sister to me is pregnant. Yay! Oh, and her birthday is on Friday. So, in lieu of both of those things I spent a few hours in my scrapbooking room creating this for her.

When I decided that I was going to create this I went through my stash and pulled out all things that would be journaling friendly. Any thing with any sort of resemblence to lined paper was fair game. The idea was to have some sort of line on every page so that she could write everywhere. It was the best way to utilize the already limited space that I was giving her for keeping track of such a momentous occasion. Now that it's complete I don't think it's big enough for a pregnancy journal but, it's gorgeous and one-of-a-kind and I think that those totally make up for the lacking pages.

Because this Rusty Pickle album is spiral bound I was able to easily remove it and work on each page individually. I also embellished a few random tags, a transparency and a pocket and turned them into pages by cutting out the small binding holes using my exacto knife. *I'll point them out to you through out, they all turned out great and I love what they add to the journal.*

 

She's already about 12 weeks pregnant, maybe a little bit more and the beginning of the journal includes pages where she can record how it's been so far and then there's a spot for both her and her husband to each journal their thoughts on the experience thus far.
*there's the first tag that was added.*

 

There's a monthly divider for each month and then a few pages of actual journaling space for the month. Weirdly though, I missed the month 4 pages when I took these pictures so we have to move on.

You'll also notice that there's no rhyme or reason to this journal at all, as far as colors and coordinating goes. The pages that make up the spreads usually match but the journal as a whole is very eclectic and was literally pieced together. *there's another tag.*

 

I think the month 6 is my favorite spread, I love the color combo.

*There's the transparency that I added. It's actually just one of the 4 x 6 My Minds Eye overlays. I stamped the "blossom" on using Stazon, the permanent marker of ink pads.*

 

 

*there's another tag.*

*This pocket was added and is actually a page from one of Rusty Pickle's 3 x 3 albums which will be available in the Rusty Pickle booth at CKC this weekend.*

The journal concludes with a spot for a snapshot of the new babe. I meant to add a bit of embellishing to the photo mat but totally forgot to before I photographed it and then taking the picture made me remember to do it. But then I forgot again and boxed it up already so it's stuck like this. 

And that's it. One custom made journal for my very best friend on her birthday.

Thanks for looking/reading and have a great rest of the week! 

Oh, wait, one last thing. If you are heading up to Portland this weekend be sure to check out the booth for some awesome products, great deals and lots of inspiration! And if you have time, take a class: the ones being offered are listed on the Rusty Pickle blog.  

And no, I won't be there. With only two weeks of classes left I'll be at the library studying this weekend...or if the weather permits, we'll skip town and head to the coast for an awesome day of beach combing.

I am a scrapbooker for hire. If you're interested in me creating a similar journal/project for you please don't hesitate to contact me using the link at the top of the site.

i did it! i cut it off

and I LOVE it!  I was at the mall on Sunday and after browsing around JC Penney for a bit I walked  into the first salon that I saw and said, "I need it cut off." 

I got in the chair and she asked me what I wanted.  I told her to cut enough for locks of love and that I didn't care what she did with the rest.  She asked if I like layers, I said, "sure." And this is what she gave me.  =)  I'm extremely please with it and the simple joy of blow drying it in just 3 minutes (instead of 40)!  

And, my hair has body and volume again and it bounces when I move my head. Who knew that taking 12 inches off would make such a difference?

And, my latest scrappy project is another acrylic wall decor thing (dang, that's technical).  This time it's all about LOVE and was  skillfully designed with the upcoming season in mind.  Fall is one of my favorite seasons because of the rich colors that appear (both in nature and in stores). 

Moving on to the sweet little girl whom I call, T.  She's discovered that if she kicks her leg up at the right angle and finds the exact spot on the couch cusion to use for leverage, she can pull herself up.

And as of a few days ago, she's been wearing my shoes and walking around in them. Which is probably one of the funniest things that I've seen (aside from her ALWAYS digging  my bras and panties out of the laundry basket and my drawer and putting them on her head.  Why?  I have no idea, she just does).    

Oh, and here's something that confirms my thoughts of her being a total girly girl: last Saturday T and I ran into Payless Shoes so that I could quickly grab a pair of flip flops and I also grabbed her a new pair of shoes.  We came home and she was not happy until Joe sat her down and put those shoes on her.  And then she proceded to walk in circles around the apartment as she admired them while occasionally glancing up at us to make sure that we were noticing her in her new shoes.  =)  She melts my heart.  

Alright, that's it.  I've got a house to clean and classes to get ready for.  The term started yesterday. Tonight is yoga and calculus, yay!  

you've been tagged...

Welcome to the 2008 edition of getting to know your friends! Try not to be lame and spoil the fun! if you get tagged, copy this entire survey and paste into your own blog, change all of the answers so that they apply to you.  Then visit the profiles of some of your friends and "Tag" them by simply leaving a comment, asking them to visit your blog, and state that they have been Tagged!

Some of you may get tagged several times, so they can always refer back to your blog for your answers.

1. What is your occupation? stay-at-home-mom, wife and full-time student

2. What color socks right now?  white

3. What are you listening to right now?  E!

4. What was the last thing that you ate?  spaghetti =)

5. Can you drive a stick shift?  uhm...no

6. If you could be a color what color would you be?  green

7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? my mom

8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? actually, i don't really know her

9. Favorite food? meatloaf

10. Favorite drink? iced vanilla mocha

11. What is your favorite sport to watch?  softball

12. Have you ever dyed your hair?  yes

13. Pets?  two very fat cats, shady and cleo

14. Favorite Author? don't have one

15. Last movie you watched? Enchanted, i love Amy Adams, she's super cute!

16. Favorite Day of the year?  the last day of school!

17. What do you do to vent anger?   breath

18.What was your favorite toy as a child?  a train

19. What is your favorite time of the year? i like the milder season, spring and fall

20. Strawberry or Blueberry? Strawberries

21. Do you want your friends to participate? absolutely

22. Who is most likely to respond?  i'm not sure

23. Who is least likely to respond? don't know

24. Living arrangements? with my wonderful husband, super fun little girl and the aforementioned fat cats

25. When was the last time you cried? it's been awhile

26. Who is the friend you had the longest that you are going to tag? not sure

27. Who is the friend you had the shortest that you are going to tag? hmm, don't know

28. Favorite smell? cotton and roses and babies =)

29. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? cheese with guacamole and bacon!

30. Favorite car?  ford thunderbird, yeah baby!

31. Favorite Quote or motto? i'm a fond believer of the law of attraction and that everything happens for a reason

32. Number of keys on your key ring? i don't know, 5 or 6

33. How many years at your current job? 11 months =)

34. Favorite day of the week? Saturday

35. How many states have you lived in? just oregon

36. Which political label most closely reflects your views? mostly democrat

37. Worst injury you've ever had? probably when my horse fell on me and broke my wrist

38. What is your favorite book? anything with an excellent plot and exciting characters

39. What were you doing at 12:00 last night? sleeping

40. What famous person, dead or alive, would you most like to meet? the Beatles and ask them a million questions about the era

3 Threes

1. Three interesting/random/cool facts about you that your scrap friends probably don't know:

a) I am constantly acting like a goof ball in hopes of making Terrance bust out that wonderful belly laugh of hers

b) I didn't have my driver's license until I was almost 20 years old

c) Joe and I met in the 4th grade

2. Three favorite bands/artists:

a) the Beatles

b) the Eagles

c) the Who

3. Three  places you have never been to and wish to travel:

a) all of Europe

b) Hawaii

c) space

If you read this then I tag you!  Link me so I can read your answers.

I'm on a mission

to create a series of albums/layouts of myself and my husband.  I said in my post yesterday that I had a list of projects that I'd be working on all of next week and this is one of them.  Over the last few days I've been compiling a list of questions and have created a sort of "self" interview my for myself and my husband.  I really, really want our kids to know about us: our likes and dislikes, our thoughts and feelings, what we're passionate about, and just absolute random things about us that they may not learn growing up with us. 

This project is something that yes, I'm doing for Terrance and the children that we'll have later, but also for myself.  More and more I'm realizing that there are "important" things in my life that I won't remember 5 years from now.  I need to document them.  I'm also wanting to find a part of myself that I lost a few years ago.  When I was in high school I was an avid writer and kept a very up to date journal, but when my husband was deployed I stopped writing.  I, for some reason, lost that part of myself and I need to get it back.  I used to be able to just sit down and write for hours, but anymore it feels very forced and so I don't do it.  I'm hoping that this intiial questionaire will spark something inside of me and help to just write.  I'm also hoping that this project will turn into a new sort of journal for me. 

So, if you would like to join me in this, here are the questions that I've compiled: 

p.s.  Feel free to add and omit questions wherever.  This is YOUR interview so make it reflect the stories and thoughts that you want to tell.  And if you have any other really great questions, please post them here for me. 

How old are you?

Where do you live? Tell us about it. Why do you live there?

What’s your passion?

How do you feel about your life and the direction it’s going? 

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Five years ago, where did you see yourself now?

What are you looking forward to the most in the next year?

What were you like as a child?

What song will they play at your funeral?

What is the one thing you could not live without?

What's the best memory you have of your spouse?

When do you tell a lie?

Are you irritated by something you shouldn’t care less about? What is it?

If you were reincarnated, what would you like to come back as?

What’s the best present you’ve ever received?

What is your favorite way to relax?

What is your most admirable quality?

What is your greatest achievement?

What’s your favorite food and why?

What’s your best childhood memory?

What do you consider to be the most beautiful thing in the world?

What is your favorite kind of cheese?

What’s your favorite color?

What’s your favorite language?

What’s your favorite song ever?

What’s your super power?

If you could become very famous for something, what would it be?

What did you want to be when you grew up?

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? 

a bit about me.

Music.  I love it with every bit of my heart and soul.  And I really, really love to sing..but I'm not so good at it.  That doesn't stop me from singing every day, it just limits me on my choice of audience.  Right now I choose to share my limited vocal abilities with Terrance (who really doesn't have a choice) , my loving husband (who is always willing to lie to me and tell me how good I really sound), my mom (who is genuinely entertained by it), my best friend Mandy (who is just used to it) and finally my sister (who usually just laughs a bit and then says, "oh my god").  I always, always say that if I could just have one wish, it would be for a good singing voice. 

Anywho, music, I love it especially if it's old music.  The Beatles, The Carpenters, The Mama's and the Papa's, Bob Seger, Neil Young, The Who, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, David Grey, Led Zeppelin, CCR, The Doors, Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton, you get the point.  And, eventhough I hate to admit to it, I do like SOME Country.  (I'm hanging my head in partial shame right now).  So don't be surprised to hear some.

What I'm getting at with my random rambling for my love of music is that I'm going to share it here with you!  As if anyone wants to listen to music while they're reading, right?  Like I care.  So, for my listening pleasure  I've added a music player to my blog (over there) ------------>  ( and here I am telling you as if you hadn't already noticed it). 

So, what's playing? 

Tell me and I'll randomly draw a name...in say, a week or two to get a RP RAK from me. 

ROCK ON!