connections

Trying to get all of my thoughts from CHA out of my head is a bit tricky. Being the worry wort I am, I guess you could say I was a teensy bit nervous about the show. It turned out to be such a wonderful experience! That's why I am smiling so big. :)

Bike from Scotty's Cruisers

There was such a great energy at the show, full of enthusiasm. I was reminded how much scrapbooking brings women together from all over the world. I love how having a passion for a simple hobbie creates instant friendships & connections.

(Amy, April, me, Yamille)

American Crafts and the whole crew was awesome! It was so great to spend some time with Creating Keepsakes team at dinner and during my book signings at their booth.

I was giddy when this cute boy arrived. He's such a great support and I adore him! My favorite was when people recognized him and said hello.

I'm sure by now you have heard of The Girls' Paperie! It's a new craft line released at the show by my good friend Margie. It was one of my highlights of CHA to see her beautiful booth and products revealed! I am so proud of Margie and it was special for us to go through the process & experience this together. Her entourage, or daughters, Megan and Brooke were there for The Girls Loft too. xo

This is Suzy. My new BFF. She is hilarious! She was so fun to get to know and I am still laughing at her silliness like riding my bike during the show & her crazy driving.

Also, a big thanks to Camille & my mom for watching my sweeties while I was away!! xo

home

Feels so great to be home!

It's nap time so I am getting a lot done... eating sugar cookie dough, attempting to plan an upcoming Studio 5 segment... actually just being lazy while browsing the world wide web with inspiration for the upcoming holiday. Which is one of my favorites. Probably has something to do with the fact that there are chocolates and flowers involved.

Thanks for all the comments on my CHA booth. check out the pictures here and here.

We had a tea party at our booth so cupcakes were a necessity. (photos by Shimelle)

The flowers I posted before cha looked great in 12 tiny vases from Target and in a jar in the bike basket.

booth details

Bike from Scotty's Cruisers






photos by the sweet and talented... Shimelle!!

Am I dreaming?

Here's a look at my section of the American Crafts' booth at the Craft & Hobby Association to debut the Dear Lizzy line. I'll take more photos of the table, bike and frames tomorrow.

Just wanted to share the set up and where I'm meeting new friends, like Celine & other beautiful ladies from France. It's also quite fun to see ladies that I know through the blogosphere but have never met... because I feel like I already know them. Thanks so much for those of you who read my blog or articles in CK and came and said hi... it was SO great to meet you!

The book signing at Creating Keepsakes booth was fabulous. Come by tomorrow morning at 10 am for another chance to get a signed copy.

Also, here's my now famous heels that people thought I was crazy for wearing..! I've been vacuuming in them and chasing after kiddos to break them in. (wink wink)

Just wanted to share a piece of the day... thanks everyone! xo

big blue eyes & bouquet

Enjoying this face and all of her growing, exploring, loving, learning, kicking and screaming ;) before heading off to CHA with the American Crafts crew and the awesome people of Creating Keepsakes. Last night, while the kids were snoozing, Collin & I watched The Office and 30 Rock I made these flowers out of the Dear Lizzy paper. I tell you... my Big Shot die cutting machine never fails me! I used the same die I used for the Corsage Tee and Fabric Envelopes.

photoshop actions: Totally Rad

find you.

Sometimes it can be scary to stretch ourselves & to try something new. At least for me... because I get too comfortable & it seems easier to remain stagnant... but when we can let go and set ourselves free we can be closer to finding who we are.

Twenty ten has started off with a bang & I find myself refocusing on my aspirations including what really is important to me. Only one of my many goals is still staying strong... Which is good because I'm quite certain it is the most important and meaningful one. I hope to keep going everyday this year. I think I can I think I can...

Just like many previous years my "eat less crap" goal lasted about 46 hours. Okay okay... I mean 11 hours.

Something that I hope to instill in my girl's hearts now is to "be you." So they can avoid changing who they are to fit in the right crowd instead be proud of their own uniqueness. Now... how in the world do you do that? :)

I don't have photo credits for the above photos so if anyone knows who they belong to... fill me in. :)

Hello there

Happy Monday! Skipping along getting everything ready for CHA. It starts this Sunday in Anaheim. It's a huge convention full of fabulous craft products and ideas... that you can't even buy yet-making it quite torturous.

We miss Collin around here but are having lots of fun with just the girls. He'll be back soon from his own conference. Definitely not as cool as CHA. Although he is stocked up on mouse pads, pens, T-shirts with random logos on them. Being the cute wifey I am ;) there are notes through out his suitcase. That reminds me, I should make sure he finds the one I safety pinned to the backside of his suit pants reading, "Kick some marketing butt." I would hate for him to walk around like that. :)

Here are a couple pages using the Dear Lizzy products. Circles punches are definitely a go-to tool when I scrapbook. If you have my book, "52 more Scrapbooking Challenges" you can add the Martha Stewart butterfly punch to the list because I used it lots.

Yes, I agree a tutorial is needed for the flowers using my fabric paper... after cha. If you came to Spark No. 1 you would be ahead of the game since delightful Kelly taught a fabulous fabric class using vintage fabrics and this technique.

The bicycle, brown swirl, "dreams" and the pendant banner on the first page are patterned and glittered accent thickers. I adore how they turned out.

reach out

My heart breaks for those in Haiti.

It truly is such a devastation that reminds us to reach out to others in need & keep an eternal perspective everyday. We can do something to help... CNN has a list of organizations & how we can help assist them in offering aid to those in need.

The print above is by Claudia Pearson via Poppytalk. She is donating 25% of the sales if this print to the Haiti relief fund.

peeks and toesies

Nothing like Quincey's cute piggies dancing on fabulous paper. I know it might be difficult but please refrain from nibbling on those toesies or those cheeks below through the computer screen. ;)

The Studio Blog posted more layouts and peeks for the Dear Lizzy + American Crafts Spring line. Check it out!

Thanks for all your enthusiasm for the Dear Lizzy + AC line & Happy Friday everyone!

Photos by Jefra Starr Linn

fabric paper peek

Another peek at the Dear Lizzy + American Crafts Spring line. I used the fabric paper to make flowers inspired by the fabulous Lori from Miss Ruby Sue.

As it gets closer to the CHA we are having fun getting the booth ready for the show. Stop by and say hi if you're going to be there.

Photo Credit: Jefra Linn

fleeting moments

Today turned out to be such a delightful day! Look at that face... how could it not be?

Life is so fleeting so I am relishing in these moments that pass so quickly. Because she is my whole world & at the moment I am hers.

The cuddles, her chubby hand holding mine, times when she needs mommy's comfort, pitter patter of her feet on the floor----give my life purpose.

Love the new House of 3 kits! Rhonna is incredibly talented at digital design and has me so excited for Valentine's Day already!! I love her calligraphy phrases... they are my favorite... and the doilies banners and and...

today

There are some days when the morning sun warms your spirit and you find yourself dancing along while doing your morning routines.

Today is not one of those days. Today is a day where I am still in my pjs & my greatest accomplishment has been eating a half dozen berry muffins.

I guess baking them could count for something.

Although the kiddos are calm and sitting here coloring at the moment... I can sense they are scheming up intense investigations in their adorable little minds to test my mommy skills today.

I am definitely not complaining... just preparing myself. :)

Ruffles

Thanks so much sharing in my excitement for the Dear Lizzy + American Crafts line. This page shows the fabulous ruffle ribbon! Wouldn't it be so cute on a bag or even a T-shirt? The background paper is filled with little hearts that I drew & the polka dot paper is adhesive backed fabric. The thickers are a glitter typewriter font that also comes in a seafoam green and brown. LOVE them-totally versatile and easy to use. Jefra took the photos and some other fun ones I'll share soon.

The journaling says: I sort of love when Quincey takes my hand and walks me around the house usually looking for her blankey or her sippy or to the kitchen for a little snack. I sort of love when Avery licks my cheek like a little puppy... it's actually really gross but makes me laugh every time. I sort of love something sweet to eat after every meal.. and I'm not picky. I sort of hate listening to voice messages and delete them before they're done. I sort of wish I could live somewhere warm all year round. I sort of hate the snow and don't think I would miss it. I sort of love when I fall asleep on the couch during a movie and Collin carries me to bed. I sort of am afraid of the thunder and you will never find me watching a scary movie. ever.

My sweet niece, Taimi, received her baby blessing last Sunday. She is so beautiful. It's quite neat to watch my little sister become a mother. I am so proud of her and love watching her and Chris take care of Taimi & take on the transforming role as parents.

(Taimi is my great grandmother's name. My great grandmother is Finnish. )

We all braved the cold for a quick photo by Collin... including Camille, me, Quincey, Ashley, Taimi, Cynthia (my mom). This is also the same day that I tripped on the ice in my heels. From now on I am wearing moon boots to church. I swear I thought my rib was broken the last few days but I'm better now. Happy Friday!!

Dear Lizzy + American Crafts

I really enjoyed reading your guesses... Some of you were getting close, some were right on...!

Jennifer Larson said... Are you going to design for Studio Calico? Like some product lines?

That would be cool... but nope.

Jen said... You've thrown me with the crochet clue.

haha. Sorry.

Heathyr said... I have no idea but can I please just have that chocolate cupcake?

Yes! Come enjoy one with me!

xxxbesos said... Chihuahua sweaters? I'm just saying ;)

haha. That's my next project.

Collin said... A duet album with Vanilla Ice?

lol. Nice hun.

Sammie said... I'm so curious I can't stand it! Please don't make us wait too long!

Okay, okay... here you go!

For some reason I've had butterflies the last few days... probably because I was getting closer to reveal what I've been up to. These opportunities have been not only fun but such a blessing for our family and I'm excited to tell you...

Two words... American Crafts! I've teamed up with them to develop the Dear Lizzy Spring paper and embellishments line. yay!! (Someone pinch me.) I've been a raving fan of their products for-ev-er. Who doesn't love Thickers? I love their style and they were one of the first manufacturers I designed for years ago making QVC samples. It worked out like magic and Jennifer, David as well as the rest of AC have been such a treat to work with. The line in its entirety will be revealed at CHA in Anaheim the end of this month but check out the Studio Blog today & the next couple weeks for sneak peeks.

It's a Spring line with delicious colors and versatile enough so you can use it with everyday projects. My favorite part-FABRIC paper! Get ready for some fun creating with that!

Glitter buttons, glitter brads, glitter thickers, glitter honda civics... okay, not that last one.

Think... little girl dresses, bicycles, sweet handwritten words, crochet flowers, heart

banners, whimsical clotheslines, music notes paper & bumble bees.

Don't you love that ruffle ribbon below... oh, the possibilities! Here's a peek...

Hope you like it and enjoy creating with it. Now let's celebrate... cyber cupcakes for everyone! :)

PS The random winner to get some of this crafty goodness...

Kimberly C. said... I stood on my tippy toes trying to read what was on the top of the cupcake, with no luck!!!! ;-) Can't blame a woman for trying to peek though, right???

guess what?

So... about that fun announcement I have to share. You know I'm not going to just come out and say it... teasers and guessing games are way more fun.

The photo above has the answer on the cupcakes but thanks to a little bokeh effect now you'll just have to wait & see. First, here are some hints...

It's a great collaboration like Batman & Robin... minus the super powers and capes.

It's deliciousness at your fingertips but it's not a cupcake.

It's all about flowers, music notes & bike rides.

It's full of blissfulness.

It has to do with fabric but I'm not a seamstress.

It makes you wish you knew how to crochet.

If only typewriters could type with glitter...

It's so cute Avery wishes she could dress up in it.

It leaves you longing for renewal and sunshine.

Any guesses??? Leave a comment... heck, you can leave as many comments as you'd like with any ideas. I'll choose a random name to win the best giveaway in 2010! I know it's the only giveaway I've done this year but still.

Check out some friend's links for more hints:

Stephanie Howell

Kelly Purkey

April Foster at Studio Calico

family words

Everyone joined in this year with their word to live by in twenty ten... even Collin... kind of.

While searching for my word I wanted to focus on strengthening different areas of my life... spiritually, mommyhood, relationships & physically. Hence the word flourish.

flour·ish to grow well, strong: thrive What's your word?

Definitely going to break out my Fuji Instax camera more often this year.

twenty ten

Twenty ten... I like the sound of that.

Excited for what lies ahead...

Here's to a great year for all of us! :) xo

Brainstorming my one little word for this year, going to see if I can actually stick with the 365 picture-a-day project &... I'm anxiously waiting to share an exciting announcement next week.

No, I'm not pregnant. Although that would be cool too.