Happy Halloween!

It took Avery about an hour this morning until she asked where her candy was. Candy, what candy? (As I was hiding the kit kat in my hand.) Poor thing did all the hard work last night and here I was reaping the benefits. But this girl doesn't hold her sugar well, so I traded the goods for a chance to watch her favorite movie.

Avery changed her mind a few times of what she wanted to be for Halloween. First, it was Ariel then Strawberry Shortcake, until finally she settled on a witch. My favorite was when I handed her a glittery broom and she replied so excited--"Oh, goody! So I can clean like a witch!"

Quincey fit the part of Minnie Mouse perfectly, posing and prancing around.

Meet Cliff & Gladys:

I woke up in an ornery mood on Halloween so my outfit was quite fitting. And if I didn't already feel not very cute at the moment... why not make it worse and be an old fart named Cliff with a comb-over and mustache? Good thing I have my saucy wife named Gladys to lift my spirits! Collin played the part the whole night. We were laughing so hard... and I continue to laugh every time I see these pictures.

It's just not right.

Oh my.

Hope you're having a spooky weekend! xo

I wasn't kidding...

I wasn't kidding about the snow we woke up to on Tuesday. The only 2 people left smiling in our home were Q&A. Oh, make that three including the pumpkin with his blingin' tooth.

Thank goodness it melted in a few hours.

Your costume suggestions were great. I think we figured out what we are going to be... just need to pick up a couple pieces for it.

Some of you might remember the costume cookies I posted about last year for Halloween. I am preparing some roll-out sugar cookie dough again so we can make these with our cousins tomorrow. I used a knife and hand-cut designs & then pushed in some sucker sticks before baking them.

As if sugar cookies couldn't get any better in my eyes, Cookie magazine tempts me into making costume cookies for Halloween! I love this idea because, hey, I love any excuse to eat frosting

and I like being a dork. Which is how you feel when you make your husband hold up a mustache cookie while you hold up a scary tooth cookie.

After doing a little research I need to order these cookie cutters for next year:

mask cookie cutters

mustache cookie cutter

quick page share

Just a quick page to share on this snowy, autumn day. That doesn't sound right? Yep, we woke up to a few good inches of that fluffy white stuff.

I made this page a bit ago and added some of my Dear Lizzy lace paper & a ticket sticker from my Enchanted collection. I am so thrilled to finally have some of the lace paper to design with!

I had to laugh when Collin asked where the journaling was on my page... which is hidden behind the photos. I guess that means he really does enjoy reading the gushy stuff I write about him!

Dear Lizzy: Ticket Sticker, Decorative Tape, Lace paper

Jenni Bowlin: Diecut Label Paper

Sassafras: Heart Paper, Flag Banner Stickers

Heart Punch

Basic Grey: Kraft paper with circles

Misc: Staples, Sequins

a little of this & that

Getting in the spirit of Halloween around our home. Which means I need to finish my spooky tree using my Girls' Paperie... I told you I adore these crepe flowers!

We have 2 of our 4.5 costumes ready. Collin & I are trying to figure out what we can dress up as this year. Collin suggested we paint a pumpkin on my tummy... now that's pretty much the scariest costume I've ever heard of. ;) So, really, any ideas for a preggo momma? I was going to take a year off but what's the fun in that?

I'm not the only one carrying around a pumpkin... this girl carries hers around all day since Saturday when she found the perfect one. She pretty much loves it. Perhaps because it's just her size.

Despite the fact that the kids have been sick all weekend they've still been surprisingly chipper. Which is sooooooooo nice. Much better than sick + grumpy.

We've kept it low key around here and just hung out cozied up indoors. A little football, a little baking, a little crafting & a lot of snuggle time laziness.

Hope you had a nice weekend & are enjoying getting ready for Halloweeeeeen.

Check out Crafty Steals because today my Dear Lizzy Christmas Card set and Christmas Paper are the steal of the day!!

unpacking pink

I braved the dark, cold storage in the basement to bring up the baby bins full of pink onesies & blankeys to wash and organize.

As I pulled out each item of clothing so many memories emerged.

Some worn by both girls, some by just one but each have a memory attached.

A first smile, a first giggle, sleepless nights and early mornings together. I can remember Collin holding Avery while watching a Yankees game & teaching her all about baseball or singing lullabies or with Quincey what seemed like endless crying.

I can remember feeling desperate & exhausted but happy & fulfilled.

Remember moments when I felt so overwhelmed with gratitude for my own mother & wanted to call her right then to thank her for all she'd ever done for me... although 3 am didn't seem like the opportune time.

Grateful for a friend's perfect advice yesterday who assured me that it'll take time but I'll get into the swing of what my new 'normal' is. That was exactly what I needed to hear. (Thanks Rhonna & Happy Birthday!)

Looking ahead at more laundry, more pictures, more love.

Not only did I dig through bins of baby clothes but also my hard drive to find these pictures of little Avery. That little nose kills me.

If this little baby could have talked then she would warn me about year 2 when she begins the tantrums and dramatics... & enjoy year 4 with all her singing and movie quoting.

PS Getting in the Halloween spirit with my Girls Loft kit filled with possibly my all-time favorite Halloween products by Girls' Paperie by Margie! So spookily cute!

These crepe paper flowers... love.

Birthday Gala

Digging deep for whatever self-control I can find to avoid eating my leftover piece of cake from last night... because first this baby needs a nutritional breakfast. But that doesn't mean it won't make a delectable afternoon snacky.

Last night we went to Dear Lizzie, the cutest boutique & bistro I've ever stepped these swollen ankles into, for their 5 year Birthday Gala. Collin came with me, with the understanding that there would be sweets & boy there was! Not to mention a live band & of course shopping shopping shopping! I talked him out of those lace pants-thank goodness! ;)

Needless to say, Laura and her wonderful side kicks dazzled us like they always do!

Thanks Margie for the photos...! I'm definitely going to cover a skeleton with glitter this weekend. Hello Modge Podge!

PS Thanks for the comments on my Little Black Dress pages.

Little Black Dress kits

Just like the perfect piece in your wardrobe, the Little Black Dress kit club has fabulous monthly bundles of cuteness for your craft projects. I learned this past weekend that a kit shipped to your doorstep is a great way to force you to get your scrapbooking started. Especially because they put all the pieces together for you.

'Listen' is a layout about my thoughts as we are counting down from 5 weeks until this sweet

baby girl arrives. Less than 5 weeks! Holy smokes. That has gone super fast. Although the sleepless uncomfortable nights have begun so it might be a loooong 5 weeks.

Since life has purposefully slowed down until then, I am often thinking about our baby which is immediately followed with many different emotions. So, I continue to tell myself to listen to my motherly instincts, listen to what the spirit tells you, listen to your heart! I think I am questioning myself and my ability to make sure all three of my girls and Collin are loved and happy. So I'll continue to reassure myself. Listen.

The flower is made using printed tissue paper from the kit. Start by folding it to the width you like then pleat into a circle.

I adore how Little Black Dress kits incorporate bits of vintage euphoria in each kit. This kit had flashcards, number cards, book pages & bingo game pieces. Very cool!

Black+White+Yellow is also such a fun color combination. Don't be afraid to design with color photos either.

'Our Time Together' is a page using the photos and thoughts from this blog post. I used my self-timer to capture part of our morning routine of painting and emails. Check out the Little Black Dress kits.

PS If you have signed up for my online workshop and have not received an email please email me at elizabeth.kartchner@gmail.com.

Also, I forgot to mention that the kits sold out last week. Email me if you want to get on a wait list.

You can still purchase a class ticket only and use your own supplies. Workshop begins November 1st.

This morning

We've known it was imminent with the end of October fast approaching--cold weather. But have no fear, little girlies, mommy is here with warm slippers for those pitter-patter piggies. This morning, we cozied up in our colorful slippers.

This morning, we had a pile of dishes to clean... after eating peaches, pears & oatmeal.

This morning, she woke up with the craziest bed head and snuggled up with me until it was time to start her secret mission of Operation: Destroy The House Whenever Mom Turns Around. I can tell she was sneakily thinking up her plan as I took this picture.

With all this pink! it's a good thing Collin has 3 softball games tonight to offset the girlishness. Go #8!

This morning, I was proud of myself for actually scrapbooking over the weekend. Thank goodness for the Little Black Dress kit that jumped started my creative process with their darling kit.

happy friday!

If I could I would send each of you a bouquet of Dear Lizzy flowers for being completely wonderful!

Or you could come here and enjoy some pancakes & cupcakes. All I feel like doing tonight is making something pretty while watching a cheesy, chick flick I've seen a bazillion times.

just a quick hello & Happy Friday!

EK Success: Flower punch

Paper flowers made using my new Dear Lizzy Enchanted papers. Photo by Jefra Starr Linn.

PS Check out the Crafty Steal of the day or this beauty necklace "Have faith and fly." I adore that mantra.

Made a video for my wife...(hijacked by Collin)

Hello people of Bloggertonville,

It's me Collin. Most of you know me as "that guy with the slanted chin" or 'Ricky the extra' from the well-known documentary "Andre the Giant: We Barely Knew Thee".

Well, we had a fire-sale of all our old camera gear and upgraded to a Canon 5D Mark Deaux from our Hasidic Jewish friends at B&H Photo in the City of York but Newer. As some of you know I shoot photos for phun and most the pics on this here blog are snapped by moi. I'm like a fat guy at a lunch buffet concealing his enthusiasm by saying, "Let's see what we have here" about the fact that the new camera shoots 1080P high-def with 1.21 jiggawatts of power running a 6.7L 454-small block to the rotary gurter, i.e, it's frickin awesome!

I made my first video with it this month. It's kind of a story of my wife. And kids. I thought I'd share it. Shot up the canyon behind our house with a 35mm 1.4 lens and a home-made stabilizer (still a bit shaky but cool effect). Edited in plain old iMovie in a couple hours. If any of you local Utahns would like a similar family video, let me know. I'd trade 1000 photos for a 5 minute heart-warming video. Email me if you're interested.

Liz means everything to me. She's an incredible mother. A deep and special person. I wanted to capture a piece of that.

Enjoy....

(If you watch it on vimeo.com it's better quality: click HERE)

get messy

First things first, I am absolutely thrilled for everyone who has signed up for my online workshop! Your excitement for the class in your emails and comments is quite fun!

There are still kits available, though it is getting close to full.

A couple days a week, while big sis is at preschool, I soak up some together time with Q. This time is filled with all the things toddler: painting, snacking, cuddling, potty training & messes.

One of my creative rut remedies is to get messy and she is the perfect example of how that's done. To let loose and color outside the lines. To try something new & don't think about whether you are creating the right or wrong way. Because there isn't a right or wrong way.

She's a sweet girl... with a good Tablespoon of spice. I watched the other day as our pomeranian dog, who sadly doesn't like little kids, would not give her the time of day she still patted him on the head and loved him no matter what. Little kids have such a forgiving heart and are undaunted by the world. My hope is to instill that in her as long as I can... which is quite the task and I've yet to figure out how that's done. But, I'm determined.

Crossing my fingers that I will have some messy time in my studio today. It irritates Collin when I say studio... it's an office he always says. But I had to say it. haha. Studio, studio. An office sounds absolutely boring anyway.

workshop registration

Registration for UNLOCK your story is now open.

We will design a mini album full of layers and textures that will reflect the daily adventures & simple moments that define who we are & our lives. The moments that slip by so quickly. The moments that, whether you like it or not, persuade us to learn and grow. We'll use everyday photos and dig deeper into the stories behind them. Can't wait for you to unlock your story.

The Facts

• Workshop begins November 1st.
• 10 self-paced lessons posted to a private class blog.
• Video tutorials for cool techniques using Shimmerz Spritz, rolled flowers, ruffles & flowers using Dear Lizzy fabric paper.
• Journaling Prompts to encourage you and inspire you in telling your story.
• Class Message Board
• Cost for class kit & workshop is $48.00 that includes shipping to US.
• Cost for class kit + workshop + shipping international is $54.00 (Please purchase by October 13th to ensure it arrives by November 1st.)
• Supplies needed: Crop-a-dile, 2" circle punch, decorative border punch, any stamp with black ink, foam brush & turquoise paint.
• Limited number of kits available.
• $15 for class ticket only.
• The only email I will receive is the one linked to your paypal so include the correct email I should use in the note to seller. Thanks!
  
  
  
  Class Kits are SOLD OUT but you may still purchase the Class Ticket and use your own supplies.
  

Unlock Your Story

Class Kit+Workshop+Shipping in US $48.00 Workshop only $15.00 Class Kit+Workshop+Shipping International $54.00

Happy Birthday blondie-blonde!

Sending birthday wishes to my little sis all the way across the world.

If you were here Ash:

We'd dance around to the Beatles' Birthday song (you say it's your birthday...na na na na na na.)

Eat some confetti cake with pink frosting (not carrot!)

Open mom's singing birthday card and try to guess the song by reading the cover.

Celebrate what an incredible sister, wife and mother you are & how much we love love love you!

Good thing we can do all of that on Skype...!

♥ you!

unlock your story

Unlock Your Story is the title of my upcoming online workshop. We will design a mini album full of all layers and textures that will reflect the daily adventures & simple moments that define who we are & our lives. The moments that slip by so quickly. The moments that, whether you like it or not, persuade us to learn and grow. We'll use everyday photos and dig deeper into the stories behind them. Can't wait for you to unlock your story.

The kit will include:

Mini Shimmerz Spritz Bottle, Punky Sprouts Album including chipboard, acrylic & canvas pages, 2 envelopes, 2 Manila Tags, 2 Metal Rim Tags & 1 White Tag, 2 Die cut flowers to make rolled flowers, 1 Bella Blvd Canvas Flower, Making Memories Letter Stickers, a pinch of bling & cute glitter buttons, Dear Lizzy Metal Key & Keyhole, Thickers, Ribbon & Stickers, 6 Dear Lizzy + American Crafts patterned papers & 2 pieces of cardstock

Workshop will include:

• Self-paced lessons on a private blog
• Video tutorials for cool techniques using Shimmerz Spritz, make rolled flowers, ruffles & flowers using Dear Lizzy fabric paper.
• Journaling Prompts to encourage you and inspire you in telling your story.
• Class Message Board
• Cost for class kit & workshop is $48.00 that includes shipping to US.
• Supplies needed: Crop-a-dile, 2" circle punch, decorative border punch, any stamp with black ink, turquoise paint.
• Limited number of kits available.
• Registration for this workshop will open Monday, October 11th at 9 am Central time.

cookie confession

Let me just start with a confession about how I've been tremendously unambitious lately. To the point of sheer boredom. ha. No scrapbooking or crafting. In fact, the closest I've gotten to anything remotely creative was unfolding a perfectly neat pile of fabric to start on a quilt, only to fold the pieces back up into a much less pretty pile.

Although we did manage to make some cookies today... that should count for something right? And we had no problem eating them up too. Surely there's something creative to be said for that. heeheee. ;)

But tomorrow's a new day and there's something in the air this brisk, fall night that has me anxious to design with the new Dear Lizzy Christmas & Enchanted lines.

Actually, this is the opportune time to test my cure for a creative rut checklist. I'll let you know how that goes...

autumn L♡VE: nie nie's dinner party

When it comes to women who are inspiring & uplifting, Stephanie Nielson is up at the tippity top of that list. In every way she is a bright light & I feel grateful to call her my friend. Opening an invitation in the mail for her annual welcome autumn dinner was the perfect way to start off this wonderful season.

I remember her birthday party last July, I was in awe at how she effortlessly attended to every detail. From the delicious menu to the beautiful scene she created in her backyard, & this autumn dinner party was no different.

Apples from her tree for the boys place setting and nail polish for the girls.

Hello my man...

She really out did herself with a record player serenading us with Norah Jones, red chairs, baskets of fresh fruit, salmon, homemade cobbler... I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Oh, and her boots. Cutest boots. If those don't welcome autumn I don't know what will. (from anthropologie)

In the end, the evening was magical as we talked under the stars & candlelight. Collin and I joked that it's always so fun to get out and have a nice conversation with adults, besides talking to little kiddos. He was right, it was.

PS Stephanie also recently spoke at BYU about Recapturing Beauty and so many people came from all over to hear her speak. The place was packed and the spirit there was strong as she shared her experiences & her light with us. Also, had the chance to thank everyone there for prayers for her and her family which you could tell meant a lot to her.

Thanks Stephanie!

autumn L♡VE

Oh, how I love this time of year--crisp air, colorfully painted trees, pumpkin muffins, scarves & brown locks. Oddly enough, I feel a sense of renewal on this dreary, rainy day. I guess a very lazy weekend can do that to you.

Couldn't resist sharing more pictures from our excursion up the canyon.

Our second attempt at some baby bump pictures. The first ones were no good.

Having Collin take pictures who also enjoys telling fart jokes or anything to make me laugh is always a treat. Trying to not laugh with a stoic look in the first photo, nice try.
My sister, Ashley, moved far, far away... Czech Republic to be exact. She asked to see some belly shots so these are for you Ash!

Counting down from 7 weeks until our honey dew (that's how big the baby is right now) makes her sweet addition to our family. Avery was a day early, so typical since she is such a busy girl & ready to play the second the sun rises. Quincey was a week late, which again is so typical because Quincey takes forever to wake up in the morning and wants to cuddle first. I'm guessing this honeydew will almost double in size the next 7 weeks, if she follows after her sisters' baby fat footsteps and is 8 1/2 pounds. The waddling is only going to get slower folks.

Check out my newest blog sponsor:

Crafty Steals

Hope you're having a great start to your week!

I'll also be offering another online class this week. More details to come. Here's a hint.

content

Life is far from perfect. It is hectic & stressful at times but despite all of that I've felt overwhelmingly grateful & content lately. Probably since the past two events are behind me. Probably because I carry around an angel in my tummy all day. Probably because I love this time of year & General Conference started today. Probably because this little girlie squeezes my cheeks & I can forget about the flurry and frenzy of life for a moment.

Enjoy your weekend! We went up the canyon last night because it is absolutely beautiful there right now. Autumn in Utah goes by much too fast. xo