Family fun...

Well, I am not creating this week, but I did manage to get some photos taken yesterday that I can share. We actually did make it antique shopping yesterday. We went to a fabulous little town called Cameron, NC. This town has 12 antique stores and most of them are in 1800's era homes so it was a LOT of fun, although we managed not to buy a single thing?!?! We actually ran out of time before we could go back to some stores so we may be heading back to Cameron at some point again before they leave. This is a photo of one of the most gorgeous homes, Miss Belle's.

When we got home for the day, it was an absolutely gorgeous/perfect day so we decided to hang out outside for a while goofing around and here are some photos from that. The sun was starting to set so all of these photos have a golden glow to them. These are my parents with Jacob: Jacob playing ball with his Papa:


When we were out there playing, this guy showed up. I love him so much. He hates games, but he played games with us last night and we had a blast. My parents are here for his promotion ceremony on Monday. I am so proud of him!


BTW, my mom brought me a great catalog yesterday that is chock-full of creative prompts. She is looking out for my blog viewers! Thanks, Mom!!!

Today and tomorrow is DT reveal over at Croppers Cottage! The work will be showing up throughout the day. Go check out the awesome work of the DT.

Have a great Friday!
smiles,
christi

Playing tour guide....

I am missing you all, but I am having a fab time showing my parents my new home here in North Carolina. Today is antique shopping! Can we say fun??? I love having my parents here. We are such good friends...I wish that we all lived closer together!! Today's goal is to actually take some photos of our fun together!

I still haven't started my 21 day journal although I am working on my habit...I had a successful day with it yesterday too! I have a feeling that the journal isn't going to happen until my parents leave late next week, but that's okay. I have seen a few peeks of all of yours! Wow! They are looking fab!!!!

Are you looking for a new creative prompt? Well, here it is...another Target fashion inspired prompt!

smiles,
christi

By 40 list...

I have had some requests for my to do list by the age of 40. That's only 4 1/2 years away and I am not much of an adventurer so the list, overall, is pretty do-able. I wanted it to be realistic...not crazy! :)
1. Learn passable French
2. Develop healthy lifestyle
3. Read Portrait of a Lady
4. Entry in US publication
5. write book
6. attend scrapbooking weekend
7. take Jacob to theme park
8. Read Chronicles of Narnia
9. send monthly cards
10. organize albums
11. conquer debt
12. submit article to Stampington
13. develop nightly routine
14. 3 creative prompts/week
15. monthly photo shoots
16. clean sink nightly
17. romantic trip with Ben
18. visit Williamsburg
19. re-read DaVinci Code
20. create stamp set
21. develop class program
22. re-cover chairs
23. learn to knit
24. learn to collage
25. do a digital layout
26. drink a really fine wine
27. re-visit England
28. go on a girls weekend
29. do a spa treatment
30. have a successful garden
31. see Broadway quality play
32. attend murder mystery party
33. host wine tasting
34. host fondue party
35. trip with mom
36. re-do file cabinet
37. visit Texas Tech
38. add to charm bracelet
39. learn how to make crepes
40. stay happy with my life

Making goals...

You have seen those lists...you know the ones...all the things that you want to do by a certain age. Well today as I was working on my Cropper's Cottage DT stuff, inspiration struck. No, not inspiration for my DT stuff, but an idea for a layout using my altered flower punches and yummy new tapes from Wild Asparagus and this is the result...40 things to do by the age of 40.


I actually took the photo and printed it just an hour ago so this layout is as up-to-date as you can get. LOL! Now I guess that I should get back to work on my DT stuff...

Also a new creative prompt for you...for today's creative prompt, handcut a swirl and add it to a layout or card. This is a trend that I have been noticing lately in the magazines and it looks really incredible when it has been done from a patterned paper. My exacto knife and I are not very close acquaintances so this will definitely be a challenge for me.

I am also really excited about starting Rhonna's 21 day journal again. It starts again on Monday and I plan to make my journal today. (I think that I am running out of day way before I am running out of things to do!)

I will probably be pretty scarce here the next couple of weeks. My parents are coming for a visit tomorrow (Yipee!) so I will be busy playing with them, but I will try to hop on every couple of days with a creative prompt and maybe some pictures from our tours since I won't be scrapping too much while they are here (I just have to find time for my journal.)

I hope that you are having a good weekend!
smiles,
christi

Final HOF layouts...

Here are my final two layouts from my HOF entries. These were, by far, my favorites of the bunch.

This first layout is one of the assignments to use 10 photos on a layout. It started out being two pages and ended up as one. I am thrilled with it.


This second page was using Pam's bath set (see my Jan 31st blog entry for a photo) as inspiration which was also one of the assignments. This is DH's favorite of the bunch and I like it too... a little bit different style for me!



smiles,
christi

Are you ready for a 21-day challenge????

It looks like Rhonna may be starting another one!!! Go check out Rhonna's blog...she wants to know who's interested!

You can check back in my old posts to see my art journal from the last 21 day challenge. It was an incredible experience and I definitely want to do it again!
smiles,
christi

Getting tired of HOF yet???

Another couple of my HOF layouts that I really like. The first of these layouts was my journaling assignment layout (I think?!?). It was supposed to be about something that changed our lives so I did mine on our relocation to England.

The second is another one of my freebie layouts and those of you that know me, know about my Military Boy.

After today, I will only have 2 layouts left to upload and I have saved my favorites until last. :)

I have a few little things to do today and then I am playing with yesterday's creative prompt...I have some ideas stirring!
smiles,
christi

Happy Mail!!!!

LOOK at this beautiful card that I received from my mom that she did using the bedroom creative prompt (March 10th) as inspiration. Isn't that cool? I love that my mom comes to my blog and plays too. In just 1 1/2 weeks she will be here and we can actually play together. YAY!!! Hi, Mom!
smiles,
christi

A New idea for an old tool...

I apologize for being absent the last couple of days. DH came home from his trip so I have been spending some quality time with him and then I am also working on a couple of magazine projects which are keeping me tied to the computer...but not in a fun way!

I have been a little lax with my creative prompts and that is ending now. Here is a photo from an easter egg from the April 2006 BH&G (I love this mag for the inspiration it provides). I bet most of you have a flower punch somewhere in the back of your stash that looks just like that flower. Isn't this a cute twist for it. Just stamp or doodle the center and you have a really cute little embellishment. So your creative prompt today is to reinvent the flower punch!

Here are a couple of more of my HOF layouts. The first is my personal statement layout and it is simply about how much I love to share my love for creating with others and showing them that anyone can do it. That photo is of some of the gals from the maintenance group spouses here showing off their new handmade journals.

This second layout is another one of my free layouts. I had actually created this layout from the creative prompt with my drying laundry color scheme. This is a photo of my grandparents when they were very young. I really love this photo!!!

A couple of more HOF entries...

Well, here are a couple more of my HOF entries. I think that these were both assignments. The first one (again this one falls under the least favorite of my layouts) was the photography assignement. And the second one is the product assignment (pp, rub-ons, & ribbon). Starting tomorrow, I will be posting some of my favorite layouts from the competition!



I have a fun new creative prompt for you, but I will be putting it up later today because I want to finish off the layout that I started for the color prompt (March 14th) first. And a big shout-out to Heather M. for using my color creative prompt in her beautiful art journal!! Thanks, hon!

Breaking News: The Cardmakers Yearbook is available in the US ($14.95)!!! I saw it this weekend in the magazine section of Barnes & Noble. Go check out my March 2nd post (a Dose of Realty) to see what you are looking for!

Happy Sunday!
smiles,
christi

We interupt the HOF entries to bring you...

I have been dying to share this layout. This is a layout that I did for the Scrapbook Magazine Issue 14 for an article on a Beginner's Guide to Stickers. I am soooooo NOT a sticker fan, but this is one of my favorite layouts that I did last year.

All of the papers are Sweetwater as well as the collegiate stickers. The other sticker bits are Karen Foster.

smiles,
christi

Happy St. Patty's Day!!!!

Well, HOF is over and I didn't win or get HM. I know *shock, horror*. LOL! I truly am so okay with it...I actually don't even feel a twinge of disappointment. The winners and HM's have been posting over on Two Peas (the Pub) and they are sooooo excited that you just can't help but be happy for them! It's a fabulous contest and I feel like I have grown so much for doing it. I know that I am developing my own style and it may not be cutting edge, but I like it and I am really happy with what I am creating and that is the ultimate rush for me.

Soooo, I am going to start sharing my HOF entries with you, but I am only going to upload two at a time (mainly because I am swamped with deadlines this week so I probably won't have any new stuff that I can show you...so you will have to settle for my HOF entries.) I am going to start with my two least favorite layouts and work my way up to my faves. These were the first 2 that I created and I really feel like my style changed after I did these layouts. These were both part of the 4 free layouts (no assignment)...although the first one is actually one that I had done for the creative prompt way back when I first started my blog to do a layout with a triangle on it...oh and those little paperclips were part of a creative prompt too.




BTW, they had 960 entries into the contest...that is 9600 layouts. Can you imagine??? Most people haven't uploaded yet, but here is the blog of one girl who has and I am completely blown away by her entries! HOW in the world did she not get chosen?!?! This is cutting edge style that should be published!!!! some like it hot

Have a great St. Patrick's Day!
smiles,
christi

Good morning!!!

Lots to cover today! I feel like I have been living in limbo the last few days and now it is time to get to work. DH is out of town for the next few days and I have a ton of things to get done including lots of time to spend in my stamp room!

First a shout-out to Missy! She used one of my creative prompts to create a gorgeous layout! I really like it when people do that!! :D Go check out her blog! She has an incredible talent and while you are there take a look at her layout for Kirsty's challenge. It is to-die-for gorgeous! LOVE IT!!! Thanks Missy for playing and totally starting my morning off right!!!

Over on UKScrappers we have team challenges/competitions and this week it was the Girls with Stash's turn to host the challenge so this is going to be your creative prompt for today. Ignore the points because this is like Who's Line, the points don't matter!
This week we celebrate St. Patrick's Day, so this challenge, brought to you by the Girls with Stash, is centered around the Luck o' the Irish...

*In honour of the Irish flag, use the colours orange, green, and white somewhere on your layout (you can add other colours if you like)--10 points

*Use the word "lucky" somewhere on your layout (it can be in the title or in your journaling)--10 points

*Everyone needs a lucky charm in life, so add a charm to the layout--5 points

*In honour of the 3 leafed-shamrock, use at least 3 photos on your layout--5 points

Here is the layout that I did for this challenge:

In other news, lots of happenings over at Croppers Cottage! The DT entries are all in and now we are all waiting on pins and needles for the announcement! Kim did officially announce last night my new position as newsletter editor/cybercrop coordinator. I am so excited about this and a little nervous too about managing it all esp. with other things that are happening. Lots going on to be really excited about, but I really have to get all my ducks in a row!!!

***BTW, I can spell, but the British have lots of extra u's in their language so when I do something for the UK, I have to add in those extra little vowels. Spell-check hates me when I am working on a British article.***

smiles,
Christi

The HOF phenomena....

Okay, that was just too much fun! I have always looked forward to the call stories about HOF, but I never really realized what was happening over at the Pub on call night. I just have to say that I cannot be sad about not getting a call when all these scrapbookers are posting such excited posts. To tell you the truth, I don't think that I could be that excited which means that they deserve it more anyway. The entire experience has just left me with a smile on my face. Congratulations to all the 2006 Hall Of Famer's!!!!!

My final journal entry....

Here it is...the last entry in my art journal (which is seriously bulging). It isn't anything super-creative, but I totally indulged by using all my new Scenic Route Charlotte papers (which now all have little pieces cut out of them...Aaaackkk!) But do you notice how well they coordinate with yesterday's creative prompt???

Thank you so much to Rhonna for pushing us through this journey. I have thoroughly enjoyed the entire process!!!

Still no HOF calls....
smiles,
christi

A new creative prompt....

My productivity level is at zilch today. I hope to get my final art journal page done, but I don't have hopes for much more than that...the veggie board is my obsession for the day.

But I am hoping that you will be feeling creative today and here is a brand spanking new creative prompt to help that along. When we moved onto base here, we had a choice between 3 houses. All 3 houses were identical except for location, outside trim color, and the bathroom tile colors (which were all truly hideous pastels.) We chose our house based on location which means that one of our bathrooms is one of the easter egg colors. Finding a color scheme to work around it was a chore, but I am so happy with these towels that we got (our bathroom tiles are exactly that seafoam blue color). I was looking at these towels the other day and it occured to me that this would make a great color scheme for a layout...so that is your creative prompt. Use this color scheme on a layout!

smiles,
christi

21 day journal- day 20

This is today's entry. Rhonna created a gorgeous quote for today and I just emulated the style of it for my "to do" list. My list is actually written on the vines/doodles. Really fun and easy!
smiles,
christi

Creative prompt and white space...

Here's a layout that I did from the latest creative prompt. White space is one of those things that I am just not comfortable doing, but I decided to try it again today. I seriously wanted to keep playing with this one, but I made myself leave all that white space alone. The papers are all Sweetwater and that cute little baby is me about 3 weeks before my first birthday.

This is going to be a day of lots of little blog posts! I will be back later!
smiles,
Christi

A Day filled with Possibilities...

It's Monday morning and Spring has officially sprung and is quickly pushing into summer! LOL! We are supposed to be in the mid-80's today and it is already looking fantastic outside!

The general consensus is that the HOF calls will start today which is so exciting! Even if I am not one of those calls, I am soooo glad that I entered this contest. It is the first really big thing that I have entered in the US and I feel so good about having done so and I am really happy with my work that I did for it. I can't wait for the anon toots to start and all the conjecture about who they are...I know that I definitely have a few faves that I am sure will be on the list, but who knows! It's so exciting!!!

I came up with a fun idea for my creative prompt this morning so I just have to find the perfect picture and then I will be scrapping. And, even more exciting is that I already have found the next creative prompt so I will be uploading it with my completed layout later this afternoon.

Day 20 of Rhonnna's challenge...I can't believe that it is already almost over. It has been so much fun and I love doing art on a daily basis. I definitely want to keep this up...just have to find another journal to start working in! Today's page will be up later this afternoon too!

I also am working on finalizing my Croppers Cottage DT application...

Laundry is done...all I have to do is fold it! I can already tell, it's going to be a good day!

Happy Monday!
smiles,
christi

I am a Woman- Kirsty's Challenge

Here is my layout that I did in response to Kirsty's challenge...

The challenge was to do a layout titled I am woman/mother, use a photo of yourself, primas and doodling. It was fun to do a really girly page!
smiles,
christi

almost there...Days 18 & 19

I can't believe that we are almost to the end of this 21 day to change a habit journey. I have soooo throroughly enjoyed doing this journal!! Here are my days 18 & 19...once again, totally inspired by Rhonna's fabulous quotation artwork. I am amazed by her incredible talent and by the talent of all the girls doing this challenge...go check them out. Most of the links are on Rhonna's blog in the comments section. Fabulous inspiration including Rhonna's own journal. Wow!
smiles,
christi

Kirsty's Challenge

Kirsty is a super-talented artist from the UK that I know through Practical Publishing and she has issued an awesome challenge on her blog. You need to head over there and check it out and while you are there, totally explore her blog. Kirsty is one of the most creative scrap artists that I have ever seen...think Elsie, but she was doing this long before Elsie came along.

Kirsty, count me in on the challenge. Your blog doesn't like me and won't let me leave a comment. :)
smiles,
christi

pink pages-- Days 16 & 17

Here are my next two journal entries. I did actually get yesterday's started yesterday, but I had to finish it up today because yesterday was so crazy. There was just too many little things to do that day so I figured Charity Auction details covered it all. :D I am really sad that this is starting to come to an end...we are only doing 21 days. I hope that Rhonna decides to do it again because I have absolutely loved the experience and I already know what I want to do for the next one.

For today's creative prompt, we have another picture for you to use as inspiration. Nice and springy for you! Have fun!

I won't be on tomorrow... we are going up to Raleigh for the day!
smiles,
christi

I haven't abandoned my blog...

Well the charity auction was last night and it went really well. We raised over $1600 for scholarships so I am thrilled...and it went REALLY smoothly!! But it has kept me so busy the last couple of days that I am really lagging behind.

Today's agenda involves laundry, sweeping, dusting and cleaning the bathrooms. Doesn't that sound fun?? LOL! But I also have a couple of journal entries to do in my art journal and I need to work on a layout for UK Scrappers. So lots to do today, but I was feeling guilty about not blogging yesterday esp. knowing that the cleaning has to come first this morning so I thought that I would post an update. I will be back today with journal entries...just not sure when and a new creative prompt!!!

Have a great Friday...Have you been keeping up with the HOF fervor on the veggie board? Everytime I go over there, I get butterflies...waiting, waiting, waiting...
smiles,
christi

Today's art journal page...

Here is today's journal page. Thanks to the super-talented Rhonna for another gorgeous quote. Now I am off to start checking things off that long list.

BTW, I am not nuts! One of the awesome things about having the last name of Snow is that you can add snow themed things anytime of the year. :D
smiles,
christi

Missed this last night...

altered ambitions

I tried to blog all of this last night, but blogger was not cooperating and I was too tired to keep trying. So here is my journal page from yesterday. Since yesterday was catch-up day for my journal, I didn't have a list per se except for playing in my scrap room so it was mainly just a fun journal entry for playing with my art and Rhonna's awesome quotes. Notice my new paisley stamp...it's part of a new set from Sunday International (yummy!!!)

I also did one of the layouts from BH's Sketches that were yesterday's creative prompt. Sorry for the photo of this...9x9 is an impossible size to scan esp when you are trying to stitch a double layout together. This is the start of a new 9x9 album I am doing with our pictures from the Louvre. It's a really simple page, but in that format, I think that is best. The journaling says, "The Louvre is famous for its magnificent works of art, but what you don't hear about is that the entire building is a work of art...even the DOORS!!! (notice another new paisley stamp in the corner of the journaling block) Those of you that know me, know that I adore doors and our time in Europe definitely fed that love.

Today is super-busy for me! Tomorrow night is a charity auction that I am co-chair on hosting/catering so I have lots of little errands to run today. I hope to get my art journal done early this morning so hopefully I will be posting again soon.

I have to stay off that veggie board too. I don't post there...just lurk, but they are saying that they think HOF calls are going out tomorrow. AAACCCKKK! I am not ready for it to all be over. I know that I am not going to get a phone call (my style is certainly not cutting-edge), but it's been nice to be able to fantasize about it and I am not sure that I am ready to give up that fantasy yet. But the good news is, that once the actual announcement has been made, then I will be able to share my layouts with you and several were done using the creative prompts so I really want to share those. Pam, DH and I both agree...your bath set one was the best of the bunch! :)

Have a great day!
smiles,
Christi

art journal catch-up day!

altered ambitions
Here are day's 12 and 13 of my art journal. I still have day 14 to do today, but I wanted to go ahead and get these uploaded. It took me awhile to find my scrapping muse this morning (that's why day 12 is a little dodgey), but I am starting to get into a groove again. This is why you/I should never take a day off...it's much easier to just keep creating.

While I was doing day 13, I pulled out my deco scissors from the creative prompt. I like the look that was finally created, but I don't think that I am ready to go back to using those things regularily.

So since my last creative prompt tanked, here is a fun one! Create a layout using one of Becky Higgins Sketches. You receive extra credit if you submit it!
smiles,
christi

Catch-up from the Weekend!

Just a bit of catch-up here!

First item is my creative prompt layout. How do you think that I did? I am pretty pleased with it. Definitely not my normal style, but so much fun! I have a book Portrait of a Lady that I had bought to use in my paperarts and that is where all the newsprint on this layout came from. I thought it was appropriate.

This is my niece, Emily. The photo was taken over the summer early one morning while we were out camping. She is wearing her dad's flannel shirt and her hair is a mess, but she was so beautiful anyway (not that I am biased or anything!)

So were you able to use the creative prompt? If so, SHARE a link with us. I really want to see what everyone is doing with this one.

Secondly here is my art journal page from Saturday. I decided that it was the weekend and I didn't have anything too pressing that required a list that day...so my journaling reads: "I spend a lot of time juggling my Different Hats, but it's the weekend so time to relax and anything done is a bonus!"

Rhonna is a little late putting up her quotes so today will be a catch-up day for my journal. I did keep a list yesterday so I am just waiting for my quote to create my page! :)

Several of you have asked if certain items in my journal have been stamps...pretty much all my decoration, except my doodling, is stamping. I love stamps!!! The stamps on this particular entry are CTMH (the girls) and Stamped In Ink (the swoosh).

For today's creative prompt, all the magazines are talking about using old craft items to create new art. A lot of them have been focusing on deco scissors. So for today's prompt, pull out your deco scissors and use them on a project today!
smiles,
christi

day 10...

altered ambitions

My mom sent me the additional quote on today's page: "Find your Joy in something Finished, and not in a thousand things begun." -Mallock. Definitely appropriate for my 21 day habit changing journal! Thanks Mom!!!!

smiles,
christi

Getting Creative....

Well, I finally was able to do my I wish...themed layout. I actually combined it with an ad challenge that the super-talented Cami Bauman had posted on Croppers Cottage. You can see the ad here so that you have an idea of what I was doing with this layout.

For today's creative prompt: This is a page out of the BH&G 100 Decorating Ideas under $100- Spring 2006 edition. When I look at this picture with the newsprint and daisies on that black table, I think about Elsie's style and Boho Chic. I think that it will be really fun to try and interpret this on paper...a fun project for the weekend.

I will be back on later with my art journal layout for the day. I cannot say how much I am truly enjoying this project. I LOVE IT!

Happy Friday!!!

Day 9...

Here is day 9 of the art journal. All of these pages have been completely inspired by the gorgeous way that Rhonna presents the quotes. I love them! Today's page is almost entirely from Rhonna's dreamy line with the exception of the Hero Arts Smile stamp and the bling from Heidi Swapp. Thanks again, Rhonna, for another truly inspiring day!

I forgot to mention in the post below that I have a card on the cover of the book...November on the bottom row is mine. *insert big cheesy grin here*

I am off to work on my creative prompt (I wish...themed) layout.
smiles,
christi

A Dose of reality...

altered ambitions

Gotta love family for bringing you back to reality. I received my Cardmakers'Yearbook this week that contains 17 of my cards and was feeling pretty good about myself. It's a fabulous book with lots of incredible designs and it is awesome to be a part of it. Natalie, you did a great job on it.

So, last night, DH asked me to make his mom a birthday card. Let me preface this by saying that very few members of my family actually ever get cards from me anymore...something about the fact that this is now my job, I just don't do it for fun anymore. So I thought, hey, there are 17 fabulous cards in there (see, I needed a good dose of reality) and kindly ear-marked the ones that were my designs so that he could choose just the perfect one for his mom. Now in his defense, I did tell him when I handed him the book, that he could choose any of them...I had just marked mine so that he would know which ones they were. He perused the book for a while and handed it back to me with his choice...you know where this is going don't you??
HE
CHOSE
SOMEONE
ELSE'S
CARD
DESIGN!?!?!

Now I am thinking that this should be right up there in lessons for having a wife...
*when she says, "Do I look fat?"...the answer is NO!
*when it comes time for any gift occassion...jewelry/yes...appliances/NO
*when given the option to choose her designs or someone else's...you always choose hers!

LOL! So that was my dose of reality and here is my card for my MIL. The card design is from the super-talented Zoe Peirson (page 43 in the book). My husband really likes your work!

BTW, the book has a US price on it ($14.95) so I am thinking that it is available here somewhere, but I haven't been able to locate it yet. If you see it somewhere, give me a shout-out so that I can pick up a copy for my mom!

Now off to go work on Day 9 of my art journal!
smiles,
Christi

Day 8 with more to come....

I am running late today because I had a meeting this morning and some computer work to do this afternoon. It was an absolutely perfect day today!!! I spent about an hour and half sitting out on my front porch working on the computer...simply GLORIOUS!!! I truly love springtime! And the best news...DH just came home and said that he was on his way to pick up Chinese so I don't even have to cook tonight!!! LOVE IT!

Here is today's art page! But this shouldn't be all for today! I have several more projects to work on and upload tonight so be on the lookout for another blog post! :D
smiles,
christi