Today's layouts...

Another one...

Another cybercrop layout...this one is an attempt at the popular white space layouts and playing with transparencies for a class that I am teaching tomorrow.

Oh, and a bit of good news this afternoon...I found out that I made my LSS Design Team! Whoohoo!!!
Smiles!

Scrappers Gone Wild...

"Scrappers Gone Wild: Scrapbook Break" is going full-force and definitely keeping me busy, but I didn't forget you all!!! Here are a couple of layouts from the week so far...the first was for a journaling challenge about how you relax and scraplift challenge. I scraplifted the super-talented Pam.

The second layout is a challenge on two fronts...one for the cybercrop where we had a challenge to create a layout in a style not your own...this is definitely not my normal style. What this is, is a scraplift of one of the super-cool layouts from the Autumn Leaves Freestyle book (pg. 43, Ashley C's Barcelona layout although hers is gorgeous...mine I am not so sure...LOL). On the Freestyle blog they had a challenge to scraplift one of the layouts from the book and I am never one to turn down a challenge!

I hope that you all are having a great and creative week!!!
smiles,
christi

The cybercrop is starting...

The cybercrop is starting in 45 minutes so I am frantically finishing up details for that, but I haven't fogotten about you all. Here is the latest creative prompt: Use this book cover design as inspiration for a layout or card.

And, hey, if you like my creative prompts, come join us for the cybercrop over at Croppers Cottage. We will be having tons of challenges, games, and tips. We are very relaxed so just come join in on the fun!!!
smiles,
christi

Crazy Busy...

I apologize for my absense the last couple of days! Life has simply been crazy busy around here. All my deadlines for the Croppers Cottage are looming this week. First on the agenda is a cybercrop which starts Wednesday that I am preparing classes and challenges for. The theme is Scrapbookers Gone Wild: Scrapbook Break and I think that it is going to be so much fun. It starts Wednesday so you should grab your flip-flops and margaritas and come join us!!! Just show up and play... Croppers Cottage.

Secondly, we are starting up a new educational newsletter at the Cottage and I am the editor. It comes out the 2nd of May, but my deadline to have it all to the talented Miss Rebecca is tomorrow to get it all formatted. Go sign up on the homepage of the Cottage to get the newsletter. It will be coming in a PDF format so that you can easily print it and save it for reference and I think that it is really going to be great!!!

I have been working on layouts, but not anything that I can share yet. In the meantime, here are my latest 2 art journal entries:



Rhonna started a new challenge yesterday, but I think that I am going to have to pass on this one for the time being since I still have one more week left in round 2...that and I hope to get going on ArtsyMama's dream journal challenge...in my free time!?!

I will try to update later with today's art journal entry and maybe even a creative prompt...
smiles,
christi

Ooooppps...

I forgot that I was going to post some photos of nature from our yard today...

Catching up...

My last 3 days for Rhonna's 21 day art journal...





And playing with new toys...a new layout using the Croppers Cottage/Stamped in Ink cybercrop stamp set (this coming Wed - Saturday!) and a very reminiscent photo from college... Influenced by the style of Keisha Campbell here too!

smiles,
christi

Falling behind...

Wow! I have a LOT going on in my life right now and I don't think I realized quite how much until I started falling behind. I have been so good about staying on top of it all, but yesterday the cleaning bug bit. See, all my stress can be directly traced back to cleaning...I should know better!?!




But yesterday started out with grand intentions...I had several projects that needed attention in my craft room and I was really excited until I tried to step foot in my scrap room and realized that I was endangering my limbs by even walking in the door. I have had a lot going on and all the remnants to my various projects appeared to have been thrown in every direction of my craft room...so I decided that I had to do a quick clean-up...which took 12 hours! The results are definitely worth it (esp. since I won't lose any time from injuries resulting in a trip to the emergency room), but I did lose a whole day in my life which is HUGE with my schedule right now.



But today is a new day and I started it off with a bang...and 2 layouts which I HAD to get done for a very important opportunity at my LSS. These are some photos that I took while my parents were here a couple of weeks ago. I love doing layouts with them as the subject and always regret not taking more photos...


This second layout, I designed specifically to use the oval creative prompt that I never had an opportunity to do last week. It was fun to use a shape that I don't normally use and I loved the way that the Stamped in Ink stamp (which is made for a corner) curved so perfectly around the oval!! Love it when stuff like that just works!


I am a couple of days behind on my art journal so definitely be looking for more posts from me this weekend!
smiles,
christi

art day 10 and new things...

Well, as far as my habit-changing today, it was a bit of a bust, but that's okay. DH left town for a few days today and that is traditionally when DS and I order pizza for our first dinner alone...so it was worth a bit of a downfall on my ww points. This day was also a bit of an experiment for me with my journal...I know that you probably don't see this HUGE change in my style...LOL, but believe me, it is there! I adore the collage look, but it is a bit of a struggle to create it myself, but I decided to push myself today. This is my first thing that I have done with wings and crown. :D

And speaking of collage, the talented Ms. ArtsyMama is starting up a dream journal challenge. She is an incredible artist that I know through Rhonna's challenges and is starting a challenge on her blog to do a dream journal. I am really excited about starting this. I began looking for a book to alter today. I found a couple of new-book options that will work beautifully, but I love the idea of a really old book to alter...just not a whole lot of good places around here to find something like that on short notice so I am still weighing my options...

I finished a big project today and am dying to have a hand at actually scrapbooking which I haven't been able to do for a few days now so be on the lookout for some new stuff (hopefully) tomorrow!
smiles,
christi

art journal day 9

I bet that you thought that I forgot this today, didn't you?? Just running a bit late..I have a lot on my plate this week so I am trying to do it all at once and none of it is really getting completely finished...ACK! But I still have time for my art journal...

Don't you love this color scheme...based off of Rhonna's quote! I was having a bit of fun on this one playing with my new Art Warehouse circle stamps by Danielle Johnson...lots of fun here! I seriously am going to have to use this color scheme on a layout and that is your creative prompt today...use a soft lime green, sky blue, and teal together on a layout!
smiles,
christi

art journal day 7&8

Here are my last 2 days of my art journal. I did actually get day 7 done yesterday, but I wasn't real thrilled with it so I never found time to upload. My day 8 is heavily influenced by Pam Garrison's style of collage art...Love her work! And the quotes are by the fabulous Rhonna Farrer! I have tons to do around here so this is short and sweet today.
smiles,
Christi

Fun mail day...

I adore Karen Russell's style of scrapbooking...just a bit shabby, but, oh-so gorgeous!!! So I was exploring her blog the other day and realized that she had a transparency class that you could order. I had no real idea what would be in it, but I knew that it had to be good. Well, it arrived today! Yippee! The kit includes supplies and directions to complete two layouts and one of the two is one of my all-time favorites of hers!!! This is it, although her example is great photos of her kids playing on the beach, but I received these beautiful photos of my parents in the mail today with those same shades of green so I had to use these! I love it! Definitely not my normal style, but such a fun thing to do just to play in someone else's style! Thanks, Karen!!! Tomorrow, I hope to play with the other layout. And, huge bonus...the cd had 40 incredible layout examples by Karen! Wow! I won't have to buy another idea book for months! *grin*
smiles,
Christi

Day 6 of habit-changing art journal...

Here is day 6 of my habit-changing art journal. All of my pages are inspired by Rhonna's gorgeous quotes and I love them all, but this was probably my least favorite one out of all of the one's that she has created this round... as far as the style of it goes. But the ironic thing about it is that this has definitely been my favorite page that I have done so far in both of my art journals. This is why as an artist you should constantly challenge yourself to try new things, styles, and techniques. It is when you are faced with the most adversity that you get your most creative. I LOVE THIS PROCESS! Thank you Rhonna!!!

smiles,
christi

Up to the minute scrapbooking!!!

Here's my layout from Bella Bingo last night. I did the creative prompt of no embellishments although I did cheat a "tiny" bit because I used one of the Heidi Swapp tapes, but it looks like paper...so I think that it counts. ;)

In honor of easter, this weekend your creative prompt is to create some artwork using an oval...think flower petals, interesting journaling blocks, monogram blocks and have fun with it!

Happy Easter, everyone!

smiles,
christi

art...day 5...

I am feeling very much in a girly mood still after last night and I think that my page today reflects that. As always, working off of the color scheme from Rhonna's beautiful quote. I really like the way that she is stylizing all of these this round...very cool!


Now while I am in a girly mood, I am going to go see what I can do with my photos from last night...maybe using the latest creative prompt (no embellishments, papers only) as a push for the layout.
smiles,
christi

Bella Bingo fun...

Bella bingo turned out really well last night...here are the photo's of the prizes sans bags and one of our Bella winners!
smiles,
christi

Art Journal day 4...

Just a quick entry today because of Bella Bingo...I felt the need to do more journaling on this one so that is the majority of the layout. Also another beautiful inspirational quote from Rhonna.
smiles,
christi

Let Bella Bingo begin....

Well, after literally months of shopping, it is time for Bella Bingo. Tonight I will open all of these bags and create lush vignettes of feminine fun! I am really excited and nervous about it...I hope that my vision of fun really is fun for everyone. *I must remember to find the bag of tiara's that haven't made it to the pile o' bags yet.*

My wonderful DH has agreed to be our bingo caller tonight! Do you think that I am putting myself at risk once he sees what an amazing shopper I have become!?! Yikes! BTW, I managed to stretch our $325 budget for this function and get approx. $850 worth of fun!!! (oh, and the Sizzix isn't included...this pile is just in the middle of my scraproom which means that it is all intermingling together...it will be nice to have my space back!)

I will post photos of the after-bag shots tomorrow. I promise there is some fun stuff here!
smiles,
christi

Human Nature...

I am a fan of human nature. I LOVE to analyze why people do what they do and what they are thinking. I literally spend a LOT of my free brain time while I am creating, analyzing the reasoning behind people's actions. I honestly feel like this makes me a better person. I am very honest with myself about why people (and myself included) do things and make a true effort to accept people for who they are...warts and all.

Lately there has been a LOT of drama...on the mb's, in the groups in my real life, and just in general. A lot of people saying that they are in a funk...there is definitely something in the air. Yesterday as I took my shower, I even thought about making a blog post about it and how women so easily get caught up in the emotions of it all when there is nothing really going on that needs a reaction. I decided not to make that post...thinking that there would be someone out there that would take offense from it. I should have analyzed that whole thought process a bit more and taken it a bit more to heart.

Instead I did something that I never do...instead of just observing and analyzing, I got involved and tried to stop a train wreck from happening to someone who is nothing more than a passing acquaintance and instead caused an even bigger, more hurtful train wreck to two people that I consider to be friends. That was certainly NEVER my intent. And to those that I hurt, I sincerely apologize. I will once again crawl into my hole of observation and stick to one of my personal rules that I obviously have forgotten...stay un-involved!

Unfortunately the damage to relationships has already been done and for that I am very sad, but I accept the repercussions of it. I made the mistake in the situation of saying something that I never should have said (albeit with good intentions) and now I will pay the price.

Enjoy today and make sure to note the beauty of the rebirth of Spring around you today!
smiles,
Christi

Day 3

Here is my art journal page for day 3... The quote is created by the super-talented Rhonna!

I will be back later today with more blogging!
smiles,
christi

Day 2 and Good news....

I just received the call from the Vet saying that Junior, the cat, made it through surgery just fine. She thinks that he probably has IBD (irritable bowel disease) but we will know for sure when we get the biopsy results back. She said that otherwise, he looked very healthy so that is VERY good news.

Here is my day 2 entry of my 21 day journal that I am doing with the inspiration of Rhonna's quotes. Lots of Stamped In Ink stamps here and some Making Memories papers.

Amber issued a blog challenge today about what you would be doing with your free time if you weren't a scrapbooker. This doesn't even require too much thought. I have ALWAYS been a crafter...it's just been a matter of what craft I was doing at the time. I am definitely a scrapbooker, but I easily spend just as much time on my cardmaking and other paper arts. I also have been a quilter, seamstress, cross-stitcher, painter, artist, jewelry-maker, etc. I would also really love to learn how to knit, but unless I lost the use of my hands I can't imagine never spending my time crafting! BTW, my college degree is a twist on fashion design and I started out as architecture so yes, I have always been a crafter/artist at heart!

Smiles!
Christi

Day 1 and getting creative....

Yay! My 21 day journey is starting again! Mom and I are doing this together via email and we are both getting back on our weight watcher's plan which we both have let slide a bit too much recently. For me, it has actually been a LOT too much recently, but I am back on the wagon and eager to stay healthy.

Here is my day 1 entry! Once again all of my pages are going to be inspired by Rhonna's incredible quotes. I love how she styles these and I really enjoy creating my pages around them! Thanks, Rhonna!!!

And now your creative prompt for the day! Today, I want you to create a page using only cardstock and patterned paper...i.e. no bought embellishments!! Here is a page that I did like this back in January (I don't think that I ever posted it here before), but don't worry, I will be doing this challenge right along with you...I have some fun new patterned papers that will be awesome for this!

Today is also the first day of Spring Break for us. We have lots planned like polishing the silver (already started), animal surgeries, and making slipcovers. Don't you wish that you were in my family??? LOL! We do have some fun stuff planned too. We just have to work around Junior's (the cat) surgery.

I would appreciate it if you would offer up a little prayer for my kitty...he is having an exploratory surgery tomorrow to try and figure out what is causing his stomach troubles.

Happy Monday, everyone!
smiles,
Christi

This is a layout of my grandfather when he was very young. No one seems to know who the girl is with him. Maybe my mom or one of my aunts that I hear lurk on my blog can help me out...

For this layout, I clear-embossed the Stamped in Ink corner swirls all over the solid Kaleidoscope turquoise paper and then brushed brown paint over it to give the relief of the swirls. I have never tried this technique before and thought it came out pretty cool. I really should play with paints more often. The rest is just a mish-mash of products: a couple of Carolee's Creations tags, a Kaleidoscope frame cut in half, a wild asparagus tape, a wood Li'l Davis word, and of course, lots of Stamped in Ink stamps.

I am not feeling so hot today so this is just going to be short and sweet. Look for my first day of my art journal tomorrow and a new creative prompt...
smiles,
christi

Getting things done...

Wow! So far, I am having a great day. I am the editor on the Croppers Cottage newsletter and the first issue for me is the May 2nd edition so I have spent the morning planning/organizing. I am soooooo excited about this project! I think that this is really going to be a great resource for scrapbookers and crafters as we take a more educational turn with the newsletter. *insert big grin here*


I am dying to start creating in my 21-day journal, but I promised mom to wait til she got home cause I really want to do this together, so I made an intro page for it. I created the background paper (ala, our latest creative prompt) using stamps and inks. I think that it looks pretty cool!

For today's creative prompt, I am going to assume that you have already done the last one and challenge you to do it again. I want you to create your own patterned paper using another medium...maybe one that you are not so comfortable with. I think that mine will probably be paint!

I hope that you are having a great weekend and staying away from all the really scary weather!
smiles,
christi

Did you miss me???

I have Sprint DSL on my main computer (i.e. the one hooked up to my scanner :D )and I have had a wierd glitch in my DSL service the last few days. I could only connect if I was talking on the phone (I know, even the repairman said this was bizarre!) Needless to say, I haven't been able to use this computer much, but the lovely Sprint repairman came and I am up and running again!

I am sad to say that my parent's have left, but that means that I am getting back into my normal routine (which has actually been really tough to do...it was fun goofing off with them 24/7!)

The first thing that I want to show you today is my mom's 21 day journal. I am sorry for the wonky scan! Everytime I scanned it, it shifted over to the side so that it ended up crooked. Isn't it gorgeous??? We are starting our 21 days starting Monday and doing it together via internet. I will be posting my pages as we go like I did before.

This is my Easter card from the last creative prompt. I used the same layout as the cover of my journal, but I turned it on it's side so that it would work better for the card.

For today's creative prompt, I want to challenge you to create your own patterned paper and use it on a project. You can stamp, paint, draw...whatever suits you and your talents. Get in touch with your inner artist!

ANNOUNCING! ANNOUNCING! ANNOUNCING!
Croppers Cottage is gearing up for another cybercrop!!! Scrappers Gone Wild: Scrapbook Break will be starting Wednesday, April 26th (5:00 pm CST) through Saturday, April 29th. So go get you a new pair of flip-flops & some bright new patterned papers and come join us on the Croppers Cottage Beachfront!!!!

Smiles,
christi

A good day...

The promotion ceremony went really well today. It is so rare to see DH in his professional capacity addressing his troops...you know, he's pretty darn awesome!!!

This afternoon, the guys took off to go golfing which meant that mom and I had time to play a bit in my stamp room. We have decided to do the 21-day challenge together concentrating on sticking to our WW plan. We start together next Monday. But to get started, we created our journals. Mom is still finishing up hers, but here is my cover. The paper is out of the Spring DCWV stack; I used some of the Scenic route and Wild Asparagus embellishments as well as the Basic Grey new rub-ons. The stamp is from Hampton Art stamps.

Your creative prompt for today is to make an Easter card. It can be for a family member, child, or friend. Somewhere on the card, use/make corners and for bonus points use the cover of my journal as inspiration (i.e. create a sketch from it and scraplift the basic layout of it.)

I hope that you had a good weekend and managed to avoid all the bad weather...
smiles,
Christi