Monday, December 31, 2012

Count down to New Year . . .

I've gotten some stuff done today - ok maybe not a lot. I got a coffee mug yesterday that has a picture of a guy in a hammock with the statement "I intend to do very little today and so far I'm on schedule". I thought I would give the idea a try. :) 

I did get another 2 page layout started today but couldn't finish cause I need a couple of pieces of cardstock. It's a cookout layout.  I've got to go to the store tomorrow so I'll pick up the cardstock then.

I did start working on another layout and got it almost done. It only needs a title but I don't know what I want. I used a Scrapbook Generations sketch again and paper pad. This layout I'll use for June. 

 


 
I used the Cricut Cartridge Elegant Edges for the scalloped die cut on the left. It is a great cartridge. A lot of versatility. I already have ideas running around in my head for other projects to use it on.  My daughter Laura loaned me her Epiphany Crafts epoxy round punch for the three embellishments that I put on the right page. Love that punch. 
 

I'm going to change the die cut I've put on the left page. I'm not thrilled with how it looks. I'm going to redo the top scallop die cut but without the holes in it. I think it will look better. I'll post a picture when I've changed the layout. Probably not until tomorrow. It's getting late and I'm trying not to get into the habit of staying up late.
 
I'm going to set the goal to complete one layout a week. I've been looking for a scrapbook challenge website but haven't found any yet. I would like to participate in a challenge with others to help motivate me. I'll keep looking I know there one out there somewhere.


Time flies - -

Today and Every Day . . .
Love God, Love Yourself and Love Others. And don't forget to love out loud.
Love Out Loud - Joyce Meyer

Wow!! The holidays have passed by so fast. Seems it was only yesterday that it was Thanksgiving.  Christmas was fabulous.  Christmas Eve Laura, Carl & the babies came down to spend the day but the weather had different ideas.  It started snowing here. But the kids did get to ride their bikes for awhile.  Grayson wasn't too sure about his new bike since it's larger than the one he's used to. However, after he got over his initial concerns he was off flying down the sidewalk yelling "Look at me Nana, I'm going so fast!". June didn't quite get the concept of peddling but since the snow had started she was more into chasing the snow flakes than peddling. It was June's first snow. After playing outside, we all came back in for hot chocolate. Even though they didn't stay for the whole day as planned the time I spent with them was great.

Christmas Day Laura had everyone at her house for dinner.  She did such a wonderful job on cooking. Made everything from cooking the ham, twice baked potatoes, green bean casserole, and so much more. Laura's house is small but it didn't feel crushed with everyone there.  We were a total of 10 and there was some shuffling around each other & eating in shifts but it was fun.

Tonight I'm cooking dinner - I'm thinking stuffed shells - and having New Year's Eve dinner. To make easy on Laura, I'm cooking here then taking it up to her house. I'm getting some Sparkling Cider so even the kids can toast in a New Year. We'll be toasting well before midnight cause none of us could stay up that late. I can't remember the last time I stayed up to usher in the new year. Whether I'm awake or not, it will happen. :)

I have been doing some things to get myself organized.  I've not really worked on my sewing room. It's still filled with boxes. But I have been working on my scrapbooking area.  In my bedroom I have an alcove that is a perfect area for my scrapbooking. I've been slowly acquiring the organizing cubes that A.C. Moore & Michaels have. They are wonderful!! When I'm done I'll post pictures. As with all organizing projects it is a work in progress.

I did get a scrapbook page done today. I used a sketch from Scrapbook Generations. I love their sketches.  I've bought all the books that they have published.  Makes doing my own pages so much easier.

Here's the sketch I used =

 
My pages =



I don't have a title on this one yet. I've not decided what I want it to be yet. After I get pictures and journaling on it I may not even put one on it. That's what so great about scrapbooking, there's no wrong way.

What I love about these sketches is I have quite a few page packs and they work great with these sketches because the page packs coordinate. Takes the intensive thinking out of the process.  Sometimes I like to use a pre-done page kit especially when I go to a crop. They're ready to go, all I have to do is make sure I have my tools with me. But then there are times when I want a more creative process but not too intense. That's when I use the sketches, page packs and add embellishments that I create. Then there are other times when I want to create a page from scratch and do it all.  For once I have figured out a way to have my cake & eat it too. :)