I Like it Like That

CatScrap Layouts

2011-07-07T11:32:00.000-07:00

Hope is Power:
Softly Summer by Fiddlette Designs

Tiny Alpha by Aja Abney

Lulabelle Monogramm Alpha by Allison Pennington

Never Give Up Your Dreams:
Otterly by Creshens
Press Play Template by Lynne Marie

Plenty More Fish:
Sunny Side Up Colab by the CatScrap Designers

Tiny Alpha by Aja Abney

Asian Summer Alpha by MellyBird Designs

Boy Layouts!

2011-06-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

Do you put flowers on boy layouts?

If you do (or don't) come and join the conversation over at CatScrap!

CatScrap: Hello Daydream by Allison Pennington

2011-06-08T21:10:00.000-07:00

I just love this kit Hello Daydream by Allison Pennington at CatScrap - it's so versatile. And yep, I put flowers on a boy layout!

Dreamer...

Summer Splash...

Credits:

All by Allison Pennington

Hello Daydreamer
Hello Daydream Paper
Hello Daydream Plastic Alphas
Hello Daydream Tickets
Hello Daydream Tabs
Also Used:

Template: Inspirations Part 1 by Ju Kniepp

Deviant Muse: June 2011

2011-06-01T16:49:00.000-07:00

It's in the store right now! The Deviant Muse! Have you see it!?

I know we do like to sing our own praises in the scrapping world but I must say this could be the best issue yet!

The theme for June is 'self-portraits' and you'll find a very well thought out and at times very moving article from Patty Anne and who better to have as the cover girl but Amber aka Persnickertychick! Her image is often included in her quirky layouts and I enjoyed learning a little more about her.

AND of course I must mention the interview for this month's guest - Christine Honsinger aka Fiddlette. I am SO proud of this layout and would like to thank Christine for letting me have full run of all her designs to create the pages. I had enormous fun and I'm sure these pages are some of my best work EVER!

And I'd like to thank Ed for her hard work putting it all together and Hollie, of course, whom without there just wouldn't be a Deviant Muse...

Playtime by Aja Abney & Little Butterfly Wings at CatScrap

2011-06-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to be a guest for summer over at CatScrap!
At one time I used to hang out there all the time but gradually got pulled in another direction.
I'm really excited to get to scrap some family photos.
And as if by luck the first kit I get to scrap with is this wonderful boy kit Playtime by Aja Abney and Little Butterfly Wings at CatScrap.

As much as I LOVE the altered stuff it was SO nice to scrap with pattern paper, buttons, doodles, string and of course photos!

Here's my double page spread...

Credits:
Everything from Playtime by Aja Abney & Little Butterfly Wings at CatScrap
Also Used:
Font: Sloppy Ed by Sausan Designs at CatScrap

Tumble Fish Studio - Dance-A-Thon

2011-05-24T15:47:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I saw this beautiful vintage kit Dance-A-Thon by Tumble Fish Studio and thought of MC Hammer - but I did - Freakeeeeee!!!!

Credits:

Everything from Dance-A-Thon

by Tumble Fish Studio at DeviantScrap

Thank you for looking!

Tumble Fish Studios - She's Back!

2011-05-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

The secrets out!
I'm thrilled that Marsha aka Tumble Fish Studios is back at DeviantScrap. I've missed her elegant and quirky vintage kits. Not only is she back but she's back with a sale. Many items will be on sale throughout May and June. Go to the DeviantScrap shop to grab yourself some bargains!

Who is Moving into DeviantScrap?

2011-05-20T20:59:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh!
The buzz of excitment is in the air over at DeviantScrap.
One of the most awesome designers EVER will make her home over at DeviantScrap on Monday.
I think I may combust before then!
Hugs,
Karen
xxx

Fiddlette: Artisan Notebook

2011-05-02T20:32:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but for me there can never be too much Fiddlette in this world. She's bold, bright, fun and super whimsical - I can always have more of that! If you are like me and can't get enough of this lovely lady's designs you can find her in this month's Artisan Notebook.

I purchased mine here from ZigZagScraps.

Deviant Muse: May 2011

2011-05-02T19:35:00.000-07:00

The May issue of the Deviant Muse is in the DeviantScrap shop now. Being the first birthday issue it's chocked full of goodies and the celebration sale is going on right now!

Fiddlette: Journaling Challenge

2011-04-30T07:45:00.000-07:00

A new challenge is coming to CatScrap. Christine will post more details on her blog very soon.

Meet the Mandrakes

2011-03-29T17:04:00.000-07:00

Many digi-scrapping kits come and go. Some have similar themes and get lost and forgotten amongst the plethora of downloaded kits. BUT, I don't think Meet the Mandrakes by Evelyn aka Finecrafted Designs will fade into the obscurity of my filing system.

It's witty and unique and beautifully put together. I'm sure I will be returning to this one again and again.

Go here to take a look for yourself...

Artist Inspiration

2011-03-05T18:09:00.000-08:00

I love discovering new artists and today, thanks to Marie Anne Moss, I found Martha Rich. As well as having a super cool name she also creates some pretty cool art!
You can check her out HERE.

Transformation Deck Prompt - March 2011

2011-03-04T15:13:00.000-08:00

The new transformation deck prompt entitled 'Gypsy Spirit Day' is up in the challenge forum.
To find out more about this month's prompt go HERE

Here's my card using Ode to a Muse by Finecrafted Designs and Holliewood Studios and Mamarazzi by Holliewood Studios

The Deviant Muse - March 2011

2011-03-04T15:06:00.000-08:00

There is so much goodness in this issue and you really must check out Hollie's brand new challenge!
I'm sure you won't be disappointed!

Go HERE to get your copy!

Karen

To Do List

2011-02-23T15:52:00.001-08:00

1. Buy a moleskin journal

And learn to journal like this http://www.onthesurfaceblog.com/

Pink Splatter Paper

2011-02-18T18:38:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Sandra, reminded me I'm meant to be blogging more - ooops!
Why do I find it so much easier to write witty little comments on my Facebook status than a quick blog post? I guess, because they are exactly that - short and sweet where as this blogging malarky leaves me staring at a blank canvas...

Here's something to distract from all that white space...

I have no idea what to do with the paper, but I have rather a lot of it now. It's so fun and easy to make.

Fiddlette: Queen of Hearts

2011-02-01T20:05:00.000-08:00

Christine aka Fiddlette has a wonderful new kit, Queen of Hearts, in the store at CatScrap. I love the colours and there's some cool doodles in there!

Here's my layout - The Knave of Hearts

Take a look at Christine's gallery at CatScrap to see what else her CT have created with Queen of Hearts.

Thank you for looking!

Happy Chinese New Year!

2011-01-27T08:52:00.000-08:00

Today Evelyn aka Finecrafted Designs has a wonderful new kit in the store at DeviantScrap. Celebrate the year of the rabbit with 'Chinese New Year'.

Here's my layout...

Head off to the DeviantScrap gallery to see more layouts created by Evelyn's super CT!

Thank you for looking!

Paper Scrapping

2011-01-23T12:23:00.000-08:00

So that was my 2010, but what for 2011, apart from losing 10lbs and getting back to yoga?

Well, I'm hoping to do more paper scrapping. Before I found digiscrapping I tried to paper scrap but always found myself needing more and more supplies to complete a layout and was never happy with the results. When I discovered digiscrapping it seemed to solve all my problems. No longer did I have to wait for a shopping trip to complete a layout. Downloads were instant and even better - no mess to clean up. I do still love to digiscrap but never print any of my layouts and I would so love to have a physical album to show for my scrapping time. Then late last year I discovered Lucy Edson's scrap gallery and fell in love with her work. After studying her layouts and a few items from Crate Paper I created my first layout that I'm kinda happy with. I'm hoping to do two a month. Today I'm going to put together my second layout.

Here is the first.

I hope you like it and thank you for reading.

Karen

Credits: Papers and embelishments from Brook, Restoration and Cottage by Crate Paper

Thank You 2010

2011-01-22T20:26:00.000-08:00

Before I go on to the next post I wanted to take a moment to list last year's achievements, coz I hope I will get around to scrapping them sometime...

1. Stopped taking Prednisone - yay!
2. Took up yoga... oh and kinda stopped again - will have to put that on my 2011 goals.
3. Travelled across the border to Mexico for the first time.
4. Got a cat
5. Lost 38lbs... and put 8lbs back on over Christmas - will have to put losing weight on my 2011 goals too!
6. Discovered Mixed Media and dabbled in getting my hands messy.
7. Discovered Susi Blu and her wonderful online workshops

I'm sure there were other achievements for 2010 too but these are the ones I remember for the moment.

Of course there were some downs too but I try not to go there.

And now I need to work on 2011 goals...

Altered Hearts

2011-01-17T11:35:00.000-08:00

Did you know you can still get the Fall 2010 issue of Altered Hearts in the DeviantScrap store?

If you want to know more about those layouts in the Altered Hearts gallery all will be revealed in the Fall issue.

As a little tease here is my last page of my article on printer trays. You can find the full article in the zine.

Thank you for looking!

What's Going On?

2011-01-17T09:28:00.000-08:00

I must apologise, I have badly neglected my blog. I first started blogging back in 2008, blogging mainly about family and treating it as a personal journal. When I started scrapping and getting on teams it seemed easy enough to use the blog as a platform for my layouts. And all was going well when a funny thing happened - I started to get readers and comments. I know I should have been thrilled to have an audience and I was and am thrilled that people were visiting my blog and leaving wonderful comments, but at the same time I began to worry about my posts. Did anyone care that we all had the sniffles in our house or that Nanou was coming to visit again? Suddenly, I found myself very conscience of what I was writing. I even began to doubt my grammar and writing style. So instead of posting more, I dried up!

Over the Christmas period I had a long hard think about this blog and if I would keep it going. I decided I would, but to revamp and come back with a fresh new look for my renewed interest. And that's when my laptop crashed! Typical, huh?

I have my laptop back now but am still waiting for PhotoShop to be installed. So while I'm waiting I will post some layouts that should have found their way here in 2010 and I'll be back very soon to show you what I've been up to while I've been unplugged, but for now I hope you enjoy these layouts.

Hugs,

Karen

Gardening - Credits: Ode to a Muse by Holliewood Studio and Finecrafted Designs

Dear Prudence - Credits: Ode to a Muse by Holliewood Studio and Finecrafted Designs

Ode to a Muse

2010-11-16T20:32:00.000-08:00

New and in the DeviantScrap store right now is the stunning new kit 'Ode to a Muse' by Holliewood Studios and Finecrafted Designs. This fantastic kit is a homage to the great Maggie Taylor.

I'm downloading right now and can't wait to play.

Altered Hearts Fall 2010

2010-10-17T14:55:00.000-07:00

At long last the Altered Hearts fall 2010 issue is in the DeviantScrap store!

Happy reading!

Karen

Something Fishy Going On?

2010-10-04T21:21:00.000-07:00

I've been kinda quiet around digiland. So what's been going on? What's been taking up all my time? Shall I start at the beginning?

Back in August I was packing to go on a family vacation - five days in Mexico by the sea. I was thrilled at the thought of getting away for a few days. But ScrapArtist was closing. What was I going to do to keep my creative brain occupied. The day before we were due to leave for Mexico I was browsing the web when I came across Suzi Blu's site and a new class starting up - La Sierena. It was to be a four month mixed media affair creating mermeaids. It appealed to me immediately and I signed up on the spot. As much as I love digi art I had been wanting to get my hands dirty with physical paint for some time but with mixed media being such a big subject I didn't know where to begin. This seemed to be the perfect opportunity to give it a try, but did I have it in me? What if I couldn't do it? What if I made mistakes? This had always stopped me in the past. As soon as I make a mistake I would abandon the piece or throw it away. All during the vacation my head was filled with mermaid thoughts and once I got home I was keen to start. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do this.

Through a series of videos and pdf handouts Suzi went through the basics of drawing a face, creating a layered background and briefly touched on colour theory. But don't let colour theory scare you away. It's delivered with Suzi's unique spin and it was one of the most enjoyable lessons mostly because it all started to make sense. Suzi also has a few other tricks up her sleeve to help you get your drawing onto the canvas. The word mistake doesn't seem to come into Suzi's vocabulary - it's all art. In theory I like this idea. I love other people's mistakes in art, but could I live with my own mistakes? Could I live with wonky eyes, smudge paint and wonky pencil lines?

Six weeks after signing up for the class I have three finished paintings. I'm pretty pleased with them. Not because they are fine examples of art. They were mostly a learning experience, such as an acrylic wash isn't a good substitute for distressing ink and covering a picture with wax ins't as easy as Suzi makes it look. BUT they are all my own work and they are completed - warts and all.

It's not a great photo but as you can probably tell I'm eager to share. I'll try and take a better photo at the weekend.

Thank you for looking! :-)

Where the Fiddlette is Christine?

2010-10-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard by now the very talented Christine Honsinger aka Fiddlette is debuting today at CatScrap!

It's such a joy to see her yummy designs in the store along side all the other wonderful designers. You'll find a whole bunch of familiar faces over there including Adelaide & Amelia, The Four Seasons, Frida, The Flitter Sweets and Steampunk Sue and Lulu too!

I am delighted for an excuse to spend more time over there. If you head off to the store right now you will find 20% off all Christine's designs and 25% off the delicious CatWalk Collection! I hope to see you there.

Have a happy day.

Karen

xxx

Transformation Deck Prompt: October

2010-09-30T16:07:00.000-07:00

I've just posted October's Transformation Deck Prompt - Release the Reins!

You can find all the details HERE.

I hope this month's prompt inspires you.

Here's my card using 'It's All Greek to Me ATC Kit' by Finecrafted Designs available at Deviant Scrap.

Natty Cat!

2010-09-26T20:56:00.000-07:00

Natalie's Story.

2010-08-21T07:58:00.001-07:00

Did I mention we were getting a cat?

I first saw her at the rescue center back in April. I fell in love with her then, but we weren't really ready for a cat so we left the store without her, but she kept playing on my mind. She had a beautiful face and sat so calmly in her little box. I popped into the store on my way home from work to have another look at her. My heart dropped when I saw her cage was empty. There was no one from the rescue center to ask so I left presuming the little white and tabby cat had found a new home.

Then two weeks ago Joshua and I were passing the time of day in the pet store. We looked at the yapping dogs and then the snakes and then Joshua wanted to see the fish. As we walked past the cat rescue center there was the little white and tabby cat!!! The same one? Yes, yes, that was definately the same cat! I asked Kim the rescue center how long she had been there and she said a long time probably since April or May. Yes, it was the same cat! Of course, I took it as a sign! lol I called Carl and took lots of pictures with my phone and told Kim I would be back for her in two weeks.

We went on vacation to Mexico and our dinner conversation was always about Natalie and how we would look after her.

So finally the big day comes and we go off to the pet store to collect Natalie. When I ask if there is anything I need to know I was surprised when Mike told me she was a spitfire and regularly takes swipes and she needed a firm hand! Were we talking about the same cat? The calm, elegant cat I saw through the perspex glass? The rescue center told me not to expect too much from her for the first two weeks. That she'd probably sit under the sofa for the first couple of weeks only coming out for food. Joshua heard all of this and still wanted to take her home - so we did.

As I'm typing this the next morning Natalie is playing with Joshua on the rug in front of me after sleeping most of the night on Carl's head. Yep, I know we said she wouldn't let her in the bedrooms... lol

At the moment she is the cutest, most loving cat anyone could ask for...

Back from Vacation!

2010-08-19T11:25:00.001-07:00

Did you miss me? I certainly missed my internet connection and online friends. BUT I did have a lovely time away from the computer and feel recharged and ready to go which is just as well really as I have a lot to do!

Before leaving for vacation I signed up on a whim for Suzi Blu's La Sirena online workshop. The forum has only been open for a few days but already it looks like lots of fun and I'm looking forward to collecting my mixed media mermaid materials over the weekend!

If you feel like getting creative on a fishy mermaid theme check out Suzi's ning site. I really love her energy and enthusiasim. Her artwork examples are beautiful in a primative, childlike way that makes you feel that just maybe you too could pick up some art materials and make something pretty too. Check her out HERE!

Stinky!

2010-08-10T11:49:00.000-07:00

Did I tell you my DS has a new favourite word?

I don't mind too much. It's only when it's used in front of the word 'head' that it bothers me! lol

For full credits go HERE

Sunday Postcard Art - Houses

2010-08-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

This week's theme at Sunday Postcard Art is houses and I just love art with houses so I couldn't resist making this card with CrowAbout Studio designs.

Full credits can be found HERE

Collage Play with CrowAbout Studios #88

2010-08-07T07:19:00.000-07:00

Today I joined in with a new challenge - Collage Play with CrowAbout Studios.

If you would like to learn more and join in go HERE

Here's my piece

Full credits can be found HERE

Thank you for looking!

Transformation Deck Challenge

2010-08-05T15:38:00.003-07:00

Finally I got my card done.

See you over at Deviant Scrap if you feel like playing!

Thank you for looking!

Everything by Holliewood Studios available at Deviant Scrap

Transformation Deck Challenge

2010-08-03T15:07:00.001-07:00

I am super excited to announce that Evelyn's Transformation Deck Challenge based on the book Creative Awakenings by Sheri Gaynor has a new home over at DeviantScrap!

The August prompt can be found here.

And as a sweetner the lovely Hollie is providing a kit of choice to one lucky random participant.

Of course, I should now be showing you an example but Edeena was so swift at moving the challenge that she took me completely by surprise. I am eager to get scrapping tho and will be back with my card as soon as possible.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this month's prompt 'Create a New Story'.

Hugs,

Karen

Changes

2010-08-01T12:59:00.001-07:00

I guess July has been a time for reflection, rethinking and regrouping for many people.

Unfortunately, Marsha of Tumble Fish Studio is no longer designing and has already closed her store at Deviant Scrap. I will miss her wonderful designs.

However, it's not all bad news - Sherrie JD has a brand new store over at Deivant Scrap and is having a sale to celebrate. Get 25% off all her designs in the store all week long - yay! We do love a good sale.

Vintage at the Beach

2010-07-21T13:37:00.001-07:00

Have you seen it yet? It's a beautifully recoloured vintage beach kit named appropriately Vintage at the Beach by Marsha of Tumble Fish Studios. I know we always say it about a new kit but I really do think this is one of my all time favourite kits. I know I will be scrapping many, many pages with it. Scroll down to see my first two layouts. Images are clickable for full credits.

By the Sea

Free To Be Me

Thank you for looking!

Sunday Postcard Art

2010-07-18T16:54:00.000-07:00

I was working on an article for the August issue of the Altered Hearts zine for Sherrie JD when I saw the prompt for Sunday Postcard Art - Magic. I couldn't resist playing and made a postcard along the same theme as the article, so you could say this is a sneak peek for the zine! lol

Magic: a 4x6 postcard for Sunday Postcard Art

Credits:
BG Paper, Grass, Tree Stump: Spring Faeries by Holliewood Studios @ DeviantScrap
Book: Sorta Quirky from the designers at ScrapArtist
Sparkles: The Four Seasons by Christine Honsinger aka Fiddlette @ ScrapArtist

Thank you for looking!

Tumble Fish Studios a Sneak Peek!

2010-07-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

Do you like beachy? Do you like vintage? Do you like beautifully recoloured vintage? Then be sure to get yourself to DeviantScrap on Monday to check out the new Tumble Fish Studio kit - I promise you won't be disappointed.

And just to tease here's a sneak peek!

Don't forget - it's not available until Monday! :-)

Altered Hearts - July 2010

2010-07-16T18:54:00.000-07:00

Did I mention the July issue of Altered Hearts is in the ScrapArtist shoppe now?

Along Came Summer

2010-07-11T12:55:00.001-07:00

Along Came Summer - This kit really is a beautiful as the name sounds. By Rachel Young Designs and Valorie Wibbens at The Lilypad now.

And I have to thank Sandra for GSO! I was thrilled to see my layout here!

Thank you Sandra! :-)

Rachel Young Designs

2010-07-08T11:09:00.000-07:00

Rachel Young has a new kit out at The Lilypad on Friday. I'm so excited to show you my layouts with it but I will have to wait until tomorrow. I can tell you that it's a beautiful summer themed kit with my new scrapping idol Valorie Wibbens.

Stay tuned! :-)

Tumble Fish Studio

2010-07-05T09:34:00.001-07:00

One for Marsha :-)

Click HERE for full credits.

Thank you for looking.

Rachel Young Designs

2010-07-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

Yay! Rachel is back and at a new store. You can now find her at The Lilypad where she already looks right at home! She has a wonderful new kit called Sun Faded Fun along with some other new googies in the store now.

A New CT

2010-06-23T20:41:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I had a lovely surprise when i was asked by Marsha to join her Tumble Fish Studio CT. I adore her unique designs so of course I said 'Yes!'

Although her style really lends itself to altered art and college style she wanted her team to show how versatile her kits are and how they can work with more traditional style scrapping. So here's my page in a traditional style - Morning, Noon and Night...

2010-06-18T20:47:00.001-07:00

My poor blog. I don't think it has ever been so neglected. I guess that's what happens when life gets crazy busy and your mojo runs out on you! But I've been feeling in a much more creative spirit lately. Here's a layout I posted recently over at ScrapArtist...

Scrapartist is Five!

2010-05-11T23:08:00.000-07:00

Yay! Come and join the party over at Scrapartist!

Scrapartist is five today and having a sale to celebrate!

Easter Eggs & Cookies

2010-04-04T10:26:00.003-07:00

Happy Easter every one. We've been baking cookies and dying eggs like crazy.

Altered Hearts March: Volume 2 Issue III

2010-03-17T21:26:00.000-07:00

It’s the third Thursday of March which can only mean one thing – the new issue of the ScrapAritist zine, Altered Hearts, is now in the shop.

This month Sherrie JD and her fabulous team bring you the wonderful, whimsical, world of steampunk.

This issue is jam packed with interviews, reviews, ideas, fonts, dolls, challenges, inspiration and freebies all in the theme of steampunk.

Meet Winona Cookie the muse behind the beautiful collage works of Ramona Szczerba and get to know Jodie Patterson of Gypsy Chick Designs.

Oh and did I mention Michael deMeng? Yes, there is a full interview with the man himself.
You may recognise our guest writer this month from around the forums. Come and meet her in the forum and gallery and see how you too can be a guest on the zine.

There is a small cover price of $3.00 but you will get it for free if you are signed up to Sherrie JD’s newsletter. If you haven’t signed up yet, be sure to do so now to get the next issue for free. Do this by going HERE to Sherrie’s blog and clicking the ‘Newsletter’ link at the top of the page.

For all the best cutting-edge Steampunk ideas, come and party with the Altered Hearts team like it’s 1899!

Frida's Memory Box

2010-03-17T11:15:00.000-07:00

I think of all the memory boxes I have done, so far this one is my favourite.

I hope Frida would approve.

Credits:
Everything by Sherrie JD available at ScrapArtist.
Click on image for full credits.

I have another memory box in mind to do over the next few weeks. I wonder if you can guess to whom it will belong?

Thank you for stopping by and have a happy St Patrick's Day.

Happy St Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

Happy St Patrick's Day every one!
Are you wearing green?
Are you eating?
Joshua says he will eat broccoli pizza tonight - hmmmm, we'll see...

Challenge: Scrapping the Music

2010-03-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

I found Scrapping the Music via the lovely Georgia. After visiting the challenge blog I couldn't stop singing this line, so I had to scrap it to try and get it out of my head. The song is 'Anything Else But You.' from the movie Juno. I'm too late to enter the challenge but hope it will purge that line from my head! Or may be not... :-)

Everything available from ScrapArist.com

Also used:
Stripy Alpha: Deckchair Alpha by Kate Hadfield
Doodle Border: Capture the Moment by Kate Hadfield and Designs by Lili

Thank you for looking!

This Morning...

2010-03-11T12:06:00.001-08:00

…he was horrible this morning.
'Don't wanna eat! Don't wanna get dressed! Don't wanna go to school! Wanna watch TV and draw!'
I drag him out from under the table to get his clothes on.
We're late.
I hear him running upstairs and slamming draws.
I prepare to have to carry him screaming to the car.
He runs down the stairs.
'I'm ready to go to school now, mom.'
All as sweet as pie.
A big happy grin on his face.
'I heard you in the draws - what were you doing?'
'NO, don't ask, mom. Let's go! Let's go!'
'I have to get something from upstairs.'
I go upstairs and see nothing unusual.
I go back down.
Joshua is waiting by the door.
'C'mon, let's go mom. Let's GO!'
He shoves me out the door.
We're back on time now.
We get in the car and he still won't tell me.
Finally he eats half a bagel and Nutella.
'So what were you doing in the draws, Joshua?'
'Noooo, don't want to say!'
'Is it a secret?'
'Yes.'
Silence.
Munching on bagel.
More silence.
More munching.
'Mo-om… You don't have a toothbrush… It's in my draw.'
Heehee
'You can't clean your teeth!'
Heehee
'And I have your make-up too…'
Heeehheeehhaahh ahheeehhee ahaaheeeee…
All the way to school!

Bed Head

2010-03-10T13:47:00.000-08:00

As I lay in my bed last night this is what was going thro my head...

As a child I was not considered the sweetest.
Sue was the oldest and most beautiful.
Barbara the youngest and cutest.
I was plump and in the middle.
With a pudding basin haircut for most of my childhood years.
I was often mistaken for a boy.
I was just was not sweet enough.
I don't remember too many kisses and cuddles or ooos or arhs from dodting parents.
Mostly be quiet, get your elbows off the table, don't be so rude!
My mother didn't believe in nicknames, shortening names, or terms of endearment.
I did get called carroway seed.
Look it up.
It's practical and plain.
It has no reference to cute, sweet or lovable.
BUT, (que dramatic, happy, happy, music) look who's living the sweet life now! :-)
Tahdah!
HAHA!
I'm sure I could win a hotdog eating competition...

Yes, that's what was running thro my head last night - hotdogs and all!

Happy Wednesday everyone.

Kx

The Elusive Art Journal

2010-03-10T07:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I ordered book binding thread from Etsy. I will conquer this art journal thing!

Sunday Postcard - Travel

2010-03-09T06:08:00.001-08:00

My entry for the Sunday Postcard theme of travel

Credits:
Everything by Christine Honsinger aka Fiddlette available at ScrapArtist
Paper & Strawberry: Steampunk Sue & LuLu Too COMING SOON
Barbara & Winston: Adelaide & Amelia
Tile Floor: Caliope Catches the Moon
Alpha: Altered Alpha

Lost Things by A Fine Frenzy

2010-03-08T16:06:00.001-08:00

Beautiful and inspirational...

Collage Obsession - Movies

2010-03-07T22:17:00.000-08:00

It's Sunday. It's Oscars' night, but am I watching them? No, we have Yo Gabba Gabba on tv. BUT I couldn't help joining in with Collage Obsession's challenge to create a collage with the theme 'movie' using a wonderful Dorothy Lamouran poster.

Here is the original poster.

And here is my collage...

Credits:
Movie Poster: Challenge Freebie at Collage Obsession
Everything by Christine Honsinger / Fiddlette at ScrapArtist
Curtain: Altered Elements II
Borders: So Edge-y
Blue Paper: Art Journal III
Yellow Paper: Windy Van Hootens
Hanging Stars: Caliope Catches the Moon

Sunday Postcard Art - Mermaids

2010-03-06T18:21:00.001-08:00

I've never played at Sunday Postcard Art before. I found the blog via Amber and Jayne/Peppa Pig. I'm too late to play but I wanted to post as a thank you for the inspiration!

Credits:

Everything by Christine Honsinger / Fiddlette at ScrapArtist
Mermaids & Background Paper: Mermaids
Vintage Roses: Adelaide & Amelia
Starburst Paper: Welcome to My Happy Place
Banner: Bad Fog - Pink Girl

Also Used:
Brushes: Gypsy Chick @ ScrapArtist
Doodle Outline: We All Have a Story by Kara Fredricks

Today You...

2010-03-06T17:28:00.000-08:00

Today you went to school with a bag full of hats. At circle time you put them all on your head for everyone to see and then tried to jump up and down. Teacher Melissa called you a goofball.
You asked 'What's a goofball?'

Alice

2010-03-05T10:18:00.001-08:00

It's hard not to be influenced by Alice in Wonderland at the moment. Huge billboards of Johnny Depp dressed as the Mad Hatter are all over LA and the movie is released tonight.

Every morningthis week Joshua has said.

'Mommy, tell me the story of Alice in Wonderland.'

And so I begin.

'Once apon a time there was a little girl called Alice. She was sitting in a beautiful field reading with her little cat next to her when suddenly she saw a little white rabbit holding a pocket watch...'

I won't bore you with the rest of my version.

When I saw this new printer draw by Sherrie JD I knew immediately what I wanted to do with it.

Here is Alice's Memory Box...

Click HERE for full credits.

And on the way home Joshua says.

'Mom, let me tell you the story of Alice,' and he begins with 'One day Alice was sitting in a BEUUUUUOOOOO-TI-FUL field...'

Cute & Cuddly

2010-03-01T20:58:00.000-08:00

This kit worked so perfectly with the conversation I had with Joshua coming home in the car this evening...

Everything from Cute & Cuddly by Christine Honsinger available at ScrapArtist.

Thank you for looking.

Attraction

2010-03-01T06:39:00.000-08:00

Using the new kit, Elinore by Aja Abney available tomorrow from ScrapArtist...

A Trip to the Aquarium and a Birdie ATC

2010-02-27T20:24:00.000-08:00

We had a trip to the local aquarium today, but it's birds I'm still hooked on...

Everything by Sherrie JD. Full credits can be found here

A is for Adventure...

2010-02-22T14:45:00.000-08:00

At work, but keep thinking about how to put Winston in the balloon teacup and send him across the Atlantic for an adventure in Europe...

This isn't Winston, but a sweet, little ATC I made yesterday.

Everything by Sherrie JD available at ScrapArtist.

Digi-scrapping was all I could manage yesterday. Pens, papers and inks put away for the fabulous fortieth fiesta. Joshua and I stayed huddled on the sofa for most of Sunday. We were tired and the weather showery - what a great excuse to relax in front of the tv/laptop all day. I'm already feeling the itch to get home and spread the art journaling materials over the kitchen table. I feel I'm making a little progress with the art journaling. Perhaps I'll have some photos for next weekend?

Happy Birthday...

2010-02-22T06:57:00.001-08:00

To my darling DH. It was Saturday. Yes, I'm late posting. We had a fitting celebration on Saturday with twenty friends for the fabulous fortieth fiesta. Lots of alcohol, tacos and chocolate fondue were consumed followed by a towering chocolate cake. I felt far too slow yesterday to make a post.

Refreshed today. Monday. Time to shower and dress and get to work...

Altered Hearts: Volume 2 Issue 2

2010-02-18T10:43:00.000-08:00

I’m super excited to announce the February issue of Altered Hearts is now in the ScrapArtist shop.
This month is dedicated to something that is causing a buzz within the online scrapping community – art journaling. If you don’t know what it is all about or want to learn more get over to the ScrapArtist shop for the biggest issue of the zine yet!
Packed full of information, inspiration, challenges and freebies. I think you will find it’s worth every cent of the $3.00 cover price.
Happy art journaling everyone!

Remains of the Day

2010-02-15T12:21:00.000-08:00

It's a beautiful spring like day here in South California and I'm super happy to have signed up for Mary Ann Moss's online class Remains of the day.

I'll blog more about it later, but right now I have an online class to attend :-)

Kx

Art Journal Page: Three Little Birds

2010-02-12T15:53:00.001-08:00

I just noticed my art journal page Three Little Birds made DST GSO!

THANK YOU so much Jimena!

Please click on the picture for full credits!

Inspiration: Squeak Carnwarth

2010-02-05T15:18:00.000-08:00

This woman's art rocks!

Squeak Carnwarth

Castle Bed Hunting

2010-01-31T07:03:00.000-08:00

We went take-out castle bed hunting yesterday. The bed from Walmart will take 17 days to arrive - can a 3 1/2 year old wait that long for a new bed without combusting? But as I expected we didn't find one. Joshua was happy with his prizes anyway - some plastic toys from one of those 25c machines in side Old Navy - Oh and a batman jacket!

Develope on Friday

2010-01-29T15:00:00.000-08:00

I discovered Develope on Friday by chance on FaceBook. It's a photography challenge run from the Paislee Press blog. The first two challenges have included a little article on creativity that I find relevant at the moment.

You can read them for yourself here

Castle Beds

2010-01-29T14:42:00.000-08:00

After The Upside Down Show Joshua stayed up to watch Project Runway with me. He thought it was hillarious that contestants had to make a dress out of a potato sack! When he finally went to bed he sang about castle beds at the top of his voice until gone 11:30pm!!!

It went like this 'Oh, I'm getting a castle bed that arrives in five days time coz I've been such a good boy... Oh, I'm getting a castle bed...'

We haven't even ordered it yet - wish us luck! :-)

The bed in case...

First Art Journal Pages

2010-01-28T20:25:00.000-08:00

It's hard to look at Teesha Moore and Anahata Katkin's journals and not be influenced.

These photos are of the unfinished pages. I can't say I'm particularly proud of them but they are my pages, my start, my beginning. I'm hoping I'll evolve and develope and emerge with my own style, but at the moment this is it...

Creating Pictures

2010-01-24T20:55:00.000-08:00

Why is the picture inside my head so elusive... *sigh*... that's not what I'd imagined at all...

Alien Spit

2010-01-23T14:07:00.000-08:00

Joshua was quite happy wearing the empty brie box as a hat until an alien spat in it. We have no idea where the alien spit came from - but it was definitely alien spit!

Dina Wakley's Art Journaling 101

2010-01-23T07:58:00.001-08:00

I signed up - I am having such fun!

I am about to head out and beat down the door of Joann's to stock up on gesso and gel medium!

And today we have...

2010-01-22T19:03:00.001-08:00

Hail stones!

They only fell for a few minutes but enough to leave an icey, pebbley layer over the ground.

I have photos - I'll post later.

But as if hail stones in LA isn't exciting enough I also signed up for Dina Wakley's Art Journaling 101, so I'm off to download, read and watch videos!

K x

Still Raining

2010-01-21T11:00:00.000-08:00

It's still raining and I'm still kinda liking it.
The mountains were a dark grey agains a pale misty sky this morning - both dramatic and beautiful...
How lucky I am to see such a sight each morning.

Altered Hearts: January 2010 Volume 2 Issue 1

2010-01-20T19:34:00.000-08:00

Hot off the press is Altered Hearts January 2010 Volume 2 Issue 1!

This month’s theme is Play/Explore and jam packed with articles and freebies to help you explore your creative side.

The zine will be free to everyone for the first week and then there will be a small cover fee of $3.00 from January 29.

Come play with us - hop over to the ScrapArtist shoppe and pick up your issue now.

Happy reading everyone!

Storms

2010-01-19T20:35:00.000-08:00

It seems the whole of LA is excited by the weather. It was the main topic of the local news yesterday morning and still continues today with tornado warnings for Long Beach. Apparently, trees were torn down and cars over turned. Yesterday a huge tree lay across PCH and a fallen street sign blocked another road, but we've not had any over turned cars thankfully. And nor have we had flying cows as my friend in Lake Tahoe reported!

ATC - Replenish the Well

2010-01-17T07:33:00.000-08:00

Made for Finecraft/Evelyn's montly ATC challenge over at ScrapArtist.

Click on the image for full credits.

Thank you for looking!

Blog Award

2010-01-15T15:24:00.000-08:00

Sweet Sandra passed on this lovely award.

So now I'll pass it on to five blogging friends...

ScrapArtist Muse: February

2010-01-15T13:12:00.000-08:00

The ScrapArtist Muse is offering a fabulous February freebie you will not want to miss!

Just sign up for the ScrapArtist newsletter if you haven’t done it already on the home page in the right bottom corner or directly here and get ALL this sent directly to your mail box!

Happy Friday to you all.

Kxxx

An Art Journal Page

2010-01-13T22:52:00.001-08:00

This page has been hanging around for a few weeks. I've been looking and looking for the right 'something' to finish it with. And that 'something' turned out to be those lovely manga style flower brushes by Crazy Kira Resources over at Deviant Art.

It was really bugging me that I hadn't finished it... and now it's done I feel much calmer and ready to move on...

Click on image for full credits.

Thank you for looking :-)

My Sunday...

2010-01-10T21:58:00.000-08:00

It started with a morning walk...

Included lunch at Chili's, a browse in Borders, a wander around Pet Smart a drive back along the coast road to see the sunset...

And now I'm watching Mama Mia - Happy Sunday! :-)

DAM

2010-01-08T19:05:00.001-08:00

I've been sporting one of these in the galleries for a couple of weeks.

And now I can finally say I've been published in Digtal Arts Magazine (DAM) - I'm thrilled!

Here it is.... The Visitor who Ate Cheese!

Sewing Machine

2010-01-08T07:04:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I ordered a sewing machine as I decided my paper pages need real stitches. But the search for the right paper for the journal goes on...

A Thought on Journaling

2010-01-07T15:06:00.000-08:00

Everyone can journal.

I journal every day - almost EVERY minute of the day...

The trick is to get it out of my head and onto the page...

One Word

2010-01-01T07:02:00.000-08:00

As started on Ali's blog I'm chosing my one word for 2010 - healthy.

I decided on this word as it relates to all areas - mind, body and soul. For me that is family, creativity, work and body.

For 2010 I'll be thinking - Is this healthy? How can I make it healthy?

Main Entry: healthy
Pronunciation: \ˈhel-thē also ˈhelt-\
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): health·i·er; health·i·est
Date: 1552
1 : enjoying health and vigor of body, mind, or spirit : well2 : evincing health 3 : conducive to health 4 a : prosperous, flourishing b : not small or feeble : considerable

— health·i·ly \-thə-lē\ adverb

— health·i·ness \-thē-nəs\ noun

I guess those plum cake balls I just ate for breakfast weren't healthy? Still at least I'm thinking about it, huh? I'll go eat an apple now...

Kx

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T07:01:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year everyone!
Kx

2010 Goals - More Art

2009-12-29T20:55:00.000-08:00

While hanging out in the Altered Art forum at ScrapArtist I've taken a new direction after discovering art journaling. I had tried it in the past (altho I didn't know it was called art journaling), but I was never happy with the outcome.

After looking at many, many blogs, online galleries and journal pages and more time than I should at Teesha Moore and Anahata Katkin's sites I finally felt brave enough to try my hand at a digital page or two.

I've signed up for Tangie Baxter's Art Journal Caravan which I'm super excited about but a little worried too. I've decided I'm just not that good at creating pages on demand. There are so many wonderful CT members that can create beautiful pages time and time again for thier designers but I often feel mine are forced and I very seldom produce pages that become favourites. But I'm excited to get started and see what I create and where I end up.

You can find two of my digi art journal pages below. I'm thrilled how they turned out and inspired to do more.

So my goal for 2010 is now to continue with my digital art journal pages and to take them to actual physical pages too.

If I Had a Gypsy Heart
(Click Image for Full Credits)

My Greatest Wish
(Click Image for Full Credits)

Day Planner

2009-12-27T12:01:00.000-08:00

Yay - my Jetoy day planner arrived yesterday. I HAD to get one once I saw Teeshs Moore's blog post. I got 'Secret Garden'. Now I just have to go break the spine and get doodling...

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T20:49:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone.
I hope you've all had a wonderful day.
Kx

Looking Back at 2009

2009-12-23T14:08:00.001-08:00

Altho I didn't write them down I did have some goals in mind when we entered 2009. I really wanted to improve my PhotoShop and photography skills and build up an online scrapbook gallery.

I'm pleased to say the year started and so far ended really well. First I was accepted on to Sausan Designs creative team. This was my first team and I learnt what being on a ct actually means. It was during the summer that I started hanging out at ScrapArtist and was thrilled to be accepted onto the teams of Rachel Young, Danielle Donaldson and later Laurie Ann, Heaven's Gate Designs.

But a real turning point for me was when Rachel asked if I would consider being on the CT for ScrapArtist! Oh my gosh, I nearly fell of my seat when I got that email (but it's okay - I scrap on the sofa, so I would've had a soft landing).

I'm not kidding when I say I was nervous. After all, they have some awesome scrappers on thier CT, but I said 'yes' and Gabi soon got me settled in. And that's when my layouts really started to improve. Well, how could I not with all those lovely goodies available to me and the inspiration from the wonderful creative team?

I explained to Gabi I was happy to create layouts but a little aprehensive about making tutorials and blog posts and she assured me it was okay. So when the decision to get rid of the forum and public gallery at ScrapArtist came about I was a little worried. Where would I fit in?

So new changes came about at ScrapArtist and SherrieJD joined the team as a new designer. She brought all her kits with her, her fabulous creative team and some new ideas. One of them being an altered arts zine. Sure, I'd seen altered art layouts before and loved them but I'd never really tried to create any. So I gave it a go... AND I've not looked back! Using vintage photos or no photos at all has really opened up a who new door for me and I'm creating layouts I would have never otherwise created.

I feel I accomplished my goals for 2009 and already know what I'd like to complete for 2o10. That will be the subject of my next post...

Oh one thing I failed miserably at in 2009...

Heehee - I'll keep it on my list of goals for 2010. I must try better this year!

Thank you for reading! :-)

Altered Art Doll

2009-12-17T20:37:00.001-08:00

This is my favourite at the moment...

Altered Hearts Issue 2

2009-12-16T18:47:00.001-08:00

I'm pretty excited - the second issue of Altered Hearts the new ScrapArtist zine is out in a few hours. Midnight EST to be exact. This issue is devoted to altered art dolls and runs to a whopping eighty pages!

I must admit altho I LOVE the look of art dolls I never really understood them. Until I saw the creations the fabulous altered art team started coming up with. I was brave enough to try one of my own and then it all kinda fell into place.

Do you ever have a layout you'd love to scrap but you don't have the right photo? It happens to me all the time and now I'm brave enough to add an art doll to the layout. It's really opened up a whole new world for me and I've completed several journaling layouts that I never would have completed.

So if you're interested or just curious hop over to the ScrapArtist shop. The zine is free for the first 100 downloads! I hope you have as much fun with your altered digi-art dollies as me! :-)

Holiday Village and Christmas Tree Decs...

2009-12-12T08:09:00.000-08:00

Our tree is boring, very, very boring. Just green and white lights with a star on top of course. Joshua was just 2 1/2 last year and we were still worried about him pulling the stuff off, but last night he stated that we NEEDED Christmas tree decorations - and he's right!

I'm usually a minimalist kinda person and like muted and matching colours but I'm really lusting after these Crate & Barrel 12 Days of Christmas ornaments to go with my Claudine Hellmuth's holiday village...

GSO - Thankful for My Happy Home

2009-11-28T12:02:00.001-08:00

I am beyond thrilled to have 'Thankful for My Happy Home' featurd over at GSO today! What an honor to be mentioned for something I had such fun creating!