the moments in between

last day to sign up for happy little moments!!

it's the last day to sign up for happy little moments at studio calico!! i'm excited to take this one - i just pulled together a little kit of items so that i'm ready to go when the class goes live tomorrow. i used the now sold out class kit as a guide for what kind of items to look for in my stash.  here's what i ended up with : 

i can't decide if i want to go the altered book route, or just use one of the amy tangerine day books that i've been hoarding for the base. for paper, i mainly pulled from my march studio calico leftovers + added studio calico's new abroad line and a sheet of dear lizzy vellum. for tags, i grabbed an OA miscellany pack, new JBS tags, and some bananafish studio loveliness. for embellies, i couldn't resist adding some of the new studio calico veneer shapes and adding in buttons (i used the ac gardenia wood buttons, dear lizzy buttons and an OA pack). then i finished it all off with washi and my dear lizzy date stamp.

i'm excited to do something with this little stack of goods - just looking at it makes me happy! i hope you'll sign up and join me - and if you do, i'd love to see what you're using! link me up.

happy tuesday! we're having crazy weather. thunderstorms yesterday / last night, lots of wind this morning. it's definitely "avoid errands" weather. ;) 

story hour

it's time for STORY HOUR! i'd been eagerly awaiting playing with this one since i first saw it - crate's storyteller line was one of my very favorite releases this show. working with it just confirmed that. =) with all the new and not in stores items in this release, the addons sold out lightning fast - but april & co are doing their best to up the numbers for april so it doesn't happen again.

this month, we all chose an piece from studio calico's pinterest boards to inspire one of our pages. you can find my inspiration piece here.  i loved the rows of uneven blocks and wanted to bring that look to my page. my rows ended up being a little more uneven than those in the photo, but i still love the look. =) oh, and this is my main only LO for the month. 

the "happy" frame, the asterix block, the heart banner and the tone on tone chevron shapes were all cut with my cameo. i used a martha stewart vintage doily punch and cut it in half up in the top corner. i used an old fiskars arrow punch as well. and i couldn't resist adding a little punched confetti to the mix. ;)

(STORY HOUR)

this one is my favorite for this month. =) when i sat down to do this page, i couldn't decide which pics i wanted to use... so i decided to make it a 2pager. ;) the green polka dot paper is my FAVORITE - it's just the perfect color of green. it's a little busy as a background, but since my photos have the chalkboard behind sam, they stand out well so it works. as a contrast, i wanted to keep the first page of the layout more neutral, so i settled on cutting a large title w/ the bebas font on my cameo. i went with a tone on tone affect for the title, totally inspired by marcy penner. but my FAVORITE detail on this page? sam's name written on the label.

(STORY HOUR + ILLUSTRATED + ENCYCLOPEDIA + ATLAS + NARRATIVE)

i absolutely loved all of the tags in this months kits -  from the jbs tags to the pack of tags + tickets in ILLUSTRATED. when i started this layout, i pulled a bunch of them together and just started layering elements over and under them. my titlework was done with the stamps from NARRATIVE - i chose to double stamp a few of the letters to add a little visual interest. i also snuck in a little washi from the shop - just another way to add in some layers.

(STORY HOUR + ILLUSTRATED + ENCYCLOPEDIA + ATLAS + NARRATIVE)

i caught this photo of me + ben reading before bed when i did a week in the life in early february, and knew it needed to be on a page. i went with a simple design - basically an uneven grid. i used one of the jbs stickers for my title, and filled the glassine envelope that some of the bits from the kit were packed in with yet more confetti. ;) the map envelope in the kit was too cool not to use - especially when i noticed that mine had reading, PA on the flap! i punched a circle to draw attention to that little detail. i also misted a few punched stars with mister huey's shine to accent the page.

(STORY HOUR + NARRATIVE)

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happy (barely) tuesday!! =) my immediate plans include fun things like going to bed - HA! but tomorrow i'm hoping to pull together a little kit of items to use for the happy little moments class that starts march 1st at sc. i love the idea behind the class and can't wait to play along!! and now that i've recovered from the headache that i got putting the first coat of primer on the bathroom walls + woodwork, i guess it's time to do a second one. it'll all be worth it in the end, right??

project life 2012 // week 7 feb 11-17

week 7 // february 11th-17th : valentine's day. swim lessons. a school award. robot harry potter. homework.

         

i used these stamps a LOT this week. they'll be restocked on last time at studio calico at noon est TODAY. you'll be able to find them here. (PS : you'll also be able to grab the dear lizzy roller date stamp there at the same time. =)

i've been doing my best to squeeze everything into two pages this year - trying to avoid inserts as much as possible. but for valentine's day, i had to make an exception. i added an american crafts page protector that has 3 4x6 openings, as well as an 8.5x11 page protector to hold valentine's. 

i worked as i was cleaning this week. which honestly - worked rather well. if i came across something i wanted to use, i just stopped what i was doing a built a card on top of the mess, then added it to my album, which was down on the floor. as a result, i used a LOT of leftovers from my march studio calico kits, as well as bits and pieces from my most recent 2peas order. 

the checkboxes from the epic stamp set were perfect for my saturday card, since we did a lot and had no photos to show for it. ;) i asked ben to write a card about his 3d art - love the signature!!

the banner card is a freebie to go with my 2012 : captured class - just go like two peas on facebook and look for the "freebie" tab along the left. ;)

vellum + confetti = perfect for valentine's day!! and the confetti journaling card is a new release from erica hernandez - it will be available tomorrow. i may be in love with this set. =)

i saved on of ben's valentine's for his classmates, too, but it's gone missing. it's *somewhere* on my desk. sigh. i also included the cards matthew and i gave each other, cards the boys made, and cards from grandparents.

that tag up top is in one of studio calico's march add-ons. i totally loved it but didn't manage to work it into any of my pages - it's a perfect fit for sam's book mess. i used another confetti card to go along with ben's award, and added a few studio calico veneer stars to the mix.

InLinkz.com

happy monday! it's reveal day at studio calico...  the shop update & subscriber presale is at NOON EST and the full reveal is at MIDNIGHT EST. how about one more little sneak?

i used a bit of these tapes along with all of the march kits for this page - love that alpha stamp set in narrative!! 

i'm heading over to the presale chat now..  hope to see you there! 

story hour sneaks

story hour. i thought it might bump paper moon from my top spot - but i've decided to give it solid 2nd place status. still - i totally loved the colors in this kit, just the right mix of bright and neutrals. there were some really fun embellishments - and some of them came in glassine envelopes. which were just BEGGING to be filled with confetti, of course! here's a peek at the four pages i made this month : 

(STORY HOUR)

(STORY HOUR + all 4 addons)

(STORY HOUR + all 4 addons)

(STORY HOUR + NARRATIVE)

InLinkz.com

happy friday! i'm off to clean my desk and print weeks 7&8 for project life - check back this weekend, i'm planning on sharing some finished pages.

 

gardeners digest // february

the gardeners' digest is a monthly blog hop from the garden girls at two peas in a bucket. we'll be sharing what we're working on, what's inspiring us, and some of our favorite products each month. i'm looking forward to getting a little peek into all of the other garden girls' brains! =)

a little layout featuring some silly photos and layers of some of my favorite products. there's nothing like digging into your stash, pulling out a handful of things that you LOVE, and figuring out how to make them work together. i used the OA boarding pass miscellany and new dear lizzy brads here, as well as my favorite what am i going to do what i run out of it paper dolls tape from amy tangerine. and lots of other goodness, but i'll save that for when it goes live!

this page by my fellow garden girl, becky novacek, made me stop in my tracks. becky and i live near each other and i'm lucky to count her as a close friend, and her pages are just so undeniably, naturally HER and i love that. i was drawn to this page by the uneven color blocking, and i love that tiny scrap of blue paper on the title block. it's the perfect detail on a perfect page.

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1) OA miscellany. the first place i go in my stash when i need a little something to finish a page. i love the range of products in these little packs!

2) amy tangerine noteworthy daybook. i love these mixed page minis from amy, but i think this one is my favorite. i'm working with it for my day in the life project, and i love that all the pages are the same size. it makes it easier for me to wrap my mind around it when i'm not worrying about what size page is next!

3) ormolu fact or fiction flair. i adore these designs, and was so happy to see them back in stock!

4) echo park tickets please pp. i'm ordering two. one to use as a background, one to cut up and use as bits.

5. dear lizzy buttons. the best.buttons.EVER. the wood + epoxy is such a cool contrast, and the designs are just lovely. 

i've got an awesome giveaway today - the talented and lovely shimelle laine has a new workshop at 2peas, and i'm giving away a spot in her class! here's more info : 

 

"Are you drowning in a sea of scrapbook supplies and a plethora of photos, but wish things just came together easily?  Then The Hitchhiker's Guide to Scrapbooking is just what you need: your guide to life, the universe and pretty paper! Join Garden Girl Shimelle Laine for this self-paced workshop you can use any time.  Over five chapters, she'll share forty-two brand new scrapbook pages and easy-to-follow advice on choosing supplies, designing pages, embellishing your work and writing your memories.  Each chapter includes a printable PDF and coordinating video, plus the guide's bonus reference section includes sketches, supply lists and other handy hints.  Designed for scrapping at home or at a crop, The Hitchhiker's Guide to Scrapbooking reminds you: Don't Panic - get crafting!

The content of this workshop will be available beginning Friday, February 17th at noon CST.  The lessons are available for you to work at your own pace and upon purchase can be accessed in the Workshops section under Classes & Events.  A private message board forum is also available to ask questions for Shimelle and to connect with other participants.  Enjoy!"

 

to enter to win a spot in the hitchiker's guide to scrapbooking, leave a comment here - i'll draw a winner on saturday morning. if you've already signed up, no worries - 2peas will refund your class fee (or let you pass it to a friend) if you win! having taken classes from shimelle before, i can personally attest that she PACKS them with inspiration and wonderful tips, and this one is sure to be the same. 

ETA : karin, i've sent your info along to 2peas so they can get you into the workshop - CONGRATS! and thanks to all who entered. =)

happy wednesday, everyone! =) i'll now send you on to your next stop : lynn ghahary. here's the entire list - or you can stop by the garden girl blog at 2peas if you get lost along the way.

amy heller

amy tan

becky novacek

jaime warren

jen jockisch

jennifer gallacher

jenny chesnick

jill sprott

julie campbell

laura craigie

lisa truesdell

lynn ghahary

nancy damiano

shannon tidwell

shimelle laine

wendy sue anderson

wilna furstenberg

guesting at basic grey : a little bit weird

once upon a time, i made this layout. well, ALMOST this layout. it was this page, version one. and i finished it and felt like it needed something. so i added some mist splotches. and then more. and then i decided that i hated it. SO. i carefully pulled everything i could off of the page. i cut the title block out of the background and layered it over some patterned paper. and then i started over.  i kept the same design, but to take care of the "it needed something" feeling i added the doilies, the silhouetted accents and the background stamp. and in the end, i love it.

InLinkz.com

basic grey is doing a sketch challenge based on this page - i hope you'll stop by their blog to see the sketch + details. i'd love to see what you make!!

happy tuesday! the boys are all home again today... they're upstairs playing greek gods. yes. greek gods. that's what reading lots of percy jackson will do, lol. i think i'll sneak some time with my march studio calico kit before i drag them to trader joe's. ;)

memory keeping monday : BAM

starbursts + confett = true love. i'm combining two of my obsessions for this week's memory keeping monday at two peas! 

(BAM // copyright www.twopeasinabucket.com)

i love how the design draws the eyes RIGHT to the action in the photo. i was thrilled when i caught this shot - totally what winter is about around here these days. i used lots of new dear lizzy, mme, pebbles and echo park on this - lots of bright + happy. if you want to watch me make this from start to finish - and to get some tips on using confetti - stop by 2peas and check out the video! 

happy monday! the boys and i are enjoying a rather quiet morning after a busy (and kind of crazy) weekend. they're off tomorrow as well, and got out early on friday. happy long weekend to us!

2012 : captured // february : project life week 6

(2012 : captured // february - copyright www.twopeasinabucket.com)

my 2012 : captured // february class went up yesterday. this month the topics were punches (i'm sharing 12 different ways that i used them) and putting it all together. i hope you'll all submit your PL pages using punches to the class challenge - just be sure to find the 2012 : captured // february checkbox when you upload your page at 2peas. 

i had two awesome contributers again this month - heathyr & michelle. i love how they are both putting their personal style into this project, and i love what they turned in! you can see heathyr's pages + a peek into her process here, and michelle's is here. 

week 6 // february 4-10 : SNOW!!!!! swim lessons. a new dress. a day in the life. CONFETTI! =)

i devoted a lot of space on this page to the snow - since it was the first BIG one of the winter (finally!), i had a lot to say about it. 

i'm going to do a mini of my day in the life pics, but i still included some in this week (both as a collage and as individual entries).

i added captions to all of my detail photos this month - i hope it makes it easier to follow along.. all you have to do is find the number / caption in the text below to read more about it. these three snow pics + the jar filled with confetti were my favorite parts of this week. i've been dying to add confetti to those dear lizzy mason jars ever since i saw them!!

InLinkz.com

happy thursday!  sam was supposed to have a super fun outing with a friend, but his buddy woke up sick. =( total bummer for both little dudes in question. i guess sam's stuck w/ mama for the day. ;)

(project life is a system created by becky higgins to take the stress of of scrapbooking. for me, its a reminder to pick up my camera and capture the everyday. you can learn more about how i use project life here, and you can find all of my project life updates here. if you want tips + tricks to use the supplies you already have in your stash in your PL album, check out my 2012 : captured class at 2peas.)

happy valentime's day!! =)

i woke up to this quote on our chalkboard wall. or, more accurately, to alex saying "did you see that dad wrote some crazy quote on the wall??!" hmmm. me thinks alex needs some romance lessons. we're not big on valentine's day, but it seems like a good excuse for cupcakes, so sam and i will be doing that today. i picked up some sweets for the boys and will give them those - and since i didn't remember to get books for them, they'll get a certificate to pick one out on amazon. i'm thinking i can make something cute with this studio calico stamp set + a journaling card. 

(valentimes // copyright www.twopeasinabucket.com)

and speaking of valentiMes day.... i love that sam still says that. i mixed a lot of valentine-y goodness on this page - but i love that all of it could be used on everyday pages as well. the design of this page is pretty simple - i just took my favorite elements and moved them around till they formed an uneven grid. i'm in LOVE with the dear lizzy mason jars - this chipboard version is sold out currently, but you can still get it sticker form. the pebbles paper was a perfect place for sam to write his name

InLinkz.com

i also wanted to share a little sneak of my 2012 : captured class for february - it goes live TOMORROW!! i'll be sharing lots of ideas on using punches in your project life album. i've had a lot of fun putting this week together and can't wait till tomorrow. =)

happy tuesday - and happy valentine's day!!

project life 2012 // week 4 jan 21-27

before i share week 4, we need to discuss something that i've been in love with ever since i laid eyes on it. this dear lizzy roller stamp. it's like the smash stamp, which i use constantly - both in project life and on my pages. . i'm so excited to have another set of phrases to go with my dates.

as of yesterday, this stamp (and the rest of the dear lizzy line) are in stock at 2peas. i've gotten some of the papers in my SC kit and at CHA, but i definitely stocked up on MORE. and the stamps. and some new MME while i was at it. cannot wait for that box to come!

week 44 // january 21-27 : busy weekend. "clean" room. science fair. current reads. someone's 1/2 birthday. date night.

kind of a busy week, product wise. messy desk = lots of options. ;) and story wise, i found myself condesnsing and rearranging, just to get it all in without an insert.trying to remind myself that every story doesn't need a photo.

i loved that kesi'art jeans paper - a perfect match for a sort of clean boy floor. ;) i stacked two journaling cards for the "saturday sunday" journaling card.

confetti!!!!! 2peas recently restocked my favorite confetti making punch, if you're in the market. ;) the "love this" frame is actually a .png file from a set that erica hernandez is releasing on tuesday. love how easy it is to convert these to cut files!!

i won't tell you who the duck belongs to, but he's been around for a while. glad to sneak a photo of him while he was on my desk for a little outpatient surgery. the "this is awesome" is from the studio calico project life stamp sets that are now sold out for the second time. i'm hoping we'll see more sets like this in the future!! it was perfect for a journaling card about alex & his friend and their science fair project.

my half birthday boy!! i suppose that's the fun of a summer birthday... celebrating twice! i actually snapped this photo today - i went to cha the day after his half birthday at school, so i never managed to get a good photo of him in his crown. the veneer heart is from the studio calico cha release. the typewriter cut on the card above is another erica .png that's coming soon - the detail on it is AMAZING. i'll share more about them once they're out!

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happy saturday!! it's COLD here. sam and i have spent the day in our PJs doing a lot of snuggling under the blanket on the couch, while matthew and the bigs have been busy. they've been to an egyptian exhibit at joslyn art museum, to target to get valentine's and are now at a creighton basketball game. i think i prefer our cozy day. ;)