the moments in between

five

five. sigh. having a hard time wrapping my brain around my littlest being five. but here we are.

his birthday was sunday. he woke me up at 6am - fitting as he had woken me up at 6am five years ago. however, the next three hours were a bit calmer than they were five years ago. ;)

so here we are. five. definitely a little boy - that face has grown up a lot.still blue eyed and dimpled.   still full of ideas. still a bundle of energy. still the sweetest and most mischevious boy ever.

i love you, sammy t. happy five.

summer of '69

yes, i'm late with my studio calico layouts. but i have an excuse. i spent the end of last week in bowling green for a whirlwind kit planning session.  we spent 90% of the time i was there on this couch surrounded by laptops, catalogs, samples, sonic drinks and babies. and i am REALLY excited about what we put together!!!

i got home just in time for a last 4 year old hug, and then spent yesterday celebrating FIVE. but that will get its own post once i get the photos off my camera. =)

so. on to summer of '69. the colors in these kits...  so pretty. they were absolutely perfect for my vacation photos! kits went quickly this month, but the six string addon is still available, as are most of the new OA woodland park embellishments in the shop. the washi tape, brads and alpha stickers are my favorite. and don't forget to peek at page two - there are the new project life stamp sets (foodie and school)  and the studio calico hex mask!

moments (good ones) : those circles in the studio calico exclusive patterned paper were just begging to be filled with bits and pieces, right??? i printed my photos at 2x2in and then used a circle punch on them. i added some diecuts and some of the printables to the other circles, then added a larger photo next to all of it.

(SUMMER OF '69)

gotcha : i loved the rainbow of brights in this months kits - and since i couldn't pick a favorite paper, i decided to use them all in the title of my page. this diecut index card with the arrow made me so happy, and it was the perfect place to add my title. it's hard to see here, but i used the new 12x12 starburst mask with mister huey's shine on the background. it's the perfect accent for a page about a splash park. 

(SUMMER OF '69 + FIVE & DIME + DRIVE IN)

insta*addicts :

yep. insta-addiction knows no age. my boys are digging it. even in minnesota, the land of a zillion angry mosquoitoes. ;) the hearts along the side were a leftover from another project - i layered paper and washi under them and love the effect! this is why i hate to clean my desk, you never know what gems you'll find in the mess.

(SUMMER OF '69 + FIVE & DIME + DRIVE IN)

here : this is the one photo that i feel kind of sums up our vacation earlier this month... it just captures all the right feelings. i used one of the exclusives files from the trendspotting class to make the background, then layered the hambly clouds over the top. i had such fun w/ the background that i forgot to leave enough room for everything i wanted to say, so i added a tag with journaling - it's close enough to the top of the page that i'll be able to reach into the page protector to pull it out without any problem.

(MAMA'S PORCH + DRIVE IN)

InLinkz.com

just a reminder - TRENDSPOTTING registration closes on 7.31 at midnight EST. we're working on putting the finishing touches on the first couple weeks of PDFs right now and oooooooooooh man. i'm really happy with what we've put together!!! each of the 12 trends will have 4 samples - 3 layouts (one using the trend as an accent, one with the trend as a focal point and one with the trend as a background) & 1 card. each PDF will also contain a step by step tutorial.  i am so excited to get into the classroom and sharing ideas and hope you'll be joining me and kelly!!

happy happy monday! =) i'm back to the business of real life today...  taking care of some work projects and house projects and chilling with the boys. here's to getting it all done!

project life 2012 // week ?? : july 14-20

hey hey! just a drive by posting today... but i wanted to share my most recent project life week. 

week ?? (it's written down in my notebook at home!) // july 14 - 20 : a cell phone for alex. a birthday list for sam. electricity camp for ben and a clean desk for mama.

i used the trendspotting exclusive files here - both silhouette cuts and printables.

i also used the new studio calico project life stamp sets - they'll be in the shop today at noon EST!

InLinkz.com

happy happy friday! =

(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.)

summer of '69 sneaks

with the summer of '69 reveal just around the corner, i thought i'd better pop in and share some sneaks! first up, my main only LO. i did add a couple of elements from this month's printables - the moments circle and the arrow you can just barely see up along the top.

(SUMMER OF '69)

i used one of the cut files from the trendspotting class - loving it with mixed patterned paper under it. i also layered the hambly overlay over the top, it was perfect with my photo.

(MAMA'S PORCH + DRIVE IN)

rainbow letters!!!! =) i wish this photo showed the background better - i used the new 12x12 starburst mask with shine. must try and get a photo that catches it!

(SUMMER OF '69 + FIVE & DIME + DRIVE IN)

these hearts were leftover from the cuts i made for one of my trendspotting sneaks yesterday... they were the perfect starting point for one more page. LOVE the insta <3 sil cut for this month! 

(SUMMER OF '69 + FIVE & DIME + DRIVE IN)

InLinkz.com

happy tuesday!!! i'm off to put together a project life week featuring some NEW stamp sets that will be in the shop at reveal.... ;) it will be up on the SC blog tomorrow!!

ps : don't forget to scroll down and enter to win a spot in trendspotting!!!

trendspotting blog hop

happy monday!! welcome to the trendspotting blog hop. me, kelly noel, and all of our contributors are sharing a few sneaks of the class and doing some fun giveaways. a totally good way to start the week, yes?? 

Are you a trendspotter? Lisa Truesdell and Kelly Noel want you to give it a try. They're here to teach you to jump on the latest trends and incorporate them into your projects without losing your own personal style. You'll learn how to use trends in varying amounts to combine what's now with what's YOU.

Lisa and Kelly are joined by six contributors - all of whom have a strong personal style. Becky Novacek, Celine Navarro, Jaime Warren, Gillian Nelson, Nicole Samuels and Linda Barber will be sharing layouts and advice on how they make all the latest trends work without compromising their signature look.

This is a four week class with three detailed PDF lessons each week, starting on August 6th. Each PDF will contain three layouts and a card (that's a total of 48 oh so trendy projects!), as well as tips and tricks from the teachers and contributors. In addition, Lisa and Kelly will be sharing trend-based inspiration pieces on the private message board, and you'll have access to exclusive files (a collection of shapes in .png, .abr and .studio & two printable journaling card sets). Here's a look at the trends we will be covering in class :

week one : triangles, ombre and woodgrain 
week two : metallics, sunburst and confetti 
week three : neon, arrows and banners 
week four : typography, mist and hexagons

the class comes with some exclusive files : 

printable journaling cards by marcy penner.

these awesome (and trendy) shapes designed by matt @studiocalico - you'll get them as .png, .abr & .studio.

and you'll get these printable journaling cards - designed by me using the brushes above. i'll be sharing a PL week on the SC blog using these printables later this week!

i've had SUCH fun making projects for this class. it's challenged me to take on some trends that i was a little afraid of (neon. ack.), as well as pushed me to think of new ways to use some of my favorites. i will have 13 brand new pages and 6 cards in the class, as will kelly. our contributors turned in 12 fabulously inspiring pages, and each of the 12 trend PDFs will have a tutorial in it. we'll also be sharing tips and tricks for approaching trends, as well as ideas to help recreate the techniques and layouts on your own. this class is PACKED.

here's a peek at some of my projects : 

now for some fun..  i'm giving away a spot in trendspotting!! just leave a comment here telling me the trend you love the most and the one you're most afraid to try.  i'll draw a winner on July 26th.

there's even more chances to win...  each of our contributors are giving away a $5 GC to studio calico as well as sharing their class sneaks : 

 

celine : http://thegreenfrogstudio.typepad.com/

nic : http://nicolesamuels.wordpress.com/

linda : http://milesofpaper.blogspot.com/

becky : http://www.beckynovacekphotography.com/blog/

gillian : http://pspleasesendchocolate.blogspot.com/

jaime : http://jaimewarren.typepad.com/

 

and two more spots in the class(and more class sneaks!) are up for grabs at kelly noel's blog & the studio calico blog.

 

before i go, i've got an inspiration piece to share. kelly & i started a trendspotting pinterest board to pin inspiration related to the trends for the class. i am absolutely in love with this circle banner - totally digging the colors and the variation in size. 

remember - registration for trendspotting closes on 7.31 at midnight EST!

gardeners' digest // july

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! =)

(good game // copyright www.twopeasinabucket.com)

oh, sam and teeball. he wasn't entirely a fan. he spent most of his time in the field chatting with the kids on base. but he was a good little hitter. =) i had fun layering a bunch of little bits on this page - i started with the black and white amy tan paper and then tucked things over and under it.

InLinkz.com

i found this on the 2peas pintersest board, and i can't decide whether i want to try the funky banners or the starburst + heart first! i think i'd replace the glitter with confetti, though. =)

InLinkz.com

1. OA 9 to 5 brads : i have 2 packs of these, and am going through them quickly. it's just the perfect mix of images, colors and sized.

2. studio calico hexagon mask : i played with this one a bit on my studio calico cha projects, and can't wait to use it again.

3. basic grey clippings garland : yes. still a banner addict. these have a fun mix of patterns!

4. crate little boy blue thickers : one of my all time favorite thicker fonts with a ledger print? yes, please.

5. dear lizzy cloud vellum : i've fallen head over heels with this piece of vellum. the pattern is subtle, and it's fun to layer it over other papers.

My fellow garden girl Nancy Damiano has a new workshop at 2peas, and I've got a giveaway for a spot in the class! To enter, just leave a comment here with your 2 peas username - I'd love to hear what sort of vacation photos you've got just waiting for a class like this! Remeber, if you've already signed up, 2peas can refund your class fee or pass your spot along to a friend. =) i'll post a winner on wednesday, july 25th.

Here's more about her class : 

Relive the magical memories you’ve shared with loved ones as Garden Girl Nancy Damiano takes you on a creative journey documenting your family vacations. From America’s favorite theme parks, cruises, road trips to day trips – we’ve got you covered! (Note: This workshop covers domestic travel only – we’ll tackle Europe & the world in a future workshop.) 

So whether you’re still in the planning stages of this year’s vacation or sitting on stacks of old photos, Nancy’s got a plan for you! Join her as she guides you through a step-by-step process to divide, conquer and scrapbook those vacation photos. 

Included in the workshop are 50 brand-new scrapbook pages showcasing a variety of family destinations, helpful, printable PDF's and 5 brand new videos to walk you through the ins and outs of organizing and scrapbooking your vacation. Each video covers Nancy's approach to tackling vacation layouts, her perspective on using design on your pages and the creation of a layout from start to finish. 

The lessons include: 

Chapter 1: Planning & Organizing 
Chapter 2: Put Your Mouse Ears On 
Chapter 3: Day Trips & Tourist Destinations 
Chapter 4: Beachside 
Chapter 5: Round-Ups & Memorabilia 

Nancy’s eye for detail and design, paired with her passion for travel and knack for teaching make this a workshop you do not want to miss! 

The content of this workshop will be available immediately upon purchase. 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 Nancy and to connect with other participants. Enjoy!

happy sunday! hope you're all having a great weekend. don't forget to hop along to the next stop - the fabulous shannon tidwell! if you get lost along the way, just pop over to the 2peas blog - there's a list of all of the garden girls hopping today there. =)

one plus two

this one spent the week hanging out in the UNO science building..

learning about electricity (the whole class made buildings, they'll try and light them all from substations at each table tomorrow)

and these two and i did all of the regular things.

like minecraft.

and groceries.

and man they tend to get along better when you remove any one of them from the equation. i think we'll still keep them all, though. ;)

happy friday!!!

studio calico cha-s 2012 projects

 

i had printed these photos out as a maybe, and when i saw the "hop" block on one of the yearbook papers, i knew they had to be scrapped! for the journaling block, i added some confetti to a vellum envelope, then journaled on a tag and stitched it into the pocket. the tab along the side of the page is actually a handbook insert - i used it to the words cut with my cameo as well.. and the arrows are a mix of one of the trendspotting exclusive cuts and an old fiskars arrow punch. 

i love this photo. more than love love it. it just totally captures the feeling of sitting on that dock and watching the boys jump off over and over and over. the neutrals in classic calico were a perfect way to showcase it - but i did add a little color with some paper from yearbook and some buttercup & sherbet mist over the hexagon mask.  the elongated hexagons are misted with mint julep and shine. 

90% of the photos that i scrap are "as it happens" photos... but these were posed. i reeeeeeeeeally wanted pics of alex and his guitar - but he practices in the basement. these stairs alongside our elementary school were a perfect place to grab a few photos of him - and they worked perfectly with yearbook. i used the hex mask again here - this time with shine and clay. i also sprayed the mistable elongated hexagons with sherbet.

and my handbook. unfortunately, the albums didn't arrive in time, so i used the inserts and page protectors to make a little book. i'm filling this one with all sorts of summer favorites. project life and my divide & conquer album have made me fall in love with pocket page protectors, and i'm thrilled to see studio calico jumping into that arena. i'm debating doing my project life in this size next year. after two years, it might be fun to switch things up. i just need to decide if i can edit myself that much!

happy thursday!!! we're in the middle of some crazy hot weather..  the high is supposed to be 102 today. i'm thinking the pool is the way to go. hope it's cooler where you are!

wordless wednesday : there are no words

 

SC CHA-S 2012 sneaks

CHA opened in chicago today. and for the first time in a while, i'm not there. totally missing the energy and getting to see the people i work with everyday - but i'm enjoying the SLEEP. hee. i DO have some peeks at my booth work with the new projects to share. we've got the full reveal of the SC booth projects scheduled for thursday at 8am on the studio calico blog - i hope we'll see you there!!

i did one with classic calico vol 3. LOVE the vellum frames : 

and two with yearbook. i used the june arrow stamps on these - the ones in oh snap are similar, but not quite the same. i didn't get stamp samples until my LOs were in the hands of UPS, so i had to improvise. ;)

this picture and that paper were meant to be together. =)

i also did a handbook - SO looking forward to these albums coming out!!! i'm using this one to record random bits of summer. 

happy happy tuesday! =) if you get a chance, come over to the SC board and share some trendy inspiration for a chance to win a spot in the trendspotting class. so loving everything that's been posted!