Things are getting sketchy around here...

I know I'm a scrapper at heart, but I love to learn new techniques and push myself out of my comfort zone. I just started a new on-line class called, "The Art of Wild Abandonment" being taught by Junelle Jacobsen and Christy Tomlinson. After the first video, I am completed hooked!

I've never considered myself an "artist." Sure, I love to play with paper, paint, stamps, etc. but to actually sit down to sketch an object and paint it is not something I've ever attempted. Our first assignment was to make 10 sketches and paint them. I think my brain almost imploded. lol I realized that I was trying too hard to make it perfect. I had to just let go and have fun. These are my first sketches and I must admit, I can't believe I did them!

If you're in a creative rut, one sure way to get moving is to take a class.
It's a beautiful day today, I think I'll go grab my sketchbook and head outside. Have a blessed day! ♥

Inspired Art

What an amazing time I had at Inspired. It's hard to come back to reality after four days of being immersed in creative play. Donna Downey (and her amazing team), Christy Tomlinson, and 20 talented ladies = beautiful art, lots of laughs, and new friendships forged. I'm so happy we can stay connected through the Internet. We're all planning our next trip together.

I just wanted to share a few photos from the event.

This adorable personalized art journal and all these fabulous products were waiting for me when I arrived. I ♥ Donna Downey!

I have to show you a sampling of our beautiful buffet table, brought to us, courtesy of Donna's precious Mom. Total eye candy and it was all delicious!

Next up are a few shots of the projects I made. I even made my own little bird from clay!

Here are a few random shots of friends and fun...

If you've been wanting to tap into your inner artist, I recommend you check out Donna Downy and Christy Tomlinson -- beautiful ladies, inside and out. To all the gals at the event -- thanks for all the laughs, fun, and sharing your talent. Until our next event...

My Inspired Apron

I'll soon be attending Inspired - Soulful Artist Workshop at Donna Downey's studio. The only thing we're required to bring is an apron. Of course, I didn't want to use my kitchen aprons so I decided to buy one and embellish it. Here is how I turned my inexpensive white apron into a fun, personalized project.

I started with chipboard letters to use as a mask for misting the monogram. I used my favorite Mister Huey's (Dewey.)

Just to give it some "character", I soaked one of the ties in coffee. lol Just kidding, it was obviously an accident, but I just had to share. Maybe my craft table isn't the best spot for my coffee.

I stamped the image at the bottom with several different colors of Mister Huey's. I wasn't thrilled (actually hated) the stamping in the upper corners, so I cut out some fabric flowers and glued them down with some cute buttons and now I love it!

I had a cute little scrap of fabric lying around (already cut into a scalloped shape) and thought it would be adorable on the pocket. I do believe in full disclosure, so I must admit that on my first attempt to top-stitch the scallop, I.sewed.the.pocket.closed. lol Thankfully, I do own a seam ripper and it was easily fixed.

For the little dots, I used Faber-Castell artist pens.

I truly can't wait to be inspired by Donna, Christy Tomlinson and all the participants at the retreat! A special thanks to my dear husband -- without his support, I wouldn't be able to follow my passion and go play in some paint while he holds down the fort! ♥

Pinterest Inspiration

We all know we're addicted to Pinterest, so we might as well embrace it and have fun with it! Yesterday, I attended a fabulous Pinterest party where all the invitees were asked to bring food or crafts inspired by Pinterest. As you can imagine, I took on a craft project. :)

This was the inspiration...

and below is my finished project...

I purchased the 5x5 frame, and the chipboard letter from Hobby Lobby. I first misted the letter with Mister Huey's Classic Calico to give the letter a kraft look (instead of gray.) I then traced the letter onto the patterned paper (My Mind's Eye Kraft Fun Day), cut it out and adhered it with spray adhesive. A little inking around the letter and it's done... so easy! I used burlap over Bazzill kraft cardstock for the matting (also using spray adhesive.)

I really love how this little project turned out! Projects like this help me justify my hours spent on Pinterest. Challenge yourself to actually make something you've pinned -- I think you'll find it fun and rewarding.

Connected x2

It's really fascinating to me how we've all become so dependant on our electronic devices for work, play, etc. I just happened to catch my son playing on two computers one day, while watching television, with ear buds in to listen to a You Tube tutorial! Talk about multi-tasking.

Of course, I had to grab my camera to capture the insanity and I whipped up a little layout to document. I titled it, "because 2 is better than 1" for obvious reasons. My son got the biggest grin on his face when he saw it.

I used Mister Huey's (Bonnie Blue & Pickle) to spray the chipboard number and then popped up the 2 inside the frame. I really love the results. For those of you struggling with mists, this is my favorite way to use them. You can enjoy all the beautiful colors without splatters of ink all over your layout.

I also want to share the cover pages for my kids' elementary school albums. This is such a fun and easy way to showcase those cherished school photos. Plus, I love to see the changes from year to year on one page.

As much as I adore the school layouts, when I look at them, I start to get emotional. Time is passing much too quickly -- I can't believe my son will be in middle school in August. I'll save my tears for another post.

Have a fabulous day and thank you for stopping by.

December album wrap up

This is the earliest I have ever completed my Christmas album and it feels fabulous! I just wanted to share some of my favorite pages... (you may click on image to enlarge.)

As you can see, I like to keep it simple for December. If I didn't, it would never get completed! :) As much as I love doing the Christmas album, I get anxious to scrap something else. This is my first layout for 2012. I mainly used the Dec. Cocoa Daisy kit for this project. It was fun doing a 2 page layout with a masculine side and a contrasting feminine page.

We have a busy weekend ahead, full of indoor soccer, basketball games and hopefully, a little scrapping! Have a fabulous weekend and thank you for stopping by!

Happy New Year!

As soon as we arrived home from Indianapolis, I decided to whip up my 2012 calendar. I was so excited to find these fabulous month tags, complete with dates, from Elle's Studio (no more stamping and writing in the dates!)

I love these little calendars, it's a quick and easy way to capture memories throughout the year. Wishing you all a happy New Year and a blessed 2012. ♥