Scrappy Inspiration

I'm currently participating in an on-line crop at Cocoa Daisy. The inspiration there is so amazing and diverse. Each day, different designers throw out challenges and show what they've created for it. You can't help but be inspired - the hardest part is deciding what to do first! Here are the first four challenges I completed. One Hour Challenge by Mandy This may sound easy, but trust me, it's not!

Kelli Crowe Challenge I chose her "Inspired by Spring" challenge. I've been so anxious to use this fabulous new stamp from Cocoa Daisy and this was the perfect challenge for it.

Sketch It Up Challenge by Diana

Sprinklers Challenge by Alissa This one I love because I was finally pushed to used some of my texturing goodies from Scarlet Lime's Mixed Media kit. I used netting as a mask and I LOVE how it turned out.

You still have plenty of time to join in on the fun. The crop is still going strong today and you have until May 6th (I think) to get your challenge posted. The best thing about Cocoa Daisy crops (besides the inspiration) are the amazing ladies from all over the world participating. It truly is a small, small world - thanks to the Internet. Don't be shy about jumping in - I hope to see you here.

Personal Note

I'm switching it up today -- nothing related to scrapping or crafting. When I moved to Chattanooga 17 years ago, I could have never imagined the way my life would play out. The first six months here were so hard... I was depressed, I didn't know a soul, and I missed my family and full life I left behind in Indy. After six months of wallowing in self-pity, I took a menial job just to force myself out of the house. lol It was literally the worst job of my life. While on a family vacation, my dear father-in-law suggested I try to find a job in Interior Decorating. As soon as I got back in town, I started making phone calls. Within a week, I had a job at a paint store... that decision was life-changing. To make a long story short, I ended up at a local gallery, where I took on my first clients. Working at the gallery truly changed my life... I met ladies that became my dearest friends, I made so many amazing connections, and learned that pushing aside fears and self-doubt opened more doors and opportunities than I could have ever dreamed. That was 15 years ago and so much has changed in that time. I have been blessed beyond measure to have a job that I've loved. I do believe the Lord lead me on this wonderful journey and I'm humbled and amazed by it. In the last year, I've been struggling trying to juggle all my responsibilities. I finally realized that I could not do all things well, so my obvious choice was to set aside the decorating. It is with peace, clarity, and happiness that I move forward to this next chapter in my life. I'm excited to be able to focus all my time & energy into my family, home and myself. To my wonderful clients -- thank you for your loyalty, trust, and most importantly, your friendship! ♥

Scraproom Organization

These two words can strike fear into the heart of any scrapper, but I happen to love organization and the challenges it brings. As all hoarders/scrappers know, the hardest thing is to stay organized while trying to scrap, purge, and introduce new products into your space. I do purge quite often (I happen to love shows like, Clean House and Hoarders), they remind me to let some things go that I know I will NEVER use. I must tell you that my first scraproom was my dining room table and then I graduated to my unfinished basement with a space heater and folding tables. My point is, no matter what the size or state of your current space, organization is the key (in my opinion) to making it work. Although I did make a video of scraproom organization here, I have since acquired a passion for mixed media, as well, so I had to do some shifting in my space. I thought I would share with you some detailed pics of the end result.

These nifty little bins from Target are great! When I'm painting, I just pull out the bin and have all my paints, pens, etc. right at my fingertips.

This is how I store my scraps. It's so easy - just grab a folder out and flip through to see what's available!

Thickers/Alphas storage (bins from Target.)

Look at these adorable ceramic fruit baskets (I need a few more of these!) They're perfect for twine, washi tape, etc.

I've decided to turn the area above my cutting station into my mixed media wall. It's great because it's tucked away and I can just add pieces as I create them.

The following are just a few, random pics of how I organize misc. things: Ribbon:

Kits (waiting to be used or deconstructed)

Last, but not least, I aways keep an empty Art Bin, so that I can clean my desk off in a moment's notice. You don't think my table always looks this clean, do you? :)

I hope there is something I've shared that you'll find useful. I would love to hear/see how you organize your space. Please feel free to share your comments or even better, put a link in the comments to your space!

Color Challenge

Today, I'm participating in a crop that Shimille is hosting on her blog. The color challenge is to use yellow, gray and a color of choice. I flipped through some pics and decided aqua would be my color. Big surprise, right?! :) Anyway, the truly exciting thing for me is that I get to crack open my favorite kit! I started using this fun My Mind's Eye paper and cut out a few of the hexagons. I used Pitt pens to line the cut-outs and used pop-up dots to add dimension to the hexagons.

Such a fun, simple layout -- just the way I like them. If you're in the mood for some inspiration, hop over to Shimelle's blog... color challenge.

Happiness in a Box

I've subscribed to several kit clubs over the years, but I have to tell you that Cocoa Daisy's April kit is my all-time FAVORITE! I did go a little crazy and ordered an add-on kit, extra patterned paper, and a few more goodies. I love it so much that I took pictures of it when it came in the mail. I know it sounds weird, but I had to share this gorgeous kit with you. Be sure to click on the pics to see larger images.

I just love the beautiful colors, textures, and every gorgeous embellishment. It's almost too pretty to work with! I think I may save most of it for beach vacation photos. I'll keep you posted on that. Even though I had been cleaning house all morning, I had to take a pic to show just how happy I was, receiving my little, brown box. Since we no longer have a local scrapbook store, it's truly a treat to receive a kit full of all the scrappy things I love. If you're looking for a kit club, check out Cocoa Daisy -- they even have exclusive stamps every month! Thanks for stopping by -- come back soon! :)

Thanksgiving in April :)

Although yesterday was Easter, I was happily scrapping Thanksgiving photos. These pics have been waiting for the perfect paper and my mojo to meet at the same time. (It's a complicated process! lol) Since I used my scrap supplies for the floral arrangement, I thought I would also use it for my layout. I ♥ burlap ribbon and to find it in orange -- be still my heart! I have several little kraft envelopes so I thought it would be fun to tuck a little list of blessings inside. I then used another to mat the cat photo.

No matter what the day, let's all take the time to thank God for our blessings, big and small! Thanks for stopping by -- I must go clean up my house after a fun-filled Spring Break. Have a wonderful day!

It's like riding a bike...

Scrapping, that is -- although I've thoroughly enjoyed my art immersion, I was starting to miss my favorite pastime. I woke up yesterday and decided I would take the time to scrap. It felt so good to get back to the photos, paper & glue.

Here are a couple of layouts...

Last summer, my brother took the kids fishing while on vacation. (Thank you, Uncle Barry!) When I saw this paper from the March Cocoa Daisy kit, I knew it was the perfect match for the photos. I simply cut out around the fish and added some Dew Drops for the fish eyes. Such a simple page, but I really love the end result!

The second layout simply captures my son finding the first sand dollar of the week -- always a big deal in our family! I cut the ribbon in half to border the photos.

In case you're wondering if I scrap every.single.photo, the answer is, "NO!" I use these nifty divided page protectors and simply slide the photos into the slots. It's a great way to see the photos you love but don't necessarily want to scrap.

Well, it feels great to be back, doing what I love! This week is our Spring Break, so I'm grabbing my camera and I'm ready to capture some fun, family moments. Thanks for stopping by!