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!

Sampling of art

My class is winding down and I just wanted to share a few of the things I created. Thank you to Junelle Jacobsen, Christy Tomlinson, and all the talented ladies in the class for the inspiration.

Now it's time to clean up the art supplies and get back to scrapping -- it's been way too long!

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! ♥