Monday, June 6, 2011

NEW52 - Week23, paper layout

So what was NEW with me this week, I did a real paper double page layout.  This was not all too NEW to me but something I haven't done in a long time, especially a double pager.  If I did paper, it was to help Bostyn do her own page.  Finally it was time for me to dig my hands in it for a bit.  I've even painted/stamped the title, a technique that was NEW for me.  Actually, what motivated me was these cute pictures of Bostyn at the zoo and this perfect kit to go with.  I also went on to the Reminisce website for some creative ideas and saw they were having a sketch challenge.  I couldn't resist a challenge, so here is my page.

Credits:  
Patterned Paper and Stickers:  At the Farm by Reminisce
Alpha Stamp:  ?  Found deep in my stash
Solid Papers:  ?  Again deep in my stash


Here are my digi pages for the week:



Wednesday, June 1, 2011

NEW52-Week 22, 50th State Fair + Summer Book

On Sunday, we took Bostyn to the 50th State Fair.  I haven't been to a carnival in years.  I think the last time I went to a carnival was back when I was in college living in Oregon.  So the concept of going to a carnival was not NEW, I did manage to try some NEW things.  For one, I tried a deep fried twinkie.  I actually shared it with my friend, so my hips don't hate me all that much.  I also tried a NEW ride.  I was an idiot mom to take Bostyn with me.  It didn't look bad at all but the drop really scared her and she was trembling in my arms the whole time.  I hope I didn't scare her off rides completely.  Here are some photos from the fair.

So, I've been in a complete crafting mood lately.  I've been secretly stashing chipboard, cute mini file guides, and binder clips.  So what am I going to do with all of these things?  I don't know yet, but my creative urges are going strong.  So strong that I decided to buy a Summer Book from Elise Joy (esty shop) to document this summer.  I'm already planning on putting some photos and letters that I received from my students, as this is how I like to start my summer (closing out the school year and giving students a fond farewell).  I will also add photos and things from the fair.  I can't wait to get started.  You can read and watch videos about Elise's progress on her book here.  It is so very inspirational.  I could have easily put my own book together because I do have tons of paper, but I didn't have that cute cover stamp but most of all, it would never get done.  This way, I will be more likely to actually finish it.  I'll even keep you posted on my progress over the summer, just for accountability purposes.



See you all next week!

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Goodbye Diaper Bag, Hello Big Girl Purse

Okay, so I finally decided it was time for me to give the diaper bag the boot.  I wish it was because Bostyn no longer needed diapers but that is not the case.  I was just tired of carrying the same bag with me for the last year or two.

So goodbye diaper bag . . .

Hello Michael Kors . . .

2 layouts for the week


I'll be back in the next day or two with my NEW52.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

NEW52 - Week 21, scissors

This week, I've had a sudden urge of craftiness.  This is not just being crafty with digi supplies but with real paper etc.  So, this week I decided to try a NEW craft project, spiffy scissors.  I plan on giving them away as a gift to the gals who run the front office at the school I work at.  You can see the step by step photos and instructions on Skip To My Lou blog.  I found these really nice and sharp (just ask my fingers) scissors at Fisher's Office Supply and paper at the Scrapbook Clubhouse.  I also made a coordinating pen.  I saw a tutorial at Ben Franklin and I thought, hey easy, cheap, and fast.  My kind of project.  Here is what it looks like all wrapped up.


Last week, Bostyn had her swimming graduation at Leahi Swim.  Bostyn has been taking lessons with instructor, Uncle Billy, since she was 6 months old.  She just loves him.  It is great seeing all the progress she has made in just a few months.  One of her favorite things to do is jump in the pool and diving to pick up rings from the bottom.  We will continue with lessons in the summer.  Here are just a few photos.


I ordered these cute Star Wars shirts for Bostyn and my nephews.  We finally got them all dressed up and wearing them together.  If you want them, go to Mi Cielo online store or her esty shop.  Thanks to my friend, Leigh, creative genius of Hapa|Hale, who blogs about all things Hawaii, with a modern twist.

Here are some NEW layouts for the week.

A layout for Easter.  I wanted to embellish more with flowers, ribbons, and bows, but then took it all off.  I didn't want it to look too girly for my nephews.

This layout is for DHD digi-morph challenge, go team blue.

This layout is a photo of me and some of my students taken in 2004 (in kindergarten) and now 2011 (as 6th graders).  This group of girls were my angels that year.  I had a wild bunch of boys and these girls really shined and helped me though the year.  This page is now being printed at Costco and I plan on giving it to them tomorrow for their last day of school at Waimalu.

Credits:
Summer Template by Tiffany Tillman
Paper and Elements:  Lemonade Stand by Paislee Press on TaylorMade Designs
Journaling Mat:  School Mini Kit by Three Paper Peonies

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

NEW52 - Week 20, New coop

Remember our baby chicks?

Well, they are not so tiny and cute anymore.  They are getting to be teenagers ready for a NEW and improved home.  We moved them into their NEW home on Sunday.  Tate worked hard to finish the NEW coop on top of the mountain, using mostly 80% of recycled materials.  I think the only thing new were the hardware stuff, roof, chicken wire, and a few support beams.


This is what the coop looked like in February, groundbreaking.  Yes, a big groundbreaking because he literally had to cut into the mountain and clear a lot of dirt, weeds, and rocks.

In March, Tate finished the fence and his mom finished the roof.  Yes, I did marry into a family who believes in DIY.

This is what it finally looks like in May.

Right now the chicks are still little so they have ample space to run and play.  However, they will continue to grow and we want them to be able to "free range" a little so Tate is going to enclose an area so they can run around as they please.  The next things Tate is going to work on is enclosing a run area to the right of the coop, paint (?), finish nesting boxes, and landscape.

The view from inside the coop.

So how are the chicks liking their NEW coop?  They love it.  Kon-kon and Kamaboko (named by Bostyn) enjoy digging into the dirt for worms and bugs.  The first night, the plan was to bring them indoor for the night, but they refused.  They chirped so loud and refused to stop or settle down until they were back in their mansion on the hill.

Just sharing some sunflowers that popped up in our garden.  The morning light was perfect when I took this picture.


A few NEW layouts to share.  One of my favorite things about not being on any creative teams right now is the fact that I have more time to play with other designers and older kits that I collected but never used.  This first layout is a good example, it is a kit called Pitter Patter from Creashens.  I bought it a while ago but never had time to play with it.  I wish my own doodles were as cute as these.




Sunday, May 15, 2011

Blurb Book

A few weeks ago, I received my 2010 Year in Review book from Blurb.  Here is what it looks like.

2010 Year in Review | Make Your Own Book

Be back later for NEW52, I think it is about time to kick those chickies out.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

NEW52 - Week 19, Mother's Day and iNSD

To all Mother's out there, Happy Mother's Day!  And a special one to my own mother, thank you for the countless dinners, love, and support.  Here is a super cute photo of my mom and Bostyn.


And here is me and my little honey girl . . . and following my NEW Skagen watch (mother's day gift from Tate and Bostyn).



For International Scrapbooking Day (iNSD), I celebrated by taking Bostyn to several local scrapbooking stores.  Bostyn picked out a few Cinderella stickers and papers then I helped her put her page together.  She really had a lot of fun placing her stickers and using mommy's tape runner.

Scrapper in training . . . 

 finished layout

I hardly touch real paper these days, but I would love to have Bostyn journal her life with pictures and words as she grows.  These pages really reflect Bostyn and her loves and interest at the moment.

So on to my digi shopping . . . below are a few NEW kits that I picked up.  The kit preview is linked to the designer's store.







I only had time to participate in 2 iNSD challenges, both at Mscraps.