October!!

Well...another month has just flown by! Things are looking up for us...a new job and new challenges!

On a personal note, I want to thank those who have been praying for us that we FINALLY hear word from my DH's new company...we've been waiting for several months (talk about pins & needles). But I'm lucky to have a DH who always have a backup plan and a steady mental will! LOL!!

My challenge was to submit to yet another design team (DT) call and didn't do so well! Oh, well! Life goes on, right?! LOL!! But the positive thing about these calls is I do get pages done! So I thought I'd share some of my submissions to you all...what do you think?













This was an altered CD of my son's first day of middle school...I followed him to the bus stop (to his great dismay - LMBO!!!) and took these pics. This is before I put pages on the CD and then strung them on Stemma ribbon.


















Stemma had these great word PP and I used "Family" for our family vacation page. This particular one is of Mt. Rushmore. The journaling tag is tucked behind the picture of the "boys" which I inked the edges and doodled on the corner. The photo corners were painted with Ranger Ink's new paint dabbers....now that is a MUST HAVE item!!!!!!!!! LOVE their stuff but this one is definitely a best seller!!!















These pictures are of the cousins hanging out at Cantigny Park (Wheaton, IL) during the 4th of July picnic. LOVE this place....so peaceful! I cut parts of another Stemma paper and used it on the pretty blue Stemma PP. Popped a couple of the flowers out with foam dots...never thought to have flower accents to the boys' layout! Heehee!!!

I have classes going on at Frozen Memories (FM) this month! One of them is this Saturday AM (kids are also welcome!) and it's a Halloween theme! We're going to be decorating a bronze color pail so that you can fill it up with goodies! It's very cute! I hope the store uploads the picture sometime in the next couple of days! I plea senior moment! I forgot to take a picture....maybe when I go today, I'll bring my camera! So here's my schedule:

Saturday, Oct 7
10:30am to NOON
Halloween Pail Class
$25 w/ apple cider

Sunday, Oct 22
2:00pm to 6:00pm
"SUNDAE" crop
$12 w/ ice cream float

Saturday, Oct 28
10:30am to NOON
Altered Canvas Panel Easel
$25

So give the nice people at Frozen Memories a call (630-830-7492) and reserve your spot! Would LOVE it if you can join us!

OH!! FM will be having their first BIG crop...they're renting out the space next door (it hasn't been leased out yet) and it's called the Harvest Crop! You have to come....it' s only $25!!! If I wasn't working, I would pay!!! LOL!!! It will be a 14 hour crop with food & drinks, prizes, challenges, etc. and dinner is a TURKEY dinner! YUMMMmmmm!!! So mark your calendar and come on over! I saw some of the prizes on Saturday....let me say, it's VERY nice! Heehee!! No more hints!

Well, it's going to be in the 80s here in Chicago so I'm making the best of it! So make the best out of your day too!! Have a good one!!

OOooops!

A delay in updating - SORRY!!
Well, had a blast @ Fiona's crop (aka FUNscraps) a week ago!
I taught two classes on Saturday and from the feedback of the survey, it went over well. Considering most really aren't into altered art stuff!

The first class consisted of an old/promo. CD, you had to sand lightly so that you have "teeth" to use your wet adhesive with and cover with pattern paper (front & back). I had them use the CROPaDILE, a tool that sets eyelets and punches holes out of most anything (light metal, chipboard, plastic, paper, etc.). They were thrilled how easy it was to punch through the CD....me too! Heehee!!

The second class consisted of folding a 12x12 cardstock in various ways to make a card or a mini album (by adhering two of these 12x12 together) or a journal/photo foldout in your page.

It was great to meet fellow ILScrappers in person - we were in stiches Friday night...thanks to our security guard (Mark)!!! He actually purchased Creative Memories photo paper in the past but kept insisting that he should be able to purchase at the same price as several years ago?! Poor Fiona...she kindly explained the thinking behind inflation, etc. The rest of us had to bite our lips, trying not to laugh!!! OY! It was interesting to say the least!

Here's some fun pics from the event!!















FINALLY a picture of Fiona and me!! After two years of knowing each other, we have a picture of just us two! LOL!!















Some of buds from ILScrappers! Hey, gals!

If you're thinking of doing a crop/gathering....DO IT! You won't be sorry!! LOL!!

Funscraps Retreat!

Getting excited to help out my GF, Fiona! If you're in the neighborhood of Glen Ellyn/Lombard area, we'll be at the Holiday Inn on Roosevelt Rd. (east of I355). It starts tomorrow night and will go on till Sunday!

I'll be teaching a couple of mini-classes...altered CD and an ORIGAMI style mini album. Hope everyone will like it! The goodie bags are HUGE btw! We've got a Mary Kay person coming to manicure/pedicure and she also has a basket full of goodies for everyone. Can you say SPOILED?!

Better get kitting, packing for an overnite with the girls, pack/price my TLC stuff and bring up my Sizzix stash for everyone to use! AH! I hope Fiona isn't reading this! Heehee!!!

Will post pics when I return and recover from this weekend!
Have a great weekend, everyone! Who's got plans to scrap?! Do tell!

Memories of 5 years ago...

Mixed emotions as I write this...I remember that beautiful peaceful blue sky day so well.

I was taking my two boys to IKUEI Japanese international school. It was a straight shot north from West New York, NJ (Jacobs Ferry) to Englewood Cliffs, NJ...driving along the coast of NJ where the Hudson River was east of me...after I dropped off my happy little guys, I drove back the same route. I had the radio on and that was when I first heard that there was a plane that crashed into one of the towers. The radio announcer didn't have much information as it just happened and speculated that maybe the pilot had a heart attack. I turned off the radio, thinking what a way to die and was anyone hurt in the building and down on the ground!

I stopped by Target in Edgewater but no one was in the store...not even an employee! I spotted one coming in from the back door/the dock area and that's when he informed me that the crash was not an accident but a terrorist attack. I went straight to the Japanese supermarket to get food (since it was the holiday weekend, we had no food) and saw what everyone was talking about on TV. My DH called me and told me he was on the ferry headed towards the Wall Street area but the Port Authority would not let them into New York so he was on his way home. Thank goodness...he had clients at the Towers and would pop in to say hello to them every once in awhile. Luckily he had such a bad conversation with the Tokyo office that he went into work later that morning. He saw the second plane hit the Towers while he was on the ferry....he couldn't believe what was happening (like the rest of the world)!

I got home with bags full of groceries and we headed off to get the boys...the 20 minute drive took over an hour as the George Washington Bridge (GWB) was closed off (inbound to NYC). We finally reached the school and the kids were told that there was a HUGE fire in NYC and everything was closed. Our trip back home only took the normal 20 minutes because the police were worried about the GWBridge and we had taken the back road. I found out later that they closed our street (we live between the Lincoln & Holland tunnels and the GWBridge) after we got home. All the fathers from the "IKUEI families" were safe...although it took them until 1 or 2am to get home.

We saw the smoke and what was left of the Towers from our neighborhood. When the winds shifted, we could smell that terrible smell and we were forced to close our windows. I am left with this empty hole in the NYC skyline...I've known that skyline all my life. When I graduated from university, I had celebrated my graduation with family friends in the Windows of the World Restaurant. I stayed at the Vista Hotel in the Tower on my business trips to American Express headquarters across the street, walked through to get places in the neighborhood. It will be sorely missed. I pray for all those who have perished and to those who were left behind to morn their loss. Hug your loved ones tighter tonight as I will with mine.

September?

Where did the time go? Well, life certainly gets in the way or should I say start of the school year gets in the way!

Around this time A LOT of things start...not only school but my sorority alumnae chapter gets back into gear and of course, church activities are a constant (thank goodness!).

How was your Labor Day weekend? Good, I hope...ours this year was quite which I like! We did have a get together with DH's band after Saturday Japanese School. But most of the weekend I was creating some designs for a small company based out in Central IL...they were kind enough to let me create! We'll see what happens....after seeing my "freehanded" doodling, they may have some second thoughts! LOL!!!!

I'm also creating some samples for my LSS, Frozen Memories, in Bartlett IL. With Karen Foster's RubOns and their license plate stickers, I made this REAL cute sweet pail and I filled it with Reese's Peanut Butter cups = YUM!!!!!!!!

Here's the lineup for September (so far):

SUNDAE crop ($12 w/ an ice cream float)
Sept. 10 (Sun) 2:00 - 6:00pm
It's a great time to do a mother-daughter crop or with a friend or just to catch up on projects!

Altered 2007 Planner ($22)
Sept. 26 (Tue) 10:30 - NOON
We'll be using a "butt ugly" planner and making it into a BEAUTIFUL planner!

That's it for now but call Frozen Memories and join us! Their number is 630-830-7492 or here

A 4th Grader...

That's what my youngest is going to be this year! I think a lot of mothers reflect on their children's first time going to either kindergarten or first grade during this time of year. I was talking to Hiroyuki (my youngest) about how it feels to be in elementary school WITHOUT his big brother and he said "sad." I did feel for him but told him, it's his chance to shine without his big brother's shadow. So we'll see how he'll shine this year! LOL!!

Both boys started school (well, half day) yesterday and both felt GOOD about their school year...they should! It's only half day yesterday! LOL!!! Of course, mom was with camera in tow but both were too tired to argue! Heehee!!














OK...I'm up physically but don't ask me questions that will make me think! Taka walking out our front walk.
















OK...mom, hurry up and take the picture! Oops....the bus is a little farther than I thought! LOL! See the headlights....that's Bus #3! Heehee!!
















WAH! There goes my MIDDLE SCHOOLer! He had a wonderful day yesterday...keep it up!

I went to school with my youngest....now that kid is hard to take a picture of! GRRrrrr!!! This is the only decent one!














And this one of his new 4th grade teacher! I heard she's strict and I like it that way! LOL!!















AH! Another school year is starting! I'm hoping for a good one!

So....who's starting school too?

AH....middle school!

That was my feeling when realizing that my oldest was going to register today...last night, this nervous mother was NOT getting any sleep! LOL!!

BUT it was fine....well, except that he taken 20 mins to get his combination locker open! GRRrrrr...I bought a combination lock to practice on a couple of weeks earlier. He had gotten that opened after the 8th try so I ASSUMED that he won't have any problems with the real deal! HA! I was wrong! Got most of his stuff in the locker (VERY narrow!)...need a couple more things now that he knows which "team" he'll be on. Going to classes by himself?! NO PROBLEM! Me?! OMGosh!!! I got lost...had to follow him to all his classes! He gets it...me? Well, let say I'm glad I don't attend school anymore! LOL!!






















Let's say that I'm SO glad that his school picture will be better than this one! UGH! A boy that was TOTALLY embarrassed that his parent had brought a camera to school! Heehee!

Now to wait until next Tuesday (1/2 day) for school to start! I get my life back but I'm going to miss these little guys hanging around me all day!

"Back To Basics"

That's what I call my beginners class at Frozen Memories (my LSS in Bartlett, IL)...I always point out that a good layout is balance (color & placement), some pictures - not all need to be placed on pages and journaling (short or long). So I had my first beginners class at the store last week and there was a "mature" couple that decided to give scrapbooking a try! I really enjoy watching them give each other encouragement and advice...it really made me excited to know I was helping them to preserve some of their memories together! Thank you, Sharyn & Bill, for being so inspiring - to really enjoy the craft of scrapbooking! What was also neat is the fact that everyone had a different "take" on my sample and made it their own. Here's what I had displayed at the store....
















Another one will be scheduled for Tues, Aug 15th from 6:30pm and the theme will be either pets or kid's art work! Here's what I have on the pet theme (still working on the kid's artwork page)...
















It's been a full week of busy and school hasn't even started yet! LOL! Kids have archery class, I had an SB class, DH had to put final touches on a business plan, a sudden death and funeral to arrange and a dozen wedding tri-folders to get done before Saturday noon (had to go to the post office to priority mail before close of day). I finally got an idea that would fit the customer's needs and made a final mockup by Wednesday so I only had 3 days to complete! YIKES! Each took about 30-45 minutes to make as everything was made out of scratch and handcut. One folder would need about 3.5 sheets of paper and 1.5 sheet of chipboard (all 12x12 size!). I used up one bottle of 3M/Scotch liquid glue, 4 spools of ribbon and made good use out of my newest tool, the Score-It board. So glad I took the plunge and purchased this (w/ A's 25% coupon!)...made my life easier doing this project! Here's what they look like - I hope the client likes it!

CHA Summer Bash challenge!

OK...Miss Wendy has given the participants a challenge from our goodie bags (or if you want to join in). The challenge is to use GinX and Pressed Petal items. So here's my take on what I had in the 2Peas event goodie bag. I had these pictures FOREVER and wanted to scrap my stuff...Triple Trouble for my three "boys!"















"Triple Trouble" - what can I say?! LOL! Every time these guys are together, they're up to something! My DH had no idea I took this picture of them doing snow angels from our balcony. Just love seeing them together and HAPPY!

PP - GinX & CS - Bazzill
CB Letters - Pressed Petal & RubOns - Junkitz
Ribbon, Snow Eyelet & Brad - Making Memories
Snow Sticker - Target & Pen - ZIG Photo Signature & Adhesive - Pioneer
















This picture is when I opened up the accordian card full of pictures and comments....LOL!!

Thanks again GinX and Pressed Petal for kindly donating such fun stuff in our goodie bags!!!! Thanks for looking!!

Frozen Memories!!

In between the posts on CHA and my great summer vacation @ Yellowstone, etc., Frozen Memories (an LSS/local scrapbook store) asked me to be one of their instructors! How stinkin' excited am I?! LOL!! It's a great store...if you all are in the area of Bartlett, IL - GO! Can't beat an ice cream parlor in a scrapbook store! The owners are wonderful and warm couple! The hubby does his magic with homemade ice cream and the wife has this passion for scrapbooking! What a combo...I'm in heaven! LOL!!

I started with a kids' class using Flair's class kit (Paradise mini tag album) - too cute! The class sold out and had to make an extra kit-to-go! LOL! Was a little nervous about not having enough attendees but Becky (the owner) did a wonderful job selling the class!




















Oh! Do I look like I know what I'm doing?! LOL!
LOVE my CROP-A-DILE!! Had to cut through 20 pieces of chipboard! OY!

For my local scrappers who have kids, come join me in this month!! Also, there are classes for adults too...heehee! Here's the schedule:

August 5 (Sat) 5-8pm
Kids' Crop $10 with sm. soft serve
Bring pics, supplies and basic tools (paper trimmer, scissors, adhesive, black marker & pencil) to catch up on your scrapbooking or get individual advice on a layout, card or project. Surprise make'n take in store for the night!

August 9 (Wed) 6:30-8:30pm
"Back To Basics" $12
Bring or purchase basic tools kit (please refer to the above). Get to know your tools...are you using them correctly? Bring 8-10 pictures and let's do a vacation themed page!

August 12 (Sat) 11-NOON
Kids' Class $10 with sm. soft serve
"Back To School" name plate

August 13 (Sun) 2-6pm
"Sundae" Crop $12 with ice cream float

August 15 (Tue) 6:30-8:30pm
"Back To Basics" $12
Bring or purchase basic tools kit. Get to know your tools...are you using them correctly? Bring 8-10 pictures and let's do a kid or pet themed page!

August 26 (Sat) 11-12:30pm
Kids' Class $12 with sm. soft serve
"Back To School" page

August 30 (Wed) 11:30-1:00pm
Kit of the Month $18
Baby Theme

Every Friday night from 6-10pm is CROP NIGHT!
$15 per table so gather up your friends! The price also includes a small cappuccino creation or a small ice cream cone (your choice)!

The "Sundae" crop sounds real YUMMY! Who wants to join me?! I need to get some stuff done too...I'm always needing to get stuff done! LOL!!

CHA - Part 4

Finally got a chance to get on this computer...my mind goes if I don't write it down immediately! LOL!














OK...The show was amazing! This year was a little different as in the new exhibitors zone was not there! I always like to check out the new/up&coming companies and learn a few things...they were mixed in with the rest of the gang and they had little sign in their booth that says "new exhibitor." UGH!

Well, it seems to me the homecoming queen of the show was a new company called Imaginisce (imagine + reminisce = imaginisce). They're based out of UT, done a lot of research on trends and came out with some great stuff IMHO! They had an array of stuff that I want....papers, embellies, rub-ons, charms.....http://www.imaginisce.com/






















Here's my friend, TracyF, who was lucky enough to work there but she worked HARD...there were so many people wanting to buy these product lines! YIKES!














Granted we were there for all 3 days and on Sunday, towards the end of the show, we finally got a hold of her when she wasn't busy to take a group shot! OY! My GF, FionaR, TracyF & me...love the background - Shut Uuuuuuuuup! LOL!!














I also went to visit one of my favorite lines...Rusty Pickle! The owner was out and about - LanceA and what a sweetie! Took a pic of some of their creations...great job!




















Also went by another fav, GinX, and here's the designer herself (GingerR)! Those ladies are so talented and SO funny! Hey, ladies! Thanks for a FUN chat!!
















Have you ever seen TammyT's work?! Oh, my! You all are missing out! She's on design teams (DTs) for several paper manufacturers. I believe she taught or will be teaching on the Big Picture online classes (Stacy Julian's big project). Thanks, Tammy!!




























Recess by Carson-Dellosa! Thank you for being one of our sponsors for National Scrapbooking Assoc. (NSA)!!! Hi, Heather! Those frames look AWESOME btw!!



Thanks to Robin Beam of Ranger Inks for using LaserLine's Plain Jane product to use as a sample of those AWESOME acrylic paint dabbers! It was so nice to meet you!! Good luck on your surgery!!
















Grabbing her on the way back to Ranger's booth is NJScrappers' Jen Starr...last time I saw her was at my farewell crop in NJ back in June 2004! It was good to see you, Jen, although VERY short! Maybe next time, huh! Congrats on being the DT coordinator for Ranger!














Here's Fiona doing her own kind of distressing on LaserLine's products! LOL!!















And here's the craft diva herself....Miss Carol Duvall! She made me get into crafts! LOL!! I have been watching since her time on the morning TV show "HOME Show" and then her show on HGTV. I remember Tim Holtz being on her show during the holidays and he was showing how to put ink into those glass ornaments! LOL!!















So those are some of my highlights of the weekend. I'm sure you'll see some layouts from all the goodies I had received from the 2Peas event, a treasure hunt that (mostly) Fiona and I went on, some designers were kind to let me take a stash to play with and some who did not want to pack up. THANK YOU to those who were kind enough to take time to say hello and chat awhile! xoxo

CHA-Part 3 (cont'd)

For some strange reason, the blog will not let me post any more pictures?! So I want to make sure I have these pictures posted because I want to make a point! LOL!!















A BIG THANK YOU to Miss WendyM...our hostess with the mostess (is that a word?)!!! Smooches to you, sweetie, for a WONDERFUL bash and to the "bag" ladies & the rest of the PUBsters for helping out behind the scenes!!














This is my girlfirend, Fiona, who had the BEST time and won a door prize @ the BASH! Thanks to the ladies who were gracious in making Fiona feel welcomed to her first 2Peas event!















"Kim in IA" has been so nice via emails and from my friend, Beth, was telling about her! I was THRILLED to meet her in person! What a doll! Spellbinders were kind enough to donate one of their GREAT machines (the Wizard) for the door prize pool! LOVE this machine (thank you, Beth, for bringing me to the PURPLE SIDE!!!)!

OK....next post will be on CHA!

CHA - Part 3

2Peas event....this is what I have been looking forward to the most! Last year @ CHA-Summer (in Chicago), I attended this event (they have a gathering at most SB-related event) and I had no idea of what it was all about or who anyone was! LOL! Ever since that event, I have been a part of "The Pub" and loved all the ideas, help and just all around FUN they were having!

SO this year was extra special to meet some FAB talent in the great group! WendyM was crazy enough to host and MAN! she did a FINE job! Had the best time! It was wonderful just to set up with her, ChristineT, Kelly, StephanieH, Torm, Kathleen Summers, AllisonMud, Steph, JanetO and I know I have forgotten names (please FORGIVE me!!). Proof is in the pudding...here are the pics of us prepping so those ladies I didn't know names, here you are!!














This is only part of the 200 bags....some are on tables and the other side of the doors! YIKES, Wendy, how did you fit these in the van?! Uh, maybe I shouldn't know! LOL!!














Miss Kelly working away on the sponsor poster!














Kathleen Summers & StephanieH putting last minute donations into all 200 bags!














OK....who had the As or was it the Ls? Some of the ladies assembling the name tags alpha order
Steph looking at me (beautiful eyes!!), Tania? in the jean jacket, Miss JanetO in the pretty pink top and I'm not sure who is standing next to her but she's REAL nice too!

Let the party begin...well, it did but I couldn't get there until an hour later!!!! UGH! The hotel restaurant was taking forever to give us individual checks (as I requested before the waiter took the order!).














Veronica Hugger (NSA) talking with one of NSAers from the Chicago area (ReneeN). Veronica will be interviewed by WGN Radio about digiSB. How cool is that! The radio host (sorry forgot his name) is the author of the book she is holding.

Had people calling me asking if I was ever going to show up! LOL!! Well, I did! Here's some pics of friends who I have been dieing to meet face-to-face!!!!














A lady that I had long admired for a long....Leah Fung! Finally after many emails back'n forth, we meet! She is such a LOVELY person! Congrats on the BHG sponsorship!!














This is my good friend, Allison "Mud" - just LOVE her! We'll get together SOON!!














My CKU-A friend, Becca!!!! Great gal...SOoooo sweet! Too bad we don't live close to each other but thank goodness for email! LOL!!














My sorority sister, BethPing, with her eyes closed (sorry, Beth! It's the only pic with Kim in it!). The pretty lady on the left is Kar and the other pretty lady on the right is Kim In IA. I'm surrounded by talented people!!!! They are part of the Spellbinder Wizard DT and such generous people....I am lucky to know them!!!

What a night....thought I would stay for an hour but we closed the place down! LOL!!!

CHA - Part 2

First of all, I have to THANK my two manufacturers for letting me include my layouts in their wonderful booths - TwelveBy12 and LaserLine!! Both companies were very generous and such warm people to work with!

TwelveBy12 booth...




















The layout that I did was "Afternoon" (top middle page) - just LOVE Jennifer O'Meara's work! It was so nice meeting you in person, Bill (Jennifer's DH)! Congrats on the HUGE article in Scrapbooking & Beyond August issue! VERY COOL!


LaserLine booth...
























Finally had a chance to use FLOWERS on my boys' page! LOL!! I used LaserLine's Plain Jane laser cut chipboard diecuts (now that's a mouthful!)! I painted and then "Stickled" (Ranger's) them with fun colors! So much better to use than other glitter type products (IMHO!)...I'm buying MORE! LOL!!

Lisa Ragan, GREAT to meet you!!!! Thanks so much for sending the Janes! I'm working on my altered CD so I haven't forgotten! Just trying to get the August classes and class samples out of the way (I'm so lucky! I have 6 scheduled for the month - YIKES!!!). Should be able to finish by the end of the weekend. So thanks for being patient!




















These nice folks are from LaserLine (http://laserlinecuts.com)! Lisa is standing on the right - hi, Lisa!! Hope they do well with the new product, Plain Jane....just love them!

CHA (Craft & Hobby Assoc./trade show) - Part I

Well, my blog FINALLY decided it was going to cooperate! YEAH! Since I spent the entire weekend @ CHA, I thought I'd post in sections - LOL!! For those who are unfamiliar with CHA, it is where craft retailers purchase from the manufacturers products (related to their business). It is so exciting to see what is up & coming and most of the exhibitors are scrapbook-related (estimated as 50%).

So we'll go in order! The starting point was on Thursday night (July 20th) in Rosemont...well, actually Des Plaines where the Chinese buffet restaurant was located and so YUMMY! Thanks, Fiona, for recommending and taking us there! We had a pow-wow for NSA (National Scrapbooking Association) to discuss our marketing approach as well as getting our "uniform" (a white tee or polo shirt with the NSA logo on it). I got the polo shirt and LOVED it! Thanks to Veronica Hugger for giving us the chance to "expand the passion (ETP)" to CHA! Here are some pics from that night....
















This is the group that came to dinner (sorry to have missed those who couldn't join us!!). It's a bad pic but everyone had a GOOD time! Veronica was hysterical!















That's me with Veronica Hugger (president & co-founder) of NSA! Had fun working with ya, girl!




Then our waiter, Theo, asked whose birthday it was - Veronica blurted out "It's Linda's!" Well, imagine the surprise on Linda's face when they brought out the cheesecake w/ fruit plate! LOL!! But I think she enjoyed it! Too funny!!