Sunday, June 29, 2008

Elsie - Recipe #2

After a crazy busy week, I was finally able to sneak a little time to scrap this weekend.  I decided to pull out another recipe from the Elsie box, since she makes it so easy and I didn't have much time. 

I used the "Love Me Some Freddie" card from the Music section.  Elsie's inspiration for this layout was Freddie Mercury from Queen.  Her designer tip: Create a layout about a favorite music icon.   

Beckie 392 As always, her layout was fun and colorful.  So, I was inspired by the idea and using great bold colors - which seemed fitting with a music themed piece.  In addition to Elsie's recipe, I drew inspiration from this greeting card that I found at a boutique in Savannah a few months ago.  The colors are so vibrant and I love the white floral embellishment creeping in off of the edge of the card. 

For my version of the layout, I chose not to focus on a music icon, but rather an "Idol."  During this past season of American Idol, I was a huge Brooke White fan.  I cheered her on each week and voted whenever I could (especially when she had a rough night).  My pal Neil from the office teased me often about this - and asked if I was planning to "scrapbook her."  At the time the answer was no, why would I do that?   But, this challenge provided the perfect opportunity that I couldn't resist.  This ones for you, Neil.      

Beckie 391

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Wendie's blog

My sister has started her photography blog, so I wanted to take a minute and brag about it.   She already has a great web site that features her work, pricing, scheduling information and more, but the blog allows her to share recent work along with fun details about her sessions. 

IMG_7260copy4blog

Wendie not only has a great eye for photography, but she really focuses on the details that make pictures special for her clients.  She has been having  a lot of fun working with clients to style sessions - getting an idea of what they want out of the photos and helping them with wardrobe selections.  Her blog features great web sites where parents can find unique outfits, or even costumes, that  make the pictures that much more special.  In the photo here, sweet Ashley wears a fun purple tutu.  Could it be any cuter??

See below for a little more info:

Wendie DeLano is a lifestyle photographer specializing in children, families and weddings.  Serving Livonia, Plymouth, Northville and all surrounding Metro Detroit areas.  For every client you refer, you will receive a $50 print credit voucher to use towards a future session.  If you refer 3 clients within a year, you will receive a complimentary session ($150 total) in addition to the print credit vouchers.  Sessions fill quickly in the summer and fall, so please check availability if you have a date in mind.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Love, Elsie

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My goodness, I just picked up the new Love, Elsie book "Recipe Idea Box" and am IN LOVE with it!

The box includes 100 recipe cards for layouts (cooking times included), 80 designer tips, 5 featured designers, organizer index tabs and it all comes in a cool recipe box.  The book features inspiration from art, home decor, books, fashion, movies, and music.  What I love about this is that you can pull out a card, use it for inspiration and file it back in the nifty little box.  What a neat idea!

After flipping through the cards several times, I found the recipe I wanted to try first.  I chose "Doren" from the movie section.  Elsie's inspiration for this layout was Moulin Rouge.  Her designer tip: Be inspired by the colors and mood of a favorite film.  Create cool handmade embellishments with fabric and stitching. 

I chose the movie Juno as the inspiration for my layout.  It's one of my recent favorites and features fun and colorful visuals.  (Note: If you have not seen this movie yet, get to the video store immediately.  It's wonderful on so many levels and Ellen Page is amazing in it.  A must see.)

herojunoHere is my inspiration brought to life (featuring my sweet niece Avery and nephew Jack).  The lighting isn't great (the colors are much more vibrant in person), so I'm including a few close ups to highlight the detail.  The patterned paper is Sassafras Lass and I used white cardstock to make the stripes.  The green letters are from Pressed Petals and the mini letters are Carolees and Making Memories tiny alphas.  I used Hambly Screenprints to represent the silhouettes.  Other details include Daisy D's rub-on flourishes and Renaissance silk flowers from Prima Marketing (I cannot get enough of those!).  Although the flower embellishment isn't truly handmade, I did add a ribbon and a brad to individualize it.  I can't wait to select the next inspired recipe!     Beckie 367 Beckie 368Beckie 370

Monday, June 9, 2008

Mackinac Policy Conference

Ari, Me, Eliz, John I love this time of year.  I recently returned from the Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference, held each year during the last week of May.  Celebrating its 28th year, the conference is the only of its kind in the nation to gather such a diverse group of influential people, including Michigan's top business, political and community leaders.  For three days, leaders are far away from the everyday pressures of the office and are able to relax and spend time doing business the old-fashioned way - by connecting with people. 

This was my third year at the conference and professionally, probably my best yet.  I met so many interesting people and had fantastic conversations about some of my dreams to make a difference in our great state (and the City of Detroit).  I think the most powerful thing I took away from the conference, is that we all have a say in what happens here.  Clearly, the state is in trouble.  Clearly, change needs to be made.  But, lets not just sit back playing the "blame game" as to why we are in this position.  We are all leaders and can make a difference in our own way, big or small, to help turn things around.  During the long drive home, I started mentally preparing my "business plan" for the contributions I'd like to make. 

_0609095537_001 Ok, enough of my soap box for the day...but truly, inspiration is infectious, so I'm just hoping to pass along some of mine to you.  Hopefully, the 2009 conference will show a positive change in our economic future and highlight some of the great ideas that came from this years event.

 

Photos:  Top - My amazing co-workers: Ari, Me, Elizabeth and the wonderful John Bailey.  Bottom - Me and the lovely mommy-to-be, Emily.          

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Pretty Cards

One of my greatest joys is receiving handwritten notes from friends and loved ones.  The beauty of a person's handwriting, along with their written word, is like hearing the sound of their voice.  It's precious.

Although I love receiving notes, I think I enjoy giving them even more.  Most of the cards I send are handmade - even the 100+ Christmas cards we send out each year (ok, once we have children this may change....but for now I love it). 

June 08 034 I've been making lots of cards lately for birthdays, graduations and thank you's, so I thought I'd share a few.  They are simple, but pretty.  The one to the left, I made for Sara (Happy Birthday my friend - you spring chicken).

 

June 08 029These are sweet too, using the Hambly rub-ons and new Heidi Swapp collection.  I also used the Basic Grey distressing tools to age the edges a bit. 

My next assignment is to make a collection of personalized thank you notes with my initials.  I have made them many times for friends, but never for myself.  I'll post as soon as they are ready.   

So....hint hint....if you'd ever like to make a girls day (yes, I mean me) just send me a note!

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Miles for Miracles

I've been running around like a mad woman lately, so I have been pretty negligent with my blog! With so much going on, I will surely be making up for it this week.

IMG_7820-3small Speaking of running, on Saturday, May 17, I participated in Miles for Miracles, the 3rd annual walk /run benefiting the Michigan Chapter of the Progeria Research Foundation. The Foundation is dedicated to raising much needed funds for a clinical trial that could bring treatment and hopefully a cure for children with Progeria, like little Lindsay. Lindsay is my niece Lilly's cousin and she is the sweetest little girl, with an infectious smile and laugh. She is a big Pistons fan and her favorite player is SHEED!

 

IMG_7794 copy2small Lindsay (shown here with her grandma) was diagnosed with Progeria when she was 5 months old. The disease is an extremely rare condition in which physical aspects of aging are greatly accelerated. About one in 8 million babies are born with the disease.

IMG_7646 copysmall Currently, there are about 45 known cases in the world. Although there is no known cure, events like this give hope to families and children effected by this terrible disease. While I finished an impressive 51st out of 51 (hey, I arrived a little late), I was proud to run for Lindsay, contributing to her treatment and a cure.

Lindsay, thank you for being an inspiration...you are a wonderful little girl.

See Lindsay on Fox 2 Detroit.