Canvas Collage Class

I took an art class this weekend....for the first time in years.  I signed up weeks ago after seeing a sample of the class project at Scrappy Chic and could hardly wait for Jan. 17 to arrive.  The class, Tree Canvas Collage, taught us how to create a whimsical piece of art, using vintage papers, paint and scrapbook paper.  What I loved most about this class was that it allowed me to combine all of my favorite artistic passions - painting, drawing and scrapbooking - all with a fun decoupage process.  I tend to take painting a little more seriously than scrapbooking and this project really allowed me to loosen up and take a chance with something new.         

Below is my "work of art" and a close up so you can see the detail. 

Below is the original work - the one that inspired me to take the class.  The artist, Erin Major, works at the store and frequently teaches classes.  She brought in a few other pieces of hers, using the same technique.  They were so great, I told her she should contact Pottery Barn Kids to sell her wares!      

This project has really inspired me - I have a million ideas now of ways to use this technique.  Erin is a very talented lady and I look forward to learning more from her in the future.  Thanks, Erin.   

The Elusive "Perfect Photo"

From the moment children are born into a family, they become the center of attention.  Understandably so - they are small, sweet, cute and usually pretty funny.  They really become our best source of entertainment - often being put on display or asked to perform on cue.  We perpetuate this by asking them to pose for countless photos and expecting perfection.  Funny thing is, with children's pictures, you rarely get perfect.  We forget how awkward it might be for them to have adults herding them like cattle, barking at them to smile, stand up straight, look this way or that way, hug their sister - sheesh!    

Believe me, I am guilty as charged.  I'm always trying to capture the perfect photo of my precious nieces and nephew.  As I looked through my recent Christmas photos, I realized that they are hardly perfect, but they are a perfect representation of these wonderfully funny kids.  The pictures capture a moment in the time of their lives - Jack is at a stage where he hates pictures and often tries to hide his missing front teeth (and we want nothing more than to see them), Avery likes to model and often "overposes," and Lilly is so used to having her picture taken that she wants to look anywhere BUT the camera and often puts her hands in her face.   All of that is who they are and part of what makes the pictures "perfect."   And, they make me laugh every time I look at them.  What could make a picture more "perfect" than that? 

 

All I Want For Christmas

I'm feeling in the Christmas spirit today after a weekend of decorating the house and shopping for gifts.  This photo of Jack and Avery was taken two years ago and is one of my favorite holiday time photos of them.  The list to the left includes some of the things they asked Santa for that year.  What I love about this LO is that the rustic, subtle color tones really draw your focus in to the contrasting b & w photo.  I was also able to get a title, embellishments AND journaling into the page, which is always tough for me.

Merry Christmas!

My Best Friend

 

Just thinking about my sweet sister today, so thought I would do a quick post about a recent layout I did in her honor.  The photo was taken at a family reunion in Colorado last year, which was a really wonderful time for us.  

The layout itself was really fun for me because I got to focus on my relationship with my sister.  Truly, my Best Friend.  The rub on birds are from Jenni Bowlin Studio.  I loved making them face each other, because they kinda look like they're gabbing -  just like Wendie and I do.  The large circle design is a cutout from Hambly and was actually inspired by a layout I saw from a talented artist at Scrappy Chic.  I love how the design highlights another beautiful patterned paper.

Not much to say today...just looking forward to scrapbooking this weekend and finally getting the Christmas Tree up!

Shop Michigan

We all know the economy is struggling, particularly for us here in Michigan.  Some believe that it's such an overwhelming problem that there isn't anything we, as individuals, can do about it.  I disagree.  I read an article yesterday in the Detroit Free Press that inspired me to write this post.  The article is about holiday shopping and talks about making an effort this year to help Michigan, by buying Michigan-made products and supporting Michigan-based businesses.  This has long been a passion of mine and I was thrilled to read the article.  A lot of great products are made right here in Michigan - Kellogg's Cereals, Better Made Potato Chips, Faygo Pop, Sanders Fudge and Carhartt -  just to name a few.  Michigan is also home to more great businesses than just The Big 3 automakers.  Borders Books & Music, Howard Miller Furniture, La-Z-Boy Furniture and Pewabic Pottery all are based in Michigan.  Let's not forget all of the charming boutiques and mom-and-pop stores that are located throughout the state.    

To all of my scrapbooking friends - Did you know that Michigan is home to a major crafts/scrapbook manufacturer?  Colorbok is located in Dexter, MI.  I recently purchased two beautiful Colorbok scrapbooks (pictured above and below) at my favorite store, Scrappy Chic.  Not only do I LOVE my new books, but I love that I was able to support two Michigan businesses by buying them. 

The message here is simple - we can all make a difference in our economic future, by supporting our Michigan businesses.  When shopping for books - choose Borders instead of Barnes & Noble, when grabbing a snack - choose Better Made rather than Frito Lay's and Faygo over Coke.  Heck if you can, buy a shiny new car from Ford, GM or Chrysler.  Just remember....if possible, keep your money in Michigan.  Our future depends on it.

Grandma's Vintage Sweater Dress

These are old pictures of Avery (she recently turned 4), but I have been waiting to find the perfect inspiration to scrap them.  My sister took these photos of Avery when she was about 8 months old.  They are pretty special because she is wearing her grandma's baby sweater.  Thankfully, Grandma thought she looked so cute, she didn't mind her taking a little taste of the vintage garment.

For this LO, I used the Bookworm Collection from SIS TV (again), as well as some other bits and pieces.  I loved every bit of this kit and am excited that I still have a lot left to use.  One of my favorite elements of this page is the piece of vintage fabric used at the top left.  It came with the kit too and is the perfect match for the sweater.    

Mama and her Birdies

Just another quick post of a recent layout.  This is such an amazing picture (captured by my sis) of Amy and the kids.  The LO was designed using the Bookworm collection from SIS TV.   I decorated the birdies with patterned paper to represent the family and used the Basic Grey distressing kit to age the paper and the photo.