Scrappy Chic - Mega Meet Designs

The weekend of May 8 and 9 brought the long-awaited Scrapbook Mega Meet at Rock Financial Showplace.  And I'm not kidding when I say long-awaited.  I and my friends look forward to this event every year...I've even been known to plan vacations around it!   Well....this year, I had to miss it.  I had a great time traveling to NYC for a conference (I'll post on that trip soon), but I was so disappointed to miss out on my favorite event. 

Although I wasn't able to be there in person, my work was on display at the Scrappy Chic booth.  My sweet friends took photos of the booth and emailed them to me, so I was able to live vicariously through them while listening to seminars at the conference.  See below for the layouts and photos of the display:  1.) Lilly 2.) Owen 3.) My Aunt Lee & Uncle Al 4.) Me in Greektown 5.) My Dad's Cousin Janet 6.) My Grandpa headed to work in downtown Detroit 7.) My Aunt Lee on her honeymoon in Mackinac Island 8 &9.) Display photos.

A New Day

I can hardly believe my nephew Owen is almost two months old already.  He is getting so big, alert, expressive and smiley.  I loved snuggling with him today, his first Easter.  Although he didn't understand all the fun his sister, Lilly, was having searching for Easter eggs today....he will next year.

Yesterday I finally had the chance to relax and get some scrapping done.  I created this page that tells the story of Owen's birthday (see below to read the journaling on the page).  My sister took this amazing photo of Owen a few weeks ago.  I added the butterfly....which reflects a little someone watching over him. 

On February 17, 2009, I was blessed with a beautiful new nephew to cherish and love.

Owen Raymond was born on a pretty significant day - and Wendie and I don't think its any coincidence.

For months as we anticipated the baby's arrival, we hoped it wouldn't come on this day.  Any day but that one.  And then it happened.  Wendie's water broke on the morning of Feb. 17 - the 5th Anniversary of our dads passing.

We allowed ourselves a tearful moment and then focused on the blessing that was on its way.  What we realized later was that we had a new reason to smile on Feb. 17.  It can no longer be a day of sadness, but instead will be filled with joy as we celebrate Owen's birthday every year.....and know that he is a gift from our dad.

Design Team LO's - March

I finally finished my March Design Team pages this weekend.  Hoping to get my busy schedule under control soon so I can keep on track. 

I was excited to have two new sources of inspiration this month - my nephew, Owen, and friends Joe and Chicki.  Owen was born in February and I just printed a ton of photos of him....so you'll be seeing a lot more of him!  Joe and Chicki were married last year in Savannah.  This photo of them is breathtaking and brings back memories of a very special day.  Lastly, I took this sweet picture of Avery in my backyard.  She is such a beautiful little lady and this shot captures a very natural expression of hers.  I love it. 

Have a great week. 

Design Team LO's - February

Just a quick post to highlight my first Scrappy Chic Design Team submissions.  They are now on display at the store and online.....so exciting! 

I really enjoyed the first project "Vintage Charm" as I was challenged to use ribbon in my LO.   Here, I decided to frame the photo by looping this pretty ribbon all the way around.  It took forever, but I love the way it turned out.  It was pretty easy too.

I'm almost finished with my March entries, so I'll have those posted soon. 

Fashion Quote Series

Warning, this post may be a little "me" overload.  I've been working on a fashion quote series of LO's and I'm really proud of them.  For a while there, life was a little hectic with a busy work schedule and personal life and I wasn't feeling very inspired.  As most of you know, the art of fashion is my first love, so I decided to get back into my scrapbook groove by focusing on fashion.  Designer quotes became the focus of my pages, along with photos my sister took of me in downtown Detroit (and my most cherished photo of Nana).  Following are a few of my favorites from the series. 

 

Scrappy Chic Design Team!

I'm a bit delayed in blogging about some terrific news.  I've been selected to be a part of Scrappy Chic's Design Team!   The team was announced on Feb. 4 and I am thrilled, honored and humbled to have been chosen.  I hear that the store received a great amount of wonderful submissions that made the choice a difficult one to make. 

We had our first team meeting last week and are well on our way to creating our first batch of layouts/projects for the store.  It was great getting to know the rest of the team (Staci Compher, Kim Galea and Michelle Leaf-Racelis) who each have a unique style of their own.  I was certainly inspired by their work, so I know you will be too. 

The layouts that I submitted for the Design Team call are below.  The first is my favorite because I adore this photo of Lilly (taken by her mommy, Wendie DeLano).  I also used one of my favorite techniques, handmade flowers crafted from torn paper.  The second was inspired by a Vera Wang advertisement (I often take inspiration from magazine ads) and I love the soft color and pattern mixing.  The message is beautiful too.  The third is probably the farthest from my scrap style (a challenge to use chipboard).  I worked really hard to mesh my style into it and I was really happy with the result.  Also, I love the photo of Avery that I took in my backyard this summer.  It brings back memories of a fun day with her and how much she loved wearing the pretty dress I bought for her, even playing soccer in it!  

I'll keep you posted on my monthly contributions to the Design Team. 

 

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.