Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L & Clearsnap Blog Hop

Well, isn't this a busy blog week for me!  Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L has teamed up with Clearsnap for a blog hop, and I'm sharing my project today as part of the hop.

Here is a Halloween card I designed using a combination of Clearsnap and Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L products. The papers and stickers are Simple Stories.

There are more photos and techniques shared on the Adhesives blog.....plus a PRIZE if you leave comments, so click HERE to join in the hop!

You can also click HERE to visit the Clearsnap blog too.  This hop ends Friday, so be sure to head over there today!

Happy hopping!

Simple Stories Meets The Sketchy Challenge

Is it okay to post a Back To School layout at the end of October?  Of course it is!

BabyOfTheFamily first day of school Grade 8

This design is based on Sue Sykes' Sketch for October over at the Canadian Scrapbooker magazine Sketchy Gallery.

I've been itching to use these wonderful Simple Stories papers as soon as I saw them.  I mean, who can resist a collection called "Smarty Pants" ?  Not me...especially because this term describes BabyOfTheFamily perfectly.

The layered stickers are from the Simple Stories 'I heart Summer" collection...

That's what I love about Simple Stories....I can often combine collections and everything works so well together.



This fun title is cut out from one of the patterned papers.

I added stitching to the edges of my banners to make them pop a bit.

Not only am I happy to get a Back To School layout done, I'm happy that BabyOfTheFamily will still agree to pose for one! 

It Was A ScrapFest!

I've just returned home from a wonderful weekend in Oshawa, Ontario, teaching classes at ScrapFest.

Here are my layouts from my "Double the Fun" sketch class, sponsored by Fancy Pants Designs...

Featuring the "Swagger" collection

Featuring "What A Wonderful Day" collection

Featuring "Memories Captured" collection

The class photo....

And my lovely assistant, Tara...

Thank you to all....Fancy Pants Designs for sponsoring my class and donating door prizes....everyone who attended...and Tara was awesome and worked so hard cleaning and scraping embossing powder off my ridiculously messy non-stick craft mats!

I also taught a class called "From Simple to Sensational" featuring Kaisercraft papers.  First, we created a simpler, masculine double layout...

...and then a more advanced shabby chic layout with lots of techniques...

Here is a pic of the wonderful ladies in this class and my sweet and helpful Assistant, Cory-Lynn...

I'll tell you all about the third class, along with some exciting news later next week!

All of you scrapbookers in Ontario are so lucky to be able to attend ScrapFest, where you can crop, shop and take classes for two glorious days.

Lisa (above right) and Sandra & Crew organize an amazing event, and it is an instructor's dream to teach classes there. 

My flight partner and fun-loving roommate was Cathie Allan, who wore many hats as instructor, booth worker and Technique Taster teacher / caped crusader.

Cathie can put a smile on anyone's face !

Karen Ellis and her daughter Emily were busy bees setting up and working in the Canadian Scrapbooker booth.  Karen also taught Technique Tasters and thrilled everyone with her artistry and lively lessons.

I didn't get to spend much time at all in the booth because I was mostly in the classroom. But I know that Karen and Cathie definitely had "fun" together! 

It's impossible not to have fun at ScrapFest!  I enjoyed meeting everyone and hope to have the opportunity to attend again next year!

Fall Projects

Have you seen the Fall issue of Canadian Scrapbooker magazine?  It's jam-packed with all kinds of crafty goodness.

Along with my Double the Fun article, I wrote a piece called "Completely Cardstock" and designed a few projects. 

Here is the picture frame and matching card, using Core'dinations wood grain cardstock. 

I took an old 5 x 7 picture frame and made my own faux wood grain design with paper and ink.

 By adding a few Sizzix die cut leaves and twigs from outside, I have a nice piece of Fall decor.

I used the Sizzix "Tattered Leaves" die and Core'dinations Tim Holtz Kraft-Core "Shattered" card stock.

I take photos of my kids every Fall, and this year took a lot of begging....more than usual.  But I did get a few shots of them.

I actually prefer this 'outtake' with their cousin.

And I was happy to get this nice pic of Opa's birthday, which we celebrated along with Thanksgiving last weekend.

It has been beautiful Fall weather here, with gorgeous temps and the leaves are turning....

My husband and I went for a walk along the ravine in front of our house.  Breathtaking!

It's these quiet moments that make me appreciate the beauty of nature in the Fall.

 I have to say that I'm very sad to see summer go, but the warmth of this Fall season has made it easier to say good bye to summer.

The colours have been magnificent against our bright blue sky, and the days are filled with sunshine.

Maybe some day, Autumn will become my favourite season after all.

Thankful

When Thanksgiving comes around, I try to think of ways to make my dining room table look special for our family meal.  I decided to make some place cards, and this is what I came up with...

This project is being featured on the Canadian Scrapbooker blog this week, so to see the complete photo step-by-step tutorial and supply list, please click HERE.

Thanksgiving is also a time for me to think about what I am grateful for in my life. 

 I'd have to say my family is definitely number one, and I'm especially enjoying the changing relationships among my children.  Meaning....there is less squabbling! Ha!

I'm also thankful for the teaching opportunities I've had lately.  Canadian Scrapbooker magazine has opened up some new possibilities for me, and I love teaching at events as part of their DT.  Designing and writing for the magazine is the best thing that has happened to me in the past few years.

Teaching classes is a joy, and I'm grateful to be able to teach classes locally.  In fact, my next class is offered at Treasured Memories on October 29.  Here is a look...

The Kaisercraft photo display frame looks beautiful with the Take Note collection.  There are a few fun techniques thrown in, with some cool copper metallic elements.  Click HERE to register for my class.

The pictures are my kids from last Fall.....and I'm still trying to round them up before the leaves blow away for this year's photo shoot. Ack.  It's like herding cats!  I might resort to threats soon. 

I wish you and your families a very blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!