...were moving on.....

yippee! Happy September 1, 2009! The season is just about to change and so are we!

My blog is now moving to: http://pinkpeardesigns.blogspot.com/

see you there!
Shauna

.....changing of seasons...changing of times....

hi everyone...it has been a while (gasp! that's an understatement!) since I have blogged....I have been very busy with our family, my health (surgery) and also (as indicated below in previous posts), I am working on a new business venture so.....I am not gone, just busy...but you papercrafters - stampers, scrappers, card makers and the like will want to see this!!! Hoping to launch in the next couple of months.......!!!!

Keep an eye on this blog to check back for NEW BLOG AND WEBSITE INFO.
Happy (last days of....) Summer,
Shauna

...another winner....!

Congrats go to Teresa for her entry she created of her mother...I just loved all the beautiful kind words she said about her mom..."Teresa, you have an amazing mom! What a great role model she has and is to you!" Thanks to all who participated.

I am busy working away on my little business venture and it is taking up alot of my time but I am excited about it...all good things take time. The weather has been amazingly beautiful and sunny so I am not indoors as much - tis the season though and one must soak it all up when the opportunity arises...we have had such a cold long Winter for us Islanders....so I am so welcoming any weather above 10 degrees, especially if it is accompanied by SUNSHINE!!

On that note, off to finish my workout and get on with my day! Will get another contest up in the next week!

Until next time,
love

....ahem....bad blogger.....

....over 2 weeks since I've blogged......
....sick kids....
...then sick me.....
...then nice weather......
.....(gardening).......
.....(biking)........
...(working)......
...all of course all the usual everyday happenings of our little life here with my 3 precious children and my darlin hubby who I am so grateful too..he works so hard so I can look after our 3 - he is amazing!

Today they are predicting a hot Spring day for this time of the year - yahoo! I love this time of the year when the wind is lightly blowing and you can hear it ever so gently sing; I love the smell of the earth as it "springs" to new life and I love that I will go through all the rooms and clean! Our windows and ceilings need it the worst! But first, the weeds in the back garden beds are calling me and my bike needs a good run so myself and the kids will tackle the weeds after soccer and I will take my bike out later on today for a ride.

That's what I call a good Saturday..... I am so blessed.

I got some goodies in the post the other day and among it, this new company who released 4 new collections in the past year has the most adorable papers and stickers. I especially love their Family Tree collection which you can view here. I also received some new Primas, and the Juliette collections are stunning! Can't wait to play with these goodies.

Off to do my workout....
until later
Love

...Happy Spring...

Wow....what alot of posting I did. I haven't been posting much in the past week....it was Spring Break here and my 3 kidlets were home along with loads of their friends....they all had playdates and sleepovers and we crafted and played our hearts out. We also got bad germs and have been fighting colds and tummy bugs over the past few days but thankfully nothing too bad! Tomorrow it is back to school and routine for us all. I am very excited about this week as I work more on details with our new little business venture I am embarking on....but I have to keep things under wrap for now.... but it is just too exciting let me tell ya! So bear with me if I don't post as much as I would like... I am trying to create lots but my business is taking alot more of my creativity time...but so worth it! I do have several projects on the go that I so need to finish so hopefully I can get a stab at those!

Until later,
Love

...sneak peek at the next album I am making...

Sneek peek at what the next Journal is going to made of:

...I am already making another journal - this will be made in THIS new collection from Pink Paislee...I am using another custom template for this one. I am excited about this journal as it is using my favorite colors!

more pictures of the inside of the Door Journal

The beaded pull charm hooked to the coil binding (bounded with the Bind-It-All)

A picture of the back of the album - my son and my middle daughter made the signs for the front and back of the doors.

The back side of the magnetic black board page in the album; I made 2 chipboard magnets for the board.

The front page of the magnetic blackboard.

A close-up of the quilt on the bed I sewed. The bed template I drew from scratch. Note the monster hiding under the bed.

I made a banner to hang on the "wall" of the bedroom.

Pic of the bedroom page (the"Night Light" collection from October Afternoon is all about monsters and the dark and hiding under your bed!

I just had to include a lamp with shade - the "Night Light" collection is all about "leaving your light on" to keep those monsters away!

This is a pic of the cork board page I made for the book. Too fun!

I just had to make a car for those cute little monsters to ride in! Used Jenni Bowlin's new chipboard buttons for the wheels.

I inserted 2 colored envelopes with journaling tags (in the red one) and library cards (in the yellow one) to include custom journalling.

I just had to make a "dresser" with hidden journalling tags behind the "drawers (flaps).

the peek-a-boo flap pages I cut:

lots of little inserts in this one including tags, envelopes (with library cards) and little journaling pages.

...another Contest --- another Journal to win!

Another Contest!

....I said I would have another Journal up to win and here it is....finally finished - well finished from my end....but the recipient gets to finish it themselves with their favorite pictures, journaling, embellishments etc.

To win this journal, just answer this question below and either email me at ssnorton@shaw.ca with your answer or post your link of a picture of your answer.

This album/journal is made almost entirely out of the October Afternoon "Night Light" collection which I just love. It is a big album/journal and measures approx. 7 " wide X 10 " in length. The covers are made out of chipboard that I cut. painted etc. I added real brass hinges and bound it with my favorite tool, the Bind-It-All! Oh how I love that machine! I added a ceramic door handle to "open and close" the door. Included inside are custom templates which I created including a bed, dresser and car. Also included in this album is a cork board page to pin up notes and also 2 pages of chalkboard! yes, and its magnetic too! I made up a couple of magnets to go on the board. Too fun! I had fun making that quilt on the bed. I used Sassafrass Lass papers for those - love their products too! I made a beaded pull charm and attached it to the coil of the binding.

All the extras leftover from creating this will go to the winner.

Rules: your answer must be scrapped (or something of the like) (ie. not answered by just typing and post a response) using inspiration (ie colors, shape etc.) of the card below (that has your question on!).

I will pick a winner on Sunday, April 5 at 6 pm PST. Any questions, email me.
Have fun! I can't wait to see what you create!
Love

....journals.....a couple more sneak peeks

still not done - I have loads of embelling to do.....I had hoped to have this journal ready for my next contest but it has gone from a fairly simple journal...to alot of details (note the bed with the quilted cover - one of the few custom designed templates I am incorporating into this journal) I also addedsome extra pages (can you say "Chalkboard"!) and a few extras. So hang on everyone...today I have been working away in my studio...my 3 children are catering to me and have done the laundry and made lunch for me! What sweethearts....on that note....off I go to get supper on but thought I would just share a couple of pics to keep you interested!

until later

love

....another contest......what about a sneak peek....

I have had a huge response to my journals so I have decided to do another contest!

here is a sneak peek at the journal along with some other scrap goodies:

Yes... this is for another blank custom-designed journal - I designed a couple of new templates for this journal.....and I am almost finished it and then will post it along with the contest details which will hopefully be tomorrow.

I also spent a good part of the weekend dying fabric to make some flowers....the colors turned out awsome. will post some custom made canvas/muslin fabric flowers tomorrow!

...until then

Love

....and the Winner of the Spring Journal contest is:

and without further ado.......the winner of the "Spring Journal" contest is:

thank you to you all who entered the "Spring Journal" contest - I love all your quotes....and have them here for myself to read. Thank you to you all for your wonderful emails and kind words too! Cat, if you didn't receive my email, please email me at ssnorton@shaw.ca with your address so I can post off the box of goodies.

and big thanks to my 2 daughters Chloe and Ciara who wrote down all the names and put them in a hat and drew a name. Congratulations to you Cat!

now....what about another contest.....??????

...little sewers.....

I am so excited....my 2 girls have learned how to sew (my oldest is in classes with her godmother/nana and is teaching her younger sister) and they have made pillows from some old dinner napkins and felt chicks and my youngest daughter made this eensy weensy tiny little Easter chick out of scraps....

just wanted to share....the most precious thing is seeing them so guietly engrossed in looking at their handiwork..it gives them great confidence...

making our own lovlies does that doesn't it....makes us feel good....to look at our own creations that have our own touch and style....and its important that we take pride in what we create and love it.....

CONTEST finishes this Sunday, March 15, 2009

Just a reminder that the Contest to win the Spring Inspiration Journal is ending this Sunday...if you want to win this and the scrap goodies with it, click on the link above for details or here:
http://sweetandshabby.blogspot.com/2009/03/contest-finally.html

Off to do my workout but I will leave you with a quote for today:

"To be successful in your chosen career or work endeavor, you must release any present karmic conditioniing that declares, "I can't do this." You Can!"
- Deepak Chopra, M.D.

Until later,
Love

...How Tweet It Is.....so glad it is done!

Ok...I finally finished this birdcage album. I was not happy with the end result. I will redo another one as I have re-designed the template and done it differently. Anyways, the only thing I do like about this is the canvas flower I made - I tea-dyed and shabbied it up pink and layered with some turquoise shabby fabric and pink tulle.....almost all the papers used are from the new CHA Winter 2009 release from My Mind's Eye "Penny Lane" collections...I love their products.

This album is blank and is for my oldest daughter. Anyways, back to the drawing board...literally...

must run - there are books to be read to 3 little pairs of precious eyes...oh how cute they are!

until later

Love

...Help...time needed......

QOTD for Wednesday (humpday), March 11, 2009:

"Joy is a pure state of bliss, and it's attained by bringing comfort and relief to other people. Doing so will bring joy to your life every day."

- Sylvia Browne

I am SO MIA! But its crazy around here....a good crazy...just trying to keep it all in perspective....the juggle of it all - marriage, family, my work...I am busy working away on my new business venture..........OH BOY- its all so exciting!!!!

Oh, and I am almost finished my BIRDCAGE album using the Bind-It-All! I am just putting the finishing touches on some branches to wrap around the cage and then will post. I made the birdcage template from scratch and made it into an album cover to bind. I love creating templates - just too much fun!

The mailman should be arriving any day now with new Pink Paislee, Prima, My Little Shoebox (those little turtles are just TOO cute!), and the lovely new LILY BEE (you can view it here: http://mb.lifetimemoments.com/index.php?showtopic=175134 ) - so cute! Can't wait to play!
ttys
Love

QOTD - Thursday, March 5, 2009

"Send out love and harmony, put your mind and body in a peaceful place, and then allow the universe to work in the perfect way that it knows how."

- Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Quote of the Day (QOTD) - March 4, 2009

"Release the need to blame anyone, including yourself. We're all doing the best we can with the understanding, knowledge, and awareness we have."
-Louse L. Hay

Blogging for Dummies

.....ok....my Blog seriously needs some work! So....this is hopefully going to help. I am not very computer saavy as I am sure you can see!!! Wish me luck and time...(can't go there today....there are just NOT enough hours in the day!)

Love

Quote for the Day - Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Today's quote:

The thoughts you choose to think and believe right now are creating your future. These thoughts form your experiences tomorrow, next week, and next year.
- Louise L. Hay

....Spring Yummy Goodness....

oh I love Spring....and I seeing signs of it here where we live....the snowdrops are up and our daffodils are peeking through.....it is to get cold this weekend again but hopefully no more snow! I ordered some Spring scrap goodies in January and dug them out the other day as I am working on projects...here you can see I have altered a picture frame with paint and I painted the back with magnetic blackboard paint and will make a Spring magnet board......

I am off to the city today (Vic) for an appointment so won't get near my studio till tonight or tomorrow - isn't this the way goes.....I struggle with not having enough time - but in all comes back to "The List" and my family needs me so my project will have to wait.....

but I can't wait to share this and my paper Chandelier I am making!

gotta run and get my precious 3 to school....until later

Love

WARNING!!!! LONG POST (get a cup of tea, a cup of java or a pillow!)

ok....way back in January, I told you I embarked on a new "Journey" and couldn't wait to share it with you all.....and maybe its not all that exciting - really......but it sure is to me.....

I really feel like a "new" person....I feel "alive" and I honestly can say, I feel................................ content.

Content. yes....Content.

Simple.....or so it sounds...and yet I can make it so complicated.
Why does contentment take SO MUCH WORK!....or at least for me!

Well, I found out a "simple" solution: s i m p l i c i t y

yes...its back to the basics for me.

Keep It Simple.

After all...why does it have to be complicated and what, if anything, am I trying to attain, if its so complicated.

So, first question: what do I want?

second question: do it!

SIMPLE! right! Yep! No, its not always that easy and so simple but for the most part, I have managed to find out over the past 2 years since I sold my paper crafts store, what in a nutshell, I really want and have managed for the most part (notice I say "for the most part"...because life throws us curveballs that are unexpected...right?!!) to find a good balance of juggling marriage, motherhood and my ownself.

How did it happen?... well....it was 9and is) ALOT OF HARD WORK let me tell ya!

Firstly, I did alot of soul searching. I for myself, found I lost myself somewhere over the past 9 years in the midst of motherhood while raising 3 children I had in just over 3 years. It was crazy busy, plus a store on top of it but I didn't know any differently.

But what I did know, was that it was over my maximum for what myself personally felt "content" and "happy" to be managing (it was all overload) and so I knew I had to make changes. Hence I sold the store. Check!

I then took a year off to just spend time with my 3 children with getting involved with them, their school and getting to know myself once again. I learned how to be organized and get into a better routine and to journal and read more. Awesome therapy. Check.

I then decided a year ago to get in shape. Of course, this is an ongoing daily-for-life commitment BUT I feel GREAT...and with daily exercise and a healthy lifestyle, I have managed to break my insomnia pattern of sleepness nights that I had battled with for over 8 years. Not sleeping affected my mental well-being big time. I was so irritable! Can anyone relate? Check.

Myself and my husband started to reunite (for us, our marriage was so put on the backburner while raising 3 small children and I missed him terribly!) and have date nights (thanks Jeanne and Bob! - couldn't do it without you!) and we fell in love all over again. Total bliss. Check.

We also reconnected with our faith as well. Check.

So you can see my list ("The List") now:
1. myself
2. my faith
3. my family (husband and 3 children)

That is all my list contains everyday.
Each day, I work on every single aspect of The List.

I am fortunate to be able to stay at home with the children. My husband and I made the choice to do this together and it works for us. I know this doesn't happen for everyone or maybe isn't an option for everyone and I consider myself extremely blessed. But, it again is a choice and we make it work on the one income. Our children are getting a little older now and our youngest will be in Grade 1 this Fall (where has time gone?!) so with the changes of having no children home during the school day, I wanted to take that time and create a home business (again!) that would help contribute financially to our household. I am in the process of starting a new little "paperie" business but notice is said "little". I am a GO BIG or GO HOME type of gal and its so easy to let business take over "The List". But my little venture is part of Number 1. on The List and it makes me who I am and it also makes me happy. Art (especially designing) is truly something from our He{art} isn't it and it definitely makes me feel great! I love the sense of accomplishment from creating. I just have to keep it in perspective thats all and not let it take over The List.

So, you will notice over the next while and this Summer my business take shape and what I typed above about The List is definitely something my business is about.How about scrapping your Journey with me!I would love to hear more about how you juggle it all and keep it all in perspective. Please share, scrap it, write it and link about it if you wish.

Love

CONTEST - finally!

....CONTEST......

yes....I have finally got the goodies to be won all ready and here are photos of what you could win: loads of papers and diecuts and embellishments plus the Spring Inspiration Journal I made which is just waiting for you to fill up with all your pictures and inspiration!

I would love to hear what your favorite quote is! Yes! Post it here and if you wish, scrapbook your quote or journal it on to your special papers or whatever and feel free to link your blog so we can all see it.

The contest will run till Sunday, March 15 at 12 pm. I will then pick a winner and send off the parcel of goodies!

One of my favorite quotes is: "Your child has only one childhood; make it memorable"

(when I have a moment - which tends to be scarce these days), I will put my quote on some favorite paper and scrap it up a bit and post.

email me with any questions: ssnorton@shaw.ca

Love

....Signs of Spring......

ok...been a crazy day as I am joining in (or hoping to....I hope I am not too late as I am on PST time and I have literally just finished glueing my creation!!!! talk about getting it down to the wire!!! ssshhheeeeshhh!!)

Anyways, as I was saying....I am going to attempt to join the Blog Hop over at the Paper Trey (PT) at http://www.papertreyink.com/. I have never been part of a gallery or forum yet so this is all new to me. I love the Design Team at PT. I have their stamps and they are the best acrylic stamps ever....the designs are amazing and the quality is second to none. Their blog rocks also. Very consistent.

So this is what I made for their Blog Hop....the challenge was to incorporate signs of Spring in your project with at least one image of their stamps...so this is what I came up with. I used alot of crackel paint and distressing on this creation including distressing and crackling Prism cardstock and chipboard (used Maya Road, Melissa Frances (bird on swag), Lil Davis (the gingerbread for the house). Delish Designs and Fancy Pants). I used alot of Tim Holtz crackle paints too...I LOVE THOSE! The template for the house as well as the banner are my own custom original designs. I love to make my own templates! For the stamps, I used Paper Trey's Spring collection stamp from 2008 called "Just Hatched" which you can purchase here: www.papertreyink.com/stamps_justhatched.html. I did alot of wet embossing with my Versamark. The ovals in this set fit the oval scallop and regular punches (as do most of PT shape stamps). I love that about them.

This little birdhouse creation was inspired by none other than the amazing Queen of Shabby Chic, RACHEL ASHWELL......

I love Rachel's products and my sister purchased me some pretties from her New York store last Fall which I love. I was in her blog the other day only to find out that she has declared Bankruptcy and has to close the New York store along with her Connecticut store as well. I read her blog for a long time and cried at her post about it all. Her blog post on this tragic event in her life inspired me to make this paper creation which I made in Rachel's signature colors of turquoise, pink, white, gold (I used a 18 karat gold leafing pen from Krylon - I am addicted to that pen these days!!!) and cream and I even incorporated her favorite saying, which she even had made up in posters which you can purchase at http://www.shabbychic.com/ on the banner on the front of the birdhouse. It reads:

"Keep Calm and Carry On"

When life goes on and sometimes not the way we had planned, this is all we can do......really.....isn't it.....

Rachel, I wish you sincere happiness in the next part of your journey.....and in your calmness, I know you will carry on.......

Thanks for letting me share....and don't forget to get your stamp order in at Papertrey! They are the bestest!

Now, must get the CONTEST basket wrapped up and posted tonight so tomorrow we can start!

Until later,

Love

....contacting me directly....

several of you have requested my personal email for requests for art, mini books etc......please feel free to contact me directly at my email: ssnorton@shaw.ca

thank you so much for all those who have emailed and posted their thoughts on my question which I posted earlier today....keep them coming.....please share....we are all in this together....

Hugs and until next time
Love

..CONTEST....

yes, that SPRING INSPIRATION JOURNAL is up to WIN... (see below) ....details are forthcoming....I am a little behind in getting the details up .....no excuses except the busyness of my LIFE......and as you will see from my previous post, its all about keeping it SIMPLE.....and so I will get the details up of the CONTEST as soon as I can but you can guarantee that it has something to do with keeping LIFE simple....

...in the meanwhile, I have a question for you and would love to hear your answer....please email me or feel free to post and link to your blog if you wish too....

QUESTION:
"Do you struggle with the juggle of motherhood, the juggle of work, the juggle of it all? How do you keep it all organized and in perspective??"

...ttyl....

....Journey to Simplicity......

LIFE ..... I only have one......I want to make it meaningful and memorable and enjoy each and every moment of it......to me there is only one way to do this......

...with.... S I M P L I C I T Y

....remember.....Life is a process...Enjoy it.......and Embrace it.

will post a little later......off to do my workout....
until then
Love

and 2 more...closeups of the front cover....tfl.

gotta go and do bedime runs......hugs to all

....Spring Inspired Inspiration Journal

Hi all! What a weekend. It was a great weekend with my hubby and our 3 children just doing family things with just us 5.....I love those kind of weekends and hubby gave me some much needed time in my little studio upstairs....my art room looks like a tornado hit it and my back is sore (I am a stand-er-upper when it comes to creating!) but we all hung out and the kids created around me and hubby and I visited and it was all bliss.....

Here is a journal I made. I just had to use my Bind-It-All...I love that machine! And it literally does bind it all, including cork...you see I made a page in the journal out of cork so you can literally pin little notes to your page. I tried very hard to shabby it up and make it look vintage. For the front and back covers, I painted chipboard with a base paint (turquoise) and then crackeled in with a cream topcoat. I tried to add in all sorts of fun pages and additions so the receiver could have some fun with it adding in their own thoughts and pictures (if they so wish). My daughter made the beautiful hang charm which is clasped to the ring coil out of swarovski crystals and glass beads (we do alot of beading as well!). I just love it. I managed to find some old Maya Road ribbon slides that I had from the store that I thought looked perfect added to the tags that I dyed and aged. I used alot of Websters Pages paper in this...they have beautiful papers! Very shabby and vintage looking.

I have a few little itty bitty finishes to add to this journal but it is up for grabs in a little contest that I am going to be hosting along with a big basket of goodies to win. I will post the contest and a picture of the goodies tomorrow...... but get ready to play along. Last year I was not into my blog as other things needed precedence in my life but this year I am taking some time out to post my new Journey on my blog and so I feel this contest is a great way to get it all started.

Hope to you see tomorrow! Until then.......love

....more pink and shabby.......are you surprised...?

yes, I am so into shabby, distressed and pink (ok...I am always into pink!) right now - I have dug out all my crackle paints and old distressed furniture and now want to re-decorate the entire house!!!!! ....I have waaaaaaaaaay too many projects on the go so I am busy today working away- hubby is taking all the kids out for a bit for some fun adventures so I can have some "me" time...,boy do I love that man!

speaking of which.....I finished this layout of my hubby Sean...oh boy...my heart skips a beat when I see this picture of him........I used alot of my gold leafing pen on this layout...I love that pen! I did alot of distressing, stamping but it was a simple and fast layout. It is now hanging up on a hanger I painted and distressed and clipped.

I am going to have a contest - well actually not really a contest but a "play-a-long" ladies! I big basket of wonderful scrap goodies up for the prize (I have so much to still give-a-way from when I used to own my store!) ...I will upload a picture of the prize as well as the what we will be up to later today or tomorrow - must run and finish the special vintage shabby yummy I am making to put in the basket.......

any questions, email me...until later......

Love Shauna

....MIA......

....yes, I am still around....and I have had lots of emails in regards to whether I will have more paper art coming and YES, I will upload over the next few days....I am working on some very intricate paper piecing again (sigh......) - and here are some hints: pink, shabby, vintage, chirp, gold, turquoise, lights.... to name a few ......

The mailman also delivered some wonderful goodies yesterday including the new Teresa Collins Family and Documented collections, the Spring MM Flower Patch collection and the lovely new My Mind's Eye "Penny Lane" collections. I am making some cute things for Spring with that paper...so beautiful. I received some new dies for my Big Shot so have been playing with those.....perfect for Spring......

...must run as we are off to the city today for an early appointment - oh and I am going to be picking up huge sheets of chipboard so I can crank out more of those mini albums you all liked so much....and we will have a give-a-way.....

see you tomorrow.......
love

Recipes

I have had a request for the recipes for my Sugar Cookies and Reeses Peanut Butter Cup squares (thank you M!) and so here they are....very simple and easy. If you wish to cut the squares into shapes, I just put them in the fridge for about an hour and then took them out and flip the whole entire square in a big sheet onto a glass cutting board and used my cookie cutter.

Happy Baking!

Sugar Cookies

3/4 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cream of tartar
2 cups of flour
salt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Cream butter and sugar together. Stir in egg. Combine dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture alternativle with milk. Stir in vanilla.
Roll out dough (you will need lots more for rolling it out..I used approx. 1 cup and a bit more kneading it in as I rolled out) and cut into shapes. Bake on greased cookie sheets at 375 F for 10 - 12 minutes.


Peanut Butter Squares

Base:
1 1/3 cups graham wafer crumbs
1 cup peanut butter (I used smooth)
1 3/4 cup icing sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted

Mix all these together and press into 9 X 13 pan.

Topping:
1 cup chocolate chips
3/4 cup peanut butter.

Melt topping ingredients and pour over base. Chill. YUM!

Yes, I am working on my projects and hopefully will have more pics to post by the end of the weekend.

Hope you have a wonderful love-filled Valentine' Day!

PS. Thank you Teresa Collins...love your products!

..."you light up my life".....a sneak peek......

....yes, I am somehow trying to get this done...I have designed this baby from scratch (as are all my templates) and I think it may be something that I think I may have to kit - I have done custom kits for others but now .....hmmm.....you will just have to wait and see

....but I am slow at getting it all done....and unfortunately 2 sick kids and a kazillion other things have taken priority but this will eventually get done. You will notice alot from my blog that my intentions of working on my art and what I actually get done are 2 different stories....and I will always put my faith, husband and family before any of my scrap art now....it all changed when....

after selling my online scrapbooking store in 2006, I decided that I not only would I not work 24-7 around the kids, but that I didn't want to. I made huge changes with myself and my life since the sale of SSS and it has been especially such a wonderful past year. The store was so much work etc. etc. but I am so grateful I did it for I learned SO much, but I learned especially what I really want: and that is to be the best wife, mother and person I can be.

So, to make a long story short, I began working on the "wife", the "mother" and
"person" I am and my marriage got better, my relationship with my children is such that I want to continue to be a stay-at-home-mother, and I got back into shape (this is of course as we all know, a lifetime committment). I have to admit, that I love being in good shape...it does so much for the mental. And when your metally well, you feel good physically....its a 2-way street.

So, yes I can honestly say, ......

I am content.

So, TIME I say is what I need to complete all these projects...and yes, TIME it is... but it's how I spend my TIME that is so important and once time has gone, I can't get it back , so hence my priorties of my faith, husband and children....

and in time....my art will come.... I hope my art will reflect all of the above.

Now, I am off to have a morning chat with my hubby and then a workout, kids to school, and so it all goes.

I hope I do something of value today. and I will.

Love

...pink and glitter and some fun stuff....

.....I am so sorry I have not been posting....its not that I don't want to but things are crazy busy here ... but I am working on a bunch of projects...using mostly Teresa Collins products .... so stay tuned for a whole bunch of creations......I can't wait to show you!

....lots to do today so must run....
until tomorrow.....love Shauna

Happy February 1! Feel the L....O...V....E.....

Its February 1! Yahoo! One of my favorite holidays is coming....counting down - only 14 days till Valentine's Day. I am so excited as hubby surprised me and we are going to Bryan Adams this coming Saturday for his unplugged concert... I can hardly wait......Sean and I saw Bryan Adams on our first date 14 years ago! So, I finally finished Sean's album and he looked a little shocked when he saw it was pink..he loves it (I showed him early) but said he doesn't reckon (and said just as that in his Irish brogue!) or fancy he will be carrying it around in his pocket at work.

I said I understand......

But you know me.......it just had to be pink!

So, have taken a few pics of the inside for you to have a peek.

Now must run as we are having our family circle time.....theme tonight is "procrastination" (something I am regrettably very familiar with!)

until then,

with love

Shauna

...tea time.....

..yes, I survived...we had a blast at Chloe's sleepover last night..though we didn't get much sleep. 5 hours to be exact. I told the girls that if they woke up early but the others weren't awake, that they were more than welcome to come down and have a quiet good morning cup of tea with me as I wake up just before 5 am every morning......

....so .... the next thing I hear at just after 6 am this morning is "scurry, scurry, creak...creak" (we have a very old crickety house that creaks and groans) and then "clomp, bang, clomp, clatter, stomp, stomp"..yes...all but 3 out of the 8 girls are up and wanting tea!!!!

So.....tea we had.

And they finished scrapbooking their little pink albums (they all made them for their parents for Valentines Day- they were all so precious to look through and they all wanted to show me each and every page...so proud of their accomplishments), then I made whole wheat banana apple cinnamon waffles (yum!) and then we feasted on these yummy treats for mid-morning snack. I ended up dipping the strawberries in leftover chocolate (mixed with peanut butter) that I had leftover from these homemade Reese's Peanut Butter cups (that I cut out into little heart shapes) topping. They are so yummy!!!

..and I just had to make my fluffy pillowy sugar cookies dipped in almond flavored pink chocolate and of course....some milk chocolate.

tomorrow I am embarking on getting some more work accomplished on some projects I am working on for my little business...I am hoping to post sneak peeks so check back soon!!!!

until then.....love

....Bind-It-All"....

....ok....I love this machine.......my daughters' and I cranked out a whole bunch of little mini albums for our Valentines Craft sleepover we are having tonight. I embossed the covers with Cuttlebug mini heart folder. I used the Top Note die from Stampin Up to make the mini albums. So simple and so easy.

........off to make some homemade chocolates dipped in (yep, you guessed it) pink chocolate as well as mini heart cookies with pink icing! I will try and remember to take some pics and post them tomorrow........

until then......

love

....Valentine eye candy........

...I know....I have a lot of Valentines to make......I love Valentine's Day (can you tell!!)....here's a little peekie of a little album I am making my hubby for Valentine's Day. Will post it all when I finally finished.....

ok...must get on with the day - my tummy is growling...this gal needs some food!

until next time....

love

.....some color inspiration ....

....the kids new water bottles....one of my best purchases for them....and don't you just love the colors........for more info.....www.g2bottles.com

.....a little bit of this....and a little bit of that......

Good Morning! Just a quick post to let you all know I am working on lots of art projects and I have exciting news about a new little business I am venturing on.....but thats for a later post with some new scrap art...but here are a couple of pics of some quick things I did recently.....a Valentine card for Mom and Dad and a little mini album I made for my adorable new little nephew Max....

.....and I am also getting ready for a Valentine's Sleepover for tomorrow night that my oldest is hosting. 7 girls are coming for a night of scrapbooking, beading, and a little bit of sleep. Today I will dip strawberries in pink chocolate, make mini heart cookies with pink icing, get the mini albums made with my pink Zutter (love love and love that machine!!!!), go for my run (yes, my oldest and I are training for the 10 KM run with our school in end of April), fold laundry, get some groceries, finish another scrap project etc. etc.

...so as you can see..just a little bit of this and a little bit of that.....but it is all so good....

It's going to be a good day...."for this is the day the Lord has made....".

until.....love

....gotta love this fave of mine.....

ok...black and pink AND it has bling...this baby is so beautiful. I found this hand-carved wooden butterfly buckle at a little kiosk in Guildford Mall in Vancouver a couple of weeks ago.... I just love it...and look at the bling.......

ok...I will stop posting faves for a while.....but there are so many things I just love at the moment.....especially my dear hubby.....I hope you know how much I love you (ok..the tickets to Bryan Adams that we are going to in 2 weeks sure didn't hurt.....) (we saw Bryan Adams on our first date almost 14 years ago) but we really are just such a unit right now and I want us to be like this forever......

And to my precious 3 children....I only want you to know that you are so loved each and every moment of each and every one of my days.

until next time.....

love

favorites favorites...and more

Journalling....I write in one daily and use loads of paper - I love these 100% recycled Journaling notebooks from Greenroom Eco..they are lovely to write in....serene and calm and simple - and so easy to write in. I have several! I also love my "Joy" book from http://www.live-inspired.com/and can't wait for my other books to arrive. I love my daily inspirationals.....they often will just be the perfect start to my day.

more faves

love love my Karma Athletics workout yoga gear (I use them for pilates and running)....they are so comfortable and breathable..the lotus bra is a must. I love the back. You can find them at http://www.karmaathletics.com/index.html. I also love my "pink" Klean Kanteen..it literally goes everywhere with me.

...a few of my favorite things.....

just wanted to share a few of my favorite things at the moment that I just love....yes....pink of course......does that surprise you....

First, this tea towel that Myrna gave me...I have these up in my kitchen so I see them everyday...I just love the cupcakes and the colors - turquoise and apple green....2 of my fave colors at the moment.....I draw my little signature cupcake on everything and will always have it incorporated into my logo somewhere......I am making my girls adorable magnets from cupcakes at the moment and will share those when I have them completed.....thank you Myrna for thinking of me and for these adorable tea towels.

"Love is in the Air...."

Hi everyone - Happy New Year. I have been such a bad blogger....BUT......I am so excited because I have so much to share with you all...its a New Year....I am on a new Journey and I am so blessed......I can't wait to share it with you all......

....now I am going to leave you with this little picture....this is what life if really about.....LOVE.....if it weren't for His love, I would not be here and I would not have this precious little picture to share with you that my dear son drew me last week.....he said" its a picture of you and me Mummy...."

I am not going to make any promises but I am determine to try and post daily....you will see why tomorrow......

hereis another pic (front cover) of Mom's mini album I made her for Christmas....you can see all the pictures of all the pages (it is a very thick book) here: http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/pg.asp?cmd=display&layout_id=1424106

must run.....lots of fun to be had during this Holiday season!

Love Shauna

Happy Holidays Everyone!

I hope you all had a joyous Christmas with your loved ones. I finished my mom's little mini album I made her for Christmas last night (it was a little late) but she was thrilled. It started with just a simple album which got thicker and thicker....and thicker.... I just love the "Sonoma" collection from Scenic Route..used alot of that as well as MM and My Mind's Eye, some Jenni Bowlin, Maya Road chipboard of course. Love that!

I hope to create more soon....I had hoped to upload all of my projects I have created in the past few weeks but time got away and they are all sold or given away..but Valentine's Day is coming and I hope to make some more projects. I have the new Teresa Collins collection coming...you can view it here at http://www.teresacollinsdesigns.com/c-53-crush-collection.aspx - I can't wait for those transparencies to come. You can purchase them at my alltime favorite shopping place at http://www.amillionlittlethings.com/store06/products_new.php

Until next time,

Love S

I Believe in Santa Claus

"Believe" in the magic of Christmas....

HAPPY HOLIDAYS everyone! I am merriest of merries and in the jolly of jollies and the house is full of sparkle and unfortunately, alot of sparkle from the glitter from this sign I conjured up....augh....LOTS of glitter.....

.....anyways, I have had that song "I Believe in Santa Claus" from the Kenny and Dolly Christmas album going through my head ever since I started creating this sign......it was alot of work and fun doing this sign. Alot of little cutting and paper piecing and fiddly work. Why I ask myself do I do this.....but oh how I love it all...I used mostly products from the 2008 Heidi Grace Christmas collection which I purchased from Jill at http://www.amillionlittlethings.com/. It is so lovely... one of my definite favoriates of this years releases.

must run and get groceries.....until next time, keep believing......

Shauna

Christmas is....HOPE - hope for so many women.....
Hope for a cure - I made this card in support for Breast Cancer - and as we go into the Christmas Season, let us hope and pray for a cure for Breast Cancer and pray for those courageous women who are battling breast cancer and a prayer for those who who lost the fight to Breast Cancer....we think and pray for you all......
Shauna

Christmas Craft Fair

Saturday, December 6, 2008 from 10 am – 4 pm.

Sunday, December 7, 2008 from 12 pm – 4pm

Come and shop in our homey atmosphere while sampling some of the sweetest Holidays treats. Homemade cards, gifts, specialty baking and more.

Come and enjoy a cup of hot mulling cider while you shop off the tree. Holiday Christmas baking orders are welcome – please contact Mary at (250) 746-4914.

Seasons Greetings!

For more info and samples: www.sweetandshabby.blogspot.com

Or contact Mary at (250) 746-4914 or Shauna at (250) 715-0055 or ssnorton@shaw.ca

"It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas"

Well hello everyone! I have been so MIA - I have taken a hiatus from my blog for a few months and now I am back and ready to go once again. I had a wonderful Summer with my kidlets and took some time out for the past 6 months to work on things that needed to be worked on. I am happy to say that I am in the best shape of my life and finally host a 6 pack of abs that I have worked so hard on. I had a wonderful Summer with my children and am so grateful to my wonderful husband for his support in working so many long hours so I could be with our children on a regular full-time basis. My husband and I constantly remind ourselves daily "our children have only one childhood, lets make it memorable".

I love this time of the year! CHRISTMAS time. A time of blessings really...this is a time when my childrens' eyes are all filled with the magic of the Season and I love to look in their eyes and see the sparkle of magic in them...... we have an exciting hype of wonderful Christmas activities planned from now till the end of the year and I just wish I could stay awake longer to get it all done!!!

So, I am crafting, baking and scrapping up a storm and will try to upload my projects daily (I will try!!!) so bear with me as I get into the swing of things once again. I have so many projects in the works including signs, banners, cards and the like. Please check back daily and feel free to email me at any time!

Happy Holidays everyone!

....bad blogger......

it's been almost a month since I blogged......bad blogger! I have hardly been home....camping, camping and more camping..and I am off again with the kidlets to the lake on Sunday.....I have not touched any art of scrapbooking....but I sure love all the CHA Summer releases and can not wait to get started on Christmas.....I have something in the works for Christmas and will share towards the end of the Summer....until then...enjoy the sunshine and your Summer...

...sweet Summer.......bring on some Sunshine...

yes...Summer is officially here and the weather finally matches! Yay..it is so beautiful here today and is supposed to be for the next week...which is awesome as myself and our 3 children are off to CAMP VIP! So excited.......we can not wait to swim in the lake! See you in just over a week......

Happy Summer!!

....love notes - you've got mail.....

oh, I just LOVE this new company http://www.pinkpaislee.com/

and I can't wait to see what they have coming out at CHA Summer 2008. This mailbox was made for my childrens' Kindergarten teacher they had when they were in Kindergarten. Each of our 400 students in our school did up a little love note to the Kindergarten teacher that is retiring as of this month. The mailbox was presented to her this morning at an assembly and we all cried and cried and cried. She is the most amazing teacher and mentor. I am grateful that we live literally around the corner from her as we can see her often! My children love her! So Mme. J...we will miss you but we know we will see you around..... all the best to your happy retirement and playing in your garden.

love

...the {heart} of what really matters.....

....are my 3 children that my darling husband and I have....thank you Sean for being the most amazing husband, Father and friend.....and most of all.....you put up with me!!!!

I used mostly the new Noteworthy papers and embellishments from Making Memories......

tfl

Love

...Superheros really do exist.....

yes...we have loads of superheros in this house.....Batman, Buzz Lightyear, Superman, Spiderman, sometimes Mom but the real superhero in this house is.......... DAD....... so, here is the first of our few projects that we are making for Dad for Father's Day......

will post a few more soon!

....Things I Love....Right Now....

I have been a terrible blogger lately...over 2 weeks! Gasp choke wheeze! I have been MIA....but what a great couple of weeks it has been. The weather has been so lovely and nice...not too hot but nonetheless - sunny; I promised myself when it was nice outside that I would not stay indoors so hence I have been doing loads of outside activities and adventures with the kids and lots and lots of gardening....I started 15 packets of annuals and the 3 children planted their veggie garden....and now that the weather is nice again, I am back to getting out and getting some exercise....I do NOT do outside exercise in cold and Winter...so I have been doing loads of biking - in fact I clocked in over 50 km last week on my bike alone in 5 days. Hubby and I had the night to ourselves (thanks J and B for taking the kidlets) and after steak, eggs and waffles at 6 am, we went out for a big bike ride....it was fabulous marriage time....and to think that our hearts and the rest of our body is loving it too.....I have to say, I am a happier person with exercise and trust me, there are days when I have to force myself to do my walk or a little bike but then I feel so much better afterwards....especially mentally .... it is amazing how much more energy I have when I have more oxygen running through me. I have always been athletic and now that the children are getting older, we can do more active family activities with them.....I will teach them to kayak this Summer and I want to teach the kids how to rockclimb. I so miss rockclimbing......sigh...and we have 2 climbing gyms here in our area so yay! hopefully we will get to do that!

Anyways, I will save that for another post as I am working on something of a different venture but nonetheless, something for us busy families that I want to share.....just remember to take some time out for self-care for yourself and your family.

I have been doing a bit of my scrap art and I will share those towards the end of the week - some are for Father's Day of course....and I am so excited to share with you what I have made for my awesome hubby and Daddy.

On that note, the above picture I put together of things I am so in love with at the moment:

- the color TURQUOISE! (or aqua or seafoam...any of those shades....especially mixed with brown

- M and M's (I especially love the Peanut Butter ones.....and I love the way all the colors mix and the flavors of the plain, milk, peanut and the peanut butter mix well too!)

- decorating magazines....especially Home Campanion and Country Living....I am such a magazine freak...give me a magazine and I am one happy woman!

- my Martha Stewart punches....these are SO AMAZING! And I got 50% off them both on Labor Day sale at Michaels! Woo hoo! And look at the color of them!

- and last but not least.....green tea! I just love my green tea. I drink 5 - 6 cups of this every day...in my beautiful aqua mug! (gotta love that!)

ttys

love

Finally! Another project completed.....new Making Memories {Noteworthy} collection

I finished it! Finally....I had planned to have it finished and uploaded to my blog 2 days ago but things got crazy and I was not able to do any work....I am finding life extremely busy right now....but a good busy.... my 3 children keep me hopping let alone all my art orders, the yard that is half landscaped, a freezer that needs some casseroles and on and on! Oh well, somehow it will all get done, won't it....

I try and squeeze in time to work here and there but since I sold my online store, I promised myself and my family that I would keep it all in perspective....family first....so hence, this project is a little delayed but I needed some time with my family and I needed some time to just reflect on so many things. My twin sister Sharlene had to put their family dog down due to cancer and it was so sad. And pet lovers and owners would so understand. That saying "A dog is a man's best friend" is not a saying for nothing. And then my mother has been so ill and in hospital with kidney failure so Mom I am praying and sending you get-well vibes....Dad your a rock! for dragging her in again...what would she do without you!!!

So yes....a crazy few days. I am glad that my husband can put up with me and all of this!

So, here is my project I have been working on. I am not sure whether I will put it up for sale...I have left the "L O V E" banner on the bottom empty in case I do sell it and someone wants to add journaling or pictures on those....the pictures I have put on of my 3 childen and husband are just temporary there to show that this can either be displayed with or without pictures..... this is more of a shabby vintage look so it may not appeal to all.

maybe I should do up some kits of these (? - something for me to think about). I have kits coming out of my ying yang at the moment....I am waiting for a few more things to come in to put up the Birdhouse kits on Etsy..... and I have some interesting designs coming up for CHRISTMAS (I know...I know....a little early since Summer is not even here but one can never be too prepared right!)

Anyways, must run and get my children to school, some to the dentist, a much needed power walk etc. etc. Thank you so much for looking and for sharing all your wonderful thoughts and your lovely emails about my art....I am grateful to you all!

Love

Forever in our Hearts "Charlie Brown"

Dearest Sis, this is for you.....

(and for everyone else who he so deeply touched. Mr. Charlie Brown....we will miss you more than you will ever know. You will live forever in our hearts. )

Charlie (Chuck) Brown

March 1995 - May 13, 2008

Lymphoma Cancer

My Charlie Brown: He was almost human....really. He may have had fur and 4 paws but inside that wonderful and Einsteen brain, he knew all my thoughts......really...he honestly did.

Den and I got Charlie at around 3 months old -before marriage and starting our family. He carried our wedding rings around his collar up the isle at our wedding and he was one of the first to sniff our firstborn....he wasn't quite sure at first what to think of Emma, but before long, he was checking her bassinet to make sure she was ok. He did the same with Abby too. He loved the ole homestead - aka the farm....he loved to run in the wide open spaces especially when the horses were out running. He loved waiting at the gopher holes....the anticipation was almost too much for him but he waited!....(and waited and waited). Oh Charlie - you always got the front seat in the truck too....the back cramped you up and your legs would s-l-o-w-l-y slide to the side so you were lopsided leaning on the girls....so therefore "C'mon Charlie" and hence the front seat! And I know Aunty didn't think it was a "bad" thing that you sat on her Queen Anne Victorian antique couch snotting up the windows with your dog breath and bending the venetians with your nose while looking out and waiting for "mom" to drive in - that was your spot after all! I won't ever put the laundry baskets on that couch again. For all those times that I couldn't even pee without your little head and nose peeking just enough around the corner to catch a glimpse of me - I will forever now miss your shadow and quite banter behind me and the flap of your ears.....I know you really enjoyed all the girls' Easter chocolate - some of which you unwrapped and well, some of which you did not! - you ate them all and then threw up on our clean carpets (I am so glad the stain is still there) (....I made Den clean the wrappers up).....I will forever miss your little stare and the tip of your tail wagging ever so gently.....I will miss each and every moment that I will remember and I will remember each and every moment with you and I will cherish them all....

and I will forever smile.........for you were more than a canine...you were the most understanding, perfect and completely loyal friend to me.

I miss you already and as always, love you.

With love always, Your mom, Shar

(written by her twin sister Shauna who knows sis better than anyone.....sis, I feel so rotten that he had to go - I can't imagine how hard that decision was but I am so glad that Charlie is not in any pain any more....sis, I know God has a place for all ...even dogs (remember..."All Dogs go to Heaven"). My thoughts are so with you and all the Browns and I know I miss Mr. Charlie (Chuck) Brown already too).

So in "LOVE" with this collectionn - sneak peek

I am sure most of you know or have figured out that I am in love with all the new Making Memories products but the new Noteworthy is beyond beautiful....oh my...the color scheme and the serenity of it....I really think it is meant for us ladies - truly..... so I have stuck to the theme of "LOVE" and here is a sneak peek at what I am almost finished! I am "hoping" (I say that lightly but I think I should be able to make it) to get the finished project uploaded to my blog later today so check back a little later if you wish to see what I have created.....

see you a little later today......

Love

"G" is for "Green Giraffe in the Growing Garden of Green Grass"

Yes...today is sponsored by the letter "G"...more of my Animal Crackers collection from MM alphabet cards. Too much fun. Maybe a bit too much green but it is a lovely color...isn't it. And besides .... is Spring!

tfl

Love

H is for Hippo

I have started on some of the alphabet cards - here is "H" - I love that song by Anne Murray "There's a Hippo in my Bathtub" which I incorporated into this. I used those adorable must have teeny tiny alphabet stickers from Making Memories which I purchased at www.thepapercrate.ca. I have more alphabet cards coming - am working on "G" for giraffe at the moment as well as trying to get my birdhouse kits finished to list on Etsy - for those of you interested in kits, I have not forgotten and I am working on them and will list them when I get them finished. Please accept my sincerest apologies - I am working on them as fast as I can along with all my other orders to fill.

Must run off to a meeting for Sunday school....toodles for now...

Love

Animal Crackers in my Soup!!

I am getting this project finished (or should I say started - I keep adding to my list of things to make for this collection daily!) - this collection from Making Memories is so much fun! Its called "Animal Crackers" - goes so perfectly with that song made so famous by Shirley Temple "Animal Crackers in my soup...lions and tingers loop by loop...." so I wrote the lyrics to the song around the oval part of the bowl of soup. There is a pocket made of felt at the back so that I can put goodies inside the pocket...some of them will be interactive alphabet, shapes and color flashcards. This has a handle to either hang or carry around. I am also making to match this , an altered canopy (to go over a crib), a nightlight, a banner and a door sign (shh...baby sleeping) and whatever else I can dream up!

thanks so much for looking.

Happy National Scrapbook Day to all my fellow crafters. Love

THANK YOU Maya Road....

....huge thank you to Lisa (http://www.lisapace.com/) and Maya Road for this opportunity - I love their amazing "Birds of a Feather" chipboard that I used on my Birdhouse project. You can check it out here:

http://mayaroad.typepad.com/dt/

Thanks Deb and Caroline for creating such amazing products - blessings!

More Spring Garden Party Tea pictures

More pictures of the set. TFL

http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/pg.asp?set=recent&gallery=1&cmd=display&layout_id=1337033

"Tea for Two - Anyone" Making Memories Garden Party Collection

Well, I finally finished my Garden Party play set (almost all the products used in this project are from Making Memories Garden Party collection) (which I purchased mostly from http://www.lilscrappers.ca/, http://www.lisasscrapshack.com/ and http://www.amillionlittlethings.com/) that I have been working on for a few weeks. Wozers..what alot of work - totally and so much fun. I was going to put this play set up for sale on Etsy but my girls are having so much fun playing with it that I have decided to keep it. They can dress up their little animals and dolls with the party hats (yes, I made them from the Making Memories Spiral Journaling Notebook papers) and imagine play. No die-cut machine was used (except I used a stamp from Stampin Up for the frog and lilypad)...I love to make my own templates (I know some of you think I am crazy!!)! thanks for looking.

I am creating more - and will upload over the next few days of what I am working on (I have way too many things on the go!!!)

Love

...more MM Noteworthy collection

a few more pics of the

projects I made using the Making Memories "Noteworthy" collection....

http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/pg.asp?set=recent&gallery=1&cmd=display&layout_id=1334490

http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/pg.asp?cmd=display&layout_id=1323976

Thank You to Making Memories

...big, enormous "Thank You" to Jenny and Making Memories...here is their link:

http://www.makingmemories.typepad.com/

I designed and created this birdhouse out of the Making Memories "Noteworthy" collection.....if you are interested in a kit, please email me at ssnorton@shaw.ca.

Making Memories "Animal Crackers" collection

I love love and love this collection....am so excited to soon be sharing what I am designing with this.....too fun. I have several items in the works, some home decor and some interactive for your child to play with.....all coordinating. Will be for sale on Etsy in the next week. Stay tuned.

"Bunny Crossing" - more Garden Party collection from Making Memories

Just another little sneak peek at a little sign I have made for my Garden Party project - from the Wordfetti stickers, it says "Bunny Crossing" so of course I had to make a sign.....tfl

Making Memories "Garden Party" collection....

Making Memories has amazing products and I am having so much fun working on so many things at the moment....I am just about finished my project with the gorgeous Making Memories "Garden Party" collection...here is my lastest sneak peek - I should be finished what I am making from this on the weekend...the item will be going up on my Etsy store for sale. Its the perfect gift to give your little girl...it is an interative play gift that they can create and make-believe play.

....thankfulness....

...I am thankful for my life....
...I am thankful for my husband....
...I am thankful for my 3 healthy children....
....I am so blessed.....

This is what has been keeping me so busy (apart from my usual everyday )...I'm such a bad blogger already ...and I haven't even had my blog for a month! So much has been going on over the past 2 weeks ....and hardly none of it my art. Oh well, tis the season...


Its Spring here on the Island and I am dabbling in some form of art but just not my paper art....we are landscaping our yard so this is what I have been cutting up over the past week with a tree planting shovel (my poor hands - I have no clue how I will ever be able to hold a pair of scissors again as my hands are all cramped up from holding a shovel)....we are adding curves beds to the back and side yards to match the front.....I am having so much fun and discovering muscles that I never new I had. Now I know how dh stays in such good physical health.

I received the new Making Memories Animal Crackers collection in and I am so excited about playing with that. I will have some new projects uploaded by April 24 to show you with all the new Making Memories goodies.

TTFN

...more progress....Spring is finally here.....

I LOVE this collection from Making Memories (oh that pink!)...MM have so outdone themselves in their releases over the past year - and the papers in the Garden Party collection are no exception...they are such nice weight to work with..and they are double-sided...anyways, I am hoping to finish this project in the next few days and then I am excited to be starting another project....woo hoo - can't wait for that one...I am doing some completely different "things" again!

Here are a few peeks at my slow progress......

Here is hoping you have a wonderful week full of blessings - I know I am so blessed. It is a beautiful day here on the Island, the Sun is up, the birds are chirping and once again, I marvel at God's amazing work. On that note, I must run to get ready for a busy day.

Until next time.....love

...slowly...but surely...

just a glimpse of my next project....I am waiting for a few more supplies to get this one completed...which will be arriving today (thanks Bev!). I am excited about this project - it is a big project (for my standards) and I am trying to incorporate all sorts of new little details.....wish me luck!

The "Princess Parking Only, All Other will be Toad" sign (see previous posts) has been sold to a local gal - for those wondering....yes, I will be making more to sell.

Must run and get a few things done before my 3 little angels wake up....until next time, love

...sigh.....I love it all....

it is all so beautiful.....I love all the baby/nursery collections released this early Winter and the new BG is no exception. Also love love and love these new baby stamps from Fancy Pants....they are the perfect size. Brain overload!

Custom Art Signs are up for Sale on Etsy

I have finally listing some of my art items for sale on Etsy. Hopefully I will have some new items to list again tomorrow as I am finishing and starting more projects today! yay - a creating day! I hope I can get lots done! Here is the link:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5134535

Can I say "YUM"!

Woo hoo! I just love it when the mailman comes with a box! I splurged and ordered some new goodies......can't wait to play with them all!

have your cupcake and icing too!.....more pictures of cupcake sign

just a few more pics of the "cupcake".

..So so so so sweet....

Have your cupcake and eat it too! Cupcakes seem to be another trend so I decided to create another sign to sell. This sign was so much fun to make. The cake plate is covered in Making Memories Noteworthy paper (turquoise dot) and other misc. embellishments from Making Memories (the flag coming out of the cupcake and the sign in the middle of the cake plate are from the Noteworthy glitter diecuts) and the "candies" in the candy bowl on the cake plate are Making Memories pebble brads. The ribbon to hang the sign is Making Memories sheer dot ribbon from their Vintage Hip "Paisley" collection. I used watercolors to paint the cherry and the strawberries. The "icing" and "whipped cream" on the strawberry is dimensional glitter paint. The legs for the cake stand are Jenni Bowlin flourishes that I painted and inked. The cupcake "liner" is vintage song paper I fanned and ink and sewed. Cupcake sentiments are written in various places all around the sign ("seize the cupcake", "so sweet" etc.). This would look so cute in a little girl's room.

TFL. I will put all my signs on Etsy when I am ready. I have several more in the works! Stay tuned!

More pics - Shabby Princess Fairy Crown

a few more pics of the crown I made...

A crown fit for a Princess! Happy Birthday Ci-ci!

My middle daughter is 7 today! Happy Birthday sweetheart! You are such a blessing to all of our lives. We love you so much,

Here is a crown I made her - the picture of the fairy in the middle of the crown is the birthday girl, smelling some pretty flowers.

Love Mom, Dad, your sister Chloe and brother Christian.

....more mailbox pictures

more pictures of Maddie's mailbox....I am doing up another one like this at the moment to sell on my Etsy store....tfl

You've Got Mail

You've Got Mail! These cute little mailboxes have been keeping me busy over the past couple of months with custom orders for couples and parents wanting to communicate and keep in touch with their spouses, their children and friends. They are a perfect way to keep the communication lines open in your household, especially with this day and age when everyone in the family is SO busy - sometimes its hard to get the time to sit and visit, so leaving a little note in these little mailboxes is a fun, inspiring and creative way to communicate! I have more coming in and will do up some and post the the mailboxes on my Etsy store for purchase as soon I can.
And for those inquiring, Yes, I will be doing up another toadstool, toad and butterfly mailbox similar to the one posted here...that one was custom-made for Maddie (I hope you are enjoying it Maddie and sending lots of love notes) which I used alot of watercolors on as well. My niece Emma received a mailbox also and she is writing her little heart out!

Don't forget to send your loved one(s) a note today!

Princess Parking Only...All Others Will Be TOAD

this sign was so fun to create.....custom-designed and painted with watercolors...my daughters keep eyeing it up for their rooms. I even added pink tulle coming out of the bodice on the little black dress..the toad is a stamp from Stampin Up which I painted with watercolors. I am in love with frogs and toads at the moment...they are really very cute IRL (or so I think....)

This sign is for sale....I will get it up on my Etsy store as soon as I have a moment....

How Great Thou Art.......

After a long year of pondering, wondering, researching, rethinking and rethinking again, I have decided to embark on the journey of "Blog". So many have asked to where to view and purchase my creations and so this blog I am hoping, will do that...as I create, I will post. I have a brainful of creations and several in the practical stage...all in pieces waiting to be glued upstairs in my studio. I will try and upload daily so check back often to see what new "sweet things" I have created.

This adorable hanging Birdhouse sign "Home Tweet Home" I just created within the past 2 weeks. It was alot of work...custom-designed and paper-pieced together, it was so much fun to create. I just love these papers I used on it, they are from the Making Memories "Noteworthy" collection released last Fall. They are gorgeous and they look so nice in my living room! This sign is for sale....I will provide my Etsy store link as soon as I get a moment to figure out how to add a link to my blog!

Thanks so much for all your support and for sharing this experience with me. Love to you all,