This Year I'm Ready!

A few years ago I heard about Stacy Julian's Library of Memories concept. I loved it instantly. Before I had kids, I was the kind of person who had all of my photos organized and in albums. I wanted to get back to that place (and better), so I signed up. Oooops! I only made it through the first 2 lessons.
Not this time! Alumni registration for LOM 2010 started today, and I am totally IN! My lesson binder is altered (see it above), my pre-workshop handouts are printed, my clipboard is ready and my AC albums are on order! The unit on the right in this picture houses my storage system, labeled and ready! I can't wait!

I jumped the gun when I originally signed up for this workshop, since when the girls were tiny I just didn't have the time to devote to setting the system up. This time I'm going all the way. If you are also taking this class, as a newbie or an alumni, touch base and we can work on our systems together.

Scrapstrong! :-}

Make Yourself at Home!

Our girls seem to like my new scrapbook room as much as I do. Yesterday as I was making lunch they decided that VersaColor ink cubes were a quick and easy alternative to nail polish! Alicia put on Orchid and Vanessa tried Grape. Fortunately it washed off easily. Good thing I didn't leave any StazOn on my desk! ;-}

Gorgeous lines from Scrapalicious

OK, I totally love Basic Grey! Who doesn't? I don't think I know a scrapbooker who doesn't have a passion for one (if not all) of their lines. I'm lucky to have had so many opportunities to create with their products, for example the recent wedding album using Wisteria. I finally scrapped my wedding!
I love the wedding album that I created for Scrapalicious, and in the years I've been designing for the store, I cherish my BG projects as favourites; this Stella Ruby clock, a family photo frame using Marrakech and Ambrosia, a few Marrakech layouts, and this Two Scoops wedding mini.
This time my kit contains pieces of a few lines, starting with the beautiful Origins (top photo); so pretty for both heritage and modern pages. Gorgeous fall colours of Indian Summer are perfect for autumn photos, and Eskimo Kisses will keep the Christmas Spirit alive all year. How lucky can I get?

Keep checking back, as these creations will be coming some time soon!

Project 365

I've wanted to do Project 365 for years now, and it feels great to finally be doing it. I find the little snippets of everyday life to be such an important part of documenting our family's memories. I won't be posting all of the photos here. I know that I'll get too far behind in uploading and editing my photos to do that!
I will post some of my favourites, though, like the one (above) of the girls' first snowman for the year. We had such fun building this little guy! I also love the DCWV sheer vinyl decals I added to the door of my scrapbook room. See me and my camera reflected in the glass in the lower left corner of the photo?

I'll be back soon with a peek at my newest DT kit from Scrapalicious. See you soon!

Scrapping Nook's Opening Day

I had a ton of fun at the opening of the new Scrapping Nook last Saturday. Scrapping Nook Ltd., now located in Welland, is now Janice's baby, and how truly fitting. Once Patti and Elia decided to sell the store they created with so much heart, it's only fitting that it go to someone who has been a huge part of the Nook right from the start.

Congratulations, Janice!

Jen and I drove down together and it was so worth the trip. To be honest, it was a bit of an emotional day. The Scrapping Nook in Fonthill was just one of those places that lives in your heart forever. I went to my first crop ever at that location, and when I arrived I didn't know anyone in person at all. We had only met online, I was a beginning scrapbooker, and I was totally nervous!

That was in 2005, and these ladies were so wonderful and welcoming, and have been a part of my scrapbooking life ever since. I can't say enough about how much Patti and Elia have connected a wonderful group of women through their hard work, beautiful personalities and generosity of spirit. The fall of 2009 was a difficult time for the store, first with an electrical fire, followed by the sudden, sad loss of Patti's Mom, Barb, taking its toll. So many of us were worried that we had seen the end of our beloved Nook.

But now, Janice has picked up the torch and is running with it. I'm so glad to see Scrapping Nook Ltd. continue into the future, and look forward to many more fun events and meaningful connections there.

In the photo above, clockwise, are Patti, Lori, Vicki, Janice, me, Deanna and Elia. Jen was behind the camera, and there were so many others, both present and there in spirit, that made the day great! See you again soon, gals!

See some of my posts about the Nook over the years here.

The Olympic Torch

Just before the new year we were fortunate to be able to see the Olympic Torch as it ran through our town. Santa left the kids each a pair of red Olympic Mittens, which helped to build the excitement as the morning approached. It was a bright, clear day with just a sprinkling of snow falling as we waited.
We chose to wait at the corner where the torch relay would be turning to go into the local arena, and it turned out to be a great vantage point. We were quite close to the torch as the caravan went by us. The crowd was cheering and waving Canadian flags, and it was very exciting. Olympic fever was all around us!
We followed the torchbearers into the parking lot where the crowd gathered around to take photos with the torch. While we waited a kind member of the crowd offered to take a photo of the whole family, which we happily took advantage of! We don't get many photos of the five of us together. Look closely; you see the kids' red mittens.
The torch was extinguished before they allowed the public to take photos with it. We each were able to touch and take a photo with the torch. It was then perfect timing to head home and enjoy some hot chocolate beside the fire. Now I can't wait for the Opening Ceremonies! Go, Team Canada, go!

Welcoming 2010

A new year has begun, with all of its resolutions, goals and unknowns. Looking back upon 2009 for our family, what a surprising year we had. Wow! We're starting 2010 in a new home, and our view of the year ahead looks great! Speaking of sweet views, this what I see from the desk in my new scrapbook studio! :-}
I've displayed some of my favourite layouts on the wall above a cabinet, using an idea a borrowed from the awesome Layle Koncar. Her blog rocks!
In fact, if you are still creating your December Daily album, you have to check out how stunning Layle's album is. As for me, I've taken the daily photos again (like last year), but no album yet! But, I've found that I love the photo a day process so much that this year I'm going to do Project 365 this year.
I'm always inspired when I visit Lee's blog. Her gorgeous photos are part of my inspiration for joining 365 this year. Lee also does One Little Word, which I'm looking forward to this year. Read Lee's OLW post here. My OLW post will be coming soon (can you guess my word?) but won't be as eloquent as Lee's!

I'm not quite ready for a wide-angle shot of my entire scrapbook room, but above are some happy little peeks at it. Others I know have spoken about how it feels to sit in an organized scraproom, and I have to admit, the feeling is exquisite! I'm really looking forward to creating in a beautiful space which makes me totally happy!

Speaking of organized space, in order to find homes for all of my supplies, I went through (almost) everything scrappy that I own, and have quite a bit that I would like to pass along to someone who can use them. So you do know what that means? Yes, I have some RAKs coming up - including a few stamp sets, lots of embellishments and even an album or two. Stay tuned.

Wishing you joy, love, prosperity and peace in 2010. Scrappy New Year!