I'm a proud mama!

For all of her life, Chelsey has bad a goal to go to BYU.  As the years passed, we kept hearing how it was getting harder and harder to be accepted.  Chelsey didn't let that discourage her.  She dug in her heels and worked very hard to get great grades and be the best she could be in all areas of her life.  Last fall, she sent in her application and waited on pins and needles for months to hear the results.  The was no Plan B if she didn't make it.  Last Wednesday, BYU announced that results were being sent out throughout the evening.  She was glued to her computer and the refresh button all evening.  I tried, but thought I would die of a heart attack waiting, so I distracted myself with American Idol.  Just as we were about to call it quits for the night, I heard a stampede running thorough my house and down the stairs to the family room.  I knew as soon as I saw her beaming smile that our wait was over and all of her dedication had payed off.  I'm so proud of you, Chelsey.  To honor this moment, I would like to share a few layouts of her senior pics that I created: (now...to figure out how we are paying for this...hmmmm)

 

 

 

 

BTW, if your wondering what papers I used for the last 2 layouts, it might surprise you that they are Hippity Hop (can't remember original colors...I think this is a Studio J exclusive...my memory fails me) and Bella (normally Creme Brulee, Hollyhock, Olive, and Smokey Plum).  I did these layouts on Studio J and was able to make the papers any color I wanted.  Cool, huh?

Celebration Time!

I'm celebrating 16 years with Close To My Heart.  I just wanted to take a minute and express my sincerest gratitude this amazing company.  I have been incredibly blessed over the years with friends, trips,  adventures, recognition, success, financial freedom and so much more.  I thank God every day for Close To My Heart!!!!

My personal projects using Wings!

Click here to see my WOTG projects using Wings (PLUS a special third layout and video tutorial!)

My Creative Space

With a new home, comes a new creative space.  It's always a challenge to figure out what goes where and what can go in storage.  I have too much stuff than should be legal.  But after having come from apartments for the past year, I am ecstatic to finally have my own space once again.  I have a few requirements for my space.

1. I need to have my own personal space that can be left untouched so I can leave my projects "in progress". 
2. I need an area where I can set up extra tables for friends to come play with me and take classes from me.  
3. I need this space to be flexible so I can grow and adjust as my needs grow and adjust.  I can't imagine having permanent counters and cabinets. 

So for the past week, that's what I've been doing.  In this house, my area consists of the formal dining and living areas.

Here is the BEFORE: (This is only a fraction of my stuff.  The rest of it got dumped in the garage to be dealt with later. I'm exhausted just thinking about it. When I moved into my apartment, I really had to evaluate what things I absolutely couldn't live without.  That's what you see here.  I have a list of "find immediately" of other things that I've decided need to come in and join me.)

Here is the AFTER: My personal space is in the formal dining area.  It's still too small for everything I want to fit in there, but it's a start. I'm just going to have to be creative as I find new homes for my long lost friends.

  I particularly love the shelves that were built in.  I'm not sure what the previous owners put on those shelves, but they are perfect for my stamps, papers and accessories.

Here is the area I have set up for my classes.  I can fit 8 people comfortably.  When I'm not having classes, the tables can come down and it's a formal living room.  I have a love seat that needs to go somewhere but I'm having second thoughts about that.  If I put it in here, I won't have room for all the tables.  It may have to stay in the basement.  The couch and piano may be enough. Who uses a formal living room these days anyways?

You are probably asking "where is the computer?"  I agree that a computer is essential to scrapbooking.  I have two of them. My main computer is in the basement.  I have another one that I plan on putting in the kitchen or laundry room.  Both rooms have built in desks for a computer and both areas are very close to my space.  I'm leaning towards putting it in the kitchen.  Maybe that's what I will do this weekend.

I will continue to post pics and updates as my space changes. It often takes a good 6 months to finalize everything.  I like to live and work in the space, making adjustments as needed before I finally settle on an arrangement that works perfectly for me.   In the meantime, I am excited to start being creative once again.

Kraft Color-Ready Borders

Versatile Rosette Ribbon

Simply Scallops

Check me out. I'm a blogger.

Here I am. I'm officially a blogger!  I'm so excited to start sharing my creations and my world with ya'll.  I will be using this blog mostly for creative purposes, but on occasion I may give you a snip-it of my life.  I'm not a writer.  In fact, I hate writing.  So while my posts may not be deep and thought provoking, they will be from my heart.

In a nutshell...I'm a newly wed!  It's been a month and 5 days since I married my high school sweetheart, Greg.  Isn't he a cutie pie?  I think so.  Together, we have 7 kids.  Only my 3 girls live with us.  Every other weekend, Greg's adorable daughter blesses us with her sunshine. And every other holiday (when the stars align), my Jacob gets to visit.  Greg's two other boys come in and out as they please. 

A few weeks ago, we found a house and have been trying to move in.  Unfortunately, this process has been be labored with illness. So my creating is on hold until I can set up my creative station.  I'm so excited!  I've been living in cramped apartments this past year and space has been limited.  Now, I finally get to spread out.  I'll post pics when I have it set up.  I really should stop stalling and resume unpacking.  

Anyways, I hope ya'll enjoy my world.  It's crazy but beautiful.  TTYL!

Spray Pen Unplugged

This month, I'll be featuring the spray pen at my workshops. Would you like to try it for yourself? Check out my calendar for dates and details. PLUS, if your on facebook, become a fan of Close To My Heart.  For the next several days, they are showcasing artwork using the spray pen.