Catching On!

I think I am really starting to get this! Doesn't Livi look so sweet? These digi goodies are from Jen Wilson's Pink Lemonade Collection. Love it! As you can see, I am becoming more adventurous. Totally trial by fire, ya know? I am just trying things out and deleting when it doesn't work. There are so many tools that I have no idea how to use. Of course, the Photoshop manual is not at all helpful - anyone know of a fabulous site that might teach me what I need to know??

Hey, hey - don't forget that I can make your pictures look this amazing too! If you are looking to put your pictures into an album but don't have the time or energy let me know. There are all sorts of album options and lots of ways that you can send me your pictures. Let me know and comment below . . .

Digital Baby!

My first official digital layout! I had tried to dabble before but never really saved anything I worked on. The only trouble I am having is with the text. Choosing a font that will be legible and setting the spacing at a good level. There is so much I still have to learn about Photoshop!! Is it just me or does the picture look funny?

I have started to take some orders for albums. Yea, me! Some of my co-workers have heard that I have started a scrapbooking business, and they are getting their pics ready to be SweetBrier scrapped! I am so excited to make albums for other people, I really am. I also have plans to participate in a craft show over Labor Day weekend. So, my summer will be loaded with album and mat making.

Currently, I am trying to find time to scrap my children's photos. Life has been soooo crazy lately. I guess I need to turn down the chance to watch EXCALIBUR at 10pm and get busy scrapping instead!?

Equus Run Vineyard

On Saturday we went to the Open House for the Equus Run & Actors Guild Shakespeare venture. It was the first really warm day we've had in a looonnng time and it was beautiful. We packed a picnic and set out into the lovely Kentucky horse country. Once we arrived, we roamed around a bit and Aidan discovered a huge tractor! He was obsessed in seconds. The owner of the vineyard was so nice and let Aidan check out the tractor, even though she was trying to mow. Olivia had the best time twirling amongst the vines and blowing the soft dandelion petals into the breeze. Rick and I enjoyed free wine and yummy treats. It was a nice afternoon and I can't wait to see the amazing Shakespeare that will take place there later this summer!

We Did It!

Well, we opened our preview performance last night and I think the audience really had a good time. It feels so good to know that you've done your job and done it well! I was feeling really nervous about showing to an audience, it was so daunting. I had sort of worked myself up over some notes I got from the director and I was really a mess about it! I was trying to focus and just do the work, but that little voice inside your head that makes you doubt yourself - well, it was screaming at me all day. But, I conquered it and had a great show. I hoped for a kind audience, one that would come and take that journey with us, and they were and they did. So, tonight we have another preview and then tomorow, we open!

On a scrapbooking note, I have not had any time to check in on my products at the show I am participating in. Don't have the foggiest if any of my photo mats have sold or any orders have been placed for my albums!? Hopefully, it is going well. I hope to make some more mini albums and lunch paper bag albums soon - and of course, I will post them here for you to see!

My Fab Bag!

I am slowly working on getting my business off the ground. Today, my mission was to find a fun, feminine business card case for the cards I have ordered. I had no idea it would be so hard to find the perfect card case! I went lots of places and my search ended at Joseph Beth Booksellers. I just happened to have a gift card from my wonderful senior students so I was anxious to spend, spend, spend!! They had the card case I had dreamt of AND a fabulous bag that I could not live without!! I can't wait to use it for soooo many different things, namely to tote my scrapbooking things where-ever I may go. I am going to be selling my wares this week (so excited!) and the bag will be the perfect way to drag all of my stuff to the show site. Yea, me!!

Knee Deep in Rehearsal!

Whew! One week to opening night of "Anton in Show Business" and I am feeling great about the show. The rehearsal process has been so challenging, liberating, and a truly educational experience. I am finally starting to feel the growth of my character and it feels gooood! It has been almost three years since I have been on stage, I am so glad to be back to it. There is something about being on stage in front of people waiting to hear a story, a story that you are going to help tell. This particular play really speaks to the actor audience relationship, especially in today's theatres. I really hope that the audiences that come see "Anton" will get it! I want to be "so vivid, and present, and heartfelt" that they will leave the theatre with a new love for the work that takes place there. Come see the show . . .

New Project!

I finally found some time to post my latest creations! I love these photo mats so much. Both of them were fun to create. They look so great filled with your most prized photo and they really pop inside the perfect frame. Let me know if you would like to order one of these themes (Family 5x7 photo, Baby 3 1/2 x 5 photo) here or, perhaps you have another theme in mind? Think of your favorite photo and what story it is telling. Let me know and I will create a mat that suits you!

All digital elements are from Jen Wilson Designs and a Creating Keepsakes Freebie. Inspiration from Olive Juice & Co.

Hippity Hoppity

Eggs are dyed, carrots are left out, and baskets are waiting for the bunny to arrive. We really enjoy Easter around here. It is fun to sit together and create the eggs that no one but Mommy will eat for the next week. It is thrilling to pick out new Easter outfits and the anticipation of the Easter Egg Hunt is almost unbearable! As we do every year, we have watched the Charlie Brown Easter program AND Peter Cottontail, tomorrow we will attend church, after seeing if the Easter Bunny made it to our house, then we will come home and participate in the annual egg hunt. This year, however, a few things will be different. Number one, the weather is super cold (it snowed yesterday!), so no outdoor egg hunt and coats will be worn over sleeveless Easter outfits. Number two, we will take naps after church in preparation for number three which is, Easter Brunch! We are going to the Lafayette Club for brunch, a petting zoo and the Easter Bunny. I can't wait to see what Aidan thinks of the Easter Bunny. I will definitely have camera in hand!! Should be a good time, and I can't wait!

Your Questions Answered . . .

After a few questions about my lunch paper bag scrapbooks, I decided that I really should post the prices so that those of you that can't live without an album can scoop one up! So, you are probably asking even more questions now! Like, "How do I let you know that I am interested?" Or, "How do you get my pictures?" Or maybe "Will my book have it's own theme and color scheme?" Well, just drop me a comment to let me know that you are interested and THEN, you and I will make arrangements for obtaining the pictures (could be via email, a disc that you send to me or hold-in-your-hand photos that you can send to me via snail mail). It's really easy. I can't wait to personalize an album just for you or someone you love!

Digital elements by Jen Wilson designs.

ReInventing

So, I had this wreath from a few Easters ago and it needed some serious help. It kept falling off the door and finally cracked into two pieces. This year, I knew I wanted to reinvent the wreath somehow AND I finally found the time to do it - six days before Easter! I think it turned out pretty well. The little nests I made out of the left over material from the original egg wreath. Did that make sense?? The little eggs you see are BRACHS Robin Eggs, full of chocolate yummyness! I think I will put them in the kids Easter baskets.

Began working on my new project, Decorated Photo Mats, and should have some pics for you by the end of the week.

Toddler Fun . . .

is eating chips and salsa and dumping most of it in your lap, sneaking a drink of mom's margarita (oops!), and playing as hard as possible at KidsPlace. Woo, hoo what a night!! Aidan is living his two year old life to the fullest. No holds barred in the fast lane. We went with some friends to have mexican food and our boy was so happy because - Aidan LOVES salsa! He eats it like it is going out of style and it never bothers his little tummy. I thought the sip of margarita might play with his mind, but he seemed to do okay with it. Aidan is such an opportunist, he saw the chance to drink some of what mommy was having, and he went for it! When we went to KidsPlace he just loved the ropes. He climbed up and down and up and down. He also really liked the little tiny slide, it was so cute because it was so small. Lots of fun!

Drum Roll Please!

Well, here are just two of my Lunch Paper Bag scrapbooks. I have been getting such a buzz on them, that I thought you all should share in the happy that is my books! I love to make these books; finding just the right papers, using my own two hands to create, sharing them with others and making someone happy to have their memories kept in such a fun way. If you are interested in my work for yourself, simply drop me a comment and I will give you the details! What do you think of my creations??