Creative Living

NEW BLog - MW Blog hop

2011-10-06T08:49:00.002-05:00

If you are here for the MW blog hop - please go to my NEW blog

www.laceybugcreations.com/blog

That is where you can now find me!

Thanks!

Celebration Cards

2011-08-26T08:30:00.000-05:00

I recently created some cards for a MemoryWorks assignment using the new Simple Stories - Happy Days papers! I came up with 5 "Celebration" cards! Here are the results!

Supplies: Simple Stories: Happy Days - Designer Cardstock, Designer Stickers; Unity Stamps: 100% Real Life, Learn.Discover.Grow; Cardstock, Ribbon, staple

Lynn's Cards

2011-08-25T13:26:00.000-05:00

Well due to my little knowledge of wordpress, I'll be using this blog a while longer until I figure out my new site.

Today I want to review a Card Kit sent to me by my scrapbook Soul Sister and card extraordinaire Lynn D (From My Bungalow). She is putting together card kits that she will eventually sell on Etsy, but wanted some feedback prior to listing them.

These kits are fabulous and packaged so CUTE! Just check it out below!

The Kits come with enough supplies for 4 cards. My kit included: (4) Pre folded cards, (4) Envelopes, (4) custom flowers, (4) bases, tags, ribbon and accent pieces!

I created the 4 cards in the kit with the contents. It took me less then 30 minutes and I have 4 custom made cards that will be perfect with any gift or everyday giving.

It really took little effort to put the cards together with great results. My kit included Cosmo Cricket (Circa 1934). There will be a lot more to come from Lynn and make sure you stop by her blog and check out her awesome creations!

Come back tomorrow for more card creations!

Change

2011-08-24T09:52:00.000-05:00

I have made a change. I will be transitioning into a new blog and website! I recently purchased a domain name and am really excited to put a site together. Right now I'm in a BETA mode. It's just functional at this time. There will be a lot of changes over there in the next few months, so check back frequently.

Note there is a lot of work to still be done to make it the way I want it. So bare with me during my transition.

I will miss blogger though. I love how easy it is to blog over here and I love the look of my current blog (I'm trying to make my new one similar). So that is hard to give up. I probably won't shut this one down, just because I don't want anyone taking it. haha. I have already transferred all my blog posts to my new blog as well - so you can go back and look for old blogs. I basically changed to grow. I wanted a domain name, a place to inspire, a place to share my work and eventually sell cozies, project pdfs and more. So I look at it as growing in LaceyBug Creations.

Things I hope to have on my new site!

Blog (of course)
Contact / About me
Events
Gallery (sharing my photography & creative projects)

I have already started to blog over there, so please check it out!

LACEYBUG CREATIONS

Slightly Busy

2011-08-22T09:54:00.001-05:00

I have been SLIGHTLY busy lately. Okay really busy!! Last week my parents came to visit and brought my 2 year old nephew with them. We had a great time! Here is a slide show of some pictures!

Click here to view these pictures larger

We went to the park, ate (a lot), visited the Fargo Air Museum, looked at the train (part of it is stationed right on Broadway), ate ice cream, walked around on Broadway and visited the dance studio! It was a full 2 days!

I was so sad to see them leave, but life wasn't going to slow down. I was one of the hosts of my friend Ann's Bridal Shower and Bachelorette party this weekend. It turned out so well and it was a BLAST! Pictures to follow.

And I can't end the post without something CRAFTY! I have created 8 new cozies for my Etsy shop. Some of them have new phrases as well! Check them all out here!

There ya have it! Happy Monday and I hope to have more projects to share later this week.

My Mind's Eye august layout challenge

2011-08-10T08:56:00.001-05:00

yet another challenge layout this week. my scrapbook room was used for scrapbooking this weekend vs. cleaning. it's a mess I can barely walk in there!! EEKS! The layout below I created for the My Mind's Eye layout challenge.

I created this layout using My Mind's Eye Out of the Blue. And darling pictures of my nephew in a Sesame Street bouncing thing. He had a BLAST in this bounce house!

Here is the sketch...

And here is my layout... Note...I pretty much flipped the sketch, added 3 photos vs. 1 and also a few other extra things. But the sketch is definitely the base of my layout and I loved putting this together. The papers and sketched worked perfectly for these photos!

Notice in the photo above, I have tags sticking out the top of the layout. I created a pocket in the back of my layout so I could add journaling on the page without taking up layout space.

I created my own banner and used my WRMK Sew Easy tool to attach it. I also created circle confetti and randomly glued it to my layout.

Hidden Tags - Tim Holtz Die Cut

The My Mind's Eye Layout challenge ends Sunday, August 21st. The Challenge topic: "Anything Goes"

Supplies: My Mind's Eye: Lime Twist - Out of the Blue (12 x 12 pattern paperss, 6x6 paper pad, "Family" Accessory Sheet, "Playful" Alphabet letters - Also available in my MemoryWorks Shop), Twine, Madison Avenue "Pretty" Stamps, Lost & Found "Boy" Stamps, Union Square "Perfect" stamps; Maya Roads Chipboard Banners; Simple Stories - Smarty Pants Stamps; Technique Tuesday: AE Get Outside; WRMK: Sew Easy Tool & Floss: Black Letter Stickers

Page Maps August Challenge

2011-08-09T09:02:00.000-05:00

I was on a roll this weekend!! Here is another project based off a challenge. This one is for Page Maps! And here is a link to their blog and the August Challenge.

This is the sketch we have to base our cards on. If you are interested in playing along, you have until August 28th to upload your project and link it in the comments section on their blog!!

Now here is my interpretation of the sketch :)

I love the soft pink with the aqua and even added in the yellow!! yum!!

Supplies: Crate Paper: Emma's Shoppe Paper Set, 6x6 Paper Pad, Accent Cuts; Pink Paislee: Daily Junque Paper set (flower); American Crafts stamp; button; lace trim

Something NEW

2011-08-08T16:00:00.001-05:00

I have some changes brewing in my crafty world!!! I'm not quite ready to fill you in on them yet, but I can tell you I'm very excited about this! And it's not exactly to do with yarn, paper or glue... Any guesses? If you already know - don't guess. hehe

MW Challenge August 2011

2011-08-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

I completed this layout for a challenge on the MemoryWorks message board. This month there is a sketch challenge posted (all consultants should head over and check it out and create something for the challenge and a chance to win a prize!)

Here is the layout I came up with for the sketch challenge. It is a layout featuring my youngest nephew. He loves to lay outside under a tree. He is so peaceful and content there. While everyone around him is entertaining and playing with his older brother, cooking dinner and being just being hectic adults.

Here is the sketch! it is a Pagemaps!

Supplies: Simple Stories: 100 Days of Summer Theme Set; WRMK: Sew Easy, Zig Zag Head; Floss (Green & Yellow); Technique Tuesday: AE Get Outside; American Crafts Thickers; Turquoise letter Stickers; Cardstock (Teal)

Mini Notebook

2011-08-04T09:51:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking of a "food journal" for awhile, but haven't had the desire to actually spend $$ on buying yet another notebook that doesn't get used for the purpose I purchased it for. So I decided to make my own little notebook. This one I probably won't use as my food journal, It was more of a tester (reason I only have phone photos of the little book).

This note book measures 3" x 5". Awesome right! I used loose leaf notebook paper for the inside (CHEAP right now because of back to school). I cut all my paper to 6" x 5" and folded it in half. I then used my WRMK Sew Easy tool on the spine of the cover. Next, I bulldog clipped the cover with the inside paper (to keep it together) and with my paper piercer I pierced the spine holes all the way through. Final step to assemble the notebook was to sew the spine using thread and a needle.

I will have a video tutorial soon on this project!! It's so simple and perfect for every day notes, travel journal or in my case a food journal. I used 10 sheets for my interior pages. And personally, if I keep up with a food journal for more then a month - That means I'm serious! LOL.

Supplies: Pink Paislee: Daily Junque - paper pack, stamps; WRMK: Sew Easy - Tool with head attachment, thread to match; Ranger Distress Ink - worn lipstick & tumbled glass

Day 3 - Clouds

2011-08-03T16:45:00.000-05:00

Here we go - day 3 of the Photo challenge (check out my "Challenge" tab for all days).

Clouds - at lunch time :)

Chalkboard x2

2011-08-03T08:35:00.000-05:00

I have yet another chalkboard to share this week. This is a smaller one and I used the Authentique 6x6 paper pad Blissful. This is a new company and my LSS (K & Krafts) recently started carrying the line.

Yellow is my favorite color and pair it with Grey and it's my FAV color-combo!! So this will be perfect for my craft room.

I cut out flowers from one of the pattern papers and adhered them to the corner. I stamped a phrase with Technique Tuesday stamp from the AE Kit Club (Real Life) and embossed it.

I stamped another Technique Tuesday Stamp on a piece of pattern paper and cut it to look like a banner. I then attached one of my NEW Crafty Flowers (avail. in my Etsy shop) to the corner!

I'm just loving these little chalkboards!!! What are you creating this week?

Photo Challenge

2011-08-02T15:05:00.000-05:00

As I have stated before... I follow many blogs. I was looking through the new posts on my blog reader and saw Amy Tangerine was follow a 30 Day Photo Challenge! I was interested, so I clicked the link to Oh So Lovely's blog and I'm so glad I did. I found this fantastic adorable blog and a really fun challenge! So I thought - Why not... I can give this a try!

Now there are a few reasons I like this challenge idea.
(1) I like to use my camera on my phone and Flickr (2) I love to document every day things to add to my SMASH book and my Summer album (3) I love to scrapbook and am always looking for new ideas and inspiration. So I'm on board!

I created a Challenge tab here on my blog to show off my "daily photos"! So to keep up with my progress go there :)

Here is the line up!

Here is my day 1 photo :D More to come

Day 1 - Self Portrait

SMASH IT

2011-08-02T08:40:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share some pages from my SMASH album!!

June Summer Night

My New Favorite Picture of me.

Laundry...yikes!

A Crafty Mess

I Love to workout

A gift from my honey!

I hate storms.

Smash books are creative journals. A space to put your thoughts, memories, ideas, inspiration, etc. Think back when you were a teenager and wrote in a journal, glued in your movie stubs or a restaurant napkin! You can go back to those days with these fantastic albums!! Hot item on the market for scrapbookers right now.

Do you have a SMASH album?? Share a link to your pages!

Chalkboard

2011-08-01T08:34:00.002-05:00

So I got a little crafty this weekend!! I bought a chalkboard and decorated it with Crate Paper's Restoration line.


I used one of my NEW Craft Flowers

I also used Simple Stories Banner Stamps on the Corner.

What did you create this weekend???

{Photo Sunday}

2011-07-31T20:00:00.001-05:00

Humm...this may be a new thing :) Sharing my week of photos here.

Yummy DQ!!!

Kitchen Demo starting up again

Monday Morning Traffic?? In Fargo?

Notebook Destruction!

[RANDOM]

2011-07-29T09:02:00.003-05:00

Some odds and ends I've been doing lately :)

Craft Flowers - Special Order

Crafty Flowers - Special Order

Simple Stories Destination Mini Album - Created at the MW Retreat 2011

Rings coming soon... well for fun, not necessarily for sale.
If I have extras they will be for sale.

Special Order cozies. Some of these color combos may
be in my Etsy shop soon.

There you have it, random things I've been working on or will be working on :) I have a few custom / special orders to create, and when that is completed more Crafty flowers & cozies will be added to my shop. If you see something you want to custom order... feel free to email me with your request!!

Happy Friday!!

New stickers and more!

2011-07-28T08:51:00.017-05:00

Have you heard of Moo.com? I purchase mini biz cards and biz stickers! Their quality is awesome and the prices are reasonable! Plus they have many other products like, labels, greeting cards, business cards, etc.

Here are my LATEST mini cards (this design has not changed since I last ordered them) and my stickers (these are a new design!)

The stickers come in that cute little book! And you can pick your book color. I went pink of course.

Here are my new sticker designs...

That is not all I have to share today! 2 of 4 NEW Simple Stories lines are now available through MemoryWorks! Happy Day & Baby Steps!! And the NEWEST Addition to the Simple Stories family - 6x6 paper pads!!!

Aren't they ADORABLE?!? I think so! If you are not a MemoryWorks consultant, you are able to purchase these lines through my shop!

Finally, I know, no projects really today (sorry). I recently purchased the Teresa Collin's Stampmaker. I received it last Thursday and still have only opened the box and put everything back in it. I have YET to use it.

I have been eying this machine since I saw it released. And I finally found it for a price I could buy it at (to fit my budget that is). I'm looking forward to testing it out. Hopefully I get around to that this weekend. Scrappy Soo has some great dos & don'ts and insight on this machine if you are looking for some good information from a user :) I hope to make some logo LaceyBug Creations stamps for my first go around.

Note Book

2011-07-27T09:00:00.018-05:00

I bought this notebook from Target the other day. It wasn't an ugly notebook...I just wanted to jazz it up. It was a special request from Matt's mom. She texted me one night asking if I could make her a decorative notebook. SURE! I love projects. So I found an inexpensive smaller spiral notebook from the store.

I unbinded the notebook (took out the spiral). Adhered pattern paper to the front and back cover of the notebook. Decorated with stickers and this is what I came up with!

The notebook came with a little folder inside, which I removed and replicated using coordinating pattern paper.

I then re-spiraled the notebook and it's back to the way it was manufactured, just with my twist on it!

She will be using this notebook when she goes to a dance convention this weekend and I'm sure to write down choreography throughout the dance session.

Tip.... To keep the pages together when you un-spiral the notebook, use a binder clip to hold it together, this way you don't loose pages or have to line them up when it's time to re-spiral.

Supplies: Echo Park: For the Record; October Afternoon: Thrift Shop; K&Co. Yellow sewn paper, spiral notebook (approx. 5" x 7")

Crafty Flowers

2011-07-26T09:00:00.003-05:00

I've done it again! Well, this has actually been on my "to-do" list for awhile now. Crocheted flowers to use for scrapbooking!! A friend commented on how I should make my cozy flowers to use on scrapbook pages, well I did it. I have actually been MEANING to do this for awhile now, just got lazy I guess. So when someone else said it, it gave me the drive. I have created 4 sets so far. They are available in my Etsy shop.

I have smaller flowers in sets of 4 and larger flowers in sets of 2. They have a glue dot on the back so they are ready to add to your scrapbook layouts, cards and other paper crafts or home decor projects!

I put my 4th set on Etsy last night and it has already sold. (See set below). I'll be adding more neutral sets soon. As well as more colored sets. I'll do my best to match them to current paper lines in the industry as well.

Keep an eye out on more sets coming soon and different scrapbook layouts using these flowers!

Shop LaceyBug Creations on Etsy!

Boy Mini Album 2

2011-07-25T08:45:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday! Weekends go by way too quickly!

I wanted to share another mini album I created as a gift. For this album I used the My Mind's Eye - Out of the Blue 6x6 paper pad and matching embellishments. This line is so adorable! I purchased the 6x6 pad first and saw how completely sweet this line was and HAD to have the 12x12 paper pack as well!!

This album is 4x6 and I have created journal pages. Again, it's EASY for the receiver to fill with photos and jot down some memories and thoughts!


Close-up. I folded the paper & sewed it down to lay flat	.

INTERIOR PAGES

I created a pocket for this page to put the tag in

Supplies: My Mind's Eye - Out of the Blue: 6x6 Pad, Accessory Sheet, Alphabet; Stamps: Technique Tuesday - Real Life AE kit club, Get Outside AE Kit Club, Perspectives, Are we There Yet, Good Times; Simple Stories - Life Bingo, 100% Real Life; Pink Paislee - Hometown Summer; My Mind's Eye - Portobello Road "Boy"; 7 Gypsies - Lillie.

These papers are so cute! I can't wait to break into my 12x12 paper pack and even make some cards with my leftovers from my 6x6 paper pad. Oh the other FANTASTIC thing about the paper pads - they are double sided! So cute!

Again, if you love this album and would like one similar to give as a gift or for yourself. Please email me and we can discuss the details.

{picture sunday}

2011-07-24T10:30:00.001-05:00

Here are a few pictures from my phone from the past few weeks...just bits and pieces of my life.


Yarn Stash

Running Shoes

Afternoon Naps for my honey

will i make any?

Kisses for my sweet

Yes, I wear glasses...TOTAL exposure...I don't wear them in public and it is VERY VERY rare that there would be a picture of me wearing them. I wear contacts all the time (except at night). So there a glimpse into my life and me!

New TV (our other one burnt out last weekend)

Summer Album

2011-07-23T09:23:00.071-05:00

A few weeks ago I shared part of my summer album (using phone pictures). I'm filling it with pictures and memories of this summer! I used the Simple Stories 100 Days of Summer line! So cute! Here is the entire album.

Interior: I layered up my interior pages. Using Journal cards, tags, Maya Road Envelope, photo protectors and even linen fabric!

NOTE - Picture HEAVY post!

My Sweet Baby Nephew

I LOVE this Simple Stories Camera Stamp!

this has become my summer daily treat

Here are smaller pictures of pages I have not filled in quite yet.

Supplies: Simple Stories - 100 Days of Summer Set; Simple Stories | Unity Stamp Co - Snapshots, Smarty Pants, 100% Real Life; Technique Tuesday: AE June 2011 The Observant Traveler Kit; 4x6 photo protectors, linen fabric, glimmer mist, twine

I binded this book together using my Cinch. The album measures about 4x6

July MemoryWorks Express Kit

2011-07-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

This month I was on Express Kit duty for MemoryWorks. The kit was full of wonderful 4th of July / Summer inspired products! Here are a few of the projects I created with the kit! To view more project check out the MemoryWorks Blog.

Here is a layout I created with a picture of Matt & his dad! I love the Maya Road banners. I first placed a sticker title on the banners and misted them with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist, then removed the stickers and walla! This is the result.

I also created this card using the kit and a Technique Tuesday stamp!

This kit is still available for purchase in the MemoryWorks Online store, once they are gone - they are gone! If you are interested in subscribing let me know.

Etsy: "Tea Cozies"

2011-07-21T09:00:00.014-05:00

When it gets warm outside, I stop knitting. I'm not sure why, I just don't have the desire or drive. Well I decided (on the HOTTEST weekend of the summer - so far) to knit cozies for my Etsy shop. Christmas is coming sooner then we think and last year I was a busy busy bee knitting cozies, so I thought - why not start now?!?

Here are a few cozies being added to my Etsy shop!

I've also been loving my headbands (Hair Candy). I only had 1 color in my hair accessories stash and lately I've wanted other colors, so I whip some up before I go out for an evening or begin my day (to coordinate with my outfits of course). Here is one I created recently! Check out my Etsy shop to purchase one for yourself. I also take custom orders.

Here I am with my friend Becky. We have known each other since freshman year in college. See the BLUE headband I'm wearing in my frizzy red hair? I made that to match my outfit. Okay so not the BEST picture! But I love these headbands!!

Baby Boy Mini Album 1

2011-07-20T09:00:00.001-05:00

A lot of my friends have had babies lately and a lot of them have had boys. I created this mini 4x6 album for my friend Sarah who had a little boy in April (who is ADORABLE by the way!) I love making these 4x6 albums for gifts as it is easy for anyone (scrapbooker or NON-scrapbooker) to fill with pictures.

I created 8-12 journaling pages for each book and decorate the cover. The journaling pages can be moved around if the recipient would like and they can jot down their own thoughts and memories! EASY! And it's cute!

Here is the one I made for my friend's sweet little Tysun! (I'll be sharing another one later this week)

I used the Crate Paper: Toy Box 6x6 paper pad, Phrase Stickers, Alpha Label. On the cover I also used the WRMK Sew Easy tool to stitch the name area (Zig Zag Head).

Interior Pages

On this one above - I created a pocket with journal cards

I added some Technique Tuesday Stamps on this page (above)

I stamped some images (bike, stars, border clock) with Pink Paislee (Daily Junque, Butterfly Garden) & 7 Gypsies Stamps!

Do you like this album? Would love one for yourself or as a gift? If you are looking for an album like this for a gift or for yourself, please email me for a price. I can create this type of album with any theme (Baby, Wedding, Family, Girl, Boy, Christmas, Halloween, etc). Just let me know. They make perfect gifts or even if you are not a crafter a perfect album for yourself.

I can also do 2-up Photo albums (gives you more journal pages and spots for your photos - Example to come).

Happy Together

2011-07-19T08:30:00.002-05:00

Yes another layout this week!! I have been taking a lot more pictures lately. 1 reason is because Matt & I were in the cities visiting family (and he was working down there for 2 weeks) and another reason is my new phone! As a teenager I used to take pictures of EVERYTHING and we didn't have digital cameras! I think I've gotten lazy. So now with my camera phone, my DSLR and my point a shoot - I have no excuse!

This layout I created with a recent picture of Matt & I. We were at the Andover, MN fair.

I love the left edge of this Pink Paislee Daily Junque paper! It does all the fun layering for you! and the background color is yummy!!

Look in the photo above!! I added some pop dots to raise the type writer and the "together" was stamped using the Technique Tuesday - Good Times. I used the "dot" stamp and inked it with 4 different colors to create the background look behind the word "Together". Then stamped "together" on top of it. I slipped it into a pocket (which I used my Sew Easy tool on - at the bottom, you can barely see that in this picture).

My title is chipboard letters. I painted them white and misted them with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist. It gave it a lemonade type feel to me!

Products Used: Pink Paislee - Daily Junque Theme Set, Ephemera Pack, Mini Notes & Labels; Pink Paislee - Soiree Stamps; Technique Tuesday - Good Times, Perspectives, Real Life; BasicGrey Chipboard Letters; Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist; flower

I have to say, I'm so happy to have Matt home after he has been gone for 2 weeks! I can't sleep with him gone! He started demoing the basement this weekend...it needs a lot of work done to it. We are waiting for the pool guys to more the hot tub so we can get started on the master bedroom closet - there is clothes everywhere right now!

Check back tomorrow for more items I've created lately.

My Scrap space

2011-07-18T16:28:00.001-05:00

I shared this a few weeks ago on the MemoryWorks blog, but now it's time to share it here with my friends! My space is a WORK IN PROGRESS! It may ALWAYS be that way, but that's okay!

My Desk

The Closet (really messy - eeks!) -
but I love the built in!

Cute Little built in (top half)

bottom half of built in *my fabrics*

So what do you think? My colors: Grey, Teal & Mustard! Work in progress... oh and this is the MESSY corner that I have yet to unpack.

super messy corner!

Who?

2011-07-18T09:28:00.001-05:00

I got to create this weekend! Just for fun! With the INCREDIBLE heat, I some how was able to tolerate my scrapbook room (no A/C). I made (2) 12x12 layouts and (1) 4x6 album. I'll be showing the projects off throughout the week. Today a layout, titled "who?"

I finally used my Pink Paislee Daily Junque papers. These were among my fav products from the Winter CHA release and I'm just NOW getting around to using them. I paired it up with CHA Summer 2010 Pink Paislee - Parisian Anthology collection.

Who?

I sprayed the background with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist (in 3 colors...

Products Used: Pink Paislee -Parisian Anthology; Pink Paislee - Daily Junque Theme Set, Daily Junque Ephemera Pack, Daily Junque Stamps, Daily Junque Mini Notes & Labels; Technique Tuesday - Studio AE May 2011: Real Life, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist (Dark Denim, Caribbean Blue, Sun Sister), Ink: Ranger Distress Ink, VersaMark Dew Drop Turquoise

It was fun to just create and do something for fun! Come back this week for more creations, including another layout using the Daily Junque line. Oh and this is my new favorite picture of me.

Hop Winner

2011-07-15T16:05:00.000-05:00

A few things today!! First THANKS for all the sweet comments yesterday. To answer a few questions that was asked yesterday...
Q. Where do you get your drink container?
A. The container I used was a Mike's Hard Limeade container. The 6 pack. Any beer or malt drink or soda cardboard container will do.

Q. How do you keep those from getting "yucked" up?
A. You can cover it with Mod Podge or something similar that gives it a protective coat to protect the paper.

The project was actually really easy and quick to complete! Just a few measurements, some glue and a little bit of sanding and you are done! And it's ready to decorate.

One other projects I forgot to share yesterday is covering a Candy Bar. I designed these for the MemoryWorks retreat in June. But thought I'd share them with you! How fun and cute! Perfect for a party gift!

Okay now onto the winner of this adorable Photo stamp!!!

Commenter no....
True Random Number Generator Min: 1-80 Result: 28

DocsMom said...
LACEY BUG!!!! My sweetie friend!! This is soooo AWESOME!! I have done a few but not with the SS kit Dang you did GREAT and I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!!!! Keep it coming Girls!! WOO HOOOOOOO!!

Email me at lacey.memoryworks@gmail.com with your mailing address DocsMom so I can send you your stamp!

Have a great weekend!

Blog Hop: 100 Days of Summer

2011-07-14T08:00:00.049-05:00

I love blog hops, I journey on them ALL the time. You get so much inspiration from a topic, brand, or selection of paper or stamps. They really inspire me to create (and buy).

Today the TeamWorks team will be taking you on a tour of the laid back Simple Stories line - 100 Days of Summer. This line is so rich and filled with yellows, aquas, tomato red and greens. The color combo is yummy!

The project I created for the hop is recycling those drink container holders and covering them up with some simply AWESOME papers. This is perfect for a picnic, BBQ or gathering with friends or family!

I filled my drink holder with BBQ essentials.

Bottle of water

(decorated with the 100 Days of Summer line)

Other essentials in my drink container: Crystal Light packets, napkins, silverware, and finally Ketchup & Mustard - Grilling essentials!

And here is the backside of the drink holder.

Don't you just LOVE these papers!?! Did you see some of the NEW Simple Stories | Unity Stamps?? I used the Banners and 100% Real Life.

Don't forget to start at the MemoryWorks blog and follow along the hop! Leave a comment on each blog for your chance to win a Simple Stories Kit!! The more blogs you comment on the better your odds are to win!

MemoryWorks Blog

Lacey Igo (YOU ARE HERE)

Sheri (NEXT STOP)

And because I love giving things away!! How about a personal give-away to one lucky commenter on my blog. One lucky winner will win my FAVORITE New Simple Stories / Unity stamp - Snapshots! The instant I saw this stamp, I HAD to have it!! So I hope you enjoy it as well! I will pick a lucky winner tomorrow! How CUTE is that stamp!!!

Oh and while you are at the Simple Stories blog, make sure to check out all their new lines!!! Scrapbook kits, 6x6 paper pads and stamps!!! OH MY!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a SCRAPTASTIC day!

Username & Passwords booklet

2011-07-13T08:30:00.001-05:00

I have the WORST time remembering my user names and passwords for different sites. So my solution? Make a Username & Passwords book! A cute place to keep these important things...so I can stop changing my passwords because i forget them.

I used the Simple Stories: Life Documented papers and matching stickers and even added some stamps in there as well!

Inside cover. I added a 4x6 card (cut down to 3x5), to jot things down on.

I even added this 3x5 page with a pocket. And don't you love that stamp!?! It's from the Unity | Simple Stories - 100% Real Life set

I created tabs in my album to easily access different areas.

And in between the tabs?? 3x5 index cards!!!

Inside back cover

Back Cover

I binded it together using my WRMK Cinch and a spiral binding! There you have it!! This was a very simple project and it will help me keep track of my logins and passwords!

Have you created a project like this before?

New releases

2011-07-12T14:54:00.000-05:00

I love this time of the year... CHA Releases!!! New products in the Scrapbook Industry! I wanted to share 2 awesome lines with you from a company that is near and DEAR to my heart! Simple Stories. This crew means the world to me..and just because they are completely awesome in my eyes...doesn't mean I HAVE to like their paper lines...but let me tell you... Simple Stories has unique lines with a simple concept and FANTASTIC finished look!

They are releasing some FABULOUS lines this CHA - Summer 2011 release! So make sure you check out their blog for the previews of the new line, comment for your chance to win!

First line introduced is called: Generations

This line is beautiful, elegant, and has a great heritage feeling. I saw the line and thought of my Grandma (Omi Maria) right away. My Omi (grandma in German) is no longer with us, but I thought it would be wonderful to make an album for my dad to remember his mom by. And look 6x6 paper pads! LOVE IT!

The 2nd line introduced is called - Happy Day

This line is AMAZING!!!! I love the colors and the patterns and images!!! I was fortunate to see this line at the MemoryWorks retreat and was thrilled to see an amazing birthday line. One that is very universal and I don't necessarily need to scrapbook birthdays! And oh man, the STAMPS, I instantly fell in {love}! I will be buying one of each stamp set!

Don't you just love these lines? 2 More will be released this week!! You won't want to miss it.

Also, join me Thursday for the MemoryWorks TeamWorks blog hop! The TeamWorks team will be sharing products using the Simple Stories - 100 Days of Summer line! You won't want to miss it! There will be a grand Kit prize from Simple Stories and I have my very own prize I'll be giving out!

Summer Album 2011

2011-07-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

I LOVE MINI ALBUMS! I love creating mini albums and sharing mini albums and I just LOVE THEM!! For me it is easy to make mini albums as most the time when I take pictures it is of an event...like a wedding or a holiday. So to encompass all those photos and memories, mini albums are much quicker for me to put together and I love them!!

Here is the most recent mini-album I've been working on. Summer 2011 Album using the latest Simple Stories Line - 100 Days of Summer!

Now these pictures were taken with my phone. Better ones coming soon of the entire album. But I couldn't resist showing you a little bit of it!

The Cover: I used my Cinch to bind this baby together. Can you see the NEW Simple Stories stamped used on the cover? I used the 100% Real Life stamp set (Month Stamp). These stamps are ADORABLE!!

The June Sky. In this section, I put in a Maya Roads envelope decorated with stickers and a stamp from the 100% Real Life stamp set (Simple Stories | Unity Stamps). The photos I have placed in 4x6 photo protectors (Target). I cut 2-up photo pages to make a single 4x6 photo protector for these mini albums!

Sweet Baby Colin. Aw my sweet nephew. Stick him outside, on a blanket, and under a tree and he is so content! This kid warms my heart already! He loves the sunlight and warmth...sounds like his Auntie. I want to think that both my nephews will be like their Auntie...hehe. Lucas already has lots of Auntie traits.

I crack myself up. Self portraits... interesting. HAHA. There are plenty in my stash. this one sums up summer. Warm, Happy and Sunglasses!! and how about that ADORABLE, I HAD to have it Camera stamp on the opposing page?? This is the NEW Simple Stories | Unity Stamp - Snapshots. It was a MUST have for my stash. I stamped the image on Fabric

I will have more and better pictures soon of this album.

What is your favorite summer time memory or event?

New Addiction

2011-07-07T10:49:00.000-05:00

Since I've gotten my new phone and I have decided I love using the apps on my phone and the camera. I used to have a Palm Pre (I hated it) - so when it went kaput, I was so happy to get a new phone and got the HTC - Evo in white (i love it!). With my new phone I have downloaded 3-4 photo apps. Not really sure why - but it's fun and I love photography! I have been uploading my pictures to Flickr. It's becoming a "Document Life things" type of photos.

Here are a few I've taken recently...
Open Road (See I live in ND/MN - the land is FLAT!)

A page in my SMASH book (I have the blue book)

Off to Zumba, I love working out and this week I'm trying some of the Zumba classes by other instructors at the Dance Studio!! Typically I take the Circuit classes, Cardio Karate and 1 Zumba a week.

June Sky in Fargo one evening

So my phone is making it easier to document every day things in my life. That I can either scrapbook or put in my SMASH book to document moments. As a teeny bopper, I would write in a diary / journal daily. Telling it about my day, whether exciting or boring. As an adult, I haven't documented little every day things that used to be important to me. I love documenting these things now and with technology makes it easier to add pictures to my stories!

Do you document your daily doings? Either in a journal, blog or by photos? Please share :)

100 Days of Summer - Blog Hop

2011-07-06T13:58:00.000-05:00

PLUS

EQUALS

One spectacular blog hop!!!

Join myself and the MemoryWorks TeamWorks team on Thursday, July 14, 2011 for an inspiring blog hop featuring Simple Stories: 100 Days of Summer. Better yet, Simple Stories (our sponsor) is giving away ONE free kit to a lucky commenter!! So be sure to start at the MemoryWorks blog and hop through to the Simple Stories blog. The more blogs you comment on, the better odds you have of winning the grand prize!

See you on the 14th!!

MemoryWorks Retreat 2011

2011-06-28T14:45:00.000-05:00

WOW (that word is NOT enough for the MemoryWorks Retreat). I had an amazing time in Utah scrapbooking, spending time with friends, and relaxing (kind of). I enjoyed and soaked up every second of it! Here are a few photos (I took some from Janey's Facebook page & some from my phone)... I have yet to upload my retreat photos!

TeamWorks Team (Janey, Lacey & Sarah C.)

Some of the Retreat Staff

Front (L-R): Lacey, Jodi H., Sue, Sarah, Tara

Back (L-R): Janey, Jodi S

Good Morning UTAH - hanging out in the hotel room anxiously waiting for the day to start! The sun was shining and it was beautiful (mountain view from the window)

Sarah & I the first day of the Retreat checking out the Cinch Machines and setting them up for the Creative Studio event!!

Thanks to ALL the vendors at the retreat: Pink Paislee, Cosmo Cricket, My Minds Eye, Bo Bunny, BasicGrey, Simple Stories, Imaginensce (spelling??), Echo Park, Teresa Collins Designs, We R Memory Keepers and Fancy Pants. You all went above and beyond for your classes! They were amazing!

A few things from the trip!

It is a 17.5 - 18 hour drive from Fargo - Salt Lake City
I say "Put the TAGS in the BAGS" weird.
The NEW Simple Stories lines - ARE AMAZING (there are 4 of them)
I fall in love with MemoryWorks more and more every day and the staff at Home Office is my extended family (love them!!)
Simple Stories + UNITY = ONE SUPER AMAZING MATCH UP!!! Seriously, 1 of each please!
Zumba really gets the blood and creativity pumping before a crop (Thanks honey! Matt taught Zumba)
When they say you get product every time you walk into a retreat event - they are not kidding! 1 small suitcase and 2 boxes of stuff is what I came home with. And I only bought 1 thing in the retreat store.
When you come from the flat lands of North Dakota, mountains are amazing
Put on 80s music during a crop and people are bound to bust out dancing and singing.
I have memories to cherish for a very long time... Thanks to everyone at MemoryWorks and who attended the retreat.

Now, here are some of the AMAZING stamps from Unity! I would seriously RUN out to get them...not kidding. What is your favorite? Check them all out on the Unity site or my personal site or the Simple Stories site. Oh and did I tell you - comment on the Simple Stories blog for a chance to WIN!! No joke!

Now to my FAVORITES (I will own them all, but these are my MUST have them NOW)...

This camera is a MUST have it now. I saw this image and about FAINTED! How ADORABLE is it?!?

These little banners look so universal. I can imagine MANY projects Simple Stories and beyond with this banner set!

I don't have kids (I do have YOUNG nephews and a niece) but this set seems very versatile. I love the label stamp and the days of the week and the report card stamp! This set is just awesome! Can't wait to play with it.

Another MUST Have set is the 100% Real Life. The journal spot is awesome and the month stamps are way too cute! Plus all the sayings makes this a winner in my book!

There you have it, I'll be back later this week with more photos. Oh and that fabric stash I showed last week... well they are Aprons! I made them as gifts for home office and retreat staff. UNFORTUNATELY... I never got a picture of anyone wearing theirs...what was I thinking! Here is the Mostly finished versions I took photos of (they are missing the flowers I made for each of them).

Sarah C. apron

Amber's Apron

Sue's Apron


Kevin's Apron

I'm not the greatest at sewing and my machine broke half way through making things. But I think they turned out well. I hope they enjoy them for future crafting, gardening, cooking or whatever they may use them for!

What I'm working on

2011-06-16T09:27:00.000-05:00

Even though I'm not at dance every night now that the school year is over. I seem just as busy! I'm still at the studio almost every night. Yes, I'm there Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday AND Thursday. That is more then the school year. Between fitness classes and the one jazz class I'm taking - summer evenings are BUSY!

Not only that I've been working on some craft projects! So here is a sneak peek at what I've been doing!

Build your own Cozies

This is a new concept I've introduced to my Etsy shop! You can personalize your own cozy!
1. Add a Cozy to the cart (a Build your Coffee Cozy - Cozy Rainbow or Neutral)
2. In the comments section let me know the COLOR you want your cozy!

3. Go back to my shop and add a "Patch"
4. In the comments section, let me know (1) Patch color, (2) Thread Color, and (3) Text

I will then assemble it together for you and mail it out!! Easy Peasy & you have a CUSTOM cozy that will style your coffee, tea or coco!!

Cute huh?

Sewing Project
The next thing I've been working on isn't complete yet. I've been working on a sewing project(s). Now if you REALLY know me [mom] - I'm not the GREATEST at sewing. I'm not lying. Ask my mom. She has evidence. But, I can say that I CAN sew, if I take my time and am patient (I'm not patient). But this project is turning out pretty well! I must say. Here is a sneak of what I'm working on... FABRIC!

Lots of pretty fabric. That is all I'm giving away at this point. Full photos to come next week. :) I can sew, I can sew!

Dance Recital

A few weeks ago was Gasper's School of Dance & Performing Arts dance recital. I danced in 4 numbers (I know I must be crazy!). Our studio not only host a professional ballet company, but we also have a competition team. Lots of opportunities for kids (and adults) to perform! One rule at MOST competitions is that you can't take photos. So I usually sit, knit & watch dance all day vs. taking photos of our girls. Well that rule doesn't apply at the recital and since I typically take all the FM Ballet's photos, I wanted to get some shots of the Competition girls. So here are a few pictures of the competition team during rehearsal.

"Roxanne" Choreographed by Matt Gasper

"Heartburn" Choreographed by Liz Brandenburg

"Catch Me", Choreographed by Matt Gasper

"Catch Me" Choreographed by Matt Gasper

(He's standing on stage too)

Okay there you have it. This is what has been taking over my life. :)

7 Days!!!

2011-06-15T11:57:00.002-05:00

1 week from now, I'll be driving to Utah for the MemoryWorks Retreat!!! Holy man I can not WAIT!!! I'm excited to see the MemoryWorks home office again, scrapbook, meet new friends, see old friends and scrapbook. :) I'm beyond excited about this adventure!

Photos from past retreats - on the Retreat website.

2009 Retreat Staff - Janey helping during a class

Kevin trying out the classes!

Goodies!!

MemoryWorks Consultants

Mary, Amber & I

I'm really excited!! I'll be posting photos & videos throughout the 3 day retreat!! So stay tuned to my blog as well as the MemoryWorks blog!

New Cozies

2011-06-13T08:30:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited to introduce my NEWEST addition to my coffee cozy collection! "Mocha Cozies"! These cozies are a basic cozy with a patch of linen with text on it! Check these out. Now for sale on in my Etsy Shop!

More to come soon!!! Aren't these cute?? You can also 'Build your own' cozies in my shop! All you need to do is add a cozy body to the cart, indict the color you want. Then add the patch to your cart, indict patch color, thread color & text! YOUR very own, build it yourself, COZY!!

MemoryWorks Blog

2011-06-10T09:45:00.000-05:00

This month on the MemoryWorks blog I'm featuring projects, my space and a tutorial. I'm on the MemoryWorks Design team (and the team leader).

Last month, I created project for their website, using the Lily Bee Design: Happily Lost papers as well as the Stationary papers. Honestly, seeing these papers online does not give them justice!!

Here are a few pictures of what I've created with these papers. To see the full projects, head to the MemoryWorks Website and MemoryWorks Blog (There are a total of 6 different projects I created using these paper lines!)

12x12 layout of my nephew and Matt (see the whole thing on the MemoryWorks website)

Notepad: I used my WRMK Cinch, Unity stamp, chipboard from a MemoryWorks express kit, Pink Paislee Twine and the interior pages are left over "stationary" theme set papers.

Mini album of my little nephew turning 2! Photos by my brother & sister in laws photographer Kristen Pless.

Topiary made with the Stationary theme set.

Also, SMASH is in the house. MemoryWorks received their order of SMASH items! Smash books are journaling books to smash in your favorite memories, ticket stubs, photos, receipts, etc! I ordered a book in blue!

If you want to get one of these awesome books for yourself and the fun accessories to go with it, check out my website for a great selection!!

Have a great weekend!

New Items

2011-06-09T09:15:00.000-05:00

MemoryWorks just released some ADORABLE items in the Trend Essentials area. There are quite a few things on my NEED to have list! Check out some of these awesome products! If you are interested in purchasing some of these GREAT items for yourself, shop on my website or email me.

Here are a few of my FAVORITES!
My Minds Eye: Life of the Party: How fun, bright and cheerful is this set! I can't wait to make cards, layouts, and a mini album with these papers!

Another fun line from My Mind's Eye - Out of the Blue. I think I adore this line because of my 2 nephews. Also, a lot of my friends have had boys lately, so lots of adorable mini albums out of this paper line!

A few other adorable items - Fancy Pants: Baby Mine. Fancy Pants blog posts all week have been showing projects with this line all week and it is so cute!!!

What are your favorite items from the MemoryWorks catalog or the MemoryWorks Trend Essentials area? I am excited for SMASH books to come in stock (which I hear is really soon!).

The MemoryWorks retreat is in just 14 days! I'm beyond EXCITED! I'll have projects to share with you in the coming days! and some new things coming to my coffee cozies!

I get stuck

2011-06-08T13:27:00.000-05:00

I get really excited about projects, I buy all the supplies for something I have in mind and then... I get stuck. It sits in my craft room untouched for weeks, months and sometimes years, until I finally file it away and label it a lost cause. HAHA.

Well right now I have that feeling about a Fancy Pants: Brag Book.

I bought Fancy Pants: To the Moon papers and embellishments to use with this album.

I've got 2 adorable nephews. And I thought the papers and this book would be perfect for me to journal and document their growth as individuals as well as brothers. Lucas is 2 years old and Colin is 1 month old as of yesterday.

But now, I'm stuck. How to I make this book what I want it? Why am I even freaking out about this? Do you have moments like this? Where you are just not sure on projects you have set aside? Do you ever complete them?

As a kid I would journal nightly or multiple times a day. I jotted down thoughts, memories, ideas, everything! As an adult, I've completely LOST this. Now I blog to share my projects and ideas and bits of my life. But I don't journal like I did when I was a kid.

Drum roll please...

2011-06-06T08:50:00.000-05:00

I have to say - I'm COMPLETELY exhausted today! Dancing in 4 numbers in the Gasper's Recital was awesome, tiring and nerve wracking! lol I was the spaz backstage shuffling kids around before my pieces so I would relieve nerves. But all in all it turned out well and everyone involved did an excellent job! It was a great experience and has been a long time since I danced THAT hard...wait I don't know if I have EVER danced that hard on stage! (I performed in Advanced Jazz, Int/Adv. Jazz, Hip Hop Teen/Adult, Int/Adv. Contemporary/Lyrical).

Okay - now onto the winners from last week!

The winner of a Unity Stamp set is... drum roll...out of ALL 116 comments... random.org picked number 17 (which happens to be my favorite number)...

Karen L said...

Being a big paper doll fan as a young girl, this takes me back! Fun and creative use for the stamps!! Love it!

Congrats Karen!! Please email me (lacey.memoryworks@gmail.com) for your prize instructions!!

NOW, said there would be TWO winners. The 2nd winner will get a Coffee Cozy or Ice Cream cozy (see sample above) of your choice! You get to pick which one and what color combo you want!!!

So the 2nd winner out of 116 comments is....commenter number 73 (picked by random.org)

Denise said...

Beautiful layout! I love the colors and all you details you added! Very special indeed...
DeniseB

June 1, 2011 3:28 PM

Congrats DENISE!!! Email me at lacey.memoryworks@gmail.com, with which option you would like (Coffee or Ice Cream Cozy)

I Dance

2011-06-05T11:00:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is the Spring Dance Recital for Gasper's School of Dance. I will be dancing in 4 numbers (EEKS!)! Yes I'm freaking out, I'm excited and my costumes are PRETTY much altered. Lots of sparkles. I will be dancing in 2 jazz pieces, hip hop and lyrical. This is the most numbers I've done in a recital since college. Should be interesting and I have to remember to just have fun!

These pictures were from a recital in 2007. We needed to eat afterwards! Long day. I actually don't think I performed in this recital...just worked in the lobby before and after the show selling dance clothes.
Matt & I @ Buffalo Wild Wings

I'm not sure if I actually danced in this recital. I have been doing hip hop every year for the last 4 years or so now...so it's possible.

MemoryWorks Blog

2011-06-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited to share projects, my space and a little bit about me on the MemoryWorks blog the month of June. Each and EVERY Friday in June I'll be sharing a piece of me, my projects, my space and even a tutorial!

I have also designed the MemoryWorks website inspiration projects from June using the awesome Lily Bee Designs - Happily Lost & Stationary theme sets!

Here is a sneak peek of one of my inspiration projects. See it in it's entirety on the MemoryWorks Website.

So there you have it! I look forward to sharing more with you this month!

Growing in Unity - Day 5

2011-06-03T08:00:00.003-05:00

Welcome to my final "Growin in Unity" blog post! I've had so much fun sharing my projects with you this week featuring one of my FAVORITE stamp companies - Unity Stamp Co.!! There is so many wonderful things about Unity! Their stamp quality, wonderful images, Kit of the Month, and the personable staff that will comment on your facebook posts, reply quickly to e-mails and so much more! Thanks Unity crew for letting us Unity Lovers share our projects with you and your fans!

Today I'm going to share an mini album with you! My friend Ann recently got engaged to her boyfriend Marcus! I am so thrilled to be standing next to her & supporting her on her wedding day as a bridesmaid (I'm tearing up already). She is a great friend and I'm so happy for her in this next chapter in her life! I created this album for Ann & Marcus to add photos of their relationship and to be able to journal their journey or a favorite moment in their relationship so far.

I used the wonderful Echo Park paper line - "Be Mine" and Unity Stamp Co. coordinating stamp sets - "I Adore You" and "With Love".

Supplies: Unity Stamp Co.: I Adore You, With Love; Echo Park: Be Mine; Twine, Flower

This album is simplistic and lovely to me. I cut out 6" x 12" pages, I glued each page together to create the album and added a piece for the binding. Each page was decorated with different paper elements, stamps and stickers!

Thanks again for stopping by my blog this week! I appreciate it! I hope I was able to inspire you! Don't forget to leave a comment for your chance to win a Unity Stamp Co. stamp set! I will pick a winner and post it on Monday! Don't forget to check out Unity Stamp Co. site for more amazing stamps and inspiration!!

FINALLY, I have decided to do my OWN giveaway as well!! So not only do you have the chance to win a stamp set from Unity... I'll pick a 2nd winner to win a Coffee or Ice Cream cozy from me!!
Coffee Cozy sample Ice Cream Cozy Sample

Growing in Unity - Day 4

2011-06-02T08:00:00.002-05:00

Matt and I recently moved into a house, which we are renovating. That is a lot of work! Especially since we are pretty much renovating every room. Bathroom (done), master bedroom closet, kitchen, paint every room, basement overhaul, and we want to build a deck. Notice only ONE of those projects are completed.

I thought these cards were PERFECT to let people know our new address!

Supplies: Unity Stamp Co: Honey, I'm Home!; Kraft Paper, My Mind's Eye: Hattie; Twine

The 2nd card I want to share is using one of my FAVORITE Itty Bitty stamps - Rain or Shine!!

This image is just so adorable! In my card below, I used pop dots on the umbrella to raise it up. I paper pieced the image as well. Using my sewing machine I attached the lace piece as well as the "love" letters stickers. I used Stickles on the umbrella dots as well to add sparkle.

Supplies: Unity Stamp Co.: Rain or Shine; Cosmo Cricket: Upcycle Paper & Stickers; Ribbon; Lace; Kraft Paper

Thanks again to Unity Stamp Co. for letting me share my projects this week and thanks to everyone who has stopped by to leave a comment and check out my creations! I hope I've inspired you!

Don't forget! Leave a comment on one or ALL my blog posts this week for your chance to win! And stop by tomorrow to see my final Growing in Unity blog post!

Growing in Unity - Day 3

2011-06-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

We are half way through the week! Wow!

Well today I am going to share a little bit about me. I live in Moorhead, MN (right across the river from Fargo, ND). I am an office manager by day. At night I spend my time in dance class (Jazz, Lyrical & Hip Hop) or scrapbooking or knitting. I knit and sell coffee cozies, "Hair Candy" and ice cream cozies (amongst other things) in my etsy shop. I live with my amazing and supportive boyfriend, Matt. And I have 2 absolutely ADORABLE nephews. The oldest is 2 years old and his little brother is 3 1/2 weeks old!

Today I'm sharing a layout with you featuring my 2 nephews! This is my FIRST scrapbook project with my newest nephew, so it is pretty special to me.

Supplies: Unity Stamp Co.: Dutch Mustard Soup, Here's the Ticket; Simple Stories: Life Documented Paper, Stickers, Letter Stickers; We R Memory Keepers: Sew Easy; buttons; twine

It is true - being an Aunt really rocks! When Lucas says "Auntie Lacey" my heart swells and it makes me smile!

Remember, leave a comment on one or ALL my posts this week for your chance to win a Unity Stamp Co. stamp set of your own. And check out their blog today for more inspiration!!

Growing in Unity - Day 2

2011-05-31T08:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome back!! Today I'll be sharing 2 projects with you!

Sometimes simplicity says it all. This card was quick and easy to create, but says it all! For this card I used the Jillibean Soup - Dutch Mustard Soup stamp set! This set is definitely one of my "go-to" sets and rarely leaves my scrapbook desk.

Supplies: Unity Stamp Co: Dutch Mustard Soup; Lily Bee Designs: Happily Lost, Stationary; Lace, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist, Twine

My second project features my boyfriend of 7+ years Matt and myself. This picture was taken in 2004 when our relationship was just beginning. I used a 4x6 frame that I purchase from Target. I decorated the photo prior to putting it in the frame. I used the awesome City of Love Unity tamp set.

Supplies: Unity Stamp Co: City of Love, I Adore You; Teresa Collins: Posh; Lily Bee Designs: ABC Stickers

When Matt and I started dating he lived in New York City and I lived in Fargo. These stamp set work so well together and were PERFECT for this photo!

Don't FORGET! Leave a comment on one or all my blog posts for a chance to win a Unity Stamp set of your own this week! And remember to check out the Unity Stamp Co. blog for even MORE inspiration using their wonderful stamps!

Growing In Unity - Day 1

2011-05-30T08:00:00.023-05:00

I'm so excited to share projects with you this week using the FABULOUS Unity stamps! Unity Stamp Co. stamps have amazing designs and the quality of the stamps and the images they produce are stellar!

To start off the week I want to share a card I created using the Cosmo Cricket Set - Material Girl! Isn't this set adorable?

The card I created would be perfect for a young girl as a birthday card! I stamped the images of the 2 girls onto cream cardstock and placed them in a pocket. The card receiver can color these images they way they please.

Inside the card, I used temporary adhesive and stamped the dress images on various colors of pattern paper from BasicGrey. They can easy be peeled off and added to the 2 paper doll girls!

Supplies: Unity Stamp Co. (Material Girl, KOTM: January 2011, KOTM: April 2011), BasicGrey: Hello Luscious, American Crafts: Vanilla Cardstock, Cosmo Cricket: Tiny Type Pink, Kraft Paper, Buttons, Twinery Twine

Thank you Unity Stamp Co. for giving me the opportunity this week to share my projects using your amazing stamps! I appreciate it.

Also, comment on one or ALL my Growing in Unity posts this week for your chance to win a Unity Stamp Co. set for yourself!! I will pick one lucky winner at the end of the week!

Coming this week

2011-05-29T20:23:00.000-05:00

I've been kind of bad at updating my blog! Well I'll definitely make up for it this week and in June! I'll get to that in a second...

First, do you like the NEW blog look?? It reflects the colors in my craft room! I'm digging it. Very clean, right?

Alright! Starting tomorrow (Monday, May 30th)... I'm the Growing in Unity gal for the week! Each week Unity Stamp Co. has a different Unity lover showcase projects using their stamps! Well I'm the gal this week (May 30th - June 3rd). I'm so excited to show you a variety of projects using their amazing stamps!! So make sure you stop by EVERY day this week and comment on my posts for a chance to win your very own set of Unity stamps!!

Starting June 3rd and every Friday during the month of June, I'll be posting the Inspiration Friday posts on the MemoryWorks blog. I'll be showing projects, tutorials and my space! So make sure you stop by there every Friday this month for some inspiration!

I also want to share some photos of my family! These pictures are from when I was visiting the fam in the cities last weekend. My parents were in town visiting the newest addition to the family...so I thought I'd go down to see them.

Lucas drinking his "Spicy Hot Chocolate" (AKA - Chai tea)

Grammie (my mom) and Lucas playing in his bedroom.

Auntie (me) and Lucas playing in the living room. He's doing a GREAT job pushing his Auntie isn't he?

Lucas being a tunnel...I'm not sure if I'll fit!

Grandpa (my dad) with baby Colin.

Grandpa and his 2 boys... My dad LOVES these kids beyond words!

Grammie holding Colin - isn't he TINY??

And with tornado weather outside, we retreated to the lowest basement, where my brother keeps his musical instruments. We took turns playing the drums... here is Lucas! He actually does really well for a 2 year old.

There you have it! Stop by this week for some Unity inspiration and a chance to win a set for yourself.

Birthday Calendar

2011-05-19T08:55:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure if I've ever shared my Birthday Calendar project here on my blog. I created this project for a make & take on the MW Studio. I used the Simple Stories - Life Documented paper line.

Growing up, I was awesome at remembering peoples birthdays, sending cards or little gifts. But in the past few years... just HORRIBLE. I don't know if it's technology...because it's constantly reminding us when things are, like Birthdays. Which then in turn I feel like I don't have to remember (bad, I know). Well i created this birthday calendar so I could remember on my own. One peek at the monthly list and I'm good to go!

Those people who are special to me, I put photos in between calendar pages and on the back side of the photo I put a 4x6 month journal card (comes in the Life Documented kit) and I can jot down what I gave that person.

It was a fun and quick project! And will be a great way for me to keep track of those important dates!

i won I won

2011-05-16T16:20:00.000-05:00

There is so much I WISH I could share with you...but I can't till next month! Design Team projects.

But I can share what I received from Craft Critique! This site gives reviews of various scrapbooking & crafting products in the industry! They also do lots of great give-aways. And guess what!? I was the lucky winner of one. I won a WRMK Sew Easy! And accessories and some paper!

Literally when I was opening my box I kept gasping and saying "Are you kidding me?" "REALLY?" "OH my GOSH!"

Here is the loot!

See - ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! Wow still blown away by how much I received!!! THANK YOU CRAFT CRITIQUE & WRMK!!!

Ice Cream COZIES

2011-05-12T08:52:00.000-05:00

FINALLY! I have made a few ice cream cozies to put in my Etsy Shop! Icecream cozies fit around Pint Sized ice cream containers. They will keep your fingers from freezing, while you enjoy your sweet treat!

Pink Sherbert

Chocolate Raspberry

(The phrase on this one was inspired by my 2 year old nephew)

Grape

Red Velvet

Mixture

Custom Order

I can also create custom orders with names, phrases, etc.

I made this one for my nephew as an example.

So there you have it! I have also created these as gifts and give aways! Head to my Etsy Shop to purchase one for yourself or as a gift! Perfect for you child's teacher end of the year gift! Or for a gift for a High School Grad!

LaceyBug Creations on Etsy!

2011-05-07T11:19:00.000-05:00

The newest addition to the family came on Friday! My 2nd Nephew (name TBD) was born. He is 5 lbs 4 oz and 19" long. He is just a little peanut! I was able to go to the hospital yesterday to visit, since we are down in the cities. I was there when Big Brother Lucas came too. It was cute to see him with his new little brother!

Congrats to my Sister in law & Brother! I love you all so much!

Meet the little turtle... so far this is what they call him. I'm already in love!

Ice Cream Cozies

2011-05-03T08:45:00.001-05:00

In case you missed it the other day... I'm now creating ICE CREAM COZIES!!! These will be available for purchase in my Etsy shop soon! So what do you think? These sweet little cozies will fit around the pint sized ice cream containers! How adorable is that. Not only do they look cute, they keep your hands from freezing off ;)

This is the FIRST completed one I've made! They will be sold with various words on them. I will also make customized ones (peoples name, nickname, or word that is not in my shop). I will be selling them for $12.50 in my Etsy shop!

The words are hand stitched by me on muslin or broadcloth (yet to test this fabric). And the cozy is knitted by me. They fit around pint sized ice cream containers.

Robot Cake

2011-05-02T08:30:00.001-05:00

My nephew recently turned 2 years old (yikes!) and for his birthday we made Cake Pops. Weeks leading up to his birthday with family, he kept telling his mom & dad how he wanted to make robot cake. Well my sister in law would always say - When Auntie Lacey get's here we'll make Robot Cake. He would walk around the house calling out "Auntie Lacey!". The moment I walked in the house that weekend, he pulled me to the kitchen and was ready to make Robot Cake.

I created this layout with some of the Robot Cake Photos.

Supplies: American Crafts Cardstock, Fancy Pants: To the Moon (6x6 Paper pad, Rub-ons, Embellishments & Journal Cards), various letter stickers, Fiskars: Scallop Sentiment Punch.

And here are a few more photos from the Robot Cake experience. they were REALLY sweet. But the Birthday Boy enjoyed them!

Grandpa with the Birthday Boy

Yum yum

WINNER of the Ice Cream Cozy

2011-04-29T09:21:00.002-05:00

Thanks for the sweet comments yesterday. I used the WRMK Cinch to bind my album together! It is so easy to use! I'm glad I purchased the machine (only a few weeks ago)...

Now for the WINNER of the Ice Cream Cozy!! I think I'll also through in a little something Extra into the package as well...the winner will also receive some Simple Stories Samples! :)

drum roll please...the winner is commenter 31...

Lynn said...

Love how easy the travel journal looks to make. Can't wait to put one together for the summer!
April 28, 2011 1:54 PM

CONGRATS Lynn!! Please email me at lacey.memoryworks@gmail.com with your mailing address & I'll get your prize right out to you!!

Check out my ENTIRE Relationship journal on the previous post!

The winner of the Simple Stories kit will be announced at some point today, so keep an eye out on the MemoryWorks Blog!

Relationship Journal Video

2011-04-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today I want to share my entire Relationship Journey album I highlighted yesterday! Check out my video below to see the entire album!

I used my Cinch binding machine and the Simple Stories - Destinations line for this album.

MemoryWorks Simple Stories Destinations Blog Hop

2011-04-28T07:00:00.002-05:00

MemoryWorks Blog Hop

Featuring... Simple Stories

Hey Everyone!! Welcome to the MemoryWorks TeamWorks FIRST blog hop of 2011!! We are so excited to be able to share LOTS of projects today using the Simple Stories Destinations line! So lets get started! I have lots to share today, including inspiration, a give-away & more!

I have created two projects using the Destinations line. They look similar in form and shape, but the contents are very different!

The first project is a "Relationship Journey" album. I have placed memories, thoughts, and photos of my boyfriend Matt and I in this album. I created the whole album using the Destinations line and inserted tags and photo protectors to add elements and dimension to the book. I have included a few photos and a video so you can see the book in action.

Come back tomorrow to see the entire journal - I'll have a video highlighting the WHOLE thing!

Supplies list: Simple Stories: Destinations, Pink Paislee: Clear Stamps - Daily Junque, Ranger Ink and Stains, 2up page protectors (Target)

My 2nd project I'm sharing is a Travel Journal. I created this to use on my adventures to the MemoryWorks Retreat (which takes place in June, and is open to the public). This will be my 3rd year attending the retreat, I'm beyond excited. This year Matt is joing me and we will be driving from Fargo, ND to Salt Lake City, UT. So there will be many memories to, at & from the retreat to document in this travel journal.

Note: This video was a quick, unedited video to show off this album and it's many layers.

This journal was simple to create, it is 6" x 8" (the size of some of the element cards) and I inserted other journal and element cards to decorate the album. Giving me space to add photos and journal!

Supplies: Simple Stories: Destinations, Pink Paislee: Clear Stamps - Daily Junque and Soiree, American Crafts: Cardstock - Vanilla, Pink Paislee: Chalkboard Stickers - Daily Junque, Sizzix Die cut - Filmstrip, Buttons, ribbon, Lawn Fawn: Say Cheese Stamps, Cinch Binding Tool

TRAVEL ALONG!
MemoryWorks Blog START HERE
♥ Lacey Igo ♥ You are here
♦ Susan Nichols ♦ Next stop
Danielle Hunter
Sharon Hill
Sheri Feypel
Kelly Holbrook
Sarah Crawford
Sarah Jimerson
Sandy Zent
Simple Stories

Comment on one or all the blogs above for your chance to WIN a prize!! The more blogs you comment on the better chance you have to win the GRAND PRIZE! Our prize is a Simple Stories: Destinations kit (sponsered by none other then Simple Stories!)

BONUS: I'll be giving out a prize to one commenter from my blog. You will receive a knitted Ice Cream cozy! This is the NEWEST addition to my Etsy shop! NEVER BEEN SEEN until today! And you'll be the FIRST to try it out!! Ice cream sold separately.

Finally! Did you know?? Simple Stories just released their FIRST mid release!! It's amazing and it is called 100 Days of Summer! Be sure to check out the entire line here!

Happy hopping!!

Thanks for joining us today!

Tomorrow - don't miss it!

2011-04-27T09:54:00.000-05:00

Join my fellow TeamWorks members & myself for a Blog Hop!! We will be featuring the Simple Stories line - Destinations!! I'll be sharing 2 journaling albums I made and I'll also have a GIVEAWAY on my blog! One lucky commentor will get a NEW item (never seen before) from my Etsy shop! So don't miss it. There will also be a grand prize from MemoryWorks (a kit sponsored by Simple Stories!)

You won't want to miss it!

Start at the MemoryWorks Blog tomorrow morning (Blog Hop starts at 9am MST - 8am PST, 10am CST, 11am EST)

NEW Hair Candy

2011-04-21T10:03:00.002-05:00

My friend ordered some hair candy awhile back and so I made a variety of options. And from those options I have some left! These pieces of "HAIR CANDY" will be added to my Etsy shop in the next day or so! Hair candy - headbands are Grecian style, 2 strand headbands that tie at the nap of your neck! They are great for everyday wear, more formal wear, and even in dance class (holds your hair back and doesn't get in your face - if you have shorter hair). Hair Candy accessories will be coming soon!
Hair Candy - Cotton Candy Pink

Hair Candy - Gummy Bears

Hair Candy - Laffy Taffy

I also take custom orders. However, with multi-colored yarn I cannot guarantee 2 of the same color runs.

April Express Kit projects

2011-04-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share some of my projects I created with the MemoryWorks April Express kit! To see the rest, head over to the MemoryWorks blog (and see other inspiration from some of my fellow team members!)

I love how I got both a masculine and feminine layout out of this kit!

My first layout is of my Nephew & brother. I adore these photos of them and the greens worked well because of my nephews tie!

This second layout is of my friend Mikael & I. I love all the frilly elements with this kit. My layout title is a folded piece of cardstock with hidden journaling underneath!

Check out more MemoryWorks Express Kits here! If you would like to subscribe - contact me!

Coming soon...BLOG HOP

2011-04-19T09:25:00.000-05:00

Destinations BLOG HOP

SAVE THE DATE

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Join the MemoryWorks TeamWorks members and myself on Thursday, April 28th, 2011 for a blog hop. Travel through out blogs for inspiration using the Simple Stories: Destinations kit! Never before seen projects, ideas and inspiration will be presented by TeamWorks members and a PRIZE will be given out to ONE lucky winner who comments on the blogs! Comment on all blogs included in the hop & you multiply your chances to win! The prize is sponsored by Simple Stories!!

The hop will begin at the MemoryWorks Blog, from their it will bring you through the TeamWorks members blog and ending at our SPONSORS blog - Simple Stories!

I will personally be giving away a RAK as well.

ADorable Nephew

2011-04-18T15:53:00.000-05:00

Gosh, have I told you how much I ADORE this kid?!? My nephew is such a cutie, he makes me laugh and I love when he says "Auntie Lacey" - my heart SMILES (as do I).

I created this mini layout for an acrylic frame. It sits on my scrapbook desk right now. I used the Crate Paper: Portraits line (LOVE IT!)

This little guy is going to be a big brother soon too! I think he'll be an amazing big brother. Love ya peanut!

Daddy & Me

2011-04-16T17:27:00.000-05:00

I created this layout of my dad & me using the Crate Paper: Emma's Shoppe line. it's fun, delicate and perfect for my daddy's little buttercup (me!). The envelop holds journaling cards with different memories I have of my dad & me as a kid and today!

Happy Saturday and scrapping!

I love 6x6 paper pads

2011-04-06T21:46:00.000-05:00

One of my FAVORITE things right now are 6x6 paper pads. It is an addiction. You get so many great papers in a line for an amazing price. Most these 6x6 paper pads cost under $6.00!! Totally worth it.

The paper pads don't limit you to just cards or small items. Use them on 12 x 12 layouts as accent papers, frame out smaller photos or create homemade embellishments!! Cut a pieces of 6x6 paper to 4x6 to make a darling 3" x 4" card! I love these mini cards. Quick to make and look so darling!

So far with the NEWEST MemoryWorks Catalog released last week, I purchased 6 paper pads already! Some of the paper lines were available before the catalog was released! There were some MUST haves.

Paper lines you see above
Top Row - Left to Right)

Bottom Row (Left to Right)

Why do you love 6x6 paper pads? Or have you never bought one before?

NEW - Simple Stories 100 days of Summer

2011-04-02T17:23:00.000-05:00

I got a shocker of the week on Monday! I was told there would be a NEW Simple Stories line AND it would be in the NEW Catalog! Say WHAT?!? It was a pleasant surprise and when I saw the line, I was BLOWN away!

Check out this beautiful new collection called 100 Days of Summer. I love the tomato red, aqua & yellow combination. It's lovely and this collection makes me want an ice tea and scrapbook tools oh and SUNSHINE and warm weather (remember I live in Fargo, we still have snow).

So here you go! A few of my favorite pieces of the NEW Simple Stories line. Check it all out on the Simple Stories Blog (and for a chance to win)!!

LOVE These letter stickers!! Look at the fantastic colors! yummy

Look at these fantastic Elements! I love that bike! And the Post card oh and that Fresh Lemonade!!!!

And LOVE these little journaling cards! And the beautiful green dots on the other side. I will for sure need more then 1 of this piece of pattern cardstock!

And here is the entire kit! Beautiful!!

100 Days of Summer will be available end of April. If you are interested in this collection, please email me and I can place an order the day it becomes available!!

Also, don't forget to check out the NEW MemoryWorks Catalog (you can preview the 100 Days of Summer line). Check out what is already available in the Shop Our Products section on my website!

Shabby Cards

2011-04-02T10:00:00.003-05:00

I love to create! I love having space to do so (and I am lucky). I love new products! I placed an order with MemoryWorks last weekend and received a box of great goodies! 4 6x6 paper pads, matching elements, Destination kit, and so much more!!

Here are a few cards I created Friday night. Get some creative juices out!

My Sincerest Thanks

Supplies: Kraft Paper, Crate Paper (Emma's Shop: 6x6 paper pad, Phase Stickes), buttons (BasicGrey, My Minds Eye), Stamps: American Crafts (Thanks), Lawn Fawn (Poloroid frame)

Celebrate Sunshine

Supplies: Kraft Paper, Crate Paper (Emma's Shop: 6x6 paper pad), BasicGrey (Hello Luscious: 6x6 pad), Stamps: American Crafts (Warble)

Thanks Card

Supplies: Crate Paper ((Emma's Shop: 6x6 paper pad), Unity Stamp Company (KOTM), flower, Twinery Twine

Spring / Summer 2011 MemoryWorks Catalog

2011-04-01T18:32:00.000-05:00

Refresh, refresh, refresh!!! I have been doing this all week to the MemoryWorks website, refreshing the NEW product page hoping that some NEW products will appear online so I get a glimpse into what is to come with the NEW catalog. Well, not such luck!

BUT the excitement and anticipation has ended! MemoryWorks has released a PDF of their NEW Spring Catalog! And I'm beyond thrilled about the new products we'll be carrying and of course the beautiful look of the catalog and LAST but NOT least! A NEW Simple Stories line - 100 days of summer - check out their blog for a chance to win! SURPRISE!!!!!!!!! What an exciting time to be a consultant and a scrapbooker.

Check out the NEW Catalog in PDF form

And see how beautiful the cover is?

You can start purchasing products on my website (Shop our Products). Note: not everything is in stock due to manufacturer's shipping dates. So keep checking back or let me know what item you are waiting for and I'll keep you updated!

100 Days of Summer (Simple Stories) should be avail. then end of April and Destinations (Simple Stories) is avail. now!

NEW Cozies

2011-04-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

Since moving and renovating the house, I haven't had a lot of time to sit down and craft. Well I'm finally getting back into the swing of things! I created 2 new cozies, which have been added to my Etsy shop! They give a lot of sunshine to this Fargo "spring" (not so much - there are still snow storms).

Enjoy and snag them while they are still available!!

Peaches & Cream (Tea Cozy)

Spring Sunshine (Tea Cozy)

NEW - Hair Candy

2011-03-30T08:30:00.002-05:00

Finally!!! After MONTHs of telling you all that "Hair Candy" is coming to my Etsy shop... well the wait is over and it is here! Currently there are 2 items available from the line of "Hair Candy". Hair Candy will include: Grecian Headbands (Crocheted), Flower Clips (Crocheted), and Bow Clips (Crocheted). MOST items will be made to order. However, there will be a few items that I only have 1 of (due to multi-colored yarn or limited quantity yarn). Currently, I have a basic Black Headband (made to order) and a Rainbow Headband (1 of a kind). For made to order items I can crate baby/youth or teen/adult. One size fits most! More colors will be showing up in my etsy shop soon!

Black Headband: Perfect for everyday wear, as well as holiday or formal events! Give your hair some candy with this classic headband.

Rainbow Headband: This is a one of a kind headband created from multi-colored yarn. I still have more yarn, but can not guarentee that it will come out the same as the one pictured below.

At this time all headbands are double strand. They tie at the nape of the neck. If you have trouble with them staying on for a long period of time, use bobby pins behind the ears or near the tie at the nape of your neck.

My Mom

2011-03-29T09:24:00.000-05:00

While I have been unpacking & organizing my craft room. I take breaks to scrapbook with paper lines I've had in my stash for awhile that I LOVE! I created this layout, "My Mom" using Crate Papers - Restoration line. This line is one of my all time favorites. I bought every piece I could from this line. From the chipboard pieces to the rubons, 6x6 paper pad & even 12x12 paper pack from MemoryWorks. I ADORE this line! There are still items avail. from this line on my website.

Ranger / Tim Holtz

2011-03-28T11:04:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago I won some of the NEW Distress Stains from Ranger / Tim Holtz on Tim Holtz's blog (random drawing). I was excited as it was some new product...but I was curious b/c I kept thinking will I use this? What would I use it for?

Well this weekend answered those questions! I finally got to scrapbook and I used my Distress Stains (I got 5 colors by the way - Dusty Concord, Faded Jean, Peeled Paint, Spun Sugar and Vintage Photo). These things are AWESOME! I used them in a few different ways.

1. Inking edges! This works amazingly to ink edges of pages! It was so simple and easy. I couldn't believe it!

2. Embossing & backgrounds. I embossed a doily image from the new My Mind's Eye Stamps - with clear embossing powder. After it cooled down a little (and prior to cutting out the image) - I used the Peeled Paint Distress stain to cover the background! AMAZING and easy. It went on so simple and dries so quickly!!

I also tested it on a Pink Paislee Parisian Anthology piece of scrap paper (embossed piece). I used the Faded Jean and it was so rich & beautiful and the embossing image really popped! I put it in my tag stash to use later!

So go find this amazing Distress Stain! You won't regret buying a few containers (or all). I love this stuff and will need to buy more colors soon! Broken Chine, Walnut Stain, Weathered Wood & Wild Honey are on my MUST have list right now! Can't wait till they come out with more colors (like Mustard Seed - my fav!)

So lucky

2011-03-25T09:00:00.001-05:00

It's been awhile since I've scrapbooked. I've been so busy with life (and my stuff was packed up) that I haven't been able to sit down and create a layout! Well... that is over and I have finally created a layout! I made this layout for the March MemoryWorks challenge that takes place on our private boards. I loved playing with NEW papers we have in stock and some mists I have in my stash (confession about the mist... it was still in it's packaging...i know GASP).

Product Used

My Mind's Eye: 6x6 Paper Pad - Hattie
My Mind's Eye: Stamps - Girly, Remember, Memories, So Sweet
My Mind's Eye: Brads - Happy
MemoryWorks Express Kit: February
Stamps: American Crafts, Pink Paislee, Unity Stamp Co.
Crape Paper (White)
Tattered Angels (blue on crape) & Smooch Spritz's (Black)
Pink Paislee: Ticket
American Crafts: Cardstock - Vanilla
Fiskars: Border Punch - Scallop Sentiment
Ranger Ink (Black Soot & Olive)

2010 Year in Reveiw Album - Part 2

2011-03-24T07:00:00.001-05:00

Alright as promised! Here is the 2nd half of my 2010 Year in Review Mini Album. Check yesterday's post for January - June. Today enjoy July - December!

July

August

September

October

November

December

There you have it! My 2010 year in review mini album! I love the Simple Stories Life Documented line to capture all my favorite memories throughout the year! I created a 2009 year in review album as well with the Life Documented line. I used the WRMK page protectors and it looks completely different from this album!

2010 Year in Reveiw Album - Part 1

2011-03-23T14:22:00.001-05:00

Wow it has been awhile since I've posted on my blog. WE are moved into the house (still living amongst boxes), I got the flu, went to the cities for my nephews b-day and here we are, almost the end of March!

I finally got to editing my 2010 Year in review mini album and thought I'd share it. Here is January 2010 - June 2010 (Lots of pictures!). I will share July 2010 - December 2010 tomorrow.

I used the Simple Stories: Life Documented line and paired it up with Pink Paislee 365 degree paper line. And used a GCD chipboard album.

Cover

January

February

March

April

May

June

Come back tomorrow to see July - December of this album! I created the album in July of 2010 and filled in the photos and journaling as the year went on. So it's NEVER too soon to start a year in review album.

Moved in

2011-02-28T14:43:00.001-06:00

Friday was moving day. It was a VERY cold moving day - temperatures in the negatives. So the picture above is NOT the way the day was. The ground is FULL of snow, it was not sunny and it was FREEZING! But we are moved in.

After everything was moved out of the apartment it was cleaning time. Matt's mom helped us clean up the apt (we were there till midnight). I'm thankful for her help though.

Saturday was a day of home decor shopping. I bought some fun glass vases & bottles, candles, sand & glass marbles for the bathroom decor. It is looking good and really coming together. Hobby Lobby was having a HUGE sale and I got 1 LARGE red Vase, 2 smaller vases, 1 jar for under $14!!

You can kind of see what I got...oh yes and that lovely basket which hand towels will be rolled up in. Better pictures to come! I also added a wooden pillar painted white and distressed & put a another blue candel on it...that is located with the q-tips & 2 jars on the right side.

Sunday another sort of shopping day, a search for new cable & internet and 3 movies! OH and I soaked in the jet tub (finally).

I really didn't get much done this weekend. I unpacked 2 SMALL boxes in my craft room and that is it. So hopefully I'm a little more productive this week. I hope to get the 2 big boxes in the dinning area unpacked so I can finish painting a small section. And of course work on my craft room! It will be a slow process...but we are moved in.

Win a Silhouette

2011-02-23T08:35:00.000-06:00

Do you want a chance to win a Silhouette die cutting machine??? Head over to "The DIY Show Off" blog and enter to win!

Personally this is one machine that has been on my wish list for a very long time! The possibilities with it seem endless! And I personally don't travel to crops often and a stationary die cutting machine would work well for me. :) Good luck everyone.

Coming soon...

2011-02-22T09:32:00.000-06:00

Coming to my Etsy shop in March 2011!

HAIR CANDY

Okay, so I know I've talked about this for awhile, but with moving and renovating the house - I haven't had a lot of time to create or even take pictures of creations. This will all change after this weekend. WE move in Friday! So "Hair Candy" will come to my shop Mid / End of March!

What is "Hair Candy"?

Hair candy is crochet headbands (grecian style) with matching accessories (crochet flowers & bows).
I will be creating them for all ages (youth & adult). They tie in the back, so it is one size fits all youth and one size fits all adult.
They will come an array of colors to choose from
Clip accessories can be used with our without the headbands, giving you lots of options!
Custom color orders always welcomed

Photos and prices coming soon!

A Fun Announcement

2011-02-17T13:32:00.000-06:00

Today MemoryWorks, Simple Stories & Unity Stamp co announced their co-branding!! Unity Stamp Co. will have stamp sets for ALL three of the Simple Stories lines!! What a fantastic announcement on a special day - MY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Head over to BOTH the Simple Stories & Unity Facebook pages for your chance to WIN WIN WIN!!!

Dilemma

2011-02-10T11:48:00.000-06:00

We are getting VERY close to moving into the house. By the 25th we'll be fully moved in! SERIOUSLY - and there is still so much work to do. However, the bathroom is getting close to being finished...the tub works. No toliet yet.

Anyway - that room is NOT my dilemma right now. My craft room is. I love color and various color combinations, but trying to figure out the RIGHT one for the room, is becoming difficult.

So currently - the walls are painted Glidden "Wood Smoke" - it's a gray / taupe type color. LOVE it! The trim will all be white. The closet doors may be white - not sure yet and have a panel attached that will have chalkboard paint on them (♥).

Color Combo 1 - This is SORT of what I was going for. That is SORT of the gray color (kind of). But the color combo of Gray, Teal / Peakcock Blue & Mustard Yellow or possibly a more paler yellow. The vision in my mind... looks good :)

Kind of like this look - except instead of brown more gray

If you like this print go to: Sylvia C Photography

And you can check out this Peacock Treasury...kind of caputures the colors I love.

Color Combo 2 - Kind of a Shabby Chic look... Pale Pink, peachy, aqua, teal tones

Purchase this print at ELR 104

Okay so they are VERY similar! The big differnce, is if I add pink. Should I just stick with my original plan?

Here is a little collage i put together... my desk, Chalkboard paint will be on closet door, color combo, I want to build a bench to lounge on & store my 12x12 scrapbooks, and of course photo inspiration.

Any thoughts & ideas welcomed!

Doing a little blog hopping

2011-02-08T10:05:00.000-06:00

Blogs are simply amazing. There are so many out there, many inspirational in various ways. Usually I'm on the look out for scrapbook / crafting blogs that inspire me & my projects. But lately, it's renovation, home decor, and do it yourself blogs. I'm looking for ideas for the house and sometimes I find TOO many ideas.

Here are 2 photos that inspired me today... the first one is chalk board paint on a door. The reason I picked this one, was not because their is chalkboard paint on the door (we are already going to do this to my closet doors in the craft room...but I love the banner decor on the chalkboard! It takes that great chalkboard paint a step further! Note to self, buy vinyl & digi die cutting software!

And this fire place! Right now there is red brick around our fireplace and a beautiful piece of wood from Michigan and where Matt's Dad grew up. We think it will be a better fit at the cabin, since it has sentimental meanings.

I love this mantle & fireplace though. We definitely thought of tiling the fireplace and I love the idea of using these little square tiles... I think if we do something similar I'll want the small rectangle tiles that have different textured tiles on the sheet.

Do you check out home decor blogs? What are your favorites??

I love this site - Ana White! I have a HUGE long to-do list over there! Starting with an entry way bench!

OH and our bathroom will be in working condition by the end of the day!! TG! Renovation Gasper.

I do create

2011-02-07T14:07:00.000-06:00

Life is consumed by renovations. But don't worry, I've found time to create...or knit. I just added a few new cozies to my Etsy shop. More sweetheart cozies (which I will continue making throughout the year... why just give love to your coffee cups around Valentine's? I like to give my cups love ALL year round!) and some more Tea Cozies (flower cozies).

After we move into the house (hopefully by the end of next week) I will have more time to knit and scrapbook. My new space is 95% completed. I just need to add some base trim, resurface the door & resurface the built in. But that will come over time. I'm so excited to move into the space though!

Here are a few new cozies I've created in the past few weeks

I have also had time to create a pair of custom ordered fingerless gloves for my friend Bonnie. She loves the color combo of Green, Red & Yellow and after a TRIAL pair of gloves that didn't turn out, I found the perfect yarn...here is the end results!

What a fun color combo to work with! Thanks Bonnie for asking me to create these for you!

Etsy Front Page

2011-01-31T15:39:00.000-06:00

RIGHT THIS SECOND, I'm on Etsy's front page!! What an honor!!!

This sweet little cozy of mine was included in an Etsy treasury that is featured on the front page right now!!

Check out my shop for more cozies!! I'm just really excited right now!!

Simple Stories - Destinations

2011-01-26T10:43:00.000-06:00

The newest line in the Simple Stories collection has been revealed and it will take you to NEW places!! Simple Stories is a line developed by the owner of MemoryWorks (Amber Crowell).

The Destinations line is A-MAZING! Seriously, when I first saw this line a few weeks ago, I was blown away and anxious to get my hands on it!! It is a great collection not only for your vacation photos, but also as a life journey album or year journey! The colors are bold and designs unique! So here it goes, check it out for yourself! Beware - LOTS of PHOTOS!

Destinations - Collection

Double Sided Paper (6)

All papers are double sided and nice & thick!! Don't you LOVE the those little journaling cards!! I ♥♥♥ them!!

12x12 Design Elements (6)

These elements are FABULOUS!! I love using them in the WRMK page protectors, but also great when creating mini albums & layouts to add different journaling areas & borders!

12x12 Sticker Sheets

These sticker sheets are on thick cardstock!! They are wonderful and add an extra element to your projects! I love the addition of an EXTRA sticker sheet. One focused on letter stickers (which I personally ♥) and one on some great images!

4x6 Transparency's

Each kit comes with 2 designs of each of the above transparency's. These are fantastic over photos or even over a journaling area!

So there you have it!! The NEW Destinations collection! Head over to the Simple Stories BLOG for your chance to WIN!! And don't forget to befriend them on Facebook!

If you have any questions on the Simple Stories line, purchasing a kit for your self, or MemoryWorks questions...please let me know!

Valentine's Gift Guide

2011-01-25T08:44:00.000-06:00

Well I have been a HORRIBLE blogger. With the house renovations, all my spare time has vanished. It is good though and I'm enjoying it and learning how to build things (and take things down).

I have been featured in a Valentine's gift Guide by a group of Etsy people.

Head over to the blog and check it out. Also you have MANY chances to win the $300+ prize package! I'm giving away that "Sweetheart Cozy".

This cozy but reversed.

So head on over :D