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March 04, 2013
February 20, 2013
Big Picture Classes GIVEAWAY! {Let's Go Grammar Free}
It's probably not a secret to you that I love words. I love clever turns of phrase. I love painting pictures with words.
However, I don't love grammar, so when I found out Angie Lucas is offering a Grammar Free Journaling class over at Big Picture, I thought, "Well, that's brilliant." Because how many of us get tripped up on the journaling when we're working on a layout?
{The answer: Lots. Lots of us.} So...today, I get to give away a spot in this class, which is underway (but not so underway that you'll be lost...)
In this class, you'll learn a dozen creative and useful strategies for telling awesome stories in completely new ways—no paragraphs required! Be free. Be Grammar Free.
Today is the last day to sign up so run on over there for pure grammar liberation today!
And if you're still on the fence, here's a little more info courtesy of Angie herself.
Class Description
Who's teaching this class? Hi, I'm Angie Lucas, word nerd extraordinaire, and I'll be your Grammar-Free Journaling instructor.
Is "grammar-free journaling" a thing, or did Angie Lucas make it up? Okay, okay, I made it up. The idea is to tell truly compelling stories in creative new formats using the fewest words possible—and to stress less about paragraph flow, sentence structure, transitions, and the rules of writing.
What does Angie Lucas have against grammar? Absolutely nothing! I'm willing to bet that I love grammar even more than you do. But just in case you don't like it, I'll show you 12 useful strategies for skipping the grammar altogether.
Who is this "Angie Lucas" anyway? I'm the new Editorial Director at Big Picture Classes, a professional writer and editor since 1998, the founder of Ella Publishing Co., the former managing editor at Simple Scrapbooksmagazine, and an average pianist (which is not at all relevant to this workshop).
So HOW do you win?
1. Leave a comment and tell us what you hate most about grammar. (We might as well celebrate in our loathing, right?) That's it. You're entered!
BUT. There are additional chances to win!
2. Blog, Tweet, Facebook or Pin this giveaway and then come back to this post and leave an additional comment for each one you do. That's FOUR additional chances to WIN!
3. Winner will be announced tomorrow so hop to it!
And don't forget, if you're local or semi-local to Rockford, Illinois, I do have a few openings left in my Beautiful Girl Art Workshop coming up on Thursday, March 28th. The first class is completely sold out, so snag your spot today!
Additional details about this mixed media art class are HERE.
Good luck everyone!
January 11, 2013
Creative Spaces vol. 2 & A Giveaway!
When we moved back to Illinois from Colorado, we knew we needed a house with creative spaces for both Adam and I. It's not often you find such a thing, especially when you're also hoping for four bedrooms, but somehow, miraculously, we did.
And I'm so thankful every single day.
Our house is such a blessing to me...but it's definitely a work in progress. I felt a little selfish starting our renovations with my own office space, but it was the most pressing considering the fact that I work from home.
And also considering this is what it looked like before:
The folks who lived here before really loved earth tones.
Redoing rooms is a family affair in our house.
So we all got to it. And I'm so happy we did. Not long after I'd finished I got an email from one of my all-time favorite magazines, Creating Keepsakes. They were doing another Creative Spaces issue and would I be interested in being a part of it?
Um, does the world as I know it revolve around coffee? Of course I want to be a part of it!
My good friend Liz's room was featured in their first issue, so I already knew this was going to be one of those slam dunk publications, the kind you get lost in...the kind you read with a notebook nearby for all the inspiration inside...because who doesn't LOVE to peek inside other people's creative spaces? (And who isn't looking to be more organized?)
So, one day in October, CK sent me Adam. (Ironic, considering that the Adam they sent was not the Adam whose last name I share.)
This Adam is a hugely talented photographer here in the Midwest. And I got to watch while he set up and shot my room.
I tried to stay out of his way, but I'm a scrapbooker, you know I had to take my own pictures of this. And look, I was sort of incognito...
Anyway, my copy should be here any day now and I can hardly wait to see it! Just the sneak peek has me dying to see more!!! You can see that for yourself right HERE.
And CK's own, the fabulous Megan Hoeppner is chatting up this special issue on My Craft Channel so that's another great way to find out more about this publication!
Read more from Megan here on her blog.
The funny thing is, in her post, Megan points out an Ikea cart (it's on the cover) that's featured FOUR different times in this issue...and while I had NO idea because I'd never seen it before, I spotted it in the bathroom section at Ikea but sadly didn't pick it up. I mentioned my regret in passing and guess whose sweet 'ol husband made the hour drive to Ikea to get it for her for Christmas? Yep. It was the best Christmas present.
I might go back and get another one! It's SOOOO cute!
So, all that leads me to the most important part of this post...
WHO WANTS TO WIN?!
Today I get to give away a copy of this fabulous magazine to one of my very lucky readers!
Let me tell you, it's chock full of inspiration and organization and practical tips you can actually make work for you, so even if you're not looking to overhaul your space, there is still so much you can get out of this book...
So, how do you enter?
1. In the comments section of this blog post, tell me what space makes you feel the most creative?
There. You're entered.
BUT...for additional chances to WIN...
2. Blog, Tweet, Facebook or Pin this post (in other words, share, share, share!) and then come back here and leave another comment for each one you do. That means FOUR more chances to WIN!
3. Cross your fingers.
I'm pretty sure the issue is popping up at Barnes and Noble and other bookstores, so make your way out to grab a copy right away! You're going to LOVE all the inspiration you find.
Now, leave a comment...I'll draw a winner next week so spread the word for lots of chances to WIN!
December 21, 2012
Five Things I've Learned on my way to 37
I had a birthday this week.
I turned an age that puts me closer to 40 and I have mixed feelings about that. Every year, I tell myself (and everyone else) that it's not a big deal, this birthday one week before Christmas.
It's not really something special or celebratory, but there's this tiny piece inside of me that secretly hopes a little bit of that childhood birthday magic settles on my shoulders for just a few hours on December 18th.
But when you're a grown-up, let's face it, birthdays are just like every other day...you still have responsibilities, after all, and you ask for things like flooring--practical presents that are definitely cause for excitement, but about as far from the pile of gifts that used to grace the end of my birthday bed as you can get.
And the closer I get to 40, the more comfortable I get in my own skin. I find myself worrying less about things like bags under my eyes or the number on the scale. I start thinking more about this life and the legacy I want to leave...what am I doing here...and what do I want to be doing here...?
And I think it can all be summed up in two words:
I spent some time creating last weekend, and I wanted to do something simple...a reminder to myself to keep going on my Big Dream List. One of those big dreams came true about two weeks ago (I can't really talk about it yet) and it floored me. It was like God was saying, "yeah, I was there when you wrote that down."
And I was thinking, "Huh. How 'bout that?"
I've learned a few things on the way to 37.
Like...
1. A bad day can be instantly made better by a dance break. (I recommend this song. Try not to at least chair dance. I dare you.)
2. Coffee is one of life's greatest pleasures.
3. Nothing is more important than your family. Sometimes you have to take a look at what you're doing and how it affects them...if it's not good, change is in order.
Photo by LyndseyLew Photography
4. You can't be good at everything.
5. Most of all, if your dreams don't scare you, then they're not big enough. I had to readjust some of my big dreaming accordingly and I can tell you I'm now properly afraid.
But I feel pretty confident that God's got my back...even when it doesn't look like I think it should.
Funny how that works, huh?
November 26, 2012
Argo, Home decorating and Giveaway Winners {An exercise in Randomness}
I've been a little MIA this week, but I have good reasons. Namely, the well of inspiration done dried up so I needed to take some time to regroup.
And did I ever.
Holiday weekends when we lived in Colorado became something they'd really never been before--relaxing. And when we moved back, we determined that we would keep that tradition going. There's something amazing about turning your brain off for a few days. Not rushing around. Not feeling obligated. It was perfect.
Here's a recap list-style.
1. We painted our living room.
Ever since we moved into our house, I've wanted to fix our living room. Here's a really grainy/terrible photo of what it looks like (and yes, there are often goofballs hanging out on the couch):
I took this to plug into one of those "paint your room" tools on a paint website.
It so didn't work. Perhaps even the virtual painter felt confused by this god-awful color on the wall?
For weeks I've been frustrated because I haven't had time to paint...so finally, we just did it. I found this image I'd pinned months ago on Pinterest from the fabulous Layla at The Lettered Cottage:
And I fell in love with it all over again.
Side-list. Things I love about this photo:
A. The gray walls. I knew I wanted gray walls like we had in Colorado.
B. The natural elements, like the rug and the plant and the window treatments.
C. Calm with pops of color. I'm a color-girl.
We painted for a couple days and got the whole thing done...but I can't show it to you yet because the hunter green carpet is just too, too ugly. I mean. Ugly. So, once we get new flooring, I'll share.
In the meantime, I have a question... do you like carpet or hardwood in a living room? And why? Really stressing over that decision (go figure) so help me out?! :)
2. We saw Argo.
After feeling rather disappointed with Skyfall, I lowered my expectations for this Ben Affleck directed, based on a true story film about a declassified CIA rescue operation in the early 1980's. I shouldn't have. This movie was truly amazing.
I told Adam afterwards, "That felt like an important story. The kind that needs to be told."
Well done, B.A. Well done.
3. I finished the first draft of the script for "Grimm," the new musical Adam and I are writing for Spotlight Youth Theater.
This is the third show we've written, and every time our goal is to get better. I think because I LOVE these stories so much I've had the most fun writing this show, and I cannot wait to see it come to life in the spring.
4. I got to see my cheeky sister.
I pretty much only get to see her once or twice a year so when she flew in for a friend's surprise party I was extra excited. I never laugh as hard as when I'm with this girl.
5. I worked on this bad boy:
I find it mentally relaxing to spend time making things, so I really had a ton of fun working on these projects for my Home Blessings class. I hope you'll join me? Click the image above for more info. :)
Speaking of which...I'm working on my Reader Appreciation for this week but I wanted to announce the winners of my Home Blessings class today.
Melinda and Jody, email me at courtneycrops{at}msn{dot}com and I'll get you hooked up!
I'm excited to appreciate my readers this week...I have some fun things in store! (Come back!)
So tell me, how was your weekend...and seriously, carpet vs. hardwood in the living room. Who wins?
November 20, 2012
Big Picture Home Blessings {Enter To Win!}
So, my Reader Appreciation Week was interrupted by a birthday, so the celebration had to shift a little bit to my youngest...but now I'm back and this week, I'm giving away a really FUN prize.
Two spots in my new class at Big Picture.
In this class, we're going to be talking about ways to fill your home with blessings using your mad papercrafting skills.
Fun, right?
As someone who has moved around (A LOT) I've discovered a few key things you can do to make a home comfortable and cozy, even if you haven't been able to overhaul the space yet.
This is something of a spin-off from my Scrapbooking Your Faith class, but we're pulling it all outside the album...we'll be doing some mixed media, framed art, dimensional pieces and some clever displays that allow you to put your blessings out there and keep them where they need to be... in front of your face.
So, how would you like to join me on this little journey?
First of all, you can find more information about the class HERE.
And, if you'd like to be entered to WIN, here's what you can do:
1. Leave a comment on this blog post and tell me the thing you're most grateful for this holiday season.
There. You're entered.
But if you want more chances to win:
2. Tweet, blog, Pin or Facebook this post and then come back and leave a comment for each one you do (that's four extra chances to win.)
Hm. Seems too easy, doesn't it?
We're going to have tons of fun in this class, and I'm really looking forward to it...I hope you'll join me! You can register HERE.
November 08, 2012
Bookmaking Made Easy
I don't sew.
At all.
I wish I did, but for whatever reason despite several lessons I am sewing-stupid.
But I can hand-stitch. And despite routinely drawing blood from my own thick fingers, I do this a lot.
Somewhere along the way, I discovered I really loved mini books, but I couldn't find exactly what I loved in the store. So, I decided to make them myself.
And guess what? It's really easy! This is a mini brag book I made for my mom. She needed an updated one so I thought I'd oblige.
Here, you can see the inside of the book:
None of the pages are the same size, which is what I wanted. I loved the idea of having a variety. I like the idea of a book that's interesting at its very foundation.
Once I assembled it, I knew I wanted to create a closure. I considered a magnet or velcro but ended up not needing either. Turns out, this Perfect Accent is heavy enough that it holds the whole thing closed. (I did fold that closure piece twice so it "wraps around" the outside of the book.)
The other thing I did, I will admit, is use Foam Squares to adhere a Journaling Card to the outside of the book. And I hated it there. I immediately wanted it gone, but in my haste, I ripped the outside of the book.
So, instead of starting over, I cut a couple of flower patterns from a separate sheet of paper and used Foam Adhesive to adhere them over the rip (lined up perfectly with the flower pattern on the background.)
I love a happy mistake. (PS. Don't ever throw something away because you think you've messed it up. You can almost always salvage it!)
Here's a look at the inside of the book. You can see where I stitched straight down the center.
It worked like a charm. And to hide the stitching on the outside, I cut a coordinating pattern of paper and adhered it like a binding on the cover.
From there, I used the contents of my November Sprinkles box to put together the embellishments. Mostly journaling cards and a few dimensional embellishments...
And, of course, Alphabet stickers (Did you know I have a clear obsession with these things? All shapes, colors, sizes. I'm a word nerd so I stock up.)
The book holds together really well, and I can continue to add to it, personalize it and change it up as I want to.
So tell me, if you were going to make a mini book from scratch...what topic would you choose?
Also, today is the last day to enter my to win my Girl's Night In Gift Basket! Don't miss out!!
October 22, 2012
Spotlight Youth Theatre, Weekend Recap & Scrapbooking Your Faith
What a FUN weekend we had! Our whole family is exhausted, but we were so thrilled with the way Schoolhouse Rock turned out. Sophia fought through some sickness/losing her voice, but it all turned out wonderfully...
People often ask us how we could leave Colorado for Illinois, and of course I then give my "I love cornfields" motivational talk which always results in that glazed over yeah, you're nuts look.
I don't get it. There's nothing like a good cornfield in the summer. Sorry, mountain lovers.
I'm also a sucker for Illinois in the autumn. And places that readily stock goats on rickety bridges.
But truly, this weekend I was reminded of a big part of the reason why I am thrilled to be back here in Illinois. Working with Spotlight is one of the best things we've ever done... and the organization has been amazing for our girl.
It's made me refocus on why theatre really is important and valuable, whether you plan to pursue it or not.
Not only is it an excellent tool for building confidence and self esteem (when the right people are in charge), but it teaches so many important life skills. For instance, how to speak in front of a group. How to work in a team. How to think on your feet. How to stay cool under pressure.
I can't explain how excited I am about the whole thing. Sometimes I wonder how we survived two years without it.
Anyway. I'm geeked out and it shows.
I'm also excited because I got to share this faith-themed layout:
...using Webster's Pages Park Drive Collection (which I LOVE) over on the Creating Keepsakes Blog today. There are lots more details on sharing a "pocket full of promises" for yourself or someone you love so I hope you'll get a chance to check it out.
Was your weekend as full as ours? What fun things did you do with your two glorious days? :)
October 19, 2012
Sweethaven, Acorn Hollow, Kelly Goree & A BIG Giveaway! {Phew!}
After I wrote A Sweethaven Summer, something really unexpected happened. I started to get letters from readers.
No one tells you when you're writing that first book that something so amazing as that will happen one day...(Future writers, take note!)
The thing I didn't expect to hear was "this book made me want to scrapbook again." Or "I'm not a scrapbooker, but after reading this book, now I want to try."
I can tell you, it wasn't my intention to convert a new crop of scrapbookers...though, if that were a by-product of writing these novels, I'll surely take it. :)
See, to me, there really are some wonderful reasons to scrapbook...to preserve, to capture, to process (I often process my thoughts while I'm scrapbooking them.) So, it was a natural fit to tie it all in...
So today, I have a super special, awesome treat for you (and a big giveaway)...and it comes from Little Yellow Bicycle & the FABULOUS Kelly Goree. Over the next few weeks, Kelly & I will be sharing at the LYB blog some inspiring layouts inspired by Sweethaven...and many chances to WIN awesome prizes.
So, I asked Kelly to create a layout about her oldest & dearest friend...after all, Sweethaven is a whole series celebrating oldest & dearest friends...{the kind I call "life friends."} She used LYB's Acorn Hollow and look what she came up with:
Here is Kelly's sweet journaling:
"To say I was blessed the day you walked into my dorm room almost twenty-five years ago wouldn’t even begin to describe it. There was no way of knowing that you, my mid-term replacement roommate freshman year of college, would become my lifelong best friend. I know physically we’re as different as two people can be (and you got the good end of that deal!) but we were soul sisters from the very start. We complimented each other. I talked you into trying things you never had done before (including coloring your hair for the first time – sorry!) and you taught me what true friendship was all about. I am so grateful and humbled that you are my “person.”
What's that you say? You want to win this collection for yourself?
Well, guess what? You're in luck. Today, I'm giving away an Acorn Hollow prize pack {the whole collection!} that will also include a signed copy of A Sweethaven Homecoming, the second book in my Sweethaven series.
Because this is the PERFECT time of year for Homecoming & Acorn Hollow, I am going to give you lots more chances to enter my drawing. Blog, Tweet, Facebook or Pin this post/giveaway, then come back here and leave another comment for each one you do. That's four more chances to win just for sharing the news!
BUT! That's not all!
There's also a SECOND chance to win! Head over to the Little Yellow Bicycle Blog for yet another chance to WIN A Sweethaven Homecoming.
September 17, 2012
A Layout, An E-Book & A Giveaway {Meaningful Minis by Elizabeth Dillow}
This week, I'm heading to Dallas to attend the American Christian Fiction Writer's Conference. It's funny because when we were moving, this date seemed so far away.
It was like I had all the time in the world... but now here it is and I find myself unprepared. I suppose that's somewhat typical.
As it is, I have a layout to share today. Maybe you saw the ribbon valance I have in my scrapbook room:
It's not really a secret how much I love ribbon, so I pulled a bunch of my favorites (the same ones that are hanging over my window) and created a layout about my daughter at age 10.
I used the ribbon like you would strips of patterned paper, careful to cut the ends at different angles so everything wasn't going the same way. I also made sure to vary the lengths.
From there, I just built the layout on top of the colorful texture the ribbon provides:
Sometimes you need a little extra adhesive, which is why I stitched the buttons in place. I find that some adhesives don't want to stick to ribbon, though for whatever reason getting it to stick to paper is fine.
I use Crafty Power Tape from Scrapbook Adhesives. I wrote my journaling on white cardstock and cut it into strips, applying them around the layout. Here again, I didn't want anything lined up, so I added them at different points, overlapping the ribbon around the page.
I used foam adhesive (Scrapbook Adhesives) to get the photo to pop up a little bit.
And that was pretty much it!
You can see more ideas like this one in my E-Book, Step Up Your Supplies.
Those Ella girls really know how to put a book together, which is why I'm thrilled to tell you all about this book from my friend Elizabeth Dillow:
AND! I get to give one away!
Here's a little more about this fabulous book...
Whatever you make, make it meaningful.
Elizabeth Dillow applies this philosophy to everything she does, and Meaningful Mini Albums may be the meaningfulest* of them all. She poured her heart and soul into 12 amazing albums (some itty bitty and others merely small) that will inspire you to tell your best stories in creative new ways. And your purchase includes a free video tour of 7 of the 12 albums. (Details on page 2 of your download.)
The beauty of a mini-album is that you can pack BIG memories inside. And these are projects with a clear beginning and end, which means you get to accomplish something grand and set the finished product on the shelf for all the world to see, flip through, and enjoy. Aren't you dying to think mini?
*Yes, we made up a word, but we're in good company. Shakespeare made up words all the time.
So...how would YOU like to win?
All you have to do is leave a comment on this blog post and I'll choose a winner Wednesday before I head off to Dallas!
For extra chances to win, just Tweet, Facebook or Pin the link to this giveaway and come back here and leave another comment telling me you did! What a great little giveaway to kick off the week! :)
I'm also giving away books all over the place on Facebook, so be sure to check out my author page for chances to win!
September 12, 2012
What's Your Big Idea?
This year, I'm so excited to be a part of something so fun. The Big Idea Festival over at Big Picture Classes.
The festival is FREE and anyone can join in...and there is tons of inspiration. So much that I can hardly get over it! The best idea is to clear your schedule and go to town catching up on videos, projects and posts. Here's the blog post with my big idea...
To start, they asked all of the instructors "What's your big idea..." And this is mine.
This is a peek at my Dream Book:
I created this to help me document my dreams. Some are kind of personal and private. Some are in the seedling stages. Some have already come true.
Seeing my books in print is still completely surreal, and I think I could do 100 pages about it and it would still seem like a dream.
Oh well, that won't stop me from trying to capture it.
I used the Studio Calico catalog to create this because I'm kind of stingy when it comes to my new papers. I don't like to cut them up. But catalogs are the perfect way to get the patterns in small doses, so I hoard those just like I hoard pens. And chocolate.
I've had this book for a long time, but never knew quite what to do with it, and I've wanted to sit down and create a Big Dream Book for a long time but never quite had the chance.
It was a perfect marriage.
I didn't want to add too much bulk because it's a spiral bound book, but this cream colored trim was too perfect to ignore. I'm a sucker for cream colored trim.
This is my all-time favorite, but I used every last scrap of it.
I decided to create a border out of the circles by cutting around the base of the design but leaving them together.
And while I'm a fan of big dreams being handwritten, I decided to type and print mine.
I'm happier for it. :)
So tell me...what's YOUR big idea?
Head over to Big Picture and sign up for the Big Idea Festival. I've got a video with a little more detail on this project and I know the other teachers will inspire your socks off!
September 07, 2012
LOTS of Giveaway Winners {And What I'm Up To Today}
It's been giveaway central over here, and I'm not even finished. I think gift-giving is my love language, and plus I have a bunch of really talented friends to tell you about next week.
In the meantime, I am meditating on this...
Looking forward to this...
Studying these:
(for the new musical Adam and I are writing for Spotlight Youth Theater...)
Preparing for this:
...and choosing paint colors because I'm gonna KILL my ugly living room this weekend.
I feel like the resting I've done lately has been really good for me...who knows, maybe it's good to power off the brain every once in awhile.
Anyway, remember a little while ago, I announced this:
And I told you I was going to award some awesome prizes?
By the way, that necklace has gotten a LOT of comments and I am just as in love with it as you are!
Even if you don't win, you should RUN check out Beth's website because her jewelry is GORGEOUS!
Anyway, I had some amazing entries, and I'm always so excited to run around the internet and see what you guys are creating!! I sort of want to pack everything up and scrapbook today...doesn't that sound fun? :) Thank you to everyone who entered!
While it WAS difficult, I've chosen three winners...so those prizes will be divvied up and awarded to the following...
First Place: Cresta Woodruff:
I just fell in love with the enlarged photo and this color palette. The doiley is perfect with the gray, black and salmon colors and the sentiment is pure Sweethaven. Cherish those old friends...they are such a gift!
Second prize goes to Deanna Koontz:
The thing I really loved was something Deanna wrote in her blog entry. She said of her husband "Darrel is my happy place." I can so relate to that, and I loved the way she captured it here...the layout is so beautifully put together.
Finally, I couldn't steal this image, but go check out Dana Cheney's layout. I love the patchwork chevrons and the way Dana included several photos on this page. What a great idea!
Thank you so much to everyone who entered, and if you won (YAY YOU!) send your address to me at courtneyrwalsh{at}gmail{dot}com (don't forget the R in there!) and I'll get your prizes out!
Speaking of prizes...you might be wondering about my other giveaways...
The Winner of The Studio Calico September Kit (and a signed copy of one of my books) is: Miriam Pranther!
The Winner of the Three Memory Verse CDs (or Schoolhouse Rock for the Bible) is: Shannan Martin (What?! I swear I am using a random number generator and it pulled out my homegirl's ever-lovin' name?)
The Winner of Brave Girl Art School is Terri at Create Scrapbooks:
You lucky winners need to send me your addresses (or email addresses) too! (send to: courtneyrwalsh{at}gmail{dot}com and I'll get those taken care of too!
Thanks so much for playing along...and for hanging around here...and for telling people about my books. I'm having one of those sappy, grateful moments again. I better sign off before I start blubbering.
What are you doing this weekend?
September 04, 2012
The Big Idea Festival, Nesting & Another inappropriate story...
I guess I needed to take a little break? I went a lot of days in a row without blogging, and it felt strange, but necessary. Sometimes I think you just need to ponder. Or nest. And that's mostly what I've been doing. And no, I'm not pregnant.
Just a new homeowner...on a mission.
We spent the weekend chasing down our to-do list andI'm happy to say it's all coming along. Adam's recording studio is nearly finished (except for the shopping) and I've mentally moved on to the 'green room."
This is what it looked like in the Realtor photos:
I really think they kind of pulled it off, but it's not working for me at all. In fact, I've taken to calling it the "Poo" room because honestly the color on the walls really reminds me of a baby's diaper.
A dirty one.
My mom is shaking her head. I can hear her now... "You really need to learn to censor yourself..."
I'm currently in the indecisive "what color do I paint, my whole life depends on this decision" phase.
Which has led me to the "but I just did this, for the love of Pete. Why do I have to do it again!?" phase of self pity.
Mostly I'm at war with the fun, vibrant, color-loving side of myself and the "it's time to grow up and choose neutrals" side of myself. Trouble is, I'm drawn to lots of different styles...so it's difficult to pick and choose and commit.
I'm still gathering my thoughts on the subject (as if my decorating skills, or lack thereof, need to be psycho-analyzed?)
Anyway. I'm also choosing winners for all kinds of goodies today (stay tuned!) But in the meantime, I wanted to tell you about this:
I'm still kind of floored that I get to be a part of something so amazingly cool. Have you been over to Big Picture lately? There is SO much to learn and what a great place to do it!
Click on the photo to read more about the Big Idea Festival!
In short...this is a FREE 14-day festival filled with big ideas, big prizes, and big fun!
Grab a front-row seat; you won't want to miss the spectacle of the season. Seven of your favorite BPC instructors are teaming up with seven surprise instructors—who will be unveiled on opening night—to share their biggest big ideas with you.
While we can't guarantee that there will be elephants and acrobats, there will certainly be energy and excitement to spare. Register now for your chance to join in the hullabaloo and share your big ideas, too.
Check this out!
I'm still sort of shocked to see myself with these girls. They're fabulous in every way! You can come get big ideas from Ali Edwards, Cathy Zielske, Stacey Julian, May Flaum, Karen Grunberg, Amy Sorenson and myself.
The festival is 14 days straight of daily challenges and amazing giveaways...and did I mention this is FREE?! What?
So no matter what kind of papercrafter you are, this is a GREAT opportunity to join in the fun!
And as a side note...
Sam's been really into his muscles lately. The other day he lifted up his shirt to show me his 4-pack. At the risk of writing yet another inappropriate blog post, I have to tell you about our ride home from my parents' house last night.
Adam likes to play car games. I won't tell you that I loathe them because I don't want everyone in my family to call me boring and because it keeps the kids occupied.
And because every now and then, we get a little gem.
Yesterday, they were playing "Person, Place or Thing" (which is basically "20 Questions". Or in our case, "152 Questions.")
So, Sophia has chosen a "Thing" and we're all guessing.
Ethan: Can you buy it in a store?
Sophia: It depends on who you are.
Me: Is it prescription medication? (No wonder I hate these games.)
Sophia: Um. No.
Adam: Is it man-made?
Sophia: Yes:
Sam: It's BOOBS!
Don't worry, after I wiped the tears of laughter off my face, I did reprimand him for being inappropriate. I'm sure it made a huge impact.
Sometimes I feel sad that time goes fast...and other times I find it impossible to not be so thankful for this exact moment right here...because these moments are just so fun, and I am just so blessed.
Hope you had a good weekend!
August 29, 2012
Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge, Room Redo & Prizes Galore!
It's funny when you write a book, it seems like there's a mad rush around the release and then radio silence after that...you're sort of sucked into this odd vacuum of quiet...
And I admit, it's almost nice. Because you've been crazed for so long that the silence is welcome... until you realize you've been TOO silent...like I've been about this:
I love scrapbooking...and I love that my scrapbooking friends have created tons of inspiration pieces for my Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge...
...Perhaps you missed the details, but I'm extending the deadline till Tuesday, September 4th just in case!
All you do is create a layout inspired by Sweethaven or one of the Sweethaven pages above and then link up to it on THIS blog post (in the comments.)
In case you're wondering...I DO have some fabulous prizes to offer:
And really, creating one simple layout shouldn't be too hard for a creative crafter like you! You can also create a mixed media piece or art journal page...or whatever you want! Just follow the rules on the original post and we're good to go!
Now...on to the next.
One of my favorite things about my new scrapbook space is this ribbon curtain:
I got some questions about it, and I wanted to share a few more shots just because this is so easy to recreate. First of all, I made this as a valance for Sophia's room, but it doesn't really "go" in there... so when I saw the small basement window in my office, I knew it was perfect.
All I did was cut various lengths of ribbon, tie them around a curtain rod and knot them at the end so they won't "fly away."
In my opinion, the more ribbon and the brighter colors, the better! If you're looking for a nice way to pull in some color without being obnoxious, this is it!
I also did a little overhaul on this old paper sorter:
The blue was fine, but kind of boring since the walls were blue. I took a bright pink (obnoxious on its own) paint and layered it on.
At first, I was worried. Going on over the blue, it started to look purple. And I hate purple.
But in the end, you can see it turned out just perfectly as the little desk caddy that holds my tools, photos, rulers and the like:
Don't forget I've got a great Studio Calico giveaway (below) and there's one more day to enter the memory verse CD giveaway. You can read more and enter HERE!
What are you waiting for? Join in the Sweethaven fun! :) Happy Wednesday!
August 28, 2012
Scrapbooking Studio Makeover {My Work Space}
A big part of the reason we bought the house we did was because it had everything on our wish list, including office spaces for both Adam and me. Because I work from home, this was non-negotiable and while I could've turned the upstairs dining room into an office like I did the last time we lived in Illinois, the truth is, I didn't want all the clutter in that front room.
Let's face it, some of us don't put everything away when we're done with it.
My lower level office is perfect for me...or at least, it would be...eventually. The previous owners LOVE earth tones, which I happen to really hate dislike, so you can imagine there wasn't a lot of creative juice flowing when I worked in this space:
I've already recounted my previous office spaces, so I had a really good idea of what I wanted (and didn't want) moving forward with this room redo.
I knew what color I wanted. I knew how to do it without spending hardly any money. I knew what to fill it with to make me feel inspired. And I do believe an inspiring space is a beautiful thing... especially when you spend the bulk of your day there.
I put on my hot paint clothes and got to work.
It took the whole family and a few weekends, but I'm mostly finished now...mostly. I still have some artwork to hang, along with a repainted memo board and a few other details...so these are my in process photos.
The other thing I had to keep in mind is that I not only need scrapbooking space, I need writing space... it's tricky to combine this much "stuff/clutter" with the clean slate look I need when I write...
Anyway. This is may main work space:
Those cubbies are meant to sit on the floor, but Adam used L-brackets and affixed them to the wall. Works like a charm. My only gripe is they aren't 12 inches wide or deep, so they don't work well for some scrapbooking product.
Still, each drawer houses a product that needs to be hidden away. One has paint supplies, one has extra adhesives, one has stamps and ink, one has mailing supplies for my books etc. They are great for catching the little miscellaneous things.
I have two different sizes:
That little decorative chair is from Pier One. I love it, but I feel like it's a little small. I've got a few boxes of mailing stuff that still needs to be put away there, and I'm currently working on a large canvas to go right above that chair.
If it turns out, I'll show you some day.
If it doesn't, we'll never speak of it again.
This is one of my favorite things...
Because I'm in the basement, I didn't want a heavy curtain. I made this ribbon valance as a project for a book I was working on, and rather than stash it away somewhere, Adam hung it here. I LOVE it! It's fun and colorful and light can still come through.
On the other side of the room, I have the beginning of a "message center". The big white board is perfect for keeping me on task, and when I'm plotting a book, I'll use it to help me visualize a story's arc.
I've been wanting one of these forever.
You can see I still have artwork and stuff to find homes for...it's on the list!
Then right as you walk into the room, I've got my stand-up art table. Looking at this photo, I think I'm going to hang some fun art all around the shelves and just make an eclectic gallery wall of color...
Underneath you can see my baskets. One is full of letter stickers (I'm addicted) and the other is full of chipboard (equally as addicted.)
To the left of this table there's a closet with some great shelves, the breaker box and a big pipe right in the center. My plan is to find some really bright, fun curtains and hang those here rather than re-installing the boring old doors.
We've since moved on to Adam's studio...which I can't WAIT to finish and show you...but I'm still plugging away on my space and will until it's completely finished...
What about you, where do you work?
August 27, 2012
Studio Calico + Sweethaven {Giving good stuff away!}
Every now and then, when I get lost inside my own head, I start thinking about how much fun it was to write these books...
Don't get me wrong, it was a TON of work too...but fun work. The kind you can't wait to do...
Perhaps you've got them on your list to read? But maybe you're dragging those feet a little bit...
Considering how tall my stack of to-be-read books is, I can totally relate...but I think you and I both know reading is great for the soul. Who cares if you have to sacrifice your housework in order to preserve your sanity and read on till the last page?
Let's get our priorities straight here...
Just kidding. I'm excited about the giveaway I posted Friday...I'm going to give you a few more days to enter that one, and I'll see that giveaway and raise you one more...over on the Studio Calico blog today, you'll find this:
You can win my first two novels, Scrapbooking Your Faith and my Step Up Your Supplies e-book just for leaving a comment! (Go leave a comment!)
But that's not all...Studio Calico has also given me their September Scrapbooking kit to giveaway right here on my blog, and look at all the FUN stuff in this one!
I LOVE this kit!
Here's a little more about how awesome it is:
Meet me in the courtyard at CENTRAL HIGH! Our September kit goes a little bit preppy with a mix of Basic Grey, Echo Park and My Mind's Eye. We're bringing you Studio Calico exclusive papers, a days of the week stamp set, die cuts, mistable arrows and a badge. For extra credit, we're throwing in a bicycle paperclip, a mix of sequins and new Amy Tangerine transparent layering stickers in a just for us color combo. You'll want to grab this kit and get to class before the tardy bell rings!
To sweeten the deal a little, I'll also throw in a signed copy of one of my books (you pick!) to the winner of this kit!
But, of course, there's more!
Studio Calico is also providing a code for 20% off the first month of a new subscription for my readers...(That's YOU!)
The promo code is 9CNXMV6 and will expire at midnight CST on 8/31/2012.
So, how do you win?!
1. Leave a comment on this post and you'll be entered to win the Central High Kit from Studio Calico and the book of your choice. Tell me your favorite thing about "back to school" time or which book you would choose or just say hi. I'm not picky.
2. For additional chances to win, Tweet, Facebook, Pin or blog about this giveaway. In other words, tell someone it's here and then come back and leave another comment on this post for each one you do (that's up to four additional chances to win.)
Pretty easy right?
I'm going to the post office several times this week (I'm a little behind), and I'd LOVE to send off some prizes to you!
And don't forget...the Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge is up and running. I'm going to extend that deadline mostly because I don't feel like I would've had enough time to enter, and I want you guys to come play along! :) The prizes are awesome!!
Happy Monday!
August 17, 2012
Scrapbooking Your Faith Weekly Prompts {Everyday Faith}
Today is the last week day before school starts and I woke up in a horrible panic. I have a whole list of things to get done, including a national radio interview with Chris Fabry on his program Chris Fabry Live. (You can listen online!)
We'll be talking Sweethaven, Scrapbooking and more specifically, scrapbooking your faith. I suppose it's fitting that today is Friday and this is my first real Faith Friday since we moved!
I actually got a chance to create a layout last weekend...and here I am sharing about the prompt. (Yes, I'm wearing the same thing I wore in yesterday's video. Costume changes require running upstairs and yesterday, on two hours of sleep...it wasn't happening.)
So, you get me in my trusty white tee-shirt again. (Sorry!)
Here is the layout with the prompt: Create an everyday layout that ties in your faith.
I really wanted to keep this neutral so I started with masking tape, which for whatever reason has an artistic feel to me. Book pages layered over a sheet of patterned paper made a nice photo mat and from there I just embellished using Once Upon a Halloween from Webster's Pages.
I love this photo of Ethan, and while I could've said "Ethan on the swings in Fort Collins just after we moved to Colorado..." the truth is, I really wanted to use the picture to capture something deeper about my son. It doesn't have to be long or involved. This is a simple sentiment. I still got the date on there, so I know when this happened, but now there's a deeper tie-in.
Ok. So, feel free to join our Scrapbooking Your Faith Facebook group or share your layouts and creations there or leave a link here on this post so we can all be inspired by each other! I can't wait to see what you create.
My advice would be to start with a photo that would normally be an "everyday" annual album memory and go one step deeper... find the faith tie-in. What do you really want to say?
Ok, I'm off like a marathon runner today...wish me luck!
Tomorrow I'll be at the Rockford, Illinois Barnes and Noble from 2-4 signing copies of this:
Come see me if you're in the area! I'd LOVE to meet you! :)
August 16, 2012
The Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {Details, Prizes & Inspiration}
Finally time to talk DETAILS about this here Scrapbooking Challenge. In case you've been wondering, you can watch my trusty video...or just keep reading. I tend to be long-winded when I get excited about something.
Today is the last day of inspiration projects for the Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge. You'll see by today's piece that scrapbooking doesn't necessarily mean scrapbooking. We're not picky up in here. If you want to get your paint on, like my good friend Liz Hicks, well, we are happy to include that as part of this challenge!
Look at Liz's Sweethaven-inspired mixed media piece...
Sweethaven is largely about forgiveness...it's a theme I've dealt with in my own life and one I think we can all relate to. It's hard to give, hard to accept...just all around hard. And it was Liz's inspiration to create this gorgeous, vibrant work of art.
Liz says, "In forgiving... we allow ourselves the gift of being true to who we are, and not allowing others inflictions to alter us in any way. Giving forgiveness allows our heart to grieve if needed yet also heal, and let go of resentments. Forgiveness is the first step towards true healing."
You can see more about Liz's project today on her blog and be sure to check out her new My Craft Channel program, Everyday Creative! (Ahh! I'm so excited for her!) :)
Now, about that challenge I'm issuing...
You know I've written a few books...and in an effort to spread the word, I'm giving YOU a challenge. It's super easy. Here are the details:
1. Create a Sweethaven-inspired scrapbook page, art journal page, mixed media piece or whatever else you want. You can use your own inspiration from the books or use one of the projects I've posted over the last two weeks as inspiration, either way!
2. Post your project online somewhere. Facebook, Pinterest, your blog. You must include the words "Inspired by A Sweethaven Homecoming" on your entry.
3. Come back and leave me a comment on THIS POST with the link so I can take a peek!
4. Have this done on or before Wednesday, August 29th.
5. Sit on pins and needles to see if you've won... :) (Winners will be announced at my Facebook Chat Party so if you haven't joined me on Facebook, you can easily...right HERE. I give things away there too. :) )
Speaking of winning...here are just a FEW of the prizes that will be up for grabs!
My books...even the one that's not out yet!
A spot in Brave Girl Art School! Ahhhh! I cannot WAIT to give this away! How fun will this be?? One of you is going to be sooo lucky!
This gorgeous necklace from Beth Quinn Designs. If you aren't familiar with Beth's gorgeous jewelry, check out her website now. She makes one-of-a-kind items that are absolutely stunning. Plus, she's just a really sweet person. I like sweet people.
On second thought, I'm not sure I can part with that necklace...ha.
Then, of course, we'll have gift cards from some of my favorite places like:
And I believe I have ONE more copy of my e-book, Step Up Your Supplies
And I'd LOVE for you to check that out too!
Also, you KNOW I'm throwing in some serious scrapbooking goodies. I'm still collecting prizes, so this is just the tip of the iceberg.
What do you say? Will you join me?
August 15, 2012
Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {Inspired by Leslie Ashe & Wendy Sue Anderson}
Before I begin, I want to note that I'm giving away a copy of A Sweethaven Homecoming on my Author Page over on Facebook. Just in case you want to enter! :)
Ok, enough of that!
The other night, Adam and I got to talking about how "off" things feel right now. This whole summer has basically been one stressful, crazy event after another, and I think because I've moved so many times I sort of forgot the very real trauma that's associated with that.
In fact, moving is one of the most stressful events in a person's life (this is not me saying this, there's some statistic out there.) And I just don't think I gave myself enough time to get settled.
People sometimes ask that question "Are you getting settled?" The answer always pops in my head, "Not even close," as I smiled and say "Well, we're getting there..."
But in the midst of the chaos, the thing that's struck me lately is that I want to do better. Mostly, as a mom. In the craziness...are they the ones getting shoved to the side?
Sometimes you have to reasses your priorities.
What helps is having friends with kids at different stages. My friend, the incredibly talented Leslie Ashe, created this amazing Sweethaven-inspired layout on the topic of motherhood...a theme that's heavy in all three books in the series...
I fell in LOVE with Leslie's layout from the second I saw it. I love the design, the texture, the way she captured this sentiment perfectly...
I love how scrapbooking helps us reflect on these moments...the heart stoppers and the every day.
Go visit Leslie's blog for tons more inspiration AND she's doing a giveaway of A Sweethaven Homecoming, Step Up Your Supplies (My e-book with Ella Publishing) AND this gorgeous collection of Echo Park goodies:
...which brings me to the third inspiration layout for the day...
I think it's interesting how the search for peace, that desire to slow down, seems to be inherent in all of us...whether we want time to slow and our kids to stop growing or we just want to get out of the rat race for a few hours (or days)...we can all relate.
Wendy Sue Anderson (click hre name to visit her inspiring blog) created this Sweethaven-inspired layout:
...which makes me feel peaceful just looking at it. I love the whole idea of having a "spot" where you can go and feel that peace, find that calm...whether it's on a mountain, near a lake or out in the woods somewhere...
Or maybe it's a place in your house where you can curl up with a good book? The older I get the more I think peace is a state of mind...but it sure helps when your surroundings help you get there, doesn't it?
My hope for you today is that you get a moment to stop and pause. To take in the peacefulness around you, even in the midst of chaos. To reevaluate priorities...because your to-do list will still be there tomorrow...but that child will be one day older.
How will you love them today?
August 14, 2012
Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {Inspired by Greta Hammond & Gabrielle Pollacco}
When I first started envisioning Sweethaven, I think I saw it only in the summer. To me, it was a summer place of bare feet and sandy beaches. Cottages with pots of colorful flowers on the wide-enough-to-lounge-on porches.
But what if you loved a place--and the people in it--so much that you found reasons to return as summer faded into fall?
I guess I wanted to believe that such a place exists, especially since Fall is my favorite of all the seasons.
I asked my friend Greta Hammond to join in the Sweethaven fun and she created a layout inspired by the cover of my book, which was inspired by autumn:
Something about the crisp wind, getting to wear sweatshirts, not having to see how pasty pale I am because I hardly ever leave the house. There is nothing like fall. And Greta agrees, which is why she pulled the colors of the book cover and created this gorgeous layout:
Greta and I got to work together quite a bit because she was a Memory Makers Master when I was a Contributing Editor there. When I stepped back, I think it was my conversations with her that I missed the most. We had so much fun gabbing about who knows what...
Have I mentioned that I love how scrapbooking pulls people together?
Because of Scrapbooking, I've also had the joy of meeting (and admiring the work of) Gabrielle Pollacco. (Go see her blog HERE, it's full of inspiration!) Gabi has a wonderfully artistic style that makes me ooh and ahh a little, and I love what she's created for this challenge...
At the beginning of A Sweethaven Homecoming, you'll find this quote:
"The ache for home lives in all of us. The safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned." --Maya Angelou
That's what we all long for, isn't it? That's what Gabi's talking about in this layout...that place you can just be yourself. That's what I wanted Sweethaven to be. And in many ways, it is. Because while things aren't perfect, there's the comfort of knowing they can be worked out. Forgiveness can be given--and received.
I think a part of all of us needs that...and maybe you'll find it a little in the pages of these books. At least, I hope so.
In just a couple more days, I'll review all these gorgeous inspiration projects and launch the official Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge. I'm excited to see how you embrace this challenge and create your own Sweethaven-inspired layout...
Offical details coming Thursday!
For now, why don't you run pick up one of THESE?
August 12, 2012
Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {& The Webster's Pages Blog Hop}
Every once in awhile my work life and writing life collide. These are some of my happiest days because talking up scrapbooking products I LOVE to use is one of my favorite things in all the world!
This week, I'm still celebrating the launch of my second novel A Sweethaven Homecoming...
Both books are available right over HERE.
And I'm thrilled to be the one sharing an inspiration page today. (Scroll down for more inspiration...and start thinking now about how YOU can create your own Sweethaven-inspired layout...the challenge officially starts Wednesday!)
But I'm also totally jazzed that the new Webster's Pages collections start shipping this week!
So...I've created a Sweethaven-inspired layout using Once Upon a Halloween. Head on work/writing collision, see? To quote Jessica Simpson, "I'm all about a two-fer." (Did anyone else watch Fashion Star?)
And as a side note, what does that say about me if I'm quoting Jessica Simpson?
Let me start by showing you my layout:
If you've read either of my novels, then you know the flashing back takes you straight to the 80s, so yes, I'd like to add "The Eighties" as another potential theme for the Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge. Might as well bring 'da funk, no?
I used the digital versions of Once Upon a Halloween to create my layout, documenting Sophia's turn as an 80's inspired punk rocker, a Halloween costume we accidentally stumbled upon when we realized we didn't want to spend $50 on a costume that made her look like a scantily clad mermaid or zombie fairy princess with a half eaten face.
Seriously, there are NO costumes for 10-year-old girls.
I digress. Look at this collection:
Last year was the first year we actually went trick-or-treating, so I really wanted to remember it, and this collection made me SO happy from the second I saw it.
I LOVE the whole idea of scrapbooking my memories. I wrote a whole article about it...and you know what? I meant every word. You can click HERE to read it.
But now for the important stuff...
How about SEVEN giveaways?
Help us celebrate Shipping Week! The Webster's designers are all sharing a little bit on their blogs about various parts of the two lines that start shipping TODAY...and to celebrate, we're hiding SEVEN (that's a lot!) giveaways throughout the sixteen blog hop blogs.
But we're not telling you which blogs have the giveaways...
So, if you happen to leave a comment on one of the mystery blogs, you'll be entered to win! My advice would be to comment on all of them and then cross your fingers because boy, oh, boy, the prizes are good!
Next up? Head straight over to Anabelle O'Malley's blog...she's got something special waiting for you but leave a comment before you go...just in case. :)
August 10, 2012
Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {Inspired by Emma Trout}
I started my morning in search of peace. I went HERE and read THIS and felt positively gobsmacked to read something written just for me. Things I've been pondering but haven't quite grasped.
No matter how hard I try, I'm still caught up in the doing. Somehow I always think I need to do.
I notice it most in busy times, when I'm floundering a little and barely keeping my head above water. It's in those times I most need to immerse myself in the peace that passes all understanding... and yet, it's in those times I let that peace get the farthest away.
In many ways, I think Sweethaven is my mind's creation of a physical representation of that peace we all seek.
That little spot on the earth where we can go and be ourselves. Perfectly accepted for who we are. That's what we crave, isn't it?
Today's inspiration piece comes from across the pond. My friend, the lovely and talented Emma Trout created this landscape style layout on this very topic of peace.
The place she goes to find peace. For Stacey, it was the green chair. For Emma, it's the ocean at sunset. To me, this layout is perfectly stunning, the details in clusters make it so eye-catching...in fact, it makes me want to scrapbook!
But it's this that's really captured my heart...the words...
I love these words so very much. I can almost put myself right there, in the middle of that ocean. Do you ever feel that way?
Be sure to visit Emma's Blog for tons more inspiration.
I guess more than anything, Sweethaven is a peaceful place...a way to escape the stresses of daily life. I am purposing to do that this weekend...
Speaking of this weekend, I get to do two events this weekend. Of course now I'm panicked that no one will be there, so come out and say hi?
Saturday, August 11th:
Parable Christian Books, Rockford, IL: 12-2 p.m.
The Next Picture Show, Dixon, IL: 4-6 p.m.
Finally, I wanted to announce the winner of Vicki's fabulous new book:
Thank you to everyone who entered! The lucky winner is...
Lynda Taylor said...
I would have to say a scrapbook weekend with my Friendz would be awesome. What fun we would have!
Lynda, email your address to courtneyrwalsh{at}gmail{dot}com and we'll get your prize out to you right away.
And next week, I'm announcing tons mroe prizes so stay tuned! I'm really excited! :)
Hope you have a peaceful, relaxing weekend...if you need a good book to read, I may be able to recommend a couple.
Too much? ;)
August 09, 2012
Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {Inspired by Stacey Michaud}
I was pretty excited to find out this morning that A Sweethaven Summer made the New York Times bestseller list for the third week in a row.
It's definitely one of those surreal, dream-come-true kind of things that makes me kind of giddy on the inside and horribly awkward on the outside. It's also one of those things that makes me sit back and thank God for the opportunity to put my stories down on paper.
Years ago now I know God was clear in telling me to write. Why have I worried myself sick along the way (my husband is asking me this question daily.) Why haven't I fully turned it over? It's like I still want to be in control...but when he takes the wheel, better things happen.
Oh, Courtney, when will you learn?
Anyway. Let's talk about all my shortcoming another day...today is day three of the Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge!
Next week, you can choose a topic/layout as your inspiration piece, create a layout of your own and enter the challenge. I can't wait to tell you the prizes!
Or you can read one of the first two Sweethaven novels and use the book as inspiration...available HERE and HERE. (Also available for Nook and Kindle!)
What would your topic be?
Designer Stacey Michaud chose to create a layout about a special spot in her home.
I imagine the Sweethaven girls find the same kind of comfort and peace in their homes that Stacey finds right here in this comfy, cozy spot...the place you can go and just be. The place where you make memories and have long talks and inhale the perfection of a good cup of coffee.
Where is that spot for you? It doesn't have to be a town or a road trip away...for Stacey, it's this simple green chair.
Another topic worth scrapbooking.
Speaking of which, I'm thrilled to be guest blogging over on the Scrapbook and Cards Today blog. AND...we're even doing a giveaway. Watch for that post today and come read the why of Scrapbooking, how it plays a part in Sweethaven...and enter to win!
What topic will you choose for the Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge???
August 08, 2012
Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {Inspired by Jen Gallacher}
We're celebrating the launch of my newest book, A Sweethaven Homecoming and we're doing it with a Scrapbooking Challenge... lots of topics from the book would make wonderful, universal layout themes, and I want to see what YOU come up with!
In Sweethaven, there are some quips and quotes, along with some Scriptures that play a key role in the story. We all have those special words that speak to us, pull us up out of the pit, send us on our way...
My friend, the talented and amazing Jen Gallacher, decided to create a layout based on a quote that really speaks to her. It's funny because just a couple of weeks ago I took a photo of a journal with this exact quote on it. I guess it's going around.
Look at Jen's Sweethaven-inspired layout:
Jen says: "Today I get to share a layout I created inspired by one of my favorite quotes. I am working on overcoming some fears this year, so I've embraced this quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson."
She also created a printable so you can work this quote into your next papercrafting project too. You can also find this over on Jen's Blog.
I love the way she added journaling on how this quote makes her feel. And the great part is that I think the quote itself really sums up what Meghan goes through in the book... the one thing she's afraid to do is return to Sweethaven...and that's the one thing she has to do to make things right.
In case you're as smitten with her as I am, you can find more Jen Gallacher over at her stamping for scrapbookers workshop on 2Peas. If you'd like to learn how to incorporate more stamping on your layouts, be sure to check it out.
Look for additional workshops HERE (including something NEW from Jen soon)!
Will you join the Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge? Many prizes are on the line and I can hardly wait to see what you come up with...maybe Jen's layout will be your inspiration piece? :)
August 07, 2012
A Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {& Giveaway with Vicki Boutin}
About four years ago, after my first two books were published, I kind of took a break from scrapbooking. To be honest, I was 100% burned out. I'd been writing about scrapbooking and making samples and gluing my fingers to things for so many years I think maybe I just needed a break.
And I needed to study up on writing fiction...so when my first contract for a three-book series had to do with scrapbooking, I had to mentally plunge myself back into the things I loved about my little hobby turned career.
It wasn't the glue or the art or the getting messy that came to mind. It was the people. This week (and next) I get to share with you about the people that make scrapbooking so amazing, people who in ways, inspired the Circle to come to life in Sweethaven.
People like my friend Vicki Boutin:
Vicki is every bit as lovely in person as you would expect. She's fun and funny and when you trip coming out of the hotel elevator she only makes fun of you for a minute. Minute and a half.
One of the inspired by Sweethaven themes is "getting away"...more specifically, "getting away with friends..." and that's just the topic Vicki is scrapping today. Look at her adorable layout:
Vicki made the excellent point that sometimes getting away and making time for herself is just what she needs to be a better wife and mother, and I must say, I completely understand.
Vicki used The Escape from Little Yellow Bicycle and the butterflies are Jillibean Soup. She painted a white border around the photo and added some Doodlebug stamps.
That messy, scraps of patterned paper photo mat is killing me. I love the way that looks. (Vicki, I'm lifting that!) :)
But what an adorable way to capture those special get-aways, to say, Sweethaven.
Have you been there yet? :)
If not, you can head right over to Amazon or Barnes and Noble's website and order your copy today... OR, you can head over to Vicki's blog and try your luck at her giveaway because she is giving away a signed copy of A Sweethaven Homecoming today.
She's also sweet enough to let me give away a signed copy of her new book:
You can read more about this awesome book HERE.
To Enter:
Just leave a comment and tell me: Where would you go if you had a weekend to get away?
As usual, I like to up your chances to win so tweet, blog, facebook, pin or enter Vicki's giveaway and then come back and leave another comment for each one you do. That's lots of extra chances AND, yes, it helps spread the word.
And writing books is all about word-spreading, eh?
(I threw that in there because Vicki is awesomely Canadian.) :)
Happy Tuesday!
August 06, 2012
Texas Sheet Cake {Recipe} & The Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge Part 2
I woke up this morning with my head spinnning a little bit, trying to connect the dots of everything going on... it's a lot, as usual, and I'm excited because mixed in with my excitement over the release of A Sweethaven Homecoming...
There are so many other exciting things going on as well.
This past weekend, I stood up in the wedding of one of my oldest friends...
...which meant I got my hair done all fancy-like, something that really just never happens around here.
And I got to hang out with more of my oldest (and dearest) friends...
These girls (and some who weren't there) were my Circle. So creating a tight-knit group of girls who realize how much they love each other on paper wasn't so difficult...
Then, yesterday, my family got together to celebrate my nephew's birthday so I got to hang out with some of my favorite people in all the world...
And these two.
(who I must love an awful lot if I'd post such an unflattering photo of myself.)
This is my brother and sister. Together with our families, we descended upon my mom's house and I was reminded once again of how my real life wove its way into my books...
If you've read either A Sweethaven Summer or A Sweethaven Homecoming, you know there is a character in these books that's yet to be discussed.
Food.
Adele is a comfort cooker/baker. She bakes when she's stressed. (Wait till you read A Sweethaven Christmas!) This is how she copes. It's also her love language. She cares for people. While my mom doesn't cook/bake this way, taking care of people is what she does.
I would show you a photo of her but then I'd subject myself to her wrath. She's quite feisty.
This weekend, I was reminded that this cake appears at many of our family functions...
...which is probably why it found its way into my books.
While I can't give you actual cake, I can give you the recipe... because I'm sweet like that and because I want you to make this cake a part of your family functions too.
It's definitely worth adding to your recipe book.
Ingredients:
- 1 stick butter
- 1 cup water
- 3 Tbsp. cocoa
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 beaten eggs
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 2 tsp. vanilla
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
(I never have buttermilk anywhere in my house. So I do that old trick of adding some lemon juice to regular milk. It's kinda curd-le-y but that's what you want. Ew.)
Bring butter, water and cocoa to a boil. Then pour over flour, sugar and salt. Mix. Add remaining ingredients.
Pour into a 10 1/2" x 14" sheet cake pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
Icing: (also known as "the best part)
- 1 stick butter
- 1 lb. powdered sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 3 Tbsp. cocoa
- 5-6 Tbsp. milk
Frost cake while still warm. Top with walnuts (optional.)
I'm thinking of filing this post under "Heathy eating."
My Aunt Terri showing you the proper way to enjoy this cake...
Needless to say, it's a hit, and if you make it, you will make Adele proud.
In other news...
I'm preparing to launch Round Two of the Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge tomorrow.
Because of the scrapbooking element of my books, I wanted to show some Sweethaven-inspired layouts from some very talented friends...and then give you a chance to show off your talents by creating your own Sweethaven inspired layout.
There will be some GREAT prizes which I will announce many times between now and the end of the challenge... I can hardly wait!
Here are some of the topics that will be included, in case you want to start planning your challenge layout now...
- reconciled friendships
- motherhood
- weight loss
- being transparent
- distractions
- forgiveness
- old friends
- best friends
- getting away
- the place where you can most be yourself
- the place where the peace is
- the cover of the book
- a verse or quote that really means something to you
- second chances
Yep. It's all in the book...
Have you gotten yours yet? No? Go HERE!
And what about that giveaway....?
I want to give you a few more hours to enter...so I'm going to announce the winner TONIGHT!
That means you can still enter HERE on my Launch Day post...but only for a few more hours...
So, let's recap.
I had fancy hair. I hung out with my sibs. I told you how to make Adele's Texas Sheet Cake. I announced the Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge and commanded you to enter my big(ger), fat(ter) giveaway (because I LOVE to give gifts...) :)
Sound about right? Now...GO!
And happy Monday!
August 01, 2012
A Launch Day Giveaway {A Sweethaven Homecoming is HERE!}
It's kind of quiet around here for book launch day.
This eerie calm has come over me and truthfully, I sort of feel overwhelmed. I'm not sure if it's the nice things being said about A Sweethaven Summer or the support you guys have given me in looking forward to the next one... the sharing and the spreading the word...(I mean, do you know how awesome that is?)
It's got me feeling oddly sentimental.
And I'm not a sentimental girl.
Isn't it strange how sometimes kindness is the thing that blindsides us? Takes us off-guard and messes with our emotional stability?
I'm going to be blubbering by the end of this post, I just know it.
Today, I get to send her out into the world...
My second novel.
You can order your own copy at Barnes and Noble or Amazon or CBD. And yes, it will be available for Kindle and Nook...fingers are crossed there are no technical glitches so you can get it sooner than soon!
It's HUGE to build up to this day...and then have it finally arrive. Without bells or whistles or champagne or noise makers... you know, in my house, it's more about getting my work done and breaking up arguments over who gets to play the Wii first and who has to practice piano.
In many ways...it's just another day.
But in many other ways...it's not.
And it's the parts that aren't normal that I want to celebrate... so yes, I'm doing another giveaway. The last one was fun, and if I'm going to the post office, I might as well go with an armload of gifts, right?
So here it is. The big(ger), fat(ter) giveaway:
Oh, yes, you're seeing that right. I have ONE (and only ONE) extra ARC of A Sweethaven Christmas. This is an uncorrected proof so be gentle...but someone is going to win it and it doesn't release till OCTOBER! (Can I get a "Hollah?")
Yes. I really did just say "Hollah."
Plus...and here's the great thing about moving. You find stuff you thought you lost...like my copies of "The Busy Scrapper"! So someone gets all FIVE of my books. Specially wrapped in happiness and sealed with love. Or something.
So, in addition to that... I'm also giving away...
My e-book, Step Up Your Supplies...You can find it right HERE and pick one up if ya want to...
Here's a page from the inside:
This adorable owl mug from Pier One:
...which you can use to slurp coffee OR put your writing utensils in. I plan to alternate the use of mine. Don't worry, I'll wash out the pencil shavings before I drink from it...
Then, I'm also adding in a gift card to one of our favorite places...(yours and mine):
And you know I've got scrapbooking goodies to share. Some of my favorites, in fact...trust me, they put the "good" in "goodies."
So, let's sum up...I'm giving away THESE:
Because I'm a sappy, emotional mess and want to figure out some way to say thank you and can't bake Texas sheet cake for everyone (believe me, I would if I could.)
How do you enter?
Good question. For me, this is all about spreading the word. I wrote a book and I want people to read it, right? So... I need help spreading the word. As if you guys aren't already doing that. (Thank you!)
To enter:
1. Leave me a comment and tell me about a place you can go when you're craving peace. (Like Sweethaven is for my characters...)
There. You're entered.
BUT. I can enter you many more times...simply:
2. Blog, Tweet, Facebook or Pin this post or the link to A Sweethaven Homecoming. (That's four extra chances, friends.)
And as a bonus...
3. "Like" my Facebook Author Page HERE. (If you already do, that's an extra bonus for you! But you have to leave another comment and tell me so!)
For each of these, you get another chance to enter, so be sure to come back here and leave another comment for every one!
Now, I know you might be disappointed that this isn't part of the giveaway...
...but we're glass half full people here, so let's focus on the good, ok?
And thank you. I already feel less sappy at just the thought of sending this box 'o goodies to someone...will it be you?! :)
I'll announce the winner Monday, August 6th because on that day, something COOL is happening.
Happy Launch Day!
July 30, 2012
It just flies by...or does it?
It's easy to look back over the last two months and feel like summer is just flying by. In a lot of ways, it is... but I think it always feels that way. Unless you sit around and watch TV all day.
Which is something I only dream about.
In retrospect, July was quite eventful...
We packed up our Colorado house (gosh that makes it sound so easy) and moved our weary selves across the country...
I drove a Penske truck from Colorado to Illinois... (I am a self-proclaimed Penske rock star.)
I found the words I needed to hear in one of the most stressful times of my life...
And clung to them like a bird on a wire. (Do birds cling to wires?)
We rolled into Illinois and took in one of the most peaceful views. A soul-feeder to me...
I lamented about my ridiculously dark roots. (Who knew my hair is practically black now?)
And discovered my mom was driving around town with this on her back window:
I marveled at the fact that people actually buy this carpet (they do, the sales guy told me.)
And rejoiced when I found some REALLY good reading material at our local Chrsitian bookstore.
We moved into our new house, thanks to some VERY amazing people...
...and then realized we have a whole lot of work to do...
We put it off to play hoops with our kids. It turns out I'm still not good at sports.
We said goodbye to my grandma's husband, Ab, a WW2 veteran...
...which made me realize how much I still miss my grandma.
I discovered sugar free, dairy free, gluten free ice cream isn't so bad...
...and bought a pair of jeans the next size down. I won't be lounging in them anytime soon, but they fit. And they were on sale. (This is my surprised face...)
We started construction (ha) on my new office...which is almost finished and I am in LOVE with it:
And A Sweethaven Summer hit the NYTimes bestseller list. It also made it to #1 in Christian Fiction and Women's fiction on amazon, though I don't know how long it stayed there. I took a picture to remind myself.
I opened a Facebook author page (which was hugely nerve-wracking.) If you want to join, I'm going to be doing more fun things there...
I traveled in to Chicago for CHA and met/re-met some beautiful friends...
I got to launch my very first E-book with Ella Publishing:
I sent my kids off to Spotlight Youth Theater summer camp and was wowed by their showcase Friday afternoon. Also wowed by Adam's mad photo bombing skills.
This weekend, when my kids went outside to play, the masses of children descended upon our house...and they all found friends in our neighborhood.
And, perhaps one of the most exciting things of the summer...I am preparing to release my second novel on Wednesday...
To celebrate, I announced a big, fat giveaway...
Scroll down to enter!
So, yeah, it feels like it went fast, but it's been a jam-packed summer. In the upcoming weeks, between book signings, the wedding of a very good friend, a visit from my sister & her family and back to school shopping, my goal is to take it all in. To plan a few FUN things (for the kids) and to relish every one of them.
What about you? What are you doing with your last few, precious weeks of summer?
July 26, 2012
It's Thursday! Let's do a BIG Giveaway!
*There is a giveaway at the bottom of this post. You just have to scroll through my mental ramblings to get there...*
Tuesday morning there was a storm.
5 a.m. and I was staring out the window watching the trees in our front yard wave to me and wishing they weren't so darn friendly.
Within seconds, our power was out and somehow I just knew. It wasn't coming back anytime soon. Do you know how hard it is to work from home with no electricity? Did I also mention that last week during CHA Adam's car completely died? We're contemplating headstones just in case it can't be revived.
So, The Sainted Mother had to rescue me, bringing me to her house where I worked the rest of the day and kept checking to see if our power was back.
It wasn't.
We spent the night, saw The Dark Knight Rises and then I worked from there all day yesterday (thinking the entire time that it was TUESDAY.)
My brain has been spinning a little bit and finally, finally, I realized why. Moving out of Colorado, everything went wrong.
It was an incredibly stressful (and expensive) two weeks. When we finally got to Illinois, moving INTO our new house was also horribly stressful. Nothing seemed to want to go our way... immediately, I plunged myself into CHA work, which was exciting but somewhat frenetic, as is to be expected.
Then we moved in. Little by little, I'm trying to put my house together but the truth is, I just need to be still.
Do you ever feel like that? You just need stillness? Not even physically, but mentally. I need to quiet my mind. I get like this sometimes, but I'm not sure how to pull it all back and just be.
It's difficult when there is a lot going on, and let's face it, moving sort of wrecks you for a bit. This is why I have no intention of doing it again. Ever. Well, at least not for a long, long time.
Anyway, enough with my self revelation, whining and pity partying. Today, I have to share something really exciting...
This is my new e-book with Ella Publishing. You can read more about it HERE.
I'm really excited because there are projects in here that will help you think outside the box in terms of your stash of supplies.
Here's the description:
Find new uses for patterned-paper scraps, chipboard, popsicle sticks, magazine pages, maps, flowers, and more! It's all packed into 30 beautiful pages you can read on your computer or tablet reader—or print and take it with you on the go.
It's been awhile since I've done a scrapbooking book, so this one is exciting for me, especially doing it with the Ella girls, who are amazing to work with.
Through August 5th, you can get the book for just $5.99 (seriously, this is a great deal)...but today I want to give one away!
But I can't stop there, and you know it.
Next week Wednesday, I'll officially welcome this guy into the world:
You can pre-order HERE and it will be available on Nook and Kindle August 1st. (tell a friend?)
A Sweethaven Homecoming picks up where A Sweethaven Summer leaves off (and that book is 99 cents on Kindle and Nook for just a little while longer...)
You also know I'm a scrapbooking hoarder, so I've got some serious goodies here to give away, and I'm throwing THAT into the mix along with a pretty awesome Barnes and Noble gift card (because I love that place with all my ever-lovin' heart.)
So let me sum up. I'm giving THIS away...
How to enter:
1. Leave a comment on this post. (You're entered! Woo! See how easy?) Just tell me something quirky about yourself. I'll go first. "I can't touch or smell butter. It literally makes me gag." There. Not so hard, right?
How to get MORE entries:
1. Facebook, blog, Pin or tweet about this giveaway and/or these books and then come back and leave another comment for each one you do. For instance, if you share the link on Facebook, you come back and comment "Shared on Facebook!"...that's another entry. Pin the covers, another entry, etc.
That means you have up to five chances to enter and I promise I will chock that box FULL of fun stuff for you. Winner will be chosen next Monday, July 30th.
On a serious note...I'm already so incredibly humbled by the support I've received surrounding my books. You can't possibly understand what the emails, comments and shares mean to me. Sometimes it's overwhelming. For these things, I just want to say a most heartfelt Thank you. I am most blessed.
July 20, 2012
Are Internet Friendships Real?
Some days, I hate the internet. I hate that it fills my mind with passing images I can't quite grasp. I hate that it can occasionally pull me away from what I need to be doing. I hate that sometimes it's the sole reason I start comparing myself to someone else...
I hate that.
But other days...I am so grateful for this crazy invention that keeps changing and expanding and becoming a part of our lives...and I'll tell you why.
In case you were dying to know my whereabouts (yes, Mom, I'm talking to you,) I've been galavanting around the Illinois interstate the last few days for CHA, the Craft and Hobby Association trade show. The place where all the companies bring their goods and we drool and fill up our creative tanks.
For me, the highlight was getting to meet Brandin, the co-owner and designer of Webster's Pages. We talk multiple times every single day and yet, I've never met her.
Funny how that happens online, isn't it?
Sometimes when you've known someone online before meeting them in person, it can be a letdown when you actually meet. You think things like "Oh, they aren't what I thought they were..." or "She's not what I expected..." or "maybe we don't hit it off as well as I thought."
In this case, this couldn't be farther (further?) from the truth.
I was reminded once again why I am so thankful for my job with her amazing company. I am inspired by her authenticity, her goodness and her integrity. There is so much fake in the world, and I have pledged to get all of that out of my life...
Brandin is a keeper.
Before the show, she emailed me and said, "Ok, so what are the quirky, weird things about you that I need to know going in?"
I said:
1. I go to the bathroom all the time.
2. I don't eat until about 11:30 in the morning.
3. I apply deodorant about ten times a day.
None of this frightened her. Good thing because she was stuck with me for days. And we had so much fun.
Sometimes you really luck out...and in this case, I really lucked out.
Because not only is Brandin a biz-whiz who is eager to teach...she's also an artist who designs things like this:
So we 'get" each other.
And that's a very rare thing.
The other thing is that while we were at CHA, which, in a lot of ways is like a big celebration for all the work she's been doing over the last few months, the chance to let people swoon over her artwork... I got some really amazing news.
It has to do with this guy:
(Did you know it's 99 cents on Kindle and Nook right now? Did you know I have an author page on Facebook and I want you to be my friend? Did you know my next book comes out in just a couple of weeks?!) Ahhhhh!
Anyway, I told Brandin my news right at the end of the day Wednesday and even though we were in the middle of her big party...she took a moment to celebrate with me. As soon as I got the news I knew she would "get it."
Friends like that, genuine and authentic, who truly want what's best for you...that's rare. And I don't know about you, but I think when you find it, you hold on.
It's strange, isn't it, this internet thing? How it can bring you to people you may otherwise never know? How I can live in Colorado or Illinois and still work with someone who lives in North Carolina every single day...
So, some days I hate the internet. When it's misused, it does harm.
But today, I'm so thankful for it...because it's brought me genuine friendships, a job I love and it's opened my eyes to a world I never would've known otherwise...
How about you? Do you have a friend you've met online and it was like you've known each other your whole lives?
July 16, 2012
Scrapbook Space Makeover {in progress}
So, we've lived in a lot of houses. And every time we moved, I have the task of redoing my office/scrapbook space and it's usually high up on the priority list. Working from home on a built-in desk, I don't have much choice.
Everywhere we go, I tweak just a little bit...keeping in mind the functionality of my space. How does this room need to work for me?
This is the first real space I had. In our first house, we finished a big room in the basement, but I never really got it together. This space, someone else put together for me:
It's still among the most amazing blessings of my life. I started working in the scrapbooking industry shortly after I received this gift from Cropper Hopper and Creating Keepsakes, and I'm convinced I never could've done any of it without their organizational expertise.
Then, we moved. Here is a cleaned out version of my space in the next house. I didn't get time to paint, and frankly, at that point, I was terrified to put paint on the walls of a new house. This was the front room of the house, so as soon as you walked in, you saw it. And believe me, it was often a disaster. This is where I worked when I was a contributing editor for Memory Makers.
I missed the color. A lot. But because the desk is built in, it would've been such a pain to move it out and paint. Plus, there was carpet.
And then, we moved again. This time, to a rental house in Colorado where I worked at the kitchen table. It was always a mess and nearly impossible to stay organized. I know if it had been a long term arrangement, I could've made it work, but thankfully, it wasn't.
We moved again. The basement office in our Colorado house was a priority because shortly after we moved, I started working for Webster's Pages. I decided it would be okay to use the leftover yellow paint from our kitchen. I thought I would love a bright, yellow space.
For the most part it was fine, but I hated the yellow. The room was small, and honestly that didn't bother me...but the color really did.
So, we moved again. (sigh) This time, we're back in Illinois and I have yet another basement office. I didn't want it to feel like a basement, and I knew from experience that color on the walls was important.
So, yesterday, without much thought, I started the project. This is the space:
Obviously, these are "before" shots. Sleepy Miss woke up and stumbled down to my office. She said, "you already painted?" I was like "HUH?" This is GREEN. Not my color!
Everything in our new house is earthy and masculine. Which is great if you're Bear Grylls.
I am not.
I put on my best painting clothes and started priming.
Sophia helped. After about five minutes she said, "This isn't as fun as I remember."
I said, "yeah, I said that every time I had a baby."
Sam helped by narrating his Lego playtime right outside the door.
It was a stream of consciousness kind of story.
I also decided to paint the trim. Our lower level is the only area without white trim, and I wanted white. So, I sanded.
Then primed. By the middle of the day, I think everyone must have missed my smiling face because they all showed up to help.
(don't your kids stay in pajamas all day?)
Thankfully, Adam did all the parts that touch things that aren't supposed to be blue. For instance, the ceiling. A steady hand I do not possess... but he sure does. I stuck with the roller...
So, it's coming along. We're trying to create a space that's functional for both scrapbooking and writing... which isn't an easy task, we're finding.
All be the final coat of trim is up and tonight (I hope) after his first official day on the new job, Adam is going to install my desk and shelves. I'm already excited.
A question for you: Do you prefer a colorful work space? Or are you more of a neutral-lover?
The home projects are underway...pass the coffee!
July 10, 2012
Scrapbooking My Boy {With Unity Stamps}
Before we moved, I was intent on fulfilling all my duties wholeheartedly. Finishing strong, so to speak. And then we got slapped with the "attic fan debacle" in which we had to purchase an attic fan for our house AND find someone to install it before we could close. Did I mention this happened on a Thursday night and we were leaving the following Monday?
Do you know how hard it is to get people to answer your calls over the weekend? Plus, I won't even go into the extra cost or the fact that we'd been asking for weeks what fan the inspector was talking about (and no one seemed to know.)
You can tell that one about did me in. It was added stress and it was threatening our entire moving plan. And it was awful. In the midst of that, I totally dropped the ball in posting my final Guest Designer project for Unity Stamps...the worst part was, I'd had the layout done for two weeks:
I LOVE the "boylish" (as Ethan said when he was younger) stamps in this collection from Bella Blvd:
And the brand new journaling block stamp (the circle here:)
...is one of my all-time favorites. For me, someone who needs to be a little bit fast and furious when I scrapbook, stamps are a GREAT way to add pops of FUN, and cutting them out and mounting them with foam squares is the best way I know to do this!
I also used some old book paper to create a somewhat haphazard border here:
...and I layered punched circles underneath that. I LOVE to use tons of different patterns in small doses so you get some good variety.
I am so surprised how much I miss creating, but it's been about three weeks since my stuff has been all boxed up and I am itching to get it out again... Adam says my office will be one of the first things on the list, but sitting here, surrounded by boxes (more than any other room...ahem...) I'm feeling completely daunted by the task before me.
I keep trying to take it one thing at a time, but that's NOT my strong suit.
Anyway, I LOVED playing with all these fun Unity Stamps, and if you're looking for a few great stamps for your crafting/scrapbooking/artistic endeavors, I highly recommend these. They're SO fun to use! :) And I was so thankful for the chance to guest design with them...
(And especially thankful that Angela is so gracious. I texted her from the Penske truck the moment I remembered I didn't get my post up and she was amazing. I am a lifelong fan.)
June 22, 2012
Scrapbooking Your Faith Weekly Prompts {Traditions & Symbols}
I didn't think I'd get to do another Scrapbooking Your Faith post until after I moved, but here we go!
It's funny because I've been going through so much of my stuff to prepare for our move, and I expected to find all kinds of fun things (even though we just did this) but I was surprised to find this layout:
I'd forgotten about it, actually, but it is a good indication of how I create faith-based pages for a typical, annual album. This layout not only talks about my daughter's first day of school (in third grade) but it also celebrates a symbol of faith that we made up to help her get through it.
This week's prompt is: Create a layout or journal page featuring a faith-based tradition or symbol.
Most religions have symbols (the Bible, the cross, the dove, a flame) or perhaps you, like me, have created your own (ribbon around wrist)...either way...have you documented these? Have you explained why it's more than a book or a piece of jewelry? What are the stories behind the symbols you hold most dear?
I love to create simple layouts that still show off lots of patterns, especially with a collection I love as much as this one from Basic Grey. Instead of choosing one or two patterns, I created a quilted background using the same sized squares of various patterns. This way I could show off a bunch of them but it's not overwhelming the photo.
So, what about you? What are some of your favorite faith-based traditions or symbols? Ones you'd like to pass down through the generations?
I'd love to hear if this is something that is prominent in your faith walk...or is it something that's only for our anscestors?
Join me on Facebook!
Are you a part of the Scrapbooking Your Faith Facebook Group?
It's open to everyone, so if you want to come exchange ideas, prompts, share projects and creativity, ask questions or just make new friends, we'd love for you to join.
This group is open to everyone of all faiths, all scrapbooking/crafting levels. I'd love to get to know you!
Now...if you'll excuse me, I'm pretty sure there really IS packing and cleaning to do... we head out of town on MONDAY so we're down to the wire.
Here we go again!
Have a wonderful weekend, and tell me, are you scrapbooking your faith this weekend?
June 14, 2012
Blog Hip Hop With Unity Stamp Company
I've been on the schedule to be a guest designer over at Unity Stamp Company for several months, and I've been really excited because I LOVE THIS COMPANY. And I love their stamps.
Truth be told, I don't get to do a lot with stamps, so I've been having a ton of fun experimenting and learning from the INSANELY talented girls on the design team!
They're sooo creative (but also really funny!)
Today I get to join in the Hip Hop, and I am using the Stamp of the Week:
Isn't that adorable?
I went for simple with my card. In my world, right now, I have to keep what I can simple!
{Did I mention I thought we had over two weeks until our move and we actually only have about eight days?}
It's an itty bitty card, which I just love. I love the thought of tucking these around the house for my kids, or in lunchboxes or on Adam's dashboard.
I stamped right onto book paper which is a near-obsession of mine, and I used wire cutters to cut apart some Prima flowers to get the three tiny individual ones and I adhered them onto the lamp shade.
Then, I used the phrase stamp on the inside:
When I actually write something, it'll likely be in white gel pen so it shows up on the darn brown.
Here are the details for the Stamp of the Week:
They're all SO cute! You can't go wrong. :)
I believe I am the last stop on the Blog Hip Hop, so if you haven't already, check out the Unity Blog for more details on the rest of the projects. They are gorgeous, believe me...you do not want to miss them! Just click the image below. :)
Lots of awesome deals and promotions going on over there today!
So, I'm curious...how many of you use stamps in your artistic endeavors?
June 04, 2012
Moving. The House Hunt is On. {It's Complicated}
Today I'm in Illinois hunting houses. Adam went out a couple weeks ago and found a few "maybes" that I'm visiting and then we have a bunch more on the list.
Yes, we do still own a house in Illinois, but we've got amazing renters who don't want to leave and that house, unfortunately, would be difficult location-wise given Adam's new job and commute.
We're praying for the perfect house to magically appear so when we move on June 27th we actually have somewhere to move to. I've decided I'm going to become more social now with this move. I know borderline agoraphobes aren't typically social people, but I watched "It's Complicated" last night and something came over me.
An entertainer's spirit, I think.
Or an extreme love of Meryl Streep.
Or maybe this garden?
I want to BE her. Hat. Shirt. Bakery you can break into in the middle of the night because you own it and know how to use it. Love.
Maybe this move will transform me? Ha.
Who knows? I thought Colorado would turn me granola and outdoorsy and so far that hasn't happened. I'm learning it's really not about where you live so much as who you are. And I'm more of an indoor sleeping, bug killing, don't like to get hot and sweaty kind of person.
It is what it is.
Anyway, I wanted to share something kinda fun. I'm the June Guest Designer over at the Unity Stamp Company Blog today. I'm kind of jazzed I get to share a little bit about my project.
It's a mixed media canvas with a quote I kind of love.
Used a lot of background stamps to add texture. I love the way stamps give you such cool dimension without much hassle.
Plus, they let you get inky and painty and that's just fun. I'm not sure what time it'll go live at the blog, but I hope you'll check it out!
So, there ya have it. I'll keep you posted on the house hunt. We'll all have fun finding out where in the world we're going to end up!
And don't forget, there's still time to enter my Scrapbooking Your Faith giveaway. Trust me, I'm moving so lots of things are going to go into the winner's box! Enter! Share! Tell your friends.
And pray I find us a house!?
June 01, 2012
Scrapbooking Your Faith Weekly Prompts {Week SIX}
I can't believe it's already the SIXTH week of Faith Fridays. I originally said I'd do this for six weeks and then see where we're at...and I think this would be a good spot to pause. Not "stop" but just take a little break, let you guys get caught up and get myself moved across the country.
Again with the thumbnail image. I'm going to write a letter to Youtube. Also, you should know, I resisted the urge to comment on my hair the ENTIRE time I was filming. I'm going to continue to bite my tongue.
So, the week six page is a combination Scrapbooking Your Faith/Page Maps page. You may already know I adore Becky Fleck, and when I get stuck, her maps always give me a great little kick start!
Here is my page:
This week's Scrapbooking Your Faith prompt is:
Create a page that documents your blessings.
(You may choose to focus on ONE blessing and that's fine too.) I wanted to create something I could add to so I made a pocket page.
This is the Page Map I used to create this layout:
You can see the rest of this month's maps over on Becky's site. Truly, this is THE place to go if you need a creative push!
I translated the sketch VERY literally, which was kind of awesome because the page came together really quickly. Here you can see the handmade tabs on the left side of the photos:
I'm using the Webster's Pages Western Romance Collection, which is, I think, perfect for these outdoor photos we had taken last year by LyndseyLew Photography.
I knew I wanted a circle for my title, so I flipped over one of the calendar die-cuts from Jillibean soup and built my title onto that using letter stickers (October Afternoon and Webster's Pages), a little die cut phrase from Fancy Pants and the resin bird from Webster's Pages.
But this is the part I really want to talk to you about... the pocket. If you're new to scrapbooking, you might not be familiar with the whole idea of putting pockets on your pages. If you're not new, this may be old hat to you.
There are lots of ways to do this. You can turn your photo into a pocket, which I considered doing, but when you use dimensional adhesive (Foam Squares), you have to account for the bottom being open. I didn't. Ha.
So, I used an envelope.
First, I sealed the white envelope. I turned it vertically and trimmed off the top to create an opening. Then I used some Fabric Ribbon to decorate that top just to make it less boring. This turned out to be the perfect size to fit right behind my photos.
This way, you can cut and add strips whenever you want to, which for this prompt, I thought was kind of important. Your blessings are something you can reevaluate daily. Whenever you think of a new one, you can add it in.
I personally thought it was funny that I couldn't really say "I'm thankful for our home" at this point since, you know, in a few weeks we won't have one.
Ah, joy.
Anyway. Today to celebrate the SIXTH week, I'm going to do a giveaway...
And I'll also throw in a scrapbooking mystery box to help you document this faith journey.
Here's how to enter:
Leave a comment on this post. Just say hi because I love to make new friends. :)
That's it! Done and done. You'll be entered.
BUT...if you want more chances to win...I'm offering them. Here's what you do:
1. Join the Scrapbooking Your Faith Facebook Group. (If you're already a member, leave a separate comment saying so for an addition chance to win.)
2. Blog, Tweet, Facebook or PIN this post and come back and leave a comment here for each one you do. That's four more chances to win!
And MORE chances to win!
My friends over at Scrapping Everyday Miracles are kicking off their Birthday Celebration with a big blog hop (lots of prizes, including my books!) You can check it out HERE. They've also got a fabulous Facebook Group and all weekend there will be prizes and games and TONS of fun, so get yourself joined up HERE! (How's that for bad grammar?)
*******
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
May 25, 2012
Scrapbooking Your Faith Weekly Prompts {Week Five}
(why can't youtube give me decent thumbnail choices? I mean, really.)
Here is the layout I made for this week...
This week's prompt: Create a layout to remind yourself what God says about you as opposed to what people say about you. Use verses or quotes, but take the focus off of any negativity that's been spoken over you and focus instead on the truth of God's words.
I really wanted to break a layout down for you, but that meant photographing in my office at night. If you can't bear with the horrible lighting, click the red X in the upper right-hand corner of your screen now.
Usually when I start a page, I have a vague idea of what I want to do...but it's really vague. I grab my supplies:
I tend to pull everything that might possibly work on a layout out onto my desk. Makes for fun clean-up. In this case, I am using the "It's the Little Things" line from Fancy Pants, which I absolutely love.
Step One: Use the product packaging to cut handmade scallops to go underneath your photo:
I'm a huge fan of using packaging because you get a "stripe" of all the different patterns. I cut from both ends to give a little variety.
Step Two: Cut solid black scallops to "break up" the pattern so it doesn't get lost. In this picture, you can see I was planning to use this die cut flower on the upper right of my photo.
Step Three: Use the leftover piece of the product packaging to cut out letters for your title. In this case, I left the "O" out because I saw a sticker heart I knew I wanted to use. Once I finished the title, I realized the die cut flower wouldn't fit where I'd planned. I also adhered my scallops down to help me keep my photo placement.
Step Four: If there's a good amount of white space in your photo, you can use it to add a bit of decoration. Here, I used my baker's twine (From Divine Twine), tied it around my photo and then used Foam Squares to pop the whole thing up off the layout:
Step Five: The photo still needed more, so I found these paper flowers and layered them with Foam Squares, using a flower shaped sticker for the center.
Step Six: I still loved that die cut flower, so I decided to cut it in half and use it in the blank upper right of my page. Using that as the foundation, I layered a few other cut elements, including die cuts and stickers, incorporating a bit of dimension underneath just a couple things:
Step Seven: Next, I finished my title by adding the heart and then adhering my hand-cut letters with small Foam Squares. These letters and the scallops really gave me the handmade look I wanted for this page. I also used a few mini letter stickers to create the "I Am" part of the title:
Step Eight: I stood back and looked at my page. It was still a little bare. So, I used the other half of my die cut flower, popped up a little rainbow die cut and used a coordinating paper flower and button to create a cluster of embellishments in the lower left-hand corner of my photo:
Step Ten: Still, I thought my page needed one more thing. A border to bring it all together. But I didn't want a straight border, I wanted a rounded rectangle. So, I used a scratch piece of cardstock, rounded the corners and traced around it with a pencil. I used a ruler on the straight lines:
This worked like a charm.
Scrapbooking Your Faith on Facebook:
So, to help make sharing easier, I'm thinking of starting a Scrapbooking Your Faith Facebook group where we can share pages and prompts, etc. but I refuse to just put people in the group without asking them, so if you're interested, shoot me an email or leave me a comment with your Facebook info and we'll get that started! This will be a GREAT way to stay in touch!
***
OH! And....We have a winner!!!
All four of these books will find a happy home...
IS....
Jane said...Hi Courtney, I found your scrapbooking faith challenges this week and love all of the ideas. I want to start an Art journal with this in mind. I came over from Homegrown Stephanie's blog. I have been following along with her since 2007. So glad to find you and all of these wonderful books. God has been speaking to me about gentleness. I have struggles that seem to fire me up. So He's telling me to watch,listen,and use some gentleness in my attitude, behavior and reactions. I look forward to seeing you again next Friday. Thanks!
Jane, send your address to me at courtneycrops{at}msn{dot}com and we'll get your books out pronto!
***
So, tell me, are you scrapbooking your faith? Finding it hard to dive in? I'd love to see what you're up to...and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
May 18, 2012
Scrapbooking Your Faith {Week FOUR} & A Fiction GIVEAWAY!
Week Four already of Scrapbooking Your Faith! Here's a little video about this week's prompt and a cool Pinterst Project I was able to put to good use to finish it off!
I got to share my "I Believe" project on the Creating Keepsakes blog, but I wanted to share it here too because it's really important to me to document this particular topic.
The funny thing is, I've made LOTS of "I Believe" layouts, some are lists, others are just one belief that I can document...and it seems as much as my beliefs stay the same, they're always changing too.
Anyway. That's the scrapbooking element this week, but I was inspired to take the prompt for this week and do something a little different. A mixed media project I can display as a constant reminder.
The prompt for this week is: Create a layout or project that focuses on one word or key phrase you know God wants you to focus on. Could be for this season of your life, this week, this month... What is God's plan for you in this moment?
Also, be sure to check out the video where I talk about the cool Pinterest find on how to make these super simple tissue paper flowers!
They might be my new favorite thing ever.
So how about a giveaway?
How was that for a random change of subject?
This week, I am sooo excited because I get to offer the chance to win all three of the books I reviewed this week AND a copy of my book, A Sweethaven Summer.
I do believe these will all be autographed and ONE lucky winner will get to add all four to their bookshelves!
Summer is right around the corner, so how can you resist beautiful stories that tug at your heartstrings and transport you to other worlds?!!
All you have to do is leave a comment on this post and I'll announce the winner NEXT Faith Friday!
Sounds too good to be true. :)
May 14, 2012
Girl Land BLOG HOP!
I'm really excited today to be a part of the Webster's Pages Blog Hop. I get to share all the time about all the amazing things our designers are doing with the new collections, but this time I had to crack some open for myself...
Girl Land is our new line and it's goes ON SALE TODAY!
Before I share my Blog Hop layout, I have to share one other fun thing. Today I've got a project over on the Scrapbook and Cards Today blog... and I'm really excited about this one.
It's an envelope book I made for Sophia.
Each envelope has a letter from me to her, letters she can open at pivotal moments in her life. For instance: "For when you get your feelings hurt..." and "For when you lose your courage..." and "For when you need to feel loved..."
Wednesday, I'll also be sharing a little tutorial on how to make an envelope book of your own!
I hope you'll join me on their blog this week! (We're giving away a Girl Land Collection Kit on Friday!)
Speaking of giveaways...I'm hoping that our Girl Land Blog Hop brought you here...
It starts over on the Webster's Pages blog and continues through SIXTEEN fabulous designers' blogs. Among those 16, we've hidden SEVEN big prizes...but we're not telling you which blogs are the prize blogs!
This is my Blog Hop Layout:
(Photo by LyndseyLew Photography)
Did I mention we're giving away the entire collection?
I'm actually the last stop on the Girl Land Blog Hop, but if you haven't started yet, head over to the Webster's Pages blog for all the details. Sixteen blogs with sixteen different inspiring projects... seven mystery blogs with prizes! All you have to do is comment and you could win!
I don't know about you, but I think that sounds like pretty good odds!
So tell me, what colors are inspiring you right now? I can't promise my blog has a giveaway on it... but you might as well enter just in case! (The prizes are SO worth it!)
Happy Monday!
May 11, 2012
Scrapbooking Your Faith Weekly Prompts {Week Three}
It's the third week in this Scrapbooking Your Faith venture, and I'm finding that I'm sort of coming up with prompts based on whatever kind of week I'm having. Maybe if I pre-plan a "Scrap Your Blessings" week, I'll have a WEEK of blessings?
Hm. It's worth a shot.
Regardless...here's the video for today's prompt:
For the record, my thumbnail choices are atrocious. Come on Youtube!
So, here's this week's prompt:
Scrapbook (or document) a disappointment and talk about how it
stretched / challenged / shook your faith.
I took a bit of a sideways approach with my layout because I didn't document specific disappointments...rather, I looked at disappointment as a whole and created a page based on something God's taught me recently...that HOPE never disappoints.
I shared this photo yesterday on my blog, but I wanted to do more with it. I want to always remember (because I DO fear hoping)...that hope is a very good thing...and if your hope is in HIM, you won't be disappointed...
That said, you better believe there are times when I want things to go a certain way and they don't... I could easily scrapbook those times too. And since we all have them, so could you.
Take the opportunity to look at something that just STINKS and journal your feelings about it.
My friend, Tania Willis (you can find her blog HERE) created a layout inspired by this week's prompt:
(Click on the image for a larger version so you can read her amazing journaling.)
I LOVE that Tania didn't use a photo on this page. This page is all about getting her feelings out on paper...writing the words that her heart needs to say...
...and hitting on some solid truths that we all feel. It's funny how I can relate to so much of what she's written here...
"Because of it, I’ve lived the last several years of my life hoping
with a fragile kind of hope.
Because of it, I’ve come to learn that it’s only by God’s mercy
that I haven’t let disappointments consume me.
Because of it, it’s taken a while for the concept of
God’s mercy to sink in, but it never fails to test me again."
I so get this...don't you?
Here's what I've learned...God doesn't expect us to always be laid back and never feel disappointment, but there are lessons in these things if we look hard enough. Just writing/scrapbooking through these feelings can be SO helpful in finding the truth of them.
And suddenly, these hurtful things have a purpose. Is it going to solve all of your problems? Ha. I wish. But it might help you put things into perspective.
So, this week...are you in? Have you ever felt disappointed? Can you turn that disappointment into a layout/art journal page or some other documentation? Share your links in the comments so we can all be inspired!
May 04, 2012
Scrapbooking Your Faith Weekly Prompts {Week Two}
Ah, here we are again...time for another installment of "Faith Fridays."
Let me start with this trust little video because I know you're all dying to stare at my dark roots and asymmetrical nostrils.
To note:
1. My favorite phrase is "super excited".
2. I swear I didn't "color outside the lip lines" with my lipstick. I checked it twice, but it still looks off. Whatevs.
3. There is no good natural lighting in our house.
Now that we've gotten that out of the way...here is my layout:
The prompt is: Create a page or project to serve as a word of encouragement for yourself or someone you love. For me, this layout was a way to remind my son of something God's already done in our life.
Also, part of the challenge would be to create something that you could easily integrate right into your regular, annual albums. This page isn't overtly "faith-based", yet the journaling very much is what I wanted to remind him of.
So, that's the prompt for this week.
I think after I created this for Ethan, I needed to do something to remind myself as well...so I did this art journal page:
Here's a close up on the journaling:
To me, this was 1000% therapeutic. Sometimes you just have to get lost in the paint. Regardless of how accomplished (or not) you are.
I created her bubble skirt using tissue paper and gel medium. I tore small pieces and balled them up, dabbing a dot of gel medium inside and then dabbing a dot on the back. Once it was all in place, I covered the whole thing in gel medium.
It's not going anywhere.
This week, I'm especially excited because I'm featuring the ridiculously amazing work of mixed media artist and god-lover, Stephanie Ackerman from Homegrown Hospitality.
Here is Stephanie's take on this prompt:
I think I may use her project as a jumping off point for whatever I do next week just because it's so darn inspiring. The truth in this..."Out of my hands and into his..." is SUCH a great reminder, and I love how she really created something meaningful for herself.
You can see more of Stephanie's project on her blog HERE. Scroll around there, it's amazing!
So, there you have it...don't forget to share your projects once you get going...I cannot WAIT to see what you guys come up with!
And finally, the winner of the life-changing, soul-jarring book "Lost and Found"
by the fabulous Ginny Yttrup is...
ROBBIE IOBST!
Robbie, send me your address and we'll get it in the mail! (And if you aren't Robbie, head over to amazon to pick up a copy for yourself. It's a gift. I promise.)
April 27, 2012
Scrapbooking Your Faith Weekly Prompts {Week One}
I'm so excited to share the very first "Faith Friday" Scrapbooking Your Faith Prompt!
Things I've learned from making videos of myself:
1. One of my nostrils is bigger than the other.
2. You should never film yourself with the camera looking up at you. Even the slightest angle can show all your chins.
3. There is nowhere in our house that seems to have good natural light.
Today's Prompt:
Scrapbook/Journal/Document Your Truth.
What I mean by this is, document your latest revelation, your latest word from God. The most recent thing you don't want to forget. Your ah-ha moment...
Here's my page:
I'd like to apologize now for crummy lighting. It's been overcast and I took these photos THREE times. sigh.
Regardless, you can see I'm all about keeping it VERY simple. It's important for me not to overwhelm myself with the crazy pressure of creating art right now. I'm on deadline and very busy preparing to move...so simple and easy is the name of the game.
The point is, I don't want to forget the story. That's the most important thing. I don't want to forget what it's like to be in the middle of this revelation...
I've hidden the journaling behind the strips of patterned paper. This makes it easier if you happen to be journaling something you don't really want everyone to read.
Clearly, I'm not:
In this case, I took the words straight from my blog post (which is where I digest most of this stuff anyway...)
My embellishments were few and I printed the title right on the photo to make this whole thing even easier.
Now, what about you? What revelation will you document?
How would you like to win a copy of "Lost and Found" by Ginny Yttrup?
Leave me a comment and I'll enter you in a drawing to win an autographed copy of Ginny's book. I can't explain the importance of reading something so powerful, and the fact that the revelation comes through a fictitious story...you'll be amazed.
Now...for the five winners of "Scrapbooking Your Faith"...
1. Stacy Caddy
2. Renee J.
3. Kimberli
4. Karen Larson
5. Susan C.
You five, email me your addresses at: courtneycrops{at}msn{dot}com and I'll get those out to you!
And, like I said in the video, I hope you'll link up here when you finish your projects...even if they're simple (like mine), they can still inspire.
Have a wonderful weekend!
April 24, 2012
A Sweethaven Page Map
This week, I have SO much to share...more on this crazy faith journey we're on and the first installment of "Faith Friday" where I'm going to share "Scrapbooking Your Faith" (Or journaling/painting/documenting your faith) prompts to get you delving into your own faith journey...
But while I collect my thoughts, I have to tell you about something else I'm SO excited about!!!
This, my friends, is an exclusive Sweethaven Page Map designed by the amazing Becky Fleck to help celebrate my first novel, A Sweethaven Summer.
Becky's first book, Page Maps, came out around the same time as my first book (I think) and wow, it just flew off the shelves. It is a book I keep out regardless of where we move. Since that time, she's also released Page Maps 2 and she has the most fabulous Page Maps website where you can create pages based on her sketches.
Becky is not only amazingly talented, but she's wonderful to work with, she's encouraging and kind. I love when that happens.
This sketch makes me so happy...and I want to invite you to join me in creating a page based on it too.
Here's my take:
Rather than create a page specifically inspired by "A Sweethaven Summer", I decided to create a page about my life + "A Sweethaven Summer." More specifically, about this dream of writing my first novel coming true...
Having my first book signing is something I'll never, ever forget, so I wanted to document this part of the journey and Becky's sketch was such a great jumping off point. I find these sketches to be so helpful in sparking creativity. If you're ever stumped, hers is the website you need!
You can see I moved the placement of the flower/pinwheel element, mostly because I really loved this big Prima Flower and I really didn't have enough room for it in the bottom left-hand corner. But clustering it here with the photos made the whole thing come together.
I then added three smaller flowers in place of that element to balance everything out. Those flowers along with the ones up at the top and the big one off-center create the visual triangle I needed to pull the whole thing together.
So, do you want to give it a go?
To enter:
Choose one of the theme prompts listed below and create a layout based on this sketch, in any size, any orientation, any way you want to interpret it and using any products you would like. Post a comment on this thread with a link to your entry.
The contest starts today and ends at midnight, Sunday, May13, 2012 (MST). This contest is open to everyone, everywhere!
THEMES:
- Create a layout about a friend or friends you haven't seen in a long time (or "create a layout that celebrates a special friendship).
- Create a layout about a place that's special to you.
- Create a layout about a dream that came true (that is the theme of Courtney's sample page above).
- Create a layout about your first love.
- Create a layout inspired by the cover of "A Sweethaven Summer."
This contest will be running both on the PageMaps blog and on here on my blog, so feel free to enter on either one.
What you can win:
For more inspiration, grab your own copy of A Sweethaven Summer and spend a little time on the Page Maps site...there's SO much to see!
April 20, 2012
Scrapbooking Your Faith Weekly Prompts {Won't You Join Me?}
I'm interrupting my story to gather the rest of my thoughts. I'll tell you all about how this move has already been challenging in that my son is acting out in school because he can't seem to process his emotions. I'll explain what it's like when well-meaning people plant a seed of doubt in your mind and how difficult it is to cling to what you know you know...
The story just keeps changing. Today our Realtor is coming by to talk about selling the house. When we moved here, I was terrified about our house in Rockford. It never did sell, but we have fabulous renters.
Sometimes God works things out in a way you never expected. I love that.
Because of it, I feel like I can walk into this next season with more peace. I don't know how God will work it out, but I know he will. I rest in that.
Anyway. Today, I want to direct you to the Creating Keepsakes Magazine Blog where I'm guest posting (yay) and sharing a layout inspired by my book, A Sweethaven Summer. (Should go live later tomorrow!) Since I haven't talked about the 'ol book in awhile, I'll put in a shameless plug here...I think it'd make someone an awfully nice Mother's Day Gift, don't you?
You can head right over HERE and enter to WIN a copy along with some fabulous scrapbooky prizes!
I'm also working on some fun events to help spread the word about the book because we all know word of mouth is what really sells a book.
If you've shared it with a reader in your life...thank you. Immensely.
If you haven't, feel free. I'll pledge my undying devotion to you if you help spread the word.
Too needy?
Here's a little peek at the project I'm sharing over at CK...
(It's a map project. I love a good map.)
A few weeks ago, CK Editor Extraordinaire Jennafer Martin was in town and my good friend Liz and I got to meet up with her for breakfast:
I can't resist. I have to mention how sleepy I look. Wowza.
If there's one thing I LOVE about scrapbooking it's the friends I've made...which is why I'd LOVE for you to come join me for this new thing I'm doing right here on my blog. Six weeks of journaling prompts to help you Scrapbook Your Faith.
Now, I'm not much of a video girl (which you will soon see givent he crummy webcam I'm using, but today I'm doing something I've never done before...a video announcement to tell you more about this fun idea.
I want to stress that this is NOT just for scrapbookers...this is for anyone...and I hope you'll join me...
At the risk of looking like a complete dork, here we go...(And the freeze frame/lighting are sooo flattering.)
So, let's recap (and talk about how you can WIN some GREAT, awesome, wonderful stuff.)
1. Go over to the CK blog and enter to WIN A Sweethaven Summer and a scrapbooking prize package! (Post should be up tomorrow!)
2. Leave me a comment on this post and you'll be entered to win a copy of Scrapbooking Your Faith (and one of the five winners will get a scrapbooking mystery box as well!) (And also, tell me if you're going to join in and journal YOUR faith!)
3. Come back next week for the first "Scrapbooking Your Faith" journaling prompt! It's going to be tons of fun!
4. Tell Your Friends!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
April 04, 2012
A New Way to Journal {And Some Winners!}
I wish I could ask my mom not to read this post, but I know she's the nosy type and would never comply.
I want to tell you about something we're doing over at Webster's Pages. You know, when I started working there, Brandin told me not to blog about something unless I felt really strongly about it. You know, she didn't want me to turn myself into a Webster's Pages commercial.
Thing is, I blog for Webster's Pages 3-4 times a week, and I could STILL find things to tell you about here on my blog...but I try to keep it all in check because, you know, I don't want to turn myself into a commercial for Webster's Pages.
Anyway, this particular product is near and dear to my heart because I've gotten to be a part of it since the beginning...I've gotten to understand the process of conceptualizing a product and watch as it morphed into something unique and special and yes, simple.
See, a few years ago, I wrote this book:
I wrote it because I'd spent a lot of time trying to convince people to take up scrapbooking...but in all my badgering I realized something...
The number one reason people don't do it is because they're busy.
So, I started thinking to myself..."You know, I'm busy too... and I don't really have time to spend hours on a scrapbook layout. How can we make this simpler?"
The results of that brainstorm are in this book...(which you can get at amazon right now for just $8!!)
Now, I feel like we've taken it one step further with this new program called {blueprints*}.
Incidentally, every time I type that word, I type "bluepritns" Every. Single. Time.
Ok...feast your eyes...
So, this is what it is.
A journal. This one is called "A Mother's Love." Inside are pages to write answers to the prompts we'll be posting on the Webster's Pages website every day starting April 12th.
You'll finish just in time to wrap it up and give it to your mom for Mother's Day. Or, you can choose the prompts that are geared toward YOU being a mom...and save it for your own kids.
It's like, the very easiest way to get your memories down into one place.
Add photos where and when you want to (just stick them down, there's no pressure here...)
The journal comes with an Embellishment pack and there are envelope pages to hold things like cards and pictures...You can snag your own HERE.
I have to warn you though, there's a VERY limited supply and they've already started moving out of the warehouse. I'm going to be participating in this, answering my own prompts and giving some thought to this whole motherhood gig.
Wanna come along?? :)
***
Now it's time to finally tell you who the winners of the Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge are. This was HARD. I had to call in reinforcements to finally find winners. You guys are amazing.
You can click HERE to find out more about the prizes, and thank you to everyone who played along!
So, here they are...the WINNERS of the Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge!
The Grand Prize Winner is...
Nicole Brenna with her take on Leslie Ashe's "Just Meant to Be Friends" layout. I absolutely love the little flags belowt he photo and the way Nicole wrapped her photo in twine. Love it! And the photo is adorable.
First Place Goes To:
Laura Cox with her "Summer Traditions" layout. I love the way the waves swirl up over the journaling block, and capturing her boys in the same place at two different ages is just brilliant.
Second Place Goes To:
Ann Jobes with her "Sweet as Honey" layout. I think the popped out honeycombs won me over, and the colors on this layout are so adorable.
So, Nicole, Laura and Ann, send me your addresses so I can get your prizes out to you pronto! You can see some of the prizes in THIS POST but it's going to mostly be a surprise! Because who doesn't love a surprise?
I have to add that I've chosen three additional Honorable Mentions. I wish I had prizes for these, but I did want to show them off because I LOVE them (and I really loved all of the entries! So much talent!)
In no particular order...
"Sun Kissed Cheeks" by Emilia Van Den Heuvel...
"Capture Moments" by Kate Barber:
And "Never Say Never" by Naomi M.
Thanks to everyone who played along! I had so much fun...and I'm going to have even MORE fun sending out prizes!
Happy Wednesday! Make it happier and (Go get you a {blueprints*} journal!)
March 22, 2012
Words That Speak
I confess. I'm a word nerd. I love words. I love to string them together to evoke emotions. What can I say? I'm a writer.
But I also love how words can encourage and uplift...and I'm not above encouraging and uplifting myself. We all need a little pick-me-up every now and then. Today I want to share with you a tiny little book I created full of words and reminders that I often need. A little positive self-talk never hurt anyone.
This book started with a few digital layouts. I used this Kitschy Digitals kit from jessicasprague.com (Click on the image to check it out.)
I thought of them like little cards, so they're small, like 2.5"x3.5" and I used the same basic design for each one. It made everything simpler.
So this is what the cards looked like:
I chose words that spoke to me. Words that really get me out of any funk I might be in. You could easily do this with Bible verses, words of wisdom, notes to yourself...anything that speaks to you.
The trouble with digital is that they do you no good unless you print them out. And I knew I wanted these cards to be carry-aroundable.
What? It's a word.
So, I went for a hybrid mini album. I made the booklet by hand using accordian-folded cardstock which I covered with print-outs from my digital kit.
Very simple little booklet, but powerful for me...because the words are powerful.
What words speak to you? Have you put them in a place of importance to help you remember them? And isn't it funny how we often forget them, choosing instead to focus on other words...like can't or who do you think you are? or you'll never...?
There has to be better words than these, don't you think?
And also, tomorrow is the last day to enter the Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge! Are you entered?? Click HERE for details on how your art can win you big prizes!!
March 09, 2012
Dream Day & Some Fancy Pants
Today I'm over on The Crafty Power Blog sharing a little Fancy Pants love. This is my niece, Lilah. I got to hang out with her in November and then again over Christmas and I'd like to brag and say that I won her over because it was quite a proud moment in my life.
I have to tell you how very much I love Fancy Pants. This collection is SO fun and I accidentally printed a few extra photos so I'm making more pages of Lilah. I love it!
Fridays used to be a big writing day for me, but since I turned in the manuscript for A Sweethaven Christmas, today I've decided to catch up on something every bit as important as the writing... dreaming. And studying. And drinking a lot of coffee.
Today is Dream Day. Sometimes I think you go along with life just accepting whatever comes your way, failing to stop and actually make the changes you need to make...and it's not until you get alone with your thoughts that you can really say "this needs to change." Or "This isn't right." Or "I can't do that anymore."
For me, that day is today. I've been challenged by a very dear friend to dream bigger...and I thought my dreams were pretty big...but lately, what I've been learning is that if God is in the details then I should pay attention to the details too. And I haven't been...not really.
Our life, right now, is in the middle of yet another upheaval...and I have to admit, while that sometimes frightens me, the truth is, I'm kind of excited...and in the midst of more changes for our family, there is SO much peace...
I will always follow the peace.
Happy Dream Day!
March 02, 2012
The Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {Big Prizes! Big FUN!}
Today is the BIG DAY!
THE SWEETHAVEN SCRAPBOOKING CHALLENGE!
Before I tell you how this is going to work, let me share one last beautiful layout to inspire you courtesy of designer Leslie Ashe:
I'm a total scallop fiend, so this layout (and the one she has on her blog today) have me swooning over here!! And the topic of "Tradition" is right in lines with the story of Sweethaven...the tradition of going back to the cottages year after year, the tradition of sharing the scrapbook and documenting their memories...
Do you document your traditions?
Don't answer that...at least not yet!
Let me tell you how the challenge is going to work. (And the whole thing makes me a little nervous because this is sort of like throwing a party and then crossing your fingers that people will attend...I'm not going to lie, I'm a little nerve-wracked!)
But here it is...the DETAILS:
Step ONE: Look over all of these gorgeous Sweethaven-inspired layouts...and then pick one as your inspiration piece.
Take a peek: (larger images if you scroll back for the last two weeks through my blog...there's SO much inspiration!!)
Any inspiration that comes to you, through the colors, the design, the topic or your own Sweethaven inspired layout if you've read the book, is eligible!
Step TWO: Create a piece of art (any art...scrapbook page, paper crafting project, mixed media...there's really no limitation here to what you can do...) inspired by the piece you choose.
Step THREE: Post your project somewhere on the internet (Two Peas, Scrapbook.com, your own blog, Facebook...anything goes here too!) But it MUST contain the words "inspired by 'A Sweethaven Summer'" somewhere in the title/post.
Step FOUR: Link back here in the comment section of THIS POST and tell me a little about your layout and what project inspired you!
Step FIVE: Tell all your friends so they can join in and be part of the fun!
Step SIX: Watch my blog for the announcement of the WINNERS!
Some of the amazing prizes include:
A $30 gift card to:
(Have you seen their gorgeous stuff?? If not, click on their logo and check it out!! Amazing!)
This amazing new book by Vicki Boutin:
(Click the image for more info!)
Several stamps from Unity Stamp Company, including (but not limited to:)
A prize pack from Scrapbook Adhesives:
A copy of Card Maps Vol. 2 (which comes out this month!)
An 8x8 gallery wrapped canvas (2 inch sides), like this one:
A Chipboard Mini Album from Maya Road, similar to this one:
7 Gypsies Accordian Mini Album:
As well as product from Prima, Bo Bunny, Doodlebug, Basic Grey and MUCH, much more (I'm still shopping!) :)
So, who's with me? Tell me I'm not going to be tooting my noisemaker by myself!
Anyone up for a BIG FAT PRIZE OR TWO OR THREE?
I plan to award THREE winners, and I cannot WAIT to see what you come up with!!!
The deadline to submit projects is March 23rd, so you've got THREE weeks to create!! (And multiple submissions are okay too!) :) Get crackin', creatives!!
March 01, 2012
Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {It's Almost Time!}
Lately, my son has been saying "I can't wait for Thursday" or "I wish it was Tuesday..." and I wasn't really sure why until I discovered that his dad bought him new goggles for his swim lessons...which are on Tuesday and Thursday.
And that's a little bit of how I feel about tomorrow...I can't wait for Friday...because I get to recap all of these beautiful layouts and projects, (and share a new one) and then issue
...The Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge...
And perhaps I'll even let you in on what the prizes are going to be.
That's something to look forward to, right? (I hope you'll consider joining in!)
Tomorrow is also the deadline for the first draft of my third book in this series, A Sweethaven Christmas. And while I should be panicking a bit more than I am, I'm actually just really excited to start the next phase of writing a novel...the editing! {And thankfully, I have an amazing editor!}
But I've learned not to squander a single day, so I'm beyond excited to share two gorgeous Sweethaven-inspired layouts from two gorgeous girls...and I promise I didn't give them a color scheme to work with, it just worked out that way!
First up, Vicki Boutin, who scrapped a page about being a memory keeper...something all of the girls in Sweethaven would relate to:
Vicki has long been one of my favorite scrapbookers. I got to meet her at CHA one year, and I remember being awe-struck by how much she had accomplished that year. And I know from experience that every now and then you're going to create a layout that's just kind of a dud. You know, they can't all be winners...(at least that's how I'd console myself...)
But I've never, in all these years, seen a dud from Vicki.
What's more, she's giving away a copy of my book on her BLOG today!!
And I may or may not have something super special to add to my prize package for tomorrow...
Here's a hint:
(Click image to read more about Vicki's new book!)
Whether they intended to or not, Campbell, Jane, Lila, Meghan, Suzanne and Adele all became memory keepers...and I'm so glad they did, otherwise, I may never have gone to Sweethaven myself.
Next, I get to share with you another gorgeous layout, this one by my new, beautiful friend, Jaime Warren. Jaime is an amazing photographer and scrapbooker and I'm so thankful I have the chance to work with her over at Webster's Pages...and especially thankful that she's created this Sweethaven-inspired layout:
Sweethaven is a town where the cottages are passed down through the generations...a place where people go to escape, to unwind, to decompress. Gosh, I'd love to go there right now!
Jaime ran with that idea, creating a page about the times her family spends at this cabin, a wonderful escape from the daily grind.
And I'm happy to announce the winner of these....
Bethany Becker said...
I am learning to let things go and not to take things so personally. I am also trying to believe in myself and be more appreciative of the things I have. This post really means a lot to me and encourages me to continue on with improving myself and my life and to not give up! Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Thank you to everyone who entered! Bethany, shoot me an email with your address and I'll get these in the mail to you! :)
See you tomorrow...for the BIG CHALLENGE!
February 29, 2012
5 Lessons I'm Learning Thanks to my Debut Novel. {And a giveaway!}
Today I'm talking a little about my writing journey over at the Brave Girls Club Website.
I'm sure you've heard of Brave Girls Club. Yes? I'm going. One of these days, I'm going to get out there and get my hands all painty and explore my life and how I can make it better. That image at the top is one of Melody's and it appeared at precisely the time I needed it most.
Funny how that happens.
It's amazing to me to see how God has used this writing journey to teach me so very much about myself... about the things I need to keep working on...day after day, I learn something new. Like how to lean on other people. How to accept the help of others. How to admit to myself and everyone else that there's no way I can do it all.
Oh, I pretend for awhile...but when I do that, it all comes crashing down on me.
Today, on this reflective Saturday (I wrote this on Saturday), as I prepare to head out to the Barnes and Noble here in Loveland for a book signing, and my nerves are amped up and I'm scared, I think about the things I know for sure...
So here's my list: 5 Things I'm Learning...thanks to my debut novel:
1. God is always going to come through for you. No matter what. Even if it feels like the midnight hour. Even if it feels like he's forgotten you. I promise. He hasn't. Lately, I keep hearing the same phrase echoing in my mind... He has me in the palm of his hand...
2. Sometimes compliments are more jarring than criticism. They're scary because they bring out a different kind of insecurity...the kind where you want to sit down and explain to everyone that they're mistaken. Don't they know how frazzled you really are? Don't they see that you're the mom who forgot the permission slip? Again.
3. Just at the time when you're sure you cannot go on for one more single solitary second, someone jumps in and throws you a rope. If there's no rope, then you can do it...even if you feel like you can't.
4. When you put out a "fleece" and convince yourself it's biblical, you might be mistaken. Some experts say this is actually a sign of an immature faith. (When you discover this the day after putting out a fleece, it's especially fun.)
5. You can't make people run to amazon and buy your book. And as much as you want to, you can't give them away...all you can do is be thankful...so thankful...that you have this opportunity...and then you can pray that God gets a hold of it and does what he wants with it.
You can't worry about what you can't control...
I'm learning, my friends...so much and so fast...and other things...REALLY slowly. Ha. But in honor of these many lessons, and in honor of my "Someone Threw Me a Rope" post at Brave Girls Club, I want to give away a copy of my book, A Sweethaven Summer...
The book is available HERE and HERE and on KINDLE, and NOOK...so if you don't win, maybe you'll join me for a little escape to Sweethaven!?
How do you enter? Simply leave me a comment and tell me...what lesson are you learning lately?
To sweeten the deal, I'm also going to give away a spot in my new Big Picture Class, Scrapbooking Your Faith...
(Click on image for more information!)
AND a copy of my first book, Scrapbooking Your Faith:
For additional entries:
1. Facebook a link to this post OR to "A Sweethaven Summer" on amazon!
2. Tweet a link to this post or to "A Sweethaven Summer on amazon!
3. Blog about either of these things.
4. Sign up for my newsletter by clicking HERE. (I promise not to spam you. Cross my heart. I'm thinking 2-3 newsletters a year. I won't tell you if we get a new puppy or anything like that.)
Also, I want to tell you that my sweet friend, Vicki Boutin has done a very brave thing herself...she's written this book:
Click on the image and find out you can WIN her new book...and come back here tomorrow for a very fun Sweethaven-inspired project from Vicki! (I can't wait!)
:) Thank you. I'm feeling extreme gratitude today and I want to say thank you. I'd love to send you my books and see you in my class, so be sure to leave a comment today! :)
I'm grateful for my little family and our good health!
I am most grateful for parents who are willing and able to help me after I lost my job.