meme with a difference

I've signed up via Martha's blog and must reciprocate before I forget.

The first five people to respond to this post (via the comments section) will get some form of art made by me.

The only catch, is that if you sign up, you have to put this in your own blog as well.

Meme Definition from Wikipedia

I can't believe that our Christmas holiday is almost over

The week has flown by. My son has so enjoyed the time with his grandparents. He is so happy to see them each morning. I know I'm not the only one who is going to miss them.

We are going to be exhausted when we get home. We have not maintained a schedule (nor factored in the time change) at all. Uh oh indeed.

We finally made it to Candy Cane Lane and saw it via horse drawn carriage. I couldn't resist my son's excited and hopeful face. He thought the church next to us was a barn that housed all the other animals from the farm. lol. He wanted to actually ride the horse but that changed once he got closer to them. They were huge horses. It was over far to soon and he wanted to go again which resulted in a tearful ride home. I hoped to get photos, however, my camera skills are not what they could be.









Lots of blurry shots. (secretly I like some these odd & blurry shots)

Peace and goodwill to all

Merry Christmas!

Hope you are having a great time with your family and friends.

My three nephews and son are having a great time. All four are excited blurs at any given moment. lol. Luckily they stopped for a moment and I got a wonderful picture of them together. They are going to miss each other when we leave to go back to Edmonton tomorrow.

I called Daddy and Uncle at home and they are having a seafood feast for Christmas dinner. I can tell that they are missing the little guy. We will have another little 'mini' Christmas with them when we get back home.

We are going to my sister-in-law's parents house for dinner today. I'm looking forward to that. Her parents and family are very sweet.

Remember the calories don't count today...

Forget snakes on a plane...

how about a screaming toddler for the duration of the flight? Combined with a set of parents that think this behavior is oh so a*d*o*r*a*b*l*e.

We are here and having a great time with our family. My son has been a trooper about all the new places and faces.

I can't wait until Christmas morning!

ATC Challenge - Twelve drummers drumming

ATC question

A friend called me at work to ask "what is an ATC?" I thought I'd defer to an authoritative source for that query.

I really enjoy working on ATCs. They are accessible for me. Meaning that they can be done fairly quickly and much less intimidating than a 12 x 12 layout or an entire album (shudder!).

ATC Challenge - Eleven pipers piping

crazy busy crazy busy crazy busy crazy busy crazy busy

preparing for our trip.

Phew. Who knew a toddler needed soooo much stuff.

I've made a list, yes I've checked it twice. (Thanks hon.)

Each time there is something new to add. I'm determined to take only ONE piece of luggage. I don't know if I understand the concept of pare down. lol.

I have ATC's to publish to keep up with the challenge - they just aren't quite completed yet. I have to attempt to watercolour. I should post the uncoloured images - just so I will feel better about being such a slacker.

I think I will pack them up and finish them at my Mom's.

ATC Challenge - Ten lords a leaping

ATC Challenge - Nine ladies dancing

ATC Challenge - Eight maids a milking

ATC Challenge - Seven swans a-swimming

ATC Challenge - Six geese a-laying

ATC Challenge - Five golden Rings

ATC Challenge - Four calling birds

ATC Challenge - Three French Hens

ATC Challenge - Two turtle doves

ATC Challenge - Partridge in a pear tree

darn this challenge is hard

I'd really never thought about the 12 days of Christmas before.
It's not turning out quite like I expected. What else is new?

I'm determined to complete it! It'll probably be late though...

I'm in love

with the new Bond.

I knew it would happen. Although it was embarassing in front of my better half. I don't think he was impressed.

Go see it!

Our last ATC night for 2006

I really look forward to ATC night. It's my chance to get out of the house and chat/share with some talented ladies. I did zone out for a few moments! No more drinking in the afternoon for me! I'll just have to learn to pass up the offer of free beer. lol.

I loved what everyone did for the holiday theme. Such creativity. It made me cringe even more at my own offering. Serves me right for procrastinating.

Susan shared her hand painted Christmas decorations with us. Gorgeous. She pays attention to the details. I wish I'd had a camera to get a photo of some of them. Missed opportunity.

Martha showed us a cool technique using acrylic paint, liquid medium and Kim towels. Again I would have loved a photo - although I think it would have embarrassed her terribly.

A little attention

Who knew that if I actually did things (instead of just collecting) people would actually say nice things?

I'm such a sucker for a compliment too.

It really makes my day.

I just realized that I ....

I haven't actually wrote about the card exchange that I participate in other than to say my cards are done.

Hmmmm.
I have never been able to make the actual coffee and chat. One day it will happen. I have to wait a few extra days for my cards.

I'm sure I drive June nuts with my hints to drop them by until I get them. Can I get them now? How about now? Are you coming this way? How about now? Well you get the idea. lol.

I really loved the cards made for this month's theme things that fly. I will need to scan in the images when I have a second. Here is a peek at a couple of last month's...

ebay is a dangerous place for the easily tempted

temptation, err make that Temptation.

It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of an auction. Waaaaaay to easy.
I was bidding on an item for a friend tonight. She had a DEFINITE limit. Unfortunately for her, someone wanted her auction item very much. I thought that they paid to much for a used item but that was just me.

When I set a limit it can be a bit elastic, heavily dependant on how badly I want an item. I'm also a sniper. You know the person who waits until the last 30 seconds (or less) of the auction to bid. Yup - been burned by them too.

I'm surrounded ...

by sick people.

Which pretty much means I'll be next. Since I know this is inevitable, I'd better get started on those ATC's that are due on Friday.

Gotta clear out the better half, who is watching football (yes, college - I've one of those fans) with his eyes closed.

Playing along

I've always wanted to join one of Carmi's art challenges. I had such grand plans for the ATC's in August - I even made a few.

Trouble is I'm terrible with deadlines. I missed a few, well maybe more than a few.

Announcement from her blog:

I am going to celebrate the traditional 12
Days of Christmas, by doing an
art piece everyday based on the classic song:
"On the first day of Christmas
my true love gave to me...

"Would you like to join me? I am either going
to do an ATC or a fabric altered book page... I have not decided yet.

If you want to join in, you need to send me a scan of your art everyday.

The art can be digital or a photo too!

A Partridge in a Pear Tree is due:
Midnight December 13th, and then everyday for
the next eleven pieces. (You
could skip a day if you need to.)
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven
pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids
a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden
rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree!

This time I'm gonna play too.

Hack job

I'm using an x-acto knife. Only because I put my beloved Kai scissors somewhere safe.

Now people who know me, would probably give me a vaguely amused smile that I am actually working, albeit ever so s-l-o-w-l-y.

Then they might be concerned as they realize what I'm working with.

Okaay, we might have a situation here. Just put down the knife slowly. No quick movements. Slowly, slowly that's a girl. No need for you to hurt yourself.

You see I might have a bit of a reputation for being, well *ahem* clumsy. My better half doesn't trust me with any sharp implement. He knows what a knack I have for inadvertent self-maiming.

And the rubber? It's a hack job.

I might just faint...

Commission:
a fee paid to an agent or employee for transacting a piece of business or performing a service.

I'm terrified.

Yup, some people (bless their hearts) were admiring my little book about my son. Now they would like me to make books for them too. For Christmas.

Gulp.

I said YES!!!!!!

phenom class - Altered Art Mini Album

I initially had reservations about this class, I was uncertain I would accomplish anything - nevermind an entire album. I mean really, classes are just social occasions aren't they?

From the BizzyB Scrap & Stamp website:

ALTERED ART MINI ALBUM 6-10pm
GUEST INSTRUCTOR
- CHRISTINA LAZAR-SCHULER

Create an adorable altered art-style mini album using 4x4 photos,
chipboard elements, cool stamps, funky embellishments & more.
You'll be working outside your traditional scrapbooking box - helps you focus on the
idea, image and is just really, really fun! Time is an issue for me, so any
project I can finish in an evening is a big bonus... Imagine spending an evening
making a great gift for family or friends that the will treasure for years

I don't attend many classes anymore - mostly due to time restraints. I make a special effort to attend Carmi's fabulous classes whenever I can. I do go on (and on and on) about them don't I? OMG - am I fawning?! Blech.

I now have a new instructor that I am impressed with. Her (Christina's) mini book class and new rubber stamp designs are phenomenal. (I might have just bought 1 or 2 OK 3! - that's all I'm admitting to)
If you are unable to attend one of her classes, I highly recommend purchasing the components online to make your own kit from her company Lazar StudioWERX Inc. She is very generous with her online instructions.

I actually have a little book of my son! Thank you Christina! No, it's not actually finished but I'm workin' on it.

I got out bid

It was a busy day today. Morning drop-in at SRCPC with my son. Home for lunch and settle in nap time. Kiss daddy goodbye and scurry off to Holly Jolly. Browse & buy to much stuff. Head back home (with a small detour to Tim Horton's with June) to eat dinner & get the little man ready for bed. Shower, change and head to the SRCPC annual fundraising auction. There was some fun stuff up for auction. We missed part of the live auction as someone (not me) was dawdling. I don't think we won a single thing this year. Phooey.

I'm in photo inventory H***

Really.

The good news is that we have a lot of pictures of my sweet, adorable, darling, angel son BUT at just over 1000 digital images. It's a little overwhelming. At least I know the date, time and place these were taken. I really should have been doing inventory right from the beginning.

I can't even consider the others right now. They are in a box (yes, a really BIG one) - out of sight, out of mind - with good reason.

I wonder if anyone else is a silly as me!

holly jolly sale

I love going to Carmi's Holly Jolly sale. I mark it on my calender early.

I eagerly check all the vendor tables to see what is for sale - so much to oooh and ahhh at.

I always spend to much! I was well on my way to purchasing from each vendor's table - I just ran out of time. I think this was a good thing.

This year I got there a little later than I planned. Thanks to my certainty that I didn't need to consult a map or the directions. Really it must be the only place in Toronto that the streets aren't in a grid formation.

Usually if I've been somewhere once, I can find my way back with minimal effort - quite a blow to the ego.

Thanks and hugs to Carmi for organizing another great event.

At opposite ends of the spectrum...

**** Warning ****


This is not a post for the faint of heart.

Ladies and gents - fans ready please

It's definitely a HOT alert today. You either want to be him or he makes you swoon - at least that's what I've heard.

Casino Royale, Live and Let Die, Moonraker, Diamonds Are Forever, From Russia with Love, Dr. No, Goldfinger, The Spy Who Loved Me, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, You Only Live Twice.

I read the books long before I ever saw a Bond film. I have to admit the hot factor is directly related to the films.

The first Bond film I recall seeing was Moonraker with Roger Moore. I have successively fallen for each new incarnation of Bond.



All this brouhaha because he's blond.
Pah! Let's be honest shall we? The main requirement for Bond is HOTness.

Get over the blond - it's all about hot.

Masi Oka is my other hottie.

Who knew a geek could be well so… you know. * adorable * Don't you just want to take him home? I'm having such a juvenile moment... and I haven't even started on Dean.

Ta DA!!! - ATC completed

Ta DA!!! I completed my next ATC assignment ahead of the deadline.

Due Date: 17NOV06
Theme: Monogram
Supplies used -
Paper: Bazzill
Ink: Ranger
Stamp: Hero Arts (front)
Stamp: Catslife press (back)

Status: Complete
NEXT!




I really couldn't decide what to make this time. I ultimately choose 'R' for Remembrance day.

I had several ideas rolling around the brain pan, however, this idea was the one that insisted on being done.

I tried to work on other ideas but they just wouldn't work. I hope that now this one is done they will follow - just for fun.

The theme was 'monogram'. I hope everyone likes it. You'll have to come to the meeting to see the inside...

A little WICKEDness

I've never seen the Wizard of Oz.

OK, get it out of your system. Do what ever you need to do to express your surprise, horror, disbelief, etc. Apparently this is a classic.

I'll wait.

I was graciously invited to see the musical 'Wicked' by a friend. I wasn't sure what to expect at all.

Oh, I knew the basic story, tornado, girl and dog, scarecrow, cowardly lion, tin man, wicked witch. I guess I had the mental Coles notes version.

I liked it so much I bought the soundtrack. Now I just need to get 'Popular' out of my head.

La la la la

We're gonna make

You popular

When I see depressing creatures

With unprepossessing features

I remind them on their own behalf

To think of

Celebrated heads of state or

Specially great communicators

Did they have brains or knowledge?

Don't make me laugh!

They were popular!

Please -It's all about popular!

It's not about aptitude

It's the way you're viewed

So it's very shrewd to be

Very very popular

Like me!

Oddly, I saw the movie the very next night and my first reaction was 'That's not how it happened!"

Card Swap completed for November

I'm a little bummed that I can't make it to the coffee & chat.

I'll have to package my cards off with June again... *sigh*

My first attempt at a spinner card, you can't hardly tell from the scan, but there are tiny dragonflies and stars on the lighter cardstick too.

I still think it needs something...

Should be making samples

It turns out that I will be donating my services to the SRCPC after all. That is cool.

I should be designing a few samples but I felt like watching TAR instead.

I also need to complete the thank you cards for Rowan's party. I just need to stamp, address and seal. See deadlines - nothing for me.

Happy Birthday to my guy

Happy Birthday sweetie.

You're getting to be such a big boy! I'll have to stop calling you my baby. *sniff*

It's your big day, I can't wait until you see your cake.


You're cake was a HUGE hit with everyone. Thanks 'J'!! You are awesome.

I personally think it looks exactly like Thomas - I'm not sure why you don't. All the kids instantly knew who it was.

New deadlines

My next deadlines are my ongoing ATC and card swaps.

The ATC theme for November is 'monogram' and card swap theme is 'things that fly'.

I have the cutest idea - lets see how well it translates to reality.

I'm off to watch Supernatural. Yum. Hey, hey, hey.

Everyone needs to be in a state of deep thought or dreamy abstraction on occasion. You have your muse and I have mine. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I did it - again!

I'm soooo excited.

I completed my next assignment ahead of the deadline.

Even after a last minute design change.

Yay me.

And since someone airily pointed that no one reads my blog I can publish it!

Here it is.

ac·qui·si·tion fiend

Some days I'm all about the acquisition.

Yes, I realize that is not an especially flattering self observation.

Events such as the Creativ Festival (formerly CSNF) certainly contribute.

I almost made it out the door.... * sigh *

Inspired by Marissa

100 Dream Craft / Scrapbook List

This "To Do" list was inspired by Marissa. Thanks for the nudge! I don't have a hundred things ... yet!

1. Start my son's scrapbooks. I have a lot of documentation, photos, ideas and a whole lotta fear about doing it wrong!

2. Organize all my craft supplies. I have containers and a brother label maker. I only got as far as labeling all my ink pads.

3. Have a real craft / crop space.

4. Use all my supplies at least once!

5. Learn a new technique each month - at the very least!

6. Consistently meet deadlines.

7. Create cards and/or album for the South Riverdale Child-Parent annual fundraising auction. Really next year. Maybe if I start now....

8. Take a book binding class.

9. Learn calligraphy. I looked into this but didn't follow through.

10. To teach at a store or hostess/plan and execute fabulous crop.

11. To get my work published.

12. Learn to take better photographs.

13. Really learn to use my Adobe Photoshop.

14. Learn to sew. My mom gave me a sewing cabinet and a nice machine. I haven't even opened it. *shame*

14. Take up belly dance again and document it. There I said it. I rarely admit I did.Even if I was hopeless - I had fun!

15. Create a book of me

16. Complete handmade Christmas cards and mail them.

17. Learn colour theory

18. Learn how to use a colour wheel

19. Write letters to my favorite authors/artists to say thanks

20. A year of handmade birthday cards for everyone I know.

Sleepy last night

* update * found some sites (I love ehow)
http://www.stampin.com/tips/pencils.htm http://www.createforless.com/advice/tech_watercolor.asp http://www.ehow.com/how_11104_watercolors-paint-holiday.html

No work to report for me. I fell asleep with my son last night.

I was all keen to do some research yesterday evening.

I purchased some watercolor pencils on the weekend. Now I need to figure out how to use them. I did some playing late Saturday night. I don't think I am doing it right. Quelle suprise. It usually takes several attempts for me get the knack of something. Especially if I have to figure it out myself.

Off to do more research on the worldwideweb. I wonder if they have 'watercolour pencils for the clueless'...

OMG-I actually did something at a crop

* boggle *

Those who know me know that there are many things I do at a crop.

Cropping isn't one of them. Not yesterday. I pleasantly surprised myself! I haven’t accomplished this much since an all day crop in 1999.

Of course I chatted, ate, chatted, shopped, chatted, ate and chatted even more.

I also actually (I’m still amazed) worked on several things:
* card swap
* thank you cards for my son's upcoming birthday party
* organizing my supplies
* completed a card challenge (even if my card was LAME)
* completed a make and take (cute card huh?)

It is always a pleasure the to meet up with croppin' friends and catch up. Get your photo taken with a real live 'celebrity' scrapbooker - just for you 'L'. It was announced - it means it's official now. Anonymity is just a dim memory.

I also came to the realization that maybe (just maybe) it appears to others 'J' and I don't always play well together. lol.

One of the ladies (Cindy) made bracelets supporting H.O.P.E. for ALS. ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; it also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. One was generously donated as a prize and I won! I love it.

IMO Scrapbook Heaven in St. George Ontario hosts the BEST crop in all of Ontario. Mary Ann, Michelle, John and Rosemary did an amazing job again.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

Adhesive apprehension

Not to sure about this new adhesive I bought. It is called Dot 'n' Roller by KOKUYO.

It is so easy to use, however, I used it to seal some envelopes made with Bazzil paper and it is lifting after only 3 days.

oh no.

I did it!

Deadline 1 - ATC Swap.

Due Date: 13OCT2006
Theme: Creepy / Halloween

The title of my ATC is Whoo Hoo Loot!

Supplies used -
Paper: Bazzill
Stamp: Inkadinkado (front)
Stamp: Catslife Press (back)
Embossing powder: Stampendous
Raffia: unknown

Status complete.

NEXT!

Well I might as well get started.

I hope to have something to post everyday this month.

I have signed up for two swaps and they have firm deadlines.

A deadline inspires terror for me. I wish it would motivate me - instead I am more like an ostrich. I've closed my eyes and you can't see me.