Visiting Carmi at her BIG show!

June and I snuck out tonight to visit Carmi at the One of a Kind spring show.

I waited until almost closing time so that I could snap a photo without getting her in trouble.

Doesn't it look beautiful?



My favorite booth was Carmi's (of course!) followed very closely by Honey Hollow.

They have the most divine churned honey. I must have been insane to forget all about them. They used to be my very first stop at the show. I know brains huh? Weigh yourself down right at the beginning of the show...

Coming Home

It's been a wonderful week with my parents. I've enjoyed every minute with them.

My son has been running wild. He will have a big adjustment when he goes back to daycare.

We coloured easter eggs on the final day (*sniff*)










Thank goodness the dye washes off pretty easily. lol.

Gotta get cracking on my cards for the card exchange. I've planned it out on paper. Let's see how well I can execute it.

Night out

Grandma and Grandpa graciously babysat the little guy last night.

So we could go to the casino. Makes us sound like parents of the year doesn't it?

I was queen of the roulette table. I was up at the end of the evening. It was my kinda of table - .25 minimum. I'm not a risk taker - I can't do it.

I'm thinking of all the scrapbook or art supplies I could buy instead.

No art this week

No art this week. I miss my supplies. Does planning my ATCs and cards count?

I had a very small bag packed to take with me. It's still on the computer desk at home. Really I don't need another trimmer, scissors, etc. Do I?

I've visited three scrapbook stores in Edmonton.

Scrap-A-Lot - I liked them on the last visit - this time the lady working was cordial to everyone (the dreaded regulars) but distinctly icy with me. Likely won't go back. What a shame because it's a nice store.

Creative Scrapbooks - no opinion. It seemed to be a very nice store, however, I had four people waiting for me in the car. Which doesn't lend its self to a leisurely browse.

Scrap and Bean - See here for opinion.

I did purchase two new books. I'm a sucker for technique books. I'm just not the type read at the computer. I'd rather curl up on the couch with a book and hot beverage.

I also bought 1300+ brads. It was accidental - I didn't realize how many I actually had.

The lady at the store asked if I had a big project.

I replied that I didn't - then she simply thought I was nuts. Plus she likely wasn't enthused that we had to count them all by hand. You try giving them back after the final count.

I didn't have the nerve.

Road Trip

We went to Calgary today - for about two hours.

I do want our little guy to know his cousins. Don't ask me why we do this to ourselves. It's exhausting.

It would have been much nicer if they could have made it to the party to have a proper visit.

Card night

I admit it.

My aunt and uncle introduced me to a this game.



I'm addicted.

Again?

Bunnytastic

We told our son that Grandma and Grandpa had bunnies. He has been searching for them every day since our arrival.

Finally a sighting. We are such a city family - all three of us went out to see the bunny. lol.

Fantastic scrapbook store

I have been wanting to visit this scrapbook store ever since I found it on the web.

I wasn't disappointed.

It is located a fair distance from my parents house, so I've been unable to visit until now. I chatted with Camille a few minutes and she was helpful, personable and professional.


The name of the store is the Scrap & Bean. The layout is warm and inviting - it draws you right in. To browse, to relax, to socialize and create. It is such a charming store.

They recently celebrated their first anniversary - I hope they have many more.

I would love for this store to be my lss.

The tourist thing

We are going to West Edmonton Mall today.

The pint sized attractions such as Galaxyland, Sea Lion's Rock and Sea Life Caverns should interest our little guy.

Conveniently for me there is a scrapbook store across the street from the mall. I chuckled when I read that on their website.

I'll need more specific instructions as the mall spans the equivalent of 48 city blocks.

I thought you got to sleep in on vacation

My son wants to get up at 5AM each morning. I've deferred early morning care to his father but I know that's not going to last...

Suprise Party!

I got up at 3 AM to get ready to leave for the airport yesterday. The flight was delayed on the tarmac due to bad weather and late baggage handlers. I fell asleep waiting and when I opened my eyes again - all three of us were asleep. It must have looked cute.

My son did remarkably well on what was now a 4 1/2 hour flight. We succumbed to the lure of the DVD player in the final hour.

I was a nervous (and exhausted) wreck by 3 PM. I'm sure that they wanted to smack me up side the head by about 4PM. I fret, fret and then fret some more. I was positive that my other brother had inadvertently spilled the beans.

I've been planning this for about 6 weeks. It's awkward to make long distance plans. My aunt was a godsend. I couldn't have done it without her help. Thank you again!

My parents arrived around 5:30 PM, we all rushed to our places. And then they came in through the other door. lol. I don't recommend trying to hide with a talkative 2 1/2 year old who is determined to go see Grandma.

My mom was surprised and she had a great time. I'm pretty sure the entire family did. That's all that matters isn't it?

Getting ready for our trip

Got lots to do to prepare for our trip.

Again I'm determined to take only ONE piece of luggage. Plus this time it can't be over weight. It costs money to be over! My argument that we only had one bag didn't fly. I got a raised eyebrow and she demonstrated (very effectively) that she could hardly move it to the conveyor belt.

I hoping to pack stuff to work on ATCs and maybe even my card challenge while I'm away. Ambitious huh? (for me at least)

I just realized I never did my homework from Marissa's class. Oooops.

Sitting down to savor my wonderful new ATCs!

Our group is growing, the turnout gets larger each time.

Participants for this month were: Marissa, Susan W, Beverley, Myrn, Susan V, Barb, Diana, Jacqui, Joanne, Ludgera, Daniza and Sarah.

Thank you to all who I traded with. I was glad I made a few extra this time. I got two back - perfect. Now I don't have to make extra cards for June and Martha. I'm especially glad to have received one card back. It needs some additional work before it goes to its new home. lol.

I hate to play favorites with my ATCs; I always mentally choose which ones I think will come back. I try not to peek as they go around the table. I'm always surprised at what makes its way back to me if the cards exceed the number of traders. I have yet to chose correctly.

I brought my camera to get a picture of the group and I forgot. Phooey.

I also wanted to suggest that we submit a group profile to ATC Quarterly.

IMO - we need a name for our group! Suggestions?

Does anyone want to do a side swap for next month? I'd like to do a self-portrait ATC. I'll trade with you if you bring one too.

Martha and June we missed you.

My ATC submission for March

My submission for this month is called: 'If only everything was black and white'.

Due Date: 9Mar07

Theme: Black and White

Supplies used -European papers ATC card packs - Soft white and Rich black

Clip Art: Enchanted Mercantile - Vintage Beauties Collection

Ink: Ranger

Stamps: Club Scrap, Stampers Anonymous, Judikins, Stampin Up, Hamton Arts, Hero Arts, A Lost Art, Lazar StudioWerx, European Papers










NEXT!

Eagerly anticipated

It came in the mail today! I feel a coffee and caramel Bailey's coming on...

A visit from the delivery fairy!

Yes, I have my own personal delivery fairy. I have to admit she is wonderful.

Look what she brought me! (I must have been really good.)




These are the cards from the monthly card exchange group. This months' theme was 'Seen at the Zoo".

I'm positive the rest of the group isn't quite convinced that I actually exist. I've never been to an exchange in person!

Day of Many Mini's Origami Book

As promised, here is it is. Isn't it cute?

Day of Many Mini's

It was an excellent day!

I have to admit I was very nervous to even enter the building today. Yup, that's me - fraidy cat to the very core.

I was lucky enough to get a ride to the Neilson Park Creative Centre. I had just mustered enough courage to exit the car (plus I was being booted out - I had already negotiated 10 extra minutes - lol.) when another car pulled up beside us. I glanced over and it was Susan! It immediately brightened my day.

I was to shy to tell Susan I had signed up for her course. I located the class via a google search. I didn't want her to get the wrong impression. (Oh, no here comes 'stalker' girl....)

My first challenge of the day? Finding the coffee. Must find sweet, coffee. I pass a room with a gaggle of women and the enticing scent of coffee. Should I just casually walk in and sneak a cup? I finally decide it must be for us. The clincher? The badges around everyone else neck were just like mine...

Off to my classroom to secure and prep my workspace as I casually sip my coffee. I discover that my brand new Teflon coated scissors barely slice through a plastic garbage bag. Seeing my struggle one of the women in my class chirped "My dollar store scissors are working great!".

I'm shyly scanning the room to check out my instructor and fellow workshoppers. I'm intrigued that a guy is in our class - it usually just women.

Workshop A begins and as Ruth speaks I realize that I'm becoming anxious about my lack of 'artistic - ness'. This is new territory for me. I am mystified by the folded pen tool we have been given.

How am I going to pull this off? Maybe I can just fold the 'plain' paper... No such luck. She expects us all to create! Ruth has prepared the most exquisite origami book samples for class. She pulled them apart and spread them across the table allowing us to see examples of different techniques. I regret that I didn't bring my camera. They were lovely to look at.

Will post more soon. Very tired. I promise more soon.

Supply list update!

It's a good thing I checked my spam folder or I would have missed the updated class supply list.

I came completely unprepared for a class once and it certainly diminished the experience for me.

I know, I know I should be in bed! Early day tomorrow!

Can't hardly wait.

Creative block

I'd hoped this year to create a little each day and if not at least each week.

I know I gave myself an out. I figured I'd be easier on myself if I did.

I have block right now.

It is very annoying.

Sanity break

I must express my thanks to anyone who has ever taken care of me when I've been sick.

I now know they had the patience of a saint.

My son is very ill this week and he is miserable. So am I.

Is this what I'm like when I'm sick?

It's not a pretty picture.