Sunday, sunday, sunday

I woke to a reminder on my bb not to be late for class. *sigh*

I am disappointed that I couldn't go, however, a tiny part (maybe 15 %?) of me was relieved. I really enjoyed reading his book, I knew I would be stepping out of my comfort zone and yet I was still having anxiety about not being 'good enough' to attend. Am I not the wimpiest Leo you know? lol.

I was feeling bad about not taking my son outside to play earlier today. Then I turned on the news and discovered there was a gun battle two streets away from us. ***shiver*** What is happening to this city??? We did eventually go out - away from there!

I have three online classes beginning this week. Of course the new Jessica Sprague course starts tomorrow! Yeah!

I'm working on an altered book. Yeah, you read right. I may have removed to many pages and I am waffling on cutting the cover. Oh, that reminds me - I need to buy an new blade for the exacto knife. I'll keep you posted.

What is the deal with Facebook? It seems like a whole lotta effort. This is addictive? Hmmmm.

I need to create a new avatar too. My last one was sooo cheesy.

Hope you had a wonderful Sunday too.

Waiting, waiting, waiting dum dee dum do

I am dog tired.

I am so excited to signup for the next Jessica Sprague class that I'm waiting up until midnight to register. (ooops - did that just let you know I don't have a life?)

On the upside, its giving me time to listen to cheesey pop songs (love it) and mull over options for my black etching. I keep cleaning and it keeps turning black again.

Shopping and class day!

My aunt came to pick up us up this morning and after a few errands we headed to a fabric wholesaler. Which was kinda cool. I bought some fun, sparkly fabric.

Then a quick shopping trip and a bite to eat at T&T Market in WestEd Mall. It was a fun place to visit. I will need to get to the Cherry beach location when I get home. It is worth a second look.

I had read that a local store was going out of business after 40 years of business. Sounded like it might be interesting. It was a scavenger hunt! I think some of the stuff they had might have been from the day they opened. lol.

We headed home for a quick rest before heading to Bosch for the Hearty Soups and Chowders class. It was fun, informative and the soups/chowder (4) that they made were delicious. I have photos and will post when I get back. (they thought I was crazy!)

Whooohooooo!

I missed the first class this past June. I was able to register for an online photoshop class with Jessica Sprague.

I find photoshop very frustrating, I have high expectations for this class.

Registration opened at 12PM on Monday.

It's a wonder that I even remembered in time.

* happy dance!!!! *

I do love a fun class...

and anyone (xoxo June!) that will get me to Buffalo Stamps and Stuff! I *heart* that store. *sigh*

As you may know (or not) my very favorite stamp company is Hampton Arts. I was fortunate enough to attend a class instructed by the talented Claire Hampton this weekend.

I admit I was very skeptical of her claim that the whole class would complete an entire book. I am a notoriously (or maybe just in my own mind) slow worker. My classmates quickly left me in the dust, but she helped me (drum roll please) accomplish it.

I also have a new appreciation (or perhaps obsession) for Distress Inks. Thanks Claire!

She embraces her inner wonkyness. I would love for her to come to Toronto. Fun, fun and a little bit more fun!

More weekend details and photos soon!

Road trip!!!!

It's a girls weekend away! We are heading to Buffalo this weekend.

Our first stop will be a class at Buffalo Stamps and Stuff to take a Hampton Arts class.

I’ll be incommunicado for a couple of days.

Christmas in July

My very first ever Card Extravaganza was divine.

We were so spoiled today, it was like Christmas morning! Generous extra goodies (thanks Carmi&Elizabeth) and sweet home baked treats (thanks June!).

I kept up with the rest of the class for the most part. I think they heard a starters pistol I didn't. lol. These ladies didn't mess around and were quick to finish each card.

I think it helps if you understand all the directions. I admit it, sometimes I just nod my head and dive right in.

I love before and after pictures. I neglected to take the 'before' photo but this one is just after everyone cleared out for lunch.

More details and photos in the next few days.

Star book!!!!!!!

Here is my star book. It's going to be a quote book when completed. Just for me.

I spent a leisurely afternoon (well when my teacher wasn't cracking the whip - she knows me to well...) at BizzyB with Marissa and Karen.

I loved, loved, loved this class. I even let myself fold the paper without a bone folder. Trust me when I say I wanted to go buy a bone folder.

I had difficulty stitching the signatures together. I did it wrong in every way possible.

I undid my stitches many times. I needed a sticker to mark the top. Really it would have helped.

I still need to add the final pages. I decided that the original colour (goldenrod) no longer worked once I added my cover. Once I have the measurement I can cut my paper.

Thanks to Marissa for a fun, uplifting class.

Thanks to Karen for taking the class photo and the perfect gold ribbon.

Castaway!!!

I love the look of bleach stamping, however, I was reluctant to use bleach with my own stamps. I figured I would eventually get around to taking a class.

The advert for the new Castaway stamp pad immediately caught my eye - bleach stamping effect without the bleach. Interesting. I eagerly anticipated it's arrival in a local store.

A women saw that I was planning to purchase the stamp pad and casually shared her personal experience. Her opinion after taking a class was that the product was sub-par. Summary = Very smelly, smokey and very inconsistent results.

Based on this new information, I sadly put the stamp pad back on the shelf. I'd notice it everytime I'd go back and wonder if it was really that bad.

Thankfully that changed this weekend! I not only bought the stamp pad - I bought re-inkers too.

Play day

Yesterday was fun.

We started out by searching fruitlessly for the right bank machine. Then onto more important things like COFFEE and visiting Carmi at the show.

A quick bite to eat and then we were off to ASD in Bolton to attend:

1. a stamp of the month demo (which I only listened to - there was shopping to do)

2. participate in a card exchange (see - I'm not a mass hallucination)

3. a castaway bleach stamping class with Kelley Grace

Here's one of the cards I made in class. I wasn't even the last person to finish my card! Woohoo. That's gotta be a first.

Then I came home and discovered my better half made meatloaf and creamy twice baked potatoes for supper. I'm pretty sure there was another vegetable but I don't recall. Yum!

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.

Just what I like

My class tonight was just what I needed. I had a great time. A nice casual, relaxed atmosphere. I got permanent red ink on my light blue blouse. I swear I need an apron for any class. I even gave myself homework. Which I will post by the end of the week. You can hold me to it.

A little package was waiting at the store for me. Thanks Martha!

I test drove (OK showed off) my arty! My RED arty. More importantly, I remembered to remove it before I threw the cup away. I would be digging in the garbage can to retrieve it - you can be certain of that!

Transparent Art

I am eagerly awaiting my class at BizzyB on Monday! The instructor is Marissa Decepida-Wong

Here's her class description:
Discover the world of Transparent Art also known as acetate in artwork. This is one of the hottest trends in papercarfts, scrapbooking and mixed media art. In this workshop, you will learn how to use transparent art in your cards, collages, jewellery, altered books & scrapbook page by incorporating the transparencies with stamped images, painted backgrounds, sewing & cutting, etc. Turn something simple into a work of art!

I hope there are handouts - I wouldn't want to forget everything I'll learn on Monday.

Can't hardly wait.

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.