Please Vote for Me!

*Shameless plea...*

I would love to have your vote for the Most Creative Mom on Michaels Facebook page!  If you have a Facebook account and a moment, please go here to vote.  It would make my day week month YEAR to win!

Thank you! Tessa

A Family is Forever

I believe this with every ounce of my being - a family is forever.  In March 2008, our little family visited the Sacramento LDS Temple.  The sun was setting and I was able to capture these images of our shadows cast on the temple walls.  Our family has added one more shadow since then, so I hope to return soon and take a similar photo of all of us.

I based this layout on another fantastic Sketchy Thursdays sketch, and added the trim for a challenge over at Scrapfreak.  I wanted to play with a technique I read about a few weeks ago, so I got a little messy attaching a piece of a sewing pattern as my background.  A little watered-down glue and a paintbrush was all it took, and I really like the result.

I've got a couple of really busy days ahead, so if you don't hear from me soon, don't worry!  I'm just being a typical mom and Etsy shop owner :).  Have a great day! Tessa

So excited!

I woke up this morning to an email from Becky Fleck of PageMaps fame.  And what did she have to tell me?  I won the PageMaps Couture Cardstock contest!!!!   Eeek!  So excited!!!  This is the layout that I submitted:

I struggled with this layout - no, battled with this layout.  I was getting really frustrated with the things I had chosen to work with, and just about gave up.  I'm so glad I didn't!  Now I get to choose 50 sheets of cardstock from Couture Cardstock.  Oh. My. Goodness.  Where do I begin???  Any suggestions?

Happy Tuesday!  Tessa

My Baby is ONE!

A year ago this moment, Jaxon and I were cuddling in our hospital room, resting after a long night, and oh-so-happy to finally meet each other.  Later, family would come to visit - a lot of family - so for then we were enjoying quiet, peaceful moments.  I can't believe it has already been a year.  Happy birthday, Jaxon.

The next day we would go home, and a few days after that we would move to Wyoming.  We never intended things to go this way - they just did.  Hard as it was, it all worked out in the end.  I had a difficult time balancing my recovery, supervising the move, and tending to my new little one.  Needless to say, I didn't take any photos during this time.  Which brings me to a new challenge at The Studio!

The challenge is to scrap an event you have no photos for.  I chose to go photo-less and to focus on the journaling.  Inside the misted/stitched flowers are details and facts about the move, and the main journaling space records my feelings about it all.  I decided to use flowers to symbolize how our life in one place was ending but blooming in our new home.

By the way, The Studio is undergoing some exciting changes!  The challenge blog will now be hosted on Blogger, here.  Hopefully you will find that easier and be able to join us more often.

Last night as I was pondering Jaxon's first birthday, I decided to do a scrapbook layout about him.  I chose these photos from this past winter and followed a PageMaps sketch.  And, of course, I had to use my favorite color palette.  Oh, how I love this boy :). 

Well, off to tidy up the house and get ready for church.  We're having some friends over for a birthday dinner, the same friends who helped us move in the day we arrived in Riverton, Wyoming.  I think I have too many blessings to count :).

Have a wonderful Sunday! Tessa

Earth Day Special

Happy Earth Day!  To celebrate, my boys and I are going to plant flowers together after school.  We are all really excited about that :).  And to celebrate at Precocious Paper, my eco-friendly, Dyed Cardboard Flowers are on sale.  Purchase two sets and you will receive a third set of your choice for free.  Just note during checkout which set you would like.

Made from recycled cardboard, I dye each layer of the flower with a shimmery mist, then attach the layers together with a unique, sparkly brad.  They come in several colors: Juneberry Wine, Denim, Kiwi Lime Pie, Olive Vine, Daffodil, Candy Apple Red, Pink Bubblegum, Caramel and Suede.  Jazz Blue (pictured below) and Dazzling Diamonds will be back in stock soon.  I'm introducing two new colors, today, too: Lilac and Tattered Leather.  I also have multi-colored flowers, like Twilight.  Different variety mixes are available and I am happy to make custom blooms in the colors you need.

Green Craft Magazine published my little blooms in their debut issue, August 2009.  I loved their idea of using them as gift toppers - don't they look great with the kraft wrapping paper?

The sale will go through Sunday.  Enjoy celebrating Earth Day, and let's see if we can all make our crafting a little greener :).  Have a great day! Tessa

5 Things, Right Now

This is a new record for me - four challenges wrapped up in one layout!  I had three sick little boys this last weekend and yesterday, so when the hubby gave me a little time last night to play, I did my best to combine challenges that I wanted to accomplish.

First, this layout is based on the current sketch at Sketchy Thursdays.  I can see myself using this one again and again :).  Next, I based my journaling on the prompt from Who's That Girl.  I hope it's okay that I wasn't super specific with my answers.  Next week I am planning on doing Ali Edward's a Week in the Life project, so I figure I'll get really detailed in that (and yes, I know that's going on this week, but my camera got left at my brother's house and it just wasn't going to work out).

Third, Scrapping the Music found its way into my layout.  I was designing my layout with the lyrics to the current song nearby, and one particular line caught my attention - "living ever after, happily."  I knew that had to be my #5.  Fourth, I used Prima flowers for one of the April embellishment challenges over at Scrapfreak.

Phew!  I really like it, even though it is a departure from my usual scrapping.  I hope your week is off to a great start.  I'm soaking up sunshine today (rain is in the forecast).  I hope you get to enjoy some, too :).  Happy Tuesday! Tessa

Bridesmaids and Sisters

Unfortunately, I just didn't have the time this week to devote to the Spring Challenge Blog Hop that I wanted to.  I did manage to complete one challenge (besides the one for STP that I already had done as a DT member) for Sketchy Thursdays.

Materials Used: cardstock - Best Occasions; paint - Plaid; mist - Tattered Angels; papers, thickers, and fabric paper - American Crafts; buttons - Buttons Galore; thread - DMC; pen - Micron.

I loved the sketch and hope to find time to use it again soon!  I used Dear Lizzy goodies that I got from the Scrapbook Circle April Kit.  FYI - You'll see some other yummy Dear Lizzy in the upcoming Scrapbook Chicks kit, too :).  The flowers are made from the fabric paper - I just removed the adhesive backing and it creased beautifully.  You can find a tutorial for this kind of flower by my friend, Anna, here.

I also used paint and a new glimmer mist, Star Fish, to create my background (check off another embellishment challenge at Scrapfreak).  I took the swirly line motif from the Dear Lizzy "puddle play" paper and stitched it to frame out my photo space.

If you have some Dear Lizzy that you're looking to use, join in on the challenge at the American Crafts blog.  Use at least two items from the line on a layout or card, and you could win a big selection of Dear Lizzy yumminess!

I hope you are enjoying your weekend!  Tessa

2nd Chance Challenge - Funny Boy

First, I want to clarify - my son does NOT pick his nose.  He's 11.5 months old and only just discovering his nose :).  With that said, here is my layout for the 2nd chance challenge at Sketchy Thursdays. 

My friend Christie, owner of Scrapbook Chicks, recently challenged herself to do a layout in 15 minutes.  I can't do that, so I set a more realistic goal for myself of 30 minutes.  Not counting the time it took for my mist to dry (picked the kids up from school during that), this took me a little over 20 minutes.  I kept it really simple, and although it may not be as detailed as some of my other layouts, I still really like this one.  I mean, come on, isn't that picture enough?

One of the current embellishment challenges at Scrapfreak is to use alpha stickers.  This masking technique is one of my favorites right now.  You simply lightly apply alpha stickers where you'd like, mist, blot and/or let dry, then carefully remove the stickers.  I like to trace the inside of the letters for added definition.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a WONDERFUL weekend!  Tessa

Love to the Soul

There's a new challenge up at Scrap That Poetry!  The poem is "April" by John Greenleaf Whittier.  The line that spoke to me reads: "The life of the spring-time, the life of the whole, And, as sun to the sleeping earth, love to the soul ."  Spring is love to the soul - I shake off my winter blues, I find new hope in new life, and everything just feels better.  I chose to do my layout about my first spring here in Wyoming, and how spring comes much later here than back home in California.  The photo is of the tree in my yard, just now beginning to bud.

I used papers and embellies from the March and April Scrapbook Circle kits and followed through with a challenge from Scrapfreak to use a combination of monochromatic papers.  I made my little flower embellies by layering scalloped circles, circles, flower punches of vintage paper, and buttons. 

I love how the yellow crackle paint is a big contrast to the blue, blue skies of the photo (which isn't so dark in real life).

I hope you can join us for this challenge!  I loved seeing all the new participants we had last week.  Head on over to STP to see the other DT gals' work, as well as Heidi's Guest Designer layout (fabulous!).  And don't forget - the Spring Challenge Blog Hop is going on over there, too!

Happy Thursday! Tessa

Accessorizing...

The current prompt over at Who's That Girl is about your most distinguishing feature.  I've worn glasses since the 6th grade and am legally blind without them.  I got contacts in high school, which I loved, but about 5 years ago something happened to one of my eyes.  It could have been an infection, it could have been an injury - we don't know.  Three doctors and four types of medication and steroids later, my only option was going back to my glasses.  They couldn't figure out what was going on, so now I wait until the right time for lasik surgery - assuming I'm a good candidate for that.  It's been so long since I've worn contacts that people don't remember what I look like without glasses.  I think these lenses are my most distinguishing feature.

I used the sketch at Sketchy Thursdays and added a little flower center bling to the layout in response to an embellishment challenge at Scrapfreak.  I used some Dear Lizzy paper that I got from the April Scrapbook Circle kit, and American Crafts ribbons that I got from Scrapbook Steals.

I was looking at the Precocious Paper Facebook Fanpage today and found a fan photo from Derinda of Emma Lee's Boutique.  She is one of my favorite customers, and she makes the most adorable hair accessories from my flowers.  Isn't this cute?

Thanks for stopping by.  I really appreciate your comments.  Each one is like a little ray of sunshine in my day.  Happy Wednesday!  Tessa

Sweet Scrappin'

Have you seen the Tutti Fruiti line at A Scrappy Design?  If you haven't, you're missing out!  From cherries to strawberries to yummy watermelons, Heather has got adorable die-cuts, tabs, journaling spots, labels, stickers and even handmade buttons!  I had the sweet opportunity to get crafty with some of her amazing products and here is what I came up with.

"Life is so sweet because of you."  I fringed the rounds with my super-sharp cutter bee scissors and flocked the fruit with Sparkly Fluff. 

I used the cherry die-cuts as masks for my glimmer mist and the watermelon slices as pennants on my banner.  I thought at first these might be too girly for my boys, but I LOVE the way this layout turned out.

I also made a card (in my favorite color scheme of red and aqua) with a journaling spot.  Simple and sweet - the perfect combination!

I have other projects that I will share later, but if you need to see more, stop by the A Scrappy Design blog and have a look at what the other DT gals did.  And while you're there, be sure to read about the giveaway - yes, I said GIVEAWAY!

Have a great Tuesday morning!  Tessa

Celebrating 50 Years

My grandparents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on Friday.  It has kind of become a tradition that I make altered canvases for weddings and anniversaries, so of course I had to make one for this special event.

The smaller photo is of my grandparents leaving the wedding chapel, and the larger photo is a more recent portrait.  Gold is the most prominent color (as is customary for the 50th wedding anniversary), but I also added a touch of teal and rusty orange. 

I treated the canvas with gesso, then a gold/champagne acrylic paint.  I dry brushed spray paint (I sprayed it into a bowl and then dipped my brush in) around the edges.  I spray-painted some of the flowers gold and used patterned paper with gold foil accents.  Vintage-inspired buttons serve as flower centers and I coated my chipboard title and embellishment with vintage glass glitter.

We wish we could be there, but the timing just isn't right for a trek clear to California.  I'm sure Grandma and Grandpa will see the love we have for them in the canvas :).

I hope your Monday is going well! Thanks for stopping by! Tessa

More Two Chicks...

I just realized that I hadn't blogged in a few days.  I've been busy making and sending out orders, as well as completing some design team assignments.  I love creating, but sometimes it makes me neglect my little blog :). 

Here is another layout that I made using the April Kit from Two Chicks Designs.

My sister, Caitlin, cracks me up.  She is really smart and funny, but she is a blonde.  The cloud paper in the kit made me think of the title "Head in the Clouds".  I added the subtitle "reaching for the stars" because even though she may have her blonde moments, she is accomplishing her dreams and finding success.  Plus, I didn't want it to sound like just a joke :).

You can find the April Kit here.  I've made four layouts and still have a ton of lovely leftovers :).

Happy Saturday!  Tessa

Two Chicks has a NEW site!

Exciting news from the Chick'n Coop!  The head chick, fabulous Christie, has just announced an expansion of Two Chicks Designs.  Now you can find the fabulous kits along with a store FULL of amazing product at Scrapbook Chicks!

♥ Get your monthly dose of scrappy goodness in the Kit of the Month here :).
♥ All product is ALWAYS at least 10% off of retail prices.
♥ Shipping is ONLY $5.99, or if you spend more than $50.00, it's FREE!
♥ Right now, KAISERCRAFT is 30% off!
♥ Right now, American Craft's ABODE line is 20% off (this line is so stinkin' cute!).
♥ Right now, spend at least $25.00 and receive a FREE TOTE (it's super cute).
♥ Dear Lizzy, Thickers, Tim Holtz, October Afternoon, GCD Studios, Cosmo Cricket, Little Yellow Bicycle...the goodies go on and on and on!

And for some more fun news from the Coop, the first Chick'n Scratch (sketch) for April is up on Facebook today!  Chick'n Scratches will be revealed on Wednesdays and are due by the following Tuesday.  You could win t-shirts, kits, product - whatever the generous Christie decides - just for playing along!  Head on over to the FB fanpage to see the sketch.  Here is my take, using just one side:

Everything you see, except the embroidery thread, is from the February Kit.  I hope you take a moment to check out the new store and to play along with the new Chick'n Scratch!  Have a great day, Tessa

My Dreams... - Scrapping The Music

I LOVE the current song inspiring Scrapping the Music!  It's one of those songs that your kids can listen to, you can dance to, you can sing along to, and is great for de-stressing :).  It's Fireflies, by Owl City.  I was inspired by the last line of the song: "...because my dreams are bursting at the seams."

I used paper from the April Scrapbook Circle kit (from the girls' paperie) because it has a quilted look - the stitching was perfect!  To enhance the bursting seams theme, I stitched in several places, leaving the ends loose. 

I also used journaling spots from Elle's Studio and Adage Tickets by Tim Holtz, which I picked up at Two Chicks Designs.

The spring colors make me happy :).  I currently have snow piling up again outside, so I'll bask in the sweet glow of my layout since the weather here can't help me out.  Happy Tuesday!  Tessa

New Life - The Studio Challenge

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!  Since we are so far from family now, it was kind of a bittersweet Easter for me.  But we had a really nice, simple, family day that we all enjoyed very much.  And I'm really excited that Spring Break is over and school is back in session :).

There is a new challenge up at the Studio!  The challenge this time is to incorporate the theme  of new life, interpreted however you wish.  I decided to do a layout about my new life as a SAHM (stay-at-home-mom). 

I used spring colors to enhance the theme and had fun making a rainbow of glimmer mists. I added little stitches, my favorite gingham and pom-pom ribbons, and a cute little gingham stick pin that I've had in my stash for quite some time.  I used this week's sketch at Sketchy Thursdays for design inspiration.

What new life would you scrap about?  A garden?  A new little one?  Repurposed clothing or furniture?  There are so many ways this theme could be interpreted - the possibilities are almost endless.  Check out what the DT did for more inspiration.  I hope to see your take in the gallery soon!

Enjoy your Monday, Tessa

Kirra's Canvas and a Shop Update

We are going to a birthday party today, one for a new friend's baby girl :).  It's Kirra's first birthday, and I decided to make her an altered canvas for her beautiful, red bedroom.  Her walls are a gorgeous shade of deep red, so I made this canvas an antique white that will stand out.

The papers, banner stickers and clothespins are from Scrapbook Circle's March kit.  The flower center brads are by Making Memories and have been hoarded in my stash for quite some time.  The butterflies are punched from vintage French poetry pages, and the pearls are by Kaisercraft.  I spritzed the canvas with Aspen Yellow and Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Mist.  I hand-doodled the butterfly flight patterns.  The gingham ribbon is one of my favorite ribbons in my collection :).

I curled the ribbon ends on the banner by stiffening the ribbon with Diamond Glaze and wrapping it around a pen.  When it was mostly dry, I carefully slipped it off.  I inked just about everything with Black Soot Distress Ink - which means my hands will be a little black for the party :).

In Etsy news, I've updated the shop with almost 50 new sets of Fabric and Felt Flowers.  These are some of my favorite new listings:

Enjoy your Easter weekend.  I wish you special moments and good memories.  Thanks for stopping by! Tessa