Alter This

Signs of Spring!

I admit it, i really dislike the cold and although i love that I live in an area that has four Seasons, i get sick of Winter really fast. I would like to live somewhere that has only 3 Seasons...:) 

The last couple of days I woke up to a bright and sunny day --- i could even hear a few birds chirping, a sure sign that Spring is around the corner! And for this gal, Spring can not come soon enough!

All this sunny weather makes this girl create and that is exactly what i have been up to! Lots of new classes being designed with Creative Imaginations new collections and of course our gorgeous new Luminarte and wood veneer!  If you have not heard, Creative Imaginations bought luminarte and reformulated the product and the results are even more amazing!  Paperclipping video taped our wood demo at the show...you can check it out here.  And see some fabulous sample cards made with our wood by Jessica Witty here.

Speaking of new products I was asked to create a one-of-a-kind project for a Breast Cancer crop at Gigi's Scrapbookin in Foley Alabama! I used all the leftover pieces from my CHA projects from the new Art Warehouse "Inspired Traveler" collection to alter a wooden travel box.  Each of the patterned papers were sewn onto a sheet of thin paper and glued to the wooden travel case.  I was very happy with how the project turned out and hope the winner bidder was also!  Being a cancer survivor, I was thrilled to help Gigi raise money at her event -- I hope in my lifetime that a cure for this horrible disease is found. 

 

I am working on my upcoming classes but wanted to post a couple of places that I will be for the next few weeks. 

Saturday, February 20th I will be teaching one class at A Time for Memories in Grafton Mass - i am looking forward to my first class evah at their store! My class starts at 11 and I will be demoing a bit after the class using our new Wood Veneer! 

Friday and Saturday, February 26&27th I will be teaching two classes at Croptopia Getaways in Mystic Connecticut! It is not too late to sign up for to attend Mystic Croptopia Weekend or check out one of her other upcoming events including two cruise - Cruise to Bermuda, October 9-14th and Cruise to Carribean, October 17-24th!

I am so excited to be headed to Pictures in Time  March 4-6th!  Janet and her staff are so warm and welcoming {hoping the warm part carries over to their weather} ! I am teaching three classes while I am there and also demoing some fabulous products!  Sign up quick...classes are filling up.

Colorful Creations Crop on the Cape! Thursday, March 25-Sunday, March 28th!  I excited to be coming back to each for my second year with Colorful Creations for their "Crop on the Cape".  This is their 11th annual Crop on the Cape at the Resort and Conference Center in Hyannis! The Resort & Conference Center is an luxurious four-season resort located in the picturesque village of Hyannis.  The resort is only minutes away from Colorful Creations!  I am teaching two classes - you can sign up for all classes here.

And I am super excited to teach with Marah Johnson in Italy in July!  The art retreat will be held at a 1,000 year old monastery.  You can see all the information here!  Want to join us? We are going to have so much fun!  

And you have to check out the Creative Imaginations blog - our new February sketch is up and we are looking for you to post your work! Just use 80% CI products and follow the sketch and you could win nice prize package! Upload your projects in our Sketch Gallery.  This month's sketch ends February 28th.

And a few photos from the uncooperative assistants{tried desperately to get some good shots for valentines day...}Had a talk about being good photo subjects, obviously it went out the window....these are the best ones of the bunch!

 

QOTD:  "We can't all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by." ~ Will Rogers

"Smooth Seas do not make skillful sailors" ~ anonymous

and "Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true" ~ Leon J. Suenes

 

How not to blog....

Over a month ...that is how long it has been since i blogged...arrgh! I honestly think that it is so much easier to just update on facebook with a quick comment!  I am so busy right now {love being busy}so I am going to post a quick update and then work on updating regularly {i know, i know i always say that}.  Keeping this quote on my monitor to remind myself it is okay to be a blog loser “There is no failure except in no longer trying. "~ Elbert Hubbard {Elbert my hero}

This time of the year is always pretty crazy! Lots of work preparing for CHA Winter. We are posting some really great sneak peeks over on the Creative Imaginations blog.  In addition to lots of great collections releasing from Marah Johnson, Christine Adolph, Art Warehouse, Creative Cafe, we are introducing some fun products to highlight these great collections. Wood Veneer, Cutables, and Luminarte to name a few - and a surprise new product to be show in our booth!

In addition to CHA sneak peeks on the CI blog, we have started some new weekly and monthly challenges and want to have you participate!  Monday inspiration is a weekly event that is an opportunity to show your work on our blog! If you have used CI products and want to see yourself and your work shown on an upcoming Monday why not upload your work into our gallery.  Right now we are looking for your work using the January sketch , just use CI products and follow the sketch and you could be our guest designer and win our giveaway of products!

My CHA class shown here will be Friday, 1:00-3:00, you can sign up here.  I am so excited to share our new products during this class, lots of techniques!  Creative Imaginations has lots of make and takes scheduled during the consumer show {in local booths} with some of our Artists as well as the retail show.   Come by the All American Crafts booth #820 on friday 4:30-6:00 and make this Creative Cafe tag make and take! 

 

Personally this month has been full of excitement and surprises! In addition to working with Creative Imaginations as their design team coordinator {i love this company} I will also be taking on the same position with Petaloo! The combination of these two companies is perfect and I am looking forward to 2010!  I am working with Petaloo to establish a design team, build a blog and create a gallery over the next several weeks! Stay tuned for more on Petaloo and their gorgeous flowers, jewels and die-cutable papers.  In the meantime, you can view a couple of projects using our new releases and Petaloo flowers on the layout below and on the CI blog.

 
Christine Adolph's new Oceana Collection {the photo is my friend, Susan's daughters}.

And I am sooo excited to release another die with Accucut! My new flower book is a fun and interactive altered book that will be perfect for the Spring and Summer! This is a sneak peek and the book is not on the site yet, you can however, see the rest of my dies that are available here.   

This year has been filled {so far} with so much joy and blessing for me, I have been asked to teach and have teamed up with Marah Johnson in Italy at a 1,000 year old monastery in the Chianti Hills in Sienna! The event will be July 11th and I would LOVE to have you come with us! It will be held at the Tuscan Retreat Center , I will be posting more details soon.

And of course, an update on the two assistants!  They are getting so big, and are getting into everything...lol

Here are a couple shots from the past month.

 

  

Okay off to pack and get ready for California - remember to come by the CI booth {#1834 and 1835) and say hello!

Some Quotes that I am keeping close to me for 2010

"The past is gone so it cannot be undone; all we can do is learn from it to help for a better future which is yet to come. A New Year is another new beginning and new directions to follow where you are destined to be."

and "I am what I am.  Not what you like to think I am.  Not what you want me to be. I am me."

and finally I am so sad over the devastation in Haiti "What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal." ~ Albert Pike

Go help Haiti with a donation...every penny counts.

CHA Supershow!

This time of the year brings so much excitement!  In addition to decorating for Christmas, cooking and shopping, I have been creating projects for CHA Winter.  Creative Imaginations has some beautiful new releases coming out this Winter.

In addition to the CHA Winter Retailer show the convention will also allow consumers to attend the CHA Supershow prior to the show.  The Supershow allows consumers to come and take classes, make and takes and even shop at some of the areas stores! 

For my class at the consumer show, I designed an altered Bare Elements flower book using the new Creative Imaginations, My Girl Collection, new Wood veneers and  Luminarte{both are being introduced at CHA Winter}.   In addition I added some of fun Accucut dies.  You can sign up for classes here.  

Thank you to everyone for your emails on my teaching schedule, I have added some dates through May and will be adding more later this week. {Trying to figure out how to make the list not so lengthy-typepad and I are in a love/hate relationship}

Before I sign off I wanted to remind everyone that Creative Imaginations is running two giveaways.

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway is running through December 12th on the Creative Imaginations blog. Just post your favorite collection for a chance to win $25.00 worth of your favorite products.  Post each of the first eleven days for eleven chances to win! Then on Christmas Day, a grand prize winner will be selected from all the previous days’ postings to receive the $100 gift package! 

Have tried Twinkling H2O's or Radiant Rain!! Send us a Tweet  #Luminarte and tell us what you think of these cool paints and you could win a prize!

I would love to hear if you are attending the show either as a retailer or a consumer.
QOTD: "The only real blind person at Christmas-time is he who has not Christmas in his heart." ~ Helen Keller

Christmas Season!

I am so excited about my new custom blog header designed by Lynda, owner of Exquisite Expressions! If you would like to have a custom header made for your blog, website or etsy shoppe, you can contact her through her site: Exquisite Expressions.  Lynda is a true professional and her work is beautiful and fast! 

I love Christmas, the lights, the cookie swaps, shopping for the perfect gift and the get-togethers with friends and family! I have to admit that Christmas Eve has always been a favorite.  Our family has built a tradition that includes an Italian feast, opening presents and sharing laughs and memories.   This year will be no different except that we will have the joy of sharing this season with our two grandchildren, Braeden and Brody.

Recently I taught a few Holiday classes, including a 25 days of Christmas book.  My goal was to fill this book with lots of memories from the season, not necessarily one photo a day but some of my favorites from the season. 

Below are a few photos I took for Day #8.....

The two reindeers need a nap.....:)

In addition to taking some photos this season, I have been busy working on some class projects, new designs for Accucut, and some layouts and projects for Creative Imaginations, all for the upcoming CHA Winter show in Anaheim. Creative Imaginations has some really fun products coming out at the show...including new wood products and luminarte misters, daubers and pods, oh my!
Speaking of Creative Imaginations, they are giving away $25.00 worth of your favorite products every day up until Christmas.  All you have to do is post on their blog each day! One winner will be announced every day and on the 12 day one lucky person will win $100 worth of products! So go and post everyday for more chances to win!

Before I end this note, I wanted to answer a few emails for my kits. I have shipped out everyone who ordered a kit through this past Saturday. If you are interested in a class kit you can email me or purchase one here. {Note, i only have a few left of each}

QOTD:  "Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall.~ Larry Wilde

Sneak Peek!

I am at my happiest when I am the busiest, and this past month has been crazy busy! {insert smile}.  I love this time of year when all the new products start rolling out for the consumer show.  I am super excited about all the new products that Creative Imaginations is releasing. Be sure to check the Creative Imaginations blog starting later today for our first of many peeks!
Speaking of sneak peeks, I was blessed to have some drawings made into dies with Accucut.  I am thrilled because this opens up so many opportunities for me to develop some fun and unique projects for stores and for classes.  Included in each die purchase are instructions of a project to use as a class.  Here are my first two releases.

 

Beach Pail and Shovel - This die set includes interchangeable top bands {scallop and straight edge} as well as a wave die. 

Fallen Leaves book - This die set includes 3 large leaves and two smaller leaves.

And a blog post is not a blog post without a few photos of the boys and a quote of the week!

I kept the boys overnight on Thursday and Friday and luckily we had sunshine - hence lots and lots of photos!  This is their first fourth of July and I was thrilled to have them here to celebrate! :)

Braeden and Brody watching my dog, of course!

Finally got a smile out of Brody but they both have cut their front teeth..:(

Brody {aka Ham} for the camera

 

Braeden clearly unimpressed with the whole event.

They both loved the wagon and the bubbles that grampy was blowing to entertain them.

And Brody was standing up in the wagon {usually it is Braeden that won't sit}

QOTW:  "Confidence is contagious.  So is lack of confidence." ~ Michael O'Brien

Thursday's ramblings.......

Still feverishly working on this lil O' blog of mine!  My friend and design team member, Jen Davis created another beautiful banner, she used an altered project that I had created several years ago!  Speaking of this blog, does anyone know how to organize my teaching schedule by date?  I still have dates to enter but I am a tad frustrated that I cannot list my teaching classes in an organized manner.  arrgh! 

While updating the blog, I realized that I have not written down recent milestones for both boys since they were 7 months old.  So here is a list of what each of them has accomplished. 

Braeden

•  Was the first twin to have a tooth, he now has two teeth on the bottom.  He likes to stick his tongue out to feel the teeth.  {see photo}
• Braeden crawls all over the place and even sits on his knees and sometimes I notice his little foot on the floor trying to stand up. Yikes!
• Braeden likes to follow you around the house - he is quick and is always scanning for something to get into  - like my receiver, dvd player, the dog, the dog's toys, you see where this is going......
• Braeden is much more mobile but less chatty. 
• Braeden capitalizes on Brody not crawling by taking his toys and crawling away. 
• Braeden has decided that he doesn't like my camera and I find it is difficult to get a good shot of him.

Brody

• Has two teeth but they both came in after Braeden.  Now I have some trouble telling them apart, Braeden still has his hair slightly longer and that helps
• Brody just started crawling a month after his brother.  He was perfectly happy to sit and laugh at his brother crawling all over the place. 
• Brody is getting good at protecting his toys and even becoming a bit more forthright in taking them from Braeden {see photo}
• Brody is a bit chatter - says dada now
• I have been teaching both boys to wave "bye-bye" now when Brody sees me he immediately waves at me.  {I love that}
• Brody loves the camera, only lately he has been squinting his eyes when i take out my camera...

A few favorites of both boys from a few weeks ago. 

  

Braeden and Brody playing nice....sort of

 

Brody liking Braeden's toy better

Brody being much more forthright in getting the toy from Braeden. Braeden looking very unimpressed.

 

Braeden and his silly tongue hanging out. :)

 

Brody hamming it up for the camera.

I recently starting scrapbooking the babies, here is a few shots of the first album of course, it is still in the works. Lots of techniques going on in this little book.

 

 

QOTD:  "There are people who make things happen, there are people who watch things happen, and there are people who wonder what happened. To be successful, you need to be a person who makes things happen." ~Jim Lovell

Superseal!

If you have ever taken one of my classes you have definately heard me praise Creative Imaginations new product called Superseal.   Anyone who is familar with my work or has visited my home, quickly notices my obsession of altering my surroundings; curtains created out of paper,  home decor pieces and even floors covered with old magazines.

Supporting a product generally evolves from a personal experience I have had with it. When I first received this product i was skeptical, as I had tried several different products to seal my altered books and decor items, each one did not meet the promise.   

It was not until I taught two years ago that I was convinced of this products capabilities.  I live in New England and on the day i was suppose to teach we received nearly 9 inches of snow overnight.  When i arrived home late that evening from a long day, I grabbed just a few things from the car, my roller cart and a shallow box that contained both projects. I placed the box on top of my roller and wheeled it over the snow and into my home.  It was not until the next morning that my husband discovered my project in the snow. It remained in pristine condition despite the night spent in the frigid and wet elements.   

Fast forward to this past March, I taught at a retailer event along with several other manufacturers.  Over the weekend I was given a beautiful necklace made byTim Holtz using his fabulous line of products, grungeboard, alcohol inks, metal findings.  I added some of our Eye Candy Swarovski Crystals and sealed the entire piece with Superseal {the product does not harm even the beautiful radiance of Swarovski crystals}   A few weeks later I jumped in the shower and you guessed it, left the necklace on.  I quickly took it off and dried it and i am happy to report it remains just as gorgeous as the day i received it!  So not only does it protect your projects from elements such as dirt, dust and fading but also clearly waterproofs your projects as well.

 

Ranger necklace - isn't it gorgeous!

 

Marah Johnson Love Struck Metal Embellishment {I used glitter for heart center and sealed it}

I even brought out this older home decor project and supersealed the project so that I can incorporate this piece back into my home.  I can wipe it down if it gets dusty and don't worry that it will fade.

 

Other uses for Superseal!

• Works perfectly with Copic Markers and Ranger Products
• Seals glitter, tattered angels and perfect pearls.
• Seals in chalk and prevents it from flaking and smudging
• Use for all your photos - it will prevent them from fading or even being damaged by moisture, fingerprints and dust
• Works perfectly with our Foils and Sticky 2 ~ does not "dull" foils or glitter.
• Superseal maintains the surface and integrity of each project. 

 

I would love to hear your thoughts and your experience with CI Superseal!

Blessings!

A new look!

I have wanted a new blog banner for quite some time, I am working on one in photoshop so this process of changing is not so few and far between.  My friend and design team extraordinaire, Jen Davis designed this banner!  A huge thank you for your hard work. :)

In the meantime, while I change around some things and work on my blog, here are a few photos of my upcoming classes this weekend at Wiggles & Giggles.    And of course, a few of my two favorite subjects, Braeden and Brody!

 

The Perfect Escape! 

 

 

Vintage Wisteria!

 

The boys were baptized on Mother's Day {reason for the funny hats}

 

My boys....{left to right: Jon, Samuele, husband stephen, Anthony and Mike and of course Braeden and Brody}

 

My oldest son,Michael with both boys.  {Love this photo}

 

Braeden playing "hooray"...silly song I sing to them. :)

 

They are watching my dog, sari, she has no clue that she is going to be the victim of these two very soon.

 

Not the best photo, but I snicker watching Braeden grab Brody's ear. 

 

Braeden, when he is tired he sucks his thumb.

 

Alright off to work on my blog and change up some of the photo albums, add new kits and add some teaching events i will be attending!  Stay Tuned!

QOTD:  "It is simple.  We are where we should be, doing what we should be doing.  Otherwise, we would be somewhere else, doing something else." ~ Richard Stine

I am here....

But I and headed to Right at Home Scrapbooking to teach two classes and some demos! Why not come by and say hello?   In between the two classes, I will be demoing our white chipboard, alcohol inks, foils, shimmerz {love this stuff}.  I will update my teaching schedule and post some photos tomorrow.

{You} altered book......narratives bloom collection

 

{The perfect escape} brag book ......south seas and tidepools collection

and some updated photos on the twins! {more on these two tomorrow}

 

 

The cutest little mickey evah!

Have a blessed day

QOTD:  "The difference between winning and losing is most often....not quitting." ~ Walt Disney

Welcome April!

I do not think the warm, sunny weather can get here any faster! Antipation of Spring and Summer have been whirling in my head; long days spent on the beach or by the pool!   I cannot wait to take the twins to the beach - I already bought a sun tent before they were born- tee hee!    Tomorrow is suppose to be warm, sunny and 50 {50's is warm right?}. 

This month is the start of some exciting classes and travel schedule.  First stop is St Louis MO! I have never been to St Louis - so i am always eager to visit a new place.  I am teaching along side some amazing gals;

Scrap St. Louis

April 23-25, 2009

Hosted by

For Keeps Sake Scrapbook Super Store

http://forkeepssake.typepad.com

Our event features two full days of

inspiration, ideas, great food

and a lineup of workshops

taught by some of the most

talented people in the industry. 

Enjoy 7 innovative classes with our amazing instructors:

• Linda Cain(Ten Seconds Studio & Vintaj Natural Brass)

Clear Scraps

Teresa Collins

Cheryl Mezzetti (Creative Imaginations)

Joey Otlo (Bazzill Paper)

Margie Romney-Aslett Making Memories)

WendyVecchi (Ranger, Stampers Anonymous &

Maya Road

)

The event includes:  All 7 workshops;

Make-and-takes by some or your favorite companies;

6 full meals;

Instructor trunk show

 

This year’s keynote speaker is

St. Louis’ own Mary Engelbreit.

For Keeps Sake also

Welcomes Stacy Julian from

Big Picture Scrapbooking who will

Speak at our Farewell dinner.

Spaces are still available for Scrap St. Louis

To sign up call:  314-487-8131

    

 

 

I have heard from a few people who are coming already - looking forward to meeting some St Louis friends! 

And of course some photos of the boys from this past week......in anticipation of Easter...my two widdle wabbits. ...snicker.

 

Love how they are always holding hands. (:

 

Two happy widdle wabbits.

 

5 minutes in and they are getting a bit miffed. snicker

 

Braeden with his "bunny" face.

Okay off to enjoy a day of scrapping! Have a blessed weekend.

QOTD:  "Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." ~ From A.A.Milne's Winnie the Pooh