Scrapstar Originals

Scrapbook Retreat

2011-04-28T08:11:00.002-04:00

Can't believe we leave tomorrow for Grand Bend! My parents arrive today and my Mother and I head out in the morning. I love that my mother and I will be doing this together. So today I am busy planning our layouts and printing pictures.

Sketches are hot and the best way to create amazing layouts and spark your creativity. We will use the same pictures and layout but our own papers, colours and embellishments! Scrapbook Generations has like a dozen different books with 30 sketches! Locally, you can grab one at Two Scrapbook Friends.

So I am off to print and create and pack. I will send some pics from my portable craft room!

Mefest was great!

2011-04-11T13:15:00.000-04:00

Saturday I spent the day talkin' Stampin'! With my fellow Stampin' Up buddy Amber, we put together a fabulous table and met so many new people. Think we may have even found some new stampin' addicts.
If you are one of the lucky one's that stopped my the booth, leave a message and let's plan a workshop! I will show you and your friends how to make beautiful handmade cards.

Back to School

2011-03-29T22:17:00.000-04:00

I can't resist great school/office supplies. And now that I an going back to school, I have a reason to get "back to school" stuff.
May 2nd is my first day. I am attending Voila! In Kitchener and becoming a hair stylist! I have always thought about this and the time is right. It is 10 months long 40 hours a week.
Can't wait! And now I will be stylin'.

2011-03-13T19:54:00.002-04:00

I was feeling creatively stumped. Seems like I have been spending alot of my crafting time making cards. When I need a creative spark, I love to visit some of my favourite blogs. So while catching up with the ladies at Two Scrapbook Friends, I visited Carolyn's blog and used the sketch she was showcasing for the pics we took of Desi in Toronto last summer. I am new to sketches but after this layout, I am hooked!!!

Big City girl

2011-03-13T19:51:00.001-04:00

Misting, Distressing and Big Shot Circle Scallops

2011-03-10T09:30:00.001-05:00

Last night I found a 12x12 textured cardstock sheet that I had used some overlays and Tattered Angels Glimmer mists on and then never did anything with it. What I love about making your own patterned paper, is that you can cut it and sponge it to make a beautiful coordinated card.
To make things flow even better, I sponged on Pumpkin Pie and Early Espresso Stampin'Up Classic inks to tone down the pink and make something I feel is more dramatic.

A little bling goes a long way!

2011-03-04T22:45:00.000-05:00

The girls were missing something.

Ruby and Rose

2011-03-04T21:40:00.000-05:00

I fell in love with this Stamping Bella stamp right away.
They stand together on this card backed with Stampin'Up! Designer Series Paper in Poppy Red.

Stamip'Up delivery has arrived.

2011-02-14T13:20:00.001-05:00

Nothing like opening and unpacking a party order.
And notice the Big Shot in the middle? That is mine and I can't wait to take it for a spin!
I know it is Valentine's Day but I would love to spend time creating in my craftroom.
Time to sort and bag so I can deliver everyones goodies.

2011-01-31T21:47:00.002-05:00

Putting the "scrap" in "scrapstar

2011-01-31T21:47:00.001-05:00

This is how I came up with the name. So after hoarding my favourite pieces of paper, cardstock or patterned, when I actually do use it, I can bare to throw even the little bits of leftovers out.
I attached a photo of the hearts I am cutting out for my up coming Make and Take at Rarefunk on Feb 12th!

Hostess Thank You Gift

2011-01-28T14:38:00.000-05:00

I finally cut into my Stampin Up Starter Kit paper. I am so bad for saving paper and then using every scrap I can, hence "Scrapstar".
So here is my hostess thank you gift.
Colours: Baja Breeze and Daffodil Delight
Stamps: For All You Do.

2011-01-26T22:21:00.000-05:00

My Funky Valentine

2011-01-26T22:19:00.001-05:00

Come and join me at Rarefunk in Kitchener and make this fabulous card!
Feb 12 from 1pm to 3pm
The cost is $5. Stop in and make this Valentine for someone special in your life!

Rarefunk is in Downtown Kitchener
91 King St West

Follow my other events and shop online at
scrapstar.stampinup.net

Thank You with flowers and Butterflies

2011-01-19T10:39:00.001-05:00

Here is my first creation with my Stampin'Up starter kit.
I used For All You Do stamp set.
Baja Breeze stampin'pad
Daffodil Delight stampin' write
I am creating with just my starter kit. Getting ready for Sister's Helping Sister's this Saturday, my debut of my Stampin' Up business!

Package is on its way!

2011-01-10T17:00:00.003-05:00

I just couldn't resist. I am no a Stampin' Up demonstrator! The products are great, I love stamping and ya know card making is my thing, so it is a perfect match. Just got notice that my kit was shipped today and I just signed up online on Saturday! FAST...I like it.

So now when people ask me if I have any workshops or teach classes I can answer "YES!"

So stay tuned. With a great company and product behind me, my blog won't know what hit it!

A touch of Goth

2011-01-05T13:54:00.001-05:00

I love this stamp. Her name is Gossmere from Stamping Bella.
I was inspired to use just black and white while I was visiting Rarefunk and voila.

Moonlight Madness

2011-01-04T21:38:00.002-05:00

Here's a pic of me at the Elmira Moonlight Madness shopping night.

One thing I dislike about craft shows or things like this....no traffic.

It was a slow night and no one seemed to be "shopping" at the "shopping night.

Oh well. What I love about shows is you never know who you will stand beside and the fun you might have. Met some lovely ladies.

Next event is "Sister's Helping Sisters" It is a Beta Sigma Phi event.

Here are the details.

Sat., January 22^nd 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. - Bazaar, rummage and bake sale in support of Marillac Place and Anselma House. At Forest Hill United Church (121 Westmount Rd. E, Kitchener). Gift baskets, baking, jewelry, refreshments and more!

My Holiday Craftroom

2011-01-02T17:49:00.002-05:00

Before everything gets put away, I wanted to share a photo of my Christmas Craftroom. This is the one room where I can really use pink to decorate for the holidays.
It is now the last day of our 4 day Saunders family pj party and I am in my craftroom trying out my scrapbooking gifts from my wonderful husband.
This holiday season was filled with all kinds of emotions and feelings. There were tons of presents and a lot of smiles. But this holiday season has made me even more grateful and thankful for all I am lucky to have.
For others around us, Christmas is not always so joyous and happy and for those families I pray . Especially the Rankin family from PEI and my best friend Joanne who lost someone they loved this Christmas, Trevor Rankin. Although I didn't get the chance to meet Trevor, he made Joanne extremely happy and that made him someone special.

Christmas Urns

2010-12-07T09:20:00.001-05:00

I love the look of real greenery for Christmas but I don't like the price! So being the "scrap"star that I think I am, in late October our neighbors had put an evergreen tree out for garbage. About 7 feet large and I dragged it to my yard with visions of Christmas decorating in my head.
So months passed and last weekend I got out my shrub clippers and cut it up into usable pieces. I love the smell of fresh cut trees!
I have a 2 of the flank my front porch. These floral arrangements are all over this year
My tips:
1.find a tree in the garbage or trim from your own trees or ask neighbours who have evergreen trees if you can have clippings when they are pruning for the winter. Saves them filling a bag!
2. Mix in some artifical pics of your choice.

3. Make sure you think of scale.

4. Use branches from trees around you!

I would love to see what creations for outside decorations are out there. So if you happen upon this blog entry, leave a pic!

Memo Books

2010-11-30T00:07:00.000-05:00

Found these Memo Books at the local dollar store. With a little glue and of course some "scraps" of paper and voila...beautiful little creations.
This is a great activity for b-day parties. Every one gets to decorate a book and take it home. Works with every size.
Little tip: I twist out the spiral clasp, glue the cover to whatever paper you want, punch holes and twist it back together.

Testing

2010-11-29T10:49:00.001-05:00

Got myself set up for blog posting from my Blackberry.
This is too cool!
I attached a pic of the Christmas display on our piano.

I sense way more posts and pics are on the way! Now I just need to get more people reading my blog!

Blogging is great though, it is like talking to yourself but not as crazy.

2010-11-29T10:25:00.000-05:00

Christmas Tags

2010-11-27T17:02:00.009-05:00

These tags were a real hit at the Frederick Street Artwalk. Went looking for tags just like the ones Tim Holtz uses for demonstrations, online I would need to order like 500 or some crazy number. Found these tags at my local office supply store by the envelopes.

They are 5 1/4 x 2 5/8. You could also decorate these in an array of styles and use them as journalling tags. I am totally doing that to force me to had more journaling to my pages.

So here are the instructions for my sparkly Christmas tree tags.

With a blending tool and distress inks in vintage photo and scattered straw. Makes sure you always start on your craft matt when blending onto the corners only. I used the lighter colour first and then the darker, vintage photo. You cannot do this wrong. Theses inks blend so just keep rubbin' until you get the aged look you like.

Here is what mine looks like. The shipping tags are already a cream colour so these ink choices really give a vintage look. If you were using white tags, just blend the colour on the entire surface.

Now the fun!! Stamping. I am using a Stamping Bella stamp, bubble tree and Momento ink in black. This particular kind of ink allows you to blend, colour or whatever without smearing the image.

Once image is stamped, the fun begins. Colour the circles, or fill each circle with Stickles or glue some bling! I have these also in Black and pink, green and red and jewel tones. Add your favorite ribbon or twine.

Have fun!

I already miss the Retreat!

2010-11-01T12:05:00.002-04:00

Well back to reality. And back to cleaning out my craftroom and setting up my workspace for a week of getting ready for the Fredrick Street Artwalk this Saturday. Nothing like last minute creating!! I LOVE IT!

So this weekend was the Two Scrapbooking Friends Fall Retreat. As usual, it was fabulous. I sat beside my Mom and met some great new friends! I also got to meet the "sistah" behind Stamping Bella! I loved her and her contagious energy.

Retreats always tire me out but inspire my creative energy and this weekend was no exception.

So off to my craftroom I go.

Handmade Mini Envelope Album

2010-02-25T21:50:00.003-05:00

Last night I had such in inspirational date with my laptop and craftroom. Thanks to Heidi Swap!

She has a Wednesday night webshow and the stars finally aligned and I was able to watch.

Previously in her blog she outlined the items you would need and then you could create along with the webshow. I watched and then once the show was done I got to work.

One of the great things about this type of album is the pages are envelopes. So you can use really almost any type of envelops, vellum, office style, even diferent sizes. The other thing I learned was how great cereal boxes are for the covers of this mini album.

So I am attaching photos of my finished product and the link to the video. Now go and unleashed your inner Scrapstar!

Heidi Webshow

I had a huge amount of 6 x 6 white envelopes, so this book is 6x6. Each envelope can hold 4 x 6 photos. The paper is from Close to me Heart and I have had it for years! I love paper and matching embellishments. Makes this easy. I am planning on making a few more.

Tim Holtz Inspired!

2010-01-19T22:50:00.003-05:00

Well I am finally getting some pics up. I have been so enjoying my craft room and my Tim Holtz inks, stamps and Perfect Pearls. I totally recommend getting on You Tube and watching his videos. My son and I love them!

The best part about the following cards is that I am using patterned paper I never thought I would use but Distress Inks just blend and glide on perfectly. Each cards feels like a little piece of art.

Our Yellow Brick House

2009-12-30T00:41:00.000-05:00

What's going on?

2009-12-07T13:39:00.002-05:00

I is Dec 7th already and I can't believe it! My Scrapstar life is starting to take off.

I marched my self into the local craft store and offered my creative services and now my layouts can be seen in Elmira's own Gramma B's Craft Den. I am currently working on some Christmas layouts using American Crafts paper and embellishments. The paper is really nice, think and double sided and coordinates beautifully!

I will be running an all day crop on Saturday Jan 30th at Gramma B's. For $10 bucks you get to crop all day and get fed. Prizes and goodies of course as well.

Watch for Comfy Crops on Thursday nights. Wear your jammies and have some hot cocoa while you crop!

And lastly, I am having so much fun following along with Tim Holtz "12 Tags of Christmas"! I love all of the techniques he uses and it totally makes you think outside of the box. It is like colouring outside of the lines and it is all GOOD.

I have to take some pics and post! but first maybe I should just commit to posting more often!

December is my favourite month and the house looks amazing! I know...pics!

My Yellow-Brick Life

2009-09-04T22:09:00.002-04:00

It has been so long since I updated my blog. SO much has changed including my address. We are now in Elmira. Less then 20 km's from where we were but worlds away. First thing first, setting up my new craft room. It is on the second floor my the children's bedrooms and already the perfect shade of robin's egg blue. Pics to follow. Today the kids and I ventured out in the car, most things are walkable, my destination...local craft store and what a find. And it could be walking distance. I think Gramma B's and I will get along just fine.

Mother's Day Card

2009-04-28T10:36:00.005-04:00

So I have finally got my husband to take pictures of the cards I made. I do need to get my own cheap camera to keep in my craft room so it will be easier to get my creations up on my blog.

So this is a Mother's Day Card. I love the paper Gerber flowers! I recreated this style of card for Father's Day as well. Simply took a rectangle piece of cardstock, rounded the corners, inked the edges, stamped the swirly design and voila! Instead of buying a $1.50 embelishment, I made my own!

Ya know part of why I enjoy being a Scrapstar is being able to use a favourite piece of paper right to the last piece!

Craft it Forward

2009-04-22T11:33:00.002-04:00

So here it goes!

I read this on Carolyn's blog this AM and I was totally excited about doing this. SO if you are looking to put some fabulous karma into the crafting world then this challenge is for you! We all win.

The first three people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you.

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make! (but I'm sure you will!)
2- What I create will be just for you.
3- It’ll be done this year.
4- You have no clue what it’s going to be.
5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.
6- Y0u need to post whether its for a girl or a boy! (That way I can really make it personal.)

The catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 3 people who do the same on your blog. The first 3 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they have it up on their blog....will win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me!

Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it! Ok, so, who's in??

Bloomin Earth..count down 5 days to go!

2009-04-20T10:36:00.002-04:00

With less then a week away, I took all of Sunday to create in my scrap studio. Thanks to my husband for holding down the Saunders household. By about 11pm I had lost steam and went up to bed to scrap in my head. DOn't you do that? Especially after spending an entire day deciding on card layouts and colour combos. You cloths your eyes and see everything in a layout in your head. I am NOT crazy!

SO where am I at. Last count 160 cards. NO WHERE NEAR the 500 that I thought I would do or need. But I came to the realization that I am no Halmark. I don't mass produce. Every card I make is my creation as a Scrapstar. But with 5 days left, I am going to go through my creations and start making more of the same, giving me say 5 of each design. I will be taking orders as well, and trying to see what interest there is for attending my workshops or having crops in your home.

Saturday Renee and I went on the hunt for things for my booth. Value Village was our destination, since it is down the street from the Aud and SCRAPSFEST!! ( had to go!)

As I complained about the pricing of some things, I came across the best deal ever!! A Vera Bradly purse for $2.50!! If you don't know her stuff, it is wonderful but pricey!! The tag from the store was still in the purse...$65. So that totally made up for the $7.99 I paid for a missed match queen size flat sheet. Thanks to Renee for all her help!

So if you are around town this Saturday the 25th, please stop by and say hi.

Well, I need to take care of house stuff so I can take care of Scrapstar stuff tonight!

Creatively Exhausted?

2009-04-05T21:44:00.003-04:00

What a fab weekend I had! My favourite scrapbooking store Two Scrapbooking Friends hosted a weekend of friends and scrapin'! It was at Oakwood Resort in Grand Bend and it was so much fun!

This year my Mom joined me along with a 100+ other scrappin' enthusiasts!

And a huge haullar out to my new scrappin' peeps! Shelley, Janet, Shannon, Debbie and the Michelles! If you guys are reading this, HUGE thanks for making my mother and I's weekend amazing! We had the best seats in the house!

SO I will need to get some pics taken of my creations and get them on this blog, but first...

some sleep.

And then full speed ahead for Bloomin Earth!

I love my Mom!

2009-03-18T10:07:00.003-04:00

It has been really tough with my parents away for 3 weeks. We don't live in the same town but talk at least 3 to 5 times a day and spend time on video calls. Once we used up my Dad's long distance time it feels like they are half way around the world when they were only in Las Vegas.

Today they arrive home to Sault Ste Marie and now the count down to Two Scrapbook Friends Spring Retreat can begin!!! 3 days of scrapping and chatting with my Mom. This will be her first. I have waited my entire life to have something we can do together, besides shopping, oh and being Mom's. Now it is only 15 days away!

As we move into spring my heart melts a little, shedding the cold of winter and now I look forward to more time with my parents including alot of birthday celebrations.

I love spring and I am so grateful for my mother.

Craft show inventory

2009-03-14T22:55:00.002-04:00

How much should I bring with me to a craft fair? Traffic plays a key role and given the location in the Kitchener Market, traffic is what there will be alot of. Maybe 2000+ plus. I want my booth to look pretty and inviting and I don't want my product to disappoint.

Plenty of cards from various categories. Birthdays for young, old, juvenile, male. Thank you cards are always a great hit and what about sympathy, congratulations, new baby oh and Father's and Mother's Day. Wedding cards I thought are a must including money holders. I always keep in mind that I want to keep my prices reasonable. I can do this by using my "scraps" for creating beautiful and affordable cards. That is where Scrapstar comes from. I can't throw out the littlest piece of paper away. I know I can find a use from it.

If you are scrapbooking and not making cards, you are for sure wasting paper! Start making cards. I don't remember the last time I bought some over priced card from the drug store or mall.

I always explain this to my husband when I show him my latest purchases from my favourite scrapbook store!

So what? 500 cards? Yikes.

How can I already feel behond!

2009-03-13T21:11:00.002-04:00

I mean, I just signed up for Bloomin Earth and I already feel like the work I need to do is a mountain. ugh! But lucky for me it is something I enjoy doing!! Not bad, I could get used to this!

And I am realizing that I have alot of work experience in doing this task from past jobs. Different product same skills. So her is what I have planned.

My plan is to over 2 to 3 groupings of cards. First instinct is by occasion, but no by value.

1. A value section where they can pick out their own pack of cards.

say $1.50 each or 4 for $5

Make this cards very simply. My advice, realize that the majority of people do not have the craft sense that you or I may have. So great paper can go along way.

2. Mid Priced $3.50 to $4 each

3. Luxury $4 to $5.0

Embellishments, techniques and time are what separates these price points. if a card takes you too long to make you might be wasting time. This can be leveled out if you make duplicates of your cards.

So that is enough said, can't do any of this if I don't make the cards first!

My first craft fair!

2009-03-12T22:47:00.003-04:00

Today I decided to do my first craft fair! So yes, I should be making stuff instead of blogging but I am looking to track my progress here and post my creations. Anyone reading this that has advice, please comment. I am selling my handmade cards at Bloomin Earth Eco-Fair. I happened upon this on Tuesday night at my Beta Sigma Phi sorority meeting. I met Teressa from Uberboblz, she was fabulous and the first person to really make me laugh in a longtime! Anywho...she said that a friend of hers was putting on a handmade craft fair and the rest will be history after April 25th. In the meantime I am planning and crafting and have called upon my friend Renee to help me out that day.

So, I am off to make stuff and try to put my 22 month old daughter to sleep, yep still up at 10:50pm. She is a maniac!

Oh and if you are in the KW area on Saturday April 25th, come and check out Bloomin Earth Eco-Fair!! There will be other vendors as well as booths re: the environment. And who doesn't want to do their part to better our planet

Back to Blogger

2009-03-11T17:54:00.002-04:00

Ok so blogging is fun, but posting is difficult. But since I am the Queen of starting things, then I must continue this so as not to be the Queen of never finishing anything, been there, done that!

This scrapstar is taking on something else now too! My first craft fair! Yeah. I will be posting more and trying to keep my devoted fans up to date all both of them!

Cheers for now and hey, here is some of the cards I will be showcasing at Bloomin Earth! Details to followe!

2008-11-11T13:50:00.002-05:00

It is a yucky cold Tuesday, I have been given the greeen light for Christmas decorating since it is now November 11th. But all I seem to want to do is watch the videos on Scrapbook.com. Well what I am doing is Christmasie...I am reviewing items to add to my Christmas list.

Okay...check out this amazing ribbon storage solution ! I want it and I am pretty sure it is a need since my ribbon is all over and I just keep buying more cause I can't see what I have so really by buying this ribbon purse I am actually saving money. Man, when did I become such a frugal scrapbooker, my husband must be so proud of me.

2008-11-01T19:30:00.002-04:00

Halloween this year was the best family memory ever! Gibson 4, really got the concept of Halloween... FREE CANDY! we travelled in a pack, 9 children under the age of 7, all the adults were dressed up and the weather was perfect!!! Once again, my husband captured every moment of the night, including the candy picnic in the dark!

My scrap booking mind is just a turning. I am seeing a mini album in the making!

Fall in Review

2008-10-24T22:08:00.002-04:00

It is almost the end of October and I have not been blogging for sometime. I haven't

been too bust in my craft room either, just some cards.

I have been living a ton a scrapbook memories though.

First day of school was an amazing for day. Been working on those pages and loving the big bus I cut with my Cricut. I will attach some pics.

ANd might I say that if you have never checked out Becky Higgins blog I highly suggest it.

Here's is the ink. www.beckyhiggins.com/blog

Should I order the Christmas card kit? It is amazing!

Can't wait to scrap these!

2008-09-16T21:43:00.004-04:00

My little monkey has turned out to be a fish! These pictures were taken at our neighbourhood

pool on a hot afternoon.

School Days

2008-09-05T11:48:00.002-04:00

I have now entered a new chapter in the life of a Scrapstar...school day memories.

Yes, the first pictures were taken of my little boy waiting at the bus stop and taking those first steps up the steep stairs of the big yellow vessel. With these times, I have found an entire new supply of tears. But it was yesterday while my husband and I reviewed the photos, that I realized that my tears were not just for my feelings but for how Gibson must have felt taking those steps and how it must have felt like the biggest adventure of his life!!

As adults, we tend to loose sight of the little adventures in our lives, usually because responsibilities get in the way, or obligations and we are left with just thinking about the "some day" adventures we hope to have as memories. This is so true in the life of a stay at home mom.

I am learning that seeing your children playing together without mom having to break up the argument, or having everything looking tidy after a day from hell. These are the REAL adventures, potty training, date night Tuesday, family dinners nothing spilt, little babies learning to sleep in toddler beds, the first day of school.

Here is my challenge. Identify the adventures in your life. Who needs expensive trips, sky diving, rock climbing or back packing across Europe? I have a family and that is all the adventures I can handle right now, lucky me!

P.S. I dedicated this entry to my Mother in Law Betty, who has been the most traffic to my blog and has been patiently waiting for my next entry. Enjoy Mum!

dress rehearsal

2008-08-15T23:58:00.002-04:00

The adhesives are away and my Cricut is taking the weekend off!

My husband and his friends are renting out my place for band practise.

I love watching Robbie on stage and listening to his voice. Sounds

like old times, yet they aren't that old at all.

UGH! 65 plus people will be at my house this Saturday!

2008-08-13T22:53:00.003-04:00

Well, my husband will only turn 40 once so I am going all out! The current head count is about 65 or so. Hopefully all the rain will be gone by then and blue skies will adorn our backyard.

Robbie has been working really hard practicing, this Saturday will be be the first time Robbie has been on stage in a long time! I can't wait. From a Scrapstar perspective, I have had to lend my room to house all of Robbie's music stuff. Just think of what I will do when this is all done.

I feel a mini album is being born!

Stay tuned!

And Happy birthday to my original Rockstar! I love you Robbie and I am glad you are apart of the performance that is our life!

Mamma Mia, what a movie!

2008-07-30T22:34:00.004-04:00

This scrapstar took time from scrapping to go to the movies with her Mom.

I soooo loved Mamma Mia, I am still singing the tunes and picked up the soundtrack today.

Go see it! Drop everything and go. I guarantee you will love it. Ya can't help tapping your feet and singing along. Meryl Streep , amazing.

So with my new tunes in my Mac, I am ready to create! I would love to here what others thought of Mamma Mia? So let me know.

Mamma Mia What a movie

2008-07-30T22:34:00.001-04:00

My life was a highway, but I don't want to drive it anymore.

2008-07-18T19:42:00.002-04:00

I am home..ahhhhh. It feels like I have been in the car and on some highway for the past 3 weeks.

Last part of my life in a car was a 5 hour ride home from Ottawa visiting my friend Joanne and Mary-Katherine. As a mom you cherish quiet times where no one is calling you "Mom, Mommy, Mama" but by the last hour or so I couldn't wait to hear those words.

I got to shop at an amazing scrapping store in Ottawa so I am so looking forward to creating. I just know that anytime I spend in my scraproom, I will be neglecting another part of the house. Oh well, a little dust never killed anyone. I will know when it's time to put away the paper and adhesives when my children are coming up with names for the dust bunnies. Until then, the heck with house cleaning, laundry, organizing and putting things away. I AM A SCRAPSTAR!

Home Sault Home

2008-06-30T22:48:00.002-04:00

Well after a 10 hour drive, a stop at White Castle, a quick shop at the Dress Barn, We are up in Sault Ste Marie! The kids were great! It was the first time we pulled out of our drive way with smiles on everyones faces including mine!

I have learned that it is best not to have a scheduled ETD that only starts the adventure with a huge disappointment. Ya say 10 and never leave until 1130, now I am pissed off and cranky. This time, no set ETD and the trip was a success.

Sad to think there will be no scraproom visits for 2 weeks but I am going to see some cousin's I have been missing, have my family to help out with the kids, a wedding and maybe a date night or 2 with my husband! Yahoooooo.

So I left behind a few projects and looking forward to all the new memories my family and I will be creating on the 2008 Saunders Summer Extraveganza!!

Printing Photos at Home

2008-06-10T20:08:00.002-04:00

I love my Kodak all in one printer! I used it last night to print some fabulous pictures of Desi and Robbie. Thinking outside of the 4 x 6 box, I printed a 2 x 2 poster of Desi drinking from a coffee cup. Layout to follow shortly. The printer takes a 4 x 6 picture and prints it out on 4 4x6 sheets so you end up with an amazing affect for scrap booking. I also printed little 3 x 2's. So cool!

Just like the infomercials says, the ink is inexpensive. We have replaced the colour cartridge only so far and the black one is just giving me the warning. I have been printing endlessly for about the past 8 months I think!

One of the things I was always frustrated about was not having pictures printed when I wanted to scrapbook them. Now I can do it myself! No more standing at the kodak counter and waisting time. so 5 star for the Kodak photo printer!

If you are reading this and you also have the Kodak All In One, email me and let's chat. I would love to know what you have discovered it can do.

Living the memories today, scrapping them tomorrow

2008-06-08T21:36:00.003-04:00

I love scrapbooking! Some days all I do is think about when I will have even a half hour to head down to my scrap room and get down to work. But today was all about living the memories! What would there be to scrap if you didn't get out there and create some great moments with family and friends.

My husband is great at capturing these moments. I started working 9 to 4 on Saturday's and when I come home there is always a ton of new pictures for me to create with! This weekend it was pictures of my children getting wet in their little pool. I must say that my children make it easy to take great shots, since they are insanely cute( I am a little bias) but my husband is fabulous that creating rememberable moments. So huge thanks to Robbie for some fab new shots but man, when will I get the time?

So have fun, get in front of the camera and go make some memories!

2 scrap or not 2 scrap

2008-06-03T20:47:00.003-04:00

I meet so many women who tell me that they would like to scrapbook but it is too expensive and you need too many tools. This entry is for those women.

One thing I can tell you that scrapbooking is only as expensive as you make it. Ask any avid scrapbooker and she will confess that she has too much stuff but will always find something new and exciting at the local scrapbooking store that is a "must have". Don't let that turn you off.

My advise for first timers,

Take a few workshops at a local store. This is a great way to learn some techniques and to build confidence.

Next gather your pictures for a specific memory and start from there. There are alot of choices for albums and I like 9 x 9 or 8.5 x 8.5. These are doable for first timers especially if a 12 x 12 album seems overwhelming.

Local scrapbook stores offer open time where you can go and use their facilities and tools. Great inspiration can be found working around other scrappers.

Finally talk to your friends, go online or just walk into scrapbooking store. Inspiration is all around you and your memories deserve it!

A few places I like are under my faves.

Kleen Kanteen

2008-06-02T23:43:00.003-04:00

I am so excited to be using my new Kleen Kanteen!!! The best part, besides all the good reasons to use a stainless steel drinking container, it is pink! Gibson got a fantastic orange one , Desi's is pink and with a sippy cup attachment and a standard issue for Robbie.

Check out KWkids. I picked my order up but I did read she will ship and large orders were free.

I have the link under my favourites too.

No more plastic water bottles and it keeps your beverage colder longer. I say that every little

bit of change directly improves our environment.

Rockstar Themed Cards

2008-05-30T12:22:00.006-04:00

I bought the Rockstar stack of patterned paper a while back and was using it for my 9 x 9 album of Graceland. It has been awhile since I have worked on it, until yesterday. I blew the dust off of it and thought what great Father's Day cards it would make.

Here is my 2 cents on paper packs.

From a distance your eye catches this huge stack of paper. Oh the possibilities and what a great deal!! That is only like .10 cents a page. I could make cards or cut outs, use it in my Cricut. And there is a coupon too! My lucky day. Then I get it home, oh there are some not so nice sheets in there, it really isn't the exact colour of my cardstock. A rush of emotions over what I thought was a great deal. But then there is light at the end of the tunnel, I surf the net, get some inspiration I realize that to justify my next purchases I must use a few sheets. Enough bantering, you really can't go wrong with the paper stacks. The price is always right and it all gets used eventually.

Your challenge is to dust of those paper stacks and get creative. I love tons of different patterns on one layout. It always looks so glamourous.

Making progress!

2008-05-28T16:12:00.003-04:00

So I have figured out this code thing for putting stuff on your blog.

Very cool. Thanks to links on another bloggers site. Thanks Karan.

Hope everyone enjoys my selection. My latest music find is the new Barenaked Ladies children's album Snacktime. It is fabulous for kids and parents, anyone really. And that is my first link on text for me. Oh and a counter to see how few people are reading this blog. Thanks Mom and Mom Saunders!

It is so quiet in my house right now. Must go and take advantage of some scrapping time while both kids are asleep.

Mini Album

2008-05-24T23:50:00.004-04:00

So I am attaching the front cover of a book I started about a month ago.

Here in Kitchener we had Scrapfest. It was an arena filled with local and neighbouring

scrap stores and I fell in love with mini albums and the Bind-it-All. So off I go I purchase it on

Ebay and it is great! I will also attach a 5x5 album I did for fun with a girly girl vibe that I bound myself.

It is late and I am getting tired of only scrapping at night. I feel like I am on shift work, full time for 2 different company's...Mommy Inc. and of course Party Like a Rockstar Productions.

Both fulfilling and rewarding but utterly exhausting! I need a few more hours between 9pm and midnight...ugh!

Anyway, enjoying the pics.

My craft room.

2008-05-23T11:53:00.000-04:00

Every great scrapstar has to have a stage. This is mine. After convincing my husband to give up the larger part of the basement for my stage, a few purchases and moving stuff around from other parts of the house voila!

If you are like me, you enjoy organizing your scrapping area just as much as scrapping!

My son puts in alot of hours here as well. That was one of the selling points for my husband. "it's really for the kids." Here is a question, do I need a TV in here? hmmm

Okay, this just happened.

I was showing my son the pictures of our craft room on the internet. He asked where all his stuff was and I told him I cleaned up to take these pictures and that he should go and see that the craft room looks just like this.

He walks downstairs and say, "holy crap". He remembers that but doesn't seem to remember that I have told him not to pick up his baby sister.

A blog in the making

2008-05-22T21:06:00.000-04:00

Still in it's infancy I am recreating my blog. So presenting my life as a Scrapstar!

Ya know the rockstar life wasn't for me. Too much time on the road. Being a Scrapstar fits my

life as a stay at home mom. Not to say there won't be road trips.

I mean just a few weeks ago I ventured to Costco with both of my kids! Awesome. Actually walked out of there without a new DVD for my 4 year old. Ice cream can go along way as payment for good behaviour. Ah the memories.

And there are parties!! Actually I am blogging right now while our personal chef prepares our home for the friends that are coming over tomorrow, or so my 4 year old says.

So yes life as a Scrapstar might not be so much rubbing shoulders with celebraties and the pay probably ain't as good but I shouldn't end up in rehab and my agent Bernie isn't going to screw me over.

So keep reading. I will be posting some of my creations including layouts, mini albums, cards and stuff. Links to sites I have found interesting and what ever else I am suppose to do now that I have found the power of the BLOG!

Must go, my interior designer is trying to come up with a solution for decorating over top of the fireplace. How much do you think my 4 year old will bill me for this late of a consult?

My Son

2008-05-21T21:14:00.001-04:00

It is after 9pm on Wednesday and I am on my own. Robbie is in Kansas City. I used to find it

hard to be on my own but now I have my son Gibson. he is 4 and right now is playing Librarian.

Sometimes I just sit and watch him like a reality show. If he isn't singing and dancing and writing songs, he is organizing games and making crafts. And not just some glue and a few sheets of paper. He is cutting and pasting, building and constructing all while he is talking out load to his audience. I remember doing the same thing when I was little. Ah heck, I still pretend I am doing a cooking show whenever I am cooking. So the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree. It might just be a little sweeter.

Thanks Gibby, for every smile you have brought to my face! You are and will always be my Gibby.

It seems like yesterday.

2008-05-17T22:25:00.001-04:00

Here is your challenge. Go to You Tube and look up old 70's commercials.

They bring back great memories. Where and how did people find these.

If you are reading this, send me one of your favourite and we can look back together.

That's all for now. It is Saturday night and the kids are asleep.

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T21:34:00.000-04:00

What a great day! A day set aside to make sure that everyone thinks about their Mom's and how much they mean to them. My day was great! I took my Mom to Verses with my friend Katherine, her Mom and her Aunt! If you haven't been to Verses you are missing out!! Fantabulous!

Fine dining in a renovated church, with top notch serves! They even place your napkin on your lap.

There are 2 ways to enjoy Mother's Day now that I am a mother.

1. Spending time with your Mother.

2. Spending the day away from family.

So how did you spend your Mother's Day? I had a little of both. Verses with adults and at home with my crazy "vibrant" family! Now it is Sunday night and I am just thinking about how so many years ago, I could never have imagined how spectacular my life was going to be! All the wishes on blown out candles and 11:11 on the clock for love and family came true and I am grateful everyday.

I will never win the lottery for all of my luck has been used up. The day I met my husband, the day my son was born and the day I had my little girl. Mother's Day is just a great day to be loved, remember love and to love!

The children were nestled all tucked in their beds,

2008-05-01T23:02:00.000-04:00

and I am wondering why there is not a few extra hours between midnight and 730am?

As a Mom, I look forward to getting things done that you just can't do in the daytime.

Today was a great day and blogging is allowing me to remember and smile. I took both

kids to Costco on my own and that was a success. Gibby calls it Cosaco and gets so excited,

his eyes light up when he sees the row of endless DVD's. So the savings I get by buying in bulk are eaton up with bribing my 4 year old to behave. 1 new DVD each visit and an ice cream cone.

Oh well, I figure being a negotiator is also one of the many titles I have as a stay at home Mom.

I also get to be a teacher, a chef, a designer, party planner, nurse, CEO, playtime consultant, art director just to name a few. What other job can offer all this plus continuos acceptance of all my mistakes and still gives me the best performance reviews! I love my job, I love my kids and I am so lucky to have what I have.

And so it goes..

2008-04-30T22:30:00.000-04:00

I didn't really feel any different today with a blog. It wasn't even this monkey on my back, you know trying to think of something interesting to say. And who am I saying it too anyway?

Robbie, you're reading this? Thanks for the support. I know, a world that allows the other to flourish.

What will I Blog? Okay the top ten things you will find on my Blog.

10. Politics

9. Philosophy "Why and I doing this?"

8. Tech Support "How do I do this?"

7. HomeMaking

6. The Earth

5. Shopping/Religion not that it's a competition

4. Scrapbooking

3.My Family

2.My Family

1. Me...that's not selfish, that's just honest

If any of that interests you then read on and comment. Nice to put a face to the..nothing. I am talking to nobody!

Everyone is sleeping, my husband on having date night Wednesday.

What am I doing Blogging?

Gotta go!

Presenting...

2008-04-30T13:10:00.000-04:00

My Blog. So now what and who the heck is going to read this. Even if no one does, I am happy in my final decision of my blog name, "one woman, one blog".

Like I am even going to have time for this even if it is time for myself and thoughts.

Spelling can't count or grammar. I am terrible at both and trying to keep my 1 year old from grabbing my laptop and my 4 year old from grabbing me.

Posts might be long, funny, short, sad, frustrating but I can assure you they will be mine, the thoughts and frustrations of "one woman, one blog"