new year. new me.

Well, not really a new me, but I do have some New Year's goals... I didn't do so well with last year's scrapping related goals, but I hope to do better with BabyGirl on the way... Cross your fingers that I can do it!

1. Use what I have. - Yes, I know. I think I say this every year. But this time I mean it. We're saving up to buy a house and we just don't have room for any more stuff.... Also, I shouldn't spend money that could be used for our savings... And with me going on maternity leave soon, our finances will be spread thin. Time to budget.

2. 1 project a week. - Kind of broad right? I can whip out a card, a layout, a mini book, etc... It's kind of a non-committal type of goal. I can do it. I know I can.

3. Post my work here. - I've been slacking in that department. I scrapped a handful of times last year, but never got a chance to scan or take pictures of my layouts for posting here. My mojo was gone, but I still was able to do stuff. I just was too lazy to share with all of you (there ARE still people out there, right? *lol*)

And there you have it... 3 goals. Almost a year's worth of time to keep up with them. I can do it. I know I can... (just don't get mad if it doesn't happen within the month BabyGirl is born. *lol*)

here are some layouts I did last year that I didn't post here...

hello. remember me?

Yes. I've been terrible. I haven't been here in over 2 months! So crazy. But forgive me, I've been busy with life and the craziness of it all. Jonah had daily swim lessons. My birthday came and went (sorry no RAK this year). And I've just been tired.

But I'll try to update more. Does anyone even still read this?

*lol*

I made a layout a couple months ago... yes, ME. And it was DIGITAL too.



supplies: patterned papers, ribbon, tag, sentiment: "eieio" digital kit (Mindy Terasawa, http://www.designerdigitals.com); swirl brushes: "Skinny Mini Swirlies" (Mindy Terasawa, http://www.designer digitals.com); font: Century Gothic; Milky BW photo action: Mindy Bush (http://mindysphotoactions.blogspot.com)

I hope all of you out there are doing well. I do keep up with your blogs via Google Reader (love that thing!) but I'm always too much in a hurry to comment. Miss you all...

Happy 4th of July!

The 7th month of the year... Where has the time gone?

Jonah is taking a well-deserved nap and I had some uninterrupted ME time just like everyone previously suggested. I also was overwhelmed with guilt because I have TONS of unused and unopened Studio Calico kits and tons of scrap supplies that haven't even touched.

It's time to use what I have. :)

AND I've been itching to sit down and scrap for quite a while now...

So in the meanwhile I've been making cards. Forgive me, I sometimes don't get a chance to take a picture or scan each one. I'm guessing my card count for the year is pretty awesome. I'll update it when I get a chance.

Here are a few cards I made a couple weeks ago for Nursing Assistant Appreciation Week:

AND, the fun doesn't stop there, party people. I SCRAPPED. Yes, that's right. I scrapped TWO whole layouts. And I'm posting one that I did a few months ago.

The next 2 layouts were inspired by Ali Edwards' Life Artist book. Love that book. I can read it over and over again...

patterned paper: making memories, paper salon
stickers, pen: american crafts
stamps: ck media, october afternoon
ink: StazOn, ColorBox

I was totally inspired a few months ago to create that layout - Jonah was having a good day and I wanted to document it. It's one of my most favorite recent layouts.

And then yesterday I finished up with this one:



cardstock: bazzill
patterned paper: love elsie, fontwerks, scenic route
foam letters: american crafts
pen: uniball signo

I felt like Ali was speaking to me when she scrapped her Christmas cards. I'm such a packrat and I can't bear to throw letters and cards away. I feel like the senders take so much time to send us their cards, I shouldn't hastily throw them in the garbage. So I took Ali's advice, grabbed the biggest square punch I own (in this case, 1 9/16th, wish I had a 2 inch punch) and went to town. Pretty happy with the result. :)

Ok, and my last layout... I just finished it RIGHT NOW. It's my favorite one. Pretty cheeky, but it was fun and I had fun making it with a Studio Calico kit I had never opened or used. Forgive me, I don't know which month it's from...



cardstock: Bazzill
patterned paper: scenic route, sei
journing block: college press
letter stickers: sassafrass lass
stamp: 7gypsies
bling, chipboard heart: heidi swapp
pen: american crafts

And I have to share the journaling because it cracks me up:

"pics: 9/25/07, journaling: 7/4/08
subject: Just so you know...

Dear Justin Timberlake,
You know, watching you perform in concert for what seems to be like the MILLIONTH time makes me wish for an 'NSYNC reunion...
But then again, watching you perform as a solo artist makes me realize it's not going to happen anytime soon.
Just so you know I know...
Sincerely,
JoAnn Valderama
Your #1 Fan"

I hope that brightened your day, everyone. Happy 4th of July! :)

feelin' a little crafty...

I have a confession. I've been in a scrapping rut lately. I thought this loss of mojo would be temporary, but it wasn't.

I'm on vacation starting today so I'm hoping to get something done in the next week or so. My scrapbook room is in serious need of some TLC.

Got 2 layouts done though! Yippee!!!


supplies: patterned paper: Basic Grey, Tinkering Ink, Sassafrass Lass; letter stickers, pen - American Crafts; felt flower: prima; journaling card: College Press; stamping ink: ColorBox; other: ribbon

And in honor of my BFF Corinne who is getting married next Saturday!


supplies: cardstock: Bazzill; patterned paper; Love Elsie; ghost heart, bling: Heidi Swapp; label sticker; Fontwerks; rubons, chiboard letters, pen: American Crafts; stamping ink: StazOn

So, yup I did it... 2 layouts done...

Next on the checklist - ORGANIZATION. Ugh.