If You Gotta Start Somewhere...

Happy New Year everyone! I don't normally do well with resolutions but when I look back on last year I realized that I accomplished a lot and I know I wouldn't have done any of it if it weren't for God's help in it.

My 2009 list includes this and more...

1. Frustration in trying to learn Photoshop CS2 turned into determination to understand it.

2. Learned Photoshop just in time to have our family get us Lightroom.

3. Learned Lightroom.

4. Started this blog and Teach Often in February without realizing how much it would encourage me to document life.

5. Started teaching my son from home. Although he is a very active two year old and keeps me running in circles he continues to amaze me with his God given gifts.

6. Began to lead our children's ministry at church. Directed VBS and our Christmas program.

7. Began to design for Craft Warehouse and Triple the Sketch, met amazing Christian women on the teams, and was blessed to learn that my artistic talent can be used elsewhere.

8. Met new clients and had a great time out on photoshoots!

9. Grew closer as a family this year and thankful for a warm place to sleep and food on my table.

10. Learned digital scrapbooking and fell in love with it! *sigh!*

11. Met my husband's relatives for the first time and talked them into giving me all of their photos to record the family history.

12. Finished the first volume family genealogy album.

                        

My new favorite calendar from Paislee Press.

It is elegant, clean, and udderly perfect.

I have realized that there is no time like the present to live and then document your life. I love the song, City on My Knees by Toby Mac. He sings, "If you gotta start somewhere, why not here? If you gotta start sometime, why not now?" Why wait? This year I am giving myself a deadline - 2011. My goal for this year is to do another volume in our genealogy collection and document my life story for Ethan.

Goodbye 2009, hello 2010.

Create Well: If you gotta start somewhere, why not here? If you gotta start sometime, why not now?

Triple The Sketch Final Blog Hop

Welcome to Triple the Sketch's blog hop! If you came here first, hop back to Triple the Sketch to start! Yesterday we started the hop with sketches 73 & 74. Today we have 75 & 76!

Alisa created sketch 75 and I had fun playing with it in minature! I made these two rings using the sketch. Of course I had to send Patter the "Triple the Sketch" ring and now it will be a sweet reminder of this blog hop and all the friends Patter has made along this journey. We love you, girl! ;)

"Believe" & "Triple the Sketch" Rings

Paper: Cosmo Cricket; Ink, Stamps, & Fragments: Tim Holtz

Ranger Inc.; Rubons: Fancy Pants Designs; Other: ring back

& vintage dictionary script

I created sketch 76 and added the sketch to a fabric journal that I have been working on. I have been creating a Evans Genealogy book. I love being able to sew freely on the pages. This photo was printed on an iron on transfer and ironed onto muslin.

“Because of Your Smile”

Paper: Creative Imaginations & Cosmo Cricket; Rubons:

Fancy Pants Designs; American Crafts; Ticket: Making

Memories; Other: Ranger Inc. – Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher,

fabric, muslin, ink jet transfer, thread, vintage hymnal,

& ribbon

Rubons and sewing.

I used rubons and a diecut on the ticket and then sewed to the page.

Before adding paper to the page I sprayed the page with black spray paint. I just folded the ribbon and sewed across.

Well, friends... it was a pleasure being on this team even for a short while. I have been following Triple the Sketch for several years... and knew you girls before I was even on the design team. It has been a beautiful expeirence! Please make sure to stop by often, you all are always welcome!

Now hop on to Kelly Jean's blog to continue the hop!

Create Well: There are never goodbyes with friends.

Triple the Sketch Blog Hop!

Welcome to Triple the Sketch's Final Hurrah Blog Hop! If you came here first, hop on over to Triple the Sketch to get started! Today and tomorrow will be filled with inspiration from four sketches! Three out of the four sketches are my own! Today's sketches are 73 & 74.

This layout is of my sister, Deb. I created this layout the week she went back to the missionfield with her amazing husband, Matt. Please keep them in your prayers as they continue to do God's work in an unmentioned country. I love this photo of her that she sent to us while she was visiting friends in another country.

“When You Are Away”

Paper: Bo Bunny; Cardstock: Bazzil Basics; Alphas: Making Memories; Rhinestone: Studio 18; Paper Flower: Kaisercraft; Chipboard: American Crafts; Staples: Tim Holtz Ranger Inc. Tiny Attacher; Other: thread, notebook paper, and paperclip

Sketch 74 is a layout I did of our trip to the Salem Bite. It was so hot that day but the time we had watching Ethan on the little carnival rides made up for it in the end. I guess I can say that now, since it's not 107 degrees anymore. ;)

"The Salem Bite"

Paper: Cosmo Cricket; Alphas: American Crafts & Making Memories; Flowers: Bazzil Basics; Punches: Uchida & Fiskars; Ticket: Making Memories; Button: American Crafts; Rhinestone: Studio 18; Other: white and black cardstock, thread, & spray paint.

Make sure to come back tomorrow to continue the blog hop and creative inspiration! Now hop on to Kelly Jean's blog to continue the hop!

Triple the Sketch: Jack and Jan

I am guest hosting Think Outside the Box this week. Make sure to hop over to look at some amazing art from outstanding artists!

My father-in-law just lost his sister in July. I created this Triple the Sketch layout the night Jan went into the hospital. It was a big shock for Dad, only because it made him realize that he is the only one left in his immediate family. I guess, he wished he had spent more time with her. Don't we all?

Since then, Dad has stepped out and tried to spend more time with family. He decided to go to his family reunion; the first time in over ten years. The family voted to have it at his house next year and he didn't argue. In fact, I think he is actually excited about it!

"Jack will miss you Jan. Layout created July 9, 2009"

Supplies - Papers: Bazzill, Cosmo Cricket, Scenic RouteStamp Ink: RangerTools: McGill, FiskarsEmbellishments: Prima flower, KaiserCraft rhinestones, American Crafts stickers, misc. photo corners, misc. thread

Note: After going to the reunion with Dad, I realized that this photo is not of him and his sister. In fact, the family has no idea, at the moment, who these children are. Sigh! (I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry when I got the news) Sometimes it is the thought that counts, right? LOL! Of course, all I have to do is switch out the photo for another.

Create Well: There isn't better time than the moment. Live. Love. Spend time with them.

Guest Designer: Rebekah Williams

Please help me welcome this week's guest designer, Rebekah Williams. This mixed media artist has it all together! Lately, papercrafting has a new friend called fabric. Rebekah's first love is fabric and her designs bridge that gap between fabric and paper, creating in a way that inspires me to speak more lovingly, than harshly, at my sewing machine. Not only does Rebekah create to bring joy to friends and family, she writes about her life journey on her blog, Yee Bird. You will be tickled at her posts and occasionally laugh out loud. Sit back and be ready to be inspired...

My creative manifesto . . . Sew it. ‘Shop it. Spend it wisely.

Sew it:

Fabric. I love it. A LOT. My sewing machine gets major action. Sewing is my first love, so I just naturally gravitate toward sewing and using fabric on all my paper crafts, when I’m not just sewing, period. Fabrics have so many colors, styles, patterns—the options are infinite.

[For the non-seamstress: let me take this moment to urge you to learn to sew. Don’t walk. RUN to grandma’s house or your nearest sewing class and get stitchin’. And don’t give up. You will forever love it, I promise!]

‘Shop it:

Photoshop, that is. Never underestimate the power of adding simple text to a picture in Photoshop! When it’s 11 p.m. and we captured a rockin’ photo that day but know we’ll forget its story if we wait to scrapbook the perfect layout, Photoshop is our friend. Tons of digital scrapbooking goodies are out there, and I love them, but sometimes, I like to keep it simple and remember it’s more about the story than the style.

Spend it wisely:

And by “it,” I mean our time. As wife to Nathan and mama to two sweet little ones, my time/life is about my family. Time is short and responsibilities are many, so most often I spend my crafting energy on have-to-do projects. Examples include creating a fun, out-of-the-box birthday invite for Lilly, making a book Ian can “read”, or designing an "I love our life" book so Nathan receives a handmade Father’s Day gift. Lilly needs invitations, Ian needs to learn to read, Nathan needs to be appreciated on Father’s Day, and I need my craft-it fix. Voila! Spending time wisely.

Whatever your stage of life, I wish you many hours of sewing, Photoshopping, and spending time wisely. Whatever you do, enjoy every moment.

Rebekah also designs for Triple the Sketch. You can follow her creative manifesto at her blog, Yee Bird.

Create Well: Sew it. ‘Shop it. Spend it wisely.

Triple the Sketch: Be Kind

Today's Triple the Sketch #71 was a lot of fun! Not only did we have a great design by Patter Cross, but we were able to use Shimmerz paint. I used two of their paints on this layout. One was a beautiful spritz and the other was a paint that has shimmer and is also translucent. Since paint is my favorite medium to work with I couldn't wait to get started!

The journaling is hard to read... "Love is patient, Love is kind..."

To get this painted look, take Shimmerz and dab onto a cosmetic sponge. Use a piece of paper that has holes punched in it and lay it where you want the paint to be on your layout. Dab paint over the paper lightly. Lift carefully and let dry.

More journaling: Things I love about you... 1. You are kind; 2. Loving; 3. Sweet; and 4. Just like Mom!

Go over to Triple the Sketch for a chance to win a set of paint from Shimmerz! You can see all of their amazing product here. How do you enter? Create a layout, card, tag, or altered item using Sketch 71, and post a link to it in Triple the Sketch's comment thread by Thursday, Sept. 3rd, by 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Go and check it out!

Create Well: Use recycled elements with paint to create a new look on your pages.

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Don't forget to check out today's amazing Thinking Outside the Box Challenge! You won't want to miss the amazing collection from other artist's using antique finds on your work. It really is inspirational.

Guest Designer: Danielle Wycough

You are in for a treat with this week's Guest Designer, Danielle Wycough. This heartfelt papercrafter will move you with today's feature! When you read her blog and get to know this sweetheart you will know that she has a passion for her family and for those who are in need. She is a prayer warrior, a princess of the King, and she followed the calling placed on her life. Read on to find out what that calling was...

My name is Danielle Wycough, and my name means so much to me. Danielle is a Hebrew name taken from Daniel which means God is my judge! First and foremost in my life, I am a child of God. A sinner saved grace. I am a Christian! I am a wife to The Prince Charming for nearly 10 years. Thank goodness that glass slipper fit. He is my heart, and nothing is complete without him here. I am a mother to 5 amazing, wonderful, blessings. Each of our children are completely different and I love that. They are 5 of the most important reasons to get up everyday. Their ages are 12, 9, 7, 6, and 4. There are quite a few arguments in our home; but it's our home and it's perfect for us. It is our heaven on earth.

I am a paper crafter, a scrapbooker, a card maker, an altered artist, and most importantly when it comes to paper crafts, I am the story keeper. Scrapbooking was not something that I was interested in. Honestly, I never thought I would do anything like that. It seemed almost silly to me. One year for Christmas, we decided to make Prince Charming's grandmother a scrapbook and each family had to do two pages. I froze with pure panic. I had no idea what to do! I knew that I would only embarrass myself. At the time, we had a local scrapbook store that was run by two of the most generous Christian women. They would take time and explain to me how to make a layout. They explained what a brad was and what the difference between textured cardstock and regular cardstock was. I slowly began to get very excited and started to stop into the store every few days. I worked on the album and I gradually gained enough confidence to show Prince Charming, who was surprised that I could even do that with paper!

After the gift was given, I felt God really working on my heart. He was telling me to keep pursuing the craft of scrapbooking. I didn't understand it, but I knew that it was from Him and I said, "Yes, Lord!" For the next two years, I continued to feel the same feeling and I had shared with many friends what I felt God was doing in my life. Sometimes I received little snickers, or someone patting me on the back, kind of like, "Ok, we get ya!" But, I was confident in my hope in Him, not people.

Then, one day a friend approached me about beginning a Scrapbook Bible Study Ministry at our church. After 3 years of waiting patiently, I felt God was finally starting to show me His Will for me. But, that wasn't it. Eventually, I began to become Internet savvy and learned so much about scrapbooking and about how to make a ministry out of it. So, I set out on a mission. I began a blog, www.scrapbookbiblestudy.blogspot.com. I wasn't sure if anyone would come, but I knew God's hand was in it. I made a small post on a blank blog announcing that in a couple of short weeks, we would begin a Scrapbook Bible Study. By the time the first lesson was posted, we had over 50 followers! Scripture Scrappers is growing and I am so thankful that God brought the opportunity.

I have also been completely blessed to be the Design Team Coordinator at Shimmerz Paints, a Design Team Member at Triple The Sketch, a Creative Team Member at EAD Designs, and an author for Inspirational Craft Blogs. To God be the glory, because without Him, it's only paint and glue!

Right now, I am on a vintage kick, so I am finding lots of inspiration at thrift stores. Girls - Go!!! You don't know what you are missing! But, my family inspires me the most creativly. I am not just inspired by their smiles but I am inspired in those moments when I see a single tear rolling down a cheek. I am inspired by the hugs, the kisses, and the I love yous. I am inspired by a warm breeze blowing on a summer day or a single snowflake glistening on the frozen ground. It is amazing how anything can inspire you if you look for the beauty in it.

To read more about Danielle and her ministries go to her blog, Life, One Layout at a Time. You can also visit Scripture Scrappers for Danielle's scrapbooking Bible study on The Fruits of the Spirit.

Create Well: Remember, no matter what people may say or do to you, you have a calling on your life! Keep running the race! Be confident in your hope in Him, not people.

Triple the Sketch: Baby Doll

For this week's Triple the Sketch, I did a canvas piece. I loved the way the painted background turned out. My niece will be so glad to get this to hang on her wall (too bad she will have to wait until Christmas). ;) Her daughter is so cute. Don't you think?

16x20 Altered Canvas- Alphas: American CraftsEmbellishments: Fancy Pants Designs ribbon, K&Company ribbon, Making Memories tickets & stickers, Amy Butler and other unknown fabric, my own design flower (Etsy One Bright Spot), Bistro Chalk Marker from Marvy Uchida, Sakura paint pen, misc. canvas, thread, vintage dictionary, acrylic paint, Tim Holtz’s Tiny Attacher

Create Well: No one will know if you begin making Christmas gifts now... unless you post them on your blog. Even then, they will probably forget about it by December 25th. ;)

Triple the Sketch: Live Simply & Giveaway

If you are coming over from Triple the Sketch, welcome to some creation inspiration! Today's Triple the Sketch layout is using sketch 69.

I love this photo taken of my two sisters and brother-in-laws. My sisters look totally related, don't they?! Becca is on the right and Deborah is on the left. Of course Matt and Josh are in there to. ;) I was a little jealous when creating this piece. Becca and Josh got to go and visit Deb and Matt in California this summer before they left to go back to the mission field. My husband and I didn't get to see the sweet couple this furlough (but maybe next time). Becca and Deb just hung out, talked, and enjoyed each other's company.

When I saw this sticker titled "Live Simply" I knew I had to use it on this layout. After hearing about Becca's visit with Deb I thought, "That it's not what you did or how you did it, it's the time you spent together."

Supplies: Sticky Notes: Anna Griffin; Ribbon & Stickers: K&Company; Rhinestones: Kaisercraft; Other: white cardstock, spray paint, thread, & notebook paper

Thank you for visiting! Please leave a comment, I would love to hear from you! Tell me about who you are thankful for spending time with. On Wednesday I will pick a random winner for a new card kit that Becca is creating for One Bright Spot. It's not even listed in the store yet... but I got the sneak peek and it is super cute!

Create Well: It's not what you did or how you did it, it's the time you spent together.