XOXO DT page for June

This month's page was a blessing in disguise...it got me to finally scrap some photos I had carried with me to two retreats.

I finally got the inspiration to scrap them using Joanne's page to lift.

It made me pulled out the heat gun and embossing powders! Something I haven't done in a while.

Lastly, it gave me the 1st page done for my son's 4th birthday photo shoot. There are a few more photos...so a 2nd page will be coming!

So here is the page that gave me the inspiration!

AND there is still time to play along over at XOXO Scrapbooking. Maybe you will get the chance to be our next guest designer!

A Father's Day Card

Here is my Father's Day Card - I made this one for my Husband!

Inside I wrote this sentiment:

"Happy Father's Day! May we continue to build our future and life together!"

Which was perfect since we are house and/or land hunting! Plus, if there is a land option figuring out floor plans and designs.  

A Virtual Blog Hop

I received an e-mail from an extremely inspiration-ally talented designer and writer, Cindy deRosier. She asked me to participate in her blog hop last week! My first thought was: sounds fun. I haven't done a blog hop in awhile. So, here I am honored to accept that invitation. Especially, after reading more about the details and seeing how this blog hop is different from the usual blog hops. This virtual blog hop gives me the chance to show progression of my creativity and write a bit so you can get to know more behind the pages you see me create. Here are the questions I got to write about:

1.) What am I working on now?

I am working on a special little project for my future Nephew arriving in July. I have the printable letters cut and attached to the burlap pennants that I cut from a burlap table runner. I started out with different burlap but it was to loose of a weave. So happy when I found the runner with a tighter weave. All are stringed all up with jute twine.

 Now, just need to add some baby boy accents. Which what I am currently working on.

I am also designing a page for the upcoming XOXO Scrapbooking DT Challenge. All I can say is it is my own coined scrappin' style just add BOY! And I have one of those!

I really enjoy working on this team! The members are awesome, inspiring and they challenge me. I can't give you a sneak peek! BUT you can alway join our monthly challenges over at XOXO Scrapbooking!

...I have finally just finished unpacking and getting things back in order from a weekend long retreat I went to in May. I worked on my Honeymoon Album finally after 9 years. Of Course, I am always in the process if working on my kids albums.

2.) How does my work differ from others?

My work and pages are different from others because I approach each project with my own unique style. I have coined a name/term for my style as: rustic shabby chic. I usually stick with earth- tones and love the distressed look. So, I might use two different distressing techniques or just one by using ink and/or a paper distress-er. (Rustic/Shabby). I love to try out different techniques when I can.

3.) Why do I create what I do?

I create what I do because it is like a therapy in different phases. There are moments you need to Re-Live, Remember, Capture That "Fraction of Time" or simply Escape the daily grind and push through! I find that once the creative mojo is going once I get in my scrap room. I don't want to come out! I get to create to create a book of memories for my children and family!

4.) How does my creative process work?

My creative process varies. I usually start with my photos to get an idea of what & how many I want to include on a page. But sometimes the photos just don't make those creative juices work. That's where I love Challenges and Sketches. The challenges with a list of specific items make me dig into my stash and give the spark of inspiration! The sketches provide a great starting point that you can tweak to fit your photos and have whatever creativity start to emerge. I have found that I have had my favorite pages come to life using a challenge or a sketch. The challenge/sketch I may have started with can also turn out completely the opposite from what I started out with!


WELL, THAT'S IT! I hope you enjoyed reading a little bit about me!


NOW, on to the fun part: I asked scrappy friends to participate with me. Please stop by their blogs for a visit:

Jean Marmo's Bio:
"I am the Mom to two adult children both of whom got engaged this year. Things have been busy with a wedding coming quickly in September. I continue to scrap the new events in their lives such as new jobs, new houses and learning home repairs! I have been scrapping for years. Recently, I began art journaling and mixed media canvases which has been transitioning that into my scrapping. My blog is: Pages in Time"

Kimberly Fordyce's Bio:
"I married my high school sweetheart, have 3 grown children and 3 amazing grandsons! My family has been very supportive of my scrapbook habit. My daughter and son-in-law bought me my first baby Cricut, encouraged me to start a blog and enter into challenges. I have been hooked ever since! I started my first blog Crazy About Scrappin' and then took some time off after a few years. Started my newest blog: Kim's Scrapbook Addiction. I enjoy visiting my blogging friends and being inspired. I'm always looking for new friends and challenges to enter."

Lori Apgar's Bio:
"I am married and have 3 dirty, stinky boys! I run an in-home daycare in my basement and have been crafting since I could cut with scissors. I have been scrapbooking for 17 years and so much has changed over that time!! My boys are 24, 19 and 8! I got my first Cricut shortly after the baby was born and my gypsy a few years later. I really got creative then and started teaching classes. I currently am on 3 Design Teams which helps me to finish the projects I start!! I also try to sign up for 2-3 blog hops each month. I love challenging myself and recently started selling some of my work in two different shops (part of my retirement plan)!!! My blog is: Scrappin' My Stress Away"