April 2014

Happy Happy Day to all!

Today I am sharing a little peek of the latest chipboard album that I have been working on. I am a HUGE fan of making chipboard albums and I have been very blessed to own the Sizzix Big Shot Pro machine. I have used it for about three years now and have put it through the test believe me. I am cutting heavy duty chipboard albums using AccuCut dies daily and I have not had one problem at all. I am still on the original cutting plates but I fear that I will need to cough up some cash soon for some replacements. They really are due for replacement now since they are beginning to curve no matter what direction I flip them in.

This is the Hopping into Spring Album. I will be offering this completed album in my Etsy shop soon and also as a unfinished version so you can use your own papers and embellishments. I am currently editing a video that walks you through each page and the areas for photo placement and journaling. Follow my blog so you don’t miss the video post!

Once I completed this album I found it just made me happy. I love the fun colors and that little bunny is precious! It also has plenty of room for journaling and photo placement. I left areas around the photo mats and title areas so extra journaling or doodling could also be added.

Click on the thumbnails below to expand the view for more details.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — Album Cover Title

If you are anything like I am you probably aren’t a big fan of your own handwriting but take it from me….it’s soooo important (see below).

*Personal Share Alert*

My mother passed away from brain cancer when I was in my very early 20’s. I had been only married two years and was pregnant with my first child. Needless to say, that was a rough time for me. When that sad day arrived, my son was only 9 months old. Once the grieving process was completed, to the best that it can be, I came across some of her handwritten family recipe cards. I can’t put into words how important these are to me AND to my children! I think my mother has beautiful handwriting but I have to say that even if she didn’t it sure wouldn’t matter. It’s part of her and that is what I needed and continue to need. My point with this piece of information is to request that you all please share your writing on your creations…..it DOES matter.

This is a layout I did a long time ago here on my first blog.

On a lighter note…….PRODUCT SHARES!

SILHOUETTE GOODIES

I know this is probably not a big deal to many people but I am still a beginner with the Silhouette Cameo. I guess I just get excited about small things but I have to say having the colored sketch pens ( Metallic, Glitter and the 24 Sketch Pen Starter Pack) is like Christmas morning all over again. I am also putting the Pick Me Up Tool to extended use for placement of rhinestones and small embellishments. I also ordered 3 Replacement Cutting Mats and an extra Replacement Blade so I am prepared when I need to switch them out. So far I am loving them all. I think I will be upgrading the Silhouette software soon to the Designer Version but, for right now, the original is working perfectly for what I need.