Dreaming In Scraps

Happy days are hard work

So...let's be honest. Not every day is a happy day in my house. In fact, some (most?) days are a combination of love and messiness and chaos. But then it all comes together in the triumph of getting everyone around the dinner table -- only to find that we're all too tired to talk to each other. Yeah, that's kind of my life.

But sometimes you stop and take a breath and you realize that even your messiest and most chaotic days are sort of beautiful. Or you find little moments of sweetness mixed in with the eye-rolls and heaps of laundry and sibling rivalry. I'm learning to embrace those moments.

They'll be gone before I know it.

Just like this girl, who is growing up way too fast. But she's learning the same lessons -- to hang onto those awesome moments of light and clarity when they happen. And if that's all she learns from her mama...well, I guess I haven't totally failed.

Yes, I still make stuff :)

For anyone who still visits this blog, bless your sweet little heart. I haven't posted in ages. I've thought about it. People have encouraged me to do it. But life gets busy...and stays busy.

I've never stopped playing in my craft room. And yes, there is still a craft room. Still filled with supplies and inspiration. Still my favorite place to escape for a few hours (when I have them).

My current obsession is bible journaling. (Me and everyone else in the scrapbooking world, apparently.) Hello, Bandwagon! Why, sure, I'll jump right on!

It works for me for so many reasons, but the main one is: it reminds me to stop and think. Finding a verse that speaks to whatever I happen to be struggling with, then turning it into art -- well, that's just about the most perfect way to relax in the history of EVER!

Here are a few of my favorite pages:

I'm pretty compulsive about not covering up the words. But I'm finding all these wonderful transparent chalks and watercolors that don't obscure anything, so once in a while I'll experiment a little like this:

And here's the front of my bible. I gave it some personality...but not too much. (As in: not so much that the old lady sitting next to me in church will need to pray extra for me.)

And that concludes my show and tell for today. I'll try not to wait quite so long before the next one. Stay tuned!

Warning: Shiny Objects Ahead

It's time for the big reveal of the new "Your Time to Shine" kit from The Little Blue House. If you've been to The Little Blue House blog, you've already seen some of the fabulous projects created with this kit. And today, I'm sharing what I made:

Jumping on the paper-pieced-chevron bandwagon with this one, but all the fabric-inspired patterns in the papers just made me want to quilt them together.

Here's another layout I created using black cardstock with Color Shine mist in Gold Lame' to add a little sparkle.

Lots of layers on this banner, plus a bow I tied out of fabric scraps on each end.

I think this one's my favorite. There are two pieces of 6x6 black chipboard in the kit and I used mine to create a hanging frame. I cut strips from the different metallic papers and lined them up to cover the front of the frame, then I brushed Tattered Angels Stained Glass over the top to give it that pretty pink color.

Finished off with a few embellishments and a stamped sentiment from the stamp set in the kit.

Speaking of the stamps, here's a card I created using another one of the stamps:

Loved this yarn because it reminded me of the yarn ribbons girls used to wear in their hair when I was little. Easy to tie into a pretty bow.

And finally, there was a 6x12 canvas in the kit. I'll admit it. Canvas kind of intimidates me. I don't pretend to be a painter. I know my limitations. So here's what I did:

I mod-podged scrapbook paper to the canvas. Then I used chipboard letters to spell out the phrase. Then I painted over the whole thing with pink. Once dry, I peeled off the letters and outlined them in black. I used Stickles to fill in the word "sparkle."

It's not exactly a work of art, but my 7-year-old is begging to display it in her room -- which I think is a perfect spot for it!

For more project ideas using this kit, be sure to visit The Little Blue House Blog and check out all the designers creations.

You can order your own "Your Time To Shine" kit by visiting The Little Blue House or online at

www.thelittlebluehouseonline.com.

One more peek!

Happy Valentine's Day! Hope your day is full of love!

It's time for one last peek of my projects with the newest kit from The Little Blue House.

Do you like shiny, embellishments?

The big reveal is tomorrow -- Saturday, February 15 -- so be sure to stop by The Little Blue House blog for more peeks and your chance to win a free kit!

A New Front Porch Kit...Coming Soon!

Well, I knew I hadn't blogged in a while. But I just realized exactly how long it's been. Yikes! I need to get back here more often!

But enough of that. Let's get to the fun stuff! How about a brand new Front Porch Kit from The Little Blue House?

This one was right down my alley, and I've had so much fun creating with it. As always, Tracy has packed in so many inspiring goodies to spark your creativity, and this one is full of shiny, sparkly stuff. What's not to love about that?

Here's a little peek at one of my projects:

And since I didn't post a peek yesterday, here's another bonus peek for you today:

Getting excited?

The full reveal is on Saturday, February 15, but you can preorder today at The Little Blue House website. You can also enter to win a free kit on The Little Blue House Blog.

And be sure to check out the rest of the sneaks from the design team:

Valerie Bishop
Lynette Chiles

Stay tuned for more sneak peeks tomorrow and the full reveal on Saturday!