It's back!

I guess writing about my "lack of mojo" and getting it out in the open was kind of therapeutic because, after more than a week of zero creativity, I ventured back into my scrap room and I finished not one, but TWO projects!

Okay, okay. It helped that several shipments of supplies arrived for the classes I'm working on. It's kinda hard to ignore the growing stack of boxes taking over my dining room.

So what did I make? A film canister album!

The Note to Self line from Echo Park is so fun, and it's perfect with the canister. The inside fold-out is 6 panels and holds five 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 photos, which I had printed at Walgreen's -- just select a 4x6 collage print and choose two photos. They'll each print at about 3 x 4 to give you a little room for cropping. This is one of the classes I'll be teaching at the Great American Scrapbook Convention in Chantilly.

Here's a look at the other class project I finished: a canvas binder album using Maya Road and American Crafts.

Lots of misting and masking in this class. Must remember to pack extra paper towels.

One more quick share...a layout I created (last month) for my first guest post on the Ella Publishing blog. I wrote about finding love for those not-so-perfect photos on your camera roll. C'mon...you KNOW you've got some of those!

Check out my post at Ella for the story of how I got past my need for "perfect." 

Thanks for stopping by!

Stop and look around...

In the immortal words of Ferris Bueller...

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

He was so right. I think about where I was even a year ago and how much my life has changed...how much my kids have changed...and I wonder how all that can happen in the space of 365 days.

I need to slow down. Take better notes. Share the little things that make up our life -- not just the big events. (Don't worry...you won't see any photos of my laundry or dirty dishes. I don't need to remember those.)

So as I stop and look around today, here are a few things that are making me very happy right now:

Iced Green Tea from Starbucks
I love iced tea of any kind, but this Green Tea has a little touch of mint and it's very refreshing! The fact that it's shaken, not stirred, makes me feel kind of fancy (like James Bond)!

Toms Wedges
Seriously my favorite shoes right now -- so comfy! Why didn't I jump on the Toms bandwagon earlier? And more important, which color should I get next?

Bluebonnets
The only redeeming factor of my commute to work is that these gorgeous wildflowers are literally EVERYWHERE right now. I wish they would stick around longer, but the truth is they'll be pretty much gone in a few weeks. I'll certainly enjoy them while they last!

Photo from Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hellamike81/7012895149/in/photostream/

Charming Charlie
It's not enough that they have a bazillion different accessories: earrings, scarves, handbags, belts, watches, etc. No. They had to go and sort the whole place by COLOR! If it weren't for my kids saying "can we go home now?" I would be in there for hours upon hours.

Fashion Star
I really didn't want to like this TV show, but it sucked me in. It's pretty fun seeing clothes come down the runway that I could actually buy and wear. Unfortunately, this could get expensive. I ordered these shorts from last week's show...

And in case you're wondering, I'm taking a little break from F.R.A.K. this week because I need to do a little more sorting to find out what I still have to give away. Come back next Friday, and I promise I'll have something fun up for grabs!

Have a great weekend!

Uninspired

This is odd. For the first time in a while, I'm not itching to get into my scrapbook room. In fact, each time I walk in there, I turn around and walk back out. It's like a switch got flipped in my brain, and I have no desire to make anything at the moment.

Image source: http://idigenglish.blogspot.com/2011/10/my-digs-mojo.html

Is it the change of seasons? A side effect of the massive amounts of allergy medication I'm taking in my War on Pollen? Or is it simply a creative lull? Like a writer who has writer's block.

Whatever it is, I know I can't force it. Then my beloved hobby -- my escape -- would seem like work. No. Can. Do.

So while I'm waiting for the mojo to return, I keep taking photos, going places and collecting stories, like this one...

A few days ago, my girls were watching a Disney show called A.N.T. Farm. And because I had no urge to scrap, I sat down and joined them. I can never watch a TV show without asking questions, so the conversation went like this:

Me: What does A.N.T. stand for?

Avery: Advanced Natural Talents

Me: Oh, you have some of those! Like you're really good at puzzles and word games.

Avery: Yeah, I guess. (pause) What's Cecily's Advanced Natural Talent?

Me (looking over at Cecily, who's laying on her back with her legs flopped over her head, sticking her tongue out at me): Um, I think it's comedy -- making people laugh.

Avery: Oooooh, yeah, that's a good one.

Me: So what's my Advanced Natural Talent?

Avery: Scrapbooking!

Cecily (now sitting upright): No!!! It's LOVING!

Me: Awww... (tears)

Hello Spring FRAK {winner posted}

Though it's been feeling like spring for a while now, my favorite season officially arrived this week. As if on cue, my spring issue of Scrapbook and Cards Today arrived on my doorstep with this lovely layout entitled "Hello Spring." Do you notice anyone familiar?

This girl LOVES to see herself in print. Never gets old.

If you've never seen an issue of Scrapbook and Cards Today, you're missing out on a wonderful magazine. It's beautifully designed, and the projects they feature are so fresh and fun and always inspiring.

Disclaimer: It's not easy to find...I've never seen it at Hobby Lobby or Barnes and Noble or any of the other places I normally find scrapbook mags. But do yourself a favor and hunt it down because it's truly my favorite of all the scrapbooking publications right now. I'm so honored they published one of my layouts.

On to today's FRAK...

In honor of spring, I have a big assortment of goodies from the Hippity Hop collection from Imaginisce -- paper, die-cuts, chipboard and a few stamps.

Leave a comment on this post by 5 p.m. Central on Monday, March 26, for your chance to win it! Be sure to include your email address in your comment if it's not already in your Blogger profile.

Good luck!

FINE PRINT: If you don't have an email in your blogger profile (or you aren't sure what I'm talking about), please be sure to leave your email addy with your comment. After 5 p.m. Central on March 26, I will randomly draw a winner from the comments  on this post and list the winner's name/ comment at the bottom of this post. I will also contact the winner by email if possible. If you live outside the U.S., you are welcome to enter, but I'll ask that you cover the extra postage cost. Thanks for reading!  


UPDATE: 

The winner of this week's FRAK is:

Congrats, Sherri! Watch your email!

Saying thanks

It's Thank You Thursday over on the Ella Publishing blog -- a little reminder to spread a little good will to those who deserve a thank-you for all that they do in our lives.

Confession: I'm not so great at sending thank-you notes -- sometimes I need a little nudge, and this was a good one. Here are a couple of cards I made for this week's feature:

Doodlebug Designs was kind enough to provide some of their Create-A-Card supplies and papers to make these fun, little cards. And today, in honor of Thank You Thursday, they're hosting a giveaway on their blog for the 31 Thank You Cards eBook from Ella Publishing. 

If you're like me and don't consider yourself a cardmaker, the eBook is a great resource to have on-hand. I used one of the ideas to create the embellishment cluster on the second card. I wrapped some twine around a round die-cut and topped with a dimensional butterfly sticker, then layered onto some glitter and patterned paper. It really simplified all the overthinking I tend to do with cards, and I love how it turned out.

So in the spirit of Thank You Thursday, I have to say thanks to Ella for showing me I can make a card once in a while!

Who would you like to thank today?

Class Crazy!

I'm just going to say it. I have no projects to share today. But don't worry. I have a good excuse: I've been spending all my crafty time this week preparing classes for the Great American Scrapbook Convention.

I have THREE wonderful classes in development, with some fabulous and very generous sponsors, including American Crafts, Echo Park, Maya Road and Canvas Corp.

So my craft room is full of boxes, like this one...

And this one...

Projects in progress like this...

It's a very exciting mess, and I'm enjoying all the preparation that goes into making some great classes for GASC Chantilly.

That's right. I said Chantilly.

I'm not teaching in Arlington this year. In fact, I wasn't even planning to go to the convention this year because my 10th wedding anniversary falls a few days before the GASC Arlington show, and Adam and I planned a special celebration/getaway for that weekend. I had totally accepted the fact that I would miss GASC just this one time. And it was O-KAY.


But then an amazing opportunity came along, and I couldn't say no. So I will be teaching at GASC Chantilly on June 22-23.

Class descriptions and registration details will be up in the next week or so, and if you're in the Northern Virginia/DC area, I hope you'll check out my classes. I love how they're turning out!

Spring Break FRAK {winner posted}

Happy Friday! Or should I say FRAK-day?!

It's Spring Break week here -- and it's been a very relaxing week for me because my kiddos went to their grandmother's house in Arkansas to spend some time with their family members that they don't get to see very often.

In all my spare time, I've been working hard on my samples for the classes I'm teaching at this year's Great American Scrapbook Convention, and hopefully I'll have some peeks to share by next week. But in the meantime, I've put together a FRAK for all you Spring-Breakers:

It's full of travel-themed papers and embellishments -- you can use them now or save them for your summer vacations. Maybe even both! The papers are from Pink Paislee, Sassafras Lass, Girls Paperie, Hambly and Making Memories, plus a few sheets of cardstock and some rub-ons, letter stickers, chipboard and even a date stamp from Studio Calico.

Leave a comment by 5 p.m. Central on Monday, March 19, telling me what you're doing for Spring Break (and "nothing" is a perfectly fine answer because that's what I'm doing). Be sure to include your email address in your comment if it's not already in your Blogger profile.

Good luck!

UPDATE 3/20:

Congratulations to this week's winner...

 Linda, please email me (robmab at yahoo.com) with your address. Thanks for participating!



FINE PRINT: If you don't have an email in your blogger profile (or you aren't sure what I'm talking about), please be sure to leave your email addy with your comment. After 5 p.m. Central on March 19, I will randomly draw a winner from the comments  on this post and list the winner's name/ comment at the bottom of this post. I will also contact the winner by email if possible. If you live outside the U.S., you are welcome to enter, but I'll ask that you cover the extra postage cost. Thanks for reading! 

News from the Porch

I have some happy news to share today: I've joined the design team for Front Porch Kits by The Little Blue House!

If you're not familiar with The Little Blue House, it's an adorable art studio and store in Keller, Texas, and they have the most wonderful kits and classes. They're so creative in mixing some unexpected textures and goodies into each of their kits. Take a look at this beauty they released last week:

It's called Nature's Charm, and there are very few of them left, so go snag one while you can on their new website: www.thelittlebluehouseonline.com


There you'll also find tons of inspiration and ideas -- layouts, cards, home decor, mini albums and more -- for each kit they release. I can't wait to see what's in store for the next kit!

Spring forward!

It wasn't easy to get up this morning. Even though I "sprung forward" before bedtime Saturday night, that extra hour seemed to hit the very hardest at about 6 a.m. today. Delayed reaction, I guess.

But I had a very productive weekend, and maybe I'm still recovering. My mom was in town, and we had a crafty whirlwind of catching up to do. I wanted to buy some fabric to try out my new Cameo, so she took me to her favorite fabric outlet. It's amazing how many out of the way places there are in Dallas that I don't even know about, and this was one of them. I walked out with 7 cuts of fabric for $17. Score!

My first actual project with the Cameo was some t-shirts for the girls, and they turned out great! Very easy, and I'll share some photos of them later this week.

But my first paper Cameo project was this layout.

I cut the flowers from three different papers, at two different sizes, and ended up with all these fabulous layers. I topped them with Epiphany Crafts round bubble caps and a resin flower from The Girls Paperie. The papers are from My Little Shoebox, and I cut the center out of the round die-cut paper so that the blue border would act as a frame around some of my page elements.

For the journaling, I took a glassine bag, folded it in half and created this journaling card to slip inside. I really like how my handwriting shows through behind the photo, and you can pull out the tab to read what I wrote.

And I think I should mention that I used the very LAST doily in my supplies, so I guess I'm now done with doilies.

Unless, of course, I buy more. Never say never.

There's still time to enter my FRAK giveaway from last week -- the Stamping Secrets idea book from Ella Publishing. You can enter here.

T.G.I.F. and F.R.A.K. {winner posted}

Happy Friday! I look forward to Fridays for so many reasons, but one of the things I love lately about Fridays, is...

I have a very special F.R.A.K. for you today -- it's the new Stamping Secrets eBook from Ella Publishing!
 

This book includes 28 packed pages, full of 21 gorgeous projects, 35 expert stamping tips, 6 step-by-step written tutorials, and 20 minutes of exclusive video instruction. It's available at Ella Publishing for $10.99 (but use promo code SECRETSTAMPER for 15% off).

But why not try to win it for free, right? For your chance to win, leave a comment telling me what kind of stamps you use the most. I'll leave the comments open until 5 p.m. Central on Monday, March 13. Be sure to include your email address in your comment if it's not already in your Blogger profile.

Good luck!


FINE PRINT: If you don't have an email in your blogger profile (or you aren't sure what I'm talking about), please be sure to leave your email addy with your comment. After 5 p.m. Central on March 13, I will randomly draw a winner from the comments  on this post and list the winner's name/ comment at the bottom of this post. I will also contact the winner by email if possible. International entries are welcome! Thanks for reading! 

UPDATE 3/13/2012: The winner is...

Congratulations, Lisa! Watch your email for details on how to download your free eBook!

Express Yourself

The universe sent me a message this weekend. It happened as I was sitting in the pedicure chair on Sunday, reading an old O magazine. The focus of the issue was self-expression, and I was completely swept away with the different articles -- I think I read almost every word of each one. I loved the story of a chalkboard artist who went from a corporate desk job to creating chalk murals all over town. But the article that really spoke to me was the one that talked about what happens when we create.

The author explained that when you make something, your brain releases dopamine, a chemical that makes you feel happy and energetic. So if you're feeling stressed or worn out, you can boost your mood by simply doing something creative -- doodling on paper, writing a haiku, trying a new recipe. Or playing with paper and glue.

I've known this for years -- whenever I need to relieve stress, I head straight for my craft room -- but it was validating to read the science behind it.

Sometimes I feel a little guilty for isolating myself in a room while my kids are playing Barbies or doing cartwheels in the living room. But I think it's all about balance. I spend a healthy amount of time with my kids, taking them on "adventures," teaching them to ask questions, encouraging them to do the things they love. When I head to my "room," that's my time to revive my energy and restore my sense of peace. And I'm a better mom for it.

A few things I've been creating lately...

 

These are my last official projects for Epiphany Crafts. I'm so honored that I got to work on their design team for the past year, and I know I'll be using these products for a very long time.

I created the lacy effect by punching designs into white cardstock and allowing the negative space to show through the clear bubble cap. I love how the texture of the denim paper comes through.

And this is a very old photo, but one I've somehow never scrapped.

I loved the whimsical feel of the paper and wanted to incorporate a few of the graphic elements as charms.

Hope your week is off to a great start and that you're finding plenty of ways to express your creativity.

FRAK-y Friday {giveaway closed - winner posted}

It's been a crazy week of sick days (mine and Avery's) and a million errands around here, and I'm ready for some downtime this weekend. But first, there's some business to take care of:

On this balmy March day, I'm offering a bright sunny FRAK to one lucky blog reader.

This is a jam-packed bag of double-sided paper, die-cuts and pennant flags from the Pink Paislee/House of Three Soiree collection. I've also thrown in some chipboard flowers and borders from Ruby Rock-It's Paper Girl collection because they looked so cute with the rest of the stuff.

Leave a comment by 5 p.m. Central on Monday, March 5, telling me what you're looking forward to this Spring. Be sure to include your email address in your comment if it's not already in your Blogger profile.

Good luck!

UPDATED 3/5: This week's winner is...

Congratulations LisaM! I'm not seeing an email in your blogger profile, so please email me at robmab at yahoo.com with your shipping address. Thanks!


FINE PRINT: If you don't have an email in your blogger profile (or you aren't sure what I'm talking about), please be sure to leave your email addy with your comment. After 5 p.m. Central on March 5, I will randomly draw a winner from the comments  on this post and list the winner's name/ comment at the bottom of this post. I will also contact the winner by email if possible. If you live outside the U.S., you are welcome to enter, but I'll ask that you cover the extra postage cost. Thanks for reading! 

Everybody loves a secret

Wanna hear a secret? How about 21 secrets that will change the way you look at your collection of stamps?


This week, I got to peek at this brand-new eBook from Ella Publishing:

Stamping Secrets: 7 sensational stamp sets used 21 ways

By stamping experts Nichol Magouirk, Ashley Cannon Newell, Lea Lawson, Nancy Burke, Robyn Werlich, Shari Carroll, and Shemaine Smith

Ready to make the most of your favorite stamps, and learn new tips and tricks along the way?
In 28 packed pages, you'll enjoy 21 gorgeous projects, 35 expert stamping tips, 6 step-by-step written tutorials, and -- probably the coolest feature -- 20 minutes of exclusive video instruction!


Ella hand-picked seven sensational stampers (including my sweet friend Shemaine!) and invited each of them to:

• choose a favorite stamp set from a favorite stamp company
• create three versatile projects using that set (scrapbook layouts, cards, and more)
• share their expert stamping tips, tricks, and tutorials with you!

With stamps from Stampin' Up!, Hero Arts, Technique Tuesday, PaperTrey Ink, Lawn Fawn, BasicGrey, and Unity, this eBook offers great ideas and tips for every skill level. It's currently available at a special introductory price of $8.79 through March 7, 2012, so hurry over to Ella and pick up a copy!

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for some F.R.A.K.!