Be a story-teller (part 1)...

This is the story of a WIP (work in progress).  The Scrap It Girl Design Team is having a mid-month challenge!  The challenge is to use wood in your project.  So, I received this fabulous wood book (that I failed to take a "before" picture of, but you can see it here at the Genuinely Jane Studios site).  I used the wood book as a stencil to trace onto paper and then used the paper to cover the book.  Chipboard letters covered with acrylic paint and Stickles are the "WOOF".  And because I just happened to have some doggy ribbon (doesn't everyone?), I tied some on to the rings.  No peaks inside yet, because, remember, I said it is a WIP.  I'm going to fill it with pics and stories about the dogs that have and still do grace our family.

More coming soon!

~Kelly

"be" ready...

 

 

BE

It's my one little word for 2013. While I'm not officially doing the Ali Edwards class (One Little Word), I do like the idea of having a focus for the year.

One thing I will be this year is busy...
a door closed (good-bye to Scrapstreet--I loved you)
and two windows opened. 

Window #1
I am now on the Design Team for Chicagoland Scrapbooker.  I'll be a blog contributor as well as a designer for some magazine covers. Chicagoland Scrapbooker is published 4 times per year and you can find it at your local scrapbook store.  You can click here and go to their blog page and from there "like" the Chicagoland Scrapbooker Facebook page so that you never miss a "scrap" of exicting happenings and inspiration.

Windown #2
I am now on the Design Team for Scrap it Girl.  Kimberly is a masterful artist, teacher, and blogger.  Click here and you can check out the blog and "like" the Scrap it Girl Facebook page too.  Each month there is a challenge (with a prize) that will motivate you to stretch your creativity.

I'm so excited to "be" on these two teams! 
It's going to be a fun ride! 


So, there are many things I want to "be" this year...
focused, creative, inspiring, present, loving, active, content...

and relaxed...

just like these dogs.



Have you picked a "word" this year.  I'd love to hear it!

~Kelly

Whatever fits in your arms...

As I look at these pictures from November 2010, it is so hard to believe that this little bundle is now the big beast that is lying at my feet.  I'm talking about the dog, although I will say my son has grown to be quite a large beast too in this last year!

Sketches are my friend, and this sketch is one of the PageMaps from January.  Check it out here... http://www.pagemaps.com/pdfsketches.htm

When I have a pile of photos (I refrained from making "pile" plural just to fool myself into thinking that there really is only ONE pile), sketches are my "go to".  It's just a quick way to kick myself into moving.  Sometimes I use the sketch exactly how it is, and other times it is just the firecracker I need to get an idea for photo or title placement.  Once in awhile, I make a sketch.  And then, I follow it!  It's a great activity for when I am in a boring meeting or sitting in the car (not driving).  Others may think that you are just doodling, but you are being efficient, AND it makes scrapbooking portable!  Try creating your own sketch and leave a link to it in the comments below--I'd love a little kick start!

~Kelly