Then

Now that the month of December has started, it's only fitting that your Auntie Em's design team use Christmas-themed paper and embellishments for this month's challenge.

The collection used this month is Holly Jolly Christmas by Echo Park. It's from a few seasons ago but that just goes to show how you can find a use for past collections, even if you've past it many times in the store. Plus, it's Echo Park and how could that be bad? (It's no secret - I love Echo Park!)

Following the 2012 PageMaps calendar sketch for December, I decided to use one larger picture for this layout.

This picture brings back so many fantastic memories for me - and isn't that what scrapbooking is all about?! It was taken Christmas morning 2008 of my husband Matt holding our exactly 2-month old son Samuel. I just happened to be snapping a few pictures of papa and Sam when I saw it...Sam's first smile! Seriously. I managed to get a picture of Sam's first smile! How lucky was that??! It was such a special day to begin with but this made it even more special - my kid smiled for the first time. As any parent will tell you, this is an amazing moment that you'll never forget. Such a big moment obviously deserves it's own scrapbooking page!

I layered several patterned papers and matted the picture with the chevron pattern. I first used the Big Shot to emboss the paper with a snowflake pattern. To add some sparkle, I used Glimmer Glam in Chandelier. I also added a piece of brown trim to the bottom. Lastly, I distressed the edges of my picture and wrapped it with twine. My bow wasn't as perfect as I would have liked so I added a white brad.

The collection was accompanied by chipboard stickers and I used to the pendant in the top left of the page.

Journalling is always an important part of the scrapbooking process for me. I used the Big Shot to create my own journalling box.

Now that my husband and I are expecting our second child, I realize how fast time with Sam has gone by. It seems like yesterday that I was celebrating my first Christmas as a parent. Preserving memories through scrapbooking allows me to look back and remember these good times that fly by so quickly.

Happy scrappin'! I hope everyone has a safe and happy Christmas/holidays filled with family, friends, love and good food.

~Sarah



Nat Noted - Oct. 8/12

Happy Thanksgiving! On this day, I am thankful for the gift of health and for my family & friends, and for all of the creativity that surrounds me.

I found a few things online which I hope you will like.

1. October 6th was World Card Making Day. I made a cute retirement card and participated in the Bo Bunny Blog Hop. There were a ton of great cards online this weekend, but these were my favourite.



Photo credit: Becky WIlliams (One Scrappin' Mama)



Photo credit: Lea L. (Lea's Cupcakes and Sunshine)





Photo credit: Thienly Azim (Mod Paperie)



Photo credit: Andrea Budjack (Pink Paislee)



2. Tim Holtz announced that the Seasonal Distress Inks are now part of the distress colour palette. This means that you can now buy the seasaonl inks separately unless, like me, you already have them all. ;-)

Photo credit: Tim Holtz

3. Lifestyle Crafts previewed a new product -- the Genius Ultimate Platform. It comes out in the Spring, but I know I already want it! These platforms fit in the Big Shot, the Vagabond and the Cuttlebug. I love that they're magnetic and include one self-healing mat and one embossing mat. Aren't you curious now?


Photo credit: Lifestyle Crafts

4. Becky Higgins celebrated the 3rd year of Project Life with classes and giveaways and these mobile backgrounds. I haven't quite figured out how to change the background on my iPhone to one of these cool backgrounds. Maybe my 9-year old son can help. LOL!!!


Photo credit: Becky Higgins

54. Debbie Hodge from Get It Scrapped! loves lists more than I do. This week, she blogged about using menswear patterns, such as houndstooth, chevron, herringbone, and pinstripes, in scrapbooking layouts. 

Photo credit: Kiki Kougioumtzi (Get It Scrapped!)

6. May Flaum took the Stamp and Show Challenge to turn something into rustification (anything that looks like rust). She altered a white foam pumpkin and leaves with Dylusions, Tim Holtz alcoholic inks, distress inks and crackle paint, and various paints from Claudine Hellmuth, Jenni Bowlin, and Adirondack. May Flaum's directions are very clear, which instantly makes me feel like I could do this project.

Photo credit: May Flaum

7. Vicki Chrisman from Miss Fancy Pants made hanging luminaries from the Summer's End line. I'm thinking this would be a great project to make with the kids!

Photo credit: Miss Fancy Pants

8. Sometimes pictures online do not do a layout or a card or a project or a product justice. I think this is true for Pink Paislee's Portfolio collection. I liked it. But I didn't love it probably because the colours looked too muted online. Then, I got to use the collection at Crop & Create and it is stunning in person! These pictures at Moxie Fab World will give you a hint of how amazing Portfolio is.

Photo credit: Moxie Fab World

9. I really love handmade calendars. And I really want to make one for my office because it will remind of my family and that little obession/hobby/passion of mine. :-) I love the calendar Corrie Jones made. Every page is filled with great techniques and a bit of whimsy too.

Photo credit: Corrie Jones (You, Me & Crazy)

10. David Kelley gave a great TED talk on creative confidence. The video is a little over 11 minutes long, but you will love every word.

I hope you have a week filled with creative people and projects.

See you next week!