Operation ORGANIZATION--craft room sneak peak

So I mentioned I would post my scrapbook page...instead I turned my room upside down. Oh boy oh boy...who in their right mind owns this stuff??? Oh right *grins*. I spent roughly 6 hours working on the room so far. The kids go to bed at 7PM so it's a good time to get down to business. I took a before shot, especially for my friend Carole Burrage (love that girl!) who thinks that I am Mrs neat neat. I just wanted to shock her a little. For me creativity means a messy craft room--and I am a little OCD about mess (like I don't like it!). You want to know the worst part? That craft room has now been messy for at least a month now. With a new year upon us, a fresh start is exactly the kind of medicine I need to get stamping again. KWIM? Do you have any New Year's craft resolutions? There is an interesting thread right now in the PTI forums about that.

So here is a peak at disaster:





Here is part of my solution--Operation Organization (it was a Christmas gift *grins*)



And here are a few peaks at organization:







Stay tuned for my final pics. I will share some of my storage solutions with you too including some of the ones I shared in the past.

Have a terrific day.

Alli

Questions for You!

Hello everyone!

Last year and again this past year I shared some very personal details about my son and the day to day challenges he faces. We are now just months away from testing him for autism. We believe he has high functioning Aspergers. This has been a long journey because he is such a bright little boy and looking at him and his capabilities he seems normal (from what people see on the outside) until you get him to school or in social settings with other children. Nothing is official yet (obviously since it has taken us this long to get him in to see the right specialists) but I want to know--for those of you who have gone through this before--what to expect. Also, how did you react to the news? I love my little boy unconditionally. I am there for him 100%. I advocate on his behalf as much as possible but I just wanted to hear from you. Knowing I am not alone in this journey is comforting. I would be especially grateful to hear any advice on what to take to those meetings, what information I need to share etc. One thing we are in the process of doing is going back through our family videos to "see" changes and make notes. Looking back on his 6 years is a huge undertaking.

On that note, I would also LOVE to hear from home school families. As you know I currently work with Christian homeschoolers and I am certain I will be homeschooling my son next year. So what I'd like to know is what is your favourite curriculum? What are your favourite homeschooling sites? Any advice?

Thanks for listening to my chatter today. My holiday guests have come and gone. My husband returned to work today and so now I have some time to catch up with the kiddos and my crafting again. We were out of town yesterday and I picked up some craft organization tools and am heading down to my room to ORGANIZE before the new year. I said it last time but I promise this time once I am done I will share some photos of my craft space. It will be undergoing a major overhaul since we are moving this year and I need to prepare my items once and for all for this move. Since DH's job requires us to move they come in and do the packing and well...I must say...the packers probably want to run away when they see craft rooms like mine (all the bits and pieces!).

I will be back tonight with a scrapbook page and will be working towards getting some photos of my space for you as well in the next few days. I hope to have some cards up shortly too. I know some of you are not scrapbookers and are anxious to see some cards *grins*.

Alli

Sweet. Cute. Fun.

Our guests are leaving in the next 24 hours. I will be sad to see them go and of course the quiet house will be a reminder that everyone is gone too... insert *SAD* face.

Here is another scrapbook page I created before my visitors arrived. I just LOVE this photo of my daughter. It was taken in front of the shed in our backyard. We have since cut her hair so I just love looking back at her sweet braids.



Gotta love rub ons on photos!



Recipe

Patterned Paper
-Sassafras Lass
-Mia Crate Paper

Accessories:
-Flower by Prima
-Bird Mirror by Heidi Swapp
-Flower Center by Making Memories
-Paint by Making Memories
-Laundry Collection Rub-Ons by MME

Have a super week!!!!

Alli

Before My Eyes

I hope you are enjoying the holiday season. We have really enjoyed our company--of course that means lots of cooking and late nights too. The kids had quite a memorable WHITE Christmas. This is the first one in 4 years (we used to live in a snow belt before we moved here). We really enjoyed strolling the beach with snow covered logs and ice crystals hanging from the pines along the pathway. It was gorgeous.

Today is a scrapbook kinda day. I had a chance to create a few scrapbook pages just before everyone arrived but only "adhered" every on them tonight. Layouts are never permanent right away. I like to keep them pieced together to decide if I like them or not. I know sounds funny but it works for me :)





Recipe

Patterned Paper
-Sassafras Lass
-Crate Paper
-October Afternoon

Accessories:
-Brown and Vanilla Polka Dot Ribbon by May Arts
-Blue stitched Ribbon by SU!
-Crown by Melissa Frances
-Misc Buttons
-Corduroy Brad
-Before My Eyes Rub On by Daisy D's
-Ticket by Tim Holtz
-Letters are Carstock Stickers from Woodland Whimsy Collection by Sassafras Lass
-Rub On Stitches by Cosmo Cricket

Tools:
-Stapler

Have a super day!
Alli

Merry Christmas and a SCS Challenge

I mentioned I would be back today...taking a break from cooking, baking, cleaning, wrapping...to wish you a Merry Christmas :)

I have the absolute pleasure of hostessing my very first Splitcoaststampers challenge. Julia is taking a break from her day to day activities and asked me if I would host for her. Of course I said yes! Today's challenge (well actually Dec 25th's challenge posted early) is called Creative Letters. My challenge is to find way to create words using a mixture of letters and images. Make sure you check out the full details here.





Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Playful Alphabet (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF
-Baby Love (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF

Cardstock:
-Smooth White by Prism Paper

Patterned Paper
-October Afternoon

Ink:
-Pitch Black by Ranger

Accessories:
-Safety Pin
-Sparkles
-Pop dots

Tools:
-Copic Markers

Enjoy the holiday season!

Alli

Christmas Wishes

We've spent a few days buried under snow. First while we were visiting my mum and then when we arrived back home. We typically don't get snow in December so the fact that we have snow so close to Christmas is rather exciting. On Friday night and a few hours on Saturday we dug my mum out of the snow. She had just over 3 ft of snow. We decided to relieve the roof of approx 4000lbs of snow since we knew there was more snow in the forecast followed by rain--that spells disaster around our parts! Of course once all the snow was removed from the roof it had to be moved away from the house--fun time--more shoveling. Then on the way home we encountered MORE SNOW...until we got home. The snow around my house is rainy snow (slurpee snow). It's the back breaking heavy snow.

As the holiday season is upon us, I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you all a joyous time--I hope you have a chance to reunite with some friends and family too.





Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Believe by PTI

Cardstock:
-Stampers Select White by PTI

Patterned Paper
-Wonderland Collection by Cosmo Cricket

Other
-Cream Linen

Ink:
-Noir Black by Pallette

Accessories:
-Together Stitched Felt Stickers by Chatterbox

Tools:
- Nestabilities by Spellbinders
-Copic Markers

Have a great day...hard to believe there's 3 days left until Christmas. We have family visiting now so I hope to post in between but if not I will be back later on the 24th--make sure you stop by to see what I am up to.

Alli

Snowy circular card

If you stopped by So Sketchy yesterday, you probably saw my card *smiles* I typically try and post my cards the same day they are posted on the So Sketchy site but I had prescheduled a few days of cards to get me through the end of my report cards. I am ALMOST finished.

Anyhow, Ally created yet another out of this world design. You should definitely head over there and see some of her designs. I am planning to tackle a few of her scrapbook layouts over the holidays. I have been itching to scrap! We just got a truck load of photos developed too so don't be surprised if you see some more pages from me some time in January.

Here is the AWESOME sketch I got to work with...


and this was my take on the sketch...





Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Snowfall Additions (PineFeatherPress) by PTI

Cardstock:
-Stampers Select White by PTI
-Cream by Co-ordinations

Patterned Paper
-Wassail Collection by Basic Grey

Ink:
-Mushroom by Ranger

Accessories:
-Ribbon
-Thickers by American Crafts
-Flower Brad by Bazzill
-Snowy Jo Collection Snowflowers by Imaginisce

Tools:
-Circle Nestabilities by Spellbinders
-Tim Holtz Sander
-Sponge
-Stapler

Have a terrific day! I have a few more posts in store for you before I take a family holiday break from blogging--don't worry I'll pop in here and there. I can hardly believe we have family arriving THIS WEEKEND!!!!

Alli

Feminine Holiday Cheer

So yesterday I had a masculine card today I have a feminine card...almost sounds like language lesson on articles "le" and "la" *shudder*! That is SO the teacher coming out in me.

I just LOVE the new winter paper from October Afternoon. I have been waiting with baited breath for my goodies to arrive from Emma's Paperie--MY FAV online store for embellies and patterned paper. I'll blame enabler Melissa Philips who got me hooked on that store...if you like to buy online I highly recommed Emma's Paperie...you'll love how they package up your goodies, send you a treat and if you spend a designated amount each month you also qualify for free shipping/discounted shipping for us Canadians and a free kit!!





Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Heart Warmers (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF

Cardstock:
-Smooth White by Prism Paper
-Green by Co-ordinations

Patterned Paper
-Sugar Cookie by October Afternoon

Ink:
-Espresso by Ranger
-Latte by Ranger

Accessories:
-Grosgrain Ribbon by PTI
-Hemp twine
-Buttons by MM

Tools:
-Copic Markers
-Square Nestabilities by Spellbinders

Have a super day.
Alli

Masculine Season's Greetings

Since when did Tuesday come up so quickly in the week?!!! I tell ya, people are counting down the days until Christmas...and all I keep trying to do is hold on to the day because it keeps disappearing.

Today I have a more masculine holiday card. I couldn't resist pairing up the cardinal with some woody paper and what better paper than the woodgrain paper from Cosmo Cricket's Happy Camper Collection.



Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Christmas Critters (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF
-Landing Pad (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF

Cardstock:
-Smooth White by Prism Paper

Patterned Paper
-Happy Camper Collection by Cosmo Cricket

Ink:
-Espresso by Ranger

Accessories:
-Gingham Ribbon
-Hemp twine
-Buttons by MM

Tools:
-Copic Markers
-Square Nestabilities by Spellbinders

Have a great day.

Alli

Joy!

Hello hello hello!
I know..it's not like me to miss so many posts in a month *grins* Believe me it's not like I don't want to post but life gets crazy several times of the year and this month is no exception. I am sure you know what I mean...Christmas parties galore, Church events, family gatherings, SHOPPING, card making, present wrapping, decking the halls, field trips, sports wrap ups, cookie exchanges, letters to Santa, fundraisers, performances...the list goes on and then you have your regular day to day stuff and throw in my report cards and out of town visits to the specialists *gasp for air* and here I am *lol*. Whoshhhhhh. That was tiring!

Anyways, I have a card for you today. And I can say I am in LOVE with it.





Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Playful Numbers (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF
-Heart Warmers (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF

Cardstock:
-Brown by Co-ordinations
-Beige by Co-ordinations

Patterned Paper
-Garland Paper Strips by Scenic Route

Ink:
-Espresso by Ranger

Accessories:
-Flower by Prima
-White hemp
-Sparkles
-Pop dots

Tools:
-Copic Markers
-Sander by Tim Holtz

Have a great day.

Alli

Christmas cards...

I promised I would share some of my Christmas cards...when I have a lot to mae I tend to keep cards as easy as possibly. Now keep in mind ribbon can be costly to send in the mail too so I tend to keep the cards with lots of embelishments for hand delivery. What I like about these cards is that the cards stand alone without the ribbon (because of the embossed box outline) but can also be dressed up using the ribbon. You can see I was playful with the ribbon and it's placement too. Also, you can change the look of each card because you can stamp the bells on different patterned paper. You'll note too that the hearts have sparkles.








Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Playful Numbers (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF
-Heart Warmers (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF

Cardstock:
-Smooth White by Prism Paper

Patterned Paper
-scraps from Pink Paislee

Ink:
-Espresso by Ranger

Accessories:
-Polka Dot Ribbon from May Arts
-Sparkles
-Pop dots

Tools:
-Nestabilities Spellbinders
-Tombo Markers

Have a super duper day!

Alli

Hello

We met with two specialists (for my son) over the past few days. We got home late tonight--we encountered white out snow conditions along the way that slowed us down--but I will posting later tomorrow. I am off to bed.

Hugs,
Alli

A winner and a SWEET sketch

Thank you to all who left a comment. Drummmmmmmmmm roll!
Random generator picked #7 (my fav number too!)

Congrats goes out to
Amy who said...

I'm a teacher at a public school, so I know all the work teachers go to. I can relate! I have absolutely NO Christmas shopping done, and was thinking of just telling my husband that I am getting him a baby (our first will be born in March) and that that should be good enough!

Amy, drop me your snail mail and I will get your stamp set out before Christmas. Also, I wanted to say congrats--I bet you can hardly wait for March to come.

I am sure by now I am sounding like a broken record but I just love So Sketchy sketches. Ally sent me a neat sketch last month and I could hardly wait to play with it. What I really liked about it was that one of the pieces was "off" the card. She made it do that the scallop shape poked out from the square and was popping "off" the top of the card.





Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Sweet Thang (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF
-Grid Backgrounder by CHF

Cardstock:
-Pink Co'ordinations Cardstock
-Kraft by Prism Paper
-Smooth White by Prism Paper

Ink:
-Espresso by Ranger
-Snow Cap by Ranger
-Latte by Ranger

Accessories:
-Polka Dot Ribbon from May Arts
-Gingham Ribbon from May Arts
-Crown by Melissa Frances
-Flower by Prima
-Button by MME

Tools:
-Nestabilities Spellbinders
-Cuttlebug/Heart Die and Embossing Folder by Provo Craft
-Sanding Block

Have a terrific weekend.

Alli

A Giveaway.

I am still under lots of paper and report cards here--does it ever end? I wish I had more time in the day. My last report card took me 8 hours to complete!!! Almost an hour per subject area--remember I work with homeschoolers so I have to sum up all their learning from countless e-mails, phone calls and portfolios. Because each homeschooler follows a different program each student offers a whole new adventure when it comes to a report card--especially if it is new material that I am not familiar with. I have to research it first and follow through the scope and sequence before I can even attempt to grade the material. Don't get me wrong, I love my job :) but report cards are always tedious because I have to mark off specific learning outcomes. This is an example of a learning outcome:
-compare familiar plants according to similarities and differences in appearance and life cycles (Grade 3 Science). See isn't that fun? Grade 3 science has 11 outcomes so imagine how thrilling it is to comment under each of them.

So although I am not posting a card today and because you endured my teacher shop talk, I have a treat in store. Today's giveaway is something for those masculine cards...it's called You're A Classic (check it out!!!) from the Mona Lisa Collection at Cornish Heritage Farms. If you want to see cards using this set be sure to check out the CHF gallery. I just love the set.

All you need to do to enter the giveaway is tell me what you are getting one of the men in your life for the holiday season: your hubby, brother, dad, son, boyfriend, boss etc. If you aren't celebrating the holiday season you can share what you bought him for his birthday.

I will post the winner on Friday so you have two days to write me a post! See you then.

Hugs,

Alli

Fa La La

I bet you thought I forgot about Christmas with all these Easter posts. Well I promise I haven't. I made this festive card over the weekend. Unfortunately I only just noticed that the F and the A are not alligned properly *lol* Yes I have OCD. I have some issues from time to time with Thickers. The sticky doesn't always stick. Anybody else???



Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Heart Warmers (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF

Cardstock:
-Green Co'ordinations Cardstock
-Razzleberry by Prism Paper
-Smooth White by Prism Paper

Ink:
-Pitch Black by Ranger

Accessories:
-Ribbon from May Arts
-Green ribbon by PTI
-White Hemp Twine
-Thickers by American Crafts

Tools:
-Nestabilities/Labels 1 by Spellbinders
-Copic Markers (www.ellenhutson.com)
-Distress tool by Tim Holtz

Have a terrific Tuesday

Alli

Happy Birthday!

So I know many of you know my passion for CHF backgrounders and Scrapblocks TM and for those of you who frequent my blog you know I LOVE houndstooth. So add a new one to the list. An absolute must have. I really mean it...this scrapblock is the COOLEST Scrapblock TM ever!!! It's called distressed grid and you can see the gallery here filled with uniquely fresh ideas. I used it to enhance Kim super cool numbers. We aren't really celebrating a birthday here but I figured it would be fun nonetheless.



I took the same approach inside as I did with the card called Lucky and created a money/gift card pocket.



Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Number Fun (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF
-Birthday Centers (Mona Lisa Moments) by CHF
-Distressed Grid Scrapblock TM by CHF

Cardstock:
-Kraft by Prism Paper
-Black by Prism Paper
-Clear sheets by CHF

Patterned Paper
-All paper scraps from We R Memory Makers

Ink:
-Pitch Black by Ranger

Accessories:
-Gingham Ribbon from May Arts

Tools:
-Circle template
-Cuttlebug

Technique:
-Paper piecing

While I am on the topic of fun ways to present gifts I wanted to thank a few of my readers. It never ceases to amaze how many of my readers consistently come back and leave a message. And since I know how long it can take to leave messages on blogs every day I wanted to take the time each month to acknolwedge a few. Marlou, Juliann, Amy Rohl, please contact me with your snail mail so I can send you an early Christmas gift...although with the Canadian mail system it may be a while before you get it *smiles* Thank you and thank everyone who leaves me a comment and makes my day.

Have a marvelous Monday.

Alli

I'm back and some easter goodness...

First off, thanks for your patience. Late Thursday evening my kids were brushing their teeth. We have been teaching them how to brush properly and as such have been using a product called Agent Cool Blue. It's kind of like those tablets the health nurse (or dentists) gave us when we were young to show us where the plaque sits around the gums. Anyways, to cut a long story short, my daughter had Agent Cool Blue in her mouth and accidently sprayed it in my eye and ALL over my white shirt. I flushed it out with a saline solution but the pain lasted two days and I could feel it at the back of my eye. The bright computer screen along with the TV and sunshine made it feel like someone was pulling my eye out.

Anyways, things are back to normal and I have prepared some posts for the next few days so all is well. I am in the process of finishing up my Christmas cards which I will share once I am done--I am hoping to be done today.

I have another Easter card to show you from the recent CHF Sweet Spring release.





Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Sweet Spring (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF

Cardstock:
-Smooth White by Prism Paper

Patterned Paper
-All paper scraps from October Afternoon

Ink:
-Pitch Black by Ranger

Accessories:
-Velvet Ribbon Trim from Making Memories
-Polka Dot Ribbon from May Arts
-Pin by Fancy Pants

Tools:
-Copic Markers
-Nestabilities by Spellbinders

Technique:
-Paper piecing (the eggs)
-Outlining (the rabbit)

Have a wonderful day.

Alli

Oh no!

Just a quick post to tell you I had a minor eye injury today and have to stay away from the bright light of the computer. I hope to be back to post Friday afternoon but I may have to hold off until Saturday.

Hugs,
Alli

Cute Chick.

It's release day at CHF! You can finally take a peak at the enirety of Kim's 3 sets. That's pretty exciting stuff .

I have a whole lot going on these days with all the paper work for my boy. I think I have spent close to 6 hours organizing his file, calling specialists, meeting with his teachers and aids and setting up new meetings with everyone. I know this will be worth it but the patience part is killing me. Not to mention the yellow tape.

Okay, so onto today's card...I decided to make the full egg a cracked egg with a cute chick.



Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Sweet Spring (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF

Cardstock:
-Smooth White by Prism Paper

Patterned Paper
-Polka Dot by Little Yellow Bicycle
-Happy Camper Collection by Cosmo Cricket

Ink:
-Pitch Black by Ranger
-Snow White by Ranger

Accessories:
- Twill Ribbon

Tools:
-Copic Markers
-Nestabilities by Spellbinders

Have a wonderful day.

Alli

Another peak and a tree...

I have been waiting a long time for a good number set. Kim Hughes has devised a FABULOUS set called Number Fun that has met my criteria!!! And the best part??? This set along with two more will be released tomorrow, Dec 4th. WOHOO!!




Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Number Fun (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF
-Birthday Centers (Mona Lisa Moments) by CHF

Cardstock:
-Kraft by Prism Paper

Patterned Paper
-KM Building from Hometown Collection by October Afternoon
-Garden Chair from Daydream Collection by October Afternoon
-Euphoria from Basic Grey

Ink:
-Pitch Black by Ranger

Accessories:
-Polka Dot Ribbon from May Arts
-Buttons by MME

Tools:
-Copic Markers

And if you thought I forgot all about the season, you know with all these Easter/Spring cards recently, I thought I'd share the warmth of my Christmas tree. Unfortunately I forgot to hide the wires before I took the photo. Oh well. No one is perfect right?! :)



Have a wonderful day.

Alli

Another sneak peak and a fun challenge...

Thank you ALL for your wonderful comments. I SO promise I will be here. I will be creating--trust me when I say I need to. And you will see lots of CHF stuff still too :) Even tho I have left the CHF team it does not mean I won't be sharing my take on the stamps. Honestly how could I resist those backgrounders and Kim Hughes stamps???

Today's card showcases several stamps from the newest Kim Hughes stamp set called Sweet Spring. I created an easter scene for Sunday Featured Stamper over at Splitcoaststampers.
I had a hard time choosing a favourite from Dawn's gallery but I choose to CASE this card:

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ga...p;ppuser=80229
Changes I made (from the orignal card):
-the ribbon (knotted it rather than tied it)
-the colours
-the images
-I added a pin
-I omitted the strip of paper below/underneath the ribbon.

Here is my take:



You'll also note that I used my Copic blender marker (the clear marker) to create patterns on my Easter eggs.



Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Sweet Spring (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF

Cardstock:
-Smooth White by Prism Paper
-Blue co'ordinations cardstock

Patterned Paper
-Tres Jolie Collection by MME

Ink:
-Pitch Black by Ranger

Accessories:
-Ribbon
-Jewel Flower
-Pin by Fancy Pants

Tools:
-Copic Markers

Hugs and have a super day.

Alli

P.S. It's scrapblock release day at CHF...and let me tell you, you are going to LOVE the releases. I hope to have some cards to show you in the next few days.

Lucky.

I feel so blessed by all the wonderful things that have come from my papercrafting career: the chance to do what I love. A few years ago, if you told me I would have accomplished what I have accomplished to date I would have laughed... And yet, I am exactly where I am because I took a risk. Because I believed in me.

Today is a big day. Why you ask? Today I am officially a CHF Alumni. I have stepped down from CHF to pursue new pastures. It is bittersweet. I {heart} the girls at CHF and will miss them terribly including Liz and Richard (owners) of CHF. CHF was the first company to put my name out there with the Fresh Faces team. It was an incredible adventure and I learned so much from everyone on the team. I want to take this opportunity to thank them ALL from the bottom of my heart. Oh, and while I have the chance...sending lots of Happy Birthday hugs to miss Mona Lisa (Lisa Strahl).

Some of you know that I have a son who many would term special needs. Since I have lots of travel and many meetings in the near future I felt I needed the opportunity to break away from my design work for a while.

So what does this mean for me? for you? Well I am still here. I will still be blogging and I will still be creating. I will still pursue design work. But for the time being, I am going to commit more time to my little boy.

Today's card is called Lucky because I do feel lucky--and I am grateful for EVERYTHING that has happened in my life. The ups, the downs...even the things I wanted to run away from *lol*



the inside of the card--I created a little pocket for $ or for a gift certificate.


Recipe
Stamp Set(s):
-Sweet Spring (Kim Hughes Collection) by CHF

Cardstock:
-Smooth White by Prism Paper
-All green card stock is co'ordinations

Patterned Paper
-Polka Dot by Little Yellow Bicycle

Ink:
-Pitch Black by Ranger

Accessories:
-Crown by Melissa Frances

Tools:
-Nestabilities by Spellbinders
-Scissors
-Sanding Black by Tim Holtz
-Corner Rounder by EK Success

Thanks for listening today. Have a super day.

Alli

P.S. I will be participating in this month's CHF release as per normal :) (okay minus my CHF status *lol*)