Canadian Scrapbooker February Sketch

I turned this:

Into this:

Supplies Used: Patterned Paper- Basic Grey. My Little Shoebox; Punch- Stampin' Up!; Stickers- Basic Grey; Stamp- Donna Downey for Unity; Book text from 'Alice le Fee'.

I thought it would be neat to try tone on tone for the title.  I was right.  It is neat- it just doesn't photograph well with my little instant camera. (Our regular camera was dropped by the beautiful photo subject here. Sigh.)  I used one of Avery's old books to make the ruffle frame around the photo, something I learned at Cropazanza in Red Deer from Donna Downey.  It killed me a little to rip up the book.  Avery is happy though.  She is planning on using the pages to make paper beads, so I guess all is well!  The little Basic Grey envelope holds some notes from Avery on what she wants to be when she grows up (vet, fashion designer), who her friends are and what she likes best about school, etc.

You can see what amazing layouts others made with this sketch, and find out how you can play along too right here.

A Taste of CHA!

What is CHA, you ask? CHA is the big tradeshow for the craft industry.  It happens twice a year, and all us hardcore peeps anticipate them eagerly as all new releases are revealed and showcased.  I, of course, am all over the scrapbooking supplies but actually there are many representatives from all across the craft industry.  The trade show floor is so big you cannot see it all in one day or not in any way that does it justice. Although I have been to CHA before, I don't get to go to all of them.  So I am delighted that Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine is serving up CHA buffet style with 'A Taste of CHA'. 17 favourite manufacturers represented in 10 days, and you can win the whole kit and caboodle!!!  Seriously! $400 of NEW release scrappy supplies.  It takes a little bit of effort (if you consider showing the prize sponsors some love effort) and a facebook account but the tour and the prizes are totally worth it!  You have until midnight on February 29th to enter!  Just go HERE to learn how!

Overheard...

I really, really, really {heart} working with little people!  They make me smile each and every day!  I have to share with you a conversation I overheard today.

But first, let me set the scene.  It is Valentine's Day at the school. Love is in the air, glitter and paper hearts are everywhere.  Sugary treats are being dispensed with reckless abandon.  How does one contain oneself in such an atmosphere? Well, you don't even try if you are in the first grade!

Two kids were admiring their plastic heart rings they plucked from the icing of their valentine cupcakes and marvelling that they matched!

Girl: It shows that we are really in love, and will get married!
Boy: Yes! But not yet.  I think we're a little young for that.
Girl: True.  And we haven't even lived with each other yet!

Hope your Valentines' was happy!

Valentines Day Prep!

One of my favorite things about Valentine's Day has become our annual Valentine card making bonanza! Avery and I work together to design, create and assemble her classroom Valentine's. Every year, I think our plans get simpler. This year we were done pretty quickly, but of course, Avery is now an actual help to the process.

All supplies are from Stampin' Up! We even used vanilla scented embossing powder:0)