still me

recent purchases...

it’s late on Thursday night, and I just have needed some time to regain control in my creative space… it’s been a huge mess. I want to thank everyone that attended my classes yesterday and today at Scrapbooks, ETC… I had a great time teaching and learned and figured out a lot! It’s always tricky teaching a new class that you have never taught, and especially 3, and 3 hours each too! It was a lot! You guys were great sports as I was working out some kinks, and refining the content… as well as putting up with my kids! (Colton, Cory and Quincy were all fighting over who got to come and help!)

Just spending time in such a great store is creatively motivating! Usually I am on such a mission when I go in there, that I don’t have time to browse and look around…so being there for 8 hours 2 days in a row, I managed to do a little shopping… wanna see what I picked up? These I am planning on combing into something special for someone special in my life that has a big birthday this month.

bazzill flowers
bazzill dotted swiss
sassafras lass paper pack
bazzill envelopes
cosmo cricket gracie book
7 gypsies 'Certify' 3 part stamp
bazzill magnet frame
prima essentials flowers 4


i am loving this stamp... especially the circle w/ little stars.. ( the bottom stamp).

This came in at the scrapbook store today

… and I wasn’t really sure how it worked, and I am sorry to say that I had never even heard of it… but I could see that with it you can make your own custom-covered brads.. and I was sold. Happy to try to figure it out. I’ll share more, but you can see the video about it here. The detailed instructions are inside the packaging.. but it really is super easy... but i did buy this too.. the punch that works w/ the largest brad:

once i got home tonight... i played for just a minute, and made this... i like it!


like, i really like it! cute with this Fancy pants paper! you don't HAVE to buy the punch-you can use a template... and there are 3 sizes of brads... you must buy the tip for the tool  if you want the large size, and the metal components that make the brad pieces. SO FUN! and i can't get enough of the Sunshine dabber (used on the edges)

i posted more 4th of July ideas using this printable kit over on the House of 3 blog…

happy 4th!!

creative OVERLOAD!

i have been on a kick... and i LOVE it when that happens! i have been in the zone.. and it feels great. it seems like it's been a long time, and it causes me to wonder what has been the super-charge? i guess it's just the natural ebb and flow of creative energy! ...take it while you can get it.  for me, creating classes, and ideas that i can share makes the creative process so much fuN... as a result- soo many new ideas!

it's the big holiday week here, and most people are leaving town! with temps looming above the 110's, who wouldn't want to take off. but we are sticking around! i have mentioned that i am teaching Wed and Thurs of this week... 3 brand new classes, as well as HKS secrets... here's a look at the projects:

totally techniques (WED 1-4pm)

we are using everything RANGER, and my INVISIBLES. in addition to learning 7 techniques to use w/ the invisibles, we'll make this super cute FRESH book...

House of 3 Project Central (WED 6-9pm)
in addition to the 'celebration countdown' project, we'll be making the ALL NEW 4th of July book i featured here a couple days ago! perfect for the NOW!

HKS Secrets is a Masking/layering class and we'll be making 5, 12" layouts. (see some of the projects here) FUN! (thurs 1-4pm)

"We are Family" featuring the YUDU (thurs 6-9pm)

we'll be using the Yudu to create this fun book, full of summery papers from my Summer Sun line, and an EXCLUSIVE set of clear embellshments that i have created for this class on the Yudu.  i love how the inside turned out, i have been adding photos into this today.

ok, so in May at the CE preview day, Tim Holtz was there and showed me his new "tiny attacher"... i had seen it at CHA winter, but it wasn't until i played with it at preview day did i realize that it was truly a fabulous stapler. now, i have been thinking about it since then, and finally just had to get it...especially to attach the clear elements in the "Family" book i just made.  ok, this is an absolute MUST HAVE!! you might think.. how is it different from just a 'mini' stapler-aside from the size... holy cow, it's awesome!

REASONS i LOVE it!:
#1 goes through everything like butter; even chipboard and acrylic, ribbon and fabric.
#2 staples totally tight, so the item you staple holds secure, even with one staple. (although i am a double stapler)
#3 you can see and control EXACTLY where you want the staple to go- good for attatching tiny things (imagine that)
#4 the grip makes it easier to use than a big bulky stapler or a small travel one.
i absolutely think it's worth the $15.99
DRAWBACK: it's not pink. (i'm over looking that, wink!)
if you don't have one... get one! buy it HERE... get the staples refills too!!  put it on your wish list... you will LOVE IT!

Want some FREE blog couture?? just in time for 4th of July celebrations... download HERE!
compliments of House of 3! We have been creating more ideas to use THIS for your big 4th parties...
sharing tomorrow!

OH.. if you are interested in more information about the classes THIS WEEK ... at Scrapbooks, ETC here in Mesa, AZ you can call them at : (480) 854-2303

i will be selling extra kits for the House of 3 Project Central... email me if you are interested in more info!

4th of july... already?

well, almost!!
Got a little distracting creative energy tonight, and I had so much fun putting this little project together…
for those of you here in the USA, most likely you have wonderful plans next weekend of swimming parties, backyard BBQ’s and homemade strawberry ice cream! I have so many cherished memories of the 4th of July Celebrations growing up… my memories are filled with rodeos, parades, s’mores, mountains and family! 

Rhonna created this fun, simple kit for the 4th of July- I love the whole vibe of this kit and I immediately wanted to create a book- something that I could have ready to just place the photos.  Here are some step by step photos to show you my process…

I used some of my new favorite products…Claudine Hellmuth’s acrylic paints and sticky back canvas (by Ranger) and my “Bind-it-All” by Zutter.
Quite frankly…I am having SO much fun with my “Bind-it-All”… I have only had this little gem of a tool since May, and if you don’t have one: BUY ONE!! I LOVE that I can make ANY size, style, look, type of book that I want at any time! I used to go to the copy store by ASU to get my books bound like this, and now I can do it all by myself! dang, I am seriously obsessed with it!! and it’s SO easy to use, and well- it’s PINK! What is not to love!?

First off, I created an 8 ½ x 11 size compilation of elements from this kit to print onto the Sticky back canvas. If you have PS or PSelements, you can simply drag the .png files onto a new document. If you don’t have one of these programs, you can open these files right into a word document, and print them that way. There is a little tutorial here on the  House of 3 blog for using word.  I love the texture you get with the canvas, and for sure the ease of use w/ the sticky back- it’s perfect.

For the cover, I actually decided to morph 2 of the .png elements into one for the cover.

The front of the book is 6”x9” and the back piece is 6”x10” so there is a 1” overhang that I placed another printed canvas element on.

I added a piece of red Cardstock along the left edge of the cover, and layered a series of stamps- I just partially stamped some music, text and script…I sanded a bit around the edges.

The Claudine Hellmuth paint is so nice to use, because you can simply dip the paint brush into the little bottles, instead of squeezing paint out to use. It’s wonderful paint- and the ‘sky blue’ matches the project perfectly!

I brushed on the blue paint around the edges (I really like this paint brush set- I used to just use a ton of sponge brushes, but I like this SO much better-it’s a very nice set, and pretty cheap for 6 brushes- I like the biggest one most).   I also painted a couple (heidiswapp) chipboard stars.

After the blue dried a little, I added ‘blank canvas’ (white) paint. Just simple brush strokes.

I printed a couple inside pages with some of the other elements from the kits. I used the Bazzill ‘Dotted Swiss’ for the inside pages.. (love that stuff). 

To put it all together, I used the ‘bind-it-all’. I used a ¾” ring… now it’s ready to  just add photos!  Now the challenge is for me to get some great photos next weekend! I think it might be photos from all month! That works!!


Email me if you have any questions! I hope you have fun creating this 4th of July book!

happy friday!

we just scooted back in town after a fabulous QUICK (too quick) getaway to Newport Beach. i absolutely LOVE the beach, and just feel so grateful that Warner's let us crash with them, and that the kids had such a blast playing together. I LOVE the tradition of vacations. i love the comfort in knowing where you are going, and what you like to do there- i love the 'at home' feeling that we all have. it's funny to sit and watch the progression of the kids' play, and how every place is super-charged with memories of past visits. i loved watching Capri and Connor run up and down the beach following after their older siblings; i could almost see the younger versions of Colton, Cory and Quincy, the memories were so vivid. ALL such happy times, happy memories.  i will tell you this... i did a HORRIBLE job taking photos. years ago, i'd come home with 300+ photos... or more. this time, 56. it's still enough to capture the essence... we'll see what i can come up with.

i have SO much to do after a few days of vacation! i have lots of work to get my classes for next week all ready. i posted the wrong link to Scrapbooks, ETC... this one is right.  i have products coming in from all over: Ranger, Sassafrass Lass, Provo Craft, of course Heidi Swapp, Scenic Route, American Crafts,  Bazzill, Zutter to name a few)  and putting kits, projects, lists and labels all together. it's exciting. 

Rhonna created this FUN 4th of July kit... and i just downloaded it myself, and am putting something fun together. Can't you just see it as cute iron on's onto t-shirts, and elements printed onto sticker paper?  i am actually sending some of Claudine Hellmuth's sticky back canvas through my printer to make a cover for a cutie book.... it's a little shocking to me that next weekend is the 4th of July! time flies. 

ok, wish me luck today- i have not got a moment to spare!

i'll be scrapbooking these tonight

we bailed out of town for a quick, last-minute and unplanned trip to southern california! we are staying with old friends- you know the kind that the kids have been playing since they were miniature and there is one at almost every age for the other... it's so fun to get back together again after a couple of years, and amazing to see how big they are getting! i love it. Spent the day at Newport... our favorite vacation spot. such a treat!

new classes...

I have just been working on finalizing contents to a few classes that I am teaching here locally at Scrapbooks, ETC. We have just kinda added these into the summer line up there, they are not noted on the schedule they mailed out earlier- but if you are going to be around over the 4th, then come and play!

On July 1st and 2nd I will be teaching a total of 4 classes.

1.    HKS Secrets- this is a really FUN and fast paced class that explores SO many possibilities with masks. We’ll be combining the NEW ‘mega masks’ with the ones that have been around for awhile to get all new, totally cool results! add in some stamping, layering, inking, blending inks, shading, shadowing and MORE… equals TOTALLY inspiring! It’s perfect for those totally new to masking and exciting for those who have been doing it as long as my masks have been around! We create 5 12” layouts; so you learn AND you’re totally productive! How awesome is that?

2. TONS of TECHNIQUES:  Inks, paints, gesso, …oh my!
There is more packed into this class than any other! We’ll start off learning 6 fabulous techniques to use with the Heidi Swapp Invisibles chipboard and paper and a slew of Ranger products. We’ll be creating a unique tiered bracket book using one simple template and students will learn yet one more inky technique as we finish off the front and back cover of the book, and use 7 gypsies new “Binderie” to bring it all together!
You’ll play and experiment with inks, paints, alcohol inks, distress, gesso and even custom color sprays …all from Ranger, and even make a Mini-BOOK! (gasp)!

3. House of 3 PROJECT Central:
In this class we’ll be creating 2 FUN projects featured on House of 3:
1.    Celebration Countdown: We’ll be creating a fun countdown wall hanging project that is easy and useful! We’ll be working from printed downloaded files from House of 3, trimming, inking and assembling and completing!  (I hour)
2.    “You are loved” mini book (this link shows off a version that Janet Hopkins made using this kit back in Feb. We'll be using all different papers and supplies to create the same book!)  that features a variety of templates printed on coordinating cardstock used to cover chipboard. Clear and Sticker elements will be combined to create and complete a book ready to ‘just add photos’.
3.    Thank you Card BONUS project… depending on how FAST we move through the class, we will create 2 clever thank you cards to have on hand, and leaving with the PDF files and know-how to create more as needed.
Students will learn tips and tricks, secrets and solutions for utilizing hybrid scrapbooking files and how to navigate and be TOTALLY inspired by House of 3. Kits will include everything needed to complete these 3 projects.

4. FAMILY ALBUM and YuDO training class

Ok, so this will rock your world and get your brain spinning with possibilities! This class has 2 important parts
Part 1: I will be educating and instructing how to use Provo Craft’s new Yudo machine: the do-it-yourself home silk-screen machine. This is SUCH an amazing and fun tool to have, and has endless applications and possibilities. I will give and OVERVIEW on how to create a screen start to finish, and supply step-by-step instructions to create. I’ll also highlight all the parts and pieces that make this cool-tool work!

Part 2: the project! We will be creating a 6x12 mini-book and using the Yudu to create the covers. We will prep the chipboard covers with yummy Claudine Hellmuth paints and her  ‘sticky backed canvas’ to get a fabulous (individualized) background that we’ll then screen print on our surfaces. I have designed these fun titles exclusively for this class!  Students will also receive an EXCLUSIVE set of screened embellishments to use throughout the book. Pages of the book will be made from Bazzill cardstock and heidi swapp papers. I’ll be sharing some cool tips on prepping the inside pages and we’ll put it all together using the ‘bind-it-all’ machine!

here is a little peek into what I have been creating with using the Yudu… it’s SUPER fun stuff.

we'll be doing this in the class... painting on chipboard, then screenprinting:

and this is another one we'll be playing with in class: painting and screen printing on Claudine Hellmuth's sticky backed canvas... this stuff is SO awesome! i LOVE it!


this is more painting with Claudine's paints (Ranger stuff) onto Bazzill chipboard sheets, and then adding stamps and screenprinting. this particular design is Liz's...i this it's SO cute. and LOVE the tiny details you can get!


this is on painted chipboard as well, this is the screen i used for Quincy's b-day party. this one has had a lot of use! i used it on mirror, scrapbook pages, chipboard and tons of shirts!

and here it is on a CIRCLE chipboard piece with tons of stamps and distress inks added:

i love the impact that you can get w/ the white ink!


so as you can see... i basically was screen printing anything i could get my hands on! it's so much fun! so come and play at Scrapbooks, ETC.. you can reach them by calling: 480-854-2303 or email me (see link under my picture above) with any questions!! we'll totally be beating the heat! They keep the store NICE and COOL!! smiles...

my friend, talia

i just have to share, cause this is so stinkin' cute... i have this friend that is so cute, and her name is Talia Audenart, and she is a self-confessed House of 3 addict! everything she makes is super cute. if you want more inspiration on the 'we love dad' kit...you must LOOK HERE...  

the photos are so sweet (there are a bunch more photos of this project on her blog), and she included her girls in the process! SO CUTE. Tal, you rock! thanks for sharing! Now i need to do a  photoshoot! i am feeling SO inspired! (i LOVE that star paper on this 5, does anyone know who's it is? )

not friday!!

I am not ready for this week to be over… I still have so much to squeeze in! I think that my expectations are a little too high, as I have been working my guts out this week. I don’t remember a busier or more productive week however-in a long time! so I am happy about that, I guess that is why I just don’t want to let it slip into the weekend! It’s got me thinking about what makes some weeks so focused and forward in motion and momentum, and what makes some days/weeks just so impossible. Not sure. I have been following some new blogs, and tweets and have learned some interesting new things that are helping!  I have benefited this week by taking the time to read tips on time management, stay-at-home-working tips and positive thinking. I read so many different things that I can’t really link back- should have kept better track, and will in the future, but wanted to share some changes that I made this week.

#1. Got up earlier than my kids. Gave me quiet time to think and get myself going. Put me on MY schedule rather than their tummies! Took time to pray before doing anything else.

#2. Made a prioritized to-do list right before bed for the next day.

#3. Trying to recognize what I DID accomplish, and focus on what DID get done.

#4. Set aside TIME to brainstorm. I love to brainstorm, but it needs to be apart from doing ANYTHING else. I love it when I can get my mind to wander. I am often totally energy charged after I spend focus time thinking of new ideas- and that  happy creative energy moves me in really powerful ways. But getting myself there, especially when everyone is home…and wanting something from me is impossible. This week I took advantage of a couple different times to FOCUS on brainstorming. Both sessions I set out to focus on something specific and emerged with some exciting thoughts. I think I am still bubbling over them.

**I still struggle with staying on task, and working on something through completion.
**I wish I would keep my studio clean as I work, instead of allowing it to look like it does right now. (ugh, you would die!)
**and I wonder if I am more productive if I get up and get showered/dressed or just NOT. I actually LOVE to NOT.

This week at House of 3, we featured a week-long series of a project and inspiration! Today was the last day, so go check out the last look of bringing it all together! We are doing a bunch of giveaways… so go check it out HERE! 

And if you want to play along… here is the magnet board kit that has a million possibilities!

and if you didn't see this... there is still time to create a 'reasons we love dad' kit before sunday! i stole this from Janet Hopkin's blog... it's her book. you can see the start of mine here- hoping to finish it tonight!

mega mask pages

Today I got to teach a version of my ‘HKS secrets’ class at Scrapbooks, ETC. It’s really such a fun class. It’s a class that teaches LOTS of ways to use my NEW mega masks, my old cool masks, some of my stamp sets, distress inks and blending tool and my NEW invisible line. During the 3 hour  class, we create 5 different 12” layouts that feature all the different and unique techniques. I love teaching it. Today’s class was full of such nice ladies… some very familiar faces, and some new! I took Colton with me today to help me out and he even made some tips. (he loved that). He even helped pack the kits and do classroom set up. (he is trying to earn money for Scout camp).  I revamped it just a little bit and I think there were some fun alterations… here are 2 samples that I made to show in class.

supplies:
heart mega mask
star mega mask
circle mega mask
glossy chipboard alphabets
summer sun paper
invisibles sticker gridlines
summer sun stickers
shabby shutters Distress Ink
Broken China Distress Ink
Spiced Marmelade Distress Ink
firebrick Red Distress
american craft thickers
House of 3 'oo la la' background (the green dots)



Supplies:
Love Notes paper
heart mega mask(see above link)
dots mask
glossy chipboard alpha (see above link)
american craft thickers
fired brick distress...(see above link)
TONS OF STAMPS
of course, if you want to know the 'secrets' you have to take the class!
**all the distress inks are on sale at scrapbook.com and check this out: a $400 shopping spree!!! be sure to enter by making a purchase!

 as you can see, I am addicted to the ‘thickers’..and I think I enabled everyone in the room today. Looks like I will be back at Scrapbooks, ETC. on July 1 and 2 teaching 2 all new classes as well as ‘secrets’ again. All ‘inspiration sessions’ classes, and more details will follow soon, so clear your schedule if you are local! Also, I will be out at Scrap Happy Sisters in Glendale on July 18th. I’ll be teaching the Energy Journal class and ‘Secrets’… so you can call and book there (email for more info)

my studio is a disaster, and I need a nap!
I have a bunch of fun photos that I want to get on some pages…maybe if I take a little power nap, I can work tonight!?
Have you checked out today’s Magnet Board inspiration at the House of 3 blog? go check it out, then look at Rhonna’s blog too..she shows off some additional fun magnets! (to die for)

the magic of a wedding...

I have to share these images, cause it was awesome.

I got to be the ‘photographer’ at a wedding and reception this weekend. The young woman that was married used to be my ‘regular’ babysitter-since she was just a little girl! And it was amazing to see her all grown up, watching her take the next step in life was remarkable. I don’t consider myself qualified to be a wedding photographer, but I was cheap (free) and hopefully I got the job done.
(allison tyler jones took their engagment and bridals... you can see them HERE. alison is so AWESOME! she even stopped by the reception and i got to visit with her for a sec... i LOVE her)
The best part of the process for me was to attend her actual wedding, and sit in the room of the temple as she and her cutie groom were sealed. It totally took me back to the day that Eric and I were married in the Salt Lake Temple. I was kinda amazed at how clearly I remembered the feelings I had and that day…being newlywed- taking that step into a life together. I spent the rest of the day thinking about milestones and setbacks…the highs and lows. I am truly thankful to the man I married. To the family that I gained in so doing, and the life that we have created together… and most of all,  our most beautiful, sweet children. No matter where we are, or what we have…we have each other.  Weddings are wonderful! Full of promise, hope and opportunity…funny how you think you love your husband so much on that day, and how much that love grows.
Wishing Elizabeth and Clint the very best…I hope you remember the things you both heard and felt that day.  I will.