Valentines Day Mini Journal/Album 2013

Love is in the Air

This past weekend I was lucky to attend the Sale-A-Bration (and Spring Catty) Smackdown a local event that brings demonstrators and customers together to create wonderful projects, participate in demo booths, play games and WIN prizes. As always I so enjoy being a part of the demo booths, I get to create cute projects and demo them in 10 mins. Its great to show how easy it is to create and what you can do with paper.

For my demo booth I create this very cute Valentines Day Mini Journal/Album using items from our new spring catalogue. This mini journal album is made using one sheet of card stock, designer series paper and is embellished using items from our new mini and Sale-a-bration catalogue.

If you would like the instructions to this project you can down load the PDF here.

Front view Valentines Day Mini Journal/Album

Interior view Valentines Day Mini Journal/Album

Interior view Valentines Day Mini Journal/Album

Thanks for stopping by!

SNEAK PEAK No 2 VINTAGE LOVE

SNEAK PEAK TIME!

It is EASY To Create Your Own Wedding Invitations! 

Looking To Expand Your Stamping Business 

              Then This Workshop For You.

Join me Saturday March 30, 2013 for my Wedding Invitation Workshop. Learn how to make one of a kind invitations using My Digital Studio (MDS), stamping techniques and creative pockets that will WOW your customers or your guests.

Sign-up for blog notifications for each of the four Sneak Peaks.

Register early and your name will go in for a draw to WIN My Digitial Studio (MDS) and upgrade.

For more information click Wedding Workshop.

Hope to see you there!

Sneak Peak No 2

BLAST FROM THE PAST - 2009

Phew it is Out of the Bag - Stampin' Success Feature Guest Artist

The latest issue of Stampin' Success was released on-line today and I'm delighted to share that I was featured as guest artist for the month of August.

My experience:
The hardest thing was keeping my excitement from my Stampin' Up family over the past several months. Who would have thought entering a design challenge (see here) would result in my receiving an e-mail invitation about an opportunity to be guest artist and better yet doing a wedding theme? To be honest with you at first I thought it was a joke. The night before I was saying to a good friend of mine Kim Roberts see her wedding here. How it would be a thrill to get published and the next day I get an e-mail from Kim Jackson at Stampin’ Up. Who would have thought.

How I became a demonstrator:

Like many of you I was tired of going to the local craft store or scrap booking store and spending hours trying to match patterned paper and card stock, ribbons and accessories, even stamps were a huge challenge. Yes I am a scrap booking card making snob. I am very particular when I do my craft art. I want tools and materials that will enhance my creations. So one day I had bought a new scrape booking magazine and was turning the pages and came across an ad for a company called Stampin’ Up, googled it and was instantly sold.

Everything match's from card stock to ink to markers, why even the stamp sets could be intertwined, even better I could order from Canada. So I went to find a demonstrator option on the website, looked through the names of demonstrators in my area and found a new friend and up line Kim Kirkwood. I attended one of her home workshops and that was it, I was sold. I have not looked back since and that's was almost 3 years ago.

What I love to do:

Today I specialize in one of a kind wedding invitations. I love working with brides and making their dreams come true. I offer a full service from designing complete wedding packages.To working with the bride who wants to create their own. I love to create one of kind invitations that express each couples special day.

I love doing workshops, Xmas, Wedding, Showers, Mother's Day just about everything. Currently I am doing a personal challenge called The 7 Day Challenge see here.

Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, and Day 5. Day 6 and 7 are to follow so don't forget to subscribe to my blog today.

My experience:

I am a Creative Art Director for a local high tech company, I manage a team of 4 designers, 1 student photographer and 1 Production Manager. I have been working in the high tech industry now for 12 years now, prior to that I worked full time as a senior graphic designer for our local college and was also continuing education teacher for 2 years.


I am married to a wonderful man who is very supportive of my creativity, we have no children but do have two furry kids, Gadget and Holly. We love to travel, and are hoping to go Ireland next year for our summer vacation.

Our wedding day June 7, 2003.



Thank you:

I would like to thank Kim Jackson Sr. Writer/Editor from Stampin' Up! Kim was so wonderful to work with and truly made this a wonderful experience. From the initial e-mail, to the final product I was honored to be a part of this.

Look for my upcoming demonstrator work shop this coming September see here.

Questions leave me a post and I will answer your questions on my next post.

REMINDER: Wedding Workshop for Workshop

We are filling up fast for the up coming workshop don't miss your spot!

I love it when you have everything done and you think your ahead of the game and then one little thing throws a wrench in it. Yes I made a mistake only 10 days into 2013 and I made my first. See my children are fur babies not like most people who have children and I totally forgot about March break here in Canada. 

All that said here is the the new post for: 

Workshop Date
Saturday March 30, 2013 

Earlybird Registering
February 8, 2013
Register early and your name will go into a draw for My Digital Studio (MDS) including upgrade to the latest version! Value: 99.95

Last Day to Registering 
March 15, 2013

Register here: Wedding Invitation Workshop

September Wedding

Two Absolutely Wonderful People

I know I always say this is my favourite wedding invitation and/or couple that I have worked with but it is so true. Each couple is individual, with individual ideas wants and needs. Every once in a while you get that couple that you truly fall in love with and Allison and Stephen are just that couple. I have never meet Allison and Stephen (though I have met Stephen I will explain later) but I seriously feel in love with their love of each other. 

Our first meeting and seriously it would not have happened if not for Lynn from Weddings Unveiled who felt I was a perfect match for this couple. Our first meeting was done on Skype yes Skype and the reason for this was at the time Allison and Stephen were living in Chile. Working with both Lynn and Ali I was able to help them create their vision. They wanted something creative and different from their colours black and yellow, to the design, fun and playful with elegant touches.

A lovely note from Allison and Stephen

Our experience working with Jo-Ann was exceptional in all respects. Not only is she the sweetest lady in the world, she is also equipped with amazing talent. It was very easy to express my ideas and have her transform them into beautiful products. She is extremely easy to work with and has a lot of wonderful ideas. The final products were of the highest quality and many guests commented on how unique and beautiful our invitations and wedding programs were. I would 100% recommend Jo-Ann to any friends and have already! I hope to work with her again for all other special events. Thanks so much Jo-Ann for adding a beautiful, creative and quality touch to our wedding. She was the best wedding vendor we worked with throughout or wedding planning process.   -Allison and Stephen 

Allison and Stephen on their wedding day! So happy!
Congratulations you two!

The following design is a one-of-a-kind creation created just for them. 

The Wedding Suite

Monogram, belly band pocket invitation with return address label.

The Wedding Program

Cover and interior

The Wedding Suitcase Favour with Luggage Tag and Table Number

All the Suitcase Wedding Favour in a Neat Row

Such cute little favours that look like suitcase
with luggage tag and table number.

The Wedding Program

Wedding Program front.

Wedding Program interior such fun.

Wine Labels

Three Different Wine Labels

Thank you for stopping by.

SNEAK PEAK TIME!

Wonder How Easy It is To Create Your Own Wedding Invitations? 

Looking To Expand Your Stamping Business Then This Workshop For You.

Join me Saturday March 30, 2013 for my Wedding Invitation Workshop. Learn how to make one of a kind invitations using My Digital Studio (MDS), stamping techniques and creative pockets that will WOW your customers or your guests.

Sign-up for blog notifications for each of the four Sneak Peaks.

Register early and your name will go in for a draw to WIN My Digitial Studio (MDS) and upgrade.

For more information click Wedding Workshop.

Hope to see you there!

Sneak Peak No 1

Valentines for Veterans Why Not Take the Time

Valentines for Veterans

Each year, Veterans Affairs Canada invites people and organizations to send in handmade valentines, then distributes them among veterans in long-term-care facilities across Canada. What a lovely way to say thank you. Cards can be sent to:

Valentines for Vets
Veterans Affairs Canada
Canada Remembers
P.O. Box 7700
Charlottetown, PE C1A 8M9

So far I have 30 cards done and ready for shipping why not take up the challenge and put a smile  on the face of our Veterans this Valentines Day.

A Loving Heart is the Truest Wisdom - Charles Dickens

Today's post also includes a scrapbook page with one of my favourite pictures from our wedding. I love the new paper from Stampin'up "More Amore Speciality Designer Series Paper" it is so sweet and adorable. 

It's the way you say I love you and the way you hold my hand.
There's just so much about you I completely understand
It's the twinkly in your eye that I only see when you look at me
It's the warmness of your hands it sends a shock straight to my feet
It's how you always amaze me, you surprise me all day long.
This I know is true honey I'm in love with you.

Supplies

More Amore Speciality Designer Series Paper 

5/8" Flower Trim

Illuminate Glimmer Watermark Stampin' Pad

Affection Collection Clear Mount Stamp Set from Fall and Winter Catalogue

Elegant Butterfly Punch

Thanks for stopping by.

Rustic Wedding October 2012

Rustic Wedding ~ Codes Mill On The Park ~ Perth, Ontario

One of my favourite places to visit in Perth is Codes Mill On the Park located in the heart of Perth, Ontario over looking the Tay River and Stewart Park. There is so much to see and do in this beautiful town that a weekend is just not enough. Known for it's beautiful parks, museums, artisans shops and eateries within walking distance. Perth is the perfect spot for a fall wedding and the inspiration for this wedding invitation. 

There is something about using natural fibers and materials that brings things back to nature. From the AURA Milkweed paper to the Very Vanilla cardstock, even the rustic colours orange, navy and purple, to the twine and even twigs from my garden. This was one of my favourite invitations, simple design, unique to the vellum tag with the word Absolutely. Big thank you too Lynn Lee of Weddings Unveiled for the fantastic referral and support .

Designed for Emma and Steven’s rustic wedding at Codes Mill On The Park in Perth, Ontario.

Closed will twine and twig belly band and tag.

Opened showing pocket on left, Accommodations and RSVP card and angled flap

Have a great day!

One Little Word 2013 - SIMPLICITY

One Little Word 2013 - SIMPLICITY

"A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything. It can be sharp and biting or rich and soft and slow. From my own personal experience, it can be a catalyst for enriching your life."   - Ali Edwards 

Who would think that one single word could be a powerful thing. Last year I had full intentions of taking this task on choosing a word and running with it for 12 months exploring its possibilities. Looking back now though I did not follow through with this project my word EMBRACE was with me during such hard times. I learned that I could not stop my father’s illness, but EMBRACE the time that I had with him. The time came when we no longer could look after him I was able EMBRACE that fact. I knew then that I was now the adult and needed to make this decision that Mom couldn't look after Dad any more. Though he didn't want to go to the hospital it was the best option for him and for all of us in the end. 

I know this One Little Word got me through everything allowing myself to EMBRACE the things I could not control. In some way made everything easier, easier to accept, easier to allow happen, and most of all easier to spend the time I needed with such a wonderful father.

One Little Word 2013 - SIMPLICITY

All of this said I have taken on the challenge again with a new word, SIMPLICITY. Why not join me on this personal experience or why not try it yourself here at Big Picture Classes.

The following is my homework for January I choose 12 different things that I want to SIMPLIFY in my life. To help me grow to be a better person, in all areas of my life. They are not in any real order and some of them are blank allowing me to figure out what it is that they mean. January's word is possessions, I am taking stock of things that I no longer need and either selling or donating to charity. This could mean my studio so stay tuned it could be a bumpy ride.

NOTE: the turquoise card stock will hold a picture of me that I will be taking hopefully this weekend. 

PPA150 - Challenge Using Affection Collection!

PPA150 - Challenge Using Affection Collection!

Happy New Year and welcome to my first Pals Paper Arts Challenge of 2013!  

Last year was such a challenging year for me, with the loss of my father in May and then my father-in-law in December and my sweet Aunt Dolly on Christmas Eve. All I can say is that 2013 is going to be a better year than 2012. I plan to post a lot more, so look forward to more posts, Wedding Workshops and designs, 3D crafts and challenges such as this one from Pals Paper Arts Challenge of 2013. I am also taking part in Ali Edwards workshop One Little Word which I will explain in my next post. So stayed tune for a lot more creative stuff that will hopefully inspire you!

Let's get started with the first color challenge of 2013 from PPA:  an inspiring combination of Melon Mambo, Basic Black and Basic Gray using the stamp set "Affection Collection" from Stampin' Up.