It's beginning to look a lot like......

Can't believe I haven't blogged in a month! Every time I do an entry, I tell myself I will do it more often, but then life gets in the way....
At least I have been crafting, and Christmas has definitely arrived at our house. One of the Tree's is up, the garland is on the staircase, and we've got christmas lights in the front windows. Still more to be done, but that will have to wait until this weekend.

In preparation for the holiday season, I've been working on some of my homemade gifts. I started with these adorable little decorated gift tin... aren't they cute? So easy to make, and they are really in expensive too as they use a recycled container, small pieces of paper, and just a few embellishments and stamped images. I used my Merry Mr. Snowman set from myStampBox which is getting a lot of use this season!


Perfect for holding home made cookies and giving as gifts for colleagues or teacher, or use them at a Cookie Exchange. I'm also thinking that I'll be doing some of these with larger tins, and non holiday paper with the kids, to give as teacher gifts as shown over on Splitcoast Stampers today. You can see that I made some extra coordinating pieces, including a recipe card and an invitation.... so much fun once you get going!

I think I've finally decided on a cookie for my upcoming cookie exchange... Lemon Raspberry Thumbprints. They sound delicious and I love anything lemon!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup raspberry jam or jelly
• 1 tablespoon Chambord or kirsch
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, at room temperature
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter 2 large baking sheets.

In a small bowl, combine the jam and Chambord. Stir to combine.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt and whisk to blend.

In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and creamy. Beat in the egg yolks, lemon zest, lemon juice and vanilla. Add the flour mixture in 2 additions and beat just until moist clumps form. Gather the dough together into a ball.

Pinch off the dough to form 1-inch balls. Place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing 1-inch apart. Use your floured index finger or 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon to create depressions in the center of each ball. Fill each indentation with nearly 1/2 teaspoon of the jam mixture. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

I've got to get going on my Christmas Cards next.... stay tuned!

Goodies Give Away...

Happy November.... Hopefully everyone had a fantastic Halloween. We enjoyed spending it with friends and family, and now I am ready to move into my favourite season... CHRISTMAS!

To get everyone in the spirit of giving... My Stamp Box is GIVING away a new Stamp Set... It's a great one, and I don't have it yet, but I need to add it to my list for sure. To win all you have to do is leave a comment over on the BLOG.



I'm off work today and I'm going to be sharing some of my pic from a recent card class I taught at the Creative Festival. Check back in tomorrow for pics and step by step instructions.

I HEART Maya Road

Okay, I just have to say, I LOVE the folks over at Maya Road! I'm getting ready for my class at the CREATIVE FESTIVAL next weekend, and in doing so I realize... WHOOOPSS.. I forgot to order the BOOKS for my "Year in the Life" Mini Book class. Jump onto the Maya Road site, order my stuff, and send them a nice note to ask them to ship FAST, pretty pretty please!

Well within the hour I have a personal note back from one of the owners (thanks Caroline), and then a UPS shipping confirmation. Amazing, I mean REALLY amazing. That's customer service worth talking about! add that to a FANTASTIC product, and well, I HEART Maya Road!

Now, if you are wondering, we are doing the Year in the Life Class at the Creative Festival on Saturday.... and it's going to be awesome. I've got some really great custom/exclusive journalling spots and templates designed, gorgeous Maya Road rub-ons, trims, MAYA MISTS (oh baby I LOVE these), buttons, stickles, paint and oh, so much more!

If you want to join in, there were still a few spots available last time I spoke to the Festival, but it was filling fast. The Class code is 502c1.5 Cost is: $25.00 and there is a kit fee of $10.00. You get the Maya Road Album and lots of embellishments to complete the mini album, plus at gift from myStampBox too.

The Card Carnival Class also has some spots in it... so why not play hooky from work on Thursday and come and play. The class is 3 hours, we make 18 CARDS and there are two stamps in the class kit to take home thanks to my FANTASTIC sponsors: myStampBox and RoseWood Stamps. There is also a really cool, new product from Big Dawg Productions that will be launched in the class and you get a FREEBIE from them as well! - Yep.... it's gonna be good!
Class Code: 501c3 - Cost is: $60.00 including the class kit which is AWESOME.

If you can't make either of these classes, come on out and join me in Brampton in November...
I'm thrilled to be heading up to Sandy's store Olde Tyme Country Crafts & Studio. We've got 2 Christmas Card making classes planned, both technique rich, and lots of fun.... you're sure to be in the holiday spirit once you've spent the day Card Making.... Oh, and Sandy promises to wear a SANTA hat too *grin* Classes are on Nov 15th and the 29th from 12:30-3:30 and cost $35.00 plus applicable taxes.. You can reserve a spot by calling the store: 905-452-1271

Samples and sneak peeks of everything coming soon.... promise!

A blog Hop... meet some new designers!

New designs, new designers and another blog hop..... lots of fun stuff over on the myStampBox website this fall. Come on over and join us!

First Day of Fall....

It's the First Day of Fall, and I'm home with a sick kid. Jacob has a terrible head cold and cough and no appetite. Poor boy! For me it meant a day of crafting though.... so it could be worse.

It's my blog day over on myStampBox so I started my Thanksgiving Decor early and posted over there.. Go check out my Invitation and cute pillow box place cards.

While the kids were at school and I had some quiet time, I've also been working on some of the designs for my upcoming Holiday Card Classes. I'll be teaching at the Creative Festival in Toronto Oct 16 & 17th and I'll be in the Canandian Scrapbooker Booth too for the run of that event.

I'm really thrilled to add a new Cardmaking for Christmas Class up in Brampton... November 15th. I'm heading over to Old Tyme Country Crafts and I'd love to see you. Time are still TBA, but we're making 6 really cute cards, using lot's of techniques including: Watercolour with Tombow, Colouring with Copics, Chalking with Dove Blender, Using Die Cuts in your designs and more..... You don't want to miss out! Call Sandy now to book your spot. 905-452-1271 Suitable for all levels of crafters, bring a friend and have some fun! Samples will be on-line shortly.

And last but not least, I've been in the mood for soups lately (must be the cooler weather). I made this great Clam Chowder last night. The kids added corn to theirs, which they loved. Everyone liked the soup part, and the pototoes and the bacon..... they all left the clams in the bottom of the bowl! Oh well, the grown ups all liked it.


Clam Chowder Beauregard

6 slices lean bacon -- diced
2 large onions -- diced
3/4 cup butter
7 whole potatoes -- peeled and diced
2 Tablespoons parsley -- minced
1/8 teaspoon pepper
8 oz. clam juice
1 can baby clams
1 quart half and half
1/4 teaspoon Thyme leaves

Brown bacon. Add onion and cook until translucent. Add half the butter, potatoes, parsley and pepper. Add water. Drain juice form clams and blend in potato mixture. Simmer until potatoes are soft. Add clams. Stir until heated. Add half and half and remaining butter and heat slowly until very hot. Do not boil. Serve at once.

Win, Win, Win....

Back to school has brought lots of paper to our house..... (I knew it would happen), so I made the bulletin board in this Fall's issue to help keep us organized! With that accoomplished, I have room for more paper (okay, I don't really...), but maybe you do!

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN

Just head on over to Canadian Scrapbooker's website and click on the LINK, to win a HUGE collection of Core' dination Cardstock.... LIKE, $500.00 worth!

You can enter to win this fantastic prize by filling out the form. The winner (announced on December 1, 2009) will receive over 1,00 sheets of premium sandable cardstock including

• Core Essentials: 160 colours
• 4 Black Magic Assorted packs
• 4 Vinatge collection assorted packs
• 2 Chocolate Box Bulk Pack
• 2 Whitewash Collection Bul pack ( I ADORE THIS STUFF)
• 1 Dust Buddy
  

GOOD LUCK!!!! and happy scrapping.

Hands on Photography..... don't miss this class!

A new feature coming to Canandian Scrapbooker..... it's on-line and it should be great.
Sue Sykes is going to be offering an new course,Hands On Photography.

There will be monthly prizes, assignments and an online gallery to post your photos! The course is set to go live Sept 01, 2009, just as the kids head back to school.... so you should have a little more time for "you". Hope to see you over there!

Lara

Summer of Cookies....

With summer here for the boys, I always like to find fun activities we can do as a family, that don't necessarily involve a water slide, roller coasters and junk food (though we do some of that too).

This year, we decided that we are going to bake cookies.....lots of different kinds of cookies! I've got this great cookbook called The Bake Sale Cookbook that has the BEST banana bread recipe ever in it, I use it ALL the time. I've always wanted to cook my way through a book, and this one has lots of tasty sounding recipes... so we're going to try it. Our first selection is for Cocoa Crinkles, they use ingredients I have on hand, and seem simple enough to make. I'll let you know how they turn out tomorrow.

Also on the books for me this week is some major scrapping! I'm designing a new workshop and making kits for it too. If you're coming to Croptopia Pink, you'll be able to sign up for the class - Summer Fun! A 10 Page chipboard mini album showcasing Top 10 things you did and loved this Summer. Featuring the We R Memory Keepers Mini 4x4 Chipboard Album, 10 mini page protectors, Basic Grey June Bug pre-cut papers, and embellishments along Stix 2 anything Glitter and Seed Beads, Prima marketing ribbon and flowers, custom made transparencies, stencils and journalling spots, and Prism Cardstock. This is going to be a GREAT workshop and kit!

Can't make it to class? You can BUY the kit, inlcuding FULL colour instructions and all supplies for just $30.00.

The class is going to be $30.00 at Croptopia Pink, but I will donate $5.00 from every class registration to my friend Cheryl McIntyre
who is raising funds for the Weekend to End Breast Cancer. If you attend the class, you can buy additional kits for $24.95.

I should have a sneak peek available tomorrow afternoon.

NEED the collection pack? Pre-order it with me by sending an email, and I'll make sure to get yours in the next shipment I receive. Cost, only $22.00 + tax.

Frogs Whiskers....

Yes, you read correctly! I said Frogs Whiskers!! This is a fantastic store located on Campbellford Ontario, that is also the home of Rosewood Designs stamps and the ubber stamping talent Rosemary. Not only does she teach, run the store and do trade shows - she DESIGNS all the stamp images for the Rosewood collection... unbelievable!

At the Creative Festival last fall, I saw and brought home with me some of the new WAVE stamps from Rosewood. These are unique stamps that allow you top interchange the top, bottom and center banner pieces to get multiple looks. The particular wave stamp felt very summery, and cheeryful - perfect for a sweet summer birthday card. This card is actually quite simple to put together, and requires only some basic supplies.

Cardstock - Yellow & Burgundy

CN661 Trellis & Strawberries (Rosewood Stamps)

Stazon ink (timber brown)

Tombow markers (969 brown, 177 green, 847 red, 090 yellow)

Rangers Stickles

Stamp you image onto your yellow cardstock. Colour with the tombows, add stickles accents. Let dry. Cut out the pieces and layer onto your card front. Voila ~ you're done! Make a few while your at it, and have extra's on hand for last minute birthdays.

I've got some news coming... cool news.... so stay tuned! Oh, and a great shopping offer that I'll post more about tomorrow.

I heart PRISM Papers!

So much to share, let's see? Where to start? It's officially the last day of school, and the kids are so excited for the summer holidays to begin. They are also super excited about our traditional last day of school DINNER ..... ICE CREAM sundaes!

In fact, Jonathan is making play dough mock ups of what he wants tonight, using the Ice Cream Sundae maker machine he HAD to have Santa bring this year. It's totally cute!



I am to am totally excited today.... I had a fantastic box arrive at my door step from the Card stock fairy! A huge box of GORGEOUS Prism Cardstock, I think ALL of their colours.... all wrapped up and looking beautiful!! I cannot wait to play this weekend.... I've got LOTS of new assignments and some NEW CLASSES to work on. I just recently discovered that they have a great blog, full of talented designers with lots of creative ideas the share daily.... you should check it out!

Speaking of classes... I am working on a really fantastic mini album to teach at the Croptopia Pink Fundraising Crop. I'm going for the weekend.... leaving on the Friday coming home on Sunday... I LOVE hotels, and this will give me two nights of hotel, a trip to the Casino maybe and a chance to meet some new scrappers which I love.... all while supporting a good cause. Why not join in the fun? Registration is now open just contact Susan at Croptopia to reserve your spot.


I've also been scrapping... a lot lately. I was working on a special custom album, which I just finished and gave to my client. It was a special gift for her Fathers' birthday and I think she was pleased with the results... in fact, she ordered more pages, so I'm pretty sure she was pleased!

She gave me permission to show some of the photo's here. I really need to go and get a flickr accout or something similar so I can have a gallery of my work on line. I like the typepad format, but not the cost... anyways, I'm rambling. Here's one of the layouts until I figure out where I want to upload the rest. This one reminds me of the perfect Chrismtas Card phot... so "Leave it to Beaver" I love it!

Where did May go?

Wow, where did May go? I can't even remember!! I've been really busy working on projects for the Fall Issue of Canadian Scrapbooker, plus the re-print of Canadian Scrapbooker Basics Vol 1, 2nd edition!! The first one SOLD OUT - amazing.

Just as the Fall projects were heading out the door, the summer issue was arriving on my door step... (don't ya love this cover?).... I think it's awesome.

This reminded me that I promised to share our family recipe for Brooks Burgers... they are definitely filled with lots of stuff, and very flexible. Everyone at our house loves them, and even my Father In Law gets them as a GIFT for fathers day (that's how much he likes them).

BROOKS BURGERS

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 whole egg
1/4 cup milk -- *optional
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons grill seasoning
3 dashes worcestershire sauce
3 Tablespoons dijon mustard -- or 1 Tablespoon dry mustard
3 Tablespoons ketchup -- *or BBQ or SALSA
1 small onion -- finely chopped
1/2 cup grated cheese, *optional

In a large bowl mix together all ingredients. Form into patties, and let
sit in the fridge for 20 minutes.

BBQ over medium heat or cook in the oven until desired doneness

*Note, don't try to turn these over too soon, or they will BREAK! Wait until they flip easily.

In addition to those projects, I've been working on some new classes, and lining up some teaching events. I am thrilled to say that I am working at TWO events that are supporting Breast Cancer Awareness. There are still tickets available for both, and I'd love to see you there

July 3rd 24 Hour Crop for the Cure I'll be doing a make n' take and some page challenges. These girls know how to throw a crop, and you can even SWIM at this one... sure to be a good time. Tickets are $100, but all funds go to the Super Boobie Fairies Team that is participating in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer.

September 26 - Ottawa - Croptopia PINK Fundraising Crop
Registration for this event has just opened, and it's sure to sell out! Susan runs the extremely popular Croptopia weekend retreat at Camp Iawah and this day crop is sure to be GREAT. I'll be teaching a class and doing a free make n' take. Details on the class will be available soon, so stay tuned. Funds raised at this event are going to the CIBC Run for the Cure


That's all I've got for today, I have a custom album I am working on that I need to add a few final touches too before handing it over to my client this weekend!

Smile....

So I've been working on Magazine layouts all week.. printing, cutting, fiddling.. stamping oh, it's all so much fun! CSB Volume 5 is going to be excellent! Of course that means I can't SHARE the new stuff, but this layout is one that makes me smile... Jonathan is only 2 here... and LOOk at that HAT! It's the hat that gets worn by anyone who forgets their winter hat when we go up to our cottage *lol* I also wanted to share this other blog that I think is just GREAT.. 365 CARDS, one per day.. what a way to get inspired! I love the work that they do.. now that's not to say I am acutally keeping up, but the idea is fantastic.... Check out 365 Cards, this one was creatd by Gloria Stengel and gets you in the mood to finish those Mother's Day cards.. yes it's this WEEKEND!

myStampBox Blog

Hard to believe but it's BLOG HOP time again over at myStampBOX! I was supposed to do a great sketch and a layout or project to match.. but I got called into work, and just couldn't make it! The other designers have done some incredible work.. so please head on over and check out their projects! You can see links to all of their blogs in my sidebar... but to follow the blog hop.. head over to CHERIE's BLOG and leave a comment... You can also enter to win..... some AWESOME stamps! The more I play with these stamps, the more I LOVE them! The possibilities are endless....

Here's a really quick card, simple but effective. It uses the Neighborhoods stamp set AGAIN! It's just such a cute set!..... You could use the same technique of stamping a line of images and then cutting out the top outline with many other images.. a row of flowers would be adorable! Gotta go and grab some and give that a try whe I have a minute. That's all for today folks.. happy National Scrapbooking Day.

More time to SCRAP!

Well, I don't know about you, but I NEED more time to SCRAP! I can't wait for the warmer weather and longer days..... Oh, and National Scrapbooking Day is coming soon too! Until then, I'm trying out some quick to make dinner options.... leaving me more time to? SCRAP!

I'm working on some cool projects for the Fall issue of Canadian Scrapbooker and the final Basics Book - Volume 5....

I am also prepping to go to Scrapfest in Kitchener this weekend! I'm so excited. I'll be at the Canadian Scrapbooker Booth, AND I get to take Cathie Allens stamping class...OMG she does gorgeous work! Anyone going?

This layout features some fun papers from We R Memory Keepers, stamps from myStampBox,
Vinyl Letter Stickers from American Crafts (I love all their Thickers).....and SEWING.. and yes, I know it's crooked, I did that on purpose *g*

This recipe comes from one of my favourite easy cooking websites: Menu's 4 Moms

Shortcut Chicken Cordon Blue

* 1 tbsp butter
* 2 cups diced cooked chicken
* 1 can cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup
* 2 tbsp water
* 2 tbsp dry white wine
* 1/2 cup swiss cheese, shredded
* 1/2 cup cooked ham, diced
* 4 cups cooked egg noodles

In a medium skillet over medium heat add soup, water, wine, cheese and ham. Heat to a boil, stirring often. Add cooked chicken to pan. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook 5 minutes or until chicken is heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve over cooked egg noodles.

Blog Hopping....

So we are moving..... from blog to blog!

This is a simple card I did for the blog hop... once you're done check out the next spot, leave a comment on every post and you can win a FREE set of your choice!




Don't forget to head over to Marci's Blog.... http://marciknecht.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by!

Come and join us on Wednesday for a chance to win a FREE set of myStamp BOX stamps of your choice!

Help us out by advertising our little hoppin’ adventure by attaching a blinkie on your blog:

Once you have attached your blinkie, come back here and post a link to your blinkie image on your blog for one more ballot in the hat for Wednesday’s prize of a FREE set of stamps!

Good luck and we’ll see YOU on Wednesday night!

Win a set from My Stamp Box...

Have you seen this latest set from myStampBOX? It's really cute... and I love the name too - OVAL OFFICE! The these will work great on all sorts of card, and I can't wait to try them with the Marcy Oval punches....

The best part? You can WIN a set, free, just by leaving a comment over on the myStampBox blog.... oh, and you can mention that I sent you!

If you have a blog, and you mention it on yours, you will get a second entry. Bettina's got all the info on the blog, so be sure to check it out.

Stay tuned for more give aways.. the DT has a fun day planned on the 8th of April.. details to follow.

Last chance for this weeks challenge.. common, you know you wanna submit... so share a layout about your Home Sweet Home.... and leave me a comment to be entered to win.

Happy Scrappin' everyone. I hope to have a new project to show you tomorrow. It's been a tough weekend, Jacob has been sick for the last THREE days, so that's kinda taken up most of my time.

Page Challenges! You can do it!

I belong to a great group on Yahoo called the Toronto Area Scrapbookers. We talk a LOT, and often not about scrapbooking... but it's all in good fun and I've made some of my best friends on that list! We have tried a few times to get "back to business" and focus at least a LITTLE on scrapping... so I am going to try and help!

A page challenge, to win some blog candy AND encourage you to make some layouts.. that you can submit to Canadian Scrapbooker.... it's win win win for everyone!

Check here each Sunday for 2 or 3 Themes, post a comment with a link to your layout once it's done, and you'll be entered to win.. a prize! I've got stamp sets, paper packs and lots more to choose from. I'm thinking this first week I'll offer up a set of stamps....I'n not telling which ones, but they are nice, and they are acrylic.....

Ready set go... go make a layout.. traditional or digi is fine. Leave a comment with a link and your done. Then, while your at it, why not submit it to Canadian Scrapbooker?


Themes:

1) Layouts that have a traffic sign theme or that use traffic sign products

2) Home Sweet Home

Do one of each and you'll get 2 entries!


Prize to be selected using Randmon Integer Selector..... so don't be shy!

Happy Scrapping everyone......

myStampBOX

Today was my first day to post on the myStampBOX blog.... I featured this card and shared lots of information on how to work with Acetate. I hope you will stop over there, leave a comment and while you are there take a look at some of the fantastic designs that the other DT members have shared as well.

It's been ages since I posted, it's been awful busy around here. I taught my Acrylic Album class to a great group of ladies in St. Thomas at the Cut n' Paste, and again here in my workshop last weekend. Everyone seems to really enjoy learning how to use those acrylic albums!

I've also sent off the next set of projects for the Canadian Scrapbooker Summer Issue and the Canadian Scrapbooker Basics Volume 5 - I had a lot of fun working on these prjects and I can't wait to see what my fellow designers have come up with! Always so much fun.

The Spring Issue is available now, as is volume 3 of the Basics series. Go grab your copy now.. they seem to be selling out FAST. I think you can get both at your local Chapters bookstore or you can order directly from the magazine.


Check out the Basic Vol. 3 for a really great pic of my sweetie.... I'll try to take a photo and share later!


And totally not scrapbooking related.. here is a photo of Joshua, getting his first award in IP Hockey.. he just started this year, and they do a great job of teaching the kids how to play hockey and have FUN! Handing him the award is his coach, and off to the left, with the big smile is his proud DAD.. who's been an Assistant Coach to Josh's team this year.

I'll be back tomorrow to share some events I'll be attending, and so scheduling info on some upcoming workshops! I've got COPIC classes coming soon!!! You won't want to miss those.

Happy Long weekend!

A sample from yesterdays card class at Bizzy B's.

It used this totally cute set called MY Funky Valentine from Impression Obsession.... I've never used them before, but I like them.

They are red rubber, and come mounted on cling mount, in this nice storage case....

I teach Fast and Fabulous Cards once a month at the store. There are always a few seasonal cards and then a few basics too... it's a good time and we make 6 cards in 2 1/2 hours!

Totally not scrapbook related, but we all have to EAT right? So here's a recipe that I'm going to try next week. Tomorrow my sweet husabnd bought us tickets to the Hockey Banquet..so I don't have to cook,a ndwe get to go dancing - nice. Sunday I'm making a turkey dinner, and Monday is family day, so we're having leftovers!

Baked Pork Chops with Mushrooms

1-1/4 lb. lean pork tenderloin, 6 chops
1 tsp. vegetable oil
2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 cup chicken broth
5 tsp. cornstarch
1/4 tsp. dried tarragon, crushed
2 oz. processed Swiss cheese
3 cups cooked rice

Directions
In a large pre-heated skillet, sear both sides of pork chops
quickly to seal in juices. Grease bottom of a 9x9" baking dish with
vegetable oil and place pork chops in bottom of pan. Cover pork
chops with sliced mushrooms and set aside. In a 2-cup microwave-safe
measuring cup, combine chicken broth, cornstarch and tarragon.
Microwave broth mixture on High (100%) 3 - 4 minutes, stirring twice
until thickened and bubbly. Stir in cheese until melted. Pour broth
mixture over mushrooms and pork chops. Cover loosely with foil and
bake 20 - 25 minutes at 350º F. or until pork is cooked through.
Serve hot on a bed of cooked rice.

Clearly Cool Albums!

Acrylic Album Workshop

One of the workshops I'm featuring this year is this Acrylic Album... they are so much fun to work with, but people are scared of them. They are definitely more difficult than your standard chipboard book, but with some pre-planning and a little practice they look fantastic. I've chosen to work with the Build A Book series designed by
Fire & Ice Designs for Prima Marketing. Tricia Ladouceur is a fellow Canadian, and I love the flexibility of the products she has developed with her partner Michelle Van Etten. Their blog isn't updated often, but there are some amazing samples of what can be done with these albums.

I used papers from Prima and Kaiser Craft, lots of bling, and flowers. Since it's for a workshop, we've got paint, rub ons, stamping, stickles, ribbons, rhinestones, and acrylic flowers... I wanted to show the many many ways you can decorate these albums.


I'll be teaching this in St. Thomas on February 28th and the Cut 'n Paste - you can call to book your spot. 519-631-6707 . It's only $40.00+ taxes and includes everything you need to complete the projecy AND have leftovers. It's a nice kit!

I'm also teaching a working with Acetate class that day, and in the middle somewhere, we're going to sign some of the NEW Canadian Scrapbooker Basics Books and Spring Issue of the mags... don't miss out, call and pre-order! I'll post some samples of the actate class tomorrow or the next day....

I've got a class tomorrow night at Bizzy B's Stamp & Scrap - Fast & Fabulous Cards... there are still a few spots if you want to join us. 416-203-0433 to reserve. This month has birthday cards, Valentine Day Cards, and more. Next month's class is going to have some EASTER cards, Thank You crads, and Just Sayin' Hi!

The class is fast paced and lots of fun. Hope to see you there.

I'm also teaching the Acrylic Album at my home workshop in Mississauga on Sunday March 22 12:30-3:30pm. Just drop me a line if you want to book a spot. Limited to 6 people, so reserve early. Email me at lara.brooks@gmail.com Cost: $40.00 includes all supplies.

Canadian Scrapbooker is in the House!!

Co-founder & Editor-in-chief of Canadian Scrapbooker magazine, Jackie Ludlage, will be in Toronto on Friday, February 6th to record an upcoming scrapbooking segment of the Steven & Chris show. The show will air mid February, 2009.

TICKETS ARE FREE!!

Feel free to spread the word to any fans of scrapbooking and Steven & Chris! There really isn’t a limit to tickets if larger groups want to come. The show organizers just want to make sure all seats requested will be used.

Simply email stevenandchristix@cbc.ca with the number of tickets you would like for the Friday February 6th taping of CBC’s Steven and Chris Show, and mention Canadian Scrapbooker. 70 studio audience members will receive a scrapbooking goodie-bag valued at over $75 from our generous sponsors (Rose Moka Design, Black River Designs, Fiskars, and Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L). Thank you all for your support.

myStampBOX

If you haven't heard of my Stamp BOX, get ready, you're gonna love them! They are a new CANADIAN Stamp company, and their designs are FANTASTIC! Made of clear acrylic, with really cute images, they also have a LARGE collection of Fonts and images that are great for titles and journaling on scrapbook layouts too! Oh, and the storage is really cool.... clear cases, and a neat plastic stand that allows you to have them sitting all nicely lined up on your workspace.

Now as if that wasn't enough....yes, there is more...are you ready?

I am thrilled to announce that I have been selected to join the my Stamp BOX design TEAM!!! I first used some of their stamps on some work I did for Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine, and I loved them, so when I saw the call, I just had to go for it! Thanks to Bettina (the owner and designer) and Cathy (the DT co-ordinator) for the opportunity!

I can't wait to get more images to play with, and I'll be sharing my creations here as soon as I can.

So, what are you waiting for? .. go check out the stamps! The card above is made using the Happy Birthday Set which is a small set and retails for $11.95 CDN.

That's it for tonight, I have to go and work on some more class samples! I've got a workshop scheduled at Cut n' Paste in St. Thomas on February 28th that I need to send the sample for on Monday. We are doing 2 classes, Seeing Clearly: Working with Acetate and
an Acrylic Album: All About ____?

I'll post details and pricing etc tomorrow when I have a SAMPLE to show you.

What's New?

CHA Winter 2009

It's the biggest show for the Craft and Hobby industry, and it's on NOW! in Anaheim, California.

This is the first year in five that I haven't gone... so thank goodness for Sneak Peeks and You Tube - it's ALMOST like being there!

Basic Grey is always a favourite for me (and many others), and this year I'm not disappointed. I really liked Bittersweet that released in December and I LOVE Lme Rickey - great for scrappin' boys! They came out with a card kit too using this line, which I think is really smart.

Click on the pic and you'll be taken over to the Basic Grey Website for a closer look.


Next up? The Ranger booth is always busy, and Tim Holtz is of course the main attraction. He is certainly an incredibly talented designer! Hop on over to You Tube to see what new products he's released this year.

I also really like quite a few of the lines from Bo Bunny. The It's my party is particularly attractive for putting together a quick but really nice Birthday Book using the add on embellishments that they do so well. It would would look great on the Bo Bunny Chipboard Word or Acrylic Albums.

Speaking of Acrylic, I'm working on a couple of workshops featuring this trendy product. One class focuses on Acetate, and how to make your own embellishments, frames, etc, and the other is a completely embellished Acrylic Album. Look back in a day or so for some new class listings.


I am almost done a layout, that I am pretty happy with.... I may even post it later today!

Ain't that TWEET!

I seem to be on a card kick the last little while... I haven't scrapped in ages! I am going this weekend to a fund raising crop from 9-6pm. I will be working on finishing a couple projects for an upcoming workshop I am hosting at the beginning of February. We'll be making 2 really cute Valentines Day projects. Once I get those samples done, I am gonna SCRAP! well, at least one layout!

I also have a Fast & Fabulous Card class on Feb 12th running at Bizzy B's. My classes didn't quite make it onto the calendar before Barb left for CHA today, but you could still call the store and register! Thursday February 12th, we're doing Fast & Fabulous Cards at the BEE 7:30-9:30pm. 416-203-0433
Class is $30.00 and includes all supplies to make 6 cards.
(Including this sweet birdie one!).

That's it for tonight, I've got some friends coming over for Taco's and wedding talk tomorrow night.. so I need to go get some sleep. I'll post instructions on how to make this card tomorrow... it's actually pretty simple though it took me HOURS to make if for some reason.

Big Kiss!

So, I am in a big kiss kinda mood! I got the official word that I am on the Canadian Scrapbooker Design Team for 2009 and I am pretty, okay incredibly excited about it! BIG KISS to all the Canadian Scrapbook girls! Thanks for having me!

I have been itching to Scrapbook all day today, but as always it seems I don't get to sit at my work table before 10p.m.! ARGH..... where does the time go? This is also not the best time to take photo's, but here it is anyways.

Card Recipe:
KI Memories Patterned Paper
Prism Cardstock, pink and black
Black Offray Ribbon
Marvy Mtchables English Red Ink
CM Circle Punch
Marvy Uchida Square Punch (blue)


1. Cut pink cardstock to 8 1/2 x 5 1/2, score at 4 1/4 and fold to make yiur card base
2. Cut lips patterned paper to 5 1/4 x 4, this is the card front
3. Punch out 4 different patterns and mat with black cardstock
4. Adhere square to lips background.
5. Wrap black riboon around lip paper and tie into a know, cut ends at an angle
6. Adhere cardfront to cardbase
7. Stamp lips onto white cardstock, punch out with circle punch, punch second larger circle from black cardstock and adhere together. Place overlapping on square.

SMOOCH! Your done! It's edgy rather than cutesy....

Hanna Card

Hi Hanna!

I've really liked Hannah Stamps for quite a while now but I haven't had much time to play with them. I did make this card for my Fast & Fabulous cards class and I was pretty happy with how it turned out. I even paper pieced her dress!

Card Recipe:
1 piece card stock for card base, & scrap for matting Hanna
1 piece Cosmo Cricket Patterned Paper
1 piece Basic Grey paper
Hanna Stamps
Hi stamp - Hampton $$ stamps
Imaginisce Brad
Tombow Watercolour markers
Stazon Black Ink & Stampin Up Green Galore



1. Cut cardstock to 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 and score in the middle at 4 1/2 to make a card.
2. Cut patterned paper to 4 x 5 1/2 and adhere to card front
3. Cut second piece of patterned paper to fit under Hanna
4. Stamp Hanna using Stazon black ink twice. Once on white cardstock and once on patterned
paper. Cut out dress from patterned paper and set aside.
5. Colour in Hanna image stamped on white, cut to size and mat with complitmentary card
stock.
6. Adhere patterned dress pieces to stamped image (I recommend using a glue pen).
7. Adhere completed Hanna in place as desired.
8. Stamp "Hi" sentiment onto white cardstock using Stampin Up Green Galore. Cut out = yes,
FREEHAND!
9. Poke brad though the dot part of the "i" split back and then adhere in place.

Amazingly I didn't use any stickles or ribbon on this card. I had intended to sew on it, but my Singer started sewing upside down! Never mind.. it's a long story.

Ribbon Flowers!

I'm off to do some work on my Fast & Fabulous Card class for this Friday, but wanted to post before the whole week got away from me. The class by the way still has a few spots if you want to join us. Join us on Friday Jan 16th from 7:30-9:30 at Bizzy B's Stamp & Scrap in Toronto. 416-203-0433 We're making 6 cards and 2 tags in 2 hours!!

Okay, now check out this cool ribbon flower I made... the original design came from here.
I didn't change much except I prefer to use glue to all those staples, and the cropodile is fantastic at going through all those layers... really I just wanted to try out this "make a slide thingy" on the blog!




You can make them yourself, in any colour and they go together quite quickly too. I uploaded some photo's and made a mini tutorial... it's my first time trying this! I hope you like it.

Finding Time

I've been meaning to post, really, I have! Somehow the days disappear with kids activities, household duties, writing articles and yes, occasionally playing in my scrap space. Today was to be a day off for me to design but I ended up with a sick child at home - poor baby!

That of course means no play time for me, BUT I decided to share this great Cheat Sheet that I found over on Splitcoast Stampers that is a great TIMESAVER!
It has all the standard measurements for so many of the projects that we so often make, but have to pause and think.. hmmm, now how how big was that anyways??

I've got mine printed out and taped up by my workspace... which I hope to play in tonight by the way, so maybe, just maybe there will be an actual PROJECT online tomorrow. Who knows!

Until then, check out this really FABULOUS new Canadian Company - Black River Designs. I used some of their rub-ons in some layouts I sent in to Canadian Scrapbooker last month ... OMG they are so nice to work with! No cracking, easy transfer, but not so sticky that they fall off and stick to everything BUT they layout you want to work on, KWIM? I also found that the designs were interesting, and many of them large enough to use as a design element, not just a little embellishement. Love 'em!

I've got some of their paper in my stash to play with too. I've been staring at it, had it out on my worktable for a while now, it's so nice to look at, but tongith I am hoping to use it in this new mini book I am looking at teaching for valentines day!

Check in later, you never know what you might find!