Tim's artful work

This is a chipbaord album that Tim had on display. Just pay attention to the details he thinks of.

This page is busy with dtails in the same way that little boys are busy. He added masculine touches with chains, spiners, brads, ink, numbers, ribbon, and journaling. Isn't it awesome?!

This is another chip baord album that is fun to look at. D rings, ink and more ink, gears, phot corners, and staples. What guy doesn't own a staple gun? Pretty unique!

Tim took time to let us get pictures with him. He is very friendly and an awesome teacher! He has been part of CKU for quite a few years. His ideas are so neat and pack a lot of punch for masculine gifts, or having the "grunge look".

Tim Holt'z Class At CKU

We made these tages, and frames in his class. The tools, techniques, inking, getting grungy was so much fun! My family loves the frames with my pictures in them. Tim sent us home with all the glass for the different frames, stickles, capsules, and a rubber stamp to make more tags! Of course, I have been hooked and got his supplies! They are on sale at joann.com today.

Tim Holtz is the Education Director for Ranger Industries, one of the leading manufacturers of innovative inks, paints, and embossing products. Tim plays an integral part in the development and design of cutting edge paper crafting products. Tim had teamed up with various key companies including Advantus/Tim Holtz idea-ology, Tonic Studios, and Stampers Anonymous to bring unique products that work hand in hand with Ranger’s extensive lines.As a well known designer, Tim travels across the country and internationally to educate and introduce people to his world of ink techniques, clever projects, and so much more. His DVDs and books are filled with creative and inspiring ideas for the beginner paper crafters and beyond. He truly lives his motto that creativity is an endless journey...In a world where the moments of our lives can be captured and created in art of the everyday, it’s important it reflects our own unique personality. Finding just the right objects, accents, and tools to use are most important. Whatever your artistic vision is, exploring the imaginative is a chance for our creativity to escape understanding. Remember life isn’t about finding yourself - life is about creating yourself...For more information about Tim and to view project demos visit http://www.timholtz.com/ and http://www.timholtz.typepad.com/.

CKU bags

My BFF Trish with her bag. She loves collecting bags! She has many many purses. My husband can't get too upset with my bag collecting! LOL! (He hates them!!)
Me with my CKU bag. The colors are fantastic and the goodies are incredible!

After we ate supper we went to the "Meet and Greet" to meet the designers and teachers that we would be working with during our experience in Provo. How exciting!!

Registration CKU Provo

This is what we were waiting for! We got our registration packets!!! In the packets were tickets for the classes and lunches and to get into the evening crops. This is what started off our event!

We went to Pebbles in My Pocket and had our photos with the little CKU card board girl that was so cute and she just invited you to get your picture taken with her.


Pebbles wasn't too far from the Marriot Hotel where the event was taking place. They had givien us 40% off coupons for every day of the week that we were there attending the CKU event plus they stayed open until midnight for us! What a welcome!

Summer Trip to Provo, UT

My BFF Trish and I wanted to go on a trip to CKU~sometime. We thought we would have plenty of time to save for a trip like that. We heard that CKU was having it's LAST university session in Provo, Utah in August! We had some clever planning to do. She owns a grocery store and I have a daycare business. Whew, what will we do?

We then talked to our DH's and tried to get something in the works and they OK'd it! We talked about driving, then decided to fly instead. I had some world perks points racked up that we were saving. When USB Visa and NWA changed their plan for business it helped us decide even easier. I had to use the points and use a three week window for booking the tickets. I was saving them for an ER trip to Vermont to go home. I heard that under the emergency flights I would have to pay on top of using my points! My DH said I could use the points and we booked the flights to Salt Lake City, UT!

The start of planning our flight was a step in the right direction! We got two NON-STOP flights leaving on a Monday morning and coming back on a Monday..for $5.00 each! How awesome is that?!! I am so glad this was in GOD'S TIMING on when to GO!

This was our flight out of Minneapolis, MN and guess what? We got up at 3:30 am to leave for the airport. I hadn't felt well on Sunday morning. My stomache was a total wreck! I thought I was done in for. Monday at 3:30am I am reaching for a BUCKET! I made it to the airport for that flight to leave at 7:05 am. Little did we know that our flight was not going anywhere until 8:30 am. We asked what was wrong and they said that we have no flight crew! We finally started to board the plan at 9:15 am and finally were in the air by 9:45 am.

We are still working on the flight stuff to see if we can get any compensation. The moral of the story is that the bucket was close by till WEDNESDAY and I was fine for the start of CKU!

We did a personal tour through a scrapbooking store in Logan to go see the northern end of the famous scrapbooking companies. Being in rough shape I was going to pass on the long day and I went anyway...because that is what we came out here for and this was kick off day! There is more to come for the story! stay tuned!

FINDING NEW BLOGS TO FOLLOW

This morning I have found this blog. My you like it and add it to your blog adventures! http://brandywineboutique.blogspot.com

Grand Children

Grandchildren come in and steal you of all your senses! Looking back at Summer of 2007 seems like a life time ago! Two years have passed and I am finally getting to make a stroybook just about them! I am really excited about this new adventure! I can't even count how many wonderful pictures I have of these time stealers! I remember this day so well. The lake was calm and the perfect blue! I will call this God's blue! These pictures reflect Rhyen and Brayden, Paige and Kyleigh being carefree to fish, play in the sand, make turtles in the sand. Butterflies were dancing on the beach, and we just sat. We watched, listened to the water, boats passing by, and the age old question.."When will we catch some fish Grandma?" They got to learn about waiting this day as they played with their new fishing poles. As they played they had a blast and it was okay to just cast into the lake and to retrieve a little yellow fish! the fish by the way could leave welts on you when you got hit! Plus, it lasted only for a little while. That fish was the bugger that broke the line on Brayden's pole! It is no longer on there! We have the memories of this day and their first fishing pole!

The Delight of Spring

The delight of Spring brings about many shades of color. Along with color there is an eliment of surprise! The delight of no longer wearing winter coats! Wearing sunglasses, feeling the sunshine warm on your skin. Putting on Car's rubber mud boots, finding eggs, and playing with trucks. Spending time with family and sharing a meal. Eating chocolate and great desserts that are light and airy. Breaking out the grill more times a week then only a select few days that it is above 30 degrees in Minnesota! Reading a book on the swing, sleeping with the windows OPEN! The most delightful thing of Spring is the lessening of ALLERGIES as we look forward to summer. Pussy willow branches, fields of mud and just waiting to play on the outside swing without a puddle to fall in. Brown grass and trees that bud waiting for the grass to green up. Looking forward to the smell of fresh cut grass as the aromoa of mud comes next year. Watching the birds and hearing them sing while waiting for rain to bring new worms to the surface of the earth. Waiting for the ice to melt to put the boats into the lakes. Sprint is a delightful waiting game as the earth wakes up.

It's about the Egg

So everyone asks or even wonders what came first; the CHICKEN or the EGG.

Every Easter we get out the dye, boil eggs and watch them so they don't break open, and so the tradition begins to make the best egg! You can claim your egg by writing your name on it, or dunk it in as many colors as you want to, or just be a boring egg and be one color. You can choose to let it sit for a short time and it is a pale color. A pale yellow, green, blue, pink, red, purple, orange. How I love a BRIGHT and VIVID colored egg. I love letting my egg to sit longer in the color and to soak in all that vibrant color to be a PERFECT egg.

Wonder and amazement comes while looking at that egg and then that question is still there; "What came first? The Chicken or the Egg?" Then and only then while spending time with kids or with family members do you think about the reason for this Easter Season. Tomorrow we will all be sitting in Church and listening to that message. It is the same message every year. John 3:16 "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son..." Jesus was a good egg. He was there in Heaven when God created the heavens and the earth.

God then made man, filled the whole earth with animals that Adam named. So you see there is your answer, The Chicken came first. Noah built an ark to keep that chicken safe from the flood. It was after the flood that the egg came. Just as Mary came first Jesus was born from an earthly egg of Mary the same way that we were born of our mothers. Even though Jesus was First and born of an Egg is pretty amazing and how God is amazing too perform that miracle. If Jesus is and already was how can he come from an Egg? That mystery is far more something to dwell on over the CHICKEN and the EGG. It makes you think about Psalm 139:13 "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14) I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful. I know that full well. 15) My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the SECRET PLACE.

All through our lives going back through time to our ancestors, some one was always there! Through the offspring of the women's egg we all came to being. So next Easter, remember that the Chicken was the masterpiece and the egg was the reward for God's great art. Just as you are a masterpiece from generation to generation being fat, skinny, flat hair, thin hair, thick hair, curly or straight. Whether you can sing, or can't carry a tune; you can still sing unto the Lord because you are precious in his sight because you are who you are designed to be! You are his beloved priceless work of art that came from an Egg from the Master Artist! I can't wait for next Easter to dye more eggs and ponder some more on what Christ has done for me! His perfect body that came through an EGG that was crushed beyond recognition so we can celebrate Easter dying eggs, eating CHOCOLATE, and see for ourselves GOD'S GLORY! I pray that you have him in your life so that you remain a GOOD EGG for ETERNITY!

Empty Nest Syndrome

On New Years Day

we went shopping during this awfeul reccession that we are facing in the United States.

Becker Funriture World was having a sale. We used to have two Wing Back chairs that were beautiful in their day. Waverly fabric with white and blue checks and flowered pillows totally of French Country Decor. We miss those chairs. That was our new mission: to really look at every chair in the place. If you have never been there it is really a treat and a full days job to journey through this MEGA furnitre store in Becker, MN.

We sat in every chair and came to this very chair and sat in it and considered it. We moved on and looked at more chairs. We had a company that made our Hutch that we turned into an entertainment center that actually belongs in a dinning room. The table between the two chairs is an actual night stand for a bedroom set. It was made in North Carolina by KinCade. So when we were by the nightstand we asked if they made living room or den furniture. It so happened yes they do have two chairs in two different styles on the floor. Our sales rep took us to them and we were laughing and saying, "Whatch it be the chairs we already sat in." We were laughing as we approached; yes in deed they were the same chairs! One set was wing back and the other was a more luxury chair. So we ended up with a special order going in for all three of these pieces especially made by KINCADE! We finally got them last week. This night stand and the chairs have the same feet as the hutch does. It was made perfect just for us with matching marble tops and glass round handles with brass back plates with details of little brass dots going all the way around the edge! Then we got to shop for the lamp!

I have always wanted a Stained Glass Lamp and one that would be special for the theme of our home. It is UP NORTH and yet by the cabin. I did not want to get locked into the bears, pine trees, loons, moose, fishing picutres and the same decor. I have taken many pictures of Dragon Flies and they are so much a part of summer around here by the lake. They dance and stand in place for long periods of time in our field and they land on many surfaces in the yard. So I saw this lamp and the unique design it has with little golden beads all over it and claw feet. I just love the new addition to our home. Now we are getting our home just the way we like it. We will have to make a date to sit on the LOVE SEAT for movies and not retire to these chairs until we really retire! Then they should really look as gorgeous as they do this week. All to God's glory great things He hath done and allowed us a simple pleasure of TWO CHAIRS. May you find time for a two chairs moment in your life through this busy time we all live in. My Bible is now in the drawer next to my chair with the current Bible study I am in, Beth Moore's: A Woman's Heart. I sit with my tea cup, coffee cup or water and get ready for the week. May God bless you today as He has blessed my husband and I.

Look for the little things

I am currently getting ready to go on retreat to Raspberry Ridge in Motley, MN. I am looking high and low for the little everyday things that get misplaced that someone else used. It is okay, I am not complaining. That is what it is there for. My girls come home to scrapbook with us ladies and it seems funny. They come and leave their stuff in my craft room. Therefore I am moving it to find things I need. It is a good problem to have. WHY? Because they could not come home. After a weekend of scrapbooking, I find: one toddler sock, missing toys, pillows, BOBBI PINS everywhere, money, unmade beds, and a pile of their scrapbooking goods that is growing every month. Now, where is the STAZ ON CLEANER I need to bring?? Well, all I have to do is pick up the phone and call my table partner! We have planned and organized what we are bringing so that we don't have too much to clog our area! Now what do I mean by that? We bring so much stuff to make sure we have all the tools, trimmers, punches, cutting systems, big bite, crop a dile, pens, photo pencil, rulers, paint, canvas, glue, paper, adhesives, boners, stamps, ink pads, computers, Cricuts, Slice machine, Catridges for both, pictures, cd's, blanket, pillow, towels, clothes, food for 16 people for breakfast, hair dryers, pit juice, fart machine, dental floss, it's a wonder we can't find just that simple cleaner! Maybe before I leave I will dust the room down so that when I come home I can put things away right away and pick up where I left off.

Our group has changed this year from our group picture last year. One mommy had twins! We are all excited to be leaving for a magical weekend to reconnect as friends, to laugh, be silly, and have a project finished. Some stay up all night, and others turn in early. We all have come form the same town. Some have moved away. Some live right next door and we never see each other! We've never shared coffee, tea, or water due to kids and grandkids! Life is busy so please can I find the cleaner??? I have to be packed!

March Think Spring!

I know that on facebook we are all asking for S-P-R-I-N-G! It has been a long winter, gosh yes! February was not all that productive. I had my birthday and it has been working on taxes. My husband is laid off and he has helped so much. The basement was cleaned, the downstairs bedroom decorated, we got twin beds and fixed up the second bedroom. The third bedroom we will make into a part of our past. It will be the Red White and Blue room. It will represent 20 years of being in the United States Navy. Who says we can't preserve the past? The past of good times, bad times, going to Iran for battle, Desert Storm, and then there are many deployments that have great pictures. Like when the volcano errupted in the Philipeans, the San Fransico earth quake, the Riots in Los Angles. Then we have plaques that are beautiful. The Navy Wife plaque that is made of white Marble, the Home Coming pictures! Those were when I thought I was fat and now to compare those with today..what a sad tale to tell! I had just had Paul 4 months prior and my husband came home to see his son for the first time instead of through pictures! Those are precious memories to be granted a room.

As I think about the first part of this posting, I think, February has been productive even if it wasn't in scrapbooking! March should be a whole lot better! I am going on retreat NEXT WEEKEND! I will be gone for FOUR DAYS! I think I will have to clean alot of stuff after walking through the mud! So to get to the smells of S-P-R-I-N-G we have to smell the mud of the earth and wipe our feet before we can smell the sweet aroma of grass!

Time Flies When....

My goodness! Things always happen in January with the best of intentions. Like I am going to keep a journal. Now it is somewhere and I have to find it! That is okay. Then you have little things on your list that take you off the list. Well one of them is very simple but lengthy to do. Put Digital Cd's in order! Why? Because we went through them for Krisinta's wedding...and they were not put away. That created part of a list for me from let's see....6 MONTHS AGO!

During that time, last January my girlfriend got one of those printers that you can put the photo on the cd to let you know what is on it. We played with the printer and we were impressed. I am going through those cd's and put it in the computer to go through it...and there are NO PICTURES on the CD! But I have a beautiful photo on a cover of the CD.

As I am going through Sept 2007, I find at the end of the cd the Christmas 2007 pictures that were suppose to be on that other cd. So my heart attack is now gone for oneseries of photos believed lost! This blesses my soul! On the same CD is a two page spread I made over the summer of my grandchildren and the twins had a popcicle for the first time. It was halarious! One of them was holding the popcicle and she was getting cold. She still held onto it not knowing what to do and kelt crying and eating her treat!

Putting Lisa on the List

Yup, that is what I am going to do. I work at home, clean at home, and with being at home there is really no time for myself. So I will carve out an hour to do something to get in some balance. There is always SOMETHING to do. I can find things and make lists of everything under the sun that NEEDS to be done and can keep busy.

Yesterday I carved out the much needed time to get my hair cut. I will figure out what I will do today that I can do just for me. To start, I am going to watch Oprah's Best Life day two with Dr. Oz. Start planning this January to make it the Best Life year that I can. I wonder what new things will be in store for this year?

Grandma's Apples shared with Zach

THis is the second picture that I did with the Memory Manager 2 Creative Memories program.

Story Book Creater Plus

This week there has been some consultant training on Memory Manager 2 through webinars at Creative Memories.

Our homework was to pick a picture and use the "Remove Color" tool.

I used the photo I thought would be something that would pop out. What better way to highlight a birthday of a little girl with shinning eyes.

I wanted to then bring in color through the words and the overlay that would enhance the cupcake. At first I used a sutle grey on the top and then changed it to the pink. I also used the tool to make it more transparent and light and airy. I hope this picture will add sunshine to anyone who sees it.

Glitter

Today I found a great Quote. I love it. It reminds me of the day after the snow storm and the sun comes out to dance on the fresh fallen snow. I have tried many times to photograph the glistening sparkle that shines on the snow that looks like God's diamonds! White, brillant, shinny, sparkling, breath taking, awesome, amazing. It reminds me of God telling us about the counting of the grains of the sand on the beach. There are so many sprakles that you could sit in the window and get lost in the radiance of what winter can offer.

"May you be truely blessed to always glitter with a radiance that shines from deep within you." Barbara Becker Holstein

2009 Calendar

I made a Message Media Center this weekend using Creative Memories Mini Display Board. All 12 months are ready for the year with a calendar grid to write special events down or simply living life. I have the cordinating page for that month to join next to every month in an 8 x8 Picfolio Max album. It will highlight the month and I can use one picture or many small squares if the month is eventful. And guess what? The album is done! I love simplicity + competed = accomplished! I love Creative Memories Featured projects! It is a fantastic change for my business and I can help you too! I can print a picture, mount it and move onto another project.

I also made a Valentine Paper album. So now I am going to think of something special to do for Valentine's Day and put those pictures in the album for a card for my hubby. Any ideas? You can share them here. What would you do with a month to plan? I used to get my kids a gift and decorate our table with China. Then our meals would include red and white and pink for the foods. Then of course we would have desert! Now that we are empty nesters what could we do to make VD special and simple without a lot of expense. Post your ideas!

Happy New Year!

This is a composition book. I put paper over the cover on the front and the back.

The detail you see is a snowflake cut out with a Sizzix die cut. I layered the tag with cardboard and the Creative Memories Tag Punch. I inked the edges to make it look unique. I cut out "winter" with QuickKuts "Snow Angel font". I added ribbon and then a metal embellishment. My intension for this book is to chart recipes, quotes, and maybe "the Biggest Looser" inspirations from the show and if Oprah can talk about weight today, maybe the rest of us can too? Ouch! Winter blues can be so inspiring when you have a pretty journal.

It's what...2009! Where does the time go? We spent time with family over New Years and missed meeting up with some friends. Then hubby took me furniture shopping and we made some fantastic selections for two chairs. That was fun!

The first weekend of the year I had some friends and family over for scrapbooking. We had a good time bonding and laughed, cried and got closer as friends. Our tree is still up for my mom to see when she comes on Thursday for a visit from Vermont. Yes, that is where I grew up!