Canadian Scrapbooker Blog » May Sketchy Challenge: Hello Summer!

I've been having lots of fun with the many old photos my Dad has been scanning and sharing! Bringing back lots of memories and smiles from days gone by! This scrapbook layout was created using Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine's May Sketchy Challenge. More details can be found on their blog!

Canadian Scrapbooker Blog » May Sketchy Challenge: Hello Summer!:

Canadian Scrapbooker Blog » TUESDAY WITH THE TEAM: Kim Gowdy

My Tuesday With The Team layout is up on Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine's website! LOVE working with this fantastic group of friends!

Canadian Scrapbooker Blog » TUESDAY WITH THE TEAM: Kim Gowdy:

Blog slacker!

What a blog slacker I am! Really.....six months between posts??? What's with that? Actually, my blog falls pretty low on my priority list, but I do like to keep it going. It's a nice place to come for a sneak peek at what's going on in the big picture, unlike Facebook which is so in the moment. I like Facebook because it's so quick and easy, sometimes I think life is too much about easy!

Most often my blog has been a place to share my layouts that I have created. These days blog posts, page calls and assignments with Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine keep my creative juices flowing. It gets a bit unsettling a times though when the mojo takes a break! Fortunately there are always sketches to fall back on.

Here are the layouts I have created using the Sketchy Challenges through Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine since I last posted:

Here's a link to my member gallery if you are interested in knowing what products I used for each layout.   http://canadianscrapbooker.ca/sketchy/member.php?uid=10&protype=1

August 1, 2014

August 1st already! Summer is moving right along! Here's hoping July's weather is a preview of August! So gorgeous, lots of sunshine...just WOW! Although I'd like it just a tad cooler, I won't complain because I'd rather this than -30C any day! Fortunately I can find air-conditioning at work and other places if I truly need  a break!

One thing about me and heat, it kind of sucks my energy, so I haven't been overly creative...too hot to sit in my craft room when the house feels like an oven. Still managed to get my "homework" done and worked on the Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine's August sketch.

Sketch Design by Sue Sykes.

For whatever reason this was a tough sketch for me...I'm not sure why. From start to finish it tested my abilities, guess that's why we call it a Sketchy Challenge! I saw it through and am satisfied with the results despite not wanting to use this design again.

I pulled out lots of Stampin Up papers: cardstock, patterned papers, and vellum metallics. I adore these metallic, pattered vellum sheets and can see lots of potential use! They are the hearts and stripes papers on my layout.

I like to try to use up some older pieces from my [ever growing!] stash along with new product. Here I pulled out some old Riff Raff chipboard and painted it with Viva Decor's Inka Gold paints [LOVE!] and some quotes I had left over from Tattered Angels - they just seemed to fit! Of course Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L keeps it all together...always!

Thanks for stopping by. Drop by Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine's Sketchy Challenge throughout the month to see how others have used the sketch or of course to upload your layout!

Happy August!

Summer Solstice

Longest Day if the year! We'll get over 17 hours of daylight today here in the Edmonton area! You've got to love that! Last night we had a stunner of a sunset...almost a celebration to summer. I hope there are more on the horizon. I captured last night's from my craft room, through the window...I'd really like to get out with my good camera to capture one...but that means heading out in the car as my upstairs window is my best vantage point! Fortunately I had my iPhone handy!

While enjoying the view I finished up with my take on Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine's June Sketchy Challenge.

I stayed pretty true to Sue Syke's sketch and am really pleased with the end result. I LOVE Simple Stories, and found their I {heart} Summer Collection was perfect for the feel I was looking for. I also used some Stampin' Up cardstock and Scrapbook Adhesive by 3L.

Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine features more Italy inspired layouts in the Summer Issue, you should check it out!

I'm off to enjoy the remaining 8 hours + of daylight...Happy Summer Solstice!

March 6, 2014

I seem to always start my blog posts with "I can't believe how long it has been since I last posted"! Seriously though it is true! My good intentions get overruled by life! Maybe this will be the year that I improve on my BLOG skills...seeing how we are already into month #3, I wouldn't place any bets on me!

Regardless I am here, and I am sharing my layout created using Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine's March Sketchy Challenge! Love this sketch provided by Sue Sykes and I stayed true to her design. No flipping or rotating as I often do!

I used papers from the DCWV Vintage Collector stack. I ADORE all the papers, colours and embellishments offered up with this collection. I find myself going to it often to add to projects I have been creating! A little May Arts Ribbon, Stampin Up's chevron punch and Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L were some of the added touches to the layout.

I love how it turned out and adore the subject! Sadly we had to put Java to sleep in January, this will be a well loved memory of her cherished life! She was such an amazing, gentle soul.

January 5, 2013

Brrrrr...feeling like -38 with the windchill today. Not going out unless I absolutely have to, so I might as well catch up with some scrapbooking!

New Year, new January sketch for Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine's Sketchy Challenge! Here is a look at the sketch Sue Sykes designed for us:

Here is my completed page. I rotated the sketch around, because it just seems to be what I do!

FabScraps patterned paper & chipboard / Sizzix dies / May Arts Ribbon / Stampin Up stamps with acrylic paints / Bazzill Basics word stickers / Heidi Swapp sequin stars & buzz words

Looking forward to seeing all the uploads to the gallery, everyone always has such a different look to the same sketch! Stay warm!

October 22, 2013

Quick blog post to share my completed layout for Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine's October Sketchy Challenge! I liked this sketch from the first time I saw it and stayed pretty true to Sue Syke's design! ALL products used were from Stampin Up, the only exception would be the staples that attach one of the tags!

The snowflake stamps with matching dies are truly a favourite! I can see using them time and time again!

http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=133285

We'd love for you to join in on the fun! Who knows...you might even get published in a future edition of the magazine!

May 8, 2013

I think that just possibly...Spring is here to stay. YAH!

So with the arrival of May we have the arrival of Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine's May Sketchy Challenge! Another great sketch put out to the world by Sue Sykes! While my partner's in crime were having a blast at Bull River [*sigh*] I worked this month's sketch! I wasn't able to make the trip this year due to other commitments and the fact that I will be  heading there at the end of the month for a photography trip! Next year I will be at the scrapbooking retreat...my name already on the list!

So here is the May Sketchy Challenge and my my take!

Heartfelt Creations: pattern papers / Spellbinder Dies [Heartfelt Creations] / unknown Vellum / May Art Ribbons / Clearsnap Ink / Unity Stamps / Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L / thickers / Martha Stewart micro beads / unknown magic mesh 

April 4, 2013

I think I forgot I have a blog! Not that I stress over this site at all but it is a fun way to keep track of things we've been up to! I think I probably got stuck in the YUCK that was March! The weather was crappy and I had just about had enough of winter! So much snow and cold! I think the worse is now over with, we have had a glimpse or two of Spring weather, although tonight freezing rain IS in the forecast!

I continue to be busy with my scrapbooking and am doing some social media work with Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine! I love this publication and the girls who run it! I have "played" with them lots over the past years and am thrilled to be able to help out any way I can. This is not a big corporation of suits running the magazine. They are people just like us....Moms, sisters, daughters, friends...following their dream of sharing Canadian talent! Guess what...they are making it work!

Bill & Taylor had a weeks reprieve from weather over Spring Break with a trip to Dominican Republic. They had a great time relaxing at the pool and taking in a couple local excursions!

My favorite beach bum

Ocean Blue & Sand Resort

Ocean Blue & Sand Resort

I stayed and worked as it is typically a busy time for us at the office and I have a trip planned in May with a friend. We are heading to BC to take part in a hummingbird Photography class! I can't wait! We have been to the "ranch" in the past and know the accommadations and food will be supurb!

I uploaded my take on Canadian Scrapbooker's April Sketchy Challenge! Another great sketch designed be Sue Sykes!

Canadian Scrapbooker's April Sketchy Challenge

PP & CS - Bazzill Basics "Beach House" / Stampin Up / Harmonie Mosaic Tiles / Pink  Paislee "Timber" alphas / Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L / Ranger Glossy Accents

So that's it for today! I am caught up on all things BLOG! Wonder how long it will be before I post again!

October 1, 2012

So today another page is turned on my calendar! I can't believe we are into October already, seems like I was just planing our flights to Nova Scotia for the summer and now it's a 6+ week memory! How the heck does that happen!

One great thing about turning the page to October is that Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine has a new Sketchy Challenge posted on their website! Here is the current sketch designed by Sue Sykes:

My take on the sketch is below! I love how these sketches give me a starting point to create a page that is truly my own. I encourage you to play with the sketch! Create exactly as is or put your own twist on it! Play along and share your layout and ideas with like minded people!

patterned paper-Simple Stories / card stock- Canadian Scrapbooker Superstock /  die cuts - Simple Stories /  title - Pepples alpha /  Unity Stamp
Canadian content : Harmony Tiles!

November...already!

So here I am again, sitting and trying to put some words to "paper" [so to speak]. I tried to update my blog yesterday a few times but always got interrupted or pulled in another direction, this is lovingly known as "squirlling' by my wonderful friend Cathie Allan! She has adopted this saying from a movie [can't remember the name] and has declared it a verb...I love it! I live it! You should take the time to check out her blog, she is an amazing teacher and artist with paper and ink!

Life has been very crazy for us the past few weeks! Taylor schedule is very busy with hockey, tutoring, drums and work...Bill and I do a lot of chauffeuring from one activity to another. It makes for some crazy nights and a welcome bed at the end of our day! This week we had a bit of a reprieve as Taylor sprained his ankle and was off hockey for the week, this plus a week off school for Fall break lightened our schedule and put a bit of calm into our week! Back to hockey tonight and 2 games early in the week!

We were blessed [ I use the term loosely] with our first snow on Friday night! Not a huge amount, but enough to blanket the ground and stay there. The temperatures will keep it there for a while now. I know at some level I shouldn't complain, we live in Alberta and have had snow and cold temperatures way earlier than this...BUT I have just loved the gorgeous autumn we have had and wish it could stay longer! In my next life I think I will try to come back as someone who LOVES winter...not happening in this life! I will, however; try to make the best of it when I can and get out for walks with the dogs and wait for gorgeous hoar frosts...there are moments that can be breathtaking...too bad they involve COLD! That being said my boots are ready to work for me, my down coat has been brought up from the basement and the gloves...well they have already been put to use! Bring it on and lets move forward to Spring!

For the love of dogs!

With all our running around I have had little time for "play". I did get some Christmas cards made during a weekend away in Pigeon Lake with some wonderful friends, and finished up on a scrapbook page that was taking too long to complete. I am working on an advent project for Christmas right now, and will show it when it's completed...it will be fun! So, I guess some things are getting done!

Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine has their November sketch up, so I am hopeful I will find time this month to work with it: I really like it!

November's Sketchy Challenge!

So, on with my day I must go! Taylor was up early for work and I suspect Bill went to the gym after dropping him off [he's not home yet...good assumption!]. I have lots of little things to get done today to help make our week flow a little smoother. I'll get to the bottom of the laundry hamper [hopefully!] and maybe get something into the slow cooker for tomorrow. In an ideal world I'll get out with the dogs for a walk as well, but not right now...the wind is blowing, it's snowing, grey and looks awfully cold! Bella may just have to play indoors with her new favourite toy!

Bella giving her new toy some lovins!

October 23, 2011

We are nearing the end of October, which means my birthday and Halloween are just around the corner! I am loving the fact that our weather has been very Fall-like...which means NO SNOW! Sadly I have experienced too many cold Alberta Octobers and anticipate snow on Halloween! This year could be an exception! We have had lovely mild temperatures and sunny skies, great weekends to get out with the dogs or tidy up the yard and deck for what is to come!

Bill has been busy putting things in the garage and raking leaves to be composted. The dogs are enjoying the long walks and off leash runs they have been still getting...life is pretty good!

Ball obsessed Bella!

As usual I try to get in some creative time whenever I get a chance, it is what I love doing in my down time! Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine has put out another sketch for the month of October. I look forward to them posting other peoples take on the sketch...it's always amazing to see how different all the entries are.

Here is my take on October's sketch:

Enjoy the rest of October and have a great Halloween! Keeping my fingers crossed that the snow stays away!

Canadian Scrapbooker » It’s a Sketchy Challenge

Canadian Scrapbooker has come up with a new Sketchy Challenge. You can read more about it at this link: Canadian Scrapbooker » It’s a Sketchy Challenge:
Basically they have provided a sketch for people to work with and then submit to the magazine for a chance to be published in an upcoming issue! who doesn't like to see their work in print! The catch is to use at least one product from a Canadian Manufacturer. I love that they keep coming up with great ideas to keep this magazine very Canadian!
Here is a screenshot of the current sketch:

Here is my take on the sketch:

My Canadian content is a rubber stamp called "Happiness" from Local King Rubber Stamps. I have used it to create the butterfly paper behind my photo mat.
I look forward to more sketch challenges over the months. It is a great way to get the creative juices flowing!