Verbally Challenged

It sure feels like Halloween around here!

Heading out in a few hours to trick-or-treat and hang out with some friends! Hope you have a great one! Stay safe!

Feel good. I completed a layout this morning using the new line of Piggy Tales paper called “The Gingerbread Man Collection”. It felt GOOD to be back in the studio. And I just love this photo of Liam – poor guy was so tired!

The weather shot into the 60’s, the skies were blue and the sun was out. Liam and I took advantage and played outside all afternoon. I raked leaves and he messed up my piles. BUT before you yell at me for raking leaves in my third trimester, I should tell you that I didn’t make any progress – not possible with the boy around and that wasn’t the point anyway. It was all about having fun. It was super sunny out today as you can tell in the photos.

And Liam and I made rice krispy treats this afternoon for the school treat tomorrow. They’re having a little Halloween party and that’s what he wanted to take. I love having him help out in the kitchen – even if he does eat all of the marshmallows and beg for extra treats. Tomorrow we’re going to try making caramel apples. We’re going to my girlfriend’s house to trick-or-treat since we aren’t really in a neighborhood. Some other kiddos from our playgroup will be there so I wanted to make them something special!

Hope you had an enjoyable day!

Another weekend, over – and with that, almost another month. I’ll be decking my halls in just a few weeks, scrambling to get some shopping done before the baby arrives (thank goodness for the Internet) and spending as much time with my boys before the new balancing act begins. It’s crazy how times flies.

In fact, my weekend flew by! Liam’s birthday party on Saturday was awesome – fun to see him so excited. He kept asking when his “guests” were going to arrive – I think that he was eager to open some presents. His theme this year was music since the little dude is obsessed. Seriously, obsessed with instruments, singing – you name it. He has quite the collection of instruments already and thanks to generous friends and family – acquired a few new pieces – a piano and steel drum being the new favorites. Here are a few photos from the party. The quality is a bit on the poor side but it’s all I could get considering the super dreary day and flash (poo).

My boy and I:

Today we mellowed out around the house. To be honest, I needed it after two crazy days in planning and party mode. Liam took a killer nap (which we ALL needed) and then we snuck out to Zoo Boo in the evening. This is our third year going and it just feels good to get out, trick-or-treat a little at the zoo and enjoy this time of the year. Plus is gives Liam a little extra time in his costume which fortunately he likes now. Whew! He was scared of the cape up until this point for some odd reason. I’ll add a photo once I get a decent one!

So now here I sit, eager to get creating. Aside from a little DT work, I’ve not been doing much for the past two weeks and I’m getting the itch to really dig in. I hope to get that going tomorrow morning after dropping Liam off at school.

Oh and here is another one of my Hall of Fame layouts if you’re interested. This one was not published – I love it anyways! It was for the assignment where we were asked to use a candid photo. Fortunately I had this one and didn’t have to go out and take one specifically for the assignment – I work better that way. The design is simple but that was my intention since the assignment was to focus on the photo.

Here is the journaling if you’re interested:
Little boys and leaves are apparently quite popular in our family. When I look at this photo, I not only see my little boy letting go on this crisp autumn day, I see two.

I often hear a story about my husband, told to me by my Aunt Mae. She was a crossing guard near the grade school that Nate and I attended. She remembers some of the quirks that all little boys and girls had, but there was one incident that stuck with her for 25 years.

While walking to school one day my future husband (then a seven year old first grader) and his mother stopped to talk with my aunt. During the conversation, that little boy wondered off – it went unnoticed for minutes. Once aware of the situation and soon panic stricken, they raced around trying to find him. Soon enough, he was located – in a large pile of leaves. It wasn’t intentional, he wasn’t hiding. He was letting go, taking in the sensory experience that autumn provides and enjoying every second. “Nate was off playing in the leaves.” That’s how Aunt Mae tells the story.

When I look at this photo, I see my little boy and my husband sharing moment – separated by 25 years. It’s one captured memory where the two boys are happiness with arms and legs. A moment where they are off playing in the leaves.

I’m trying to get it back! I was out for about a week or so and now I’m trying to settle back into my routine. While I am refreshed, energized and feeling good, I’m not in my groove yet.

So last week we had the opportunity to take a little trip out of town – our last one before the baby comes! I got some good news from my doctor a couple of weeks ago and I don’t have to be AS cautious as I was with the pregnancy. So off we went to enjoy some warmer weather and Liam all by himself before the new baby comes. It was great for all of us and I loved having my boy all day once again. In fact, it was hard dropping him off at preschool again – kind of a flashback to last month when he started. I LOVE having him home with me all day but he has grown so much in the past 8 weeks of school that I can’t be too selfish. And I do like some time to myself. It’s hard.

So now it’s back to the ol’ routine. I have one more layout to complete today and tomorrow for Memory Creators using their fab new November kit that’ll be available in a few days now. The papers have such a great autumn feel. And then I’m still working around the house trying to get it in order before the baby comes. I hade an artist come in and paint one of my walls. She did Liam’s room for me – it’s one of a kind! And then my Liam turned FOUR, this week! Where does the time go!!! Geesh. Today is party day! I did all of the prep work yesterday so hopefully today can focus on the fun! He’s REALLY into his birthday this year – perhaps counting down for the past month helped! This is a picture of him in his birthday crown – he got it at school and was SO PROUD of it all day!

I have one thing to share before getting to work. Last weekend I did a challenge for the CK message boards and designed this layout.

It features the some Piggy Tales papers and honestly, I can’t stop using them! They’re seriously addicting and so fun. I just got some of the new ones that came out at Memory Trends and can’t wait to get to work! AND they’ve added chipboard letters so I’m really in heaven.

Finally, I’m going to start posting some of my Hall of Fame layouts from last year. I know with the contest going on right now folks are curious to see what they were looking for last year. It’s all very subjective, just remember that and if you’re entering – good luck!!! And remember that these layouts were designed this time LAST YEAR so be kind!!!

Here is the one that I did for the “ten photos, one title, one journaling block and 3 accents”assignment. I handcut the large flower from the pink and backed it with different papers. Fun stuff!

And the journaling IF you’re interested:
My name is Marla and I’m addicted to green. Seriously, it’s my signature color. I blame it on my red hair. There’s a saying that all redheads look stunning in green (and they do) but it’s more than that. I’ve taken the obsession well beyond clothing – although my wardrobe does contain a fair number of green pieces. It has spilled into my home décor – showing up on my walls, dishes, sheets and furniture. It has influenced my jewelry selection from gemstones to hair bands! And I find myself gravitating towards green items for my son – hightop sneakers included.

So, the way I figure it, Liam will either inherit my love for all things green – or grow to hate it. I’ve got my green gloves on and I’m crossing my fingers!

all the way around. The leaves are changing, the winds are blowing, the air is crisp – it has that smell. It feels like fall. And today we celebrated the season with a trip to another pumpkin patch. This one much less crowded than last week. But the hayride experience, the walking and all of the other activities made for the perfect day. Even if it was a little on the chilly side!!!

Now Liam is sleeping (tuckered the little guy out I guess) and Nate is outside cleaning up the landscaping. He has a fire going burning some brush and we roasted some marshmallows. It feels good. I’m cleaning up some clutter within the house where it’s warm and thinking about making some hot chocolate in a bit.

It’s a great Saturday. Hope you are having one as well.

Of a mom, a little boy, Halloween costumes, sewing skills, scrapbooking – did I get it all? Just a few days ago I pinned and cut out Liam’s latest Halloween costume. I’m sewing it whenever I find the time and energy – it’s an easy one (so far). But I always like looking back on old Halloween photos and in doing so tonight thought it may be fun to share the layouts from each year. Yep…you can see how things have changed on many different levels. Don’t laugh – ok?

This layout is four years old – wow. Sorry about the fuzzy photo – it’s four years old and I was still working on my skills! Liam was only one! I LOVED making this costume and he was so stinkin’ cute in it!

This was Liam’s second costume. The layout was part of my HOF entry the year I got an honorable mention. It was a sewing for dummies pattern since I can’t sew very well! Can you tell he’s a scarecrow??? A cool one though!

This was last years costume – another one that I had to learn how to make! I CAN sew a poncho now!!!! Notice I didn’t say WELL though! I have two layouts for this one.

This year – you’ll have to wait and see what I create. It’s a work in progress!

So that’s my yearS in review!!! Halloween is SO FUN! Perhaps it’s because my due date with Liam was October 31 and that his birthday is darn close to it!

G’night!

An unexpected mail day actually. While I knew that I was part of this book – I didn’t know when my copies would arrive. Yesterday was the day and I have to say that I am really impressed with this book – The Joy of Scrapbooking! Check it out.

And even more fun, check out the inside cover!

Yay! It’s one of my favorite layouts of Liam and I. Not sure why – it’s just one that feels good. Anyway – this book is HUGE! There are around 300 pages showing over 350 scrapbook layouts (I have something like six in there). But it’s really well done, full of beautiful artwork and that makes me happy.

Just thought that I’d share.

Again. In charge of MY time doing whatever I want to do. I swear that every time a trade show rolls around my life is turned upside down. I have a few weeks where design work takes over my mind. It’s really not a bad thing because I love designing – love it. But finding the extra time can be difficult sometimes – especially when you’re pregnant and tired and obsessed with getting the house in order! Still – I’d have it no other way!

So here are a few more things that I can share now.

This is another layout that I did for Imaginisce except it features one of their new lines, “Go for Baroque.” The patterns in the collection are amazing and just wait until you see some of the embellishments!!! I didn’t have any to use on this page but I’ll just say, mirrored brads. They’re fantastic!!!

And then this is another line by Imaginisce called “Trade Winds.” Check out the colors! It’s another really fun collection with bold colors. The embellishments rock too…the jewels on this page are really small compared with the other ones they’re releasing!!!

I did another mini-book for 7Gypsies. This kit is an adorable little purse that you assemble and cover with whatever papers you wish. And then it also comes with a little accordion book. So you can coordinate that back to the purse and have an awesome little keepsake – or think holidays! I loved the end result on this. Unfortunately, I was in such a time crunch to get it out the door I quickly photographed it and sent it off. Well my depth of field really stinks in the photo so you don’t see much of the detail. But the album is about motherhood and full of little tips and lessons I’ve learned along the way with Liam. Fun stuff!

I also did another layout with the October kit from Memory Creators (yeah I’m lame and behind this month). This one not only uses a blurry photo but also is done in a smaller format (not my usual). BUT I loved the photo and the size is what worked. I’m not fighting it!!!

I can’t think of others right now but I’ll have more to share later!

On another note – I had an awesome day today with my family. I love the weekends because we’re always on the go – doing stuff together. Today we hit Soergels, a local farmers market and right now – pumpkin patch. It was a perfect day with the right amount of chill and Liam was on his best behavior yet. LOVE when that happens!!! So we took a hayride, picked pumpkins, ate apples and took part in all of the other fall festivities. Good stuff. And it’s no big surprise that I had the camera.

Check out the pumpkins that Liam chose. Can I just tell you that he is beyond particular!!! It has to be “Liam sized” meaning really small with a stem that isn’t prickly and it can’t be wet. Nice.

And check it out – I’m in a photo!!! I handed the camera over to name A FEW TIMES so that I’d be in some photos!!! Yay me!

So that’s all for now. Hope you’re enjoying the weekend!

Sorry about the blog neglect. I’ve been buried, sick, pregnant – you know how it goes. Every time a show rolls around I know that it’s time to hang on and enjoy the ride. Oh, and get to work! I get stressed and complain a bit (sorry Nate) but I really do love it. Playing with new products is exciting! It always gives me a creative boost and to be honest, I get A LOT done! This week was no exception. I designed like a fiend! And while I can’t share everything, I can share some. That’s always fun isn’t it!

So, here are a couple of layouts that I designed for Imaginisce – they made their debut at CHA in July. I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with this company and really get to know some of the people. The experience has been wonderful.

This layout features a line called “Kewl Stuff.” The flower centers use their rubber buttons – one of my favorite things! They’re oversized – just perfect for me! And they make the coordinating ribbon, which is always a plus!

I have a couple of layouts to share featuring the lines coming out in just a few weeks (along with some fab new embellishments) but I can’t reveal those for another week or so. Stay tuned!!!

Another big reveal that I have is a new product line from Pink Martini. They have three new lines coming out at the show and I’m allowed to show them NOW! One line, Flirtini uses some awesome blues, purples and yellows. It’s a great palette with bold designs. This is one layout that I created with the papers, rub-ons and stickers from that collection:

The second Pink Martini line is called Orange Creamsicle and incorporates creams, oranges, aqua blues and greens. FUN color and design. Here is a layout using two of the papers and some stickers:

It’s no secret that I LOVE Piggy Tales. The paper designs are right up my alley and they have the cutest names for their papers! I’ve been doing mostly altered pieces for them, which is always a nice change of pace from layout design. This is part of a baby gift set that I created using a line called “Little Red Riding Hood”. It’s a wooden box that holds baby supplies – in this case diapers. I made a coordinating sign but I don’t have that image handy right now! This is one of my FAVORITE color combinations right now (red and aqua) and is actually going to be used in my nursery!

Let’s see…Memory Creators! The fab online site I’ve had the pleasure of working with for almost….three years? I can’t remember! Anyway – Stayce does fantastic kits each month and the October kit ROCKS! It’s full of 7gypsies goodies as well as some other unexpected items. They’re always fun to work with. This is one layout that I did with the kit. I LOVED that laser cut scroll design! Talk about a focal point!

Speaking of 7Gypsies, I was asked to do a tag album for them (not for Memory Trends but another purpose). It’s ten full pages (20 photos), which was a lot of work but turned out really cute. This is just a peek of the cover, the rest of the pages coordinate. I’m not sure if I can show the whole thing so I’m holding off for now.

I did another project using 7Gypsies product for another company but can’t go into any detail. This is a little peek of a handmade accent I did – I thought that it was fun!

So that’s probably enough sharing for now! Unless you count what I got in the mail this week!!! Before all of the show stuff started I was obsessing over fabrics online. Just like there are so many awesome patterned papers on the market – there are fabrics that I’m drooling over. I can sew, but it’s not something I do regularly. I’m thinking about doing it a bit more. Anyway – during my search I found a number of blogs that were totally inspiring. There is so much talent out there in the world – all over the world and I love that they’re sharing their craft! One gal that I came across during my search was Alison. She showed a bag that she sewed (she called it a Flounce bag) and I was instantly in love with it. The fabrics were gorgeous and the color patterns unexpected. I needed one! So I asked her if she’d make another one JUST LIKE IT for me and she did!!! This is the bag:

And these are the straps. They tie in bows so you can adjust them accordingly. This is PERFECT for me because short gals (like me) always have a hard time finding bags that don’t hang down to your knees. They’re just the cutest!

And check out the detail here! It’s a beautiful blue velvet ric rac. I love it!!!

AND because Alison is so sweet – she included a little gift for the baby! She made these!!!!

I wish that I would have slowed down when opening the package long enough to photograph the wrapping because it was really clever. She’s awesome.

So that’s more than enough showing and telling for one day. I’m off to get some rest and try to get rid of this cold!

Enjoy your evening!