kathie deluca

2011-11-09T18:30:00.000-05:00

Christmas Wonder Wreath

Sunday, November 27, 2011, 12:30 – 3:30pm

Join me as I help you create a beautiful Holiday Wreath working with Authentique's Christmas Wonder patterned paper, Bo Bunny Double Dot, Tim Holtz Tissue Paper, ribbon and more. You will absolutely love your wreath which is sure to be a Holiday favorite decoration for year's to come.

Wreath kits will be available for purchase should you not be able to attend class. Please let them know at time of sign-up.

2011-10-31T12:04:00.000-04:00

Cute as Cute can be!!!
So the whole thought process of this card came from the piece of jean material we received in the store recently from Canvas Corps. I immediately knew which MFT stamp set this would be perfect for....tada!
So, I stamped and colored (with Copic Markers) this sweet girl and she has been sitting on my desk for a good week......
until last night. I read about the MFT November Guest Designer contest and thought...hey I have to bling my girl out and submit her....cause her jeans ROCK and she now has her B-L-I-N-G on.....

I used Jillibean soup papers Christmas Eve Chowda! (as we would say here in RI) and the crystal embellishment is from Prima. I used red chalk ink and red and white twine from The Twinery.

I was able to use a bunch of MFT Die-namics as welll....here is a list:

Simply Scallops-Medium
Four Point Frame
Rolled Flower
Oval Decorative Doily

We do carry all these products at the store and this card will be on display as well. Hope you enjoy this cutie-pa-tootie girl and stop by again soon to see more!

When you stop by the store ask about our Awesome MFT FAN CLUB!! It's to "die" for.....tee hee.

hugs, k.

2011-09-28T08:45:00.000-04:00

Home Sweet Home
Love this frame! Sometimes when you see a certain paper line, stamp set, or die cut something instantly comes to your mind. As soon as I saw this new stamp/die set from MFT called Homespun Birdhouse I just imagined this frame. I love all the little details and the different elements on each house that makes it its own.
I like to try to use the dies as much as I can in ways that aren't necessarily traditional.....for instance, love how the snowflake makes such a good backing for my Winter house flowers. I also love the Summer house with the waves as its trim and the tiny sun from the tag set.
This is a great gift item for the Holidays too!
Hope you have been creating lots lately also.
Have a great day!
k.

2011-07-31T10:26:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone!
Just a quick post to show you all a quick and easy pin I made with my MFT Die-namics.

While at CHA I did a make and take in a booth where I dipped something into Diamond Dust and I couldn't figure out why I had never tried that at home...I own the stuff for goodness sakes! Love how pretty it looks.
Love the colors, how the UTEE makes the Dizzy Doiley looks so shiny.

This is happiness at its best!
Enjoy!!
Be back soon...promise!

2011-06-23T08:54:00.000-04:00

Love this little stationary set I created using Crate Papers Portrait Collection. Great for a gift!
Click Here -----> here for class information!
Summer is here and I am excited about my 100 days of Summer Project Album I am creating. I will be sharing different pages of it with you throughout the summer.
What do you have planned for summer?

2011-05-24T23:37:00.000-04:00

Since I got my new camera I haven't been carrying it around in my pocketbook the way I use to with my old camera. Luckily yesterday I had it in my car and while driving down the street I noticed these .....what are they even called? Dandelions? I think so. I pulled over and took a few shots of it. Our weather has been very rainy and it actually was a great day for photo taking.
Today in the studio I began work on a pretty big project. It is a journal of sorts and I have to make sure I have the right amount of pages etc. So I am being very careful in my planning. More to come about this beauty!
Also in the studio I worked with Copics, dragged out the ole Prismacolor Pencils, and another type of marker that I will be sharing lots more about with you very soon! I'm heading off to bed...hope you have a good nights sleep.
Night!
k.

2011-05-23T09:00:00.003-04:00

well my life is still going way past the speed limit.
here is a little bit of what has been happening in my world:

i have lost any time at all to do things for myself these days, including blogging. this makes me sad. so i have made a conscience decision to do it again for me.
my grandmother turned 90 in March.
my job is amazing, love what you do and you'll never work another day in your life. thats what they say. i can say i love what i do.
teaching is amazing. see above.
i like american idol
greys anatomy didn't spark my interest so much this season :(
my girls are growing up really quickly.
my dad turned 68 this month.
my nephew who made me an auntie for the first time turned 27 today.
my only godson turned 21 yesterday.
on june 11th the gaspee day parade will take place here in my hometown, and the float for the elementary school i have spent the last 7 weeks working on with 9-12 year olds will be in the parade. the children will be dressed in colonial costumes that i also helped make. should be fun.
life in general is busy....too busy....but it is life right?

why the new look of the blog? i feel fresh, and renewed in a lot of ways. and wanted my blog to reflect it. since the new year i have been really been focused, feeling great health wise, and it feels good.

today i want to share the card with you that i made my dad for his birthday. it was a quickie and i thought it was great. he really liked it too. i think he got a kick out of seeing my name stamped on the back too :)

this paper is from websters pages yacht club collection. i used a 3/4" circle punch and popped them up with foam tape and added some letter stickers. used a spica gold glitter pen to highlight the sentiment that was already on the paper. used some twill tape, twine, and again the circle punch with coordinating paper and glued them together on a pin. it was quick and cute. hope you enjoy.
hugs. k.

2011-05-21T22:54:00.002-04:00

i've missed blogging. I'm going to restart on Monday. got some goodies to show you.
talk to you then!
k.

2011-03-21T10:59:00.000-04:00

Hello There Peeps!!

It's been a while but here I am.
Today I wanted to share a project with you that I made and really love.

This is an adorable note card set I made with My Minds Eye Stella & Rose line of papers. This line of paper is so beautiful and is by far my favorite new release this year. If you are local Right at Home Scrapbooking has the full selection of all four lines of it.

I used a die cut folded in half and sewed it together around the edges to form the jacket for the cards. Used a Scor-pal to make the pockets. The cards were so simple because I used the matching stamp set and then the popped up stickers that also coordinated. Quick stamp....pop on sentiment...done.

My favorite part is the cover with all of the rows of ribbon. I love the colors and the textures. I used the zipper ribbon from the line and used hot glue to make the flowers.

Hope you enjoy this project!

2011-02-02T16:11:00.000-05:00

I hate when I disappear! I took off some time to spend with the kids over the holidays and rested my mind, body, and soul. My creative juices are rejuvenated and are flowing like crazy. A lot of times I get over stimulated creatively and my mind can't focus on anything long enough to produce a single thing. I hate that!!
We have had lots of snow--which I love...its the most peaceful time of the year for me and I can never get enough of it!

Here is a project I have been working on......Memory Box Stamp, MME papers, Die-Namics Die, and gold Krylon Pen. Beautiful!!

Created my own background paper with Tattered Angels Glimmer mist and a mask.

Used Ranger Cracked glass Accents on Bird

As always, I hope this finds you well and creating magically!

2010-12-07T19:34:00.000-05:00

I have gone a little nuts with Sticky Back Canvas......You can take this awesome Sticky Back Canvas and use Distress Inks, Glimmer Mist, Alcohol Inks, Distress Stickles, Regular Stickles, Buttons, Brads, Crystals...and create AMAZING one of a kind pins! Great gifts!

Made this flower using the Tim Holtz Shabby Flowers Die Cut, cut the petals in pieces and then arranged them to form the flowers.

For this wreath I rolled the Sticky Back Canvas and put it in a circle.

Ok, so last night I had a bunch of girls over my house and I was showing them the pins I had made, this one was originally a flower (turn it to the side) and when I showed them one of the girls said, "how cute an owl", I was like OMG, I couldn't have done a better job even if I knew I was making an owl!

love the snowman!

This was the first one I made. ....the rest is history.

What do you think???

2010-11-29T15:00:00.001-05:00

Sweetest Snowman

This is my favorite stamp EVER! ok, it has been a favorite for a long time. I have had it for years. I smile every time I look at it. I used MFT new little Die-namics snowflake die cut. It was the first time I used them and I really liked the way they cut. The wool felt is from Paper Trey Ink....along with the yummy grosgrain ribbon that matches their paper and felt perfectly....and the buttons ....oh....the buttons!
Whats on your Holiday wish list this year???

2010-11-28T15:00:00.003-05:00

Felt Trimmed Mittens.....
This paper from My Minds Eye is so cute on its own I didn't want to cover it all up. I stamped the red solid background paper with a mini snowflake stamp from Hero Arts to add a little dimension. The mittens are from Unity's New set by Jillibean. I stamped them once on the red paper and then again on some striped paper and popped them up with foam mounting tape. Then I cut little pieces of felt for the cuffs. Its so sweet in person! Hope you enjoy it! Thanks for looking!

2010-11-27T22:21:00.000-05:00

We're all just a little flaky.....
Love these little guys! I colored them with Copic Markers and added sparkled them up with some Stickles! The sentiment is from Unity Stamps and I really think its funny! I am so looking forward to the snow.....how about you....are you a fan of snow???

2010-11-19T21:36:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving is just less than a week away!! It is one of my favorite holidays to prepare for as well as enjoy spending time with family. I am also teaching a bunch of classes on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday! Look on the right hand side here on my blog to see the classes and it will link you over to Right at Home to sign up! Hope to spend some time with you to kick off the holiday season!

2010-11-05T10:40:00.000-04:00

Cutesy and not me.
I have been looking at this Hero Arts set for two weeks. Something about it caught my eye. Odd, because it is so not my style. I never tend to gravitate towards images that have that cutesy feel to them. I am more vintage, dirty, darker than bright. Yesterday I broke down and got it because in my mind I already know I am going to use for a class I have been developing and have had a few mental blocks with. So, it came home with me. Last night I went downstairs to help Sophia finish up printing a project of hers and next thing you know I was at my desk using this set that I couldn't decide if I even wanted or not! I love how my mind works! What I love most about this set is that I can cut each house up into a million different pieces and pop up window, doors, and rooftops. The detailed work keeps my mind occupied and happy for hours. Enjoy this card and keep our eye out for more cards done with this set over the next few weeks.
k.

2010-10-28T21:12:00.000-04:00

distress stickles gives this one an awesome look!

Jovial
Oh my I am in love with this Basic Grey Jovial paper line! So yummy. The 6x6 pad is perfect for card making because the prints are a tiny bit smaller.

This one is my favorite!

All of these cards are made with Cricut images. Love to layer them and pop them up, they are so pretty!

These are the November Card Club cards for my group. Hoping they love them!

What are you working on these days?

hope all is well with you.
Hugs, k.

jillibean pin tops this one off!!

red and blue make me happy!

love the mica flakes!

2010-10-25T08:45:00.001-04:00

A {ippity} Holiday

Thanks for stopping by today for the blog hop all of you {ippity}chicks! Browse around, leave a comment and say hello!

I love these cards and this Season of Joy {ippity} set. One thing I love about this set is that the two cut outs can be used with Spellbinders Nestabilities to cut them out. I used white Staz-on ink for the snowflakes and embellished them a bit with stickles and some glitter. Great set! Hope you enjoy!

2010-10-24T13:07:00.000-04:00

Seasons Change.....
Next month it will be almost one year that I have been battling with this foolishness of constant vaginal bleeding. I know it is an awkward subject. It is gross, and it's embarrassing. But it happens. I have tried to be strong but have to admit I am ready to go nutty over it. It isn't something I can easily put aside and ignore. Each time I visit the bathroom I have visible reminders of it, during the day I am physically tired due to loss of blood, again I am reminded of it. The shifting of pads, irritations....I could go on and on....I guess all I want to say is enough is enough. I am hoping after a year and three surgeries I will once and for all will be able to say goodbye to it! The removal of my cervix last week should be the final procedure needed. {fingers crossed} I was almost emotionless in the hospital as they prepped me for surgery. It was really an odd feeling. They kept asking "any questions", I replied, "no". What was I to ask really? Why make them lie and tell me this is the final procedure needed to make me stop bleeding. It was a crap shoot, I realized this. So now, I sit, wait, and hope for the best. There are worst things out there, I acknowledge it, admit it, and recognize. But, in my world this is what is grasping at my patience. So as much as I try to look at the grand scheme of things....it still pisses me off.
Lets move on.
The photo above was taken with my new camera! Whoot! Whoot! Santa made an early appearance with my Christmas present. I got a Canon Rebel. My last camera lasted me quite a few years as I learned how to use all the buttons, and it was time to get some new buttons! I have looked at it a bit and viewed YouTube videos, but haven't been up to actually moving around and taking some pictures with it. I will continue to read up on it as I heal. I love having a camera and really do take it with me everywhere i go.
I hope you are enjoying the season changes....fall is my favorite.
keep me in thoughts and prayer as I heal.
xoxoxo, k.

2010-10-15T17:49:00.000-04:00

be brave

Be Brave

This Unity Stamp Set was given to Beth & I while we were at donna downey's Inspired this past year. We were so thrilled because it had just been released. Once I had gotten home it got tucked away and I haven't worked with it until last night. I made this card for a very special friend of mine that just got diagnosed with cancer and began chemotherapy this past week. What a great set for so many reasons, but also for the brave women who are or have battled cancer. I made her wings sparkley and colored them with Copic Markers. Her dress was covered with Ranger's Distress rock candy Stickles. It looks so awesome in person. I used crystals for her dress and her earring. Love the way this Maya Road crushed velvet ribbon tied it all together. I am more than pleased with the way this card came out and hope that you enjoy it as well. hugs, k.

2010-10-14T23:34:00.000-04:00

Holiday Hurricane Lamp
This beautiful centerpiece is actually made from paper! I have used Cosmo Cricket paper which adds such a nice vintage feel to the piece. The distressing of the paper makes it easy to work with. You are able to move the paper in many directions when you break down the fibers in the paper. I added berries, silk flowers, and gorgeous ribbon to finish this off. You can add a candle to the center or I was also thinking that some colored Christmas ornaments would look cute in the center as well.
I hope this inspires you to use paper for your holiday projects!
hugs, k.

2010-10-11T16:42:00.000-04:00

Holiday Canvas
This 12x12 canvas was a easy way to showcase some holiday pictures rather than a traditional 12x12 layout. I cut the squares out and arranged them after painting the canvas. I adhered the pictures and paper with Claudine Hellmuth's Multi medium. I applied it under and over the pictures/papers. I embellished it with some Coordinations paper snowflakes, and some Prima and May Arts ribbons. This new My Minds Eye Holiday line is yummy and I love it!! I also added some Basic Grey Jovial Line as well.
Hope you enjoy!

2010-10-07T08:19:00.001-04:00

Paper Trey Ink Button Cards

Years ago I was very delighted by Paper Trey Ink's products especially their card stock and the quality of it. I have a lady bug set of theirs that I bought maybe 6 or so years ago that I still use today. It stamps nice and crisp, and the images are delicate. I like it. It was the having to order it through the mail that I hated and because I am an instant gratification gotta have it now kind of girl I eventually stopped getting stamps sets.
Anyhow, I love the sets that incorporate the buttons in them and this is the first one I have worked with. They are so cute!!! Hope you enjoy them. Thanks for looking. Enjoy your day.

These little gift tags are so cute! I made a bunch of them

I will be announcing dates for this class soon.

i added glitter to his button to make it sparkle!

2010-10-06T00:37:00.001-04:00

the look of this dirty background came out so cool! i love the final results

Twinkling H20's
I used these sparkley watercolors for quite a few years now but they just got reintroduced by Creative Imaginations and they are back to the top of my list to use! Watercoloring in general is one of my favorite techniques and I don't get the chance to use it nearly enough in my classes, it tends to be more for my personal use. So, I am glad I can share it with my students now.
I hope you enjoy these amazing cards. They really come to life in person with all the sparkle and shine! Thanks for looking!

love the colors of this!

2010-10-03T22:28:00.000-04:00

Click to follow my blog!---------->

Welcome {ippity} lovers!

Hope you enjoy these samples I made with two {ippity}sets.

Just Creepy and Fall for You

I really love the use of the two of them together.

Thanks for looking!

Happy Hopping!

2010-10-01T17:05:00.005-04:00

Vintage Christmas Holiday Cards

Love the new Just Rite Vintage Christmas Stamps. I began with a completely different color pallet when I began and then redid them for a second time and love the results. The same thing happened with the choice for card stock. I ended up with a brushed gold matting and a clear acetate card for the base. I really love the results. If you look closely you can see the glass on Santa's glasses, the soft beard and hair of the nutcracker, the thick glass effect of the ornaments, and the snow on Frosty's hat! Great details for a cute set! Hope you enjoy looking at these great cards......look for upcoming classes with this set.

2010-09-23T22:40:00.002-04:00

Halloween Rosettes Tutorial

2010-09-22T14:36:00.003-04:00

As usual I am back, apologizing for being among the missing. Summer 2010....a blurrrrrr......

I literally didn't post for a whole summer. Not intentional by any means. The girls, Chris, and I had an amazingly relaxing summer really. No concerts to report, no vacations...instead we dealt with health issues, but were able to relax through it all. But through all that went on, the one thing that came out of it all is that the family unity that we sometimes don't always feel among the five of us was restored, revived, and renewed. Things always happen for a reason and trying to find the positive among this summers happenings that is what I found when I dug deep.

The kids summer was amazing filled with fun filled days by the pool with Grammie & Pop. They played with friends, spent evenings playing manhunt, and went without a care in the world as summers should be. For that I am grateful. I am grateful to have parents that live a few streets away and are always there for me and my family whenever needed. I am grateful to have friends that make my world happy. I am grateful to do what I love for a living and able to put it aside while I cared for myself and my family this summer. My days may feel endless sometimes, but, I am grateful for the amazing life I have been privileged to live.

In July I went in for a hysterectomy. The date became closer than anticipated when they pushed the date up by two weeks at the last minute. Olivia spent her days waking up early and going to her high school soccer practices everyday. Right before the final week of practice she was running and fell and broke her leg. Not a great way to start high school. And then to top the summer off, Chris DeLuca had gastric bypass surgery in August, and is doing really, really well. He stayed in the hospital for three days and again my mom & dad stepped up to the plate. As of now he has lost over 35 lbs. (i'm a little jealous!)

But now I am back to teaching, designing, and holding the monthly crops for Scrap-en-dip-ity. I am loving the newest products that are coming out after CHA and have lots of class ideas in my head!

Keep checking back to see what I am up to and where I am teaching next!

xoxox k.

2010-06-21T09:42:00.006-04:00

<---Sophia & her Teacher on Recognition Day

<--Olivia & her awesome friend Maddison ready for the Social

My life is overwhelming to say the least.

For the past year I have always just held on really tight and tried to enjoy the crazy ride called L-I-F-E. It's my motto in a way. But...sometimes....it all seems a little bit immobilizing. I feel that way right now. Not settled, lost, just not content. I am not sure if it is because I can sense something new coming my way and this is somewhat of the calm before the storm, or if I am really wandering just searching for a place I belong. Honestly, I haven't felt the way I do in so long, I actually forgot how much I hate the way it feels. In one word....I could describe it FLAT. The weird thing is that my creative juices are still flowing...so that is a positive.

My children's life is flying by and the days seem to all blur together as they grow and mature in leaps and bounds daily. I am always the first to complain how hard being a mother is, and how it isn't the life I ever imagined for myself. Truth be told....I am just honest. It isn't what I expected but I do embrace it and give it my full attention and total commitment. I just wish they wouldn't grow so fast. That does make me sad.

My two older girls have had a great month with activities. Both of them had social dances to attend. The dresses, the shoes, makeup, hair .....on and on. Sophia had her 6th grade recognition ceremony. It all came, it went, and now they have moved on to the fact that they are moving on to new schools. A high school freshman, and a big junior high school girl! It's an exciting time in their lives, and as much as I do hate to see them grow up...I love how much they are enjoying this time in their lives.

Here are some pictures from the past month to enjoy.

<----Olivia & Kenna @ Honors Night

<---Sophia with her BFF'S on her Social Night

2010-05-30T23:30:00.004-04:00

My first time participating in the {ippity} blog hop!

Hello to all my {ippity} friends!

Welcome to my blog, feel free to become a "follower" of my blog as well as leave me a comment about what you think about my card creation!

I made these cards all with the same stamp set, and only changed the colors, and the sentiment. It's amazing how you can take the same stamp, and change the look just by changing the color scheme. I used Distress Inks directly on the stamp and stamped the image once on the watercolor paper, and then misted the stamp lightly to get the second two images. It's amazing how Distress Inks react to water.

I hope you enjoy!

hugs. k.

2010-05-24T21:08:00.003-04:00

I made this really pretty layout over the past few days. I painted canvas with Claudine Hellmuths Studio Paint. I've been using this paint for over a year now and I have to say I LOVE this paint...the consistency, the way it spreads so smooth....I could go on and on!

These pictures of Sophie are my favorites ever of her.....don't know exactly why, but they are!

I love this free style type of page layout.

Hope you enjoy it!

2010-05-20T12:50:00.002-04:00

What to say...What to say.....

first, i can say wow!! i can confirm that every of ounce of hard work that we put into getting ourselves to inspired was so worth it. no regrets at all!

we met so many amazing ladies. and actually, a few men. this was an experience that i will never forget. i walked away "inspired"... there is no doubt, and can't wait to get all these ideas and inspiration i have in my head out into projects.

here is beth, donna downey, and myself at our booth. she was so sweet, approachable, and fun! i felt like i have known her forever.

<<<------- this lady! Ellen is her name...was totally the glue of our trip. she kept us organized, calm, and focused (if that is even possible), and together. this was the first time we had traveled and roomed together, and we all know those things can go one way or the other, and it was perfect. in every way possible. i can't thank her enough for all she did for us and her amazing hard work! love you ellen!

two amazing treasures....one is a bag that donna downey herself made and signed for me after i purchased it. this was my souvenir that i chose at her studio the day we visited it. her studio is probably just as you imagined....crisp, inspiring, stocked with all goodies that make you go ohhh and ahhh.... your heart races when you walk in and her work that i have always admired online is even more beautiful in person....she thinks in such a different way than i do...i love it!

the second bag (top one) is a camera bag made by teresa collins which she made to be auctioned off at Inspired 2010 with the proceeds to benefit hope for Haiti. I...me...kathie deluca...who never wins anything...was the big winner of this bag! its pink, pretty, and i love it!!!

two things i will treasure forever.

hope all is well with everyone! hey.....be a follower....click to the left and follow my blog!

hugs, kathie

2010-05-19T18:49:00.001-04:00

I went...I saw.... I was INSPIRED!

2010-04-20T15:21:00.002-04:00

Something about this photo I like, I don't know why. It is the handle of my morning coffee cup, two dirty breakfast bowls, a dirty cup ring, and a water bottle. It was taken by accident and I was surprised when I found it in my group of pictures.

Things for me have been good. Really busy. First, my parent are away in Florida. This has always been difficult for me. I chat with my parents everyday when they are here in Rhode Island but don't necessarily see them. While they have been in Florida, I have spoken with them everyday...but it feels different. So after about a week I got out of that funk and began getting into my grove. Things for the Scrapendipity Market Place Booth at Inspired have been pouring in and we are a bit overwhelmed. Trying to juggle the little glitches we have run into, finances, and the everyday running of a business is like NUTS. And then to add to it....the kids are home on vacation this week. All I have heard is "I'm bored", "there's nothing to eat in this house"....blah blah blah....sigh. I try to keep positive but they are a lot of work!

Lets move on....

I have some great classes coming up in May at Right at Home Scrapbooking in North Attleboro. I will try to keep them up to date on this blog. Here is a little thing that makes a big difference in my life. I am a list girl. I have a list for everything.... I have an monthly agenda that I record my day to day happenings and appointments in. It is a three ring binder...well i dropped it and it came all out of order....so....since then (six to seven weeks ago) i have been unorganized. A simple thing like that can just make a difference.

GOAL for this week: to get my agenda back together!

Hope this find you all well. I am going to be blogging more regularly again. PROMISE.

hugs. k.

2010-03-22T06:54:00.009-04:00

So Happy yet so Sad.

Everyone that has known me for awhile knows that I love a good snow storm! The kind when you are stuck in the house all day, or the kind when you have to really "push" the door open to move the two feet of snow aside to get outside.....you know....a real snowstorm. I feel cheated that I didn't get that this year, but on a happier note...my favorite season has arrived. Spring!

I love the popping of green sprouts from the ground...it has always amazed me how the whole process of how delicate little flowers survive being buried in the ground during freezing temperatures and then pop up come springtime. My spring bird pictures should be coming soon enough...for the last two years I have been able to snap some pictures of the nest that is in my front Arborvitae bush, from eggs to little baby robins...love it!

I have posted some new pics of Emily enjoying the trampoline, Olivia & Oliver, and a few more great ones!

Click "follow blog" if aren't already. I will be updating my class list in the next few days, lots of great things for April! Oh My!

2010-03-05T16:40:00.002-05:00

Every now and then I struggle when I am trying to come up with a layout or card....and I work on it and then walk away for awhile, go back, and this can occur several times. Then all of a sudden it "clicks" and the vision that I have had in my mind that I have have struggled with being able to translate on paper eventually evolves and comes to life on the paper that has sat in front of me for so long. Its rewarding when it happens, sometimes more than others. This layout is one of those times. I love it! The tiny details that make it all come together. I hope it makes you smile when you look at it and brings you hope that the beautiful sunny weather is right around the corner. Spring is on its way.

I hope you can find a breath of sunshine in your world even if it isn't sunny in your neck of the woods. hugs. k.

2010-03-02T18:08:00.002-05:00

I feel like I have been in solitary confinement. I temporarily lost access first to my blog, then to my e-mail address. So if you are trying to email me please email me kookydelucy@cox.net for the time being. thanks! One BIG problem down, and one to go.

hugs. kathie

2010-02-18T19:28:00.005-05:00

SPRING IS IN THE AIR!

The last few days I have been working on samples for March classes. Here are a few samples to wet your whistle!

It is nice to be working on some SpRiNg things!

Leave me a message and tell me what you think.

"Butterflies & Blossoms"

"Beautiful Blossoms"

"Breath of Spring"

"Spring Blossom"

2010-02-16T17:08:00.002-05:00

Today we had snow. I was able to sleep in and it felt really good! Of course I had somewhere to go this morning ...but I just slept right through it. Yeah me! I have a few days off before I have to teach....of course I have tons of samples to do....but I find it really hard to slow down ...it is almost like I need four or five days to slow down, then I can actually relax. It is weird. It is day two of vacation and the kids are driving me nuts...they are bored....don't want to relax....I was considering getting them a job...then they wouldn't be bored. Tomorrow they are going with their Grandmother bowling so I have some time to myself.....
As usual, work has been so busy and I can't be more fulfilled. Our next crop is coming up on the 28th and we are close to sold out again this month. We are celebrating "chicks & chocolate"...snicker....we have some cute things in store!! Whoot! Whoot!!
If you got some snow I hope you are enjoying some time to look out and enjoy its beauty.
hugs, k.

2010-02-12T09:48:00.006-05:00

This is my grandmother Charlotte and my three girls.

Hello There,

School Vacation is here already...seems like they were just home for Christmas. This vacation I am looking forward to spending some down time with the girls. We may go ice skating and bowling...but other than that I am hoping just to chill! Speaking of chill....maybe we will be graced with a huge snowstorm that will leave us house bound! I love the snow and have not had my fill of it this winter by any stretch of the imagination.

We are celebrating several birthdays this weekend for our family with a dinner at my house. It is nice to get my brothers and their families together during the winter. We all have kids going in every direction and it is SO hard for us to all get together. So it is nice.

I hope this finds you well.

hugs. k.

2010-02-05T12:13:00.003-05:00

New and Exciting.

I just found out this morning that I was selected to teach at the Inspired Artist Workshop 2010 in North Carolina! It is one of those things that you submit your work to and think, "never in a million years", but then I was thinking "why not me?" and submitted anyway! Glad I did.

Inspired Artist Workshop 2010

2010-01-28T15:07:00.005-05:00

Happy Birthday Sophia Elizabeth!

Wait! Don't go! Your at the right blog....I have changed my look! Do you like it? Both Beth and I have matching blog banners as well as our new Scrapendipity typepad blog banner. So ...we....are all like matchy-matchy! Cool!
Life has been so awesome lately. Teaching has been so good. Meeting great ladies all the time. Scrapendipity had its frist sold out crop last month....
My girls are great.
Today is Sophia's 12th birthday. I went to visit her at school and spend time in her classroom.....it was amazing to see her get up in front of her class with her friend and rap. She is...well I think I can say WAS my shy girl. As a little girl she was constantly nestled up in my lap, needing to be held until I had wispered in her ear enough times that "she could do it" little things, big things, didnt matter....she was always cautious. To see her blossom is not only amazingly great to watch as a parent, but also just so..... sweet knowing that all the time I worried about her being shy was wasted, as I now know...she had to blossom in HER time. I always tell you how I love my kids birthdays...they are days that are etched into my mind never to be forgotten and I love to recall them.
Today I am thankful, grateful, and happy to be the Mom of this amazing 12 year old.

2010-01-14T08:30:00.007-05:00

Well the new year has arrived and we are all filled with promise and hope. Me included. I was able to take a few weeks off at the end of the year and it was really great. We were able to spend time together "hanging around" as a family doing the things we use to do before I was working full time. We played games, watched movies together, things like that. I actually cleaned and organized closets, vacuumed the curtains out and the ceilings...things i use to just love to do! NOT! but it did feel good to do them again.

Olivia turned 14 on Christmas Eve and she had a party for her friends during vacation. This is a picture of some of the kids along with Olivia in her friend Errols "gangster" hat and gold chain. I can not remember where his family is from, but Olivia just gets a kick out of his clothing and she was making me laugh so hard that night. She still looked pretty even as a "gansta" LOL.

Here is the newest member of our family...our new hedgehog named Oliver..Ollie for short.

This is the day we went to visit him and we picked him up about 5 days later on. He is doing well and is growing so quick. I really love him and hope maybe someday I will have a hedgehog to call my own.

Here is Miss Emily. Emeril came to town to our local supermarket and she was so excited to meet him. There were no photo's allowed with Emeril, so the cardboard cutout was the next best thing. She did get to meet him, talk with him, he signed her book as well as her apron. She wants to be a pastry chef. For 10 Years old this girl can bake! I was happy for her and know it is a memory she will hold in her heart forever.

Check out my new classes for January.... there are some great things coming up!!

Hope your well.

BECOME A FOLLOWER OF MY BLOG ........click the buton! click it now! ok..please.

2010-01-12T08:32:00.002-05:00

2010-01-04T08:57:00.001-05:00

2009-12-31T09:30:00.005-05:00

Saying Goodbye to 20o9--Hello 2010

Quick. We always say that each year...how each year passes by so quickly...

For me, overall this was a great year. I finally have secured "what I want to be when I grow up"

I am in love with where I am career wise.

My family is great...but it probably is the one thing I would change if I could. I hate how quickly the girls are growing up. At times it seems as if I am not going to have enough time to finish molding them into perfect little human beings like every parent wishes they can do before they are flying away to be on their own. So far I think they are doing well....but another "few blinks of an eye" and Olivia will be driving and then heading to collage! UGH!

I hate New Year's Resolutions....they are unrealistic and I hate making false promises. Hence, one of my favorite quotes......"say what you mean and mean what you say" With that being said, my best yet resolution was a few years ago when I promised to "emboss more" lol. I held true to it! see...it was realistic!

This year, I just want to enjoy the moment more. That's all. I have been conditioned to live each hour at a time...only because sometimes I place so much on my plate it can seem overwhelming if I looking at it even two days out...so I always focus on the task at hand and get through it one hour at a time. For the most part, this works for me and never leaves me disappointed.

What are you hoping to accomplish? Be realistic...don't set your self up for disappointment.

I wish you and yours the very best this new year!

2009-12-07T23:30:00.002-05:00

Finally a breath. It feels good.
I am in the process of preparing for my holiday. This year just seems to mellow. Life is just so hectic and I feel when the whole country is in such a financial uproar we really should cancel the gift giving hoop-la this year. It could be the year without gift. The Christmas of Love and Togetherness....something like that. I was taught the Lord loves a cheerful giver. It is hard to be cheerful about giving when it is such a burden. Its a poor attitude, I agree, but its truthful.

Enough about that. We are going to put up our tree this week and put some lights outside. The girls are quite excited about it too.....so I have to take a deep breath because I really like to decorate my own tree. When they were little, I had a "kids" tree in our family room area, and "my" tree in our formal living room, now our dining room. So this year I am sure they are going to want to decorate both trees. One tradition that we love is each year is that I purchase the girls an ornament that is for them. As a rule, it reflects their interest that particular year, or them in general. They LOVE pulling out the ornaments and remembering back to when they received it. I also love it because it does bring back warm memories to me as well. I often complain how fast these girls are growing, and it does sadden my heart to think how old they are. Them being babies was such a great time in my life I always remember back to those days and long to have had them last a little bit longer.......

My January class schedule is almost complete and full. I will be finishing up some samples by weeks end and my blog will show all of them! Some repeats and some new goodies on the way. A few of them I am really excited about! Also, our first Scrap-en-dip-ity crop of the year is January 16th, and we are anticipating a sell our crowd for this one. I recommend booking early.
Details to follow.

I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a safe Holiday Season. May Peace fill your hearts and lives.
k.

2009-11-30T10:31:00.003-05:00

Home for the Holidays Crop Class Offerings:

Boxes, Bags, & Tags
Create all your boxes, bags, and tags this year for all of your gift giving needs!!!
You will create three different sized bags as well as create different sized boxes from flat pieces of paper! These also coordinate with the gift enclosure cards offered as one of our other crop classes!! You will love this class.
$20
Card Class #2
The papers for these gift enclosure cards are so fresh and fun! You will be creating 6 3x3 gift enclosure cards. They will be sure to bring a smile to the face of whoever is receiving them!
$15

Card Class #1
Create these Holiday Greeting Cards in this class! You will be using vintage style My Minds Eye Papers to create these 5 pretty cards. They sparkle and shine!
$20

2009-11-04T20:46:00.002-05:00

----Busy------

not that i am complaining....i am loving it. but i hate that i haven't scheduled time to update my blog. i want to say hello to everyone and let you know that next week i have scheduled time to update my blog. i have lots of new classes to add, and i want to update my photos, and favorites, and all that stuff.

had a great class today at Right at Home and will be in newport, ri this weekend at croptopia. then the scrapendipity crop on sunday! so when i breathe on monday i will be here to tell you how it all went.

there has been so much sickness in my house the last couple of weeks....all the girls, including myself. but we are on our road to recovery!

hope this finds you happy, healthy, and well~
hugs!

2009-10-22T16:44:00.002-04:00

Oh My World!
Life has been such a dream lately. Crazy busy but with awesome busy-ness. The kind I love. 100% of my focus has been on creating....everyday and it has really stepped up my game! I am thrilled with that aspect of my life.
The soccer season has been going full force again and we always love that. My friends always ask me how I can stand it....soccer almost every day of the week, sometimes twice in a day....but I love it and love the passion that Liv and Sophia have for it. Sophia especially has a drive for it. She craves it as I do with my creating. I understand that side of her. For Liv it seems to be more of a social element of her life. Emily is just happy sitting in her room with paints, brushes, and markers and she is happy as a clam.
Olivia has been sick with pneumonia for the last week and has been home sick from school. I worry because she worries so much about the work that she misses while out. I told her not to worry and if the work is made up, its made up and if not.....just get well soon!!!!
Very soon this will be my personal blog again and I can use it just for my personal life and not so much my work life. The website is actually in our hands at this point and we are able to make the changes to it ourselves. Yippee! We have been contracted for advertising and are looking to launch it OFFICIALLY in the next two weeks. We are thrilled and it has been a long rode, but is a road of commitment and determination that will produce a healthy outcome {fingers crossed}
I hope this finds you well.
let me know how your world is.
k-

2009-10-21T08:56:00.002-04:00

Happy Hump Day Everyone!

This is my favorite time of the year and I am really loving the chill in the air! My weekend was filled with classes and meeting some amazingly talented ladies! It was so much fun! All my classes are set for the rest of the year and I am working on some super pretty stuff for the new year! Seems weird huh? I am sick of fall and holiday papercrafting supplies...sad huh? This summer I remember sitting by the pool working on Christmas classes. So I am ready to move on and I have been working with bright, pretty papers.......so stay tuned!

Anyhow, the girls have settled into school nicely and are all doing amazingly well. Olivia is very sick right now and has pnemonia. She has been resting and hopefully she will make a speedy recovery without any problems. She is out of school for at least a week. Thats a long time for her with the work load she has.........

For the first time I am offering a small class (of 6 students) at my house. It is going to be for the Christmas Album below. If you are interested in taking it let me know and I will put your name down. I have supplies for six students only....its a great book with lots of hidden secrets as you flip each page......

I hope you are enjoying this fall season as much as I am.

hugs, Kathie

2009-10-15T11:26:00.005-04:00

Class Choices for October 24th, 2009 Crop
"Earth Love Crop"

Choice #1 Fall Banner-$18-Create this beautiful home decor banner for yourself or a gift! We will use Distress Crackle Paint, Embossing Folders, and lots of pretty fall toned papers!

Choice #2--Card Class-$20- After making 5
addorable cards you will take home an 8 pc. Maya Road clear stamp set with this class.

These cards are so darn cute!

Choice #3-
Layouts -$15 - Complete two 12x12 page layouts. Beth has out done herself with these layouts! They are so beautiful in person with so many details. I love them and am sure you will too!!

2009-10-06T08:46:00.006-04:00

<--These are the two class samples-->

hey there my friends,

im looking for a class buddy or two or three...or four (got the idea...lol)

just a quick note to let you know i am going to take the two christine middlecamp classes at right at home next weekend (october 17th) and hope you will join me. nothing is better than creating with friends!!!

don't get sticker shock when you see the class price....from what i hear the kits are chuck full with TONS of stuff that makes it well worth the price!!

go to http://www.rightathome.typepad.com/ to see the projects and to register.

let me know if you sign up!!!

big hugs!!

2009-10-01T13:22:00.002-04:00

Oh La La Crop September 2009 Recap

Well what can we say?!?! If you missed it........ you missed it!! I think it is safe to say that this crop was definitely a huge success! We want to thank the return crop attendees for your continued support, and also like to welcome and say thank you to the 6 new friends we all met!! Our Oh la la theme began with a tote filled with a french breakfast consisting of cheese, fresh bread, and Perrier water along with some hand dipped chocolate french cookies for an afternoon snack. (not sure they lasted til the afternoon..but that's another story!! :o) For lunch Beth (said with a french accent please) whipped up some fresh croissants stuffed with ham, turkey and some great tasting cheese...it had some cranberry walnut orzo salad on the side, only to be followed by chocolate mousse that I have to say was to die for!! Everyone participated in our array of classes throughout the day and worked on their own projects as well.

We kicked off the launch of our first Scrapendipity Kit and just about everyone picked one up to take home and try!! We look forward to see what you create with these kits!!!

Congratulations!!

We want to congratulations to our big winner of our raffle....Andrea Delligatti.....she received a basket worth well over $200 plus complimentary admission to our next crop!!

Thank You!!

Also a big shout out to our gals Kimba and Maria for helping us break down everything and load it into our cars....it is such a big help!

NEWS:

We have added December 5th onto our schedule for our December Crop!

Register Now!

Next months crop is our first Saturday crop and will be packed! Reserve your spot ASAP as registration is now open. This is being held on October 24th.

if you would like to get one of our October Kits go to www.scrapendipity.biz

Thanks so much!!

2009-09-29T21:38:00.005-04:00

Take a look in this issue of take ten........

This issue of take ten magazine features two of my cards in it!! I was really excited as this is the very first time I have been published! Quite exciting I must say!!

"On newstands near you!"

2009-09-25T19:26:00.003-04:00

Me Time....

Recently I was asked if I ever do anything "for myself" anymore, paper wise..... When you do what you love everyday it is hard to even think that you aren't doing something for yourself so to speak. So I took these pictures last year at our annual Gingerbread House Making Party. I knew I wanted to do something with it....so I finally did. I am more than pleased how it came out. Not sure if this will be store class, crop class, or maybe I will just keep it as a one of a kind for just ME! Do you love this book? I did so many different techniques in this book and use My Minds Eye papers for this one. Tell me what you think......(aka COMMENT!)

The past few weeks have been such a worldwind. It has been so perfectly busy. Beth and I daydream just about everyday how we are going to have a huge open space someday with lots of workers who we hand pick....and just laugh all day long....and create!

I would like to announce that I will be teaching in October and November at a store in NH named the NH Scrapbook Cabin. Last month when Maria and I took a few days to go away for BFF time we stopped in the store and like it alot. One thing led to another and we have arranged some dates! So if your up sking or viewing the foliage soon stop by this store!!

Have a great weekend everyone!

2009-09-17T14:33:00.013-04:00

The Big REVEAL --------->> OH LA LA

Calendar.......days to Remember:

5 Greeting Georgous Greeting Cards

Scrapbooking Layouts --2 12x12 Pages

CD Tin------Double Sided

2009-09-17T14:14:00.002-04:00

The BIG OH LA LA REVEAL!

2009-09-13T10:12:00.002-04:00

Here is the sneak peak of our projects for the Oh La La crop! Complete Reveal will be on Tuesday, September 15th, 2009. So stay tuned. You can still register for the crop!!

Hope you can make it!

2009-09-04T00:15:00.008-04:00

Hello World!

Wow! Life is fast and fun! The statement ----->find a job you love and you'll never work another day in your life is the truest thing I have ever heard!!! My life has been so fabulous the past month. Being home again with my kids has been wonderful. They are really thrilled to have mommy working again from the house. It is something I have always done so when I was working outside the house it was really disrupting for them. So, as much as they drive me crazy I do love being there for them 24/7.

Beth and I say everyday that we are living our dream. Designing, teaching, and laughing our way through the days. It's a roller coaster to say the least, but it is very rewarding. Honest engine...our website is going to be up and running any day now!! We don't let it piss us off that we are several weeks overdue on the launch....we take it with a grain of salt. There is one company that we ordered product from in July and still haven't received it..."its on its way" they keep saying. OK..we say....knowing they are lying!! LOL

Any how the girls are back in school. Liv is in 8th grade, Sophie is in 6th, and my baby girl is in 4th grade..seems too crazy to be true! All have adjusted nicely and are happy to be back with their friends. I am happy to be back into a routine.

Next week I am going to have my "summer in review"...we have had an exceptional summer. The bad news is Chris is working NO overtime, the up side of that is that we have been able to have a fantastic summer together and he has been able to enjoy himself!

Also, I was able to get my hot little hands on some of the new released paper from Graphic 45 and was asked to come up with some project with the give products, I have included a few of the samples! I LOVE GRAPHIC 45...yes LOVE!

I hope you like these projects...feel fre to leave me a comment and let me know what you think of these! Do you like Graphic 45? Take it or leave it?

I hope this finds everyone well. I hope in the next time or two I post I will be able to introduce you to our Scrap-en-dip-ity website. If you would like to be included in upcoming events please email us at scrapendipityinfo@gmail.com and ask to be added to our mailing list.

Have a great day!!

Kathie

2009-08-25T21:30:00.004-04:00

Hello There!

Here are some pictures from our First Crop. Thanks again to everyone who came and we are excited for next months crop! We have two of our four projects already completed and will be posting them on September 8th, here on my blog. We are hoping our website will be completed by then and we will have links to our company and personal blogs. So much to think about!!
Of course we have a theme again this month...and we hope to not see another cupcake for a looonngggg time!!! Our second crop has been named its "oh la la" and it needs to be said with a sultry accent and lots of umph!! (let me know if you need a personal demonstration!!)
A couple of the pictures are very funny....at one point late in the evening Beth had an incident with the stickles and practically the entire bottle landed on her face!!! Oh it was so funny and was the "look of the day" You can see how fresh we looked in the morning and how wilted we looked in the night...but we wouldn't have changed it for the world. Madonna Botswana showed us all how to eat a cupcake properly, and after almost a year...I was able to get Lisa in a picture!!!
Thanks again and sign up today for the next crop to ensure your spot!!

hugs, kathie

2009-08-17T09:30:00.003-04:00

I love this smile!!!

Good Morning to all my KOOKYDELUCY friends!

Today is so beautiful outside and I had such an amazing weekend. I really feel refreshed, light, and happy as I begin this very busy week. That is a good thing!!

My weekend ended with a note from my friend Jeanne with pictures of my adorable little friend Caitlyn and her sister Carissa.

I have probably been better friends with Caitlyn than with her mom from day one. I met her last November while I was at work one day and I instantly had a bond with her. Odd I know seeing she was only 4 at the time! Goes to show you my mental age...lol :o) Her curiosity and maturity reminded me alot of my daughter Olivia when she was that age. Its like talking to an old lady! Anyhow, I (think) she had the same instant bond with me. Again odd.

Well a while back she came into work to visit me to share some unfortunate news with me. She had been diagnosed with cancer. It broke my heart and as she sat there telling me the details I held back my tears and my heart was crumbling inside. By the time she left I felt better because of her bravery and her outlook on the situation. Her mom is like a rock...strong...amazingly strong. I've often thought about if Caitlyn was my daughter how I can only imagine that I would crawl into a ball in a corner and become immobilized. Amazingly enough the Lord has given this whole family the grace to carry on and take this battle one day at a time. Truly amazing to watch.

So I ask you to keep Caitlyn and her family in your thoughts and prayers as they continue this battle with cancer. Caitlyn recently had surgery and is in a back brace that is very uncomfortable, especially in the weather as you can imagine. Shes a strong little girl that has made an impact on my life. Thank you for your prayers.

Kathie

2009-08-12T12:18:00.003-04:00

GREAT NEWS!!!!

Hello Everyone!

I've just returned from a nice long vacation from Pennsylvania. I will post some updated summer pics this week. It's mid week but I am back into the swing of things. Beth and I have been working on some things for all of our upcoming projects, classes, and crops. We both found out this week that we will be in the Autumn 2009 issue of Take Ten Magazine. This was Big Girl Beth's 6th time to be published and my 1st!! I think it is still as exciting no matter how many times you get published. We have lots of other things out there for consideration so hopefully you will be seeing us around a lot more. Oh...did I mention I got published for the FIRST time ever!! Very exciting!

Sadly, we found out this week that Beth or I will NOT be teaching at Bella ART anymore as we had hoped for. I know we had told you that we would be and thank you all for your interest in our classes. All of my classes will be listed here on my blog.

I have many different classes I will be teaching at RIGHT AT HOME SCRAPBOOKING in Attleboro, MA. It is right over the RI line and is really worth the trip especially if you love to scrapbook and love embellishments & an amazing assortment ribbon. They also have an extensive selection of COPIC Sketch markers. It makes me happy just to look at all the pretty colors line up! (I know its a sickness!)

Our official Scrap-en-dip-ity company website and company blogs should be up and running (fingers crossed) within the next two weeks. So all of Beth's classes will be listed there when that all happens. In the mean time if you want to know about a specific class just shoot us an email at scrapendipityinfo@gmail.com.

Our crop is filling up nicely as we had hoped for. We have LOTS of surprises ready for that day! Some great door prizes....raffles, yummy food! and lots of fun and laughs. You may even find a sweet treat or two waiting for you!!

Add yourself as a follower of this blog so you know when we update. Hope you have a great day the SCRAP-EN-DIP-ITY way!

Kathie

2009-08-04T19:51:00.004-04:00

Kathie DeLuca and Beth Atma

cordially invite you to their first

SCRAP-EN-DIP-ITY

"Sweet Shoppe"

All Day Crop!

August 23, 2009, held in Warwick, RI 10 am-10 pm

Cost is $25 and includes the following:

Your own ample scrapping space.

Full day of crop: arrive and leave as you please! Your space will be reserved just for you!

Snacks and cold beverages throughout the day

Yummy Catered Dinner!

A Free Make and Take-------and oh yeah! ------ Beth and Kathie for the whole Day!! :o)

Also:

Door Prizes!
Raffles!
Fun!

Mail Your Check Payment to:
Scrapendipity
135 Wingate Avenue
Warwick, RI 02888

Or Call:
401-330-7928-Kathie
401-243-3233-Beth
For Credit Card Pymt

Email us at Scrapendipityinfo@gmail.com for more information, to have the flyers emailed or snail mailed to you, or to reserve your spot!

See below for the three break out classes we are offering.

If you register for the crop and all three classes you only pay $75 (save! $12)

2009-08-04T19:45:00.001-04:00

2009-08-04T18:58:00.006-04:00

Break Out Class Descriptions for Sunday August 23rd, 2009 All Day Crop

Cupcake Album
Create this 6 double sided page cupcake chipboard album. Some of the papers are embossed to add texture. You will use ribbons, dew drops, stickles, and many die cuts and tags to create this one of a kind album! You add your photos later. $22

Sweet Life 2 12x12 Page Layouts
Create two very sweet 12x12 page layouts. We will use the Collage Press Sweet Shoppe line as well as some beautiful ribbons, dies cuts, crocheted ribbon, and do-dads. You will also use some exclusive Scrapendipity large die cuts to create these great pages! Add on kits will be available to purchase for additional page layouts. $15

Card Box with Enclosure Cards and Stamp Set

Create this adorable box and six enclosure cards in this fun class! You will receive a 5 pc. Impression Obsession clear stamp set to keep with this class. You will stamp and color using Copic Markers and embellish these adorable cards. There are a limited number of seats available for this class so sign up ASAP! $25

2009-07-30T00:06:00.003-04:00

Don't ya hate it when its blurry?
Tune in tomorrow for a little clearer view....

Tease...Tease....Tease.....

Beth and I have spent a whole day together tying up all the details to the Extravaganza! The break out class samples are finished....here is a little sneak peak! By weeks end we will have all the details posted and registration will be open. The break out classes will have a maximum number of students because of some of the special things we have planned for each of the classes and will be filled on a first come first served basis. We are so excited.....so get ready...get set....its almost time to say.......... (stay tuned)

2009-07-26T14:29:00.005-04:00

Summer Daze....

I have been on overdrive the past few weeks. I haven't had more than 5 hours of sleep a night. For some reason my body has not felt the need for it. It all began when by best friend Maria invited me and the girls to stay a night at the beach house she was house sitting. That turned into my first all nighter in a VERY long time. I think it was five am when we finally hit the hay! Then she came over a few nights in a row that again resulted in more very late nights. What I realized is that we always use to spend this much time together, but with my j-o-b I was on a somewhat rigid schedule and our friendship payed the price. We have been spending a lot of catch up time together this past week. Its been very nice.

Yesterday the girls, Chris, and I went to the beach to spend time with my cousin Sarah from Las Vegas. I got to meet her son Harrison for the first time since his birth. He is so amazingly beautiful. A big chunky baby that you just want to squeeze and hug. Last night I spent 14 hours sleeping. Evidently my body had said enough is enough. Besides the dreaming of Taylor Swift and I all night (we were bff's) I had an excellent sleep. All my other cousins were also there as well as their kids, and my Aunt Judy and Uncle Matthew. I really ...really...really enjoyed the day.

Sarah, Harrison, & me.

This is Ben, my cousin Amy's little boy, 17 months old. My favorite picture of the weekend. My cousin

We stopped at Whole Foods on the way to the beach and Emily and I took turns with the camera. We got some cute, fun shots that I will share with you.

My work schedule is really filling up nicely as well. Beth and I will be finishing up samples of the classes offered at our all day crop on August 23 next week and will be posting them along with information about sign ups. I hope you can all join me.

I am also firming up all my dates where I will be teaching in the coming months. If I do not have them listed before I go away on vacation at the end of this week I will post them while I am away. I also want to give a big shout out to the 20 ladies I had as students last week! I really had a fun time meeting and working with all of you!

The family and I will be heading to Pennsylvania on Friday. I can't wait!!

Stay Cool!

xo, Kathie

2009-07-20T15:30:00.003-04:00

BOO!
Yesterday was a great day with my debut class teaching at Right at Home Scrapbooking in Massachusetts. Met some great ladies and also got to see some of my favorite students!
If you haven't seen the wreath that was featured on the Creative Imagations blog check it out! This was very exciting for me! Scroll down to July 6th's posting. I am also teaching this class in a fall and holiday motif.
Today I created this "BOO" banner. I think its so stinkin cute! It amazes me how we are already seeing fall home decor etc. and craft supplies in every store you go into. Let's enjoy the summer! LOL> but here I am making a "boo" banner...so I guess I am in the same boat as the stores. oops!

I am heading down to the beach for the night with the girls to stay with my BFF and I am going to lay in the sun like a bronze goddess all day tomorrow. tee hee.
TTYL! Kathie

2009-07-19T08:41:00.002-04:00

Mid-July

Lots going on here in my world. My daily job at Bella Art ended this past Friday. :o(

I will continue to teach there as well as at other area stores in New England. I hope to still see many of the wonderful people I have met in the past several months! It is bittersweet as I am excited to spend more time with my girls for the rest of the summer, something that I have really had a hard time dealing with. It is the first time ever that I haven't had our summer planned with lots of fun daily activities. As I always shared...I loved my job....so I will miss it.

When I was in Mary Kay they always would say when one door closes another will open, BUT sometimes its not a door, but a window. Simply said...sometimes you get what you think you will or another opportunity will come your way that your weren't necessarily expecting.

Today I will leave you with two things.

------>One is a picture of one of the wreaths I will be teaching this fall. It is made with Cosmo Cricit paper...which I LOVE.

------>Secondly is a definition. A definition that will be the beginning of many great announcements to come in the next few weeks to follow. As I've posted, Beth and I have alot of things going on, in the works, planned, things that we are excited about and REALLY look forward to sharing with you. We are waiting for the majority of things to be in place before we officially annouce our news, its so exciting we are busting at the seems!!!!!

So, once again STAY TUNED!

Serendipity is the effect by which one accidentally discovers something fortunate, especially while looking for something else entirely unrelated.

2009-07-13T22:59:00.003-04:00

Shoes?!?!?!

I've created scrapbook pages, greeting cards of all shapes and sizes, even gone as far as a paper wreath.....but shoes? This is definitely out of my b-0-x!

They are so fun and cute....and addicting! I could go on forever making them in all shapes and sizes. They are made with basic grey ambrosia paper. It is so very pretty with different colors, and the trims are so pretty. Anything goes...its your shoe and you can create them!

Imagine if we could create our shoes as easily as we created our paper crafting projects?!!? I'd have a million pairs for sure!

Recently, I joined a swap group for these and have to make six different ones. I am also excited to see what I get back....I will share them with all of you for sure!

What's the craziest things you have made with paper?

Leave me a comment and let me know!

Hugs. Kathie

2009-07-11T09:06:00.002-04:00

AMUSE
I have really fallen in love with AMUSE stamps as of lately!
This is a little journal I designed as a make and take for the
kick off of Amuse*a*palooza at Right at Home Scrapbooking.
I used the bind it all. Isn't it cute?

Dosen't matter if we are different from one and other
we cal still be friends forever!! :o) I love the sassyness
of the girls pose!

Sweet and Simple with some linen thread stitching.

Love the gingham papers!! I am such a gingham girl!

Love how simple this card is but how well it looks all

together.

I hope you are enjoying your summer and taking time to smell the roses.

xoxo, Kathie

2009-07-08T09:31:00.003-04:00

Hello to all my new
Creative Imaginations friends!!
Glad you are stopping by!!
Please leave your comments and thoughts, follow my blog or bookmark it!
If you have a website or blog leave the address in your comment so I can visit it and say hello to you!
Hope you are all having a great day!
{hugs}

2009-07-06T23:41:00.003-04:00

Happy 4th of July America!
This weekend was so filled with fun, friends, and many memories to say the least. Our family and two other families met at soccer, all VERY different personalities and have really become amazing friends. Not only us as adults, but also our children. We were forced to be together in the stands at all the games as well as at many practices and we have just made the best of it. We all play off each other and are almost always laughing, goofing, and it never gets old. Its one good story after another as well as one crazy thing happening to someone at some time. This was a picture of 5 of the girls going into the Pawtucket Red Sox game on Thursday night. We had a blast .......

Such a cute picture of Sophie and I. I had to post it even though I promised Emily the next picture on my blog of one of my children would be her! Shhh!!

This picture of my nephew Ricky and my youngest niece Hannah just melts me. They are brother and sister and although there are years between them they have really developed a special bond. I thought I would share it with you.

Hope your summer is happy!!

2009-06-29T11:11:00.005-04:00

Airbrushing with Copics

This is the newest card I have done with airbrushing. I love the challenge of the airbrushing and getting it to look even and consistent. I am coming along nicely with it and have gotten it down pat pretty well. This stamp is from Impression Obsession and I love them for many reasons: 1) They are great for airbrushing 2) They are great to watercolor, which i also love to do...and 3) the use of flower soft is very easy with these stamps.

I had a great weekend and enjoyed the nice weather. The girls have been to the pool several times now and the fires and smores have become a nightly thing as well as the extra kids in my house. Summer is here!

We have a trip planned to Pennsylvania next month. We have not been there in quite a few years. We will visit Hershey Park as well as Great Wolf again (a favorite of mine).

Hope your having a nice start to the summer.

2009-06-26T09:08:00.004-04:00

Mark Your Calendars!

August 22, 2009

Beth and I are launching our first Extravaganza!!!!

Heres a sneak peak of the papers we will be using and the projects we have planned are awesome! (would you expect anything else!!) There will be projects for everyone no matter what you like to create! Altered Art, Cards, Scrapbook pages.......oh my!

Stay tuned....for added details.........oh yeah!!!-----> leave us a comment about what you think of the papers.....

2009-06-15T16:40:00.006-04:00

Just a quick post.

This is my daughter. Sometimes I see photo's of her and she is so beautiful I can't believe she's mine. I was never pretty like her. Sometimes I wonder if she knows she is beautiful.

Love you Liv!.

follow my blog...you can subscribe over here----------------->>>>>>>>

Several of you have inquired about dates that myself and beth will be teaching....honestly, we are waiting for Beth to heal a bit before we commit to a date so that it can go on with a hitch. She is feeling much better this week and we have been working on some goodies endlessly...so maybe next week we can give ya a little peek....im such a tease!! ill be posting new info several times a week from now on as plans continue to develop .....thanks for your patience!!

2009-06-09T07:52:00.003-04:00

I have received several inquiries about how the baby birds in the nest are doing. A week or so ago I thought they had left. But I looked again yesterday while working in the yard and they are all smooshed into the nest and when they heared the rustle of the bush and saw the camera lense they stuck their little beaks in the air. Mama bird was not at all happy with me doing this she was squawking up a storm.

2009-06-05T09:07:00.003-04:00

Favorite time of the year.....
This is totally my favorite time of the year. If I could stop time right now I would and have it be this way all year long....everyday....
I haven't been doing too good slowing time down since getting back from Virginia. Didn't I make that decision to do that? Hummmm.......
School is winding down, summer hours at the store have kicked in, i feel like a new woman!
Wish I could hop on a plane for the weekend....maybe that is what I'll do when I grow up......

2009-06-01T18:28:00.007-04:00

Hello Everyone!!!

Here is a little sneak peek at the "prototype" wreath project that we finished up this week. We are going to be teaching this class in the fall. We will be offering it in an Autumn and Holiday pattern. Stay tuned for our upcoming schedule. Our first FULL DAY crop will be held in July....lots of great stuff on the table for that event too. It's all very exciting and we are really psyched!!!!!!!

Chris and I had a great weekend of concerts. We saw Julianne Hough, Blake Shelton, and George Strait on Saturday night. Sunday night we were treated to an awesome intimate concert with Gary Allen. This was amazing and at a small venue so it was like being in his living room. We had a blast!!! Our summer concert schedule is packed full of great artists and we are happy it is concert season again.

The French Open is well under way and the big upset of Rafa Nadal yesterday really made me sad. :o( Guess he can't win forever. So now I am rooting for Roger Federer. The woman's game is exciting this time around as well. I'll keep you posted in the final results!

Please keep my friend Beth in your thoughts and prayers as she under goes surgery tomorrow morning.

Hope this finds you well.

Happy Summer!

2009-05-26T21:44:00.003-04:00

We have some surprises in store for the summer!

Get ready for some summer fun!!
Beth and I are teaming up for some fun summer workshops, crops, and classes!

Stay tuned for details as we iron out the details of our summer road show........

2009-05-16T08:51:00.002-04:00

Crocheted ribbon is soooo pretty!
This is a card I created for a layout challenge that I submitted to a publication. I just love crocheted ribbon in general...but I really like how i used it on this greeting card. It was easy to weave the grosgrain through it and just gather it. It also made a beautiful rosette as an embellishment. Keep your eyes open at your LSS for these types of ribbons they are to die for and have lots of possibilities!!! This particular one is from May Arts.

2009-05-06T19:58:00.001-04:00

Two more cards that I did for the Amuse Challenge. Sometimes going back to basics is really refreshing!! Hope you enjoy these! Both are these stamps are new releases.

2009-05-03T12:22:00.002-04:00

Copic Airbrushing!
This was so much fun! I used the Unity Stamp Set Beach Days and Sun Rays. This stamp set is new to me and stamped nice and crisp. I used my copics to airbrush the sky and the beach sand. The more I play with the airbrushing the more smooth the end result is...so I will continue to play and hopefully you will see my progress over time! I colored in the umbrella and the accents with the markers themselves. What did we do before Copic???? Just wanted to share this with you!!!

2009-05-03T10:06:00.003-04:00

Amuse
Here are two cards I made for the monthly Amuse Challenge. I am not generally "simple" so to speak so this was a bit of a challenge for me. All the papers are from Amuse, the stamps as well. I did use the Fiskars treading water scallop border punch. Happy with the results. Join in if you want...you have until May 7th to post your submissions. Just click the link above. Happy Sunday!

2009-04-25T15:21:00.003-04:00

Spring and some birds have sprung!
This baby birdie must have thought I was his mamma with some food, but no....just a camera lens! Last year you may recall my photo of the blue robins eggs, this year I knew the next was up there but never took any photos in fear the girls would find out there was a nest and it would land on the ground like last year. Much to my surprise though I did find 2 (that I know of) little baby robins in the nest this year. So sweet!!!! Its amazing to me how birds live for one with the weather and elements that they are face with, how they fly, and are able to give birth and raise their babes....uhhh.....
Things here have been a little off. Not quite use to being back from vacation, got use to the pace we were living each day and really was satisfied with it. I was able to be creative and focus only on my own work. I really enjoyed my time this year in Virginia and am really sad to be here in RI. I need to get use to it.
Chris had a nasty flu bug and got knocked off his butt for a few days. We really didn't have much sickness this winter and was glad it stopped at him and didn't go all through the house.
Before we know it the pool will be open and days at Grammies pool with soon be upon us. I am still trying to figure out how we will work out the kids this summer with me working...it will be interesting.
I hope everyone is enjoying this time of the year as I do and is able to take life nice and slow.

2009-04-14T08:30:00.002-04:00

Virginia, Spring 2009

Well here my family and are in the place I truly love and hope to call home in the future. We don't know what the future really means, but we dream about it. The pace, the climate, the friendliness of practically everyone here is so wonderful!

When we vacation we always strip down to the bear basics and it is just a great thing to do. This is the first time in a long time that we debated about bringing phones and computers. We decided that we would. Is it a good thing, I'm not sure yet, but it does allow me to blog and keep up with some other things that I do love! {tee hee}

So we have no makeup, hairdryer, hair straightener, soccer balls, one bag of clothes for each of us, and our family. The family part ends up always being the most important part. We drive in the car with no radio and talk instead. We ask each other unusual questions about each other....likes and dislikes, the kids always ask us questions about our pasts, the girls tend to ask questions about our world. Its good.

The one thing I saw a shift in so far is the relationship between Olivia and Sophia strengthening, and the one between Emily and her weaken. Being 11 she seems to be more in touch with Olivia, age 13, then Emily at age 9. In one way it saddens me, but in the other I am thrilled for the relationship the two older's are developing.

Emily never shuts her mouth not one minute. She talks just to talk. We have decided that if we took half of what she says and then take a 1/4 of that ....that's about all that is true. She embellishes every story to the hilt, and it kills us all! Its funny how on a busy day to day life you miss alot of these little things. We lover her so much because shes just out little baby girl. Its not easy being the baby.

Chris is enjoying his time off and has been grinning from ear to ear the whole time we have been here. He is my fourth child. He kicks the girls butt in every possible game he can. He calls it "no mercy". Poor girls. He claims it will build character. I think they will just end up hating him--lol!

2009-04-08T08:54:00.005-04:00

Time flies like it's nobodies business.....

So much to say to little time to say it these days.......

The highlight of last month was definitely going to the Sue Gilman/Collins Group trade show. It was such an amazing experience and very inspiring! Some of the artists that I have been in awe over were such real, simple, true to life people like you and I. I found that so amazing!!!

My hidden secret surprise was Claudine Hellmuth.

I was scheduled for a class with her and it ended up being my favorite class of the weekend. It was an altered art mixed media class that really got me to think outside my box, but with the ability to make it my own. Does that make sense? I will take a picture of my project from that class and show you. I am actually going to reteach this class in the next month or so.

Also, I am going to be teaching some amazing classes in the coming months and will be posting them to my blog. This is a new feature.....

The family and I are heading to Virginia for vacation for a week. It is my favorite place to go. I have already mapped out some LSS stores to visit while I am down there and I hope to build some relationships with a store owner or two and maybe teach some classes next time I am down there. The people in Virgina are so darn friendly, it makes me so happy to go down there.

If I don't get to blog before we leave I will definitely have a chance while I'm away.

Hope your well.

xo, kathie

2009-03-18T22:22:00.004-04:00

Slater Mill, Pawtucket, RI

I was able to be a chaperon for Sophia's class to Slater's Mill in Pawtucket, RI. It was such an amazing day and I was so happy to be able to go along with her. Before working full time I was at the school probably an average of four times a week. I volunteered alot! It was a warm feeling also because I was obviously missed! It was great to see all the teachers and staff!
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I really liked this picture that was posted in the Wilkinson Mill building. The work ethics back then were so amazing.... It could be said as it was and the employer wasn't being politically incorrect .

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I was given very strict instructions by my girl to behave! She wanted me to act "normal" and not burst out in song at any given moment! I abided and we really had an educationally great day! The really weird thing is I felt like I have lived my past life in that era. It was comfortable, I could see myself doing many of the daily chores with pleasure.

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I took over 100 photos and really captured some amazing shots!

Here is one of my favorites of the day. It was in the Brown House. It was one of the beds.

They explained how the key (which is the wooden piece on the bed) was used at night to tighten the ropes that served as a box spring of today's times. The phrase "sleep tight" comes from this chore.

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Signs of S-P-R-I-N-G in New England

Couldn't help but take some pics of the early signs of spring popping up at Slater Mills today. I've officially have Spring Fever!

Hope this finds you well!!

2009-03-11T22:37:00.007-04:00

Life is going great!

First....I want to say a couple of things for all the crazy critics I have.....

I don't have only one child...I have three. Three great girls. They are all very active and are very different. I will go through phases when I blog about one more than the other but I do mention them all time to time. Olivia is NOT my favorite although alot of things about her are my favorites. Just like Sophia and Emily have alot of favorite things I like about them. When I was little, I always thought my brother Richard was my mothers favorite, and my brothers always thought I was the favorite. If you ask my kids who my favorite is they will each answer themselves. I do love them all equally and I do understand how easy it is to love all your kids equally. So, although I still know my brother Richard is my mothers favorite...I love all my kids equally!
Enough said about that.

Here is a photo of my two girls, my niece and my mother. Just for an extra picture of them to show that I do take pictures of them!! {bawk!!!}

Secondly, Beth & I are great friends...that's why we spend so much time together. We have kids the same age, our husbands work crazy, unusual hours...we both enjoy paper crafting. All of these things make an equation for us to spend lots of time together. I take photos all the time of everything in my life, shes in my life, so I take alot of pictures of her. She is crazier than I am, I love that! Just friends. Both Married. Both Crazy. Both have kids the same age. We only met last November...and became instant friends. So please don't complain that I blog about her too much. She is quite a comical topic in my opinion. And, this is MY blog. {tee hee}
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Erin O'Bella

Here is the
Bella doll of the month.

She is so beautiful!! {my favorite so far!} The class is on March 18th, 6-8 so please call the store to sign up! Love her!!

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And Lastly.... What would a post be without something about my favorite kid....Liv. Did I say favorite? Oh, I meant one of my favorite kids..... tee hee.

She got her braces on Monday. I love them because it makes her look so much younger. Like 13, instead of 16. So it is worth all the money to look at her and realize she is just my 13 year old baby girl. Her mouth is sore, she ate a little solid food today, and in a few days she will be fine. Enough drama for Olivia for awhile. And while I have every ones attention: I will give a big shout out to my girl....She got her interim report today and she is passing EVERYTHING. Yup- right now.....already! She works great under pressure and always waits until the last minute to pull up her grades. Shes been on punishment more since September than her whole entire 13 years of living. I'm proud of her and am happy she is getting her act together! Wahhhooo for Olivia!

2009-03-06T06:40:00.002-05:00

Happpy Birthday Sweet Charlotte!!!

Yesterday was my grandmother Charlotte's 88th birthday. As we all get older what can give us hope is that this is the face of the new 88....not bad huh? Also, 88 doesn't seem all that old in today's times. My Sweet Charlotte is an amazing woman. she is a breast cancer survivor and lives each day with zest and vigor. We had a great party for her where all of her daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters, (and a couple of little boy party crashers) get together and celebrate her. She lost her companion about 18 months ago as many of my readers recall. She is doing remarkably well.

So Happy 88th Birthday Sweet Charlotte!!!!

2009-03-02T19:29:00.015-05:00

One day when Olivia was sick so she took the day out of school and she came to work with me. I took lots of photos of her on the computer, with her phone, and of her hands on the mouse with her little nubby nails she bites so much! When I took a class with Cheryl Mezzetti few weeks ago, I immediately knew the pictures I was going to use in this album.

I am happy to share it with you and am thrilled with how it came out!! I feel I was able to capture what I was hoping to.

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I took some photos and switched them into black & white because I think by doing this you can take the focus off the colors in the photo or the surrounding "noise". You are able to focus on the subject .

Have a great week!!
kathie

2009-02-26T20:15:00.008-05:00

Busy, Busy, Busy,........

Things have been just that busy....Happy Busy.

My creative outlet has been absorbed by my work at the store. Which is fine, but I really have a lot of ideas floating around in my mind that I am looking forward to put together for myself. Lots of projects for the kids that I want to create before all of our summer activites begin.

This day was truely a highlight of the new year. I was able to take a class with Cheryl Mezetti last weekend when she came to Bella ART. I am just putting the finishing touches on my album and will post it in the next few days. Her story is so amazing and she has to be one of the most unassuming woman I have ever met. I think if we lived closer I would invite her over to "play". If she is in your area, keep you eye out and take a class. Its amazing!

My Poor Girl has had her share of troubles these past few months and last week was no exception. She ended up spending her school vacation sick. We were at the Stat Care a few times and then ended up at Hasbro Childrens Hospital. She has a staph infection and is on her way to recovery. And...for the record, I once again landed on a stretcher next to her after I passed out.......Drama--Drama!!!

And Finally.....my poor friend Beth..... for those of you who are thinking about pissing me off...or want my job....I wouldn't dare try it because as many of you know about the battle between Beth and I that has been going on for sometime has finally come to an end. I am the winner. Enough Said.

Hope all is well in your world, {hugs}, kathie

2009-02-08T23:03:00.006-05:00

blah, blah, blah....
It always amazes me readers how much you miss me when I take a little sabbatical leave. But you NEVER leave me any comments, love, or song while your here??!?!? This confuses me. But I am sick of listening to many of you whining...AND....I have alot of great things to share with
First...if you are local I formally invite you to visit us at BELLA ART on Saturday, Februay 14th, between 10:30 and 4 o'clock for our first annual CHOCOLATE Fest. Yes!! You read that correct, we are having a Chocolate Fest on Valentine's day. I'm not giving away all the deets--but, let me just tell you there will be a chocolate fountain flowing as well as many other sweet goodies!! Don't miss it!!

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Here is a peek at a special project I am making for my three little sweethearts for Valentine's day. I will reveal more as I finish them. They should be done tomorrow, keep your fingers crossed!! These key chains are from Maya Road.
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Here is the layout that I submitted for this months Design Team Challenge. We had to complete a non-traditional "Love" (love-love/hate-passion--that type of thing) layout in non-traditional colors. We also had to follow a Page-Map from Becky Fleck. I had to pay tribute to my goomba Beth...she is growing on me....and I'm almost beginning to love her...well in GOOFY way!! This style is very not "me", but its growing on me as well.

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Lastly---seeing all the newest products from CHA has really just been amazing. Tons are ordered and on there way. Every time I think I am sick of paper---my breath gets taken away. Ugg....its really a sickness. I am a paper whore--there I said it!!!!

I hope your all well.

Let me know your favorite CHA releases you have seen. HINT: that's an indication to LEAVE A COMMENT!!

Have you seen the newest Nestabilities?

2009-01-25T22:58:00.002-05:00

11 Ladies...1 Sleepova....11 chair massages...1 amazing hostess, all acting like 7 year old little girls.....its......Priceless.............

I was lucky enough to be 'included" in a fun night of crafts, food, drinking, games, drinking, back massages, and oh yeah...some more drinking!!!!

My FBFF Andrea invited me to this years festivities for the first time. Her hostess skills are quite impeckable. We played an awesome game called rob your neighbor. And I am more than proud to announce that I was the big winner of the night leaving with six prizes!! Does that mean I'm a good robber> hummm...

It really was a good time. We laughed until we peeded ourselves. In my lifetime I have been known a time or two to be the "loud" one at a party...well....believe it or not my FBFF Beth is always the life of the party and I am a wallflower. It really is fun being a wall flower sometimes. She had a photo shoot, the three of us had a photo shot, and I couldn't resist taking pics of Fran dancing in her own little world. I shared some photos with you. Enjoy!

Thanks Andrea for opening your home to what was a very memorable night!!
I hope this post finds everyone well and enjoying the frigid air!! I love it.

2009-01-20T19:40:00.003-05:00

WOW! The power if HP!

My blog has been overloaded today with very welcomed visitors. Thanks for visiting! Many of you were expecting to see some instructions on the piece that was featured on the HP Newsgram, so here you go!!

Above is a sampling of some pictures from our fall day to the farm. I am a scrapbooker so when I take my pictures I make sure I cover the basis with many different photos that will tell a story all by themselves even without journaling.

I print all my pictures is 4x6, and then I choose several of them and print them in 2x3, and then several of them in wallet sizes. One advantage to a layout of this sort is that you are able to fit soooo many photos on a page that even in a two page layout it could never happen.

At this point I take a ruler, cutting mat, x-acto knife, and a 1" hand punch. On the wallets and the 2x3 photos if I can use the hand punch I do. For all the other pictures I use the x-acto knife and ruler to cut each picture into 1" squares. It is tedious at first...but...as you can tell its worth the effort!

Next, I put each square onto a 12x12 piece of card stock with removable adhesive. By using this type of adhesive you can move squares as you fit in additional pictures. When you choose photos you don't have to use the whole photo, instead just make sure you crop it into even inch increments so you can get full 1" squares from it.

You can save a portion of the layout to add a title or other elements.

Once you have the whole layout as you like you can then put permanent adhesive onto it to keep it securely in place. You can add it into an album or display it in a frame as I did here.

Feel free to visit often and ask any questions if needed. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think of this project.

2009-01-16T08:39:00.002-05:00

I know this picture is a bit dark, but one of the girls took it of me and toby sleeping the other night. They are beginning to understand "capturing the moment". Sweet!

Lots of great things going on in my world:

~~Some of my new classes are now posted on the store website and ready for you to register for them, you can go to www.bellartonline.com then click workshops on the left hand side. There are also some classes taught by my friend Beth Atma that are really great!

~~Four of us from the store are going to a great show at the end of March. This is my first big show and I am so excited about it. I have chosen my classes and am all registered for them. I was able to get into the class with Tim Holtz! (what a pity! tee hee)

~~The girls didn't have school yesterday because....it was too cold! C-R-A-Z-Y!! But today its even colder and they had to go.....things that make you go hummmmm......

~~Hope everyone enjoys their day!

2009-01-10T19:25:00.003-05:00

Pssstt......here's a little secret...........

Jenn from Amuse is coming to Bella ART! Go to her website and take a sneak peak...

And....seeing you are here.....and I'm telling you ......call the store and sign up before it goes public!! tee heee..... Don't ya just love a secret??

2009-01-08T18:59:00.002-05:00

Peg Stamps.

Product Highlight

Peg stamps are a stamp that is mounted on a wooden dowel. They come in two sizes --small, and smaller...tee hee...ok, tiny. Today on this card I used all tiny stamps. You could mix the two, but I chose to use all the same this time. I like to use Trio masking tape. This tape allows you to mask off an area then take it off as well as reuse it over and over a few times. It comes on a roll and so you can make it any length you want. It also comes in several widths. A few things about this tape, it is very similar as a post-it note type of tackiness, but, it stays tackier longer..it lines up so much easier and gives you a nice crisp line. Sometimes when you use a post-it note to do this the lines don't line up as well and aren't as crisp. These stamps come in a lot of different floral shapes with many different flowers and foliage. In this one I used some hearts as well. You add some stickles and they are beautiful and quick to make. I use versa color ink with them because the ink stays wet a bit longer and they work perfectly for this type of technique.

I do teach this class several times a month and the class is always a favorite. The effect you get from a solid piece of cardstock, a few inks, and stickles is quite amazing!! Have you tried them before? What was your outcome?? Any tips you would like to add??? Give me some comments!!!

2009-01-01T23:43:00.006-05:00

Whaooo---look who's FORTY!!

To begin let me tell you one of my pet peeves in life. In the English language we spell the word four just that F-O-U-R. So my question is this: why wouldn't we spell forty F-O-U-R-T-Y??

It bugs me!!

Today I turned the big 4-0. So I am officially a forty year old woman with the mind of an 18 year old. Scary.

My husband surprised me with a party at Cassarino's in Providence tonight. It was so fun and special. The funny thing is that he also held my 30th birthday party there but claims he didn't remember that. (men!!) At my 30th birthday party we announced the fact that we were pregnant with our youngest daughter Emily. It really amazes me how fast time flies. Here she is tonight 9 years old....too quick!

It was small gathering of family and friends and was just perfect. My grandmother Charlotte came which meant alot to me because she isn't big on family gatherings these days. My parents, brothers, sister-in-laws, my mother in law Betty, our friends Maria & Andy, Kim & Michael, and Julie & Paul were all there along with my three girls. It was a great way to start the new year!

I wish everyone a very safe, healthy, and happy New year!!!

{hugs} Kathie