I Love This Scrap!

Knit Happens

2010-01-27T18:36:00.001-08:00

Yes it definitely does! I had planned on posting my card for day 3 of the Greeting Farm's card relay challenge, but didn't actually get that card finished. So here's my buddy Riley instead. Oh how I love that little moose!

Supplies used: Riley&Company image, CTMH papers & chipboard buttons, Prismacolor markers

Charlotte

2010-01-26T09:45:00.000-08:00

For the second day's challenge at the Greeting Farm, you were to create a card using this little cutie, Charlotte. She's so adorable and made me think of my BFF's little girl. All that diva attitude and only 2 1/2!

Supplies used: Greeting Farm image, Making Memories patterned papers & brads, Prima flowers, Stickles, Prismacolor markers

Mer Ian

2010-01-25T14:45:00.000-08:00

I do love a card challenge and I've decided to come out of hiding and play along with this one over at The Greeting Farm.

Supplies used: Greeting Farm Digi image, CTMH sentiment, K&Company patterned papers & chipboard embellishment, Prismacolor markers

My first digi page!

2009-09-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

So I finally decided to try my hand at digital scrapbooking and I LOVE it! I had so much fun putting this together and love how it turned out!

Supplies used: Shabby Princess Harvest Spice & Happy Go Lucky

Traditional paper scrapping will always be my first love, but this digi stuff is just too fabulous! I tend to have a fear of commitment when it comes to actually cutting into some of my precious scrapbook paper, LOL. But with digital, I always get a do-over if I change my mind. I can't wait to start on some more projects!

more baby pics

2009-08-20T01:39:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I was asked to come over and take some pics of my new little god-daughter for her birth announcements. It was sooooo hot that day! But we actually lucked out. I've read that professional photographers have to keep their studios super warm to make sure newborns stay happy during photo shoots. Little PJ did an amazing job. She slept through the whole thing! She's just 6 days old in these pics. Isn't she a doll?!

Here are a few of my favorite shots:

Here's the one that made the final cut. We converted it to black and white and added text to the top that included her name and stats at birth. The coolest part is that by the time we finished and had them printed, they ended up costing a whopping $2.50!

Happy Birthday Baby!

2009-07-28T12:23:00.000-07:00

So, once again I've been MIA for a bit. I've been enjoying summer with the kiddos and trying to get a little work done for my Etsy shop. I've even **gasp** been working on personal scrapbook pages!

Today, I'm just too excited not to share; I had the honor of being by my best friend's side while she gave birth to her daughter on Sunday evening! It was truly amazing, exciting and humbling all at the same time. Little "PJ" and her mommy are both beautiful and doing wonderfully. God is so good!!

This is the card I made for her. When I saw this stamp, I immediately knew I had to have it for Traya's card! This image instantly reminded me of these figurines of angels, and mother with baby, etc., that she collects. Perfect!

Supplies used: Cloud 9 Design papers, Whiff of Joy image, Prismacolor markers, fiskars border punch, buttons, Whiff of Joy challenge sketch

Team Edward!

2009-07-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

My Friend LaTraya is totally not into the whole Twilight thing, but her lovely teenage daughter is. She hasn't finished reading all the books yet and is currently undecided on whether she's Team Edward or Team Jacob (ummm.... hello of course the best choice is Jacob!!!!) Little Edward is exceptionally cute though isn't he? Now if I could only figure out how to make him sparkle!

Supplies used: DCWV papers, M&MBI paper, Greeting Farm image, CTMH sparkles, Prismacolor markers, (card layout borrowed from Sparkle)

Sparkle's Christmas Card Challenge week 30

2009-07-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

Sparkle's challenge this week was another sketch challenge. I {{heart}} sketches! And I love this image, the bear is too cute in his little hat and mittens! He looks like he's all ready to hit the slopes!

Not sure what's up with my picture, the card is much brighter in real life, but I got tired of trying to fix it in photoshop.

Happy Thursday!

Supplies used: My Mind's Eye papers, C.C. Designs image, Prismacolor markers, CTMH sentiment & ribbon

2 cute 4 words!

2009-06-24T10:40:00.000-07:00

Here's a set of pages I came up with for a little beginner's scrapbook class last Saturday. I had the worst time coming up with a title for these pages! It was terrible! I even had to enlist the help of Christine, and we came up with what we both agreed was a super cute title idea.

This is not it.
Supplies used: Making Memories papers, cardstock, ribbon,

Ha, ha, ha! You see, I then ran our super cute title idea by one of the ladies who would be attending the class, and she ~~thought it was weird~~ didn't care for it. Soooo... back to the ol' drawing board I went. In the end, everyone loved the pages and we all had really fun afternoon!

Sparkle's Christmas Card Challenge week 29

2009-06-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

Sparkle's Challenge this week is a sketch challenge. I LOVE card sketches! The hardest part of making cards for me is figuring out the layout, so I love it when the thinking is already done for me. This little guy is an image I got from Sparkle several months ago. Not sure who he belongs to, but he is quite a cutie! Thanks for the challenge Sparks!

Supplies used: K & Co papers, CTMH sentiment, image?, Prismacolor markers, Prima flower, Liquid Applique, button

Gone Fishin'

2009-06-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

On Father's Day, Sammy had fun hand-delivering this little card and a tin of some favorite cookies to my dad. It's funny, when I was making this little card, I thought to myself how much this did not represent the way I think of my dad. He doesn't fish or hunt or do any really outdoorsy things. He's an athlete through and through. He's played baseball since he was a kid and has been a coach for our local high school ball teams for over 40 years. He loves it and the kids love him. I do remember him taking my brother and me to one of those little u-fish, trout farms when we were really little. I also remember catching a wee little trout and then shrieking in terror at that same wee little trout. I prefer my experience with fish to be limited to the breaded and fried variety, thank you.

Supplies used: CTMH papers & sentiment, Hanna stamps image, Prismacolor markers, buttons

Riley in pink?

2009-06-19T09:12:00.000-07:00

Who says ~~real men~~ real moose can't wear pink? I love that little Riley is so versatile and looks good in any color. This little image is perfect for baby themed projects and I whipped up this little card the other day. Seriously though, could Riley ever not look adorable?

Supplies used: Making Memories papers, Hanna Stamps image, Prismacolor markers, CTMH paper flower, button, brads

Happy Friday!

Busy Little Ducks

2009-06-18T09:06:00.000-07:00

Here's another set of pages for a custom ordered baby album I made earlier this year. I made sure to use lots of bright colors as requested for the new mommy. She wanted a 2 page spread for both everyday playing pics as well as some from baby's bathtime. Viola! I really love how the bubbles and the tub turned out. You've just gotta love those chubby little ducks!

Supplies used: My Mind's Eye papers, Gautier Designs paper pieced artwork, brads, ribbon, hemp fiber

Thank you Anya card

2009-06-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

When I first saw this image, Sparkle and I disagreed on whether Anya's hair should be red or blond, whether her apple should be green or red...Well, Sparkle was right,lol. Red hair, green apple is quite cute.

Supplies used: K&Co papers, Greeting Farm image, Prismacolor markers, CTMH ribbon & paper flower, button

Happy Wednesday!

Another Bella Baby Card

2009-06-16T10:10:00.000-07:00

I found this in one of my files and thought I'd share it today. I made this at the beginning of the year for one of the ladies at church to give to her at her baby shower. She was so funny about making sure EVERYONE knew that she HATED pink and that her daughter would only be wearing lavendar. Unfortunately for her, I'd already picked up something for the baby months earlier and it was very, very pink. But hey at least her card was the "correct" color! She actually ended up loving both the gift and the card, so no worries.

Supplies used: My Mind's Eye papers, Stamping Bella image, Prismacolor markers, Jolee's rhinestone flowers

Surprise!

2009-06-15T10:15:00.000-07:00

This image cracks me up! I wonder what the surprise is, lol!

Supplies used: My Mind's Eye paper, Stamping Bella image, Prismacolor markers, Stickles, Prima flowers, Making Memories button brads, ribbon

I've only been the guest of honor at a surprise party one time and I was REALLY surprised! It was a few months before Beanie was born and my hubby said he wanted to take me out for a lunch date, just the two of us. So I got all dolled up and we left for our date. My hubby designed and maintains our church's website, and told me that we'd need to stop by the church to get a couple of cd's with info updates so that he could add them to the site later that evening. Totally normal, he's always doing website stuff. So we get to church and both go inside. Surprise! The women of the church had all gathered together and thrown me a baby shower! A truly awesome surprise.

Have you ever been the guest of honor at a surprise party? I'd love to hear about it!

Sweet Pea's Birthday

2009-06-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

This is a set of scrapbook pages I made a while back that my BFF fell in love with when she saw them. Sweet Pea happens to be one of the little nicknames the family has given to their youngest little girl. So as part of "Sweet Pea's" birthday gift last year, I included these scrapbook pages for her mom.

Supplies used: K&Co papers, chipboard letters and flowers, ribbon, rhinestones, brads

Today the fam and I are headed over celebrate at "Sweet Pea's" second birthday party. In true Gautier fashion, we'll be picking up a gift for her on the way to the party ;0). Plan ahead? No Thank you! I much prefer the frantic, search for the perfect birthday gift, followed by the elegant "wrapping" of said gift en route to the party. I'm just fun like that.

Hope you all have a fun Saturday!

What's Brewing?

2009-06-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

I love my Riley! He's just the cutest with his little cupcake and coffee. I mentioned a few posts back that I'm not a coffee fan, but everyone else I know is. That got me thinking that maybe I should give it a try again, so I tried one of those new mocha things from McD's (probably not a wise choice in itself, but it was only $2). Yeah..... I'm gonna have to stick to my non-coffee drinking status. In the words of Randy Jackson "Dude....It was not good."

Supplies used: K&Co papers, Hanna Stamps image, Prismacolor markers, prima flowers, brads

Happy Friday!

Baby pages with a splash of red

2009-06-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted any scrapbook pages to share in what seems like forever, but that would be because I haven't actually made any in what seems like even longer than forever. I've been having the worst scrappers block for the past few months, it's been so weird. This week seems to be a bit better, so hopefully I'll have some newer stuff to share soon.

These pages were part of a custom order I did back in December. The album was for a new mommy who loves red, and I was told would use it everywhere if she could. I love a twist on the traditional so this was a fun layout to put together.

Supplies used: K&Co papers, Gautier Designs paper pieced artwork, ribbon, brads

Yard work is sooo fun!

2009-06-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

Isn't little farmer Anya so bright and cheerful? I made this little card a couple weeks ago and it kind of reminded me of my kiddos when they were helping with our garden project last weekend.

Supplies used: CTMH paper, Greeting Farm image, Prismacolor markers, Prima flowers, Making Memories brads, ribbon

My kids just seem to love helping us out with our projects around the house. Nick is kind of on the small side, yet seemed completely unphased by hauling and stacking these 15 pound bricks.

And of course "if big brother can do it, so can I!" Sammy even managed to move a few for us too.

Our Quality Check Dept. Manager

Ummmm...... I'm pretty sure it'd be easier for you to move the wagon if you were not actually inside it.....

"But I don't want to take a break!"

Even Bean was happy to lend a hand!

Thanks for being such awesome helpers guys!

Wishing you a Happy "bee" Day

2009-06-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

My hubby's birthday was late last month and he just loves the little Huggabug images from Stamping Bella because they remind him of Beanie. So naturally, I had to make him a card with a little red-haired bug on it. :0)

Supplies used: CTMH papers, Stamping Bella image & sentiment, Prismacolor markers, Stickles, ribbon

Sparkle's Christmas Card Challenge week 27

2009-06-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

For this week's challenge we were to make a card without using Christmas or winter stamps. I cheated a bit since I didn't actually make a new card for the challenge. This is a card I made last Christmas for one of my hubby's best friends, Chris. When I saw the one that Kim Burmeister made on her blog last year (thanks Kim!) I was so excited and had to make a similar one of my own for Chris who just happens to be COMPLETELY OBSESSED with Rock Band. He loved it! Rock on Chris, rock on.....

Supplies used: DCWV paper, CTMH chipboard label holder, brads

Welcome Baby Riley Card

2009-06-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

When I first saw this Riley stamp, it was love at first sight! This adorable little guy instantly reminded me of my Sammy. Supplies used: Making Memories papers, Hanna Stamps image, Prismacolor markers, buttons

He even has pjs very similar to Riley's, now all we need is to find him a matching hat!

Sparkle's Christmas Card Challenge week 26

2009-06-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

This week Sparkle's challenge was to make a card using your scraps. I used up some of the scraps I had leftover from the Christmas cards I made last year. I think I even get a extra point for using Bella on my card, Woo Hoo!

Supplies used: Imaginisce papers, Stamping Bella image, CTMH sentiment stamp, Prismacolor markers, stickles, buttons

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

Thanks a Latte! Bella Card

2009-06-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

Doesn't Bella look bright and cheerful? That must be a really great cup-a-joe, lol! It's funny, I'm totally not a coffee drinker but it seems like EVERYONE else I know is! Oh well, more for them I guess :0)
Supplies used: Chatterbox paper, Stamping Bella image, Prismacolor markers, prima flower, American Crafts jewel brad

Happy Friday!

Sarah Kay card

2009-06-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

I've been all busy with baby shower preparations for the past few weeks and haven't gottten around to posting, but I still wanted to share a few things I've made recently.

This is the card I gave to my mom this Mother's Day. I tried to color it to look kind of like me as a wee one, though I'm pretty sure I wasn't even close to being this stylish. :0) The curly hair is spot on though. My mom also shared with me that my head was always too big to find a hat to fit me. Ouch.
Supplies used: Chatterbox papers, Sarah Kay image, CTMH stamp, Prismacolor markers, buttons

Happy Thursday all!

LaTraya's Baby Shower

2009-06-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

Saturday, I hosted my BFF LaTraya's baby shower. I'd been working on it since February! She is so very special to me and I wanted to treat her to an over the top kind of party. My inspiration, was this picture from Social Couture
It turned out beautifully! Here are a few of my favorite pics from the day.

This is what the table looked like. I really wanted it to be elegant, but also within my budget. I found clear plastic serving platters at Dollar Tree, spray painted them silver and used them for chargers under the white dinner plates. The champagne flutes and pink votive holders were also Dollar Tree finds at 50 cents a piece.

I made the little cardstock tote bags to hold all the different little party favors. The mini baby bottles were filled with pink and green M&Ms that I picked up at Walmart at Easter time. I was so thrilled to find these there because they were half the price of the custom kind you can buy on the M&M website and they didn't even have Easter bunnies or eggs printed on them! Awesome find indeed!

This is the scrapbook page I made for guests to sign their well wishes to the new baby. I borrowed the layout and idea from Becky Higgins' blog.

This is the diaper cake I made for Traya. It's kind of hard to see behind the other gifts, but like everything else, it matches the rest of the party. :0)
I also baked my special homemade, vanilla sugar cookies. We've had such beautiful, warm weather the past few days and unfortunately that caused the cookies to spread out way more than they should have during baking. Oh well, at least they still tasted yummy!

I decided to use paper lanterns for the decorations instead of balloons as they added that extra special touch to the party. I found these at Dollar Tree too.

My Beanie and her "Mama Traya"

The beautiful mommy-to-be

a wee little mouse

2009-04-15T16:30:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I have the hardest time coming up with masculine card designs! Sometimes I just think a card isn't finished without paper flowers or some bling stuck to it. Kinda weird, right?

Anyway,I needed to make a "get well/ thinking of you" card a few weeks ago to give to a friend from church and this is the best I could come up with from my stash of stamp images, lol! Fortunately though, he's a really sweet, laid-back kind of guy, so I know he'll love it even if it does have a wee little mouse with a flower on the front of it. ;0)

Supplies used : CTMH paper, buttons & stamp, House Mouse stamp, Prismacolor markers

Diving back in there!

2009-04-13T14:45:00.000-07:00

Hey all!

Today seemed like a good day to jump back into the bloggy world. I know it's been a VERY long time and I am happy to report that my Dad is still doing wonderfully. Thank you all for your prayers, your heartfelt messages and kind emails, they've truly warmed my heart!

I even have a card to share today!
Supplies used: CTMH paper, Bazzill cardstock, Greeting Farm stamp, CTMH stamp, Prima flowers, K&Co pearls, Prismacolor markers

I made this for my Taylor's 14th birthday, earlier this month. She's really into learning about Asian culture and as soon as I got this image (thanks Sparkle!) I knew it'd be perfect for my birthday girl! She loved it but did wonder why Anya's head is so big, lol! That's Taylor for ya! She's always willing to ask life's more important questions ;0)

It's good to be back! Hope you all are having a great Monday!

Just a quick post...

2009-02-11T09:41:00.000-08:00

I know it's been forever since I've posted anything....AGAIN....but it's been a rough couple of weeks for my family. My dad went in for minor surgery last week and at his follow up appointment on this past Monday, he got the news that he has prostate cancer. I had to just go to what I know and put all my faith in Christ that the outcome will be alright. I actually find it quite relieving and peaceful that I don't have to shoulder this burden alone and that Christ will carry our family through.

There is a ton of hope for my dad already too. At a second appointment yesterday, he received a write up that further explained his condition. His cancer is slow growing which means he doesn't need to undergo any surgeries, chemo, or radiation treatments, which at his age would be more of a hindrance than a help. He just needs to have his blood checked every 3 months to monitor his condition. They also told us that men with this condition have a 99% survival rate and live on for many, many years. Praise God!

So I've not been feeling up to posting much lately, but I hope to get some new artwork up here again soon. Please keep my family, especially my dad in prayer and God Bless!

Sparkle's Christmas Card Challenge week 9

2009-02-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

For this week's challenge, we were to make a Christmas card without using any glitter, sparkle or bling. I got the inspiration for this card from one the my friend Christine designed a few months ago. Thanks to you both for the inspiration and the challenge!

supplies used : My Mind's Eye paper, Cuttlebug embossing plate, CTMH stamp, ribbon

Just a Note

2009-01-27T03:00:00.000-08:00

I love how this card turned out! I think Riley is my fav little guy to use on my cards, he's just the cutest! I showed one of the Rileys to my Sammy a while back and told him that it reminded me of him, so now every time I make a card with Riley on it, Sammy says "look it's me!" When he saw this one, he said "look, it's me naked drinking coffee!" LOL! That kid's such a goof ball! And just for the record, naked coffee drinking, no matter how cute you are, is frowned upon in our house! ;0)

Supplies used : Bo Bunny paper, Hanna Stamps, Prismacolor markers, CTMH button & waxy flax, stickles ; Sketch from Taylored Expressions (TECC48)

Thanks Sew Very Much!

2009-01-26T03:00:00.000-08:00

This little card is going to a couple of friends of ours who sent over two custom made princess dresses for Beanie this past Christmas. They are the cutest little dresses and Bean just fell in love with them as soon as she saw them. I'll see if I can catch her later and take a picture or two :0)

supplies used : Chatterbox paper, Stamping Bella stamp, Prismacolor markers, Stickles, ribbon

Sparkle's Christmas Card Challenge week 8

2009-01-25T11:15:00.000-08:00

For this week's challenge we were supposed to make a square card. I decided this image would be perfect for a gift card holder. I wish I looked that cute when I went Christmas shopping, lol!

supplies used : K&Company paper, Stamping Bella stamp, Prismacolor markers, CTMH Sparkles, Stickles, KI Memories ribbon, grosgrain ribbon

So Sweet card

2009-01-22T09:12:00.000-08:00

One of Nate's best friend's and his wife are expecting their first baby girl any day now and I wanted to send them a little card to send them our love. I know the mommy-to-be is a big fan of lavender, so I wanted to make sure I used it as one of my main colors on the card. The sketch is from Taylored Expressions (TECC42)

These little chichibouli fairies are just so stinkin cute!

supplies used : CTMH papers & sentiment stamp, Stamping Bella stamp, Prismacolor markers, stickles, ribbon

I'm heading out for scrap night with the girls at Nona's tonight! YAY!

Thank you card

2009-01-21T03:00:00.000-08:00

Here's another Bella card, lol! This one is for a wonderful friend of the family who totally spoils our family any chance she gets! She's the sweetest woman ever and she loves my kiddos like they were her own grandchildren, especially since she doesn't have any of her own. She actually bought me my new markers (that I'm LOVING by the way! )

supplies used : CTMH paper, Stamping Bella stamp, Prismacolor markers, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots, Cricut George font cartridge, Stickles, ribbon

Anyhoo, she's a major cat lover too so I thought this card would be just purr-fect! (Wow, corny much Jenn?)

Double trouble

2009-01-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday, I attended the baby shower of a friend from our church who's expecting twin girls in about 8 weeks! I'm so excited but nervous for her at the same time, lol! Her and her husband have 2 other children, both boys, ages 7 years and 21 months. She's an excellent mother and I know she'll continue to be with their newest little blessings too!

supplies used : DCWV Nana's Kids paper, Stamping Bella stamp, CTMH stamp, Prismacolor markers, paper flowers, brads

a few random facts about me...

2009-01-19T03:00:00.000-08:00

I saw this on Sparkle's blog, and just couldn't resist!

I've done the ones in purple

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band Rock Band video game band probably doesn't count, right?
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/World
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo Again with the Rock Band?
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language Does toddler count?
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied?
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Sparkle's Christmas Card Challenge Week 7

2009-01-18T01:00:00.000-08:00

Sparkle's hosting a weekly Christmas card challenge every Sunday and this week's challenge was to make cards that used liquid applique. Here's my card (even thought I'm pretty sure you're supposed to make 2 - oops!). I used liquid applique on the wee tiny little snowflakes that are all around the oh-so-adorable Mr. Riley.

supplies used: (retired) CTMH paper, Hanna Stamps, Prismacolor markers, CTMH brads, ribbon, liquid applique

My little fashonista

2009-01-15T01:00:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm not even sure this picture needs much of an explanation...... but, boy are we in for it when this little one grows up!

My First Bella Card

2009-01-14T01:00:00.000-08:00

I know I'm really late to catch on to the whole Bella craze, but better late than never, right? Thanks again Sparkle for the image! You're the best!

supplies used: K&Company papers, Stamping Bella Stamp, Prismacolor markers

This card is for my BFF, LaTraya ;0). She's pretty new to the world of scrapping & stamping but she already LOVES the Bella stamps! We both think it's awesome how each of the Bella gals can be colored in to represent any ethnicity.

When she announced that she and her hubby were expecting, I knew I had to create LaTraya-bella just for her!

Happy Wednesday!

Hey Ladybug!

2009-01-13T11:50:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine is in the final stages of buying a house and is feeling a little stressed by the whole thing. I made this card for her in the hopes of cheering her up a bit. I used my Cricut Doodlecharms cartridge for the twig and ladybug.

It feels so funny to get out my Cricut and use it anymore! I used to use it all the time and then I bought a Pazzles and fell in love with that because it can literally cut anything I want it to. Just curious, does anyone else still use their bug?

Have a great Tuesday!

baby girl scrapbook pages

2009-01-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

Over the past few weeks I've been working on a couple of custom scrapbook albums for a new client. This was one of my favorite layouts that went in an album for a 2 year old girl. I'd originally bought this paper to scrap some of my own pictures of Bean, but I hadn't gotten around to using it by the time this new project came up. I ended up liking these pages so much that I'm pretty sure I'll be making another set of them for my little darlin too. Althought I don't know what I'll do to about the little acrylic ribbon slides since CTMH retired them at the first of the year and I don't have a website anymore. :0(

supplies used : My Mind's Eye papers, CTMH flowers & acrylic ribbon slides, brads, ribbon

Tonight is Family Movie Night at the Gautier house! We're going to watch The Chronicals of Narnia : Prince Caspian tonight and my kids are so excited! We'd planned to go and see it in the theater but never found the right time to go, so it should be a treat for all of us!

Happy Friday!

Happy New Year...a little bit late ;0)

2009-01-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

We started out the new year with a bang, and a couple of really nasty colds! Yay! Not so much. I've spent the past few days being the official runny nose wiper (double yay!) and have become quite used to being Bean's "mommy-chair". And I also think I've seen enough Nick Jr. shows to last me a millenium.

Now that we appear to be past the worst of it, I finally have a free moment (and free hands) to update my blog.

Every Christmas I like to make Nate a calendar for the following year. He really loves them and just gets a kick out of looking over all our favorite pictures from the year. I went the easier route this year and bought a kit by Basic Grey where the pages were all preplanned and all I had to do was assemble and add my pics!

I'll probably post some more of the pages throughout the year, maybe it'll help me post artwork more often, lol! Although I have made it one of my resolutions to create and share more projects.

Hope you all are having a great start to your new year!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T09:40:00.000-08:00

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

Make a Smilebox greeting

My little stampin man

2008-12-10T10:45:00.000-08:00

Nick just loves to stamp with me when he gets the chance! I think it's super cute and love to indulge a fellow arteest! A few weeks ago I was working on some Christmas cards and he just couldn't wait to make his own. He HATES when I take unauthorized pictures of him and will usually put his hand in front of his face, but he was soooo in the crafting zone that he didn't even notice me clicking away!

Awesome job Buddy!

Marjorie's color challenge # 39

2008-11-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

I made this card for Marjorie's color challenge # 39. We were supposed to use at least 3 colors from the combo of Outdoor Denim, Tulip, Heavenly Blue, and Ocean. I used everything except the Tulip this time. The design is cased from a card on pg 35 of the CTMH Autumn/ Winter 2008 idea book. Thanks for the challenge Marjorie!

Only 35 days until Christmas! (and only 27 days until my birthday ;0) yay! )

I {heart} Ribbon!

2008-11-19T09:31:00.000-08:00

Last week I put in an order for 5 yards each of 55 different colors of grosgrain ribbon. I know, I know.. WHAT?! But I will actually use it! In fact I've already used some of it on two separate projects, and one of them is a card challenge! I'll have to wait to share the pics as it's actually a card for someone who I know is a regular follower of my blog and I want her to see it first, ;0)

So what does 275 yards of yummy, ribbony, goodness look like? Ta-da!

I've decided to store the ribbon, separated by color, in these food storage boxes that I found at Walmart for $0.50 a piece. It makes it super easy to find the color that I'm looking for and putting everything away again is a snap!

Edited to add : I purchased the ribbon from www.teapartyribbons.com ;0)

Embossed Christmas trees

2008-11-13T01:24:00.000-08:00

I was playing around with my Cuttlebug today and came up with this cute little Christmas card. The trees turned out super cute!

I've also unofficially decided today that I can't make any projects with stamped images on them until I can score a few Copic markers, lol! I actually tried to make a card the other day where I colored it in with colored pencils and it was not very pretty. Oh well, I suppose now's a perfect time to start dropping hints for Nate about how much I "need" these markers...did you know it's only 42 days left until Christmas?! Woo Hoo!

It's all about the shoes!

2008-10-31T09:45:00.000-07:00

Here's a card I made for a friend of mine who I consider to be a total fashionista. I just love her wonderful personality and her fab sense of style. She loves color and patterns so I thought this would be perfect for her.

Wouldn't it be so fun to own a pair of shoes like this?

Update on Bean

2008-10-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

Little Ella went in on Monday for kidney tests and all of her results came back normal! Praise God!

She is such a brave little girl. She barely cried at all during either of the procedures (making it soooo much easier on me). I took her out afterwards and she picked out a tiny little baby doll as a little treat for being so brave. She's such a sweetie!

Thank you so much for all of your prayers!

Rileys and Bellas OH MY!!

2008-10-29T16:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received a package in the mail from my oh-so-sweet buddy Sparkle (aka Spark-a-bella) which was packed full of all of these images! Sparkle you rock!

Now my only problem is that I'll have to come to terms with my self- diagnosed cardmaking phobia and use some of these babies up! ;0)

2008-10-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

Thursday, Sparkle and I went out for another fun scrap night at Nona's. We always have way too much fun!

I had my project almost finished before I got there, cause I know when I get together with these girls, I tend to do way more laughing and talking than crafting :0). This is a 9x9 album I'll be giving as a shower gift on Saturday. I tried layering the die-cut flowers to give the pages that "lumpy" look I love so much and I really like how they turned out. Can't wait to see what the mommmy-to-be thinks!

Have a happy Saturday!

Scariest day of my life...

2008-10-23T02:00:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday was the scariest day of my entire life. Around 5 am, I woke up to find Ella having a seizure. Her face was white, her eyes wide open and so dialated that there was hardly any blue left in them and her lips were blue. I screamed for my husband to wake up and scooped her up thinking at the time that she was choking. I was so scared, I thought my baby was dying right there in my arms. Terrified , we called 911 and the paramedics raced to our home. By the time they arrived, she had stopped seizing, the color had returned to her face and we could tell for sure that she was breathing. She looked exhausted and she had begun to fall back asleep. I just held her crying and praying for her to be alright.

It was discovered that she had a fever of 106 and everyone thought it would be best that we take her to the ER to have her checked out. On the way to the hospital, she sat in her little car seat, strapped to the gurney in the aid car. She was awake but didn't respond at all to our voices. She didn't cry, she just made this little whimpering sound. Her little arms were drawn up close to her body as if she didn't know what to do with them and she was drooling from the corner of her mouth. She looked like a child with severe retardation.

I kept praying that she hadn't stopped breathing at any point during this ordeal, that she hadn't suffered permenant brain damage. I just held her tiny little hand and prayed. I thanked God for letting her be alive, for letting her still be with us. I was so, so very thankful that she was still with us. I prayed that her tiny body be healed of whatever was causing her to be in distress. I looked at her and thought about how she had been just a few hours earlier; laughing, dancing, singing and talking up a storm. She always amazes us with how advanced she is for a 19 month old! I just continued to thank the Lord that she was still with us. I knew if she had suffered brain damage, I would be heartbroken but at the same time I would continue to praise God that she was still with me.

Once at the hospital, they brought her in and layed her down so they could get blood and urine samples. She began to cry a little bit during these procedures, but still was not quite herself. It wasn't until the decision was made to put in an IV that she let us all know that she was going to be alright. She did not like the doctors and nurses holding her down to put in that IV AT ALL! That's all it took and she was fighting and screaming and calling out for her mommy! I was so happy to hear my baby girl calling for me! I immediately began sobbing and thanked the Lord for answering my prayers again that morning! God is so very good!

After several tests it was determined that Ella had a urinary tract infection and that had caused the huge jump in her body temp within such a short period of time. She had a Febril siezure as a response to this sudden rise in her body temp. She recieved an IV dose of antibiotics and was cleared to come home with us by 11am that morning. By that afternoon she was laughing and playing with her siblings.

We're asking for prayers for little Ella because she has to go in for more testing on Monday. With children under 2 years old who have had a urinary tract infection, it's recommended that testing be done to rule out any anatomical defects. She'll be going in for a renal ultrasound (kidneys) and a VCUG (the bladder is filled with blue dye and watched to make sure it's emptying properly). We're just asking for prayers that her little body is formed and functioning properly and that the Lord comforts her during these procedures.

If you've made it all the way through, thanks for reading this really, REALLY long post. ;0) I've just been playing a bit of catch up as life returns to normal around our house. I've also been working on a couple of projects during the last day or so that I hope to finish and post soon. Fingers crossed!

Give your babies an extra big hug today for me and Ella Bean!

Love....

2008-10-09T10:04:00.000-07:00

Supplies used: CTMH Caprise paper packet, cardstock, button & waxy flax; Fiskars "filigree" embossing plate, Prima flower;

My parents will be celebrating their 38th wedding anniversary on Friday. Aren't they cute?!

They recently took a trip across the country to check some items off of their bucket lists. My dad's a HUGE fan of westerns, so he wanted to go visit Monument Valley on the Utah/Arizona border. He was in cowboy heaven!

My mom's choice was Disneyland. It was so funny because they didn't tell any of us that they'd be stopping in Disneyland before they left because they didn't want to have to listen to my kids whine and beg to come along. We found out when they sent us an email from the Buzz Lightyear game! Nice move folks, very clever!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

my little artists

2008-10-06T11:40:00.000-07:00

The other day, Sammy and Bean got into an box of stickers that I'd been keeping for the kids for school and decided to have at it!

They were busily creating their masterpieces! And their choice of a base for their creations? Canvas? Paper? No! Don't be silly! Why, these two would never limit themselves to such boring artistic media! They are true artists after all, and what is the world but their empty canvas on which to paint, or to stick as the case may be.

(those would be my cabinets they're "decorating")

2008-10-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

Here's another set of premade pages that I made this week for my webstore. I can hardly believe it's time for Halloween again!

We were out and about today and took a quick look at a couple of costumes for the kiddos. I thought that I wanted to dress Bean up as a fairy or some other sparkly, winged critter, but today I stumbled across the cutest Little Bo Peep costume! I could just picture her, little beanie baby sheep tucked under her arm, dressed in this big, frilly, pink and white dress, swinging the big pink shepard's crook around, smacking everybody....wait....maybe that's not the best costume choice for a fiesty 19 month old.... Hmm, I'll have to think about that one for a bit.

Hope you're enjoying your weekend!

Photo Friday Challenge #9 "Autumn"

2008-10-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

It's been FOREVER since I had a photo challenge and I really miss doing them so.....

For this week's photo challenge, find a favorite picture that showcases some aspect of autumn that you really love. Be sure to leave a comment with a link to your blog once you've posted your pic for the challenge!

Here's mine:

This ( in the bright yellow boots) is my soon to be 8 year old when he was only 2. He's strolling with his buddy through a field on a farm we used to visit every October. I absolutely loved going with the kids to this farm each year for tractor rides and lots of muddy fun! They always had the coolest hay maze in their big old barn and of course the best pumpkin patch ever!

Shine

2008-10-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

This is a super quick and simple layout we did during last month's faithbooking class. These pictures of Sammy and his award winning smile were just begging to be scrapped and fit this verse perfectly.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." -- Matthew 5:16

A girl I used to know....

2008-10-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

This stamp is from a set that was one of my very first purchases from CTMH when I became a consultant way back in 2005! That seems like sooo long ago now! It's from the Flower Girls stamp set and I always loved how these stamps coordinated so perfectly with the oh-so-girly Stylin' paper packet. Back in those days, CTMH hadn't come out with their paper flowers or Sparkles rhinestones yet. But like all of their fab products, they also coordinate perfectly, even thought they came out a few years later. And I just LOVE it when things match, lol!

Here's a pic that shows detail a little better on the bottom of the card with the bling and where I embossed stripes into the cardstock.

More Fall stuff....

2008-09-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

I've been working on some new designs for my webstore and since I'm in such a Fallish (did I just totally use a made up word?) kind of mood these days, here's a set of premade scrapbook that seemed just right for this time of year!

It feels kind of funny being all "Yay Fall!" and what not right now because the weather just isn't agreeing with the calendar AT ALL. It's the end of September and we've had 80+ degree weather for the past few days. Now don't get me wrong, I really love warmer weather; It's just that it's been so warm that the caramel apples (a delicious treat for when you're feeling "Fallish") we made with the kids yesterday evening, got too warm overnight and melted all over the my kitchen counters! Oh well, I guess that's just an excuse to make up another batch sometime soon!

Say cheese!

2008-09-29T01:00:00.000-07:00

My mom just got her braces taken off last Wednesday...after having had them for 4 YEARS! Ah, yes patience is indeed a virtue ;0) Anyway, I thought this was definitely cause for celebration and made her this little card to remind her to smile big, because she's definitely earned it!

The little mouse is one of my original paper pieced creations. It's kind of hard to tell from the photo but his cheeks and tummy were chalked to make them look rosey.

Hope everyone has a great Monday!

Sunflower card

2008-09-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

Fall is officially here as of Monday and I'm loving it! All the beautiful colors outside inspired me to create this cute little thank you card. I paper pieced the sunflower and the sentiment is actually cut out from this adorable Fall Festival paper by Bo Bunny.

Just out of curiousity, which term do you use for this time of year? I tend to call it fall, but autumn looks and sounds so much more colorful, don't you think?

Wishing everyone a wonderful Sunday!

Trick or Treat card

2008-09-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

Using up some more of my paper scraps today and I came up with this cute little card. I so wish that I had more of this paper! I think this card turned out way cute! The little bear in the pumpkin costume is one of my favorite paper pieced critters from a set of scrapbook pages I designed last Fall and I thought he'd look great on the front of a card.

I'm really digging this card making stuff today! I think I'll try and see what else I can cook up in my little noggin, lol! Maybe one day I'll even be as good at cards as my buddies Sparkle & Nona! One can always dream, right?

2008-08-30T15:28:00.000-07:00

Here's a layout I made today of Bean. I'd been having trouble figuring out how to place this set of pictures and was inspired by the upcoming CTMH Perfect Day workshop. The layout used for the first set of pages of this new workshop was a perfect fit! I think I may still add a small poem or quote to the small rectangle on the right hand side of my pages, not sure yet.... There's a removable tag behind the large photo on the left hand side where I'll place my journaling, whenever I get to that. ;0)

Beary Happy Birthday card

2008-08-29T21:33:00.000-07:00

I was trying to use up some of my paper scraps today and thought I'd try making a card for a change. I have to be honest; I have some sort of card making phobia or something. I honestly find it a huge challenge to design and create cards vs. scrapbook pages. Kind of weird, huh?

North Head Lighthouse

2008-08-28T23:31:00.000-07:00

We arrived at the the North Head Lighthouse in Ilwaco only to find out that Sammy and Bean weren't allowed inside because it was being renovated and was potentially unsafe for wee ones. Sooooo...... what do you do with a 3 year old who's completely full of energy while his Daddy tours the lighthouse for 20mins? Well, you play an exciting game of "Ring Around the Lighthouse" of course!

"Watch me Mommy, I'm faster than McQueen!"

Then I thought it would be fun to get a group picture of the older 3 kiddos on the steps of the lighthouse. They didn't think that sounded very fun.

Next, I ~~begged~~ ~~pleaded~~ ~~threatened~~ asked very nicely for the boys to sit and get their picure taken together. They responded to said request by repeatedly elbowing each other. Thanks guys.

I ask ya.... Who has more fun than us????

Long Beach - day one

2008-08-27T23:10:00.001-07:00

We just got back from a little family trip to Long Beach, WA and we all had such a good time! As I'm sure you can imagine, taking 4 kiddos on any sort of excursion is no joke! But we had an absolutely wonderful time! We got to take the kids to play on the beach and did a little site seeing while we where there, including an awesome trip out to see the Northhead lighthouse in Ilwaco.

The first evening we headed straight for the beach! The weather was absolutely perfect and my kids were in the water almost immediately!

Beanie on the beach

Sunset

Taylor

Sammy

I think Nick really got a kick out of seeing how huge the Pacific Ocean is!

Bean and Daddy making a sandcastle

Nakiya

2008-08-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

Haven't had too much time to create these past few weeks so I thought I'd share a custom page I made a few months ago. This was given as a first Mother's Day gift to little Nakiya's mom. Isn't she just adorable?

My new Little Scrapbook Nook

2008-08-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

We've lived in our house for about 5 years now and during that time I've relocated my scrappy stuff 4 times! This last time I was displaced from my very own scrapbook room out into our loft area. I'm really happy with the space, it's turning out to be quite nice!

I wondered how in the world I'd be able to keep all of my scrappy treasures safe from little curious hands :0) since I can no longer just keep everything safely behind a locked door. But my wonderful hubby installed locks on all of the cabinets for me! Problem solved!

I'm really surprised at how perfect this new setup is working out. I'm able to work on projects or check emails and such and be right here next to the kids at the same time. They seem to really like that I'm hanging out with them in their space now too! Everybody wins!

I know I always like to see how other people organize all of their stuff, so I thought I'd share what works for me! Just click on the image to enlarge! Thanks for looking!

I am nothing if not resourceful! LOL! Notice how I repurposed the CTMH boxes and turned them into file boxes to hold my paper packets. Waste not, want not!

Funny note about this cabinet; I had sketched out and planned to the closest inch every part of this new setup and when it came time to put the printer, scanner and pazzles into this cabinet, I plugged everything in and went to shut the door to the cabinet and it wouldn't close!!! ARRRRGGG!! Soooooo, after a mini temper tantrum, I kindly asked my hubby to cut a hole in the wall so that the cords to the printer could be shoved back into the wall allowing me to shut the cabinet doors! He happily obliged, but made sure to let me know that I'd be patching the wall when the time came :0)

love that face....

2008-07-12T13:13:00.000-07:00

Here's my latest addition to Sammy's scrapbook:

I've had this page planned for weeks but I was having the worst time trying to get my pictures printed. After three failed attempts from various places, I thought I'd give scrapbookpictures.com a try. I LOVE the print quality and highly recommend them!

A Little Bedtime Story

2008-06-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

Any guesses as to what this is?

Well, after a 20 minute interrogation we were all enlightened. It's applesauce shoved in a hole that was carved out of the drywall in my son's closet!

I just don't know why my boys do some of the things they do!!! How on earth did that ever seem like a good idea to them?

We discovered this little beauty the other night while getting the boys ready for bed.

Me: "What the heck is this?!"

NIck(7 yrs old): "I don't know. Sammy probably did it."

Me: "Really. Hey Sammy, what's this all over the wall in here?"

Sammy (3 yrs. old) comes in and inspects the applesauce filled hole.

Sammy: "Umm....it must be yellow in there."

Me: "Thanks Bud. You're so helpful."

Nick: "I saw Sammy put that in there.....yesterday."

Me: "Really, cause he doesn't seem to know anything about it."

Fast forward several minutes later,

Nick: "O.k. I did do it. But I didn't want to tell you and Daddy because I didn't want to get in trouble."

Me: "Uh-huh....good plan. But what do you think is gonna happen to you now? You know, you really shouldn't tell lies. Have you ever heard the story of the boy who cried wolf?

Nick: "No."

Me: "Oh, well, then I guess I'll have to tell you that one.

There once was a little boy just about your age. He thought it was fun to lie about things.

One day the little boy was out in his yard and he started yelling 'Help! Help! Wolf, wolf!' Everybody dropped what they were doing and ran out into the yard to help the little boy, but when they got there, he just stood there laughing saying 'ha ha! I was only joking! There's no wolf!; So everyone went back inside.

The next day the little boy was out in his yard and he started to yell 'Help! Please come quick! There's a wolf!' Again everybody came running out to help the boy. And again they found him laughing because there was no wolf this time either. Again, they all went back inside.

The third day the little boy was outside playing and and he turned around to see a big scary wolf right there in his yard! The little boy yelled, 'Help! Help! There's a wolf! Help!' Everyone inside heard him yelling again but this time they didn't come outside. They all thought 'Oh, he's probably just lying again. I'm not falling for it this time.'

And do you know what happened to the boy?"

Nick (with eyes as big as saucers): "What?"

Me: "The wolf ate him!"

Nick: "But I don't want a wolf to eat me!"

We spent the next few minutes assuring Nick that he was not going to be eaten by a wolf. So basically, that little lesson on lying went really well. But hey, it did make for a pretty funny story. ;0)

June Faithbooking project

2008-06-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

The theme for June's faithbooking class was taken from Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart. For they shall see God."

The title reads: "Precious in HIS sight and so precious to me!" I thought these pics of Bean discovering all the fun things outside in our backyard were just perfect for these pages! It so much fun to watch little ones as they discover the world around them.

Visiting the Nina

2008-06-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

Last Friday we took a fieldtrip out to Lake Union in Seattle to tour a replica of Christopher Columbus' ship, the Nina. I was amazed at how tiny the ship was! The kids had fun looking around and I had panic attacks the entire time we were anywhere near the water. My kids just don't seem to be afraid of ANYTHING lately and Nick made it a point to let me know at several points during the tour, that "that water doesn't look very deep". Note to self: sign kids up for swimming lessons.

Here are some of my favorite pics from the tour:

The Nina

Taylor's thrilled to be here!

Sammy checking out the water to see if it is in fact "not very deep"

Thank you Coach!

2008-06-24T11:10:00.000-07:00

Nick just finished out his 2008 little league season last week. He's not too sure that he'll play again next year because he says "I never get any home-runs!" Maybe a little off season practice with Dad will change his mind :0)

As a thank you to his coach I made a one-page, framed scrapbook layout with a couple cute pics of the team. We gave it to her at the team's trophy party and she LOVED it! It almost brought her to tears! It was awesome!

The design is my take on the layout pictured on page 13 of the CTMH Summer 2008 idea book. I even hand stitched the red on the baseball!

Sammy's first S'more

2008-06-02T23:00:00.000-07:00

With Sammy having allergies to so many foods it's often a challenge to find any fun "kid food" that he can have for a special treat. He LOVED graham crackers as a little toddler and he really misses not being able to eat them with the rest of the kids. So I made it my goal today to make him his own wheat free graham crackers!

I used a rice/almond flour mix to make the dough and then rolled it out and cut it with a cookie cutter, making little Sam his very own round graham crackers! He loves them and was soooo excited!

We realized that he'd never had a s'more before and so you know we just had to hook our little guy up with a real treat tonight! With the homemade graham crackers, a soy-free chocolate bar from Trader Joes and a fluffy marshmallow, Sammy was able to enjoy his very first s'more!
Yum!

New Look at GautierDesigns.com!

2008-05-04T16:24:00.000-07:00

Just a quick little bit of news...

My dear hubby and I have been working hard for the past few weeks on giving our webstore a cleaner, brighter more updated look and we turned everything over this weekend!

Nate has put in a ton of hours and put up with me changing my mind on quite a few different things ( thanks Sweetie :0) ) and it looks great! I am particularly impressed with the flash intro he put on the home page. We're still in the process of updating a lot of the product images and such but most everything else is pretty much finished. Take a look when you get a moment and let us know what you think!

Charity Auction Album

2008-04-23T22:08:00.000-07:00

I was asked by a close friend if I'd be willing to donate an item to a charity auction that she was helping to coordinate. The auction will be held to raise money for a non-profit group that assists with transitional housing for victims of domestice violence. I decided I'd create a 10-20 page family themed, premade 8x8 album. Here's the first page:

Wish me luck with this project. I started it over three weeks ago now and this is all I've been able to do so far! Fortunately, I have another few weeks to get it all finished :0)

Baby dolls and Bubble mowers

2008-04-21T10:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday after church, we all went out and about to pick up a couple of things for the kiddos. While we were out, Nate decided that his little princess NEEDED a baby doll ;0)! So we wandered down the doll isle of our Walmart and found Beanie her very first baby doll! We immediately named the baby "Yosh" after one of the funny little "words" Bean says all the time.

I didn't think that it would be that big of a hit to her, but she held on to that little doll for the entire rest of the afternoon! We'd ask her "can I hold your baby?" and she'd just pull her in and hug her tighter. I thought I was going to melt into a big puddle right there in the middle of the store! Could she be any cuter?! I ended up carrying Bean, who carried Yosh, throughout the store as we finished our shopping. :0)

Yesterday must've been "Daddy-impulse-shops-for-the-wee-ones Day" or something, because Sammy also scored a new bubble mower! Lucky kids! He had been asking for his own "wan mower" for quite some time now and Daddy just couldn't put it off any longer! Here's my cute little landscaper in action!

Faithbooking Challenge #3 "Spring"

2008-04-19T19:57:00.000-07:00

I just finished up with the faithbooking class that I teach every month and as always had a wonderful time with everyone who attended. What a great group of women! I feel truly blessed to lead the group each month, thank you ladies!

These are the pages that we created during the class:

We didn't really have a specific theme this time but I just felt led to have something with a springy feel to it and this is what I came up with! The pictures are from Bean's birthday photo shoot and were the perfect fit for the pages. It's such a blessing to see our little one grow!

The journaling reads: “I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams.” Isaiah 44:3b-4 NIV

I'd love to see what you're inspired to create based on this challenge's theme! When you're ready to share, just leave a comment with a link to your blog where your project is posted!

Photo Friday Challenge #8 "snooze"

2008-04-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

For this week's photo challenge, find a favorite pic that features someone taking a snooze! Be sure to leave a comment with a link to your blog once you've posted your pic for the challenge!

Here's mine:

I've been so busy the past few weeks that all I can think about at the end of each day is how badly I could've used a nap! Apparently, Bean could also use one! She was so tired after dinner last night that she fell asleep on the floor before we even had the chance to put her jammies on for bed!

Hello again!

2008-04-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

Wow! I just realized that it's been 2 weeks since I last updated my blog! Well, never fear I'm back! I've been busy with redesigning the look of my website, working on upcoming class projects and getting started with my booth at the local farmer's market. Busy, busy, busy! But I should have some really cool stuff to share here, so be sure to check back!

Happy 13th Birthday Taylor! & Photo Friday Challenge #7

2008-04-04T10:03:00.000-07:00

In honor of our beautiful daughter's 13th birthday, my photo challenge for this week is "Happy Birthday!" Find a favorite birthday photo to share! Remember to leave a comment here with a link to your blog once you've posted your photo for the week. Have fun!

This is Taylor on her 2nd birthday and it is such a perfect representation of her at that time. She's got a crown on her head and she just KNOWS she's a princess at this point! She's also got a fist full of ham, which she refused to put down even for a second so we could take a picture of her. When Taylor was a toddler, I swear she survived on a steady diet of Juicy-Juice juice boxes, cheese flavored goldfish crackers and ham (pronounced HAM-MUH). It's funny because she evidently got her fill of ham for the remainder of her lifetime in while she was a little one, because she HATES it now!

It's a slumber party!

2008-03-30T17:22:00.000-07:00

And I'm not invited! At least I'm pretty sure I'm not. This Friday my oldest will be hosting a slumber party to celebrate her 13th birthday. I was feeling ambitious and decided to make her invitations myself and here's what I came up with:

Not too bad eh? And they even got the Taylor stamp of approval! Woo hoo!

Photo Friday Challenge #6 "snow"

2008-03-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

In honor of the crazy weather we've had here this week in the Seattle area, my photo challenge for this week is "snow"! Be sure to leave a comment with a link to your blog where your pic for the challenge is posted!

Here's mine:

Sammy and his first snowball!

What the scrap?!!! I've been tagged!

2008-03-27T19:42:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged twice this week first by Christine and then again by Kim

So here are some random facts about moi:

1. I have freakishly sensitive feet. Seriously, the idea of going in and getting a pedicure or having the hubby rub my feet = torture! And I NEVER go barefoot!

2. I am the werld’s wurst spelur. God bless a spell check! No joke, I’ll use it about 37 times before I finish this post.

3. I can’t stand the smell of garlic! That’s pretty weird for me considering I used to eat the baked pieces of it that would come out of the pork roasts that my Grandma would cook when I was a kid. Ever since my second pregnancy, the smell of garlic has made me wretch! Yuck!

4. I’m a pseudo-twin! My brother was born on my birthday, but is four years younger than I am.

5. I’m still afraid of the dark.

6. I love desserts soooooo much that I've declared that every Tuesday shall be “Cookie Tuesday” where the family bakes (and eats, my favorite part--YUM!!) a batch of cookies. We’ve celebrated this totally awesome holiday every week for over a year now. Sweet!

7. I’m pretty sure I graduated high school ¼ of a credit short of the requirement. Allow me to explain:

During the last half of my junior year, I did homeschool and was also enrolled in an alternative school for one class. I completed all of the work but apparently, the class at the alternative school wasn’t worth the same amount of credits as regular classes. No one bothered to check this, including me, until way after graduation the following year. I was able to go on and attend college where I graduated Cum Laude with a BA in Psychology.

To this day I have a frequently reoccurring dream that I’ve been unknowingly skipping the one class that I need to pass in order to graduate and there isn’t enough time to make up the work! Wow, maybe I should use that fancy psych degree and do a little self-psychoanalysis!

Okay so the rules are...

Link to the person who tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog, we all want to know them.
Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

I'm only gonna tag 3; Nate, Mel, and Sonja

Something to smile about...

2008-03-25T15:28:00.000-07:00

To say the last couple of days have been a little crazy is a gross understatement! I haven't had much opportunity to be very crafty for about a week now and the mood around our house is really weird. I think everyone is just coming down off of all the Easter Sunday excitement.

Anyhoo........

I wanted to share these pictures of Bean from this weekend. She's officially been ruined by Easter candy! She absolutely LOVED this marshmallow lollypop! She was just SO happy and actually mananged to eat a couple good mouthfulls of it before her mean mommy had to take it away. :0)

YUMMMM!!!

Photo Friday Challenge #5 "Easter"

2008-03-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

For this week's photo challenge, find a favorite Easter picture! Be sure to leave a commment with a link to your blog when you've posted your pic for the week!

Here's mine:

Our family has this weird tradition of sitting new all the babies inside a basket on their first Easter, complete with grass and all! This is Bean on her first Easter Sunday, last year.

Wishing everyone a very blessed Easter Sunday!

"He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." Matthew 28:6

Easter Pages

2008-03-19T17:42:00.000-07:00

Here's a set of Easter pages that I just finished today. I'm so proud of myself for actually finishing them before Easter gets here! Now maybe I'll go get started on one of the many Valentines Day projects I bought stuff for and just never got around to creating! Yeah right. ;0)

page candy???

2008-03-18T00:22:00.000-07:00

Sometimes if feel as though I must be living under a rock or something when it comes to what's new or trendy in the world. Today I was talking to a friend about what the little embellishy artwork thingies that you put on scrapbook pages are called and apparently, everyone knows these to be page candy. O.k. That's definitely a new one for ol Jenn :0) But I like it. I mean, I like candy and I also like scrappy stuff, so to me page candy = the best of both worlds :0)

Here's a little "candy" I came up with today. I'm still working on the rest of the page that goes with this little Easter basket (which my son tells me looks more like a hat:0) ) so maybe I'll post pics of the completed pages in a day or two.

I've also been finishing up my thank you cards for Bean's birthday celebration and I just thought they were too cute not to share! Thanks for looking!

Faithbooking Challenge # 2 "What do you pray about?"

2008-03-15T11:27:00.000-07:00

For my faithbooking challenge #2, I found this topic on another website:

"What do you pray about? What is sitting close to you heart? What keeps you up at night? This month, create a layout that highlights something you are praying about or praying for."

This could cover any number of things depending on what's going on in your life right now. I chose to focus on my kiddos :0).

I found the journaling on a greeting card and it seemed just perfect! It reads: "May God bless you with bright stars in the sky when the way seems dark...with smiles to cheer you when the road seems long...with sunshine to warm you when the road seems cold...with love to greet you when each day is done...and with peace that fills heart and reminds you of what a precious gift you are to God. And to me."

Be sure to leave a comment with a link to your blog when you've posted your pages for the challenge! Have fun!

Photo Friday Challenge #4 "funny"

2008-03-14T11:02:00.001-07:00

For this week's photo challenge, find a favorite pic that is just too funny not to share! Be sure to leave a comment to let everyone know that you've posted your picture for the challenge on your blog!

Here's my pic for the week:

This is a favorite picture of Sammy that we've named "Teaching Nemo a Lesson." This was taken at a bbq we went to last year where the host totally spoiled my kiddos with all kind of treats and goodies, including a Finding Nemo pinata. Little Sam could barely lift the stick to take a swing at this thing, but we give him an A+ for effort. Check out the look of determination on his face!

baby shower gift

2008-03-13T21:31:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, I was supposed to go to a friend's baby shower. I say 'was supposed' to only because being the directionally challenged person that I am, I never actually found the location of the shower! I drove all the way out, 45 minutes away from my house to where I thought it should have been and never found the correct address. Magellan I am not. Fortunately, the mother-to-be goes to the same church that I do and I'll be able to get this to her this weekend.

Engineer Sam vs. Godz-Ella

2008-03-11T14:40:00.000-07:00

Poor Sammy! He's had to learn a lot of patience becoming a big brother and this afternoon was no exception. He was just trying to have some nice quite time playing with his train set,when little Miss Ella decided she wanted to play too! Thanks for being such a good sport Sammy!

A smile of victory on the face of the mighty Godz-Ella!

Notsomuch with the smiling for Engineer Sam.

***Update: Sam has been sitting here in my lap as I post this and has declared the pics of Ella breaking apart the train track "ha-warious." Crisis averted. ;0)

Grand Opening!

2008-03-10T18:20:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! After, many, many months of planning and preparation, I am pleased to announce that the Gautier Designs Boutique is up and running! The boutique will specialize in premade scrapbook pages, albums, cards, etc. many of which feature paper pieced artwork.

Thanks to my hubby for all of his hard work putting together the site, I love you babe!

Photo Friday challenge #3 "favorite photo"

2008-03-07T10:27:00.000-08:00

I'm a little late getting this week's challenge up, so I figured I'd make it an easy one : "favorite photo". Pick a favorite photo, old or new. I'm looking through some oldies I have from my pre-digital camera days, so I'll post mine later today.

Be sure to leave a comment with a link to your blog with your picture! Can't wait to see everyone's pictures!

Edit: Ok, here's my pic for the week. This is one of my favorite pics of Nick at about 6mos old. We were out having a play date at a park that had a farm with a petting zoo. He had just barely learned to sit up at this point and I thought it would make such a cute shot to have him sitting all by himself on the bench in front of the barn. Gotta love those big ol' cheeks!

paper pieced flower pot card

2008-03-05T17:02:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I am soooo ready for spring to get here! In honor of the beautifully sunny day we had here in the Seattle area, here's a little paper pieced flower pot card I made. Thanks for looking!

The flowers, ribbon, brads, mini tag and "so sweet" stamp are all CTMH.

My page for Faithbooking Challenge #1

2008-03-03T15:19:00.000-08:00

Well, I thought it was totally lame to not have posted a pic of my own pages for my "about you" faithbooking challenge, so ......

These are the pages that I came up with for the faithbooking class that I taught last month. I've actually had these finished since mid Feb. but had been waiting to post them because they still need pictures. I'm having a really hard time finding any pics of me that I have deemed scrap worthy, so I'll have to work on that too.

The title reads: "I am HIS masterpiece" and the scripture printed on the file folder is Psalm 139 : 13-14 " For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well."

Photo Friday Challenge #2 Composition

2008-02-28T17:18:00.000-08:00

I want to really challenge you in this week's photo challenge, but I know you can do it!

Photo Friday challenge #2 "composition"

Share a favorite photo of yours that shows good composition. "The act of composition in photography is looking through your viewfinder and arranging different elements to create an image that is not only balanced, but pleasing to the eye." Check out this helpful article on composition here.

Here's my pic for the challenge:

This is my sweet Ella looking out of one of our windows. She's just barely tall enough to see what's going on outside that window now and the look on her face is one of pure wonder!

Happy Birthday Ella Bean!

2008-02-27T15:07:00.001-08:00

Where did that year go? I can hardly believe that our little princess is 1 year old today. The experience of motherhood is so bittersweet. There's nothing in the world quite like seeing your new baby for the very first time.

Or seeing that same little one's first smile or watching her as she cautiously takes her very first steps. With the joy and excitement of each new milestone comes the realization that these wonderful little blessings do in fact have to grow up, whether we're ready for it or not.

Today I celebrate our beautiful blessing, Ella!

Beanie, you are a joy to all of us, we love you and wish you a very Happy Birthday!