Project Life

I was so excited when Stampin' Up! brought back a memory keeping solution this year, and even MORE excited when it was a partnership with Project Life.  I had heard about it and seen the solution before and thought it was really innovative.  My start in Stampin' Up! actually came from traditional scrap-booking as I was looking for a way to add oomph to some of my pages.  The rest, as they say, is history.

I stopped scrap-booking traditionally a while ago, mainly because I had several pages to do, knew how much time each page normally took me, and didn't know where to start.  I kept journals and a This n' That journal as a substitute.

When it came time to think about what to do for my mom's 60th this year, I thought about making my first Project Life by Stampin' Up! album.  I wanted something that captured her life thus far, was fun and engaging, and had memories and love notes from people who care about her in it.

My mom has a colorful personality, so I chose the Everyday Adventure set for her.  The colors are awesome, cards are adorable, and it all matches.  I don't have to think about anything- Stampin' Up! did all the work in coordinating for me!  I also plan on using some of the pieces in the kit that are left overs to make an easy card on the go when I need one.  I love multi-tasking!

I can't tell you how easy this was to make this album- It literally took 2 nights after work to put together!  I had previously pulled some pictures and made copies for the book and contacted some of her friends and family to write a little something about why they loved her or a favorite memory.  The first night was spent just adding the pictures and cards into the page slots.  Literally that easy.  I didn't over analyze anything- just went with my gut and enjoyed the process.  The second night I worked on adding in the text and embellishments (my favorite part!).  Having been someone who has made traditional scrapbooks, I kept thinking- it CAN'T be this easy, can it?  I've missed something!  The result is a super cute album that I know my mom will cherish.  I'm now hooked officially on Project Life!

Enough talk- let's get to the pictures!

I added a little embellishment to the front cover with a doily, kit accessories, and a chalk marker.  Here is the inside cover of the album.  

My mom is a kindergarten teacher of 35 years, and naturally has a little kid at heart in her as well.  I wanted to show her goofy side in some of these with the pictures and the stories.

The pre-ruled cards made it easy to journal and share stories.  I also added some stickers from the accessory kit too- they are just too fun not to share!

Mom's best friend Lewis past away a few years ago from cancer, so it was important to me to capture their moments together so he could be with us in spirit.

Me and my mom!  We always have fun together!

The pictures and the great cards really do the work.  All I had to do was crop the pictures a little and add in some journaling.

Love the stickers in this set!  It was easy to add wherever I felt like they were needed. This picture of my mom and my little brother (who isn't so little anymore!) is one of my all-time favorite pictures.

The back page (front and back) is super easy with the accessory pack and a piece of Confetti Celebration DSP paper.

We celebrated her birthday weekend in our friends (Rita and Doris) mountain condo.  On the morning of her birthday, I presented her with the album.  I think she liked it! :)

Cake Concoctions

A crafter masquerading as a baker?  I wasn't convinced a could make a fancy birthday cake from the beginning.  After all, my mom is the baker.  But, being that it was her birthday we were celebrating, the birthday girl wasn't allowed to work!

We had an extraordinary event in my family this year- my brother turned 30, mom turned 60 and grandma turned 90 all in the month of August!  So, I planned a 30-60-90 party to celebrate with the entire family.  We had a wonderful time, and I loved seeing everyone.  The cake turned out great too (my hat goes off to all bakers that make elaborate cakes- you earn every penny!!).

I wanted to see what I could possibly do to incorporate my craft addiction in with making the cake.  So, when I learned about sugar sheets, I thought "I wonder if I can run that through the Big Shot?"  The answer is yes!  I embossed a sugar sheet with a chevron pattern and then punched it out with a 1/2" circle punch and a 1 3/8" circle punch.  Voila!  Crafti-fied cake!

If you do this, it's easy to wash your embossing folder off with a little soap and water.  For the punch, I just took a baby wipe and cleaned the cutting edge of the punches gently.

Here's the final result!  I also took some wire curlies made for cakes and hung pictures of the birthday people on the loop using scallop punches.  So easy!  I had the same curlies with pictures coming out of the flower arrangements on the table.

Happy Birthday!

Convention Day 3 and 4

Our last days of convention were filled with fun, creativity, and a little sight seeing!  One of the sessions we attended included making this cute stack of cards for a birthday.   I loved it so much that I decided to have a birthday themed class in August!  Stay tuned...

I also had a blast hosting a 3D swap this year.  I am always so inspired by the creativity of the men and women around me.  One of the swaps I received made this lovely project.  Isn't it awesome?

After the Awards celebration, we had a county fair themed party.  I felt right at home with the decorations, events, and umm.... funnel cake.  We had a product "fishing hole" where you could fish for a free prize (I won ribbon!) and even a mechanical bull.  The amazing LJ took a turn on this, and became my hero for trying it out.  I have video of it, but won't embarrass her with posting it!

Our last day held some of my favorite sessions, including a product panel and watching Shelli stamp!  Her projects are always inspiring.  One of the funnest parts of main stage was that the center section of the stage rotated to reveal the presenter... here comes Bonnie!

On our final afternoon in SLC, we took an open air bus tour of the city.  I learned so much and saw so many amazing things that I wouldn't have been able to do otherwise.  I had a blast (and soaked up some vitamin D).  Here are some highlights!

Brigham Young house and the Joseph Smith Memorial building

You know SLC is a cool place to live when they turn an entire street block into a giant slip-n-slide one day.  It was upper 90s, so I was tempted to hop out and slide down myself!  This looked like so much fun!

The state capitol building, view of the mountains, and site of the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2002 Winter Olympics.  It was very hazy while we were there because of fires in Canada California.  It was breathtaking nonetheless!

"This is the place" site where Brigham Young and the settlers first arrived in 1847.

(Below) After our tour, we trekked back to the Joseph Smith memorial building to have dinner.  And look at that view!  Nothing better than good friends, good food, and a killer view from our table.  We watched the sunset over SLC, which was the perfect end to an amazing adventure!