What a great gift!

For a "Coffee Lover" like me. My sweet co-worker, Jenny-Pie, made me these AWESOME coffee cozies! You slip them over your Starbucks Latte in place of that plain brown sleeve. Love them so much -- use them frequently! They go very well with the Starbucks Gift card I received. What a great birthday I had!

Bling + Sodered Charms

That is what my sweet and talented friend Theresa has been up to! She has been very, very busy putting together lots of beautiful jewelry and she took some time to create this special charm just for me. I LOVE IT SO MUCH and will treasure it ALWAYS. Thank you dear friend. Now for the rest of you...don't be jealous! Lucky for you Theresa is selling her amazing creations. Head on over to Scrapbooks, Etc. and select your special charms!

Party Photos! Enjoy!

Photo slideshow created with Smilebox

Class Photos

This photo album created with Smilebox

With a little help...

...from my family! I had to put together an assembly line to pack up all these die cuts! I have never been so busy putting kits together as I have with this class and had to call in reserves! Unexpected (but always welcomed) Bazzill design team assignments and the task of coordinating 23 Creative Escape swaps consisting of 326 items threw me off schedule. Just a few hours until class time and I'm up bright and early to print the directions!

I just need to make it through class and then I am officially on vacation! A much needed vacation I may add. Tonight I will be at the Wild Horse Pass Resort in Chandler attending the Scrap Sistaz Retreat with my girlfriends. Okay, maybe it's a STAYcation - but I'm good with that!

Meanwhile, here is another one of the cards we will be making!

Japan...from a few years back

I have been so busy preparing for Shabby Masters that today I thought I'd go back into my Scrapbooking Archives to see what I could find and share. Funny how when I look back at my work from days gone by, I can see all the PHASES my scrapbooking style has gone through. It's always evolving. A smile came across my face when I saw these pages I did for a dear friend at least 5-years ago. This was definitely my cut the pictures phase... (this is also before I had photo editing and stitching software).

New Apron

Here is the new apron that I started to make in the "Stitchin' a Story" class last month at Scrapbooks, Etc. I sewed on the snazzy pockets! But then I passed off the project to my sweet friend Cynthia to finish! Cynthia you did an awesome job and I LOVE my new apron so much more just because it reminds me of you!

It seems like a lifetime ago....

But I really used to know how to sew... As a matter of fact, I made my Prom Dress and the cool black lace (Madonna inspired) gloves that I'm wearing in this photo! I won awards for sewing back in High School. I was so young, I was so thin, I was even quite shy.

So, why am I talking about sewing on my Scrapbook /Little Doggy Blog? Because tomorrow I am scheduled to take a sewing class so I can re-familiarize myself with this craft and better assist customers at Scrapbooks, Etc. (sometimes I have to leave my happy place...aka the paper room).

With some help from my wonderful friends (Theresa and Cynthia) I managed to cut out the pattern. Tomorrow, in class with a seasoned professional, Deanna B., I will attempt to make an apron.

Now time for a confession....I am scared that I will really, really like sewing and I absolutely CAN NOT take on another hobby! Wish me luck everyone...I'll let you know how it goes!!!

The final two..

I'll admit it...I was getting a little burned out working on these friendship layouts (plus so many deadlines were looming). So, with a little help from my friends (and super cool co-workers) I was able to complete this project! The first layout featuring my dear friend Showtunes (aka Sharon) was designed by the "sweet and crafty" Jamie Andersen. Jamie hosts the Late Niters at Scrapbooks, Etc on Saturdays and teaches an awesome class that creates home decor items called, "Welcome Home." Her stuff is the cutest!

The final layout, featuring my dear friend Georgia (I just call her "G") was greatly inspired by the "ever so clever" Sandee Traasdahl (and her lovely assistants Nicole and Laura). Sandee (or as I like to call her...the Golden One) hosts the Late Niters at Scrapbooks, Etc. on Fridays, Scrapfest and teaches the stores Cricuit Classes.

Thanks to my lovely models and my talented guest designers!

Heidi's Group

The final 5 layouts have been completed for today's class for Heidi's Group in Tempe! These simple pages have been scanned & stitched, instructions composed and kits are packed! Phew...with 3 hours to spare. Special thanks to my cute friends: Shannan, Sandy and Barbara (aka President Crop) for letting me use their mugs! Love you guys!!!

Heidi's Group #14

"Gems may be precious, but friends are priceless."

Heidi's Group #12

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."
Happy Birthday Dear Friend!

Heidi's Group #11

For my private Scrapbook Class for "Heidi's Group" we have been working our way through a 12 x 12 friendship album. Here is #11 of our project. This simple layout features my sweet friend Peggy from Prescott!

Scottsdale KNK Retreat

This weekend I am in Scottsdale at for a Klic-N-Kut Retreat! I am learning so much about my KNK Maxx Digital Cutter. Most of this I will not retain...but at least I know more about the possibilities of this AMAZING MACHINE! Sandy McCauley (our instructor and my personal cutting mentor) is doing a wonderful job. She warned me that my head may explode...and I think she may be right about that. I am here with some of my Best Girlfriends from our Thursday Therapy Scrap Group and am making new friends with wonderful women from all around the country.

I can't wait to get back home and create using this expanded skill set! I still have another 24-hours to go!

So thoughtful

...and funny! Got this in the mail this week from my cute friend in Iowa! It's a package of napkins! Thank you Susan!!! This made my laugh out loud! Loved the card too. xoxo

"Somebody Stop Me!"

What is it with me and Jim Carey movie quotes! But I digress....here are some 6 piece nugget boxes I made for our Thursday Therapy Scrap Group. Enjoy!

Thursday Therapy Christmas Party

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Photos from Heidi's Group

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Volume 2: Issue 3

Here is the final layout for Heidi's group this Sunday. This page features my beautiful BFF Sindee! You'd never know it by looking at this photo...but she's very shy! NOT!!! Caption reads "my Best Friend is the one who brings out the best in me."

Volume 2: Issue 2

Here are the next two layout for "Heidi's Group" on Sunday! Thanks Tammy and Leone for letting me use your cute photos! Tune in tomorrow to see a friendship layout featuring my BFF Cindy (and some serious puppies).