Advent Calendar-Part One

Last night I started working on my Advent Calendar from KaiserCraft that I got in addition to my December kit from My Scrapbook Nook. I'm still trying to decide what color to paint it and working on sanding down the edges so that all of the compartments fit together. This is going to be a major project that I try to accomplish early next week.


The raw materials...


Picking out paint...


Painting numbers...


Tomorrow Ryan and I are going to the Biltmore Estate and to visit some friends. App plays Richmond tomorrow night and we're hoping to catch the game on TV or the radio. GO APP!

Also, hoping for snow this weekend! I love winter!

December Daily-Page Two

Last night we collected the gifts donated by church members and processed them to take to the Wilkes Ministry of HOPE for Christmas. It was wonderful to see the toys that we are donating as well as the increasing amount of non-perishable food that we are collecting for Communities in Schools.

Here is my page about the toy drive:




On the back of the page I journaled about listening to Christmas music for the first time. I've been rehearsing Advent and Christmas music for a couple of months, but I put off listening to recorded Christmas music until yesterday. I was listening to a story on NPR and heard a gospel version of "Jesus, What A Wonderful Child" and it gave me chills and I've been singing it ever since!

Jesus, Jesus, Oh what a wonderful Child.
Jesus, Jesus, so lowly meek and mild.
New life, new hope, new joy He brings.
Won’t you listen to the angels sing!
Glory, glory, glory to the newborn King!

I'm going to start a new project tonight so hopefully I'll have something to share with you tomorrow in addition to my December Daily!

December Daily-page one

I've decided that I will post my pages on the day following the event. So today I will share with you what I did yesterday.

Temperatures are dropping and snow is predicted for the weekend- it's beginning to feel like winter and I love it! I documented how I started wearing my snowflake jewelry yesterday and how much I enjoy the cooler weather!



Here's a peek inside the rest of my December Daily:



Tonight we are processing donated gifts as a youth group for the local Ministry of Hope to provide Christmas presents for the less fortunate in our community! I feel that giving and supporting others is a wonderful way to feel Christ's love during this time of the year.
I can't wait to share tonight's page with you tomorrow!

December Daily

Inspired by Ali Edwards and encouraged by the gals at The Nook I have taken the plunge and created a December Daily album. The idea is to create the album in advance so that you just have to fill it with memories during the days leading up to Christmas. I think this is a fabulous idea and I have had an absolute blast making my album. I used October Afternoon Very Merry papers, Jenni Bowlin journaling squares, Making Memories alpha and embellishments, K & Company chipboard embellishments, a Basic Grey blackboard album as my base, and left over Prima plastic pages from the canvas album I used this summer.

I think the outcome is great and will really lower the stress of scrapping the holiday season- I hope the end result is just as satisfying!



I have to finish assembling my book tonight and document today's awesomeness and I'll be back tomorrow to share!

Scrappy: These are the days...

I hope you all had a relaxing Thanksgiving- mine was quite full- lots of traveling and family to see, a football game, and a busy church day!


This layout was created with the November kit from The Nook, using Lily Bee Papers and their fabulous rubons. I used acrylic paint to create the dots across the top and bottom, using the round end of my paintbrush. I think it added a neat boarder and I'm looking for other ways to blend my hobbies. Any suggestions?

The picture was taken at my friend's wedding in October where I caught (was handed) the bouquet and Ryan caught (once again- was handed) the garter. How's that for a not so subtle hint?

Scrappy: Opposites Attract

Happy Appy Saturday!

Today is the one year anniversary (of sorts) of Ryan asking me out on a date. We had season tickets next to each other for the whole season and had chatted here and there. Towards the end of the first playoff game against South Carolina State University Ryan asked me to come with him to the next game. We ended up losing the next week to Richmond on our FIRST DATE the following week and began the joke that we couldn't date at football games.

This layout was for a challenge about opposites. I had wanted to scrap about Ryan and I being opposites and complimenting each other at the same time for a while now. I think the relationship works because we respect the differences we have and we agree to disagree on a few topics!



We're off to the Appalachian State/South Carolina Sate game this afternoon and hoping for a win! Go Mountaineers!

Giving Thanks

Over the river and through the woods...I'm headed to my Grandma's house today. I love this day because it means seeing my family that I don't see regularly, giving thanks for my many blessings, and overeating without being judged. I try to give thanks for my blessings everyday, but I think the spirit of Thanksgiving is inspiring. I have SO MUCH to be thankful for- my family, my faith, my friends, my opportunity to further my education, the roof over my head, and food in the cabinets, and SO MUCH MORE.

Rather than my rambling on, I thought I'd share some thoughts on gratitude from others...

Giving thanks for abundance is sweeter than the abundance itself.
~Rumi

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wherever you are, I hope you are enjoying your family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!

See ya on Saturday!

Scrappy and Artsy: Create Joy

Last weekend one of the VC challenges was to 'multitask' and use another artistic hobby while scrapping. I paint the paper with acrylic paint, collaged some tissue paper for texture, and then painted on top of the collage with more acrylic paint. I've recently been making ATC's for my classes and I used that technique to create two sets of ATC's. I like the outcome so I created a layout about my recent artistic endeavors.




How do you create joy in your life?

Scrappy: A Day in My Life

My daily life has been greatly changed since August. I've been driving back and forth to school and working two assistantships while taking a full course load of work. I really have a blast doing everything that I'm involved in, however there has been little time for scrapping and relaxing.

This layout was created for the Virtual Crop last weekend at The Nook and it was supposed to document a 24 hour period in my life.




I used the October Kit from The Nook for this with Graphic 45 papers and gorgeous


What does a day in your life look like? What do you try to make time for every day?

Scrappy: Family Traditions

I feel like I'm six months behind on scrapping. I have a whole bunch of pictures and some FABULOUS kits just waiting to be put together. Last weekend I had the pleasure of playing along with my fellow Nookers with a virtual crop! The crop was filled with great challenges and wonderful inspiration!

This layout was created for the challenge to use a shaped paper. I have such a hard time using shaped paper as a background because I never know how to orient the page. This picture is from when we went to Sewanee to visit Caleb. I can't wait for family to get together during the upcoming holidays- this is truly my favorite time of year! I used the September kit from My Scrapbook Nook for this page (see how far behind I am!??!?).



What are some family traditions that you are looking forward to this season?

I'm finding that as I am getting older it is about keeping some traditions and then making new ones. I don't know if I have a favorite- but opening one present on Christmas Eve before the Midnight Service has to be on the top of my list.

Artsy: And we're back...

After a brief hiatus from blogging and scrapping, I'm back and ready to rock!

This semester has been a very exciting exploration of myself and I'd like to share some of the results with you. I've begun painting and exploring art journaling, writing, and various other forms of creative expression and have really embraced the artist within.

In the journal that I made in my Therapeutic Writing course I have started Soul Journaling with the prompts by Sarah Whitmire. I've also been following her tweet a day and stashing away those ideas for the future.

The first prompt was to write how you were feeling that day and the gesso over it. The first page is my "claiming" page saying that it was MY journal, the second shows my Soul Armor that protects me from my critics.


These pages show inchies, which were fun to find and even more fun to see the finished product. It's very neat to see what can emerge with just small photos.


I'm off to see the final regular season game for ASU and then to GLOW where my journal and one of my paintings are being exhibited!

I will be back tomorrow with a scrappy post!

Happy Birthday Allison!

Today was a wonderful day. I kissed my beau goodbye and headed east once again. Driving through the mountains in the fall is always inspiring. Blue skies, whispy clouds, and colorful mountains all around- just perfection! On top of the beautiful autumn day, the music at church was beyond words and I was able to share lunch with my dear friend Allison and her hubby!

I created this gift set for Allison with my October kit from The Nook. Graphic 45 goodness!





Thanks for looking!

Scrapping again!

I have two gorgeous Nook kits at my fingertips and very little time to scrap. Today I have created a layout with the September kit from The Nook.



Pink Paislee papers, rub ons. Prima pearl stud. Making Memories alpha and ribbon. Bazill cardstock.


I'm making it a goal to post more often and get some more projects completed!

Who knew?

Who knew that graduate school, two assistantships, youth group and other church activities, a long distance relationship, Chamber Singers, and commuting would leave little time for scrapbooking? I haven't even added teaching dance- that starts this week and I'm thrilled. I hope that I can keep my energy up until December.

I'm behind on what I want to scrap and create, but I'm okay with that. I know that I'll catch up when things slow down.

Today we had a pet blessing at church- I can't wait to scrap about that!

Sewanee Trip

Last weekend we went to Sewanee to see Caleb! It was a great trip and I had a lot of fun.

We got to watch Caleb play rugby- what an interesting sport!



We had time to take some family pictures on the plateau. Gorgeous view when it isn't foggy.




I used the September kit from The Nook to create this page- it was inspired by CJ's Challenge at Scripture Scrappers- to lift a title from a song!

Truck Racin'

I created this layout using a sketch by Allison Cope. I used the August kit from My Scrapbook Nook. Love the color combination and the punch outs by October Afternoon.






I've not had a lot of time for scrapping and I have this beautiful kit sitting at home waiting for me, waiting to be played with:

New week!

First things first- I drew names for the RAK celebrating my 100th post last week, but forgot to post it here! I had two entries and of those Jen was the winner! I've put together some Thickers, rubons, ribbons, and other neat things!

Last week I created this layout about my experience at Penland School of Crafts. I used paint to mirror the texture of the paint in the picture. The paper and rubon are Basic Grey, the letters are Making Memories and American Crafts, the flowers are Prima.
Join us over at the Scripture Scrappers Community and Blog. We are starting a new 6 week Bible Study!

Box of Self

Today in my Expressive Arts class we shared our Box of Self. I wanted to share this piece with you. It really means a lot to me and I enjoyed creating it.


I have really been enjoying doodling vines lately. I feel that it represents new growth. I feel a lot of growth in my future and I'm very excited about the possibilities.

I think the top of my box resonated most with me. I think dreams are powerful and have always had bad or disturbing dreams. They aren't 'nightmarish' per say, but they wake me up and keep me awake at night. Dreams stay with you.


I love my Box of Self. I love my homework!!

Ribbon from Michael's. Prima Flowers

Penland

I had class all weekend. It was a journal making workshop at Penland School of Crafts. Penland is an amazing place to cultivate art of all forms. I was so inspired by the work in the gallery as well as seeing the work that was created in the final summer session. The styles ranged from books to print, glass to metal, photography to textiles, clay to painting. It was amazing!

I saw this road sign at Penland- how true. My crafts are not only therapeutic tools, but a connection to God.

On Saturday we make paste paper. It was freeing and fun! I have never considered myself a painter, but I had fun and created some beautiful pages!




Today was an amazing day. To see the paste paper after it dried was truly inspirational. Overnight the paper transformed into artwork. I picked out the pages for my journal and created the covers.



We are going to sew our books together in class. I can't wait to share the finished product!!

I think I've found a new passion. Bookmaking.

Strut Your Scrap- Take Two

So I need everyone's help! There is a contest over at The Nook and I'm strutting my scrap in order to win. What I need you to do is hop over to this thread and let them know that you saw me strut my stuff on my blog! What's in it for you? A chance to win a FREE KIT from the Nook!

I went back and re-read the rules and saw that I needed to post layouts from the May-August kits and one of my layouts on my other blog post was from the April kit! Whoops! I'm going to strut again and hope that I still have a chance to win!! You can still see my original strut if you'd like!

This card was created with the June Kit- I used the gorgeous Cosmo Cricket papers, Chipboard, and Stickers. The only thing that I added here was the ribbon from Prima. I used every inch of the ribbon that came in the kit!



A simple layout that I created with the June kit:


Beautiful Basic Grey from the July Kit! I love love love this kit and I'm hoarding some (still) and working on a mini album. I need to get some pictures printed so I can share the mini album that I'm creating with the July Kit!



Please help me out and enter yourself for a chance to win! Thanks for looking! Have a great weekend!

Go Apps

School is back in session and it is only a little over a week until ASU Football starts rolling.

I wanted to share a quick layout that I did using the August kit from The Nook. I was inspired by Allison Cope's Feb # 6 Sketch.



I adore this picture- I kidnapped my cousin Cari and we went to the BLACK SATURDAY game- it was kind of cold, yet really sunny.

I added some Appalachian State stickers that I've had for a while, a button, and that little thingamabob in the upper right corner.

I love the yellow paper and I'm saving my other piece for the 2009 football season!

Don't forget to check out my Back To School Giveaway!!!

Day Two of Classes

Yesterday I attended two classes. I am taking Counseling Theories and Techniques and Gestalt Therapy on Tuesdays. I'm so excited about each class for completely different reasons. Theories and Techniques is going to give me an overview and understanding about a variety of Counseling Theories and Techniques. There is a lot of reading, and a paper that I'm looking forward to writing. Seriously. My second class is an experience in being real and present in a counseling setting, but I feel that it is more applicable to daily life. It is more like a 3 hour group session than a class. I'm so excited for what this semester holds.

Today I have a course in Expressive Arts Therapy and Friday I begin Therapeutic Writing.

I am anticipating a year of growth and change in my future.

First Day Jitters

Today is my first day as a FULL TIME graduate student. I am taking four classes: Counseling Theories and Techniques, Gestalt Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, and Therapeutic Writing. I'm so excited for all of the possibilities, but so afraid at the same time. I'm scared that I will be overwhelmed with assignments, Graduate Assistant work, and commuting. I just hope that I don't run low on energy this semester and that I make it through with flying colors.

I have two Assistantships in the Learning Assistance Program and I'm so excited about them. I will be mentoring first year students and running study halls for Student Athletes! I can't wait to share my love for Appalachian with all of these students!!!

I give you Eggers- my home from August 2003-May 2004. Oh to be a Freshman again...so many memories were made in that building, on the bench outside, and on the hill (sledding in a kiddie pool, on cafeteria trays, etc.).




So in honor of the first day of school and my 100th post (!!!), I'd like to offer up a RAK of scrappy things. I can't be for sure what all will go in the box, but it will be full of goodies!!! Just leave me a comment telling me of your favorite school memory if you'd like to be entered for a chance to win! I will draw a name on 8/31 at or around 8pm EST. I will ship internationally!!

Our Story

I was inspired by Allison Cope's August Sketch #3

For this layout I used October Afternoon that came in my August kit from the Nook!
I added some Thickers, Basic Grey rub ons, Prima flowers, ormolu tag, and brads.


Our story- we met at an ASU (Go Apps!) football game, it took us almost the entire season to talk and it wasn't until the first playoff game that he asked me out. When we finally had our first date, we talked for hours! The rest is (recent) history!

I have always loved football season, but now even more so!!

So one more post and I'll have reached 100!!
Expect a giveaway!

So Very Lucky

We had a Secret Sister Swap over at The Nook! I love shopping for others and getting a mystery package! My did I get spoiled this time! I love Basic Grey, and something about this line really speaks to me. I'm in love!!

Thank you so much whoever you are!!! You are the best secret sister!

I created this layout based on August Sketch #7 by Allison Cope at So Sketchy! I used Basic Grey paper, bling, brads, and rub ons. The so lucky tag is from ormolu which came in my prize package from So Sketchy's June contest! Love the tags! I also created hidden journaling that is tucked behind the picture. When you pull the butterfly out, you can read the journaling!!!

I'm sick

I'm sick, need rest, and have no time or energy to scrap with. It is pretty miserable.

Four more days of Horn In The West. I'm full of mixed emotions.

Check out the Watauga Democrat. There I am singing the National Anthem at the Crawdad's game!!!

October Afternoon

I received my August Kit the other day and I was very happy when I opened the box! It is a vacationed themed kit, but is very versatile!! With this layout, I cut the luggage off of the car and trimmed down some numbers to turn it into a race car! I'm going to try and save some of this paper (if I can!!!) for when Ryan and I go to the truck race in Bristol on the 19th!!

This picture is from MY first trip to the race track. I was spoiled with free tickets in a booth, but next time I will be out in the open with noise and smoke and beer cups. *insert redneck Rachel* YeeeHAW!




Thanks for stopping by!!

2 Sketches 4 You-Kazan's Sketch 32

I created a quick card for my friend Stephanie based on this week's sketch at 2 f 4 You.
I used some scraps from my July Kit from The Nook and the Thickers from the June kit. I colored the Thickers with the turquoise glitter pen from atyou Spica that came with the July kit.




Thanks for stopping by!!!

Two Together

I've been working on a mini album with my July kit, but I took a break to create this layout with the beautiful Basic Grey die cut paper, and Lemonade collection!

The picture is a couple years old, but these days, my brother and I can't stay in the same place long enough to get great pictures!



Please help me win this contest by checking out my strut! Thank you!!

Also, I'm going to be doing a HUGE giveaway in the next week or so to celebrate my 100th post!!!