Scrap or Bust!

Bonjour, mon amis.

I should be studying for the next big French test next week; instead I'm winding down from a wonderful day scrapping. I attended my first National Scrapbook Convention at the Cajundome in Lafayette today. It was fabulous. I thought I had packed way too much (oh I had) but there were people with even MORE stuff than me! Amazing.

Here's my friend, Tanya, and I after a day of scrapping til we drop!

I finished about 16 pages total, which is low on the totem pole of most scrappers (Tanya finished about 80+; she's like a machine). But usually I barely finish 2 pages or projects when we get together to scrap. The pre-painted/prepped pages really did the trick. Getting the work done in stages really made the creativity and process so much easier.

Here's a sample (guess who it's for, Lynnie Pooh):

This is my absolute favorite page that I completed today. The inspiration came from Lynn with the black and white picture and wording. The back and white images just pop off of the bright yellow pages. And I bought the flowered ribbon a few days ago with the intention of using it with a red background - fate!! The page is about one of my close friends, Nona, who moved away in February and whom I love and miss dearly!!

A Day of Decadence

Today I got a glimpse of what my life would be like if I did not have to work a zillion hours a day. I slept late. I turned down every commitment I made and even forgot a few. I lived spontaneously and did only what I felt like doing in the moment.

Life was decadent.

I watched Knocked Up for some serious laughs. I washed clothes and did my French homework while sipping Mojitos and Pinot Grigio (all day long). (I lived like a lush today!)

I'm attending my first National Scrapbook Day at the Cajundome this weekend. It's an expensive all day affair. In order to get some serious scrapping done - I have to have my pages prepped, all of the supplies I will need, and tons to scrap about. Let me tell you, I am just about ready.

I have been taking mini-breaks throughout the day to grab my supplies, prep some pages, get some last minute layout ideas, etc. My current projects include:

Inspiration journal
Lynn's art journal
2007 art journal
2008 art journal
NEW 2009 art journal
travel journal

AND because of my fabulous newly organized studio, which is making all of my inspiration and productivity possible, I am working on some side projects for what I will consider my inspiration section. I have some altered cards prepped and painted and a few extra cards prepped and painted and waiting for my fabulous artist friends to loan me some inspiration. And I am working on a new inspiration project from one of my art journal books that I have been dying to try out. It's coming along nicely, but since I know nothing about shading, I'll have to hold off on the finishing touches for the scrapbook day. Hopefully someone there can help a sister out! Here's a glimpse of my WIP (yes it's blurry - no clear shots until its finished):

Image inspired by the work of Kelly Rae Roberts (Find out more at http://kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com/.); I am still working on how I plan on completing the "face." I tried a new technique today - my first sponging page - coolio - I love it!!!


Today was a day that dreams were made of. All week long I toil at those jobs I dislike to come home and have 2 days to myself, to create and yes drink in celebration of my success. I setup a goal to get my house organized. It's not where it needs to be yet, but the work in my studio has by far surpassed my original idea.

The room provides me with so much opportunity for creativity. I am a lucky girl indeed.

Music: just learned about pandora radio from a workshop at the Nola Stars Conference - omg I'm in love!
Drink: Mojitos mostly
Mood: tranquil and hopeful

A Haven for Creativity

Bonjour, mon amis! Comment ca va? Ca va tres bien!

I aced my 2nd French test, and I learned how to ask others to go out on outings - so that may increase my date options - since English obviously isn't working out so well for me - lol!!!!!

I worked in my house this past week. I've been talking for months about getting the studio ready and I must say it is almost there. I have to share the pics, but please ignore the big white spots on the wall. Yeah, Mindy may a few boo-boos that I have to touch up.

Here is a pic of my little office nook in my living room:

Oh, I can just imagine the stories that I'll concoct in my own little writing space!!! (My office chair is in my studio for now - so I'll definitely need a new one because I won't be writing much in this thing.) Here's some pics of my art studio:

I can't wait to get my hands dirty in my own special creating space!!! So much junk - so little time. Here is an example of one of my art journals:

It currently belongs to my friend Jess. She won it from a contest I ran on my blog a few months back. I can't believe I haven't given it to her yet. It has been a few months since I've made it to her area so I have an excuse.

A Day of R & R

Bonjour. Je suis assez bien. Je suis a la maison.

I'm resting, de-stressing, getting a little R & R. Today was a good day. I worked in my studio for a bit. I have a National Scrapbook Day event coming up at the end of the month and I need to have some pages prepped so I can get right to scrapping on the big day.

I started the prep work on my 2009 Journal - its called Battle of Silence. Ha! Seemed fitting as I have had been in constant battle with silencing my outspoken ways. I also started the prep work for the writers' journal Lynn (conned me out of lol) in exchange for an article for the BWG newsletter and another "project" I'm working on.

It feels good to get back to my paint, to review my art journal books and remember what I love about my fav works from other artists. I've also been pulling images to use on a few spreads - it's nice that my mind gets to play with puzzles again, even for a little bit. Putting layouts or spreads together in my journals are like puzzles: a cat, a cloud and an apple - how do I make this work? Yeah don't ask! Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. If you've seen my journals, you know what I mean.

I received two free 5-shelf bookcases in pepto bismol pink for the studio. My mom put 2 layers of kilz yesterday (yes the pink still shows through in spots - horrible), and I painted one beige layer. Couldn't even get through the second coat. But it looks great. I can't wait to get them in the studio and start unpacking the 20 rubbermaid containers that are taking up every square foot in my kitchen.

I did some rearranging in the studio. What a mess! The more I move something, I find that at least 3 things that I need to save. I'm such a packrat or lazy, probably both.

I haven't been writing. I need to be. I have no excuses. Maybe tomorrow. I have only a few more days before I have to get back to schoolwork. The time is flying but I just can't seem to force it. The story is there, but I just can't do it.

I watched two movies last night: Australia (Wow Hugh Jackman is HOTTT! My tv is still smoking!) and The Secret Life of Bees. Both great movies. Both had me laughing and in tears. Good stuff!! Just what the doctor ordered.