Inside the Bubble

Celine Navarro

This past week, I had the opportunity to take a class from Celine Navarro at Scrapbook Oasis.  What a lovely, talented and fun-loving lady she is. Shortly after meeting her, she seemed like an old friend.  And I LOVE her french accent!  Isn't amazing how so many people from other countries speak fluent English...what's wrong with us-why aren't so many of us fluent in a second or third language? I think this is a shortfall of our education system, as Celine told us she learned English at 10 years old.

Anyway, I was joined by Kim and Amy, so needless to say, we were giggling and laughing the entire class.

  Amy is holding a copy of Celine's new french Scrapbooking magazine.

We made (or at least got started) on five layouts using five different techniques.  I love how she incorporates different art media forms in her scrapbooking.  Here are a couple of my layouts that I made that night.

The cardstock is covered by masking tape with acrylic paint applied over it.  ...and yes, that's little 'ol me.  Wasn't I quite stylish in my coat and hat?

This technique involved getting the picture wet with water and then sanding off the background behind the focal point in the picture. What a cool technique!!!  Thanks, Celine.  I hope you are back in the States again soon.

"Puppy Love" Tag Swap

 

Here are a few of my tags I just finished for Karla's "Puppy Love" tag swap.  We had to make 6 tags, send them to her and we will receive a tag book with 6 different tags along with a special cover handmade by Karla herself!  All in honor of both Valentine's Day AND her adorable new litter of the most cutest little girl pups I've ever seen.  Pop on over to her blog to check out the sweethearts!  I did a little embroidery for the "love" portion of the tag and forgot how relaxing embroidery can be.  I may have to start a new embroidery project soon.  Here's a closeup of my tag.  I'll be sure and post pics of the tag book I receive later! Thanks for stopping by!

A good mail day....

  (photo courtesy of Karla Nathan)

Today was a great mail day!  Not only did I get my order from Karla's Cottage, which included this lovely pink and black glove box, but I got my wallpaper order from Donna. 

(Photo courtesy of Donna Layton)

They both were so kind to include a few extra little treats with my orders.  They are BOTH one of my favorite shops to buy from!  In addition, be sure to pop on over here to see Jessi's new boutique that is filled with goodies!

(Photo courtesy of Scrappy Jessi)

Tomorrow I hope to get my tags for Karla's Puppy Love swap completed. I am so excited that on Monday I get to take this class from Celine Navarro! Have a great rest of the weekend!

La Petite Maison Blanc

 

Let's just say that I won't MISS this!  How about you?  Pop on over HERE quickly and see what it is all about before it is SOLD OUT!  Hurry!

I just wanted to share....

  that my favorite jewelry lady, Jamie, of Simply Me Art is having a drawing for your choice of a piece of jewelry from her shop, in honor of the Presidential Inaguration!  What a sweetie!  So, pop on over, leave a comment (lessen "my" chances of winning!) and good luck!  I'm looking forward to a long 3 day weekend at HOME, doing some cleaning, purging and organizing!

Marie Antoinette Soiree

As promised, I want to share a number of photos that I hope will share how spectacular this event was.  So grab a cup of tea and maybe a french macaroon or madeleine and enjoy!  If you are fresh out of macaroons, grab one of Valerie's shown below, which she brought back from France to share.

  Kim's mannequin was tres manifique!

  The gorgeous tablescape just waiting for us!

  What a lovely birdcage!

  My tablemates, Rebecca, Gina, Jenny and our teacher, Candice.

  Ooh, la, la!

  Every detail was attended to!

 Let them eat cake!

  Creativity in progress....

  A toast to Marie......

  My friend, Kim Hesson, was there as a vendor.

  What a lovely group of ladies!

 My wand swap partner, Christine Rose Ellis.

The phenomenal wand that Christine Rose created for me!  I am SO lucky!!  Isn't she breathtaking!

  Kristen Robinson was also there as a vendor with many of her incredible creations.  I purchased this framed piece from her and I ADORE it. You might think it looks familiar as it is published in Somerset Life.  I don't know how she could bear to part with it, but, I'm SO GLAD she could!

  A close up peek!

  My buddy, Scrappy Jessi, flew in from Omaha for the weekend!

  Gina Grable hosted a swap entitled "If I was Marie, I would....."  This is the front page she created for our books.

Sunday, a group of us met at the Rose Bowl Flea Market for a little retail therapy and then headed out for Lunch and shopping at the greatest little store called Zinnia in South Pasadena.  I can't believe I did not take ONE picture at Zinnia's, but next time you find yourself in that area, be sure to stop in.  They have the most eclectic and unique array of baubles, paper, fabric, and other creative items!  Thank you Kim and Candice for this wonderful weekend filled with beauty, laughter, food and creativity!

Ooh la la

Kim, Candice & Cheryl
Originally uploaded by gawryl05

The Marie Antoinette Soiree was FABULOUS! I'm still recovering from the busy weekend and will try to post pics later this week. Here's a pic of our lovely hostess, Kim, our terrific teacher, Candice and myself. (Photo courtesy of Rebecca Gawryl)

A little "Sneak Peek"

of my swaps for THIS incredible event that I will be attending this Saturday.  First of all.....my "wand partner" is the amazing Christine Rose Ellis, so if you are Christine Rose, you might want to STOP right here and not look any further if you want to be surprised.  AND, if you are one of those ladies in the "If I were Marie" Journal swap, close this NOW, because I'm going to share a "peek" of my page....

 

Ha!  Caught you looking.  This is NOT my page.  Here is your "last" chance to close this blog if you are attending this event, as the next three pictures are truly "sneak peeks"......

 

   

I will be sure and post pictures of the event and the swaps next week.....until then, "Let Them Eat Cake!!!"

Wow...It looks like 2009 may be my lucky year!

I was just reading a "few" more blogs, before I turned in for the night, and I clicked on Natalie's blog and guess what?  I just won her blog giveaway! An adorable I (heart) Art necklace! I met Natalie at Silver Bella this year (I mean, last year - 2008) and she is just a delight!  We ended up across from each other at dinner the first night and I so enjoyed chatting with her.  Her silver necklaces are gorgeous and now I have another one for my jewelry collection!  Thanks, Natalie!

Welcome 2009

 

I want to wish all of you a very happy, peaceful and blessed New Year.  We have been blessed this week to have our youngest daughter home from college with four of her friends, so the house has been filled with laughter!  Here's a pic of them waiting for Fantasmic at Disneyland.

 

Well, I'm crafting in the New Year, working on my swaps for Marie Antoinette.  Happy New Year!

Note:  I just saw Dick Clark on TV...it truly saddened me to see him after his stroke.  He has always seemed so timeless, but that has changed.  Really made me stop and think.  Well, here's a toast to all of you....and, please be safe!