Finding time...

In between setting up a new small business (for the project kits) and other work related tasks, I've been finding some time to work on what I love most, layouts. This is what I do to relax when I'm not doing everything else. This is usually the highlight of my day (besides playing mom to Ethan). Getting to sit down in front of my desk, pull out piles of product, look at all my pattern paper, and coordinate a new page. This is what it's all about for me. Creating layouts. If I could sit at my desk everyday and do this one thing, I'd feel totally fulfilled..as crazy as that sounds. I'm passionate about this craft. It's helped me tremendously in getting through the loss of my husband. I know many of you can relate to what I'm saying. I've heard from a number of you that have suffered a loss of a spouse, sister, brother, friend, etc. I've read hundreds of emails from those dealing with the emotional complexities of loss. Some of you have asked me how I continue to scrapbook after losing Eric. Honestly, it's been about survival for me. I've been finding other reasons to live, which includes being a "mother" to a wonderful son and dedicating myself to this hobby. I won't say I haven't sobbed while lying in bed for days on end, I have. I've wrapped myself around Eric's clothes and pondered his absence over and over again. I've stood in front of our old photos and wished that life was what it used to be..but as reality would have, life will never be that way again. With each passing day, I come to accept this reality more and more. I've given myself full permission to refocus my life around those things I love most instead; Ethan, family, friends, and scrapbooking. If I were to have denied any of these things earlier on, I wouldn't be where I am today. So when I sit down to scrapbook, I'm thankful for this hobby. It has provided me healing & has given voice to deeper pain I wouldn't of otherwise recognized.

 

With the new Sassafras product still sitting on my desk, I created another layout last evening. I'm still liking using the stitched buttons and flowers. I decided to create a collage of buttons, rhinestones, flowers, and brads on this layout. I located a placement for each item on a sassafras coated cardstock sticker label (which I cut in half). I drew corresponding circles using an architect's tracing template and Black Slick Writer. I painted some of the circles using acrylic paint and added some doodling, again using my Slick Writer. You can see the tracing template below:

  

I use this tracing template all the time. It was a Ali E. Recommendation (if my memory serves me right). This thing has come in handy many times. I picked it up at the local office store. It has multiple purposes and is so basic, that I almost couldn't do without it. I use it mostly for creating frames around things. I'll sometimes use it for cutting circles by hand, but only on occasion. It's an all around good tool to have when working on scrapbook projects.

I have one motto I repeat to myself when scrapbooking if I think an idea might not work out, "Cut it in half!" Sometimes, I find myself stuck with an embellishment that is much to big for my layout. How do I go about resolving the "too big" issue? Make it smaller. Cut it apart. Laugh. For example, the red apple chipboard label frame above.  There wasn't enough room for the entire frame on this section of the layout, so I chopped off the bottom of the frame and lined it up with the glitter border upon adhering to the page. It seemed the perfect solution for an awkward space.

That pretty little glitter you see there is from Doodlebug. No, it's not just for collecting, as noted in the latest CK. I'm actually a fan of the their glitter. The colors are beautiful and the consistency is different from other glitters I own. Even the sparkle is a little different. The only downside is that it's transparent. I wish I would of colored the border background before placing the glitter down.  Lesson learned. Still love it.

Some of you have asked me about my camera gear and the kind of changes I make to my photos using Photoshop. I'll share this info via the next post, which will be available for viewing on Saturday.

Comments

[VickiF]

Lovely layouts! I have one of those templates too! Mine was inherited from my engineering Dad. I love DoodleBug Glitter too!!

[Shelby]

Just love layout. What fantastic colors. Love the big red lollipop. I love it when the family are in bed then I can sit down at my desk and scrap. Its my relaxation time befor i hit the pillow. Sometimes I stay up too late and suffer the next day. My kids wake up way to early.

I remember when my dad died I didnt have any outlet, I can remember sobbing and feeling so frustrated. I wish I had scrapbooking then. Im glad scrapping gives you peace and harmony.

[Tracy@ScrapCandy.com]

I love coming to your blog to drool over your beautiful layouts. I love how you layer embellishments together and it all looks perfect. You are an inspiration as a crafter and a strong woman. Keep up the good work!

Tracy

[Karen]

My tears just flowed reading the first part of your post. I love how you put things so passionately into words.

I would so love to guve you a huge {{{{HUG}}}} right now.

Bless you darlin'.

p.s totally scrum-didly-umptious work as always!!

[Kelly]

I was wondering how you'd scrap that cute little story about Ethan and his lollipop. Love it!
I have to dig out all my templates and use them again - had several of them from my drafting and architecture classes in high school and college!
I'm glad you have a creative, motivating and healing outlet for your loss & that you choose to share it with us.
Take care,
Kelly

[Julie]

Another great layout. I am so glad that you find comfort in creativity.I find so much inspiration from you,perhaps more than any magazine,or other scrapper.

[MARILYN NIMMO]

I will have to pick one of the circle templates - sounds awfully handy to have around! Scrapbooking is so theraputic - whether in surviving a tragic loss, surviving job stress, or any other stress.

[Aida Haron]

I love the layouts and the colour, it's all stunning. The Sassafrass Lass lines really are amazing and they tug at our hearts with their whimsy. You are still sharing your personal journeys and milestones, it must be very hard even with goood fammily and friends surrounding you. I congratulate you for trying your darndest to survive the darker moments, being so open about it and it's a pleasure being allowed to see some of the *real* person behind all the fabulous work. I don't know if I would be brave enough to share my feeling so openly.

Aida

[lililali]

This layout is stunning!

[Sylvie]

WOW.... your blog is always my first visit on the net in the morning, and I am never disappointed... your daily (almost) posts and layout details are so addictive...

I admire your work and I can certainly understand and relate to your passion for scrapbooking...

The template is an awesome idea - gotta get one of those for sure.

Take care.

[Kim]

Hi there. I have been a luker on your blog and just have to say I love it. I find you to be an inspiration, not only in the scrapping world, but as a woman surviving.

I would love to know how you pick and choose what embellishments to purchase and what brands do you find the most useful. I tend to end up with tons of PP and no embellies to go with them. I am not really into the matchiness of it all and LOVE the way you use so many different items to create your pages.

Again love your blog and thoughts! Continue to stay strong for that beautiful son of yours.

[Jessicca]

Your pages are so inspirational. One of my biggest scrapbooking challenges is reminding myself that things don't always need to "match" You show me that a hundred fold. Papers in different patterns and colors look so great together. Thanks for what you do!

[Eva]

Christine, you are a true inspiration to me, both as a scrapbooker and as a person! I just want to give you a big hug every time I read your posts. This hobby has been a big life saver for most of us I believe who have gone through hardships in life. Not to mention the friends I made through it, so I know what you are talking about, for sure. Your layout is amazing as usual and I need to pick up that circle template now, thanks to you...hehehehe.

[Laura T.]

What a beautiful layout! I love the whole circle concept.

[Jody]

That layout is adorable and amazing. I LOVE it! You can just tell you had fun scrapping it. =) Have a great weekend...your guy is growing up!

[Helga Vergara]

Another great layout your have there! I always look forward to visiting your blog.

[Susanne H]

I just love your layouts! Beautiful works, all of them!

[krista]

love love love love the whirly pop layout! absolutely unbelievable--such talent!