40for40

Back in June, while thinking about turning 40 and what that means to me, I decided to write a Facebook post about doing 40 things for 40 people to celebrate.  I have worked in social services for all of my professional career (minus a few part-time gigs), so the idea of giving isn't one I take lightly.  I wanted a way to bring a smile to whomever I was doing the 40 things for.  So after thinking about what 40 things I could do, I decided I would create handmade cards, writing down special thoughts or encouraging words.  I also decided to include a little card for the 40 to then pass along and do the same I did for them.  This is taking a lot longer than I anticipated, but I can say with a smile that I'm loving every minute of it.  I work on the cards while Q is asleep, stealing away a few minutes to really sit and think about the person who is receiving the card and what my heart wants them to know.  I sent my first round of cards last week, and it truly made me feel SO GOOD.  I only took quick iPhone pics, so I apologize for the bad photos.

You'll see that some of the cards are the same...it's so much easier to make two of the same once you get going!  So while I want them to be individualized, for the sake of my sanity I am making duplicates, haha!  But the message inside is all that matters, and there's nothing but love in the form of words, paper and glue going in each envelope.

This photo shows four of the next round to go out at the end of this week.  My initial goal was to have this completed by the end of the summer, but I have a feeling it might take a tiny bit longer.  And that's ok.  The fact is this:  I said I would do this, so I am doing it.  And it's one of the best ideas that I have come up with and acted on so far.  40for40

Gossamer Blue July Kits

The kits from Gossamer Blue for July were just so lovely.  Lots of soft, dreamy colors, fantastic embellishments and so easy to work with.  I've made many layouts so far, but have only photographed a few.  Here's a look (click on photos to see larger):

You Are My Greatest Adventure

A fairly simple layout using a few of the many embellishments in the July kits.  Love this photo of C and Q taken last November.  Their relationship is just incredibly special, and C is definitely a spectacular daddy.

Lunch Date

Pics of my dear friend B and her gorgeous girly.

Sneaky Selfies

My nephew Carson, fast asleep during our Parker Christmas.  The other pic is of Lacey, who is like a niece to this family.  She woke up mid-selfie. 

I know not everyone who reads this blog is a scrapper like I am, but if you've ever considered getting into the hobby, all you need is a paper trimmer and adhesive, along with a subscription to Gossamer Blue.  All the guess-work is taken out of it, as everything coordinates so beautifully.

A Dream Come True

I can finally announce that I am on the Gossamer Blue Design Team!  Yay!  I feel so fortunate to be creating for a kit company and product manufacturer that I completely and totally believe in.  Lori, the owner of GB, is one of the kindest women ever to walk this earth, and she has assembled a group of amazing, talented gals who blow me away with their creativity.  Please take a look at the GB Blog and click on the links below the photos to read about each of these fantastic ladies.  Here's the link to my designer profile here.  Thanks to my BFF Winif for her awesome photo-taking skills!

For those who don't dabble in the scrapping, being asked to be on a design team is like, the top of the line, cherry on top, bestest most awesome thing that could happen to a scrapper!  So this is absolutely one of the best things that has happened to me!!!!  Ever!!!  Feel free to send virtual pats on the back ;-)

Get Happy

I am blown away.  Gossamer Blue has created a Christmas line that seems to offer every little thing I would want in a Christmas collection.  Get Happy by Allison Pennington offers traditional Christmas greens and reds with pops of fun colors, bright white and adorable images.  I have already started planning my December Daily album in my head!  Take a look:

Double-sided papers, where both sides are AH-MAY-ZING

Plaid puffy stickers?  Be still my heart.  Gold rub-ons?  Get outta here.  Fun stickers?  Yes please.

Lovely stamps and enamel dots for days!  Did you know enamel dots are one of my FAVORITE embellishments ever?

Wood veneer numbers that are 1 3/4 in. tall!  Shut up already!

You can totally win this fun collection by liking the Get Happy post on Instagram (gossamerblue) or on Facebook (click here).  

On My Desk

Gossamer Blue has another fab collection called On My Desk.  This is a great color combination with tons of useful little tidbits and whatnots.  Here's a few of my favs:

Aren't these papers just great?  And can be used in about a zillion ways...

The gold transparencies made me flip my lid!  Can't you see them in a December Daily?

Gorgeous wood veneers

You can win this collection by liking the On My Desk post on Instagram (gossamerblue) and @Gossamer_Blue on twitter!

Gramercy Road

Gossamer Blue has a brand new line designed by One Little Bird:  Gramercy Road.  The colors in this collection are absolutely delicious, and I feel like I need to own EVERY SINGLE ITEM.  Here's a few of my favorites from Gramercy Road:

Aren't the die-cut leaves just breath-taking?  {Sigh.......}

Take a look at the Gossamer Blue Blog for a chance to win this gorgeous collection!

Super Exciting Week!

So I've been hearing bits and pieces of something NEW coming to Gossamer Blue, and to start the announcements for this week of fun there's a huge sale and subscriber incentive today!  Take advantage of the grab bag sale HERE, there are piles of goodies to add to your stash....

Lori is also offering new subscribers a paper pack FREE with a new subscription.  But if you refer a friend, you can get the paper pack!

Lots more announcements are coming this week, keep checking here and on the GB blog...there's a hint in the pic above, do you see it?

Gossamer Blue June

I am still madly in scrap-love with Gossamer Blue.  The kits seem to get better and better each month, and I don't know how it's even possible.  Here's what I made with my June kits:

Happy Bday to Me

First Haircut Diva

Grammy Sending Love

Bright Sunshiney Day

Hey Sister

I've started to work through the July kits and just can't believe the goodness in there...and the word on the scrapbook street is something BIG is starting next week with Gossamer Blue.  Can't wait to see what's in store!

New Blog Look

So I am clueless when it comes to this blog business.  But I asked another scrapper I admire, the amazing Heather at Goldiecar Designs on how to do some cuteness up in here, and she sent me to few a blogs that really helped me out.  Ultimately I ended up buying this blogger layout on Etsy here.  I had NO IDEA that it could be this easy.  So big thanks to Heather for sending me down the right path!  I adore you girl :)  I just checked out Heather's blog updates and LOVE what she's done, so adorable.

Something very exciting....

I have something exciting to share very, very soon!  Sorry for the teaser, but I have to say something, even if it's just a mention, before my head explodes!!!