Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Page Maps Blog Challenge

So for anyone who knows me well, I am a huge fan of Becky Fleck and her amazing sketches at www.pagemaps.com. I'm so in love that I find myself using them for almost everything I do now. Anyway, I love to participate in all her blog challenges so I thought I would share my take on it this month's challenge.

Here's the sketch I needed to use...


Here's my take on it (You can click on photo to enlarge)...


I took these senior portraits of my little sister, Meranda, who's graduating from High School this Friday. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was graduating and she's 16 years younger! Where did the time go??? I guess I'm getting "old" and I don't want to admit it. LOL.

Anyway, I was super happy with how quickly the page went together (like 2 hours which is about as fast as I ever get) and yet it's still one of my favorites. :)

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Organization!

I love to organize and nothing more than organizing my craft supplies (sometimes I think I enjoy this part as much as scrapbooking itself). It takes me back to getting new school supplies as a kid! Anyway, I recently reorganized the way I store my flowers, ribbon and cardstock so I thought I would share my recent accomplishments...

Here's the custom cabinet I had made to fit a little nitch in my dining room. I am constantly changing what I store in here, but it's been pretty flexible for me...


I've always liked to organize my Bazzill cardstock by color, but I had all these DCWAV Cardstock stacks off to the side that I kept forgetting to use so I recently tore all the DCWAV cardstock out of their pads and now they are mixed together so hopefully they'll start getting used up.
Snippets By Mendi: Custom Scrapbook Cabinet to Hide Craft Supplies in Dining Room

The cabinet has two of these filing cabinet drawers that I use to sort my patterned paper by manufacturer. It's been a great system for me.

12x12 Hanging File Cabinet Drawers for 12x12 Scrapbook Paper by Mendi Yoshikawa

I bought this as a Christmas present for myself and I am in love... I hung this in our laundry room and it's been wonderful having everything visible in one spot. However, after this project I realized I'm not allowed to buy anymore flowers, ever!

Snippets By Mendi: Paper Flowers Craft Storage Organization

This is the way my ribbon used to be stored...



This is a new system I've slowly been collecting made by Cropper Hopper. Most of my local stores discontinued them, but I picked up 5 extra drawers at Tuesday Mornings last month which I was escatic about. How did I think all my ribbon was going to fit in 3 drawers?! At my friend's suggestion, I removed them all from the cards they came on and sorted them by color to make them easier to use (except for the American Crafts spools which are still stored in the organizer shown above and some larger spools which are stored in the larger cropper hopper spool drawers). After this project I realized it's yet another supply I can stop buying...
Snippets By Mendi: Cropper Hopper Ribbon Spool Drawer Organizers

These white cubicles line my other dining room wall and are slowly taking over. I like to organize my stamps, chipboard, rub-ons, bling, etc. in the drawers and have my completed pages stacked on several of the shelves which really need to be moved to those empty albums that I've been stocking up on... Since I don't scrapbook in order I dread this part so I only do it about once a year...



That big black blob you see in the photo above is 3 of these craft mate organizers. This is another organizer that I am completely hooked on. I think most craft stores have them with their beading department, but they are awesome for sorting your brads, buttons, eyelets and other small embellishments. Each compartment opens individually and they have a rounded bottom making it easy to scoop things out. :)
Brads, Buttons and Eyelets Storage by Mendi Yoshikawa using Craft Mates Bead organizers

I don't know why I took this picture, but this is a spare cabinet in the kitchen where I store some extra diecutting supplies. I think I have something in every room of the house, except for the three bathrooms. Ha! :)

Sizzix Sizzlits Storage by Mendi Yoshikawa

Well, there ya have it. To my non-scrappy friends, first off I'm sorry... LOL. Hopefully if nothing else it inspires you to tackle your own spring organization project. It's very addicting! Make sure to leave a comment and share your favorite organizational tips. :)

Monday, May 18, 2009

Feeling Invisible

I just put the finishing touches on this layout today. I did this one for a minimalist challenge where you were only allowed to use one piece of cardstock and one piece of patterned paper (with no other embellishments unless made from those two pieces of paper). Wow! What a challenge! Not only is this a huge departure from my usual style of mixing 3 or 4 different patterned papers, but I had to find a way to do my journaling on that dark navy background without printing it on another lighter cardstock so I finally journaled by hand! Can ya believe it?



My title was cutout on my silhouette. I cut my 12x12 paper in half so it would fit on the cutting mat and then taped it back together and hid the seam uner the blue band. :)


About this photo... I found it when I went to download my photos onto my computer and was completely blown away. Apparently Sydney had nabbed my camera and took this shot of herself when I wasn't looking. She does this quite often, but this one turned out amazing I thought! :)

Saturday, May 16, 2009

I've Been Scraplifted! :)

How cool is this?! On a whim I decided to google my own name tonight to see what popped up and I found two different people who scraplifted my layout published in last year's Memory Maker Magazine.

Here's Mine:


And here's the link to theirs:
http://preciousscraps.blogspot.com/2008/09/mme-laundry-line-chipboard-and-some.html

http://forum.storytellersclub.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=30561&size=big&cat=716

I feel so flattered to be copied. And how sweet of them to credit me.

Friday, May 15, 2009

25 Things You Maybe Didn't Know About Me...

I decided what better way to start off this blog than some random info about my life so here it goes...

1. I'm a huge Keri Russell fan. I think "Felecity" was my all time favorite TV show and now I flock to see anything she's in.

2. I hate coffee, but I'm seriously addicted to Dr. Pepper. I get withdrawal headaches if I wait too late in the day to pop open a can.

3. There's nothing sweeter than afternoon naps with my family. I've been known to take Hayley for a warm drive in the late afternoon knowing she will likely fall asleep and we can snuggle up back at home.

4. I have visited more foreign countries than states. 12 Countries (China, Taiwan, Japan, England, France, Italy, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Holland & Canada) vs. 9 States (CA, OR, WA, FL, HI, VA, NY, WY, ID). Before I met Yoshi I think I had only seen 3 West Coast states which makes me laugh with great satisfaction at a teacher who discouraged me from getting married before taking time to travel first.

5. I must organize my closet by the colors of the rainbow, putting green shirts with green shirts, blue with blue, etc.

6. With my dislike for cooking, Yoshi and I negotiated a cooking arrangement where I make dinner on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, he cooks on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and we eat out religiously on Friday nights (hand's down our family's favorite night of the week). If there's another special occasion to eat out I try my best to schedule it on my night to cook. LOL. :)

7. I'm very particular about the way my laundry is folded and will redo it if someone is nice enough to help and does it another way.

8. I still eat like a kid. The only green food I will happily eat is a Chicken Caesar Salad from Costco. On Yoshi's dinner nights he "sneaks" finely chopped veggies into all the food he cooks (he's even tried to hide it my hamburger Pattie- Let's just say he didn't hide it well enough). :)

9. I have memorized the postal rates by ounce and the prefixes for all 50 states.

10. While in NYC, Sandi and I won tickets to see Live with Regis and Kelly and met Chris Rock outside the Late Show with David Letterman (and saw Bill Clinton and Lance Armstrong walk by).

11. I'm a lousy morning person so I have trained Sydney on how to get herself ready for school in the morning. If Hayley wakes me up too early, I stumble to the kitchen to make her a Eggo Waffle and go back to sleep while she watches the Disney Channel next to me. Man! I'm starting to sound like a terribly lazy Mom, aren't I?!

12. I've only had one glass of alcohol my entire life. It was a pina colada drink on my 21st birthday and I preferred the virgin version. I've never tried smoking either, but I've dreamt about having a terrible craving for a cigarette. How weird is that? Maybe a good sign I never gave it a try or I might be addicted today.

13. I think I love Disney Theme Parks more than my kids which is saying a lot because of course they love them too.

14. I love to watch every last bonus feature on DVD's and am greatly annoyed when a movie doesn't have any. I enjoy listening to the director commentaries and hearing the behind-the-scene scoop. Sometimes I feel like I missed my calling working on movie sets.

15. Given the choice, I would much rather tour a large city and take in the great architecture, artwork and culture than sit sunbathing on a beach or climbing a mountain. Of course I sunburn like crazy so sunbathing is out of the question anyway. The one exception to this statement is I like snorkeling and our family did a mild hike along the Grand Tetons which I halfway enjoyed. ;)

16. I'm a Gymboree "snob" My love for their kids clothes started when Sydney was three and received a dress from there as a gift. I fell in love with their quality and attention to detail and at first I would just buy items here and there on deep discounts. In a short time though I became so hooked that I just sorta stop shopping anywhere else and now it's the only brand I buy.

17. I'm a very strange combination of being both blunt and a people pleaser which sometimes conflict with each other.

18. I've been known to plan fun outings all in the name of scrapbooking and for photographic opportunities, but it's a win win situation, right?!

19. I love when Yoshi kisses me goodbye in the morning all freshly shaven and decked out in his suit and tie (I must remember to thank his boss for the formal dress code).

20. I'm no good at keeping stuff bottled up inside. When I'm upset, I rant, I feel better and it's forgotten.

21. I love collecting my favorite TV shows on DVD. I own the complete series for Felecity (of course), Veronica Mars, I love Lucy, Friends, Gilmore Girls, The Flintstones, The original Scooby Doo's, The Disney collector Cartoon shorts, and Looney Tunes (gotta introduce my girls to all the good old cartoons of my day).

22. Yoshi's laid back nature is the perfect compliment to my intense personality. I like to think in turn I spice up his otherwise mundane life. LOL. :)

23. Somehow I've never managed to hold onto a best friend for longer than three years without them moving away (this has happened 4 times). Now with my friend Sandi's case our friendship started online when we were both on the same design team so we were never in the same town to begin with, but it's starting to feel like some strange curse.

24. My favorite midnight snack is Cookie Dough Pop-tarts and a glass of milk. Yum!

25. The most romantic gesture Yoshi ever did for me was on the first day of my Senior Year of college. I was just having a really lousy day, feeling down in the dumps watching my roommate and her boyfriend being all lovey dovey (no offense Rebekah). Yoshi had just moved to Bend for a new job and it was my first time at school without him and I was really feeling his absence. Anyway, I started to kinda vent about it on the phone with him late that night and without any comforting remarks he said he needed to go and hung up. After a few minutes I started to get kinda ticked and called him back, but there was no answer. Three hours later he knocked on my door. He had driven all the way from Bend to Corvallis just to give me a hug. I knew he was the one for me after that. He was only able to stay for about 3 or 4 hours before having to make the drive back to go to work the next day.

Well, there ya have it. Sorry I'm so long winded. Apparently I don't have it in me to give short answers. Just call me Paula. LOL. :)

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Lori Whitlock Creative Team
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CardMaker Magazine Blog Team
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Scrapbook & Cards Today
Crop & Create Delivered Kit Card Designer
Fall 2015

Lawn Fawn Guest Designer
July 2015
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Pebbles Inc. Design Team
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My Creative Scrapbook Guest Designer
February 2015

Technique Tuesday~ Freelance Design
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Jillibean Soup Card Kitchen Guest Designer
June 2014
Day 1, Day 2, Day 3

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October 2013
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August 2012

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"A Joy Forever" Local Scrapbook Store
Milwaukie, Oregon
2009 to 2011

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2007 and 2008 Terms

Guest Designer at CreativeXpress.com
September 2008

Sizzix Trendsetter Guest Designer
September 2005



PUBLISHED WORK

Scrapbook & Cards Today
Fall 2017
2 Pumpkin Gift Tags

Scrapbook & Cards Today
Summer 2017
2 Cards for PageMaps Column

Scrapbook & Cards Today
Spring 2017
Sunny Studio Sending Sunshine Card

Scrapbook & Cards Today
Winter 2016
Sunny Studio May Your Christmas Be Merry Card

Scrapbook & Cards Today
Fall 2016
Sunny Studio Fall Leaves Grateful For You Card

Upcoming Issue of CardMaker Handmade For The Holidays
2 Poppy Stamps Reindeer Cards

Upcoming Issue of CardMaker Magazine
Winter 2016
Sunny Studio Fireplace Christmas Card

Scrapbook & Cards Today
Summer 2016
Sunny Studio Tropical Paradise Card

CardMaker Magazine
Summer 2016
Lawn Fawn Strawberry Jar Window Card
Lawn Fawn Fishy Tank You Window Card

CardMaker Magazine
Spring 2016
Doodlebug Easter Parade Card & Purse Gift Bag
Lawn Fawn & Pebbles Valentine's Day Card Trio

CardMaker Magazine
Winter 2015
Snowman Christmas Card & Ornament- Featured on Cover
Gold Diamond Snowflake Card

Scrapbook & Cards Today
Summer 2015
Doodlebug Sunkissed Birthday Card

CardMaker Magazine
Summer 2015
Dad Toolbox Card
Dad Fishing Pop-Up Card
Burlap Birthday Card

Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Magazine
May 2015- Cancelled
Kite Slider Card

Paper Crafts Card Creations-Vol. 13- Cancelled
City Scene Missing You Card
Graduation Owl Card
Hoppy Frog Card
New Home Congrats Card
Rainbow Shaped Card

Create Magazine
March 2015
Doodlebug Fruit Stand Layout
Doodlebug Hip Hip Hooray Card

Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Magazine
February 2015
Rain or Shine Card

CardMaker Magazine
Spring 2015
Baby Shower Umbrella Cards
Happy Easter Inked Egg Card

Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Magazine
January 2015
Cork Globe Love Card
Rainbow Sunburst Card

Photo Pocket Scrapbooking: Volume 2
December 2014
Growing Pains Layout

Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Magazine
December 2014
Handled Treat Bag Topper
Five Trees Card

Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Magazine
October 2014
Frankenstein Card
Mummy Card
Hello Punkin Card

Paper Crafts Cool Tools: Volume 2
Crimped Bow Gift Box
Crimped Circle Birthday Card
Crimped Flower Gem Card

Scrapbook & Cards Today
Fall 2014
Doodlebug Fall Leaves Card- p.64

Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Magazine
September 2014
I Heart Smart Chicks Card
I'm Sorry Calculator Card

December Cards & More: Volume 9
August 2014
Elegant Poinsettia Tag
Felt & Sequin Tree Ornament
Merry Little Christmas Card
Colorful Snowflake Photo Card
Photo Tag Ornaments
Santa Pyramid Box
Christmas Apron Gift Bag
Teacher Mug Gift Card Holder

Scrapbook & Cards Today
Summer 2014
Happy Camper Altered Smores Set, pg. 70 (digital pg. 72)

Upcoming Issue of Paper Crafts Magazine
June 2014
On My Mind Cassette Card

Paper Crafts Card Creations: Volume 12
Dress Shirt & Tie Father's Day Card
Wise Owl Graduation Card

Practical Solutions for Paper Crafters: Volume 2
Doodlebug Home Sweet Home Card

Paper Crafts and Scrapbooking Magazine
January 2014
Doodlebug Valentine Treat Box (p. 23)

The Bella Buzz (Bella Blvd. Newsletter)
November 2013
Hanging At The Patch Layout (p. 4)

Paper Crafts Stamp It! Card Challenges
November 2013
Sweet Day For A Picnic Card (p. 65)
You Are My Sunshine Card (p. 87)
Happy Haunting Card (p. 99)

Create: Christmas Cards
November 2013
Santa Owl Christmas Card

Scrapbook Trends
November 2013
Home Inspiration 2-page layout

Paper Crafts Magazine
November/ December 2013
Gifts of Joy To You Card
Mrs. Claus Card
Santa Claus Card
Sugar Cookie Tree Card
Elf Stocking Card
 Christmas Present Card
Penguin Christmas Card
Gingerbread House Card
Hot Cocoa Card
Merry Poinsettia Card

Paper Crafts Handmade Cards
September 2013
Canvas Butterfly Card (p.76)
Rainbow Arrow Hello Card (p. 85)
Oh Joy Card (p.102)
Wood Balloons Card (p.104)

Paper Crafts Holiday Cards & More
August 2013
Teacher's Holiday card

Creating Keepsakes All About Albums
July 2013
Jillibean Soup Happy Home Mini Album

CARDS Magazine
April 2013
Baby Girl Elephant Card

Paper Crafts Handmade Home Decor

Spring 2013
Fourth of July Banner

Paper Crafts Magazine
March/ April 2013
Country Fresh So Happy Card

Simply Handmade LETS PARTY!
March/April 2013
Girls Birthday Banner

Create: Mini Albums Idea Book
March 2013
Mini Album in Tin Case

Paper Crafts Magazine
January/February 2013
30 and Fabulous Card

CARDS Magazine
December 2012
Warm Winter Wishes Wreath Card

Paper Crafts Magazine
November/ December 2012
Merry Santa Card

Creating Keepsakes
October 2011
Spirited Night Layout

Featured in Craft Warehouse Print Advertisements
August 2012
October 2007
August 2007
February 2007
October 2006

Memory Makers
September/ October 2008

Scrapbooks, Etc.
October 2007

Paper Trends Magazine
October/ November 2007



CONTESTS and HONORS



Live Inspired Podcast Interview
with Tracie Claiborne



Lawnscaping Challenges Honorable Gnome
May 2015
June 2015

Featured in Bella Buzz
March 2014
November 2013


Featured on Scrapbook.com Blog
March 2016
January 2016
October 2015
September 2015
April 2015
March 27, 2015
March 11, 2015
October 2014
September 2014
May 2014

Lawn Fawn Blog-"Fawny Flickr Friday"
June 2015
October 2014

Lawn Fawn Catalog Contest Winner
CHA- Winter 2014

Echo Park Bundle of Joy Layout Contest Winner
May 2013

Echo Park Sweet Girl Layout Contest Winner
April 2013

Jillibean Soup Spotting
September 2012

Craft Warehouse Queen Contest Winner
September 2008

Pagemaps 2nd Anniversary Sketch Challenge Winner

About Me


Thanks for visiting my blog!  I am a 40-year old gal who fell head over heals in love with paper crafting from the first moment I stumbled upon it with the birth of my oldest daughter 14 years ago.  I have been married to my college sweetheart for 18 years and together we have two girls and a well loved cat named Romeo.  We live in Southwest Washington, bordering Portland, Oregon and I completely love it here.

I am jumping back into paper crafting with both feet after working crazy long hours at a home business that didn't make me happy. The ironic thing is my business started as a way for me to make extra money to buy all my favorite scrapbook supplies. Unfortunately it took me way too long to realize that while I was able to buy all the supplies I was drooling over, I hardly had the time to actually play with them. Well, that's all over. I have made the decision to pursue my dreams of working for my favorite manufacturers and submitting my designs more regularly to the magazines. It may sound sappy and trite, but I've learned that creating daily and sharing this hobby with friends is what truly makes me happy!   :)


I participate in affiliate programs for Technique Tuesday, Simon Says Stamp and Scrapbook.com. That means I receive a commission when products are purchased through links here at this blog (at NO additional cost to you). Please know I will never share or even review a product that I would not personally recommend or that I do not personally like.

Thanks again for stopping by!  I love hearing from you so if you have the time, leave me a comment from time to time saying "hi". 

Welcome To My Blog!

Well, I did it! I finally sat down and within a few hours figured out how to start a my new blog complete with background templates, music and a slideshow. Woo-Hoo! What an accomplishment! Unfortunately now it's 2:41 and I'm buzzing and don't feel sleepy. I got so wrapped up in this I forgot to make Sydney her lunch for tomorrow. Oops!
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