~ dt entry & catch up ~

My Luxe Design Team Entry is in the mail...

I created 3 new entries and sent in two layouts that I felt were very reflective of my current scrapbooking style. I'll post photos of them a little later...I'm just so glad that's done. Now, all I have to do is wait to hear the decision. {Is there anything worse than waiting?}

I'll let you all know what happens... now I'm off to get ready for the Brandon Charity Convention.
By the way, I'll be taking class participants at the event. I'll have 5 extra packages for each class. So, if you'd like to sign up there, be one of the first 5, that's all I have room for!

My Mary Kay Crop last friday night was fabulous. Chrissy Novak set up this great evening to reward her consultants. She wanted her team to have great recruitment albums and you should see their work. {at this point I would show you some layouts, but I was so busy having fun that I forgot to pull out my camera & take photos... I know shame on me, I'll do better next time!} We had a great time creating these albums and the girls were so impressed at each other's interpretations & creativity. I'm so glad I got to spend time with you ladies. Call anytime, my scrappin' studio is your scrappin' studio!

Alright, my list of things to do this month is almost done!
I'm still working on my website & I'm just not liking it right now.
Anyone know of great flash player web templates I can use? {free ones of course... I'll pay if I have to, but I want to try all of my free options first.}

See you later,
Cindy

~ logo draw ~

Logo Draw Winner...

Ellen!

You are our WINNER!
Thank you for your input. I appreciate it!
I'll send you your prize this week.
I hope you enjoy it!

My logo was created by Pedro Gil from Etiqueta Design.
Thank you Pedro, I love it!

Cindy

~ inspired again ~

Hello again,

Here are a couple of shots of my little girl reading. I'm so proud of her... a reader already. {What more can this teacher ask for?}

Yes, I know she's only 9 months, and that she can't {technically} read, but she flips the pages when we read together & she gets so excited when she sees her books. To me that's a great beginning to the love of books & reading.











I was so happy to see her reading that I took these shots, and then, once again, I was inspired to scrapbook based on the colours she was wearing.

I love blue, all shades of blue. It's my favourite colour. {green is right behind it, if not the tie for 1st!} And here she is wearing blue with just the hint of pink in her bib!

~ 8 months - 8x8 layout ~

I just replenished my supply of Admiral Bazzil & I knew I had some light blue stripes {turns out it was checked paper, but it was the right shade of blue so I went with it!} I had bought the chipboard 8 {on sale of course} as part of a set at Scrapbooking by Design & it gave me the 3rd colour ~ green.

I think this is so cute {what can I say I think lulu is super cute} and I've decided to use the rest of the chipboard numbers to help me document her1st year. I like that I can make a quick layout with one photo, list her growths & be colourful at the same time!




I hope you find inspiration in your everyday life, and that you take the time to enjoy it & of course scrap it! :)

Onwards, a little update for you...

I've decided on my final pieces for the Luxe Designs DT application, and I can't wait to show you guys. I think I have to wait until after the decision has been made, so it'll be a while, but you'll see them. I hope to do a couple of classes with these creations. I've finished a couple of them & I'm working on my album (3rd piece) now.

Also, I was mistaken on my numbers for the Brandon Charity Convention. As per the numbers recently sent to me, my classes have been waaaay out numbered. No problem though, I'm still honoured that 22 people have decided to pay and take my classes. See you there!

Well, that's all for today. Talk to you tomorrow!

Cindy

~ a little inspiration 2 ~

Here's my 1st layout from my little bit of inspiration post.


Inspiration...

Lulu's pink jammies,

cute aren't they?

Layout...

{6 months} ~ 8x8 layout

Project Items:
4x5 photo
whit & pink cardstock
pebbles inc. pattern paper
mm letter rub-ons (black)
basic grey flower rub-ons
american crafts lettering rub-ons (pink)
stampin' up journaling stamp
urban lily chipboard circle






We're all trying to be a little "greener" in for our world, so here's a way to use up your scraps and create a fabulous looking layout!

TIP: How to create a scalloped edge on your own.

1. Find a matching piece of paper.
2. It needs to be 1" bigger all around compared to the photo.
3. Decide on your scalloped edge size.
4. Use a tracer, pencil, & mini scissors for larger scallops OR scalloped shaped scissors for smaller scallops.
5. Use a hole punch to create the holes in the scallops... creates a lace effect.

Where are your layouts?

Cindy

~ new logo 2 ~

So here it is ladies & gentlemen... my new logo!
Along with my new logo is my new blog layout & style.
I know this style will give me more room for tips, inspirations & photos.
I hope you enjoy it!

Let me know what you think of my new logo & blog, and I'll put your name in a draw for some fabulous prizes! Draw will be on Friday, April 25th, 2008 at 12:00 p.m. ~ central time. Hope you win!

{goals: 1 more thing down... still a few to go! :)}

See ya later,
Cindy

~ a bit of reading ~

I had a great, yet busy weekend.

I taught my teen class Saturday morning & then got ready to go to the cabin. We headed out to the lake {Lake Winnipeg - 10 min. from Gimili} a little later than usual, but I still managed to stuff my bag full of magazines & books to read on the way. {It really is the only time I get to read and you should see my nightstand! No, I'm not posting a photo of it! ;)} I actually finished a FABULOUS book, and read the major articles in a few magazines!

Someone once asked me what was on my nightstand. I loved the question, but I only read one thing at time back then. Now, with lulu, I read what I can, when I can, which means I currently have a mountain of books on my nightstand. I'm partially through some, finished others, and have yet to open most! :)

I thought I would give you my top five reads...

~ I go to this book frequently... My husband gave it to me {it's his} to help me focus on the bigger picture of my life! ~

~ Clearly, I'm keeping tabs on how my little lulu is supposed to grow... but I'm getting pretty laxidasical about it, and just letting her be her own person, and grow at her own speed & abilities...bigger picture right? ~

~ My hubby's aunt & I have this great love for reading romance & Barbara Delinsky is on our list now. She lent me this & a few other books... I just need more down time! ~

~ I'm pretty linear & visual so this this little book keeps my mind sharp...hee hee hee! What can I say? I LOVE Word Searches. Do you know that it is also a great resource for kids who have trouble spelling??? ~

~ This is the book I finshed reading this week-end. Absolutely inspirational, heart-warming & thought provoking! Thanks Tracy; you left it behind at mom's and I picked it up. If you have a chance, read it... another book for the bigger picture of life! ~

What's on your nightstand?

Cindy

~ a little inspiration ~

I thought I would share some inspiring items today...

While I was packing up some of lulu's little clothing {not that she's that big, but she has outgrown some clothing}, and I noticed a few beautiful patterns. I was inspired to create.


Here they are...

~ the stiching in the same colour gives this outfit great texture! ~

~ love the double look of the flowers... the stamping & stiching overlay ~

~ the bright green plaid makes me wish for warmer weather! ~

~ the colour combinations and the large pockets are bold yet sweet ~



I'll post my layouts as I complete them. Let me know if you're inspired and how! Send me your creations via e-mail to cindy@auniqueflair.com and inspire others!

See you soon,
Cindy

~ brandon charity convention ~

Well, it's official...
I'm heading to Brandon, MB. for the Brandon Charity Convention.
My 3 classes have registerants and enough of them so that I can make the trip out. I'm really excited about this because:

1. enrollment was low with exception of my classes
2. people like me.... they really like me! :) {yes, I'm a goof ball}

Here are the three classes I'm teaching out there:

Creative Chipboard ~ Price: $15.00

Bring: Paper Cutter / Adhesive / Marker

Have you ever wondered what else you can do with chipboard? In this class, you’ll create a tag book with 6 different ways to use & manipulate Chipboard on your layouts. Get ready to paint, trace, sponge, mask, and weave your way around chipboard to make more creative scrapbook layouts. Everything is provided; just bring some basics and a creative spirit! See you there!



Marvelous Multiples ~ Price: $15.00

Bring: Paper Cutter / Adhesive / Marker / Your choice of Papers (cardstock & patterned) / 8 to 14 – photos (cut to or printed at 3” x 3”) (colour or b/w) / Any embellishments you’d like to use that are specific to the page you’d like to create!

Do you have tonnes of photos about an event? The simple grid layout is a fantastic way to display & highlight any fabulous memory you have. Whether you’re a newbie or experienced scrapper, this class is for you. You will have time to experiment with a couple of sketches for various numbers of photos, for your particular style of scrapbooking. You’ll have various embellishments provided to you including ribbons, brads, eyelets & tools, paints & tools, and some foam & rubber stamps. Come and have a fantastic time creating your fabulous layout. See you there!

Mini Memories ~ Price: $15.00

Bring: Paper Cutter / Adhesive / Black Marker / 3” x 3” (or smaller) photos (colour or b/w) / Any embellishments you’d like to use that are specific to the album you’d like to create!

Come and create this mini accordion album out of just I piece of cardstock and scraps you have stashed, that coordinate of course. J You’ll measure, cut, paint, adhere & embellish this little book to suit your favourite little pictures. You’ll have 1½ hours to create & complete a 4” x 4” album. You will be provided with a class package that includes: colour class instruction sheet, cardstock, patterned paper, ribbons, brads & other goodies. You will also have use of tools such as sandpaper, punches, paints & brushes, paper cutters, & bone folder.
If you have a specific album you’d like to make feel free to bring your own papers and embellishments. You’ll get to keep the class package to create another one at home.

This has really given a boost and validity to my scrapbooking classes, knowledge & style. I'm trully honoured and I promise not to dissapoint! My classes are not full, so if you'd like to sign up please register for them, online, right away.

I hope to see you there!

Cindy

~ msc news ~

Hi everyone!
Just wanted to remind you about the Mommy's Scrap Club...

• we'll get together once a month to scrapbook, organize, share ideas and of course... get out of the house
• we'll be celebrating something or someone at every meeting; be prepared to party
• we'll be getting together every 2nd Friday evening of each month
• the time you spend here is up to you; the studio is open from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
• you need to call or e-mail {at least 2 days prior} to reserve your spot in the studio
• if there are no reservations, the meeting will be cancelled
• for this year, it's a pay as you come policy... $8 a night
• your fee covers beverages, snacks and prizes

Our 1st meeting is: Friday, May 9th, 2008

We'll be celebrating Mothers this evening!

I hope to see you here! We'll have lots of fun!

Cindy

~ getting started ~

Guess who woke up with a runny nose & sore throat this morning... yep, it doesn't take long to catch a cold when you're constantly cuddling a sick little one. Oh well, I'll get over it... I have to. :)

I've begun modifying my new website. I'm really excited about this.
My brother-in-law set me up with a fabulous new logo, business card layout and various other stationary goods. Here's what you'll be seeing soon, up above & on the website...

What do you think? Thank you Pedro!

I've also typed up my questionnaire & paragraph for the Luxe Design Team. I really hope I can join this DT. It would be so great & inspirational.

2 items on their way... a few more to go!

Cindy

~ moving on ~

I have been so busy in the past couple of days {walking everyday, swimming lesson, grocery shopping, filling out forms, researching website designs & so much more} that I haven't even noticed the time flying by. To top it off, Lulu's been sick. This morning she woke up with a runny nose; thus making my time {business, scrapbooking, general down time} more precious.

So, to my imaginary, yet very real checklist I say...
1 item accomplished {Scrappin' for MS}, and several others to go!

These are the other items on my list this month...

• new website
• mommy's scrap club
• mary kay crop
• business re-registration
• tax preparation
• supersities walk for ms
• luxe design team entries

Not to mention cuddle and care for my little one, myself & my hubby... {we all know we're getting this cold somewhere down the line}. Here's hoping I do these well.

Off I go,

Cindy

P.S. No one sent entries for this month's challenge so... we'll see you next month, with a more exciting challenege!

~ drum roll please... ~

Ladies & gentlemen,
I'd love to announce our fundraising totals...
$600.55!
THANK YOU...
to everyone who came to Scrappin' for MS,
to everyone who made generous donations,
& for your overwhelming support!

Here are some fantastic moments & gals on Saturday...

~ Frances & I ~

~ silent auction table: 8 fabulous prizes ~

~ registration table with freebies~

~ where we stocked up on fluids & snacks ~

~ my class: examples, paints & of course ribbons galore! ~

~ cindy & her cricut machine: thanks for sharing! ~

~ the scrappin' hall ~

~ the gals scrappin' away ~

I hope to see you again next year!

Lots of love & thanks,
Cindy

~ busy little bee ~

{Why do I keep doing this to myself?

You'd figure I would have learned this lesson long before lulu arrived and yet here I am, once again, trying to get my last minute things done for tomorrow's event... and I'm going crazy!}

Okay, on the positive side now...

I've received more than generous donations from various businesses and friends around the city & province, and I know that the Silent Auction is going to be huge! I had intended 5 major prizes, but as I look at the overwhelming pile of goodies, I think there's going to be 7 or 8 great prize packs up for auction. Yipee! Whoever wins is going to be sooooo Happy! I'm giddy just thinking about it!

I have a very good friend {also doing the Supercities Walk for MS}, who is going to be helping me tonight with last minute packing, organizing and stress relieving. Thank you Frances, You are trully a blessing, and one of the reasons I'm not actually spinning my wheels right now.

My mother {another angel from God} is taking Juliana for the evening tonight. And although this is no hardship for her by any means, I am trully grateful that I can focus on making this event successful tonight & not have to worry {every minute} about lulu. Thanks mom!

Whew! I got that out and now I feel a whole lot better!

Yesterday, as part of my goals to go walikng everyday, I met some friends at St.Vital Park. Here are some shots of us near the duck pond!

Remember: you need to enjoy your life... I do!

Cindy

~ I need to...~

Hello everyone,
I've realized that I've spent too much time working on my business the last few weeks, and not enough time playing with my daughter, enjoying time with my family & maintaining my own health. So, here are goals I've set for myself so that I maintain a good realtionship with my daugher, husband, family in general & of course myself:

• get down on the floor with my daughter for a portion of the day; explore her world a little.
• be diligent in writing letters in lulu's journal; she'll enjoy them later & I'll have something for my scrapbooking.
• stay up a little bit for some extra time with the hubby; he's a night owl...me not so much.
• go out to visit family at least once a week; a lot of my family is at home too & I can go out instead of leaving the responsibililty to them.
• be diligent in my wednesday night yoga sessions; I forgot about it last night...oops!
• walk for 1/2 hour everyday; it'll get me out of the house and into some fresh air & sunshine...{it'll also have lulu sleeping a whole lot more :) }

It's Thursday and I'm already enjoying my life a little more!

Cindy

PS: 2 more days to Scrappin' for MS! So exciting!

~ Scrappin' for MS details ~

Here are some details & Class project photos for Scrappin' for MS this Saturday:

• There are 29 people registered and coming to this fantastic event.
• All monies generated from the silent auction & garage sale go directly to MS.
• You can buy silent auction tickets any time up until 8:00pm, from me.
• All draws & prizes are awarded at 8:30 pm.
• The "Garage Sale" is open after lunch.
• Lunch is on your own {send me a msg & I can send you a list of nearby restaurants OR you can bring your own lunch} .
• Classes & make-n-takes start at 3:00 pm.
• Kelsy Kolench, Ellen Thompson & I are the instructors this weekend.

My Class: CD Wall Hanging

Project supplies are in the registration pack & provided to you during the class time. Feel free to use different paper than what is provided.

The CD's are 4" in diametre so your pictures shouldn't be more than 3x3. {They'll go over the edges if they are; if you want that, then make your pictures any size you'd like.}

Suggestion: Print your photos in black & white so that you can use any paper and embellishment. This will also make it easier to co-ordinate your art work with your home decor.

Kelsey & Ellen are both teaching card classes... I'm sorry that I don't have photos for you. Trust me though, they'll be great classes & cards! :)

If you have any questions or concerns about this weekend feel free to send me a msg or call me & I'll be happy to help.

I also received more fabulous items today from Scrapbooking by Design. Thanks Penny!

Can't wait to see all of you on Saturday!

Cindy

~ overwhlemed ~

Wow, there are a lot of fantastic people in my life!

Yesterday, I went running around gathering goodies for the Scrappin' for MS registration packages {I still have a couple of more places to go to today}. I was overwhelmed at the generosity of the business owners for this event. I was hoping for generous hearts from the ones who know me, but Deb from Prairie Scrapbooking blew me away. I received a fabulous package from her via mail: paper & brads for everyone along with 4 prizes for the silent auction & a tote bag. Thank you Deb! Fay from Dalcrafts is also a sweetie {someone I've known for a while} as we received a couple of idea books, clear stamps & a great seasonal Chipboard pack. Thank you Fay! Bronwen from Smalltown Scrappers, sent over some fabulous Coupons for the registrants. So... I'm thinking of setting up a road trip down to Pilot Mound to raid her store! If you're interested, let me know and we'll set up a date!

Some of my freinds are also being very generous with their time & money. I've received an abundance of support & help from Frances {my co-ordinator for this event} & her daughter Alyssa. I also received a few donations from freinds who can't make it to the event.

Thank you to all of you for supporting this wonderful fundraising event & helping those with MS. I really appreciate it!

Talk to you later,
Cindy

~ one thing leads to another ~

Today has been a great lazy day!

I started by waking up with my little sunshine {lulu}, playing with her in her room {so dad could sleep a little longer}, and then having a great breakfast {waffles & bananas}. Once she was settled back in her room, I started surfing the net, reading blogs & finishing off my coffee.

I happened upon the Creating Keepsakes Magazine site & checked out what they were looking for in the next couple of months {Becky's Sketch is what I think I'll try for this year}. I then moved on to their CKU section & checked out their 2008 dates. I started to reminisce about my time at CKU-Teachers in 2005 & I pulled out my scrapbook of the event.

~ my scrapbook and layout of Emily Adams & I ~

One of my favourite classes was that of Emily Adams. I loved how she inspired us to shine & be true to ourselves. I've never forgotten that, and I hope to live true to myself always, especially when I'm creating & then preserving the special moments in my life. I also remember meeting some other fabulous & inspirational women at CKU-Teachers... Stacy Julian {I still have the little jar of sprinkles she handed out to remind us to not only teach, but to always put a little sugar on it} & Lisa Bearnson {check out how cheesed I am at meeting her...yes, she had to bend down to my height so that we could have picture together}

~ layout of Stacy & I ~

~ layout of Lisa & I ~

SO... after a little reminiscing, I checked out Emily Adams' blog & found out that she is now with Luxe Designs {great stuff}, and that she & her co-worker Pam will be choosing a Design Team for Luxe Designs. So, ladies & gentlemen, I'm going to, once again, throw in my hat & try to be a part of this Design Team. I'm a little scared and yet I know that I can do this. I just have to plan my projects well and create. I'll let you know how it goes.

I then realized that my week as "Sister of the Week" was done. I loved it. I'd like to thank the gals at Sisterhood of Scrap for a wonderful time! I'll be playing the games this week... Can't wait to start!

Last, but not least...

There is one week to go for Scrappin' for MS! I cannot wait & I hope all of the registrants are as excited as I am. I'll post final details here within the next few days.

Talk to you tomorrow,

Cindy

~ all done ~

Whew! I'm all done.

I love these albums and I'm so happy I did them. I know my grandparents will be so happy to receive them.

~ the last few pages of the albums ~

Doing this album has shown me {quite litterally} how fast time has gone. Juliana is now 9 months old and she's absolutely adorable. She crawls all over the place, digs into things she shouldn't, and communicates with more than just cries & smiles.

I have to say that although she takes after me in looks and attitude {she's always chattering} I'm very grateful that she takes after her father in temperment {calm & curious}. I don't know what I would do if she was totally like me {I do like me, but I must admit that there are things about myself that I would like to change}.

Well, I've just been inspired to do a page... see you all later!

Cindy

~ great ideas ~

So, it's day three with these mini-albums and I'm still not done... did I mention that I have a little baby crawling around?

~ this is me, trying to get her pic, as she crawls towards me ~

Well, they are almost done and I'm sure my grandparents are going to love this little month - by month album of Juliana. I'll send them out next week.

~ 3 more layouts completed today {for each album} ~

Here are a couple of more tips {that I've come to realize} for completing multiple projects:

• Know your photo editing software {you can save on paper & ink if you know how to print multiple photos of various sizes on one page}
• Use your extra photo paper for great stamping embellishments: the Large red flower on the Christmas Layout {I found this tip on another blog, unfortunately I cannot remember which one}
• Embrace your handwriting so that you can write some journaling, quickly {if you don't like your writing you can always journal using the computer, but that will take more time & ink... you choose!}

P.S. Scrappin' for MS is almost full and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank some of the businesses in Manitoba who are helping me out whith prizes & registration pack goodies. Check out their websites on the list to the left.

~ SmallTown Scrappers

~ Rhubarb Roots

~ Scrapbooking by Design

~ Love is in the Details

~ Prairie Scrapbooking

~ Dalcrafts Scrapbooking

~ The Scrapbook Cottage

Thanks Ladies!

~ Cindy

~ almost done ~

I'm almost done these 3 great-grandparent albums so, I thought I would take another break to post these photos.

~ covers ~

~ 1st pages ~

~ 2 & 3 month photos ~

I think they're turning out quite well. I should {if my little girl stays with her dad} have them done by the end of the day. Maybe I'll post more photos later... see you then.

Cindy

~ assembly lines ~

Today was all about assembly lines...

1st line...I had a couple of friends over to help me put together the registration packages for my upcoming fundraiser Scrappin' for MS.
2nd line...these same friends helped me purge, one scrapbooking section at a time, for the "Garage Sale" at the fundraiser.
3rd line...my mom called me and told me that my grandparents complained that they haven't received any recent pictures of my little one. So, feeling the guilt, I thought to create a mini album of Juliana, of the past few months. Being inately {& sometimes obsessively} fair, I knew that if I created a mini album for these grandparents, I would have to do it for all three sets. Hence, assembly line #3.

Although I'm taking a mini break to blog, I'm enjoying this mini album assembly line.

To make this process enjoyable, quick & fun I'm doing the following:

• one page at a time, for all three albums {all page 1, then page 2, etc.}
• chosing simple layouts with one or two pictures each {makes for easy cropping & photo editing & highlighting of special days}
• using very little embellishments {just brads, some stamping & ribbon}
• printing the photos at home {the same photo, 3 times on one page, saves me time & money; they all come out looking the same too!}
• cutting the patterned paper, for all three pages, while I'm waiting for the photos
• gathering my embellishments & adhering it all together, once the photos & paper are ready

I'm feeling quite productive. I'll post some pictures of the whole event & completed albums{hopefully} tomorrow.
Talk to you then,
Cindy

~ april's fool ~

Yep, I was fooled today.
This is pretty easy as I'm easily duped by friends and family... I trust them what can I say.
A friend of mine told me he and his wife were expecting and I literally jumped for joy. I pass the phone to my hubby, only to be given his rolling eyes and the phrase, "yeah... yeah, April fool's to you too buddy!" I then gave myself a shake, realized the date & muttered something impolite. Oh well!

SO I move on... I've been reading some blogs today, and one leads into another as I happen upon one I know I'm going to love from this day forward... Ali Edwards. Her work is fabulous and so inspiring. My layout ~us~ is scraplifted from one of her layouts published in Creating Keepsakes. Take some time to read along and be inspired... I am!

Cindy

~ challenge #1 ~

Challenge #1: What can you do with FLOCK?

For this challenege create a layout using FLOCK.
It can be used in any part of the layout & for any reason.

Tip:

Flock gives layouts texture and softness without a lot of thickness.

Here's my layout using FLOCK:

I used it as a small detail to tie in a colour scheme.

~ reflection of U ~

Remember to send your layout to cindy@auniqueflair.com with FLOCK in the subject. Layouts need to entered by April 15th, and the winner will be announced on April 20th.

I can't wait to see your entries!

Good Luck,

Cindy