say it with flair

Come & Create an Album!

2011-08-30T17:43:00.000-05:00

Come and create your dream scrapbook with me at the Caboto Centre this fall!

I'll be helping you create your dream scrapbook 1 week at a time. You'll create a 2 page layout every week and by the end of the 10 week session you'll have a wonderful scrapbook of your... wedding, vacation, your little one, your favourite birthday, your greatest friendship, etc.

Dates: Tuesday, October 4th to Tuesday December 6th, 2011

Time: 7:15 to 9:15 pm

Fee: $95 (payable to the centre)
$45 (payable to instructor {me} at the first class)

I hope to see you there!
Happy Scrappin'
Cindy

back from holidays...

2011-08-28T21:38:00.001-05:00

Hiya!

I'm back from holidays, and ready to start refreshing my business. For those of you who follow, yep it's that time of the year again; I do this once a year. I take stock of what I've done, sort through what works and what doesn't and then present something new for the fall.

I'll be meeting with a friend of mine from Digital Relay ; who will be helping me out with my Web Presence and hopefully help me use my time more effectively when publishing online. Until then, here are a few cards I've been working on:

I'll be finishing up my travel journal; which I had so much fun working on this summer, and I'll have some pictures for you by the end of the week.

Happy Scrappin',

Cindy

Camping Adventure... I'm ready for you!

2011-08-02T18:16:00.000-05:00

Okay,

So I'm ready to record all of my memories for it... but that's just as important as being in the moment and having all the necessary living items like tent, sleeping bags, cooler, food and so on... :)

Here are those pics I promised, of my travel box:

{various stickers, journal cutouts, adhesive, ink, stamps, paper, markers, scissors

and writing pad to journal;which is the most important to me}

{As you've already seen: my album, simple paper cutter; which fit in the box,

and my very,very,very old label maker with some wood grain label rolls}

I really enjoy these 12x12 clear boxes as they are so much easier to stack & label in my scrapbook room; which is currently a disasterous, but usable space. They are always on sale at Michael's and they fit a lot of items. My album does not fit in it with all of items I am taking, but everything else does. :)

I was having such a good time getting these things together and making my album cover that I had some time to make my title page for this album. It's simple, but it'll work with any picture I pick from the lot at the end of our adventure.

Happy Scrappin',

Cindy

Found it!

2011-08-01T10:12:00.001-05:00

Happy August Long Weekend!

Hi there,
How are your holidays going? Mine are going just fine & I'm thoroughly enjoying them. My sister-in-law is getting married next weekend and then we're off for a couple of weeks to Banff; I cannot wait! We haven't gone on a holiday since we started these renos and we need to get out of town... FAST!

We're going camping and one of my favourite pastimes while traveling is journalling {&of course some scrapbooking} ; it really helps in adding those memorable details when scrapbooking months... even years from the date of travel. {I have several albums/projects on the go}

My Portugal album has benfitted a lot from my journal & so has my Vegas album; they're done now & I'll have some pics of those in the coming months.

Well anyways, I found it... and it was on SALE!!!!!
It's the perfect travel journal & scrapbook combined for this year's camping adventure...

It's a K & Company "Que Sera, Sera" Binder Album with 5 pockets and 10 page protectors... Absolutely Perfect!

{8x10 horizontal}

{pages & pockets- for all of the little pieces I pick up & to pre-make my layouts}

{pocktes are large 8x8 size - perfect for those postcards & maps I like to embellish}

{BEST PART - binder rings & 2 " height for LOTS of stuff! - I'm a serious travel collector!}

Here's what it looks like now...

{Customized the front & back cover with paper I had on hand

& embellishments I've been buying the past few days...

it's so much fun to start a new project!}

{close up of my title... used an old ~ really old~ label maker}

I'll show you my travel box tomorrow once I figure out what exactly is going in it with me... I mean us on our trip! :)

I also had some fun with friend last week and here are the layouts I created of some summer fun last year...

Happy scrappin'
Cindy

simple layouts...

2011-07-04T23:10:00.000-05:00

Hiya!

Here are the layouts I created during the Mom's Scrap Club on the 25th of June:

I hope you enjoy your summer...

Cindy

showered with love...

2011-07-01T13:25:00.000-05:00

Hi again!
My sister-in-law's wedding shower went beautifully, thanks to the wonderful family I belong to.
They took the ideas we had and created the simple, yet fabulous setting and atmosphere you see below.
I created the stationery and it all came together. And for those of you who have similar items; yes I have a thing for pink & green... they're my daughter's colours! :)

Sister-in-law & Fiancee

Hall

table centres

table numbers with program on other side

thank you tag

thank you gift

shower cake - made by pink sugary cakes

2011-06-19T07:18:00.000-05:00

Hi There!

I'm so excited about this part of my little girl's life; she's much more talkative, using complete sentences and singing the alphabet as if it's the only song she knows. And this September she's starting school! Yippee!

As a scrapbooker I knew these were the memories to keep so I started early. I bought an adorable album and came up with a 2 page layout that was easy, fit the individual and class photo, and had a pocket for all of those special items that she creates (I'm going to have to make a box for the larger items... :) )

Here it is...

I'll be teaching a class in the fall for the Caboto Centre, and if you'd like sign up and come and make one for your little one or your older ones, your grandchildren or your graduates... It's a great way to hold all of those precious school memories. Send me a message if you'd like more info on this class.

Mom Scrap Club...

Who's coming?
Saturday, June 25th, 2011
Wildwood Community Centre
5pm to 11 pm
$5 per person and snack to share

Again, give me a call (996-4960) to reserve your spot!

Happy Scrappin',
Cindy

a few projects I enjoyed this past month...

2011-06-12T09:21:00.000-05:00

Project 1:

Lulu is turning 4 this july and it was time to get her invitations ready. I was/am so crazy with wedding invites and exams for my classes that i decided to "cheat" and get photo invites done at costco this year. Nnow, depending on your philosophy of life, they came back printed with a saying I did not want. with no more time to get them changed or even argue with the photo people, I took them home and came up with a fix. Lulu being 3 going on 4 wanted to help and so she did! I was so happy having her help make her own invitations... {she put all of the circle stickers on the cards to cover the saying and then I stamped it up} They turned out great and Jules and I got to play together for a little while.

Project 2:

The next project I enjoyed was my sister-in-law's wedding invites. She's going with a pastel / feather type theme for her wedding this summer and here are the invites I came up with...

I really fell in love with the elegance of the invite and the crystal heart. I found the ribbon on sale at Michael's and bought them out that day. :) I love the feathers, but they were a tedious application as I had to cut the point off and the flat part of the feather at the end. (most were tinged yellow and I really only wanted the white fluffy part. I also created multicoloured insides/invites/replies {replies had mathcing envelopes} to match the dresses being worn by the bridesmaids. The entire package was stuffed in black envelopes and the addy's were written in white. It was beautiful!

Project 3:
My last fun project of the past month was the shower invite for my sis-in-law... I can't show you the whole thing yet, but here's a sneak peek...

I printed the invite on vellum, stamped the back of the vellum with the flower you see and then added the crystal centre. These are so pretty... trully one of my favourites!

I'll be back soon, with more of my fun projects....

By the way... who's coming out the the last Mom's Scrap Club of the Season? Send me an e-mail at cindy@auniqueflair.com or call 996-4960 to save your spot on June 25th, 2011 from 5 to 11 p.m.

See you soon & Happy Scrappin',
Cindy

Happy Scrapbooking Day!

2011-05-07T13:35:00.000-05:00

Today is National Scrapbooking Day!
Yippee!
Does anyone know of a better way to spend Mother's Day weekend than scrapbooking & enjoying one's family? I don't!
Thank you God for all of the great things I am blessed with as a mom!

Here are a couple of projects I have on my list this weekend:
- Sister-in-law's wedding invites
- Nephew's baby book
- Scrappin' for MS! thank you cards

I'll post them as I complete them this weekend!

Couple of things to note:

- I've been spending more time on facebook with A Unique Flair so check out our facebook page & like us!

- I attended the Baby & kids Show in February and thoroughly enjoyed my time meeting new people.

Here are a couple of projects I have completed in the past few months...

Enjoy your weekend & Happy Scrappin',

Cindy

Mary Kay Star Crop

2011-01-30T11:20:00.000-06:00

This is why I love Scrapbooking...

Chrissy Novak & her fabulous layout!

A friend of mine, Chrissy Novak, is a fabulous Mary Kay Director & she contacted me to organize a Star Party Crop. Every Mary Kay consultant tells the story of Mary Kay to her clients to share inspiration, faith and strength. At this special crop we created scrapbooks to help each one tell this special story.

I taught basic scrapbooking skills (along with some new ones) and provided packages for each consultant. Crop packages included everthing thing one would need to complete an 8x8 album. Some items were provided in individual packages while others were on the table to share.

If you would like to provide your consultants (for any direct marketing company) with a beautiful scrapbook to share her inspiration and business please call 996-4960 for your free consultation and persoanlaized package options.

By the end of the evening everyone had a beautiful album to share with her clients.
Here are some pictures from this fabulous evening of scrapbooking & inspiration.

Mary Kay Directors

One more project!

2011-01-26T18:04:00.000-06:00

Okay,
So I am now well on my way to being organized and have many completed projects for the upcoming Baby & Kids Show here in Winnipeg. I am listed on the first exhibitor listing page with a logo & link. I am super excited about this.

Here's a look at what I've been working on in the past few days...

January's Challenge - Let's Get Organized, is almost coming to a close & I've not seen one entry in the facebook page album. Should I extend the deadline? Let me know.

Check out our facebook page for more photos on my photo organization process.

Happy Scrappin',

Cindy

Challenge #1 - Let's Get Organized!

2011-01-07T23:29:00.000-06:00

Alright Ladies & Gents,
Here's the prize for this fabulous challenge:

Once again all you have to do win this prize is upload a photo of your Picture folder onto our facebook page album named Challenge #1.

You can take an after shot once you've organized your folder or a before & after shot to show your progress, the choice is yours. Your entry is your photo(s).

Here's my screen shot:

I organize my folders by events along with whether or not the pictures are for personal or business use.
Before digital I started organizing my photos by cds & index prints. I found a handy little book at Black's photo that held these items & came with identification strips for the middle. I love it.

Since I've gone digital, I now use it to store my back up photos (see below). My insane amount of photos of my daughter make it too costly to print index copies, but I really liked them because I didn't have to load the cd to see the pics. It made it a lot easier to scrapbook on the fly. Oh well, onto today.

Once again, upload your photo on our facebook album, onto your blog and post a link to it in our comments or e-mail it to me at cindy@auniqueflair.com and enter to win the cute 5 x 7 mini album kit!

Happy Organizin'

Cindy

Get Organized Challenge!

2011-01-06T23:04:00.000-06:00

Alright Ladies & Gents,

The new year is upon us & it's time for those pesky resolutions...okay they're not pesky, but they can become pesky. :)

Anyways, one of the best ways to stay positive and follow through with your resolutions is to make shorter timelines and focus on one goal at a time.

So as a renovating home owner, business oriented scrapbooker, grade 7 teacher & mom, I've always got a lot on the go; and like me you probably have an enourmous amount of digital photos on your hard drive. So here's our 1st challenge for the year...

Challenge #1 for 2011: Organize the photos on your hard drive...

Step 1: Take a picture of your montior showing your harddrive before your start this task. It'll be your Before Picture. Post it on our Facebook gallery labelled Challenge #1 or post a link in the comments back to your blog where you have posted your picture.

Step 2: You can start the challenge by simply placing all of your photos from the year 2010 into a new folder called 2010.

Once that is accomplished you can breath easy and go in one of two directions... either create folders for other years to complete the clean up of your hard drive in general or continue with the 2010 folder and complete it in its entirety before moving on to preivous years.

The choice is yours, and the only recommendation I have is to chose one direction and to complete it. By diong this you'll achieve a great sense of accomplishment and completeing the task and you'll give yourself a boost into moving forward with your organization.

Steps 3 & 4 & Prize Picture to come...See you on facebook or your blog to meet the challenge!
Happy Scrappin'
Cindy

Happy New Year!!!!

2010-12-31T11:42:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year everyone!

Here's to happiness, health & love to all in 2011!

I am super excited as today I not only celebrate the New Year,
I will be celebrating my cousin`s wedding too!

Here`s the wedding card I created for this special event:

Wishing you all a Fabulous 2011!
Happy scrappin`
cindy

Prize Time!

2010-11-17T10:33:00.000-06:00

Our Blog Winner is...

Jennifer Neumann

Thanks for joining the blog. I hope you are inspired to create & just have fun with your memories!

You won a fabulous set of clear stamps designed by Rhonna Farrer...

Please send me an e-mail with your addreess so that I can send you your fabulous prize!
cindy@auniqueflair.com

Thanks again to those of you who joined us this past Sunday for our first ever Online Cozy Crop.
See you next time!

Happy scrappin'
Cindy

Thank You!

2010-11-14T21:16:00.000-06:00

Thank you for joining us on our first ever Online Cozy Crop!

I hope to see more of you next time!

Here is our winner for the day...

Favourite Sketch Artist Contest - Alicia Talbot
Congratulations!

The Paint Challenge & Blog Follower challenge have been extended to Wednesday, so I'll keep you posted as to who won those 2 fabulous prizes!

Happy Scrappin',
Cindy

right now...

2010-11-14T14:28:00.000-06:00

right now, this is what my space looks like:

right now, this is what my project looks like:

{cover of 6x8 album - modge podged to protect the paint and paper; used it as adhesive too!}

{cover embellishments}

{index page 1 - with 4x6 photo flap}

{index page 2 - also with 4x6 photo flap}

right now, this is my favourite product:

{4x6 photo flaps from CTMH}

I'm having a blast today!

How about you?

Cindy

Prizes...

2010-11-14T13:17:00.000-06:00

Here are 2 of today's prizes so far...

Prize 1: Favourite Sketch Artist - Discussion Board Entry

Prize 2: Challenge of the day! - Using Paint on your project (s).

Post your photo on either our facebook photo album for today or here with the linky tools.

Both prizes will be awarded at 8:00 p.m. central time.

See you then,
Cindy

Favourite Sketch Artist!

2010-11-14T11:51:00.000-06:00

Okay ladies & gents, here's your 1st contest...

Post below or on our facebook discussion board, your favourite sketch artist. You have untill 8:00 central time to comment or post to enter your name for a great prize.

Here's mine: Becky Higgins

Her sketches are fun, simple and easy to play with.

My favourite book...

My favourite part of this book is how it's organized into the number of photos you are working with.

WELCOME!

2010-11-14T09:35:00.001-06:00

Yipee!
Our 1st Online crop is now underway on facebook.
Come by throughout the day for lots of fun.
Even if you don't stay all day with us, stop by everyonce in a while to enter a contest or two!

Our Photo gallery has an album all ready for you to share, and our 1st topic is on the board: Who is your favourite sketch artist?

So, grab your cup of coffee, start accumulating all of your scrapbooking supplies and project ideas & let's settle in for a great day of scrapbooking / crafting!

Cindy

Here's a layout / eventful frame I finished this past week... just to get us all inspired to go!

Online Crop!!!

2010-11-13T16:14:00.002-06:00

come by tomorrow for a fabulous day of challenges, prizes and oh so much fun.

See you then!
cindy

2010-11-08T18:28:00.000-06:00

Finally...

I've been trying to post these photos for a couple of days now!

Here's my layout for this halloween.

"my little bumble bee"

I love it... halloweenish & yet oh so sweet!

I really enjoyed playing with all of the rub-ons in my stash. I should bring those out more often. :)

If you haven't tried it yet, come and share your layout with the Linky tool. All you have to do is post your layout on facebbok, or blog and then copy & post your address to my blog and it's all done.
It's always fun to share!

Happy Scrappin'
Cindy

my little bumble bee...

2010-11-05T01:06:00.000-05:00

Here's how my halloween layout is going so far...

I decided to focus on the costume and not so much on the occasion, I love to journal, so I'll make sure to write about the evening's events and my daughter's reactions.

I raided my stash for black pieces to go with the yellow paper. I found some felt pieces & used the outside of a curved border for my frame. I also used some great black lowercase stickers for the title. I'll be adding the words "my little" in rub-on script along the top of the ric rac. I really enjoyed digging through my boxes to find embellishemtn surprises that are working beautifully on this layout.

I'm printing the photos tomorrow and you'll see the finished project then!

Happy Scrappin'
Cindy

What does your Halloween layout look like?
Post it on your blog and share it with us!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T22:06:00.000-05:00

I hope you have all had a fantastic halloween.

Here are a few shots of mine...

"look pom-poms"

"no tail"

I'm sure you'll see a layout of my little bumble bee in the upcoming days!

Come back on Friday to share your Halloween layout with us!

Happy Scrappin',

Cindy

addy book... done!

2010-10-30T16:28:00.002-05:00

Here it is, my little addy book.
I finally finished it and the actual addresses are being printed as I type.

For this project I tried to stick to a pad of paper, along with it's stickers and paper pieces. I added blank chipboard pieces, which I painted and made shiny & thick with UTEE, and some of my stashed flowers.

Let me know what you think!

Ahhhh... it feels so good to complete a project! Just like a great cuppa cofffee!
This is also my entry for Opus Gluei's weekly challenge... here's hoping it's still open.

Coming Up:
* An online Crop in November
* A sneak peek at a School Keepsake Album

Happy Scrappin',
Cindy

holy cow is almost halloween!

2010-10-26T19:16:00.000-05:00

okay... to say I've been busy is a little bit of an understatement. :)

Here are a few things I'd like to blog about...

1. Come and join me on facebook at A Unique Flair - Scrapbooking Classes and Services.

Join our discussion board and our holiday contest - Holiday Photo Cards.

Simply post your name in the topic and you are automatically entered.

You hjave one week left to enter... A winner will be chosen on November 1st!

2. I'll be hosting a couple of crops and technique classes online.

We'll be gathering at our Facebook discussion boards to communicate, discuss tips on creating some funky pieces and then post photos of our creations. There will also be a fun games to play and prizes to win!

Photos can also be posted here with linky tools if would rather post on your own blog first.

Make sure to like our facebook group to get your invitation to our crops and classes.

3. Halloween is such a great time.

I really have a great time picking out my daughter's costume and my own for school.

This year she's a bumble bee and I'm going to be a soccer player (i'm hoping to use my hubby's treasured portugal jersey!)

As for scrapbooking it... keep it simple and don't forget to write about it.

Let's see what you've got!

Happy scrappin',

Cindy

Are you in it to WIN????

2010-10-12T20:02:00.001-05:00

Alright ladies & gentlemen here's your fall contest...

A Custom Set of Photo Holiday Cards!

To win a fabulous set of holiday cards for THIS holiday season, simply visit my face book page: facebook.com /a uniqueflair - scrapbooking services & classes.
Click the Like button and then post your name in the "Holiday Greeting Card Contest" discussion board topic.

One entry will be chosen on November 1st, 2010.

Come and join us on facebook and be on the lookout for online activities here and on facebook.

Happy Scrappin'
Cindy

join me on facebook...

2010-09-13T22:16:00.000-05:00

yippee!
A Unique Flair is on Facebook.
Check us out & join our page!
There's a contest coming up & you don't want to miss it!

On a super sad side note:
The Bag Tags class on Thursday, September 16th has beed cancelled due to a recent schedule addition at work: Meet the Teacher Night.

Please contact me to reschedule this class with you or set up at the crop on the 30th.
Thanks for understanding & see you soon!

Happy Scrappin',
Cindy

and the Winner is...

2010-09-04T14:51:00.000-05:00

ELLEN!

Congratulations Ellen!
The Chipboard Letter Set from Fancy Pants Designs is on its way to you!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

to all who participated in the Survey: Clubs, Class, and Crops... Oh My!

I really appreciated all of your input.

I hope that you all enjoy this fall's classes & crops at the Wildwood Park Community Centre.

I hope to see you soon,

Cindy

Fall Classes & Crops

2010-08-29T18:37:00.000-05:00

Hi there!

Here's a schedule for the classes I'll be teaching & crops at the WWCC this fall:

Classes:
Thursday Evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Each class is $15 or register for all 4 classes for $50. All supplies included.

Bag Tags & The Basics - September 16th, 2010
School Pages - October 14th, 2010
Stamp Camp with Glitter & Flock - November 4th, 2010
Greeting Card Extravaganza - December 2nd, 2010

Each class is $15 or register for all 4 classes for $50

Crops:
Thurday Evenings from 6:00 to 10:00p.m.
Crops include snacks, games/contests, and door prizes.
Each crop is $20 or register for all 4 crops for $60.

September 30th, 2010 / October 28th, 2010 /
November 18th, 2010 / December 16th, 2010

WOW!
Register for all 4 classes
AND all 4 crops
and pay only
$100!

I hope to see you soon,
Cindy

the baby & kids show...

2010-08-25T19:03:00.000-05:00

Alright ladies & gents,

I've offically recieved notice that I've got a booth at the upcoming Baby & Kids Show.
It's taking place at the Winnipeg Convention Centre on Saturday, February 26 & Sunday, February 27, 2011. I'll be in booth #327 near the Meet & Greet Line up, so come by and take a look at what I have to offer!

Also, my friend Sandy asked me to remind all of you that there is a fabulous crop happening next weekend.
Follow THIS LINK to read about this crop. There are lots of spots still available!

See you all at the end of the week with more info about my upcoming classes & crops at the Wildwood Park Community Centre.

Happy Scrappin'
Cindy

a little something...

2010-08-23T16:24:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone!

So here's a little card I made today, using the scraps from my addy book; which by the way, is coming along nicely. While making this card, I rediscovered my love for my little Xyron machine ~ looks like a little X; so cute, so handy & so portable. I ran my little arrow through it so that adhesive (any other) wouldn't show through the somewhat transparent embellishment. Love it!

I hope to show more of my addy book to you very soon. I have been using some paint, ink & UTEE on my chipboard pieces, which takes more time now for me as I have to stop & go, while I watch my daughter & teach her how to use it too! {Gotta start them early!}

A couple of side notes for you...

1. The survey will be shut down on Aug. 30, so if you'd like a chance to win the fabulous little chipboard letters please fill it out before the end of the month. Please pass it on to others as well, the more info I have the better I can make my classes, crops & possibly club! {SEE PIC & LINK ON THE RIGHT}

2. Fall Classes at the Wildwood Community Centre will be finalized, posted here & sent via e-mail by the end of the week. Please let me know if you want to be a part of my e-mail list!

happy scrappin' & talk to you soon,
Cindy

p.s. the walls are giong up on my addition as I type! so exciting!

scrappin' anyway...

2010-08-17T18:22:00.000-05:00

so,
my house is in a shambles...
i'm starting to accumulate laundry...
my scrapbooking stuff is in various boxes around the basement...
i haven't run in 3 days because of this stinkin' rain...
i'm supposed to create samples for my fall classes...
i'm hoping people sign up for the crops & classes at wwcc...
life could not be more hectic.
& yet I scrapbook!

It makes me feel good and happy.
I'm almost done my new addy book & hoping to make a few for sale at the Baby & Kids Show in February.
Would you like a one-of-a-kind personalized addy book? Let me know!

Here's a few photos to show my crazy set up on the basement floor & my addy book:

{what can I say ~ I'm a messy scrapper!}

{loved using UTEE on the chipboard ~ gave it a cool polish!}

{also loved the pin in the flower ~ tricky but cute!}

Thanks for coming by!
I hope to share more of this project with you by the end of the week.

Happy scrappin'
Cindy

flocked it & loved it!

2010-08-06T18:22:00.002-05:00

Hi y'all,

So, I've been planning my new classes for this coming fall & I had to try flocking. I bought some at Michael's in the $1.50 bins (along with some very sparkly stickers) and because they came in a package of 4, I bought a whole range of colours. (see below)

Yesterday, I had a very creative friend of mine over & we played. :) Here is my favourite layout of the summer... (yet another fabulous sketch from Miss Higgins!)

{title in portuguese: great-grandparents}

As you can see I tried flocking on the edges of the flower centres, and the little stamped image of the family tree. For both embellishments I used a glue pad for the adhesive.

The edges of the cirlces were slid through the the pad and then throught the flocking. It created a soft edge to the centres that I love.

I then tried to add the same softness to the little tree I had stamped earlier on the page. I used a toothpick and the stamp pad.

As soon as I had finished outlining the image with the adhesive I poured the flock directly on the image & softly spread the flocking around. The flocking stuck to the image & came off the rest of the page easily.

I really love this stuff. I will be using it a lot for the rest of the summer!

Has anyone else used it? How did it go for you?

Happy scrappin',

Cindy

so exciting...

2010-08-04T16:17:00.001-05:00

Hi there!

Last week was a bit hectic with so many things going on & so many decisions to make...

I want to thank all of you who have taken the survey so far, I really appreciate it! Pass it on to anyone who loves to scrapbook or is looking to do more scrapbooking this fall. Click on the photo to the right to take the survey for a chance to win that cute alpha chipboard set.

BIG NEWS... I`ve applied to be a part of the BABY & KIDS SHOW in Feb 2011. I cannot wait & I`m so excited. I`ll let you know more about it as I get more information. While I`m there I`ll be showing off my fabulous custom products: eventfuls, scrapbooks, journals, stationary & classes...

The photos used above are from various professional photographers... I`ll have to get the names & post them later. sorry about that!

I really hope it goes well!

So, my Aug. long weekend was fabulous & so much fun with lulu's first sail on lake winnipeg & major organizing done for the next school year. Here are a couple of shots of us on the boat...

I hope you all had a fabulous week-end & have a great week ahead!

happy scrappin,

cindy

check this out!

2010-07-31T13:02:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine asked me to pass this info to other scrapbookers & craft enthusiasts, so here you go!

SCRAPBOOKING WEEKEND

FRI, SEPT 3RD - 4 P.M. TILL MIDNIGHT AND
SAT, SEPT 4TH - 9 A.M. TILL MIDNIGHT
SUNOVA CENTRE IN WEST ST. PAUL
$20 PER PERSON FOR THE WEEKEND
DRINKS AND SNACKS INCLUDED
TONS OF ROOM TO SPREAD YOUR STUFF OUT
THERE WILL ALSO BE A SCRAPBOOK STORE WITH SUPPLIES FOR SALE AND CLASSES AVAILABLE.

TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT AND REGISTER EMAIL SANDY AT skuchinski@shaw.ca or call 334-4145. PAYMENT WILL ALSO NEED TO BE MADE WHEN YOU REGISTER TO HOLD YOUR SPOT. THIS WILL BE NON REFUNDABLE AND IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO COME IT WILL BE DONATED TO THE COMMUNITY CENTRE.

Happy Scrappin'
cindy

something old, something NEW!

2010-07-28T18:55:00.001-05:00

Hi there!

The past few weeks have been crazy with demo planning & business planning. I now have a huge bin sitting in front of my place wating for pieces of my basement & front room, along with some great ideas for the new classes I hope to teach at the wildwood community centre this fall.

Before all of this starts I have a request of my readers... would you mind taking a short survey for me?

Clubs, classes & crops...oh my! is a short survey for all scrapbook and crafting enthusiasts.

I would really like to provide quality services, but if no one is interested in them I'll need to change my business focus. For your time & cooperation I'm offering a chance to win this fabulous prize...

"The Daily Grind" Printed Chipboard Alphabet by fancy pants designs.

Alright, now that business is out of the way...
here's a few more layouts I've completed for my Portugal 2009 album.

One of the major reasons we headed out to Portugal last summer was to witness Paula's wedding. It was fabulous & I have 2 more pages to showcase the entire day.

Talk to you soon & Thanks in advance for taking the survey!

happy scrappin',

Cindy

a lovely shower...

2010-07-18T23:24:00.002-05:00

Hello!

Lulu & I had a sweet time at my cousin's wedding shower today. We saw lots of family, ate great food and watched our cousin's bride-to-be open some pretty fabulous gifts.

His sisters asked me to help out with some stationary; I was honoured and loved doing this for them. My sister & I also helped out in making the brownie flower thank yous, which were delicious as well as cute! Here are some photos of the thank yous and table numbers I worked on this week...

Happy Scrappin,

cindy

one more layout

2010-07-12T16:47:00.001-05:00

I'm making really good progress with my Portugal album. yipee! Here's a 2pg layout {around the track} from one of our favourite outings.

Again, I used a sketch from my favourite book & I only played with the title location. I liked everything else from the example she published so I kept with it.

I used the circles from the red patterened paper to inspire me; the title & hand-made embellishement are used for unity on the page. I also used pop-up adhesives for the focal picture as I only printed 4x6s of this event.

See you next time, off to scrapbook some more!

Cindy

scrappin' again...yipee!

2010-07-09T18:20:00.001-05:00

So today I had a bit of time to scrap & here it is... {let's play}

Being a busy mom I love sketches for their inspirations, should I have a few moments to play with my supplies, & for their ease should I just want to complete a couple of pages really quickly. I realy enjoyed reading Becky Higgins' column in Creating Keepsakes and so I invested in her book "Best of Becky Higgins - Sketches for scrapbooking".

I used a sketch using 3 or 4 photos and I had time, so I played with it. What do you think?

{sorry... this keeps uploading incorectly}

I really enjoyed modifying the layout & using the polka dot paper as my colour inspiration. The journalling block was included in the sticker set from Me & My Big Ideas, and fit right in.

To match the feel of the patterend paper, I sanded the photo edges. I also made the focal picture larger to emphasize the joy on my daughter's face as she was about to come down the slide. Overall, I really like this page & so does lulu! :)

Do you use sketches? I'm always on the lookout for different looks and layouts. Talk to you soon!

happy scrappin',

cindy

Summer is Here!

2010-07-06T17:42:00.004-05:00

I'm so happy that summer is here again!

I've celebrated this new season with Lulu's 3rd {yes, you saw it} birthday this past weekend.

My baby is growing up...I'm so impressed by her & her talents.

Seeing as it was her birthday, she helped out in the making of her inviations... okay it was only the envelopes, but she did an awesome job!

Here's a sampling of her creativity {with mom's help of course} ...

I can't wait to finish up my Portugal 2009 album...

and continue working on other projects... like my brazil album... good times & good people.

I'll keep you posted.

I'll also be setting up for this fall's set of classes & crops at the Wildwood Community Centre.

Keep your eyes peeled for a survey & prize. More info to come.

happy scrappin',

cindy

Scrappin' for MS!

2010-05-27T06:50:00.004-05:00

Hi!

The 5th Annual - Scrappin' for MS! was a HUGE success!

Thank you once again to all of the participants & supporters.

Together we raised $850 for the MS Society! Yippee!

As this year's event was significantly smaller than last year's, I was not expecting to raise this much money. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

I hope you all had as great a time as I did, scrappin' away. The light was great, we all had so much space and the food was fabulous.

If you are interested in attending, donating, supporting or being part of the organizing committee for next year's event, feel free to send me a message at cindy@auniqueflair.com.

See you next year & thanks again,

Cindy

Scrappin' for MS! - Classes & Prizes

2010-04-18T18:12:00.007-05:00

Hi everyone!

Scrappin' for MS! is now 6 days away!
If you haven't registered yet and you would like to come please send me a message asap.
I will be accepteng limited registrations at the door.
Once we hit 30 particiapants the doors will close.
Thanks!

Here are a few photos of a small number of prizes I have instore for the silent auction.

I would like to thank these fabulous people and businesses in advance:

Prairie Scrapbooking in Beausejour, MB.

Dalcrafts in Winnipeg, MB.

Ceramic Corner in Virden, MB. & Alicia Talbot

Kelsey Kolench a Close to my Heart Consultant

Jen Corrigal a Pampered Chef Consultant

Shelly Lamm a Partylite Consultant

{ from ceramic corner & alicia talbot }

{sketch & thank you card contest prize}

{from prairie scrapbooking for both the silent auction & registration bags}

{my class sample: spectacular stencils}

{my 2nd class sample: spectacular stencils}

{Kelsey's class - paper bag purse}

Happy Scrappin'

Cindy

~ in & out pretty quickly ~

2010-04-03T14:39:00.004-05:00

Okay, so March was pretty much a big blur!
Spring break was pretty much the same way!

Here are some upcoming items for a unique flair:

New photo galleries for the website and blog.
5th Annual ~ Scrappin' for MS!
New Class schedule for the Fall.

Here are some wedding invites I just finished this week.

Let me know what you think...

happy scrappin',

Cindy

~ a little happy craft ~

2010-02-22T06:41:00.007-06:00

It's a little something for me in the days of something for everyone else.

{front}

I created a little business card to help remember my gst number when I go shopping for supplies. I used scrap of patterned cardstock, stickers, overlay & brads to help me embellish one side. I then typed out the info I needed on paper, for the other side.

I had bought these self-laminating sheets at dollarama a few years back {I think they still have them} & I used them to help me make this card a keeper!

Pretty simple, but a little fun & creative project that made me so very happy to be a scrapbooker! Hopefully it'll make a great little make n'take for you this monday morning!

Happy Scrappin',
Cindy

P.S. Watch out for the 5th Annual - Scrappin' for MS!

~ ahhh... Love...~

2010-02-16T16:22:00.004-06:00

Happy Belated Valentine's Day!

I've started crafting with little lulu, and we are trully enjoying this time together.

She's having fun stamping and learning how to cut with funky scissors and I'm enjoying having little bits of her creativity for her scrapbook. The best part: I bring out all of the paper and crafting supplies that I haven't used yet or have not been inspired to use.

It's awesome on all levels!

Here are some cards I made this week-end as we shared some crafting time together:

{I loved using the Funky Fiskars Scissors and the Martha Stewart Valentine's Day clear stamps!}

Happy Scrappin',

Cindy

~ almost done ~

2010-01-31T16:39:00.004-06:00

Hi!

I'm super excited about the baby book project I'm working on.

It's almost done & I think it looks great.

I've also been working on a few things...

a friend's invitations,

my address book,

my portugal 2009 scrapbook,

my new photo gallery for the website &

way too much more. :)

I feel like I've been spinning and I'm not sure when I'm going to stop. Good thing I don't want to just yet! I'll let you know when I crash! :)

So I'll leave with these fabulous photos I took of my little lulu as we played and walked in the snow!

Happy scrappin' & keep warm!

Cindy

~ a baptism card ~

2010-01-20T17:30:00.004-06:00

the title is more like a sigh...

That's all I've had the chance to do in a little while, what with creating and marking exams at school and lulu going through major injuries in the past few weeks. {no worries though... she a tough nut & she's 2... she'll be fine!}

I hope to get things up & running next week, but until then here's the cute little card I made... on the fly... for a baptism this past Sunday!

Happy scrappin' everyone!

cindy

so much fun!

2010-01-06T05:42:00.007-06:00

Last night, my cousin came over to scrapbook with me. As a newbie to scrapbooking, I loved her enthusiasm for trying something new and it was just what I needed to get me going on my scrapbook of our trip to Portugal this past summer!

We both started with choosing an album to fit our ideas & pictures we had. I obviously went with summer inspired album, whereas my cousing, went with something classic for her album. I also went over some basic tools of the trade such as papercutter, adhesive, paper types & journalling. As her eyes grew bigger from info overload, I calmed my excitement and started skethcing the title page layout.

I can't seem to post my sketch, but here's the final product...

portugal 2009

{I love the patterened paper I chose & the tiles (dollarama) are so very portugal & summery}

{I also loved how the year stamped out beautifully!}

I'll post my cousin's layout next time, as I forgot to take photos of it. oops! :)

I'm super excited about this project for several reasons, I'll get to scrapbook for me on a more regular basis, I'll be scrapbooking with someone who is just as excited about this as I am, I'll get to play with everything in my stash just so that I can show her how to play and have fun with scrapbooking, AND you'll all get to see some great layouts as we continue to scrapbook together. Yippee!

Happy Scrappin',

Cindy

Happy 2010!

2009-12-31T16:23:00.006-06:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

Here are a couple of projects I have been working on & a couple of projects I hope to accomplish within the month of January:

Lulu's Bedroom & Playroom

Still have some paintings and door signage to finish, but it's almost there!

{how can you tell I'm a teacher?}

My New Address Book

{lost my online version & had a massive headache trying to find everyone's addy for christmas cards}

A Baby Book

{a client scrapbook - using SEI set Penelope's Potpourri}

Here's to a fabulously creative new year to one & all!

happy scrappin',

cindy

2010... here I come!

2009-12-29T16:17:00.002-06:00

A new year is to come & I hope to start it off right.
I'm in a new home, new school, and new frame of mind.
I've taken a little time to take a step back and find out what really matters to me, and thank goodness!

So here's to starting fresh and doing what I need to do to make my life full & happy.
Of course scrapbooking is part of that! :)

talk to you later,
Cindy

~ take a look at this! ~

2009-04-14T20:48:00.003-05:00

Hiya!

I'm so impressed by the amount of donations that have been rolling in within the past week. Scrappin' for MS! is gonna rock this year. I'm still gettting group registrations and there are only a few days left to the event.

Remember... We DO accept some walkin registrations, although I'm not expecting very many. I'm a little worried actually... as we get near our Max number 40 things will get tricky. As of right now our Max number is for food, reg. packs & class spaces. I may have to turn away people after my Max number... That would be a shame as I would love to collect as many pledges as I can. I hope most people register in advance!

Okay for those of you who are registered and ready to come on down here are a few preview shots...

{another layout example for my class - Spectacular Stencils}

{ 10 full prize bags for the Silent Auction}

{40 Registration Bags ~ ready to go}

{3 containers of Garage Sale Items & various prizes}

I hope you like what you see! See some of you on Saturday!

Cindy

~ sense-ational sunday ~

2009-04-12T18:45:00.005-05:00

Happy Easter Everyone!

Just thought I'd let you know how things have been going around here!

It's been crazy getting ready for the Scrappin' for MS! NEXT WEEKEND! ~ collecting prizes {tonnes of them!}; purging & gathering for the Garage Sale at the event ~ recording the donations that have been generously made; making signs for the various activities around the gym; and coming up with a fun & yet realxing schedule for the day! And you know that I'm loving every minute of it! :)

I hope you all are having a fantastic Easter. What a great day to celebrate Spring!

Here's how it's been over here in my little corner of the world...

{Good Friday - Public Way of the Cross - Archbishop Wisegerber holding the cross on the other side}

{Saturday - Easter Egg Colouring - Having a little bit of fun with Jules, dying some eggs}

{Easter Sunday - Big Family Lunch at the Portuguese Association of MB}

I feel so blessed & grateful for all that I have been given.

I see my daughter, husband, mother, father, sister (s) & brother.

I hear prayer for a great day & eternity in a loving place and the familiar sound of a cute little toy (bunny).

I smell great food made by fabulous people.

I cannot wait to taste some of the fabulous chocolate my daughter has been given... you bet she's sharing! :)

Have a great weekend & I'll post some more pics in the weeks to come.

Cindy

fabu friday!

2009-04-03T09:19:00.008-05:00

Hi there!

Things are on a roll for Scrappin' for MS! on April 18th, 2009. I've spent most of this week picking up prizes, doing some paper work & getting things together for this great cropping event. If you haven's registered yet send me an e-mail and I'll get the registration form to you. If you won't know unitl closer to the date, don't worry about space... we'll be accepting walk in registrations for the event!

I have some fabulous friends who have offered to design and teach a few classes at this year's event, and I know that you're all gonna want to come & try them. As everyone gets 1 free class and there are walk in registrations, the procedure for sign up is as follows:

* Samples & sign-up sheets will be at a table for a first-come-first served basis for a max of 10 per class.

* Once class begins, if there are any open spots and you'd like to do a second class, you can do so for the price of a donation to the MS Society!

* There are 4 classes being offered & as of yesterday there were only 21 registrations (with room for plenty more)

Here are the classes being offered at our event:

{stencil layout - lucky me~ Cindy Cordeiro}

{round card class - you colour my world ~ Kelsey Kolench}

{mini-album - about me ~ Ellen Thompson}

{mini-album - you two ~ Ellen Thompson}

I'm really excited about this event & I can't wait to see how each of you interpret your class creation!

Remember... if you want to come just send me a message & I'll get a registration form to you ASAP!

See you soon,

Cindy

~ buzy little bee...again! ~

2009-02-24T21:00:00.004-06:00

I'm trying to blog on a regualr basis... I really am! :S

Everytime I plan on getting to the computer, something comes up... dishes, laundry, sick baby, sick me... you name it it's been happening here! :)

Anywho, besides ther regular life, I've managed to do 2 things in the past month...

1. Create a trilogy of my wedding albums

> Pre Wedding day - social, shower & other fun pics
> Wedding Day - Ceremony & Formal shots
> Wedding Day 2 - 2 of us shots & Reception

2. I've completed album # 2 ~ Yay for me!

I've also managed to compelte some much needed event details for Scrappin for MS!
Here they are:

Saturday, April 18th, 2009 ~ 9:00am to 9:00pm
St. Charles Catholic School ~ 331 St. Charles St.

Registration: $35 / person ~ send me an e-mail to get your registration form
Cheques or Cash Accepted ~ Please make all cheques payable to: Cindy Cordeiro

INCLUDES:
$15 donation directly to MS Society (tax receipt)
Free Beverages & Snacks throughout the day
Free Make n Take
Free Class of your choice
Goodie / Registration Bag
Catered Dinner
Door Prizes & Games
Lots of croppin' space
Option to take Other Classes for small donation
Garage Sale of Gently Used Items

Lunch is on your own, so a list of nearby restaurants will be provided in your registration packages.

All proceeds go directly to the MS Society via MS Walk donation.

Registrations are already coming in so please send yours in soon. I'll happily accomodate groups and set tables & chairs aside for you. Everything is on a first come, first served basis!

I hope to see you there!
Cindy

~ wow wednesday ~

2009-01-21T20:12:00.005-06:00

My wow is with Microsoft Vista.
For all of the bad press on Vista, I actually enjoy it.
I've been on the past week & although different, it is quite managable & clear.
I hope that this keeps up... you'll hear about it if it doesn't! :)

Upcoming Events:
4th annual Scrappin' for MS!

I've finally narrowed down a couple of dates for this event.

It's been tricky with the Brandon Charity moving to Early April,

Easter Weekend in the middle of the Month &

Scrapyard Scrapbooking having their convention the weekend I usually have mine.

wow... when I fall behind, I really fall behind...

Anywho, I'll let you know as soon as my team gets back to me on which date would work best for them.

As for the location, we're moving to St. Charles Catholic School, bigger, brighter & seperate cafeteria. It's also free! :)

As was in the past Registration includes a $15 dollar donation to the MS Society, registration pack, 1 class (others optional), Prizes, Dinner & now possibly lunch.

The school caterer is puttiong together a list of foods & prices for me. So, we might be moving on from Pizza & Veggies, while still maintaining a low registration price of $35.

I'm really excited about this year's event!

If you would like to participate in any way shape or form, please give me a call, send me an e-mail or post a comment below. I'll take all the help I can get to make this event fun, fabulous & successful.

Last year, with a litte help from some dear scrapbooking friends,my participant numbers doubled & I was able to raise over $650 dollars. I hope to raise just as much, if not more, as I walk for a very dear freind of mine this year.

I'll keep posting more info & I'll even send out an invitiation using facebook.

Mommy's Scrap Club!

So this has sort of fizzled, but I'm still hoping to have some sort of scrap club that meets once a month. I really need it to keep me scrapbooking. I know I'm not the only one finding it difficult to scrapbook, raise a child & work. :) Let me know if you're still interesed & I'll set up some dates. I'm hoping to have my first one at the end of next week, but we'll see how it goes.

I'll send out an invite via my newsletter e-mail list & if you're not on it give me a buzz via phone, e-mail or blog. I'll be happy to pass it along to you!

Talk to you all again soon,

Cindy

wow... that was a lot for one day...

~ good grief ~

2009-01-17T13:40:00.004-06:00

So, I finally have my car back & I finally have my computer back.

Wow, I never knew just how much I relied on those two things alone to make my life easier!

Well, they're back and here I am trying to figure out how I'm going to do all of things I need to do in 2 days. I'll let you know how it goes. :)

~ Surfin' Saturday ~

You need to check out these 2 wonderful women & their fabulous website & blogs:

Kerri Malloy & Linda Fennell own & operate Rhubarb Roots Scrapbooking & Rhubarb Roots Blog
in Altona, MB. & now they've expanded to Rhubarb Roots Photography.

I don't know how they do it, but keep up the wonderful inspiration & great work ladies!

Cindy

~ brrrr ~

2009-01-13T21:28:00.004-06:00

I hate this -40 weather.
You'd think it would make me stay inside and scrapbook, but noooooo...
My car up & dies on me yesterday,
my computer up & dies on me later that same evening annnd
my daughter is teething, which means I had to get up & out of my WARM bed to soothe her
(which I really don't mind doing, but I like to write in 3s!)

I also had a late night at school with a parent meeting tonight.

On the positive,
my car is ready for pick up tomorrow & is costing me less than I expected ~ YIPPEE! ~,
I still have my laptop to work with at home annnd
Lulu's tooth popped this morning which hopefully means that we'll all have a full night's rest this evening.

I have no pictures for you today, but I am working on my wedding album. As soon as my other (faster) computer is up & running I'll upload some photos of how I'm turning a plain 200 pg, 4x6 album into my favourite piece of family memories. I really can't believe how easy & beautiful this piece is turning out!

P.S. Watch out for news on this year's Scrapping for MS! Crop. I'll be posting some info as that month comes to an end. If you'd like more info stay tuned to our blog or check in to a unique flair.

Talk to you soon,
Cindy

~ lovin' it! ~

2009-01-07T22:18:00.004-06:00

~ WOW Wednesday ~

So, as you can see I've added a slide show & I have to say that...

1. It was a lot easier to use than I thought &
2. I really like it.

In school, I asked the kids what they would like to try in 2009 and they came up with some great ideas.
For me, I knew that I needed to show a little bit more of my work and I knew that this slide show was pretty common on most blogs.
So, this was my try in 2009.
By no means is it going to be my last, but it is my first and it was quite successful. Yeah me!

Let me know what you think.
Should I scrap it {file it under G} ? Is too much? Do I need more pictures and of what?

Next topic for today's WOW... My appology.
I'm really sorry that I've been gone for so long.
I promised not to dissapoint & I did.
I fell behind in everything scrapbooking and A Unique Flair, and I have no excuse.
As I said in my first post of this year, I want to make my life better and I've made a committment to myself to do so. Part of this is to scrapbook on a more regular basis, devote time to my blog for me & my followers, and come up with some awesome crops to help us all spend sometime doing what we love... scrapbooking.
So, I've started a new project ~my wedding album~, and I'm starting to plan my annual Crop Scrappin' for MS!. I'll have some photos and details shortly.

I hope we all have a better & healthier New Year!
talk to you soon,
Cindy

~ good news! ~

2009-01-06T20:42:00.005-06:00

Hi everyone!

My NEW website is up and running.

a unique flair - scrapbooking services & classes

Let me know what you think!

I've been trying my best to work out how people use it and I think I've come up with a good site.
If you can I'd love some feedback on it. Really any feedback at all... good or bad... what works well and what needs immediate improvement.

You can post a comment on this blog or send me an e-mail at cindy@auniqueflair.com.

My gallery is still under construction but I have a little preview for you right here...

I hope to hear from you soon,
Cindy

~ it's been a while ~

2009-01-04T13:46:00.004-06:00

Life certainly has its ups and downs, and WOW am I prone to them! :)
So much has happened in the last few months...
* juggling motherhood & my new job
* family in the hospital
* my brother's wedding
* searching for a new house
* my sister coming back to town and so much more...
I'm happy that's it the new year, and that I get a fresh start to make my life better and easier.
Here's to wanting better and making it happen!

Happy New Year Everyone!

{photo: freckleface photography}

Talk to you soon,

Cindy

~ Winner! ~

2008-09-10T19:01:00.003-05:00

Our Giveaway Winner is...

Annet!

Please send me an e-mail & we'll talk delivery of your prize!

Thank you all for entering the contest.

Cindy

~ Giveaway News! ~

2008-09-09T21:10:00.003-05:00

Alright it looks like there are 10 of you who signed up.
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

I'll have the winner posted tomorrow morning!

See you then!
Cindy

~ September Newsletter ~

2008-09-08T21:54:00.008-05:00

In this newsletter...
Editorial
Upcoming Events

And it has Begun...

So we've all seen the last couple weeks rush by in a blur as we ( in one way or another) get ready for back to school. I've been so crazy I've put aside my website & I sincerely appololgize. I am working on it and once it's up & running it will be great. Much more informative & so much easier to navigate. I'm also hoping to have a friend help me out with the gallery & take some new photos of my work. All of these lofty hopes take time, which as I mentioned earlier, has gone by in blur. So my new deadline for this magical website is the end of September. As I have been at it in my spare time this week, it should be done by then. :)

Thanks for signing up as followers... I promise not to dissapoint! I'll announce our Giveaway Winner Wednesday Morning!

I'll finish this little editorial by reminding you of some of the changes occuring this fall with Say it with Flair & A Unique Flair.com. Should you have any questions, feel free to leave me a comment or e-mail me directly at cindy@auniqueflair.com.

Make-n-Take Mondays, Thesauraus Thursdays, & "Sense-ational" Sundays will be my regular blog posts. If I have time, I'll post the rest along with my usual banter.

Make-n-take Mondays will be more Interactive. I will be featuring some Great People & Projects every Monday. I would really like to showcase some of the great ideas out there. All you have to do is send in a photo of your project, step by step instructions on how to create it, and a photo of yourself to cindy@auniqueflair.com. If there is no post it's because there were no entries submitted for that week. I hope to hear from you {my readers} SOON! :) If I see something you've done I might possibly ask you for permission & a photo & share your great idea for you. You decide whether or not I can!

Newsletters will only be on the blog. Newsletter subscribers will get the usual e-mail with a link to both my website for new changes & the blog for current information.

I'll be planning only CROPS for the following year. Classes take up a lot of extra time, that I unfortunately will not have. I will however, take small groups of beginner classes. Please contact me for days & times. If you have any questions or if you want to know how to do a certain technique, be sure to e-mail me. I'll either add it to my Tuesday Tag Book blog or create a class just for you.

Finally, I'm looking for Sponsors. Manitoba based if possible, but I'm looking for anyone willing to help me give you {my readers} prizes. As I'm not a store I don't have easy access to products, but I do have a client list & I know that I can share lots of goodies with them via my newsletter.

Once again, thanks for taking some time out of your busy day to come & visit. I'd love to hear from you & possibly feature your fantastic scrapbooking.

Cindy

Upcoming Events...

September 26th, 2008 - 7:00 pm - Back to School Crop - A Unique Flair

September 12th & 13th, 2008 - 9am to 11pm - Scrapbook Theme Crop - Themecrops.com

October 17th to 19th, 2008 - Fall Getaway - Smalltown Scrappers

See you around!
Cindy

~ giveaway! ~

2008-09-07T11:38:00.002-05:00

Hiya!

We're this months' sponsor and I'd like to giveaway one {I have 4 of them} of those cute mini album kits this week.

To win this giveaway all you have to do is sign up as one of my blog followers by the end of the day Tuesday, September 9th, 2008 (9:00 p.m. central time). I'll draw a name at 9:30 p.m. & announce the winner on Wednesday.

Check out my little box of "Fellow Bloggers & Scrappers"; that's where I'll see you.

Happy scrappin'!
Cindy

~ sense-ational sunday ~

2008-09-07T09:40:00.003-05:00

Hi!
This past week has been so crazy... with dropping off the little one at mom-in-law's at 7:00 a.m. every morning, starting fresh as a Kindergarten Teacher on tuesday, and trying to scrapbook some of my summer memories. whew!

However, I promised to start in September, so here I go...

I see:
My bright and organized classroom. It took me about 3 weeks to get it cleaned up and organized so that I feel like it's my room, but it's done. And I think the kids really enjoyed it as well. Yipee!

I feel:
EXHAUSTED! Why did no one tell me that being a working mom, wife, daughter & sister; all at the same time, was so tough???? Oh yeah... you did. :)

I hear:
My little girl saying mama & papa. So sweet!

I taste:
Eggs & toast. I don't have any pancake mix in my house yet {which is my Sunday morning usual} so I had to settle for scrambled eggs & toast. It was yummy!

I touch:
My computer keyboard. It's been about a week and I miss it! :) I think I'm becoming a tech junkie! :) oh well... it could be worse... ;)

Well, I'll see you all tomorrow with the Newsletter for the month.
Cindy

~ I'm back! ~

2008-09-01T21:54:00.005-05:00

Hi everyone!

How was your summer? I had a blast!

I took the time I needed to rest & relax; now I'm back & ready to go.

I need a couple of days to get my thoughs back together, but I'll post a September newsletter soon. Until then, here are some shots of my summer...

~ edmonton mall ~

~ our home away from home ~

~ the family in jasper, ab ~

~ scrapbooking...duh ~

~ at the kicking horse mountain resort ; golden, bc. ~

~ my fav. photo of the whole trip!~

~ up on Sulphur Montain ~

~ fav. family photo {near the cave & basin in Banff} ~

~ enjoying the flowers at Bannf Springs Hotel ~

See you soon,

Cindy

~ it's summer time! ~

2008-07-19T10:34:00.004-05:00

I hope you are all having as much fun as I am! :)

I am really enjoying my summer so far & I'm so excited about my upcoming trip.

{ gimili harbour }

As you know {via my june newsletter} I'm off for the summer. I felt REALLY guilty about not blogging, at first, but a friend of mine reminded me that taking the summer off means that I should feel no guilt or pressure, so I won't. I'll be back in full swing in September & hopefully with a new website. {Yes, that I'm working on...}

Anyways, I thought I would share a few exciting this that have happened in the last few weeks & give you a tip for Scrapbooking Summer Traveling; here you go:

1. Lulu turned 1!
I was / am a very proud momma. She walks and chatters away and now is growing in some very cute curls. There is not enough time in the day to scrapbook everything I want to about her! :)

2. I finished my brother's wedding invitations this week.
I'm so relieved, as I'm heading out to Alberta & BC this week-end. I'll post some photos of them and the rest of the stationary in September.

3. Lulu & I had our last playdate yesterday.
This has been such a great experience for both of us. I felt great about being able to get out of the house, I connected with other fabulous moms in Winnipeg, and I know that Lulu is growing beautifully becasue of her connections with the boys! :) {she was the only girl in the group - what a trooper!}

And last, for today, here's your tip for the summer:

Create your travel journal before you go on your trip. It saves you time & money. You buy & gaterh your materials now and you also have an almost completed book for when you get home {all you have left is to pop in your pictures} .

Here's mine for this summer...

I love trying new things so I went to Home Sense /Winners {they have such a greart selection of neat journals & sometimes scrapbooking items for great prices} & looked for a journal I could easily make into a scrapbook/journal. I found this one with an accordian pocket already in it & for only $5! I was tempted to buy more than 1, but then I really wouldn't be saving any money, would I.

I headed then to Michael's and found some Making Memories embellishments on sale & I grabbed those too!

The journal had an oriental themed cover, so I grabbed some outdoor / nature patterned paper & covered it to adapt it to my upcoming camping trip out west. I then added some new embellishments & a chipboard piece with a title & presto, my travel journal/scrapbook is done! My layered embellishment cover is inspired by vanessa {a gal with great scrapbooking sense}. I love how she does this & tried it myself. I love it... it looks so good! Thanks for the idea vanessa!

Now, as I'm heading out for several weeks, and I really can't go that long without scrapbooking, I'm taking a little kit with me. Here it is...

I know that Lulu will keep me busy, but I hope that along with writing about my travels, I'll be able to be creative with my journaling & all the little trinkets & memorabilia I'm sure to pick up along the way!

Well, I'm off! Have a great summer & see you in September!

Cindy

~ my garden ~

2008-06-23T12:31:00.006-05:00

So, I was so excited about this week's Sense-ational Sunday, as we headed out to a bbq at a friend's place. We had so much fun I forgot to take photos! Seriously! This dosen't usually happen as I'm the photo lady... the one who says that a camera is an essential piece in the diaper bag. But it did this week-end. Sorry about that. Just know that it was a great time to be ahd by all!

I did take some time this week-end to work on my garden. I promised to keep you updated so here's a few shots...

the flower bed is green now... tulips are gone & the mid summer flowers are on their way!

We decided {meaning me} that this side of the house needed something more so....
before

during

after

I'm so happy with my new pots! I went out to buy some flowers for them & I'll post some shots of those once I get them in!

Talk to you soon,

Cindy

~ princess for a day ~

2008-06-19T14:25:00.003-05:00

I'm a Princess today!

I was contacted by Queen Kat Bloggers Club a few weeks past & I was so excited to be asked to be a part of their club! These ladies feature fabulous crafters on a daily basis. Visit their blog at Queen Kat Bloggers Club and let them know I sent you!

Have a great day everyone!
Cindy

~ sense-ational sunday ~

2008-06-15T11:57:00.003-05:00

Happy Father's Day!
Here's my sense-ational sunday for today...

I See:

my hubby & his daughter enjoying their 1st Father's Day together.
He's run the Manitoba Marathon for a few years now and we are both so proud of him!
Way to go Dad!

I Hear:

thousands of footsteps as people run, jog & walk for those who cannot. I also hear thousands of others cheering and clapping encouragement to those who participate. I'm always so impressed atthe variety of ages at this event!

Way to go Manitobans!

I Touch:

scrapbooking paper again. Yipee! I finally had time this week to do a little scrapbooking. I made my little girl's 1st birthday party invitations. She's turing 1 in July. I'm soooo excited for her!

I Taste:

a venti, decaf, caramel macchiato. I'm really a Tim's person, but I didn't have any cash and this was the closest coffee this morning after dropping off my hubby at his relay station. It was good.

I Smell:

my pretty flowers. I walked to the front of my house this morning and found these beauties. I'm so happy my mom planted them last fall.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Cindy

~ June Newsletter ~

2008-06-09T09:45:00.006-05:00

In this newsletter...

Editorial
Upcoming Events

Wishing...

Don't you sometimes wish for more hours in a day? I certainly do. Like most of you who read my blog, scrapbooking is a hobby. It's fabulous, creative, fun, communal & time-consuming, but a hobby none the less. I've had to come to this realization this past week, as there was just no time for it. I had to push my guilt {for not scrapbooking, not blogging and not working on my new website} away, and just do what I needed to do. I hope you all understand.

With this said, I have some great news to share... Last week, after a couple of months of applying and interviewing, I received an offer for a New Teaching Position. I'm super excited about it! It means so much to me on so many different levels and of course it means changes. First and foremost I'll be taking the summer off. I usually do, but this one is a little different as lulu will be turning 1, I'll finally be finishing my yard & I'll be preparing for a brand new classroom {so much to do, so little time} . I've also come to the decision that although my business {A Unique Flair - Scrapbooking Services & Classes} is important to me, my family & friends are more important. So this Fall you'll be seeing these changes:

Make-n-Take Mondays, Thesauraus Thursdays, & "Sense-ational" Sundays will be my regular blog posts. If I have time, I'll post the rest along with my usual banter.

Newsletters will only be on the blog. Newsletter subscribers will get the usual e-mail with a link to both my website for new changes & the blog for current information.

I'll be planning only CROPS for the following year. Classes take up a lot of extra time, that I unfortunately will not have. If you have any questions or if you want to know how to do a certain technique, be sure to e-mail me & I'll add it to my Tuesday Tag Book blog.

Upcoming Events...

June 13th, 2008 - 7:00 pm - Mommy's Scrap Club - A Unique Flair

June 14th, 2008 - 9am to 11pm - Scrapbook Crop - Themecrops.com

July 11th - 13th, 2008 - Simplify your Summer Retreat - Smalltown Scrappers

See you around & have a fabulous summer!

Cindy

~ sense-ational sunday ~

2008-06-01T19:27:00.004-05:00

My brother's wedding shower was a great success.

I feel... really happy to be getting another sister... Thanks Mark!

I see... a nicely decorated hall. Great job ladies!

I hear... congratulations as the honoured couple entered the hall.

I touch... everything. Along with Antonella's family, I decorate the hall & set out the food for everyone. I think they enjoyed it! {good thing we made a lot of it!}

I taste... fabulous peaches. A great dessert my sis-in-law makes. {I'll also be tasting my cousin's pasta salad for a week ~ leftovers~yummy!}

Have a good week everyone!

Cindy

~ surfin' saturday ~

2008-05-31T17:49:00.001-05:00

Today's surfin' saturday is short & sweet...

Check out pagemaps.com.
Yet another great site for sketches.

Enjoy!

~ questions & answers ~

2008-05-31T17:23:00.003-05:00

Thanks for all of the fabulous comments in the past month. I really appreciate it. It's good to know people are actually reading this! :)

Here are some answers to some of the questions I was asked...

I used to enjoy being on Scrapbooking forums, however the last couple of years have been really busy & I haven't really had time to keep up with any of them. I used to participate as cindysuniqueflare on the Smalltown Scrappers & Love is in the Details forums. I miss them and the fantastic people on them, but I do see them around the province at various events and communicate with them via my blog.

I use a variety of stamps in my scrapbooking. I buy my stamps at various stores in the city, but always on sale! :)
Kelsey Kolench is who I go to for Close to my Heart Orders.
Heather Fisher is who I go to for Stampin' Up Orders
If you'd like to get in touch with either of these ladies send me an e-mail at cindy@auniqueflair.com and I'll get the info. to you.

My scrap space emerged slowly; it's take 3 years to get it this way. I put it together literally piece by piece. I bought all of my organizational pieces as I needed them, on sale and I re-organized the space as I added pieces. Most of my purchaces were at Michael's {vertical storage & tools} and Superstore {rubbermaid drawers, mini totes & pencil boxes} My latest piece was the rubbermaid 4 drawer chest on the floor by my chair. That piece has been my lifesaver since I bought it and reorganized.

Last but not least, I loved doing the stationary & scrapbook for my brother's shower. Unfortunately, I did not make the lolipops. I bought them at Dollarama. They're good!

Again, Thanks for the comments and keep them coming.
Happy Saturday to all of you!
Cindy

~ fabu friday ~

2008-05-30T17:52:00.004-05:00

Yippee, the week-end is here!

I'm so busy with my brother's wedding shower, it's not even funny.

So that's my weekend... the shower is on Sunday and I still have food to make!

Last week-end I spent it being blah, but during the week I've been scrapbooking and creating. I have to say, it's some of my best work. :) Here's what I've been doing...

~ Thank you Tags! ~

~ Invitation {done earlier in the month} ~

~ Story Scrapbook ~

Enjoy your week-end!

Ooooo. I've been featured in the 6th edition of the Canadian Scrapbookers Carnival. Take a visit and let them know I sent you. Have fun visiting others around Canada while you're at it!

Cindy

~ thesaurus thursday ~

2008-05-29T21:33:00.003-05:00

Here is your word for thesauraus thursday...

word: celebrate

definition: {from dictionary.com}

1. to observe (a day) or commemorate (an event) with ceremonies or festivities: to celebrate Christmas; to celebrate the success of a new play.
2. to make known publicly; proclaim: The newspaper celebrated the end of the war in red headlines.
3. to praise widely or to present to widespread and favorable public notice, as through newspapers or novels: a novel celebrating the joys of marriage; the countryside celebrated in the novels of Hardy.
4. to perform with appropriate rites and ceremonies; solemnize: to celebrate a marriage
5. to observe a day or commemorate an event with ceremonies or festivities.
6. to perform a religious ceremony, esp. Mass or the Lord's Supper.
7. to have or participate in a party, drinking spree, or uninhibited good time: You look like you were up celebrating all night.

synonym: honor, rejoice, remember, solemnize, glorify, honor, applaud, commend

Happy Scrappin'
Cindy

~ wow wednesday ~

2008-05-29T21:24:00.002-05:00

It's been a busy few days around here!
I'm sorry I missed yesterday's blog. My brother's wedding shower is on Sunday and I've been getting some keepsakes ready for them to share.

Well here's some news for you Winnipeg Scrapbookers...
Dalcrafts is MOVING!
Their building has been sold and they are planning to move this summer.
They're not leaving or going out of business, just moving.
It's business as usual for these two fabulous gals, and to make sure you know it, they're having a sale for the next few weeks...
Tell them that you heard they're moving and you get 25% your entire purchase.
Yep. 25% off of your entire purchase. It's great.
See you there!
Cindy

~ tag book tuesday ~

2008-05-27T22:07:00.005-05:00

Hiya!

So today's technique is Double Stamping.

This was the technique I used in yesterday's make-n-take flower.

Double Stamping...

1. Gather your materials: tag, scrap paper,

2 similarly shaped stamps ~ one with a large surface area & one detailed image~ , &

2 inks ~ either the same colour in 2 shades or 2 different colours.

For this tag I used 2 different colours; they coordinate & have enough contrast to show stamp details.

2. Take your 1st stamp & your lightest coloured ink & stamp your image. If the ink is still too dark, try this: Ink your stamp, stamp once on a scrap piece and then stamp {without re-inking} onto your final piece. This will give you the same colour, just lighter.
3. Let the 1st colour dry. Take your 2nd image & your darker colour and stamp this image onto your 1st.
4. Cut it out & use on your card or layout. Have fun with your stamps try different combinations & let me know what you come up with.

Happy Scrappin',
Cindy

~ make-n-take monday ~

2008-05-26T18:03:00.005-05:00

Seeing as yesterday was such a blah day I opted for a pretty make-n-take today!

Happy Hello - Note Card

1. Gather your materials: scraps of paper, scissors / paper cutter, flower stamps, inks in various shades of one colour & edging scissors.

2. Double stamp your flower image, using your 2 chosen colours & cut around it with your edging scissors.
3. Ink your flower edge with a bright colour {I used yellow}. Add any embellishment you'd like for your flower centre {I used a large button that matched my background}.

4. Ink the edges of your background / note card, on both sides.

5. Use fibre or ribbon or ric rac to make your flower stem. Add more dimension to your note card by using 3d squares to adhere your flower.

6. Stamp your greeting and voila! You have yourself a pretty little note card!

Happy Scrappin'

Cindy

~ sense-ational sunday ~

2008-05-25T21:20:00.004-05:00

Today is a very blah day. It's raining outside and has been cloudy since I woke up this morning. I'm a sun person. I really am.

I feel... lathargic. No sun = no spirit for me. {I'm like one of those kids who is sitting by the window hoping the rain would go away} I did nothing on my weekend list today. I know! I had the time and I couldn't get myself to scrapbook. Blah! {okay, this means I played with lulu all day and that was fun}

I see... a cloudy sky. Really, who wants to wake up to this? {Good thing I have lulu, who is my everyday sunshine}

I touch... warm soapy water. I have to do something and my mountain of dishes {I have no dishwasher} was calling out to me.

I hear... the pitter patter of rain, on and off all day today. It's a little depressing but, it's okay as I haven't had a chance to go out & water my garden, so it was needed.

I taste... some great juice. I bought this juice as a splurge {I was feeling tired of being the only one in my home who makes the juice} and I'm in love! It's good for me too! yipee!

Sorry today's post is a little depressing. How was your Sunday? Someone cheer me up!

Cindy

~ surfin' saturday ~

2008-05-24T15:25:00.006-05:00

Hi again,
I was organizing my scrap space last night and I took a break to read some blogs for today... surfin' saturday.

I started at Sisterhood of Scrap & this week's "sister" Shannon Wyman recommended this blog: Notes From Your Calm & Collected Organizer. What a great read & what great organizational ideas. It's right up my ally this weekend! {I bought my cubbies (at superstore for $20) as soon as I started to overflow my rubbermaid containers & I've loved them since!}

Here's a look at my studio space...

~ my laptop & photo printer ~

~ my studio table & scrap space ~

{yes, there are times I have the table full of ideas for 1 layout!}

~ my rubbermaid draws full of essentials: adhesives, scissors, markers on top; chipboard & plastic pieces next; flowers, tins & punches in the 3rd drawer; and bags & extra class supplies in the bottom drawer ~

~ my scrappn' supplies organized in metal cubbies ~

{I also use pencil boxes, baby wipes containers & rubbermaid totes & mini drawers within the cubbies to hide sharp & little items from lulu - it also hides the little clutter}

~ my paper, stickers, rub-ons, scraps & specialtiies are stored vertically for easy acess & more storage space in my cubbies ~

Now that my space is organized {till I go nutty again}, I'm going to add this blog {Notes from your Calm & Collected Organizer} to my list, you should too!

Happy Surfin',
Cindy

~ fabu friday ~

2008-05-23T11:26:00.002-05:00

I'm gonna have a fabulous week-end... I'm scrapbooking most of it! Yippee!

Tonight... I'm doing the much needed re-organizing of my scrap space & hopefully finishing up a baby eventful frame. {the little guy is so cute ~ I'll post a photo next fri}
Saturday... I'm teaching a teen class in the morning & then creating a scrapbook for my brother & his wife-to-be.
Sunday... I'm getting ready for their wedding shower; I'm creating the thank you tags & love notes for everyone to fill out for the lucky couple. I'll post some photos next friday!

As for last week-end, we had a great time with family & friends. I also started on some gardening, which took me most of the week to complete. It inspired me to create some more... So, I'm gonna build a retaining wall with another flower bed, on the other side of the house. I can't wait!

So, there are no photos of the gatherings because the camera batteries died and then they were charging. I'm sorry about that. :( But you did get to see my garden shots didn't you??? Check out wow wednesday for those photos!

See you tomorrow!
Cindy

~ thesaurus thursday ~

2008-05-22T11:01:00.002-05:00

Here's your word for thesaurus thursday...

word: beautiful

definition: {from dictionary.com}

1. having beauty; having qualities that give great pleasure or satisfaction to see, hear, think about, etc.; delighting the senses or mind: a beautiful dress; a beautiful speech.
2. excellent of its kind: a beautiful putt on the seventh hole; The chef served us a beautiful roast of beef.
3. wonderful; very pleasing or satisfying. –noun
4. the concept of beauty (usually prec. by the).
5. (used with a plural verb) beautiful things or people collectively (usually prec. by the): the good and the beautiful.
6. the ideal of beauty (usually prec. by the): to strive to attain the beautiful. –interjection
7. wonderful; fantastic: You got two front-row seats? Beautiful!
8. extraordinary; incredible: used ironically: Your car broke down in the middle of the freeway? Beautiful!

synonyms: lovely, hadsome, gorgeous, stunning, attractive, picturesque, scenic, charming, wonderful, exquisite

~ wow wednesday ~

2008-05-22T10:45:00.005-05:00

I'm pitiful... sorry.

Here you go my wow for the day {yes I know it was yesterday} is that my front flower garden is done. Here are a couple of shots of the before & after.

~ before ~

~ after ~

I'm really excited about this because I can see that the little tulips I transplanted last fall have come up and grown beautifully. I'm sure to have more blooms next year. I also planted some white daisies {in honour & as a reminder of my little sis~ she loves daisies} & I can see the first set of daisies ~ red ones ~ already coming up.

~ my sister's daisies ~

My mom & I also planted some orchids in my flower bed last summer & I was observant enough to see them coming up as well {instead of pulling them out} . I'm really excited about the possibilities of these beauitiful flowers & the colour combinations I've chosen. As they grow I'll post more photos.

Cindy

~ tag book tuesday ~

2008-05-20T18:24:00.004-05:00

Journaling blocks are all over the place right now and honestly they're great.
Like Goldilocks' bed they're not too big and not too small.
They're just the right size for a little bit of detail and info to make your layout complete.
Some use pre-made journalling blocks, while others stamp them into their layouts. Here's my version of a journaling block. {I use both! :)}

With that said, here's another great technique using scraps of photo paper {see yesterday's post for another great idea!} . Try it out and add it ot your tag book!

Here's what you are going to need: photo paper scraps, journaling block stamps & ink, edging scissors & a marker.

Photo paper is great for stamping because it leaves a clean & crisp image. Some things you need to remember are: make sure the stamp is clean and that you blot the stamp with the ink pad {see below}. This will ensure no stray ink spots .

If you've never tried Acrylic stamps this picture says it all!

To complete my journalling block I brought out my trusty scissors & cut the block out with a decorative edge. I used a permanent marker to ensure no smudging.

I hope you try this little technique. Let me know if you did!

Cindy

~ make-n-take monday ~

2008-05-19T15:47:00.006-05:00

I know I'm always in need of thank you cards, are you?

Here's a quick recipie for making a couple of thank you notes using only some scraps. Best part of these cards... they use the photo paper scraps I always feel guilty throwing away. {as I use various sizes of photos on my layouts, I print my photos at home}

1. Gather your materials: cardstock scrap, photo paper scrap, sticy notes, inks, brayer, thank you stamps & marker.

2. Cover you photo scrap in sticky notes. Create 3 layers of sticky notes, you'll see why shortly.

3. Cover your brayer in ink. Use the darkest ink first; this will be your dominant colour {see the examples above} .

4. Now take the 1st layer of sticky notes off & clean your brayer by rolling it on some other scrap piece of paper. Use the next colour, which should be lighter than the 1st, but darker than the last, to over the now white surface.

5. Remove the last layer of sticky notes & use the last colour to cover the remaining white surfaces.

6. Now, cut this inked piece as you see inspiration & how it will fit the cardstock pieces you have.

7. Once cut, ink the edges in acoordinationg colour & stamp your thank you on it. Embellish your card as you want & voila!

Enjoy!

Cindy

~ sense-ational sunday ~

2008-05-19T15:27:00.003-05:00

sorry, sorry, sorry...

I themed my blogs so that I would remember to blog everyday, but I cannot compete with Murphy's law. :)

My sense-ational sunday is based on my being outside yesterday. It was such a great day; warm sunny & just that slight breeze that keeps you comfortable while you're working. Here I go:

I SEE my front flower bed in desperate need of some weeding.

I TOUCH the soil, making sure my hands are coverd with gloves. This is just in case I happen to touch the many bugs that are living in the dead mulch & beneath the weeds. eewww!

I HEAR my little one blabbing away in her stroller, playing with her toys, while I'm on my knees weeding.

I FEEL the sun on my back & on my arms as I open up the ground for my beautiful tulips. I can't believe they can grow so well in and amongst all of the large weeds.

I TASTE clean & clear water as I seek relief for my thirst.

I would show you a shot of my newly weeded garden, only that it's only half done. My little one didn't want to be outside anymore. At lease the tulips are happier!

Cindy

~ surfin' saturday ~

2008-05-18T09:25:00.004-05:00

sorry this is a day late... it was crazy here yesterday!

Surfin' Saturday is all about sharing what I have found on the web. Most sites & informaiton will be scrapbooking realated while others, not so much.

I've been really interested in sketches lately {as my little one sometimes leaves me with little or no decent time to scrapbook, sketches have come in really handy}, and here are few sites I've travelled to & enjoy!

Take some time to visit these fabulous ladies & try out their sketches. I hope you find them as inspiring as I do!

See you later,

Cindy

~ fabu friday ~

2008-05-16T16:47:00.002-05:00

Fridays, in general, are great because they signal the beginning of the best part of the week... the week-end! I am always excited about the week-end; I make plans to meet up with family & freinds, or I plan to go outside to have some fun in the sun {especially now that the sun is out}, or I make plans to dome some of my easier & more entertaining house chores like gardening or dusting {believe me, when I'm in my gardening get up I'm very entertaining!}

Notice how I plan to do so much... yep, you guessed it, it usually doesn't turn out the way I planned. But, this is why I think Fridays are so fabulous. I enjoy making great plans and knowing that although I may or may not do what I had planned I'm still happy it's the weekend and not at work.

So, on Fabu fridays I'll post some photos of my previous week-end & give you my plan for the week-end to come. Hopefully there'll be lots of fun stuff to share & scrapbook about as time goes on!

Here is today's fabu friday plan...
1. do some gardening this week-end & plan my new retaining wall
2. go to a friends for a BBQ saturday evening {this is already planned}
3. go to the park & have a family play date on sunday

I can't wait! It's going to be such a great week-end!
I hope you have one too,
Cindy

~ challenges on hold ~

2008-05-15T21:27:00.003-05:00

So, I have no entries for Challenge #2.
I know I'm competing with a lot of online challenges & such, so I'm gonna hold off on the challenges until I can zip up the program. I've set a deadline date for myself, so you should see a new challenge program from A Unique Flair by the end of this summer.

Do you have any ideas how I can make my challenges more appealing?
Let me know I'm willing to try anything {within reason of course :) }

I hope to see you then,
Cindy

~ thesaurus thursday ~

2008-05-15T21:07:00.004-05:00

I love to write; I've been writing in a journal, since I received my first diary when I turned 12. It's how I usually start my scrapbooking layouts. Lately, I have been chasing my little girl with my camera trying to get her to do something that matches something I've written {I created a journal called love letters; in letters to her I document her firsts & my feelings of these occurences}.

Words are my friends, and I've noticed that some people absolutely avoid journaling in their scrapbooking because they don't know what to write about. Well, on thursdays I'll take a common word, define it, and give you several examples of other words that have similar meaning.

word: fun

definition: {from dictionary.com}

1. something that provides mirth or amusement: A picnic would be fun.
2. enjoyment or playfulness: She's full of fun. –verb (used without object), verb (used with object)
3. Informal. joke; kid. –adjective
4. Informal. of or pertaining to fun, esp. to social fun: a fun thing to do; really a fun person.
5. Informal. whimsical: flamboyant: The fashions this year are definitely on the fun side. —Idioms
6. for or in fun, as a joke; not seriously; playfully: His insults were only in fun.
7. like fun, Informal. certainly not; of doubtful truth: He told us that he finished the exam in an hour. Like fun he did!
8. make fun of, to make the object of ridicule; deride: The youngsters made fun of their teacher.

synonyms: amusement, excitement, joy, merriment, pleasure

I hope you are inspired to have a little FUN with your journaling!
Cindy

~ wow wednesday ~

2008-05-14T18:34:00.003-05:00

This is hump day, the middle of the week, the day we all feel a little blah... wow wednesday is here to change that! I'll be posting great news and really good stuff, anything that makes me go WOW! Here it is:

My 'sense-ational' sunday is a hit & I'm a link on Emily Adams's blog Trend Watcher! Check out her comments!

Our next Mommy's Scrap Club is scheduled for Friday, June 13th, 2008. The theme for the evening is "Let the Sun In". Come and join us, in studio, for a fabulously fun night of scrapbooking fun! {p.s. it's only $8 dollars!}

There's a great crop planned for Saturday, June14th, 2008! A friend of mine, Barb Plett, the owner of Themecrops.com, is planning a 14 hour crop full of fun! Check it out!

Have a great day & know that the week is almost over!
Cindy

~ tag book tuesday ~

2008-05-13T22:16:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone!

I have a fabulous little tag book that holds all of my "new" techniques. Everytime I learn a new technique I make a mini version of it on a tag & place it in my little book. So, I thought I would share some of these with you on Tuesdays.

I taught a creative chipboard class in Brandon for NSD & I'll start with one of these fabulous & easy techniques. . .

Glittered Chipboard

You'll need: chipboard piece(s), tacky liquid glue and a brush or a glue pad, and your choice of glitter. An additional option would be paint for colour if your glitter is just white or clear.

1. If your glitter is clear, apply a coat of white paint and then a coat of your colour choice onto your chipboard piece.

2. If you have coloured glitter (and once your paint is dried) you can apply a thin and even layer of tacky glue to your chipboard piece.

3. Let the glue get a little tacky & then sprinkle on the glitter. Shake of any excess glitter and if you notice any bald spots, apply a little more glue to that area (with the tip of your brush) and then sprinkle your glitter again. If you don't have glitter, you can also use embossing powder (as shown below).

4. Let it stand to dry. Leave it drying for about 1/2 hour to an hour depending on the amount of glue you applied.

5. Once it is dry you can use it on your layout.

This is a fabulous way to create coordinating pieces for your layouts, cards or other paper crafting pieces.

Happy Scrappin',

Cindy

~ a little reminder ~

2008-05-12T22:28:00.004-05:00

Entries for Challenge # 2 are due on the 15th of the month, which is Wednesday this week.
Here's my take on this challenge. I really hope to see some entries for this one!
Cindy

~ make-n-take monday ~

2008-05-12T21:58:00.006-05:00

Here's a great make-n-take for you. . .

A Large Tag Album

A. It's free {I'm not selling anything}

B. It's an great gift album that you can make within an hour &

C. You can claim to be more green as you can use {as I did} paper only from your scrap stash.

Here's how you can create it...

1. Gather Your Materials: A large tag [tracer], bigger pieces of cardstock [in the photo it's green], matching pieces of patterned paper from your scrap stash, a hole punch, paper cutter & any embellishment that you favour.

2. Trace your large tag onto your cardstock. These will be your album pages so you want them to be thicker paper, ie: cardstock. Make as many as you'd like {it is YOUR album} . Make sure to mark the hole(s). Be creative, you don't have to stick to the middle {like I did}.

3. Use your paper cutter to cut out your album pages. This will give you straighter lines and {for those of us who like to measure everything} will give us numbers to work with.

4. Once you pages are trimmed, punch the holes & embellish the edges any way you'd like. I just rounded the corners, but you can use edging scissors to create a variety of edges!

5. Now you can go ahead & create your little album any way you'd like. I used edging scissors to embellish my scrap edges & doodled around that. I also used flowers & felt embellishments that coordinated with my papers. I left room for journalling & make particular places for photos.

Let me know what your little album looks like! Send your photos or link to your photos to cindy@auniqueflair.com. Enjoy!

Cindy

~ sense-ational sunday ~

2008-05-11T11:37:00.008-05:00

As I promised, here is the beginning of my daily themed blogging.

I'm starting with becoming more aware of my life & what surrounds me. I was inspired & challenged to start my week with my senses by Emliy Adams.

This 'sense-ational' sunday is focused on my very first mother's day. As most of you know I'm a first time mom to a beautiful little girl. Being a mom meets most & exceeds every other thought or expectation I had. I'm so glad I have her in my life. Here I go.

I SEE . . .

the sweet family I am a part of. I love waking up in the morning {as I did today} and finding my little one smiling at me, and then {looking at my sleeping hubby} wondering how I got so lucky as to have 2 people in my life who love me unconditionally.

I TOUCH . . .

her cute little curls. I have poker straight hair, which I love for its ease and variability in styling, but disliked due to its plainess. My daughter has inherited my hubby's curls; I love it with absolute envy. I enjoy playing with them.

I know that I'm going to have to teacher her how to take care of these curls so that she appreciates this wonderful inherited trait {she can always blame her dad for it ;) }. I just hope that she doesn't hate her hair as she grows up... it scares me to think that my daughter will have to face all of those images & messages to always be more beautiful. I want her to grow up feeling that she is beautiful. I have a lot of work ahead of me.

I HEAR . . .

Happy Mother's Day for the first time! I absolutely loved it. Thank you lulu for giving me this wonderful day!

I know that this day is set aside just for mom's, but I know that some families have only dads or gramdparents or aunts or uncles and some with mothers in heaven. As in my previous post, being a caregiver on a daily basis is hard and yet so rewarding. My best goes out to those of you who take on this challenge, responsibility & daily dose of love.

I TASTE . . .

When I geve birth to my daughter the first thing I was given to eat was some toast & jam. I have craved it ever since. That's all I ate {at all hours & among the other food handed to me} those few days in the hospital. I would get up during the night, with my hubby & new daughter asleep in the bassinet, to make & eat some toast & jam. When I was okay enough to start driving again, I went out to buy some field berry jam & that jar didn't last me a month.

So, to start this wonderful day & had some toast & jam. I also introduced lulu to grape jelly. She likes it!

I SMELL . . .

I think my brother said it well, a few weeks after lulu was born, "You really can't bottle this [baby] smell". {only to be told by my sister that he was holding the lotion bottle in which the smell came from... we all had a good laugh at that!}

It's so true. This one thing make me want to weep, its so sweet! When I pick her up in the morning I take a deep breath of her baby smell, and smile. When I finish giving her a bath at night, I do the same and know that all is right in my world.

Well, I hope you enjoyed my 1st 'sense-ational' sunday. Let me know what you see, hear, touch, smell, & taste.

I hope you take Emily's challenge and become more aware of your surroundings!
Cindy

~ happy mother's day ~

2008-05-11T11:23:00.002-05:00

Here's a fantastic letter I received this week from a dear freind of mine ~ Lisa ~...

This is for the mothers
who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms,
wiping up barf laced with Oscar Mayer wieners and cherry Kool-Aid saying, 'It's okay honey, Mommy's here.'
Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing crying babies whocan't be comforted.
This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.
For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween costumes. And all the mothers who DON'T.
This for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see. And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.
This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections are hanging on their refrigerator doors.
And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football or soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of their cars. And that when their kids asked, 'Did you see me, Mom?' they could say, 'Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for the world,' and mean it.
This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair when they stomp their feet and scream for ice cream before dinner. And for all the mothers who count to ten instead, but realize how child abuse happens.
This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat.
For all the mothers who read 'Goodnight, Moon' twice a night for a year. And then read it again. 'Just one more time.'
This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead. This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot.
This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little voice calls 'Mom?' in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home -- or even away at college ~or have their own families.
This is for all the mothers who sent their kids to school with stomach aches, assuring them they'd be just FINE once they got there, only to get calls from the school nurse an hour later asking them to please pick them up. Right away.
This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can't find the words to reach them.
For all the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed when their 14 year olds dye their hair green.
For all the mothers of the victims of recent school shootings, and the mothers of those who did the shooting. For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely.
This is for all the mothers who taught their children to be peaceful, and now pray they come home safely from a war.

What makes a good Mother anyway? Is it patience? Compassion? Broad hips? The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time? Or is it in her heart?
Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the very first time?
The jolt that takes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2 A.M. to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby? The panic, years later, that comes again at 2 A.M. when you just want to hear their key in the door and know they are safe again in your home?
Or the need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child when you hear news of a fire, a car accident, a child dying?
The emotions of motherhood are universal and so our thoughts are for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation... And mature mothers learning to let go.
For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers. Single mothers and married mothers. Mothers with money, mothers without.
This is for you all. For all of us...
Hang in there. In the end we can only do the best we can. Tell them every day that we love them. And pray and never stop being a Mom.

Happy Mother's Day!
Cindy

~ good & bad ~

2008-05-09T18:03:00.005-05:00

We'll start with the bad news {this way the good news is great! :)}

our 1st Mommy's Scrap Club is cancelled {good thing I sent out a reminder!} Watch out for the June newsletter for our next date... hopefully we'll see more people.
I didn't make it into the Luxe Design Team {I sorta knew this was coming, but I tried and I'll try again!}

Good News:

I'm featured on Canadian Scrapbooker Carnival Blog!
I finished my layout for Challenge #2 {see below} !
I'm going to be blogging everyday with themed days starting Sunday, May 10th {some are scrapbooking related, others not so much}

The good news is Great isn't it???

Well, here is my layout for Challenge #2.

The Recipie called for: a monogram {the flower with an f}, a transparency overlay {the shaped bracket underneath the picture}, and something I made {I made the overlay & the glittered f}.

I hope you're inspired and that I see some layouts for the 15th. I have a great prize waiting for you!

~ Fatima ~

Here are a few tips on how you can create your very own overlay:

1. Grab an overhead transparency and trace a shape you like onto it.

2. Using small detail scissors, cut along the traced line.

3. Edge your overlay with paint or any other medium of your choice.

4. Let the medium dry and then apply glue & glitter in small sections.

5. Voila! You have your very own transparency that matches your layout perfectly.

I've been receiving some great comments about my dt layouts and my blog. Thanks everyone, I really appreciate it! Leave me a note sometime!

Talk to you soon,

Cindy

~ dt entry & more ~

2008-05-06T15:52:00.004-05:00

First, I'd like to remind everyone that the Mommy's Scrap Club starts this Friday, May 9th. Please e-mail or call me, by Wednesday to reserve your spot. {3 spots left}

Second, as I promised yesterday, my entry for the Luxe Design Team.
Let me know what you think...

#1

#2

# 5

Until tomorrow {when I'll try to have my MOM Recipie Challenge layout for you},

Cindy