glad I scrap! I am so thankful someone introduced me into the world of scrapbooking 11 years ago. I completely enjoy being able to preserve the memories of my family and watch how our lives have changed through the years. Remember the photo from yesterday? I giggled when my daughter came out in all her princess garb and knew this would be such a fun page to create as it captured her personality to a tee! Sweet and sassy!

Most of you know I love to trend watch in the scrapbooking industry and one thing I’ve noticed lately is the close proximity of the photo and embellishments. Almost leaving a blank canvas around the outer part of the page. You notice this more when you are scrapbooking on a 12×12 layout vice the 8.5×11. More room obviously on the 12×12.

This particular layout I decided to use just one photo as it really told my story. I also scrapped this layout on a 8.5×11 piece of cardstock. I love this size. So quick and simple. And boy I can’t wait until you can see all these new Sell-A-Bration sets. You are going to just squeal with delight when you see how awesome these stamps are! Whoo Hoo for Stampin’ Up!

Products used for this page: All products Stampin’ Up! unless otherwise noted. Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Whisper White. Stamps: So Very (Sell-A-Bration 2007 available Jan. 1st). Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise, Chocolate Chip. Accessories: Rich Regal Brads, 1″ Circle punch, Friends & Flowers Simply Scrappin’ Kit (hostess level 1), On Board Accents, Hodgepodge Hardware.

Thanks for listening to my ramblings! Have a question? Just post a comment!!

Some of you may be wondering why I chose my blog title Stamping by the Sea when soon I will be stamping in the mountains! Well, 3.5 years ago when I joined Stampin’ Up! I came up with my group name Stampers by the Sea. ***BTW, I do have the most talented group of women in my downline!*** Since my husband has ALWAYS had us stationed by the sea, I thought it was a catchy and appropriate name for my group. Then he came home four months ago to tell me we would be moving to Colorado Springs, Co. NO SEA! Just MOUNTAINS! My roots are near the sea, so I thought what better way than to keep my mind refreshed with the words SEA! Don’t get me wrong, I am looking forward to the beauty of Colorado. I’m not so sure this southern girl is looking forward to being snow bound, but I guess you never know. This could lead to an over abundance of stamping if I am snowed in. As long as I have my family, stamps and a hot cup of Starbucks, I will be fine.

Now, off to scrappin’ and stampin’! My life is still chaotic, but I need a little piece of creativity in it today. I feel the urge to scrap a fun page. I thought I would start with the picture above. Nothing is better than watching your daughter get all dolled up. When I captured this moment, I had a few ideas up my sleeve already on how to make the most of this picture. Stay tuned. Tonight, you will see what became of this picture!

With all the chaos in my life, I figured I would add a little more. I recently had what Oprah calls the “ah ha moment!” I have pondered for a few weeks about starting a blog so that I could keep up with so many family, friends and amazing customers. I needed an outlet to inspire others to keep their creative juices flowing. A way to keep the ink and stamps in hand. The paper cutter moving back and forth. AH HA! I think this is it!

I hope by posting here it will inspire you to visit and learn as I show you a few of my favorite projects and tutorials. All I ask is that you bare with me throughout the move process and shortly you will see daily postings of inspiration!

Here is one of the latest projects from my last stamp club. Let me just say, I LOVE Rubbah! It always amazes me just what can be done with a piece of paper and a stamp. Here I took a piece of Bashful Blue cardstock 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 and scored at the 2″, 4″, 6″and 8″ mark. Then I turned my paper and scored at the 2″ mark. I took the Jumbo Snowflake Roller with bashful blue ink and rolled the entire piece. Already it’s looking so purty! Once I have the entire sheet rolled, I used my 1 1/4 inch circle punch and punched a circle in the middle of one of the scored halves. Now I put the box together. Where you scored the 2″ across on the 8 1/2″ side, take your paper snips and cut to the scored area. You will be left with a small flap that you will need to cut. Take all your scored areas and fold. Place your snail/mono adhesive on the ends of the box and put it together. I sponged the edges with bashful blue. Sponging always makes a project more finished if you ask me. Next, I took the snowflake from Stampin’ Up!’s Perinneal Favorites stamp set and inked it with White Stazon. I stamped the snowflake on a window sheet and then placed inside the box to cover the punched circle. I punched each side of the box with the Stampin’ Up! horizontal punch and placed grograin ribbon on each side for handles. These cute little boxes are perfect for housing small gifts or candies for gifts.