December Daily- getting into the ZONE!!!

So I'm groovin' along the December Daily project- it's been great at keeping me in the spirit of the holiday even though I'm not actually making any Christmas presents (like I said I would).
I have to keep in mind that:
1. This is totally voluntary.
2. I don't have to break literary ground with my journaling or take a splendiferous image every single time.
3. I don't have to work in sequence! Just break the rules.

Day 5and 6- I'm finally using some American Crafts glitter paper I loved but was too thick for punching stars from. The small alphas are from Lily Bee- I should have bought 3 pages of the Memorandum ones! Slowly using up my Studio Calico woodgrain Thickers- I really need to get those from the shop before they sell out forever.

Here's my goal- capture the emotion of each day and be present in the moment. I'm usually the kind of Mom who's like "WHAT? Lola can count to 10? Who taught her THAT????" (The answer is ME- I taught her that- but not on purpose)
Yup- disconnected.
So these days I'm paying more attention- not just reading the book aloud but pointing to the pictures and asking "What's that?" Wouldn't you know it- she has all the answers!

Day 7 & 8- you seen page 7 already. I added page 8 and I'm STILL loving those Ormolu tags!!! The 8 is a 99 cent store yellow kraft paper stencil set I LOVE.

Lola is counting to 20 on her own- it's easy to learn when you have 3 flights of stairs to climb each day.
She also knows the basic colors and has favorite shapes! (red square- blue circle- she's not loving hexagons... YET)
She's finally understood the concept of "me". Now it's all "ME ME MEE!!!" when she wants something or "I'm tired!" when she wants attention.
I'm trying to get her to say "I'm hungry" or "I'm thirsty" but she just yells "Me CHICKEN!" or "Me JUICE!" at random moments- it makes for some seriously funny pauses while my brain plays catch up.

Love page 11 where I CHEATED and used a photo from day 5. I hated the whole lot of day 11 photos! Also page 12 is blank because I messed up and made 13 first- oops!

Page 13 and journaling envelope. I haven't written anything in the journaling page yet. I want to come up with something meaningful. Page 13 is my reaction to the current meme on real versus manufactured trees.

The other day Dave and I took her to the park. Out of nowhere Lola says "DID YOU SEE THAT?" Nope! We missed whatever it was.
She says "COOL!"
We say "AWESOME!"
Then I try to get funny and say "RADICAL!" and Lola responds with "BITCHIN'!!!"
Dave and I (and half of the park goers that day) all GASP in unison.
Where did she learn to say "bitchin"??? I've never said that- ever! Plus how did she know it goes with awesome and radical???
A mystery!!!
Then it hit me- what happens at Grandma's STAYS at Grandma's. I KNOW Mom has a copy of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!! I've seen it!!!
No wonder she's been jumping on the couch so much- she better not try to use my cooking spoons as nunchucks!

Some photos for a Light Challenge over at One Story Down:

MuChoS SmOoChEs!
Michelle

Punky Scraps Get Picky Challenge

The Punky Scraps Challenge this week is AMAZING! A beautiful sketch by fellow punk scrapper Marie  Misson means you have a great chance to create something truly unique- see?

This sketch can be taken into all sorts of directions. I took a quick peek at fellow Punky Scrapper Elin's page and it's GORGEOUS!!! She used lots of misting and paint. I wish I were more brave on that front.  I wanted to take advantage of the negative space and wanted to use two simple photos with stitching all around the border but then I realized there was just one photo I wanted to use right away- this one:

 My Mom laughs and cracks jokes left and right but rarely smiles for the camera. She actually grimaces as if the camera really was going to steal her soul. She was ready to throttle me during our trip because I kept reshooting group shots hoping her "Lets get this over with" look would go away. It never did except for this photo.

Happiness is... Anticipation.
MATERIALS: Sassafras Lass Sunshine Broadcast paper and circle stickers, Crate Paper and Studio Calico border stickers,  American Crafts alphas, Maya Road calendar transparancies, Elle's Studio circle journaling tag and 2011 banner, & Gypsies ticket

Here's the set up. We were on our way to Letty's wedding ceremony. There is a boat involved and the waves are cresting so naturally Mom's FREAKING OUT. Mom hates boats. Mom hates new places. Mom hates having all the people she loves traveling through water in the same small boat in a foreign country. Yet somehow I captured the smile. Insert grateful prayer here.

The journaling is an allusion to the days she has left before she retires. The number is totally wrong since I have the memory of a punch drunk fruit bat but I wanted to capture something she said to me recently which really affected me. She came over during her lunch break to visit Lola and declared: "I sat down today and made numbers. I am happy to say I only have-insert actual number here- left of work!"
"WOOO HOOO!" I said. All the while worrying- will she reach her retirement dream of buying a house in Puerto Rico? Will she finally be happy and at peace there? Will she be lonely or have problems driving in the twisty country roads? How will I know she's safe? I was looking forward and getting anxious instead of being happy for her right now.

The future- as Shakespeare said- is the undiscovered country. Well, perhaps he meant death. But as death awaits us all it is the future we worry over and the future we should leave be.

Been meaning to join favorite scrapper Margrethe (Papirdiva) on this challenge.
Since I'm late to the party I will start today on the prompt for day 12 and keep going
 until September 11th- a day where I could use the prompt to focus on "something fun".

MuChoS SmOoChEs!
Michelle

Make a SPLASH!

The gals over at Paper Issues are throwing a new link party and this one is all about MAKING A SPLASH!
What does that mean? I don't know! You show us!
Here's my interpretation:

Day 3
Materials: Me and My Big Ideas paper, Studio Calico alphas and tag, Elle's Studio notes and Enjoy the day tags, corrugated elements from Maya Road, handmade paper and seas glass from Italy (smile).

I had a hard time with this page. It went through 6 phases before I got to this design and it's still lacking. I used Glossy Accents on some some sea glass pebbles, stuck them any old where and called it a day. Is it just me, or do you also find that finishing a project gets you pumped and actually makes the next project better? That's exactly what happened here- the next page is much better- swing by tomorrow and see for yourself.

Come visit with us at Paper Issues and check out what other paper lovers have created- spread the love and show us your splashy pages.

MuChos SmOoChEs!
Michelle

When the going gets tough

I've started to write and have deleted this entry 3 times already. My goal to be light and entertaining is failing miserably.  But, YOINKS! This weather! The playground equipment is actually dangerous. We are just as shut in as we were in the winter- that's so WHACK!

I just learned that I did not make the Elle's Studio DT. I am bummed out but when I go through the new line up it's easy to see they were looking for expert level designers already associated with other brands who produced consistently innovative work. I think I'm getting better but consistent is SO not a term I could add to my work- yet. Oh ok... I am consistently trying to get better. :)
Here is my last submitted project:

Fearless Explorer
Materials: Pink Paislee Daily Junque Maps, Sassafras Lass Sweetly Smitten stickers,  Studio Calico swallow stamp, K & Co Amy Butler Mod Alpha stamps (2 bucks at Marshall's!!!) and Elle's Studio journaling tags

For this page I wanted to document that Lola was actually scared of the tunnel at the playground. One day she just decided to try it. I was worried she would fall out but I stood back and took a few shots. This page is to remind myself of 2 things:
1- Kids change and grow so YOU need to change as well.
2- Letting Lola explore on her own without me hovering is best- even if it means a skinned knee. BACK! Helicopter parent, BACK I say!

It is incredibly hard to take a photo of Lola on a sunny day.
She simply REFUSES to look up- not even a balloon helps!

MuChOs SmOoChEs!
Michelle

Stay positive!

Major changes coming for the Martinez finances and I just have to adjust and strap on my Super Momma boots. You know what I mean 'cause you have the same pair in your closet. Dave and I are trying not to panic because as my sister pointed out- we always seem to land on our feet.
So this week it's all about staying positive and being kind and extending a hand to those who need help-you never know when you'll join their ranks.

Cuca's Happy Mail Post Card
Materials: DCWV Fun In The Sun Adhesive Mat stack, Me and My Big Ideas
Debee Inspire chipboard album kit (butterfly), Crate Paper Emma's Shoppe alphas and
Martha Stewart multi butterfly punch.
Butterfly stitching idea credit to SASHA FARINA. Check out her original here

On that note.... Lola is just doing so many cute things lately! Yesterday I was telling Dave that Miss Thing's diaper looked like it was going to hit the floor with a SPLAT! Lola then lifts up her dress, takes a look at the diaper and walks over with this look on her face like- please DO something about it!

Sweet Survivor- Lola's First Week
Materials: Elle's Studio Handmade Layers Note Tags and penants (blank), GCD Studio No Worries collection burlap print paper, Sassafras Lass flower stickers, Martha Stewart scallop punch, Bazzill Kraft paper, UniBall white gel pen

That's my GIRL! I love that little chick!

Lola's having a hard time lately because she has so many things she wants to say but doesn't have the words- so she does a lot of pointing and babbling and she's VERY insistent. She stops complete strangers on the street to show them the squirrel she just spotted.  She gets very agitated if you don't stop and say something like YES I SEE the squirrel/dog/ flower/plastic bag flying through the air! I SEE it! There it IS! COOL!

It's getting where I sound like a Sesame Street character- I get looks but only from the clueless- Moms and Dads know where I'm coming from.

Lola's lesson- feel the wonder inspired by the little things- it's the little things that spin the world.

Seriously this is my favorite spot in NYC- I keep shooting it and it never gets old.

MuChoS SmOoChEs!
Michelle

Welcome Punky Scrappers!!!!

Hello!
Materials: GCD Studios fabric print paper, Cosmo Cricket velvet scallop ribbon, Crate Paper alphas and words, Elle's Studio date strip, Hambly Studios woodgrain washi tape, Studio Calico paper strips and doily scallop rub on,  American Crafts Hello Sunshine kraft paper, Glitz Design woodgrain alphas,  blue circles tape from Micheal's.

It's the Punky Scraps blog hop- woo hoo! You probably came from Amanda Jones' blog- welcome! If you are wondering what's going on please feel free to hop on over to Punky Scraps and get ready to have some FUN!

BLOG HOP PERMALINK

What, exactly, does "Punky Style" mean for me? It means I stop concentrating on pre-printed paper/embellishments and start exploring acrylic paint and other more free form mixed media tools and techniques. It means I could make a page where I show some attitude and get away from the Mommy track for a while. It also means I use dark or neutral colors and moody prints if I want. Mostly, it's very liberating and great for moments of lost mojo.

Here is the sketch we used for Challenge 18:

I love how deceptively simple this is! I had a lot of fun with it. Now you go and try it!

Here is a card based on this sketch:

Just Because card

I would never mist a card or use white pen all over it- it's too "messy". Here I gave myself permission to do both and I love the result! I gotta say though- that Studio Calico Piglet Mister Huey is uncomfortably red- I may need to tone it down with some cream for the next try.

Here is a thank you note I sent along to a winner of one of my give-aways. I put this together in 4 minutes using only the scraps I had on my table from another project and I really like how it came off:

I FINALLY use some of my acrylic paint!
It goes really well with those Jillybean Soup corrugated pieces and K & Co die cut details.

Now go on and get hopping!  You'll love everything you see here:

Tamara www.mumto2angels.blogspot.com/ 

I leave you with my traditional parting shot:

My kid- the amateur model.

Follow me- if you like what you see!

MuChOs SmOoChEs!
Michelle

Celebrating Da MAN!

My man is awesome. He is patient, kind, empathic and loves his kiddo more than life itself. Despite my certifiable nutball status I managed to snag him- lucky!
I have a terrible track record with timely holiday cards so THIS time I made it early.
POW! Take THAT, scrapcastinator tendencies!

Dave's Father's Day Card.

I loved how quickly this project came together. A few Elle's Studio journaling cards, kraft cardstock, some washi tape and Cosmo Cricket alphas and it's good to go.

Guess what? Paper Issues has a new link party going on! Link up your man friendly project here: http://paperissues.blogspot.com/2011/05/time-for-guys.html 

Have you seen and DROOLED over the October Afternoon's Rocket Age? AAAAA it's so BEAUTIFUUUL! And naturally Paper Issues has a kit for you to buy!

October Afternoon Rocket Age mini kit

AAAND there is a wonderful Memorial Day sale going on!!!! 30% items in the Paper Issues Etsy store. go to the Paper Issues blog for details!

Happy & thoughtful Memorial Day!

Miss Lola's lil' old lady look.

MuChOs SmOoChEs!
Michelle

FINALLY! Sun. Happy Dance! Happy daaance!

Oh. My. Gooodness! IS that sun? Actual- no joke- 80 degree sunny weather? I can't believe it! YAY! Time to go out and shoot shoot SHOOT! New York City in the summer is just the greatest- so much to do- most of it free- ya'll get on out there and enjoy!

Just Because card using  Punky Scraps Sketch by Camilla Dahlstrom
Materials: Bazzill Kraft paper, Memo and Summer Memories journaling tags, packaging from Elle's Studio, Studio Calico and Pink Paisley, Pink Paisley washi tape, Sassafras Lass alphas, Fiskars Abstract flower punch, My Little Showbox paper, Studio Calico Mister Huey "Piglet", Uniball white gel pen 

Here is a quick card using Elle's Studio. I just got their Savoring Summer kit- it's SO beautiful! Need to get started on the mini ASAP.

Here's a card interior view- now I need to find someone to give this to. :)

Yes I know it's crooked- that's on purpose- it's Punky!

Happy Memorial Day weekend. 

I am honoring my Brother Guarionex, my cousin Juan (Junior) and His Father Juan, my Uncle and his son Roberto, my cousin Rolando, my Uncle Nelson and Miss Claudia (can't forget you girlie!). Thank you guys- for keeping us safe, for putting your life on the line and for serving this country well. I am very proud to call you familia- hugs to all of you. I am so grateful you are all back home.

Memorial Day 2011- For those who didn't make it home.

MUCHOS SMOOCHES!!!!!!

Michelle

Spotlight on: Elle's Studio

I want to share a quick page I made using a few Elle Studio journaling tags from their beautiful "Handmade Layers" line.

First of all- how AMAZING is that new October Afternoon 5 & Dime line? Naturally I turned it around and used the more sedate polka dot side. I punched some of those pretty 1.5 inch details and saved them for a later project.

Lovable U
Materials: Elle Studio "Handmade Layers" date strips and journaling tags, October Afternoon 5 & Dime paper, Crate Paper Restoration and Portrait line papers, Sassafras Lass stickers (all the mini hearts I could find!), Studio Calico Alphas, Fiskars Large squeeze circle punch- I am LOVING those right now!, Martha Stewart die cut doily tags, Uni Ball white gel pen

For the photo window I used (gasp!) a craft knife. I'm finally getting the hang of it! The secret is to go sloooow and to turn the paper as much as possible for tight curves.

Turning the paper on a self healing mat can be quite difficult. It takes a few practice runs but it's possible.  Sharp corners were sanded down a bit with fine grain sand paper to even the circle's edge.
I also cut out the middle from that Martha Stewart doily- I'm seeing those everywhere lately!

Photos from Elle's Studio Blog

What I like the most about this line is the edge distressing that doesn't get dingy and dreary- you get the perfect amount of detail. The calendar tag is my favorite- I kept wanting to include it in every page I made recently.

I LOVE photos of Lola walking away from me.
I still can't get over how early she started to walk- 10 months! 

Have a great Thursday- if you are in NYC go out NOW- while the sun is still shinning. :)

MuChOs SmOoChEs!
Michelle