justem: little bits of this and that

So there's this...

 

Brittingham + Craftsman Table and Tap

Last month my husband and I celebrated our 10th anniversary.  We let the grandparents watch the kids and had a day all to ourselves.  The first part our day included a trip to Brittingham Boats where we went rented a boat and kayaked out on Lake Monona and then a yummy lunch at the Craftsman Table and Tap in Middleton.  Here are a few photos I took of both places! ;) It was a super fun day together - which is something we don't get very often!  

Dance {Citrus Twist August Guest}

Hi there! Today I have my final layout as the Citrus Twist guest designer for August.  This was my favorite of the four projects I made.  It was definitely one of those layouts in which the final product looked absolutely nothing like what I had originally envisioned!!  I ended up using a ton of pieces from the Crate Paper ephemera kit, along with a lot of little pink, gold, and orange bits from the kit.  I know I recently used this same photo (though in black and white), but I couldn't  pass up using this perfectly pink photo on this layout!!  For a little bit more insight to my process, check out the post on the Citrus Twist blog!

Favorite Scrapper Blog Hop!

Happy Monday, er Tuesday! I was supposed to post this yesterday and time got away from me...let's just say it won't be the first rule I break in this blog hop, ha!  Today I am honored to be a part of an ongoing "Favorite Scrappers" blog hop. I was nominated by two people.  

First, the super crazy talented Ginny Hughes. I love her fun, colorful style and how she's comfortable with herself and her style. She's so creative and is always making me go, "Hey! Why didn't I think of that?!" ;) Ginny has a big family, which I love. I've gotten to know her better in the last couple of months, and I hope someday we can meet in person!

Second, the equally fabulous Diane Payne, who puts paper and embellishments together in a way that makes my heart go pitter-patter. I have had the privilege of being on a couple different teams with Diane and her cool, colorful layouts always jump out at me in the galleries!  I'm super excited to have her on the new Gossamer Blue team. I know she is going do amazing things with the kits!

1. What am I working on right now? I am up to my ears in assignments right now!!  I have to finish my Gossamer Blue September layouts, as well as some fun stuff for my new Fancy Pants gig, and I just might have a couple of other things up my sleeve. I know...I'm such a tease! ;) Here's a peak I posted last night of an upcoming GB project:

2. How long does it take me to create a project? I have no idea. Seriously. Three kids (including one who still doesn't sleep longer than two hours stretches) seems to mean that I will never again sit down and complete a layout from start to finish without interruption. ;)  I'd guess it probably take me anywhere from 1-3 hours.  It seems like the times that I have a great idea it takes me forever to finish...and the times that I just fly by the seat of my pants I'm done in like 45 minutes! I also think that the layouts that come together quickly tend to be my favorites. The longer I take, the more I question myself, and ultimately, I usually end up not super fond of what I made.

3. What are my favorite things to create with at the moment? It never changes really - paper, paper, and more paper. I'm totally a paper fiend.  Embellishments are nice, but paper is where it's at in my {scrap}book! Sorry, I'm a total dork, I know. ;)  If I had to choose a few more favorites they would include enamel dots, file tabs, and label stickers. I love working with kits because it often forces me to use products I might not otherwise choose!

4. How does my writing/creating process work? Honestly - I do everything so backwards. Because I'm usually scrapping assignments, I almost always start with an idea and product in mind and then I find photos to use. The funny thing is that more often than not, my final product looks nothing like what I set out to make in the beginning.  Sometimes that's a good thing - sometimes not so much. ;)  I usually pick a pretty specific color scheme and then try to incorporate as many elements within that combo in my layout. Nothing I make is very tricky...there's not enough time for that!  I never want scrapping to become a chore, so I try to make everything fun and easy.  

5. How do I become inspired and stay inspired? Like everyone else, I'm totally inspired by the work of others. The scrapbooking world is so huge and there is so much inspiration out there. I'm constantly perusing the galleries and Pinterest.  I'm just amazed at all the creative people out there in the world!

6. What is my signature style? I don't think I'll ever be the kind of scrapper where you look at a layout and just know it's mine.  But, I'm okay with that. I feel flexible enough to try new things and change things up a bit.  I always describe my style as fun and simple with lots of color and extra attention to the little details. I love color, but I have also embraced the *white* trend, so a lot of my layouts use white + lots of other bright colors. I also have this bad habit lately of putting strips of paper on the top and bottom of all my layouts and dropping some black mist on everything.  I am still working on mastering the perfect mist technique! ;)

Now...let the rule-breaking continue. The official blog hop rules state that I am now supposed to choose my three favorite scrapbookers and tag them.  Well, this is problematic for a few reasons. First, I have WAY more than three favorite scrapbookers. Like ten times more.  Also, I like different people in different ways...so it's really hard for me to choose three.  Finally, some people whom I adore have already been a part of this blog post, so technically I don't believe I'm supposed to tag them. But whatever. I'm going to do it anyway. Come and get me scrapbooking blog hop police!!!  SO...here are FIVE people whose work and personalities I admire.  If they play along, fantabulous. If not.  Equally awesome. ;)  

1. Mandy Koeppen - I can't remember when I first saw Mandy's work, but I can tell you that I knew immediately that her work was awesome.  She's just got this way with paper and pictures. I don't know how she does it - her layouts are so fun and look effortless like her fingers just work magic. Her large photo layouts are beautiful and some of my favorites of hers.  I've had the pleasure of meeting Mandy in real life, and I now know that she's just as awesome in person as she is on paper! ;)  She's honest, funny, and keeps it real, which is what I love the most about her!  

2. Melanie Blackburn - I don't remember the first time I noticed one of Melanie's layouts, but I do remember all of a sudden seeing her work all over the place and it being totally awesome. She's got this knack (that I totally don't have) for using all sorts of stuff and making it look like each piece was perfectly placed on the layout. Nothing ever looks awkward. I don't know how she does it. I'm hoping she'll teach me her secrets because her layouts are so, so fabulous!!  I'm super excited to be working with Melanie on a few teams now. Hooray!

3. Iara Baer - Okay, so poor Iara probably thinks I'm a total weirdo, because I'd never actually talked to prior to this blog hop, but I absolutely LOVE every single things she makes. I'm always fawning over her layouts in the Studio Calico gallery, and I wanted to list her here even though we'd never properly "met" online. So, I emailed her and told her, and she was so kind as to offer to play along. Check out her work. It's simple and perfect, truly.

4. Gillian Nelson - So...in true stalker fashion, I never actually asked or told Gillian (aka: JustG) that I was going to "tag" her in this post.  I figure she's probably been asked a million times since her work is just so gosh darn cool. I have been a fan of GIllian's since her very first layout at Studio Calico. I've stalked her (see, there I go again) for YEARS and was so, so happy when she was added to the SC design team. Her work is so unique and fun.  It's my favorite. :)

5. Latrice Murphy - Latrice is the scrapbooker on this list that I know the best and have spent the most time with in person. I can tell you that she is truly one of the kindest, sweetest, people you will meet. She is crazy creative and makes both gorgeous paper crafting projects as well as some pretty fantastic decor and apparel items.  Her crafty dedication is incredible, and I'm so lucky to call her a friend.  Sadly, we don't live as close anymore now that I live in WI, but I know we will stay friends!!

If you made it this far, you deserve a treat! Go get yourself one. ;)  Thanks for stopping by and have a great Tuesday!

Fancy Pants Designs - Meet the new team!

As promised, the new Fancy Pants Designs Social Media team was officially unveiled on their blog today! i'm so excited to be a part of this group of talented women. I have added everyones links to the sidebar of my page. We will be posting on various social media sites (mine are all accessible via those colorful buttons over there!) and also will participate in a blog hop each month. I have received an amazing box full to the brim with all the newest Fancy Pants product, and I can't wait to get started!!!  Be sure to check out the FP blog and stop by and say hi to all my fellow Fancy designers, and while you are there take a peek at their awesome new newsletter! Have a great Saturday!  

Five for Friday:

1. Next week is the last official week of summer. I'm trying to fill the week up with all sorts of fun activities.  A trip to the Circus World Museum with friends, maybe a visit to the zoo and my favorite lunch spot, the splash pad, and Badger Band practice.  I also am planning a Back to School Feast,  an idea that I blatantly stole from the internet.  Any other thoughts or ideas on how to make my daughter's first day of school ever special?

2. In all of my nearly 35 years, I have never been a nail polish girl. Ever.  But my daughter is, so I've slowly been accumulating some different nail polishes for her.  On a whim a few weeks ago I decided to pain my nails...and it was really fun.  I chose a trendy mint color, and my husband looked at me like I was nuts. ;) Since then, I've tried two or three more colors. My latest is Essie Mojito Madness. It's another green...super awesome.  I love it.  My "manicures" look like they were done by a toddler...maybe I should enlist my kids to help, it couldn't be much worse than it already is. ;) But it's fun...and something new and different for me!

3. I'm sure you've all seen this back-to-school video of the What's Up Moms at Target, but if you haven't, it's well worth the two minutes.  This is so me any time I have a free moment to myself!  And, on a side note, I read some of the comments like "this is why working moms hate stay at home moms," and can I just say - I loved back to school as a working mom because it meant my kids were in daycare. I would go shopping, get a pedicure, even meet friends for Starbucks after work while my kids were in the fine care of their child care center. Now it's all me, all the time. I'm not complaining - just saying that I think this video is funny and true for ALL moms.

4. Has anyone read the book Wonder? It was mentioned in an article I read, and I noticed that quite a few friends on GoodReads had given it excellent reviews. I downloaded it on my Kindle and read it in less than 24 hours. Let's not talk about how much I probably neglected my kids during those 24 hours. KIDDING!!  ;)  It is a book for kids, so obviously it's a very fast and easy read, but it was excellent.  I loved hearing the story from all the different points of view, and it really made me think about how I want to raise my children to be kind, compassionate kids.

5. If you've been a reader of my blog for awhile, you know that I have a bit of a thing for cheese curds. I mean, what's not to love? Hot, melty cheese covered with crispy, deep fried goodness??  Well, this weekend (only in Wisconsin, ha!) we are going to a Cheese Curd Festival. Yes. There is such a thing. It is sure to be incredible, and I will report back with my favorite curds next week!  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, even if it doesn't include man's greatest food invention. ;)

Oldies but goodies...

Have you ever searched for yourself on Pinterest?  I haven't done it in awhile, and this morning while the rain poured outside, I typed "Emily Spahn" into Pinterest to see what would pop up. I was floored by how many of my layouts had have been pinned.  Completely floored.  So, first of all, thank you to anyone who has pinned a layout of mine!! (An even bigger thanks to those who have pinned a layout of mine and included my name, ha!)  Second, looking at the layouts of mine that have been pinned reminded me of some old layouts that I had nearly forgotten about...layouts that I really, really love.  So I was thinking perhaps I would share a few of my old, forgotten layouts here, and I'd love for you to do the same and link me up!!   Here are ten of my oldies but goodies...

(Beach Baby - Created: August, 2012)

(Every Single Day - Created: November, 2012)

 

(She's Two: Created July 2011)

(Favorite, Created: October 2012 - first layout with my Cameo!)

(My Sweetheart, Created: September 2012 - that song is that old?! Wow!)

(Brave Girl, Created, November 2010)

(Pinterest Made Me, Created: June, 2012)

Carving Steps (Created: July 2012)

(The Person You Really Are, Created: February 2008!!!)

(Silly Beautiful, Created: July 2012)

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our current projects that we forget to take the time to go back and look at the old ones!!  Does anybody care to join me in this endeavor to take a look back???  Link me up in the comments, and I'd love to come check out some of your oldies but goodies!!  Have a great Thursday!

Peck & Bushel Fruit Company

A couple of weeks ago, my husband's job held it's first ever company picnic at the Peck & Bushel Fruit Company in Colgate, WI.  This orchard, which is owned by the family of one of my husband's co-workers, produces ten different varieties of ORGANIC apples.  While it wasn't quite apple picking season while we were there, it was still beautiful! I hope we have the chance to make it back this fall to try some of their apples. I snapped a few photos with my iPhone...

Have a great Tuesday! :)

Swim {Citrus Twist Guest Designer}

Hello!  Happy Monday! Today is the day that many of my IL friends head back to school. For the first time in twelve years I won't be there!!  It's a little emotional!  Here in Wisconsin, the kids will be going back after Labor Day so we have a couple of more weeks left of summer...including our last week of swimming lessons!  My big kids have been in swimming for the past five weeks!! They have an amazing swimming program in our town and they've had a blast and learned a ton!  I use some photos from swimming lessons in one of my Citrus Twist guest designer layouts!  This layout was made as part of their Sunday Sketch feature:

 

I actually stayed pretty true to the sketch, which is unusual for me. The colors in the photos gave me a pretty distinct color scheme to work with...it's a good thing it's one of my favorites!  I was also determined to fit this piece of gold star vellum in my layout somewhere, which gave me the opportunity to add some more gold elements!

For more information, including the original sketch, be sure to check out the post on the Citrus Twist blog!  Have a great day!

Some FANCY news...

Good morning!!  I am happy that I can finally spill the beans on another one of my scrappy secrets! I have been invited to be a part of the brand new Fancy Pants Social Media team. This is a first-of-its-kind team made of some extrememly talened scrapbookers!  We will be sharing our work on all the different social media sites, as well as on our personal blogs.  Stay tuned to the Fancy Pants Blog for some more details on August 23rd, but for now, let's all just do a little jump for joy with me...ready...jump! ;) Hope you are all having a great weekend!