Cherished Memories

This past week I was privileged to be able to chaperon my daughter's class at our school's traditional Sixth Grade Camp. The good times shared during these three days will be cherished for years to come.

We woke up both mornings and joined other 'early birds' at the lake.  We enjoyed the quiet of the morning, the mist on the water and the sunlight as it started rising above the tree line.  I especially enjoyed remembering my own childhood when I would fish with my Dad - truly happy memories.  Admittedly, I did not like baiting the hook or taking care of my "catch" - but I loved casting and reeling in - and mostly, I simply loved my time with Dad.

Here is the first of (likely) many layouts from her camp adventure.  

The template is from a Photoshop Friday 2012 class at jessicasprague.com.  The papers and elements are from my "Shades of Gray" collection available at My Memories and Scrap Takeout.

Cherishing memories....by the Shore.

What We've Been Up To...

I am tickled pink that four years ago I stumbled on Project 366 (aka Project 365 and Project Life)  Becky Higgins approach to  memory keeping.  Sure I still create layouts for events, special occasions and 'just because' ~  but Project 366 allows me to quickly document those little things in life that make us who we are.

I have been making my albums for Project Life using a calendar year - but please don't let that intimidate you.  You can start anytime - so why not now.  You can go back or simply move forward.  The important thing is to get started.  I use my 366 Days in 2012 Quick Pages available at NDISB and MyMemories .

Quickpages have made staying current super easy. What if life happens and I simply don't have time to make a weekly layout. Yes, it happens!  Saturday night, I sat down and quickly created 3 double layouts for weeks 36,37 and 38.  Using these quickpages, it took no time at all to add my pictures, a touch of journaling and they are now resting in my "to be printed"  folder.

What if I forget to take a picture one day (gasp)?!?!  I can always use a picture from a neighboring day or can simply add some extra journaling.  I do try to keep a point and shoot in my purse - but I am finding myself reaching for my phone more and more to take quick pics (and the resolution is pretty good)

Moving forward ... presenting....Weeks 36,37 and 38...

I am forever thankful for Becky Higgins and her Project Life inspiration.  My family can often be found looking through these albums and cherishing memories (and that makes me smile)

Ready to make more little memories.....by the Shore.

What Inspires You?

Don't forget to pick up your freebie from the September Inspire Me Blog Train - here
(and my coordinating freebie on facebook) ~ These freebies will only be available till the end of September and then will be part of a larger kit in my stores.


My family inspires me.  My girls are priceless and I love creating layouts that share their activities, their passions and their love for each other.

Here are a few layouts I recently created from Jessica Sprague Photoshop Friday episodes.

This layout features a technique using paper as an overlay on a photo. Love the way this turned out -(and that this year my daughter is attending Concordia University as a freshman)

I don't often use paper as a background, but this picture of soccer balls was perfect. I need to take more random pictures like this.  The technique was organizing your layout in a grid.  A few tweaks to make it my own - and voila!  The star spray in the lower left corner is from my just released Football Fun Collection at My Memories. (coming soon to ScrapTakeOut)

The best memories of my girls are not the "staged" photos, but those where I capture them simply being together.  This Photoshop Friday uses an overlay and "cutout" to draw your eye to a focal point on your layout.

 Finally, this layout used digital "rub-ons" to create a title.  A fun technique.  Papers and Elements on this special page are from my Summer Happiness collection available at MyMemories, Natural Designs in Scrapbooking and ScrapTakeOut.

So, what inspires you?

I am heading out to make more memories....by the Shore

Are you ready for......

...some FOOTBALL!

My new collection ~ Football Fun ~  has just been released at My Memories.  Just in time to preserve your memories of the "Boys of Fall".  Whether you have an athlete in the family or are a die-hard fan - this collection is for you.  You can purchase each kit individually, but for those that "want it all", I have it bundled into one collection.  And for the rest of this week - the individual packs and the collection are on sale for just over 50% off.

And don't forget to head over to Mondays Blog Post at My Memories where I am this week's featured designer.  Comment on that post and you can win one of my kits at My Memories - your choice!  Life is Good!

Last week of summer - and fall is in the air....at the Shore.

Featured Designer

Head on over to My Memories to see who the featured designer is this week. And there is a great sale on this designers products for the entire week! There is even a chance to win one of 5 free kits! HERE

(spoiler alert - LOL)

Don't forget that there is still time to download my contribution from the Inspire Me September Blog Train and my coordinating freebie on Facebook.

And I have completed a new collection complete and it is currently being staged in my stores...a collection timely for this season- whether you are an athelete or a fan you are sure to love it.  Any guesses?


Have a super day - by the Shore.

Announcing....

(drum roll please)......my grand opening at Scrap TakeOut.

I am excited to share that I am a "culinary specialist (aka designer) at Scrap TakeOut!

I love the warm atmosphere and fellowship at this store.  The products throughout Scrap TakeOut are wonderful.  A team of talented designers.  The creative team member are truly inspirational. And you can be confident of your purchases as all personal use products go through a quality control process. 

And at Scrap TakeOut we serve up some great challenges that will get you scrapping and add layouts to your "to be printed" folder - and you know that is one of my favorite things to do!  I will be hosting a challenge soon and can't wait.

I encourage you to come on over and check out all of the digital goodness that Scrap TakeOut has to offer.  My own store at Scrap TakeOut can be found here.  I have a grand opening sale going on right now - 50% off all "by the Shore designs" products at Scrap TakeOut.

So what's next on my plate?  I am working on a new digital collection for you.  Can you finish this little jingle?  "Are you ready for some......"  Yeah, I know - just a little teaser....

Have an awesome day....by the Shore.

Coming Soon!

Digital Scrapbooking products from by the Shore designs will soon be available in an additional store. Just two more days till my grand-opening. I am busy re-packaging and stocking my shelves.  I am tickled pink and can't wait to share the location!

Getting Excited....by the Shore!

Reflection

Eleven years ago as my first grader was getting ready for school and my baby was drinking a bottle, their world changed, as did all of ours.  Today, they are in their first year of college and sixth grade. We took time this morning to reflect and remember - and to give thanks for our own blessings. 

I do not know the photographer of this image or I would give due credit.  

I was simply struck by the cross between the towers - a powerful image - they were not alone.

There will be many blog posts and facebook messages today about 9/11 - where people were, what they were doing, the innocent lives that were lost, the heroes that emerged. Their words will be eloquent, well written and powerful.   

I simply ask you to find a few moments of quiet today to remember and reflect - and to give thanks for your own blessings. 

In reflection...by the Shore 

Celebrate with me!

If you are stopping by for the September 2012 Inspire Me Blogtrain - you are in the right place!  Click here !

Celebrate good times! It's my birthday weekend!

All of my products at Natural Designs in Scrapbooking and MyMemories are on sale!

54% off ~ now through Monday September 10th.

Make it an incredible weekend....by the Shore.

September Challenge at NDISB - Week One

If you are stopping by for the September 2012 Inspire Me Blogtrain - you are in the right place!  Click here !

A new challenge has been posted at NDISB!  Head on over and have some fun!  HERE!

Hope you are enjoying the end of summer...by the Shore.

Weeks 34 & 35 - Project 366

If you are stopping by for the September 2012 Inspire Me Blogtrain - you are in the right place!  Click here !

Here are the last two weeks of Project 366!  Weeks 34 and 35 were busy in our household.  My oldest started college and is excited about her new journey.  We had a mini-trip to the Chicago area to get her settled into her new dorm. My youngest started 6th grade and is loving life.  And we are all settling into our new "normal".

My "366 Days in 2012" quick page collection is still available at both Natural Designs in Scrapbooking and My Memories.  Four sets of quick pages that are perfect for showcasing your daily pictures.  It's never too late to start - and these quick pages make it super easy!

Till next time....by the Shore