Janna Wilson

Sickfest

Man...the sickies caught me again.  Been down and out nearly a week--darn it!  Today, I'm finally halfway back to normal and there's crumbs knee deep in this house and the laundry is overflowing out of the wash room, the are a pile of to-do's, you know...the world just keeps on a spinning when you get sick.  Scott is really good with everything--except he doesn't do laundry.  He'll keep up with everything else...and takes care of me, so I won't complain one bit.  I'm pretty sure he gave me the evil eye a few times...cause he thinks my sleep deprivation catches up with me in the form of the sickies?  I don't know...but I'm sure glad I'm on the road to recovery. 

In the midst of the last couple of weeks-- I sure did get some wonderful NEWS!!  Scrapbooks etc. named a 2009 ALL STAR list for their Creative Team and guess what?!  I was on that list!!!  {picture me screaming, running, cartwheels, WOOT WOOT!!!} This country chick is on CLOUD 9 FO SHIZZLE!! LOL!! (some new lingo I picked while channel surfing during my sickness :)  The list of ladies are each super duper talented crafty chicks!!  I'm super psyched and looking forward to another year of working with Scrapbooks etc.  Wow!!! 

Speaking of -- I got the new SEPTEMBER issue of SBetc. in the mail a few days ago--chock full of goodness of course.  Cash was impressed.

I had a few in this go round-- here's a couple:

...had so much fun with the puppy love one--the paw is felt and its appliqued onto a piece of fabric with a blanket stitch!  The perfect accent!

 

Love that alphabet twill-- found that in a Foofala kit at Wal Mart of all places!  Cute!

Well, here's a cute pic of Mr. Curls--uh, I mean Mr. Cash-- 

I can't hardly bear the thought of parting with his little curls... :( 

keepin' it real

Typical...me up at 2 am doing the things I don't have time to do during the day.  I don't care-- I love the quiet calm of the wee hours.  Usually have a bowl of cereal sometime after midnight (yes, I know its terrible to eat that late :(  But I've been gagging everytime I see that half baked blog header that I threw up (no pun intended :) a while back.  Never had time to tweak it...make it nice & pretty.  So it was DEFINITELY time for a change.  I've really been lovin magenta lately...so I incorporated that into my new look.  I guess I got on that kick when I did these layouts a few weeks ago with some of the new fall stuff from meandmyBIGideas.  I know one of the lines is called Cornacopia--you can see some of the pieces here.

Its very classy...so gorgeous.  Lots of eye candy in the way of embellishments.  So pretty!

Look for all of this pretty new stuff coming soon...MAMBI's CHA Summer Releases.

Lots of glittery goodness...these letters are divine!! 

Yes, I realized that I spelled Jasmine wrong...I fixed it on the real thing :)

I just got samples for Crate Paper yesterday!!  And I'm so happy I did...the stuff is TOO DIE FOR!!!  Oh my!  I enjoyed making these pages SO MUCH!

This is the Prudence collection (I think its my fave!)  Check out that die cut paper! Very chic!  Love that the die cut embellishments are glittery too!

Now bear in mind I had to use transparencies and mock up letters for placement (they'll add the real thing at the show and make them FABULOUS!) so that is the clear stuff you are seeing below as well as the shoddy looking cutting job I did with the alpha sticker mock ups ;)  This is Lemongrass...

These collections are SO easy to work with...I just can't tell you how much I LOVE them!  Their paper has a wonderful texture too-- its just supernice.

So now I plan to take a few days off.  Yes...thats what my plan is (I'm saying this mostly to commit it to my own mind :).  Really enjoy the kids for a few days, hang out around here and soak up some sun...FINALLY get my hair cut, and tie up a lot of loose ends...things that have been scooted by the way side during these last few busy weeks.

Lots to look forward to and brainstorm and think and create for...there's Got Sketch 102 in September (did I just type that outloud? :), Inspiration Unlimited in October, and lots of other exciting news to look forward to :)  I need a little creative rejuvenation for now.

some Fiskars lovin'

Well, I guess one of the highlights of what we do is to get to play with and showcase new products fresh from the printing press!  Ahhh...the smell of freshly printed paper---one of my favorites :) LOL! 

So I wanted to share some of the projects that I created with the NEW Heidi Grace Valentine's Day collection:

And then, there's tons of new stamps!!!  These Halloween ones from Lil' Davis are FUN!!

   

The Crillon Adornments are very classy...(although these aren't the best photos :)

 

Lil Davis also has a new baby line called Little One.  Very neutral...works for boys & girls.

Can you tell how humid it is here?  LOL!! My cardstock is trying to curl up!!!

This is a wooden (cigar-like) box, that I created a keepsake box with. 

(closed box)

Lots of other sneaks out there...wish I had time to link em all up!  I've got to get back to work...but I will leave you with this...gotta check it out!!!

Rock Paper Trimmer.

blogging from Des Moines

I think tonight must be the first free time I've had in weeks, months (okay so that's probably totally exaggerating)!  Seems like forever!  I'm working in Des Moines (a Scrapbooks etc. project :) yesterday/today and after we wrapped up today I had a free night!  Did dinner last night with Michelle and Brittany-- SO FUN, so YUMMY!!  Good times :)  Sometimes...aren't you just so thankful to be on the path you're on...crossing paths with other wonderful people in this world.  Amazing.

So anyway--I thought about going to this really great mall with lots of swanky stores, but Polly told me about the farmers market.  I'll take the famers market over the mall any day!!  I LOVE Farmer's Markets...and just so happen tonight was the Valley Junction market... now doesn't that just sound FUN!  Well, it was!  All kinds of (terribly bad for you) YUMMY food vendors--kettle corn (which, of course, I sampled), chocolate covered frozen bananas (which I also sampled :) --that was dinner!  I mean...you really shouldn't come to Iowa without having some corn, right? LOL! 

There were some great little shops on the town streets --all open till 8pm so I got to do a little shopping too!  I got some vintage treasures and some new treasures!  I was in heaven...leisurely bliss.  I'm missing the kids and can't wait to be home...but one night of ME time sure was nice. 

So I'll be back home tomorrow afternoon and still have the weekend!  Pretty sweet!  You'll never guess what I'm doing Saturday...going to the Farmers Market!!! 

Here's to a TGIF for tomorrow! 

jw

that's a wrap!! {almost}

As usual I jump out of the frying pan into the fire!  LOL!  June 30 was the last project post for GS101...and one of my favorite projects...the altered project that I created. 

Sad sad that Got Sketch 101 has officially ended... but the private site will still be available to our members until August 31.  If you are interested in joining, you are welcome to do so by going to the Got Sketch 101 Info page to read the details & register.  Or, you can also register by clicking on the blue button at my right sidebar. All class content will be accessible for the next 2 months.  So, you have plenty of time to view all of the sketches and examples, download all the pdf's, view our awesome members' gallery, and complete your projects.  

You can see some sneaky peekies here:

This class was too much fun.  It kept us hopping...thats for sure...I think mine and Val's families are very glad to have us back. Though, I sure did enjoy every minute of it and have lots of new scrap buddies to boot!!  In fact...I just ordered some October Afternoon through AC Bailey via my new friend LynnG.  Free shipping today ONLY!! 

You won't want to miss the MONTH LONG celebration over at Fiskars website!!  July is a project a day month...meaning new inspiration each day for YOU!  WOW!  I saw a sneak peek of the projects and there are so many fun ideas!!  Its very inspiring!  Here's one of my contributions:

So excited to share that my Homegrown home girl Stephanie is now a part of the Fiskars Dream Team!!  We also just welcomed Katrina Simeck aboard as well. YAY! Such talent on that team...wow!! 

So now onto more planning for future classes, working full speed ahead on Inspiration Unlimited and hammering out CHA projects left and right...oh, and trying to enjoy the summer!  This happens every year...I have so much I want to do...but then this is one of the busiest times of the year-- work wise.

Tomorrow...is a fun day.  I'm ready.  I might even do something crazy...like...cut my hair OFF!!  Shshhsssh...don't tell my Mom.  Or Scott.  They both like my long hair...I just can't stand it!!  I want cute short hair...a style.  Cool, fun...I'm ready for it. We'll see :

So who's got big plans for the fourth??  Well, we're just hangin in the backyard with friends and family.  Grilling, homemade ice cream, and chillin.  It should be a nice relaxing time.  Looking forward to it.  Here's a picture from a few years ago--from our town fireworks show--

Be safe on your holiday travels and celebrations!

Well, I'm going to tidy up my scraproom and work on something fun tonight...not sure what yet!  Got to mail some packages and who knows what I will get sidetracked with!  

Summer Stuff...

Wow...time is flying by already.  Its nearly the end of June.  Fun things happening ---we went to see Taylor Swift in concert last Friday.  SO FUN!  Totally a GNO, as Hannah would say! 

It was SO MUCH fun!!  We had pretty great seats but still, I held Abby just about the whole time so she could see.  I have to say, Taylor sings GREAT live.  It was awesome. 

Saturday was equally great...got to go visit my sweet friend Tammy-- she has a NEW Abby...

Drove up to Joplin with our friend Linda and got to meet little Miss Abby in person.  Of course, she's beautiful!  Just like her Mama!  Oh what a sweet sweet thing!

We had a leisurely lunch, stopped at a couple of sb stores and just had SO MUCH fun.  Its been forever since I've had a day out to myself...ahhhh.  It was lots of fun.  I kept feeling like I was forgetting something...with no kids in tow.  LOL!

I really enjoyed just driving and chatting...well, until I had to fill up the second time in two days with $4 a gallon gas...that hurt!  But the drive and the company...very nice. 

This weekend --we're having a family reunion at my house!  My mom is one of five girls and its all of the family!  WOW!!  It will be LOTS of fun!  I can't wait...I haven't seen many of them in years!

So this week wraps up the GS101 class.  Wow!! What a whirlwind!  Its been SO SO much fun!  Tonight is our final chat so catch it if you can!  We'll be there at 8 pm CST.

INSPIRATION UPDATE!

So excited to share that in addition to Teresa Collins Designs and Scenic Route-- Fiskars will be a headline sponsor of Inspiration Unlimited!! Woo hOOO!!  Meaning classes, m&t, prizes, goodies, projects brought to you by FISKARS!!  I am so psyched!  I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to work with such a wonderful company...truly blessed.

I have to show you one of my NEW favorite things! 

These letters from Lil Davis!  Invisible Alphabets...OOHH LA LA!! Love these things!!  The edges are colored and glittery!! SO CUTE!!  Can't show you the rest of this page just yet...keep an eye over at the Fiskars site in July!  LOTS of reasons to CELEBRATE!! All month long!  HINT HINT!!

Gotta go for now!  Have a great week!

jw

WINNER!!

Posted by: Dana J | June 17, 2008 at 04:20 PM

Just wanted to post real quick...the winner of the Lil Davis goodies!! 

Congrats Dana!! 

Fare Sale

Hi ALL! So excited that I booked my flight to Las Vegas this afternoon.  Had a chat with the girls this afternoon about the Inpiration Unlimited details and boy did we get psyched!!  I'm so excited about this event...I can't even tell you!  I have a special guest traveling with me...my daughter!  Yes, my sidekick Sara Jayne is going to come out with me and help in my classes and boy are we going to have FUN!!  I love taking her with me to these things, she's VERY helpful and I have one of my very favorite people to be with to travel with. 

Speaking of flights...if you're looking for a good deal check out the specials at Southwest today...for traveling on Tues & Weds.  Dirt cheap!

And speaking of IU-- we've started a group to get to know everybody coming to the event...so if you've registered you'll get instructions on that shortly!  Its so fun! 

Okay...I gotta go...I just wanted to put those special deals out there for anybody looking for good deals on flights.

Bye for now!

good things...sleep, bhg, prizes, hydrangeas

With all thats been going on lately, there just haven't been enough hours in the day.  So needless to say--I've been burning the midnight oil :)  a lot.  But the last night I sure did get some good rest.  Feels awful good.

Gosh- I have so much to share I don't know where to start!  Valerie and I have been super busy with GS101-- and it is just a whole lot of fun!  Getting to know so many fun scrappers that are participating in the class!  And seeing old friends having fun too!  I started teaching sb classes about six years ago-- at a store called Scrapbook Mania in Fayetteville, AR.  Darla was the owner then and she took a chance on me and let me teach at her store--I will never forget that.  Darla signed up for GS101!!  And Linda too!  (the owner of the second store where i worked!)  These gals (you too, Betsy & Areletha & Karen) have a special place in my heart--not to mention so many others!   I am so so grateful to have my paths crossed with folks like these.

Something exciting...

the July cover of Scrapbooks etc...

is by me!!

Yep!!

Its true!

The FUN photo is taken by Courtney Walsh (love her stuff), but I had the honor of getting the assignment and getting chosen for the cover layout!!  WOW!!!  This is the first for BHG...I'm still not believing it!  I used Stephanie's SUPER CUTE Homegrown font and several folks have asked about it--check her blog out for more info. 

So have you seen the new AWAY WE GO collection by Lil Davis...well, I just happen to have a big pile of this fun stuff to give away!!  YES!!  I figured --given its summer--everybody is going on vacation, it would be perfect for your vacation pages and books!  All the papers are HERE + embellishments and stickers a plenty!  You'll definitely have fun with this!  So, tell me what you're doing this summer in the comments-- beach, cruise, road trip, stay-cations (thats what I'm doing...just staying home :)--and I'll pick a random winner on Friday!

In other news, our Inspiration Unlimited event is filling up!  We've had a great response so far and its all very exciting.  Mostly because its a chance for me to spend some time with some people that I really admire and love...Teresa, Ginger and friends + get to know some folks that rock the scrapbook world-- Layle and many others!  Not to mention...I get to make about 100 or so NEW scrapbook buddies!  WOW!  What could be better?  Maybe visiting with my new friends while getting a massage?  or pedi?  Yep...that would be dreamy!  It can all happen at our fun event this fall!  Can't wait!

Something else I've been happy about lately...enjoying these.

I always wanted to grow hydrangeas...and was thrilled when there was a HUGE one here at our new (old :) home...just one of the many wonderful things about this place. 

What else?  I cannot believe June is half over.  No way.  Speaking of...I better get busy for now!  Have a blessed week!

jw

uh, well...

I've been a little busy :)  After four days I finally got THIS post done!

What with the girls being out of school and the Got Sketch 101 class--whew...I haven't had time to take a breath.  I'm enjoying the kids being home.  Its nice to have slower mornings and enjoy each other. I snapped this picture this morning...the kids perched on the couch watching cartoons.  My kids would be such couch potatoes if I let them...

I decided that we should plan one little event for each day...to make sure summer doesn't fly by and we've not enjoyed it.  So I let the girls make a list of things to do...picnics, go play tennis, movies, crafty days...these were some of the activities they wrote down.  So, today we loaded up and went to the dollar movie and had lunch with friend Holly.  It was Cash's first movie...he sat through it pretty well, considering he's not even 1 1/2!!  Had a few other errands to run too.  Got home in just enough time to bake a big cookie for church dinner.  Whew!  Man, I'm pooped.  

Vegas baby, here we come!!  If you haven't already read Teresa's blog...I'm excited to be able to let the cat out of the bag on this: 

Inpiration Unlimited
October 3rd and 4th, 2008
Sunset Station Station Hotel & Casino
1301 West Sunset Road
Henderson, NV  89014
(outside of Las Vegas, Nevada)

*free shuttle from airport to hotel.

Come join us for a weekend you won’t forget!

Yes, this has been in the works for some time and thanks to Ginger Nelson (Down  to Details), Teresa (Teresa Collins Designs) and Layle (of Scenic Route) and some fabulous sponsors...its going to be a reality!  I'm stoked!!!

Inspiration Unlimited is a scrapbook experience that you won’t want to miss! It's a retreat full of inspiration where you can come and take classes and crop with me and two of the most creative gals in the industry!

Inspiration Unlimited is a 2 day event filled from beginning to end with mini workshops from the teachers, make and takes sponsored by various scrap booking manufacturers, cropping and 3 full on classes taught by Teresa Collins, Layle Koncar, and myself.  The inspiration will be overflowing all weekend long!

Together the three of us are hosting this wonderful event. You will get to take all of the classes and attend all the mini workshops.  Come be inspired!!!!!  Unfortunately, we have decided to keep the numbers lower on the amount of students that will be able to attend to keep the event smaller & more intimate...space is limited.  Check out all the details of Inspiration Unlimited HERE.

---> On the Got Sketch 101 front

whoa!  I think Val and I are both still in shock at the response.  We are almost four days in...and its going great!  Look what folks have to say about the class...its so heartwarming and its as inspiring for us as it is for the class members!  One great BIG happy family over there! 

Just wanted to shout out to reach those who have registered and somehow, have not found us or joined the private community.

If you are one of these folks, please email us right away so that you can be a part of this awesome community asap.  

If you haven't signed up and thinking of joining, you absolutely still can!

You may sign up anytime during and even after the workshop is over.

Class content, in its entirety, will remain on the site until August 31, 2008 to view at your convenience.

• No homework
• No tests
• No deadline 
  
• Everyone gets an A+

Well, I have to go...and make a {long} to do list for tomorrow.  With CHA looming near, work is piling up!  As if I didn't already have enough irons in the fire...I recently was asked to join the Crate Paper design team.  I thought it would be fun and I love their product--so I'm on board! It will be an exciting adventure and I'm so grateful for the opportunity!

Have a great rest of the week!

jw