Black River Designs

THE END

2009-11-29T19:50:00.002-04:00

I've been putting off writing this post for far too long, for far too many reasons.
But, it's time.
Time to say goodbye to BRD.
I've spent months agonizing over this decision and it's now to the point where I don't have a choice left in the matter.
At the end of the day what it comes down to is not enough money and not nearly enough time to do what was necessary to keep my baby going.
I'm heartbroken to say the least.
This industry has been and will always be extremely close to my heart. That, I know, will never change. There are no words to tell you all how hard this has been. Those of you that have known me from this industry for a while now, know how much I have loved and will always love this industry. The places I've been but more importantly, the people I've met through this journey really have made this journey all the more sweeter.
So, as much as I've gone through this kicking and screaming, it's time.
Timing is everything and when I started this - I got funding - literally, 2 weeks before all the financial mess happened around the world and once it did happen, for about 5 minutes I thought, NO, give it back, just don't do it. But, at the time, we really didn't know how bad it was or how bad it was going to get and if nothing else, I didn't want to wonder 'what if...' my entire life... I would have regretted that more than I do shutting down now - so I did it anyway. But, personally and financially, it was just too much.
Failing was never an option, it has never been in my vocabulary but there comes a point when you just don't have a choice but to admit defeat.
Maybe someday BRD will be re-born but for now, it's goodbye to Black River Designs.
I'll still be around. This blog will become something more personal in nature but will still have scrappy related stories once in a while. Once things calm down some, I hope to get back to the industry that I love so dearly.

Thank you all for all the love and support you've shown and relayed to me throughout this journey. I will never ever forget it.

XXOO
Christine

THE BECKONING OF LOVELY - an update

2009-09-09T20:24:00.005-03:00

It's been one year since Amy Krouse Rosenthal came up with an idea to make a movie about all things lovely.
The website is officially up and running so check it out here: http://www.thebeckoningoflovely.com/
and stay tuned for all things lovely to come... this is truly a wonderful project to be even a small part of and I can't wait to see what is next.

And in keeping with the lovely theme, here are some lovelies from one of my lovelies, Lynn

"family photo"
8 1/2 x 11 layout

Black River Designs supplies used:
BRD 00008 Midnight Blooms
BRD 00009 Pink Wildflowers
BRD 00010 Ribbon Stripes

Other supplies used:
Cardstock: Core'dinations (red, yellow); Georgia Pacific (white)
Buttons: Sassafras
Chipboard: American Crafts
Stickers: KI Memories
Punches: EK Success; Stampin' Up!
Font: Century Gothic
Other: Pop Dots by All Night Media

"6" card
Finished size: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4

Black River Designs supplies used:
BRD 00008 Midnight Blooms
BRD 00035 Happy Birthday #1

Other supplies used:
Cardstock: Core'dinations (red, yellow); Georgia Pacific (white
Thread: Coats & Clark
Die Cut: Etsy (seller unknown)
Punches: EK Success; Stampin' Up!

I can't tell you how much I think this lovely lady ROCKS!!!!

Thank you Lynn!!!!

Hope you're having a great wednesday!!!

SUNDAY GOODIES AND T.S. DANNY

2009-08-30T22:19:00.003-03:00

Well, one thing is for sure, Bill had nothin on Danny - Tropical Storm Danny blew through last night making much more of a direct hit than Bill did last weekend. According to reports, we got 5 1/2 inches of rain last night - serious flooding going on all over the city - for this time of year anyway.
My mother and I were going to go to a particular restaurant for supper tonight but had to turn back and make another choice as the road to get to our destination of choice was blocked off by a barrier and a police car.
Looks like another storm is brewing and could be the next named storm as early as tomorrow. Keeping an eye on it for sure.

I did get drenched last night out shopping for wedding goodies with my best friend Kelly but I didn't melt. :)

I am trying to get the photos I took last weekend of the storm surge at our beaches edited and posted but I put in a ton of overtime this week between the two jobs so editing is my mission this week.

I'll leave you with some gorgeous goodies my dear sweet Stephanie sent to me for her August submission:

Hope you are all dry and safe and are having a wonderful Sunday!!!

Christmas Bonus Goodies, and Hurricane Bill

2009-08-21T19:31:00.003-03:00

So, it seems Hurricane season is here. The current track for Bill is heading for the Maritimes - hitting land on Nova Scotia and Newfoundland but we will no doubt be getting tons of rain and winds as well - ETA is Sunday afternoon. So looks like I'll be heading to the beach if it's not raining too hard to get some pictures of the swells.
The humidity here is stifling and making it hard to breathe but after Bill pays us a visit, the air should clear.

The uber fabulous Jenn Matott sent me these Christmas goodies just before I went on vacation so I'm thrilled to finally share them with you:

My girl really outdid herself on these ones - THANK YOU SO MUCH JENN!!! All of the little beautiful details inspires me so much, I can't even tell you!! Going now to pull out some goodies and get some work done!!

More to come!!!

I hope you all have a safe, great weekend!!

GRADUATION, FOOTBALL AND HEAVY LUGGAGE

2009-08-11T00:07:00.005-03:00

Vacation in Toronto was awesome - hot, sunny, good flights up and back even though I left a little late on the way up, and it was fun to see my little sister and attend her college graduation.

I didn't mean to be so neglectful with the blog but as soon as I got home from vacation, I put my back out. Big time!! Apparently, my luggage that was almost 65 pounds was too much for my back. :( so I've been resting, putting heat on it and taking Aleve to help with the pain. Sitting is hard to do and where I have to do so much of it, it's been hard to get on to this computer to do anything. I just uploaded my pictures from my vacation last night.
I was such a bad scrapbooker - didn't take nearly as many pictures as I wanted. I kept leaving my camera in the room thinking - oh, I'll just take it with me the next time I go to such and such a place. Ya, didn't happen.

Here are a select few I took the time to edit quickly:

The week began with a quick visit with my beautiful cousins, Jessica and Carly who were down from Ontario for the week.

Then I met up with Alison the next day at her school and did a mini shoot with her friends in front of her school which is in an old converted chuch:

Friday was a shopping day - took the subway to the Eaton centre all by myself - which, for this small town country girl, was a big deal

(insert photo of Eaton centre and Dundas Square that I neglected to take because my camera bag was in my hotel room here)

Saturday afternoon my younger sister, Laura, and I went to a Toronto Argo's game at the skydome (well, Roger's Centre now but I will always call it the skydome)
I took SO MANY pictures at the game but, really, can you blame me?? :) One of the many things on my list is to see a professional football game in person. Now I can cross it off my list. :)
THE Toronto shot - the CN tower, which, I've never been up, not so sure I'm that brave. Maybe some day.

This is inside the pedway leading to Union Station downtown - such a cool building:

Alison's graduation show was Saturday night - SO AWESOME - I am so so so proud of her - it was called Smile - an eighties beauty pageant musical - they did such a fantastic job on it - SO MUCH FUN!!

Sunday night was her ceremonies, lots of laughs and tears but she is finally a college graduate.

She now has a small bachelor apartment all to herself - had to get a picture of her in her new place (next to her new stove). She's quite excited.

Can't wait to go up again and spend some good girl time with my baby sister in her own place. And definitely take some more pictures.

One of the biggest bonuses of my trip was a quick visit with my good friend Jill, who I met years ago on Two Peas - it's been three years since I've seen her and this was the first time I got to meet her boys and family. Can't wait to go back!!

Ok, my back is protesting so I will end here but I have tons of goodies to share that my girls have sent me over the last few weeks including some bonus Christmas goodies from Jenn.

I promise, I will post more as soon as my back can take it.

Have a great week!!!!

CHRISTMAS IN JULY - part 4

2009-07-29T12:16:00.011-03:00

Where did July go???
I can't believe there is only two days left. Weather for July here has been the usual - mostly fog with a few hours of sun thrown in to tease us. August is typically a hotter, drier month, so fingers crossed.

I am headed to the big city tonight at 6:45.

My youngest sister, Alison is graduating from Randolph Academy this week - it's a musical theater college so she is in the cast of SMILE all week - we're going to catch the final performance Saturday night. I'M SO EXCITED!!! I didn't get to see her last month when she came home for a short visit because she had auditioned for THE SOUND OF MUSIC that is currently playing in Toronto and got a call back while she was home, cutting her trip short. It came down between her and the other girl who got chosen and although she didn't get this part, she got great feedback from those doing the auditions and for someone who hadn't even graduated and doesn't have an agent yet, I think getting down to the final two is pretty awesome!! I'm so proud of her!!

Here is a small part of her graduation gift that I made for her:

It's a 12x12 canvas with the edges painted black. Lots of punching going on with this one - you should see the floor of my office LOL, it's peppered with tiny little dots of confetti. The journalling is the lyrics to Paul Brandt's song Risk. Everytime I hear it I think of my baby sister and how brave she is for entering into a field that is so rewarding yet can be very difficult to get into.

Here are some more of my girls' fabulous work for our final Christmas in July post. Enjoy!!!

From the super sweet Aly Dosdall:
"Christmas Thank You Card Set"

(From Black River Designs)
Patterned Papers: Old Green Pincushion Flower and Old Spiral Daisies (from Old Black River Road line)
Rub-ons: Details # 1

(Other products)
Ribbon and ric rac: Jillibean Soup
Border punch: Fiskars
Acrylic stamp: Hero Arts
Stamp ink: Stampcraft

"Snow Fun" 8.5x11 hybrid 2 page layout

(From Black River Designs)
Patterned papers: End of Season, Ocean Creatures, and Ocean Flowers (from Seaview line)

(Other products)
Chipboard letter stickers: American Crafts glitter thickers
Circle punches: Marvy Uchida, EK Success
Snowflake punch: EK Success
Gems: Hero Arts
Digital brushes: Freestyle Flakes by The Queen of Quirk, Circles Make Me Dizzy 2 by Kate Teague (twopeasinabucket.com)

From the uber talented Liseanne Coté:

Tree card:

Cardstock: coredination poincettia and snowflakes

BRD paper: 00019 + 00022

BRD rubons: 00031 +00038

Misc.: Ribon and pearl from stash, colorbox ink, Zig pen.

Wish list tags:

Cardstock: coredination crab grass, poincettia and snowflakes

BRD paper: 00019 + 00020

BRD rubons: 00031 + 00037 + 00038

Font: lucida handwritting

Misc.: Colorbox ink, Zig pen, brads

Décorer le sapin/decorate the tree:

BRD paper: 00019 + 00020 + 00022

BRD rubons: 00031 + 00032 + 00037 + 00038

Stickers: Rose Moka

Chipboard: Magistical Memories

Misc.: Colorbox ink, Gellyroll and Zig pen, wood letter, glimmer mist, stickels, decorative snow, Dymo label

Mon beau sapin (song)/Ho christmas tree:

Cardstock: coredination nightfall

BRD paper: 00022 + 00023

BRD rubons: 00031 + 00032 + 00033 + 00037 + 00038

Stickers: Storytellers (sweet life)

Bingo card: elle graphik

Misc.: Colorbox ink, Gellyroll, Signo, sharpie poster paint and Zig pen.

From the extraordinary Stephanie Klauck:

From the awesome Virginia Wong:

ETA: HUGE CONGRATS TO VIRGINIA - her 'Angel Face' layout has been picked up by Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine!!!!

And from the amazing Lynn Ghahary:

So many great ideas here and so many non traditional colours that have serisously inspired me to get busy with my holiday projects.

THANK YOU SO MUCH GIRLS!!! I can't tell you all how much I appreciate everything you have done for me - it truly has been like Christmas for me!!!!

Well, I have to finish packing - I'll check in when I get back on monday night - wish me luck that all flights are a go - as it is pretty foggy here today.

Have a great week!!!

CHRISTMAS IN JULY - part 3

2009-07-19T17:11:00.005-03:00

Quick post today as it is sunny and warm (when the fog stays away) and I'm getting out to enjoy in while it lasts. July can be such an iffy month weather wise here so I'm getting out while the getting's good. My car is a filthy disaster and it needs to be cleaned desperately, so off I go.

Now for some seasonal loveliness from the wonderfully sweet Aly Dosdall:

"Christmas Feeling"

Supplies:

BRD paper: Old stripes, Old Spiral Daisies, Old Dots, and Old Green Pincushion Flower from Old Black River Road line; Garden Gate Rainbow from Bayview Road line.

Other: Core'dinations cardstock, brads (The Paper Company), letter stickers and chipboard stickers (American Crafts)

I love the way she used the kraft coloured cardstock to make the layout below look like a gingerbread house. So talented my girl Aly is.

ETA: HUGE CONGRATS to Aly as her "New Tradition" layout got picked up for publication by Scrapbooks ETC.

Much more to come!!

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend!!!

BABY SHOWER, BIRTHDAY CARDS and BASEBALL

2009-07-18T01:27:00.008-03:00

Been a busy week - working a lot of hours but got a ton accomplished - so happy the weekend is here!!

Last weekend, Saturday morning came very quickly and I crawled out of bed much earlier than I do as I am a night hawk and tend to stay up until the wee hours working - but last weekend I made an exception to take photos of the two teams my work (2nd job) put into a charity tournament. We didn't win the tournament but it was fun and just so nice to get outside and enjoy some much needed sunshine. I had sunscreen on and plenty of it but still managed to burn the top of my head and there were many red faces at work Monday morning. Here are both teams:

Sunday, I made a cake for my younger sister, Laura's best friend Shannon's baby shower. It's her first and she's having a boy, due in about 4 weeks time. This is the cake I made:

The glowing momma:

Love her red hair - I hope the little man inherits that from his momma. She got some beautiful gifts and much needed supplies. CONGRATULATIONS SHANNON!!

When I got home from the shower, I took the opportunity to play with the macro setting on my camera, getting some shots of the the lilies we dug up from my garden at my old house and replanted in a small bed outside the back door. Just love this - I think this is going to be my new screensaver.
I also got some creative time in as well. A few cards:

The chipboard girl silhouette is from RIFF RAFF Designs - Kara gave me some pieces to play with ages ago and I've just love this one.

Ok, I've been wanting to use my MS punches for a card like this for ages:

I used two different hydrangea punches and combined the three different sizes for this card. It's so outside my box I wasn't sure if I liked it at first even though it turned out exactly as I imagined but it grew on me and now I love it. I am going to have to punch more of those flowers and try them on another card.
I'm apparently unable to produce anything these days without a butterfly on it. :)
This is the first time in ages a page came together exactly how I had it in my head. It took me about a week to get it finished but I love it.
This is my baby sister Alison who is graduating from Randolph Academy in Toronto in two weeks. She didn't chose the most traditional or easiest of careers but musical theatre is her passion and her life and I am so proud of her for being true to herself.

LOVE that butterfly punch!! I punched these out of Coredinations Cardstock and gave them all a good coat of glossy accents and let dry overnight. In the morning, they had a nice little curl to them and along with a bit of shine and dimension. I'm having a blast digging out supplies that I haven't used in ages and combining them with my papers and new tools such as my MS punches.

I have another project I'm in love with but it's a gift for an upcoming birthday so I can't post that one just yet..

I will have some more Christmas in July projects posted tomorrow. :)

Have a great weekend!!!

CHRISTMAS IN JULY - part 2

2009-07-13T23:56:00.004-03:00

I'm just continually blown away by the creativity of my girls. Here are some more Christmas and Winter themed projects for your inspiration and pleasure:

From the amazing Mimi Leinbach:

Love how just a simple polka dot paper can look so Christmasy.

And from the lovely Cari Locken:

Mmmm. It's 20 degrees here at midnight but now I want hot chocolate.

Love all the precious little details with this one. Makes me wish I had more winter photos.

I had quite a busy weekend but I did manage to finish a layout that had been sitting on my desk for about a week. I was just stuck on the journalling - which tends to be my downfall much of the time. I just had to suck it up and type up (which I haven't done in quite some time) how I felt and just get it done. Most times when I'm stuck like that and I just stop thinking about it so much and just go with it, it turns out even better than I'd hoped. And this one did - it is one of my favourite layouts to date. I still have to get a photo of it but then I'll post it.

Hope your monday was wonderful!!

CHRISTMAS IN JULY!!!

2009-07-09T23:09:00.006-03:00

So, my girls had a great idea - since so many of the magazines are currently looking for Christmas/Winter theme related projects, pages and cards, they thought (and I happily agreed) that we should have Christmas in July.
So, here are just a few of the fabulous projects I'll be posting in the coming weeks. Hopefully it will inspire you to pull out your xmas themed goodies and get a jump start on your cards and gifts for the big holiday.
It always seems to come faster that we expect, doesn't it?

From the lovely Cari Locken:

Again, I never expected the Duck Pond line would or could be used for Christmas cards but I LOVE this!! So simple, yet so creative.

And some non traditional colours:
I adore pink/blue combo Cari used for this winter card.

And from the uber talented Lynn Ghahary:

And a great close up:
ETA: HUGE CONGRATS TO LYNN as her Santa's Visit layout was picked up for publication by Creating Keepsakes Magazine!!!!!! So proud of you!!!

"Santa's Visit"
12x12 layout

Black River Designs supplies used:
BRD 00020 Old Green Pincushion Flower
BRD 00022 Old Spiral Daisies
BRD 00024 Old White Pincushion Flower

Other supplies used:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Core'dinations
Buttons: American Crafts
Stickers: American Crafts; Heidi Swapp
Punches: EK Success; Fiskars; Stampin' Up!
Die Cut Machine: Cricut Expression
Die Cut Cartridge: Opposites Attract
Font: Rough Typewriter (downloaded from the internet)

There are plenty more where these came from so stay tuned!!!

Have a great Friday!!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY (and some inspiration with instructions)

2009-07-04T12:40:00.006-03:00

I hope all of my American friends have a fabulous Independence Day!!!!

The uber talented Jen Matott sent me these fabulous '4th' themed projects -

Again, this was something I never imagined when I designed this line - I didn't necessarily see it as a red/white/blue combo but it totally works and I just love all the fun, creative details in Jen's work.

One thing that really made Jen stand out to me was her love for collage and mixed media (totally inspires me to pull out supplies I haven't touched in ages - and takes me back to my art school days)
Check out this beauty -

The work she put into this is unreal. When I saw these roses and realized she made them with my paper, I squealed then immediately asked her if she would send me photos with instructions so we could all make them. And she happily obliged. Thank you Jen!!!
Here are the instructions for the roses:

Paper Rose Tutorial

This technique for making paper roses is easy and pretty. Here's how:

1. Cut a piece of patterned paper 4" x 4" or other square size.

2. On the reverse side, draw a spiral with lines about 1/2" to 3/4" apart.

3. Cut using a wavy edge scissors or other decorative scissor edge.

4. Ink around the edges with Distress ink and a dabber for depth.

5. Bend edges down around the entire outside of spiral.

6. Start rolling (pattern that you want showing on the inside) and bending edges as you roll. Keep it tight for a smaller rose and loosely rolled for larger more open roses.

7. Hot glue the bottom circle to hold the whole thing together.

8. Press onto a non-stick surface to get the glue to ooze into the center part and flatten a bit.

9. Make a bunch or use one or two.

Tips:

*I like hot glue because it dries quickly and holds strong. I'm impatient and don't want to have to hold it down forever while waiting for it to dry.

*When drawing your spiral, keep the lines closer together so that your rose doesn't get too thick.. or stand up too much off the surface.

*This technique renders thick embellishments so having it on a project that has dimension is ideal!

*Glimmer mist to add shimmer if you want or hot glue to your project.

Have a great weekend everybody!!!

HAPPY 142nd BIRTHDAY CANADA!!!

2009-07-01T14:54:00.004-03:00

HAPPY CANADA DAY EVERYBODY!!!!

I am incredibly proud to be a Canadian. I love that no matter where I've travelled to, the instant someone asks where I'm from and I respond proudly saying, "I'm Canadian," the response I've received is always a smile and a positive comment - and sometimes a little teasing about my 'accent'. (though I still don't hear much of a difference - even my friends in other parts of this country swear I have one, LOL)

Today isn't just a day off from work, though that is a nice perk, it is a day to celebrate our wonderful, diverse, independent, peaceful, prosperous, glorious and free nation and all of the people in it.

Thank you also to those incredibly brave men and women who are currently deployed around the world risking their lives defending us and what we hold most dear.

Some interesting/fun facts about Canada you may or may not know:

Canada is the second largest country in the world, with 9,971,000 square kilometres of land.
The baseball glove was invented in Canada in 1883.
With only three people per square kilometer, Canada has the fourth lowest population density in the world.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada is tied with Zurich, Switzerland for the highest quality of life of any city in the world.
The world's smallest jail is believed to be in Rodney, Ontario, Canada. It is only 24.3 square meters (about 270 square feet).
Canada has the ninth biggest economy of the world
According to the United Nations Human Development Index, Canada has the highest quality of life in the world.
Contrary to popular opinion, Canada does not own the North Pole. In fact, the North Pole is not owned by any country. It is believed, however, that Santa Claus is from Canada.
Canada is the world's eighth biggest trader.
Of all of the world's producers of natural gas, copper, zinc, nickel, aluminum, and gold, Canada is in the top five.
Canada is the home of many great inventions, including: basketball, the electric light bulb, the electric range, the electron microscope, standard time, the television, the telephone, and the zipper.
Canada is the fifth largest energy producer.
Canada has the world's highest tertiary education enrollment.
The maple leaf flag of Canada was first raised on 15 February, 1965. The flag, designed by George Stanley, was picked from a number of proposals. The first ever maple leaf flag was stitched by Joan O'Malley.
The maple leaf is Canada's most prominent symbol, recognized as Canadian all around the world. According to many historians, the maple leaf began to serve as a Canadian symbol as early as 1700. The maple tree was officially proclaimed the national arboreal emblem of Canada on 25 April, 1996.

Have a great day!!! Hopefully the rain (and fog) holds off for the fireworks tonight!!

GOOD MONDAY MORNING!!

2009-06-29T00:10:00.007-03:00

Technically, since it's 12:11 am here it is now Monday. Busy week ahead - eye dr. appointment today - thankfully - it's been WAY too long. I'm noticing my eyes getting worse the more I'm in front of a computer. I can't wait to get more contacts - I've been out for quite a while and my glasses are very old and just not cutting it.
Having a hard time deciding on what looks good for glasses. I wore semi permanent contacts for so many years my eyes started rejecting contacts all together and I had to go a year without wearing any at all, just my glasses that are now very dated looking.
Working on a few projects that will be gifts in the coming weeks, so I can't post just yet so in the mean time, I want to show off a cute little album the fabulous Aly Dosdall did for her hubby on father's day:

Such a sweet idea and I'm sure very much appreciated.

And the card I made for my Dad:

And the birthday card I made the same day for my step mother, Susan, whose birthday is today - HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUSAN!!!

I'm addicted to my Martha Stewart punches these days, can't seem to do one project without punching something - an edge, a shape, anything to add just that little element of interest.
Butterflies were punches from this punch:

I just bought this new monarch butterfly punch on saturday and can't wait to try it out.
I bought some watercolour paper as well and did some multicoloured backgrounds tonight to punch dozens of shapes from. I'm in such a creative mood lately, I wish I could stay home all day and create instead of going to work. :) But, work first, play later. :)

Have a great monday!!!!!

SUNDAY INSPIRATION

2009-06-21T01:25:00.005-03:00

I've finally been bitten by the inspiration bug. My mojo is officially back in the house, after a very lengthy hiatus, thanks to these lovelies from some of my girls ~ ENJOY!!!

From Lynn:

Supply list:
"family"
12x12 layout

Black River Designs supplies used:
BRD 00014 Jumbo Dots
BRD 00016 Stems & Stripes
BRD 00017 Wild Butterflies

Other supplies used:
Cardstock: Core'dinations; Stampin' Up!
Stick Pins: Fancy Pants
Flowers: Zva Creative
Pearls: Zva Creative
Ribbon: Offray
Floss: Bazzill Basics
Thread: Coats & Clark
Chipboard: Bazzill Basics; Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Unity Stamp Company
Ink: Tsukineko
Die Cut Machine: Cricut Expression
Die Cut Cartridge: Tags, Bags, Voxes & More
Punches: Fiskars
Font: 2peas Weathered Fence (www.twopeasinabucket.com)

From the wonderful Aly Dosdall:

I love that you can give the same piece of paper to 8 different people and you will get 8 completely different styles - so much fun for me, seriously.

I've spend the better part of the evening making cards for my little sister's college graduation, my Dad's father's day card (yes, procrastinated a bit with that one, I just wasn't feeling it until today), birthday card for the same little sister, and a birthday card for my step-mother as well.
Will get those posted tomorrow. Hopefully the weather will be better so we can BBQ for my Dad tomorrow. It's poured cats, dogs and horses here today. I need some sun - trying to get even a little bit of a tan for the wedding (bridesmaid) dress I'm to wear in early October. I'm still looking around to find a photo online. I've found some similar but not the exact one and I never thought to get the name of it when Kelly and I went to try on dresses last weekend. As soon as I find it, I'll post it.

Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!!!!

Friday Inspiration

2009-06-12T15:14:00.005-03:00

Ok, so I got a few fabulous emails in the last couple of days with some fun things that are coming up as well as the first DT projects:

From the fabulous Lynn Ghahary:

Layout details:
"he's a SHARK shooter"
12x12 layout

Black River Designs supplies used:
BRD 00025 End of Season
BRD 00027 Ocean Creatures
BRD 00029 Ocean Stripes
BRD 00030 Seaweed

Other supplies used:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Core'dinations
Brads: Making Memories
Chipboard: Basic Grey
Decorative Scissors: Fiskars
Die Cut Machine: Cricut Expression
Die Cut Cartridge: Street Sign
Font: Prissy Frat Boy
Sanding Block: Making Memories
Dimensional Adhesive: All Night Media

Father's Day card:

I've got a few cards to make this weekend, and this one definitely inspired me to get my Dad's card made.

And from the wonderful Mimi Leinbach:

Papers used:
Layout:
Duck Pond:
BRD 00010 Ribbon Stripes
Cardstock: Core'dinations
Alpha Rubons

Happy Birthday Card:
Old Black River Road:
BRD 00019 Old Dots
Happy Birthday Rubons
Cardstock: Core'dinations

Fabulous work, girls!!!! I just love all the little details in these.
I know I've said it before but it's seriously like Christmas for me when I get something so beautiful in my inbox.

I'm inspired... I think I'll dig out my paper trimmer and get to work.

Have a great weekend everybody!!

MOTHER'S DAY, BIRTHDAYS, BEST FRIENDS, it's was a busy May

2009-06-07T19:41:00.014-03:00

I can't believe it's June already!! It seems like winter here hangs on for dear life and then before you know it, everything is green and warm again.

This summer is going to be a particular busy one and it's already begun.

The month of may was loaded with my dad's birthday, my sister's birthday and mother's day.
Here is the card I made for my mom:

We started a tradition a few years back of taking my mom and my grandmother out for lunch on mother's day so nobody had to do the cooking. This year my mother's cousin, Suzanne, came with us as her kids live out west. The day was very chilly but a good day too. We took a drive up north of Hampton to check out a trailer that was for sale that my grandmother was interested in and took the scenic drive home through the Kingston Peninsula.

(mom (left), grandmother (middle), Suzanne (right) )

I took a friday and went with my best friend Kelly, (Kelly's Garden) and her youngest, Ryan to Duck Pond beach where Ryan would have stayed the entire day just to throw rocks in the water.

I hadn't seen Kelly and the boys in ages, it was so good to spend some time with them.

Duck Pond has such beautiful sand, so fine and soft with a red tinge to it, I could easily stay there all day.

We then headed to St. Martins after we left the beach for lunch.

The next day out was last Sunday for Luke's (Kelly's oldest) 5th birthday. I still can't believe my best friend has a five year old. It seems so strange yet, I can't imagine either one of them not being here. It's hard to remember what it was like before my godsons got here.

We had brunch at Vito's restaurant and then headed to Mispec beach, a beautiful spot I had only been to once for a few minutes - I just love that we have so many amazing spots on the ocean - I can't imagine living inland where I couldn't be near water like this.

I don't think either of the kids know what my real name is. I got the nickname of Scoobie in highschool in 1993 and though Kelly is the only one who calls me that, the boys now know me as that as well. I don't mind though, it's kind of cute. :)

The sun was trying desperately to burn away the fog, so it was still a little chilly at the beach but it looked really creepy with the fog hanging over the wet sand.

Kelly had just cut almost 13" of her beautiful red hair off the day before - love her hair!!

Luke, showing of his new buzz cut:

And the shell he found as soon as we got there:

Ryan was going to soak himself in the cold water so we went up to the playground beside the parking lot for a bit until the bugs started to eat us.

Oh, I've missed this little face.
The light was too harsh but this is one of my most favourite photos I've taken since I bought this camera almost a year ago.
HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY LUKE!!! love, Scoobie

I AM BEYOND THRILLED!!

2009-05-22T18:28:00.004-03:00

To announce my very first Design Team:

HUGE THANKS and CONGRATULATIONS go to:

WELCOME TO ALL OF YOU!!!
I am so excited to see what you all do with BRD products - it's like Christmas for me, seriously!!!

I so wish I could have picked 40 people for this call, so many amazing submissions. I did not anticipate just how difficult this was going to be, I was torn - I was up until 1:30 in the morning last night going over everything again, I wish so badly that I could have chosen more but I hope that you all will enter again for the next call - hopefully I'll get to have a larger team.

Thank you so much everyone for entering - stay tuned, we've got some great things coming soon!!!!

MY SANCTUARY

2009-05-18T14:46:00.010-03:00

**This a photo heavy post (click on images to make larger)

I thought I'd take a break from looking through all the amazing submissions I've received for the DT call - blown away does not even begin to describe how I feel right now. Thank you again - so I started editing some (well, a lot) of the photos I've taken over the last month or so and decided to share some from one of my absolute favourite places on the planet - a beach not far from where my old house was in Black River. We had an AMAZING sunday about 3 weeks ago so I decided to pack up a little lunch, along with my camera and my ipod and head out to the country all by myself for some much needed peace and quiet, or so I thought.
My little secluded oasis already had 3 groups of people enjoying the beautiful weather and the beach when I got there, but that was ok, I don't mind sharing.
The view of the the small river that runs into the Bay of Fundy:
View of the bay from the road where I parked:

Path from roadway that leads down to beach - we used to be able to drive down this path when I was a kid but it was blocked off by large boulders a cranky person put there years ago:
The tide was in when I got there about lunch time:

This is where the path ends and the beach begins:

The hill behind me:
The east end of the beach:

I have a wee bit of an obsession with waves, I won't put them all on here but let's just say there are many many more where these came from:

And I love taking photos of the various piles of rocks, seaweed, driftwood and debris - thankfully no litter or plastic nets or bottles to be found - there was a time when I couldn't say that but on that day, it was pristinely perfect.

The tide was going out while I was there and was almost completely out by the time I left about 4 1/2 hours later. While I had applied plenty of sunscreen to my face, my arms and legs and part of my chest got absolutely burnt to a crisp - I will NEVER do that again - three weeks later, my arms are still peeling and dry. ugh!! Wear Sunscreen!!!

I have been waiting for another nice day to go out again but sadly, the weather hasn't cooperated with me on sundays - it rained all day yesterday and though it has finally stopped, it's not very nice out today. Fingers crossed for next weekend.
Thanks for looking - be on the watch for an annoucement late friday for our first group of DT members!!! Have a great week!!

Birthdays, friends and slight obessessions

2009-05-05T23:36:00.005-03:00

Ok, first I just have to say WOW, I am blown away by the quality of work I'm being sent for DT submissions - this is sooo exciting for me, you have no idea - KEEP 'EM COMING!!!

Just wanted to post a few things I've been working on lately, today is actually my Dad's birthday and since I know he wouldn't want me to post the picture I took of him bbq'ing on sunday I will just post the card I made for him:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!

Also, 34 years ago, my mother was in labour for the first time at the age of 19 with my older sister Teri, those of you who are mothers will appreciate this - my sister was due on April 13th, she was born... May 6th - Ya, I'm shocked my mother got pregnant again after that.
Here is the card I made for Teri:

I also went to visit my good friend Julie on the weekend to finally watch Twilight together (separately we've both watched it dozens of times but not together) and Julie is my Harry Potter/Twilight buddy so it was a fun night. I had done this layout a little while ago and decided to frame this one for her:

The frame is chipboard from Riff Raff Designs (I painted it white), and I just love it!!

And now for the obsession part of my post, as I said, I am a HUGE Twilight fan (no one was more surprised than I was at how much I did like them) and ever since I purchased the box set of hardcovers last fall, I've wanted to do something with the 'collectible prints' that came with it, so here is the result:
Red 'blood drops' are red pearls from Kaiser.
I think I'll do the other three as well so I have a complete set. I am very excited for the next movie, New Moon, but I'm pretty sure I won't venture to the theatre on opening night for the next one, too much ear piercing screaming for me. Oh, I feel so old!! LOL

Hope you're all having a great week!!

BRD DESIGN TEAM CALL!!!!!!!!!!

2009-05-01T14:49:00.003-03:00

FINALLY!!!
(to coincide with NSD tomorrow)

Black River Designs is THRILLED to announce it's very first design team call!!
We are looking for 7-8 enthusiastic creators to participate as members of our design team. Previous design team experience and publications would be an asset but not a necessity. We'll be looking more at individual style and creativity and the ability to showcase BRD products in fun, new ways as well as classic layouts and cards appealing to all levels of papercrafters and scrapbookers.

To apply, please email the following:
~ Name, address and phone number
~ Headshot (b/w or colour)
~ Short bio (please include a little blurb about you, your fav. ice cream, or movie, secret delight or most embarrassing moment - as well as why you'd like to be a part of our team)
~ Resumé, including publications (if any)
~ Link to your blog and/or any online galleries
~ 3 projects of your choice (layouts, cards, altered items) - can use any product, does not have to be BRD

Members will be expected per month:
~ two layouts (any size)
~ 2 cards (any size) or 1 card and 1 altered item
~ blog participation
~ link BRD site & blog to your own
~ promotion of BRD on any online forum to which you belong
~ submission to magazines is encouraged

As BRD is still a very new company, members will be compensated with the following:

~ featured on blog and website with full bio and headshot, link to your blog
~ Full product line wtih ample product for six month term, including matching cardstock thanks to Coredinations for your projects
~ Possible teaching, publication, manufacturing opportunities, as they come available

**BRD will retain the right to use Design Team Member's photos, designs, blog comments for publication or as we see fit, giving the Team Member full and proper credit.
Design Team positions currently held with other companies acceptable - no exclusivity is necessary. Team will be re-selected every six months.

~ Submissions will be accepted from today, May 1st, 2009 to 11:59 pm EST May 15th, 2009. We will notify chosen team members by Friday, May 22nd by phone or email.
Interested designers can email their submissions to:
info@blackriverdesigns.ca

** please note, regretably at this time, we are seeking individuals throughout North America only. International members will be encouraged to enter in future.

I AM SO EXCITED TO SEE EVERYONE'S SUBMISSIONS!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

Craft it forward!!!

2009-04-11T22:53:00.002-03:00

Just saw this on my friend Jesse's blog:

The first three people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you.This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2- What I create will be just for you.
3- It’ll be done this year.
4- You have no clue what it’s going to be.
5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

The catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 3 people who do the same on your blog. The first 3 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me!
Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!

Craft it forward idea from Kiwi

This is somewhat similar to the circle journals I tried to do once upon a time.

Ok, so, who's in??

HAPPY EASTER!!!!

TGIF!!

2009-03-20T16:53:00.007-03:00

It's been a long week but I've gotten a lot accomplished so it was a good week overall. I am pretty pooped though so I'm thankful for getting to sleep in tomorrow morning.

I went to my first crop in ages last Saturday and it was so nice to see the girls I used to crop with on a regular basis, I missed them and although I do more chatting and catching up than I do scrapping, it's definitely time well spent.

So, here are a few of the projects I started last Saturday:

Also made a thank you card for a friend and and altered a little tin that I put a bag of mini eggs in as a little gift:

I also made a second tin - I may just put easter candy in this one for the coffee table:
Now, I'm going to soak my feet and enjoy the warm (+5ºC) sunny weather we're having today.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!

THE BECKONING OF LOVELY + Amy's book tour

2009-03-14T22:49:00.004-03:00

Advanced warning: This post contains vidoes that, if you take the time to watch, will let you know about a really cool, amazing project that I am thrilled and honoured to be a (small) part of.

Sometime last summer I was blog-stalking and came across this video

I was immediately intrigued and though I had heard of Amy Krouse Rosenthal, I hadn't read her books. So, I did what anyone else with a computer and hi-speed internet would do - I Googled her.
And I found her to be one of the wittiest, sweetest, most talented people I've ever Googled.
After Googling I emailed Amy and told her I would like to help in any way I could - with whatever she needed.
A couple of weeks later, Amy posted this video:

A couple of weeks later, I got an email from her with a list of positions she was looking for people to fill as part of TBOL project. So, I sent her answers to the questions she had asked as well as blurb about me.
Another email from her a couple of weeks later and I was invited to not only be an 'Ambassador of Lovely' but also to be a member of the 'Department of Immense'. I immediately hit reply and then typed a huge YES and a couple of weeks later, Amy posted this video announcing the team with a bit of background info about the project as well:

(That's my name at 6:55)

Things are now moving along nicely and Amy is going on tour to promote both her new books and TBOL. A week ago Amy posted this video:

If you are near any of these cities and are at all interested in taking part or maybe just curious, I strongly encourage you to check them out. You won't be disappointed.
Unfortunately, they are all a little too far for me to get to so if you do go, please tell Amy that I said Hi!! :)

As this project evolves I will post any updates I can. There are so many awesome things in the works right now, I can't wait to tell everyone all about it.

YOUR LIFE IS LOVELY, LIVE IT!!

WANT TO MATCH??

2009-03-09T20:30:00.004-03:00

As a scrapbooker myself I've always been on the hunt for cardstock that matches the pattern papers in my stash so I knew that I wanted to be able to match up the colours I've used on all 30 of BRD's pattern papers to make it easier for you to chose cardstock when working on a project.

Today I'm staring with Core'dinations Cardstock:

What is it?

A sandable cardstock that has a "core'dinating" core color instead of a white core.

Heavy weight, 80 lb., premium, acid and lignin free.

Sand, tear or antique it to reveal the beautiful core colors and add your own creative touch.

Canvas texture on one side and smooth on the other.

Here are the cardstock sheets that coordinate with Black River Designs:

If you're LSS carries Core'dinations, these are the cardstocks that will coordinate beautifully with BRD papers. (with white and black also)

I will be matching our papers to Bazzill swatches as well as Prism swatches shorty, stay tuned.

Happy Monday!!

NOTE TO SELF

2009-03-08T22:22:00.004-03:00

Don't let the mail pile up so much that it's incredibly difficult to get anything out of the box.
I got a bit of a surprise when I finally got around to picking up my mail this week. Since we've had so much snow and ice lately and I'm terrified of falling I've been ignoring the mail box, until tonight.
I was thrilled to find my copy of Canadian Scrapbooker's Spring 09 issue and even happier to see Kathy Thompson's two layouts using BRD products. (photos by Kathy Thompson)

I just LOVE THESE!!! Kathy has such a clean graphic style that is just so beautiful!!
Thank you Kathy for working your magic with BRD!!!

I LOVE MUSIC!!

2009-03-02T20:16:00.003-04:00

Found this video on Youtube tonight - a wonderful example of how music can bring people together.

THE STORM THAT NEVER ENDS!!

2009-02-23T17:14:00.011-04:00

Got up this morning at 5:30 to go out and shovel but I was not prepared for the amount of snow we'd received in such a short period of time. It took me almost 2 hours to shovel the walkway and stairs and a path up the rest of the walkways and stairs and to my car, then I had to clean my car off.
They pulled the city transit buses off their runs at 8:30 this morning and police were telling people to stay home if at all possible. I thought I'd post some pictures of the snow we've been getting over the last (almost) 24 hours for those who live in warmer climates, yet would like some snow.

Anyone want to swap houses for a while??? :)

This is the view from my office upstairs looking out onto the main street.
This is out the same window, just looking up the street. I'm worried about those trees and possibly losing the power tonight - there is sooo much snow on them right now, I don't know how much more weight they can stand.
This is taken in front of our back door, looking at our kitchen window. The black thing that's pretty well buried is our bbq.
Just to give you an idea of scale, this is my mother, she's 5'3" ish and she's standing in the walkway out back.

This is the view looking up toward the parking lot.
And this is looking down toward the lower parking lot. You can barely see the beige truck that is plowing out those who park in that area. Those who make their living plowing are extremely over worked this winter but very much appreciated, I can tell you.

What I wouldn't give to see this right now!!!!

WORKING AWAY

2009-02-15T21:32:00.004-04:00

I guess this is a bit of a random post but I've been working on some more projects to show here on the blog and they aren't quite ready yet so in the mean time I thought I would share a beautiful layout by my dear sweet friend Stephanie Howell

I love how she used the entire sheet as her background - I wish I could do this but I've always been timid of using an overall pattern as the entire background but one thing I want to do this year is challenge myself creatively, step outside the box, and see what happens.

I also found this layout one day while I was blog surfing - loved the surprise of seeing my products on a layout by the lovely Cari Locken on her blog:
I loved that she used our papers for a layout about her goals for 2009 including wanting to run a 1/2 marathon this year. Good luck Cari, you are my inspiration!!

Oh, and one more thing - Canadian readers - be sure to catch Canadian Scrapbooker's Jackie Ludlage on CBC's Steven & Chris this Tuesday, Feb. 17th. Check your local listings.
Can't wait!!!
Have a great week!!!

CHA 2009 RECAP part 2

2009-02-03T23:31:00.021-04:00

Oh, do I ever miss LA right about now. It's been snowing all day here and now there is freezing rain on top of it. I have a 3 1/2' high drift in front of my door and have a lot of shoveling to do early tomorrow morning. My mother is stuck in Toronto as her flight home from Florida was cancelled.
Even though it was raining and not super warm while we were there, I could so move to California right now. LOL.
So, on to part two - I left off with the 2Peas social monday night. We walked home that night with short sleeves and no jacket on (my kind of heaven) and soaked our feet in the hot tub (which became a nightly ritual) where I met a super nice couple from New Mexico (I think) (he was originally from Alabama and she was from San Francisco) Wish I had gotten a picture of them. They were on vacation for a few days and almost every night I'd see one or both in the hottub after supper.
I really was a bad scrapbooker on this trip - so much to think about that I didn't take nearly as many photos as I should have.
Tuesday night after the show closed we went to Buca di Beppo's who had the best italian food I've ever had for Crazy Canuck night. Initiated by my dear friend Trisha Ladouceur there was 15 or 16 of us I think - I lost count. And I got to meet some really awesome people and reconnect with some great friends as well. One thing is for sure, if you ever go to eat there, don't go with a headache or a sore throat - because it's super LOUD and you pretty much have to holler at the person across the table from you. It's so much fun though, I'd definitely go back there again.
Some photos borrowed from Trisha (below)

Here's only 1/3 of us. We had an honourary Canadian with us too - the super sweet Aly Dosdall whom I met in Chicago. Truly, one of the kindest people I've ever met.

Also met Kara and Ben who own Riff Raff Designs - another Canadian company - their laser cut chipboard is so different and really cool stuff.
Two of my absolute favourite people in the whole world (and two of my biggest chearleaders) are Jackie and Katharina from Canadian Scrapbooker (Jackie pictures above). Somehow, I didn't get a picture with Katharina :( Next time!!! Just a sidenote for Canadian readers: Jackie is going to be taping a scrapbooking segment on CBC's Steven & Chris this friday so if you're in Toronto you can be part of the studio audience - I also have it on good authority they will be giving away quite a prize pack to the audience (tickets are free). They haven't announced an air date but it will be in February for sure. I'll post again when I hear.
I wanted to get all the people in the booths around us in the New Exhibitors section - these girls were directly across the aisle from us and her booth was soo beautiful. Michelle Aspesi owns The Bella Cottage and they design and make resin appliqués that in their natural state are flexible and look like chocolate - yum!! But really, she had beautiful pieces in her booth to showcase her products. Her good friend Jennifer helped her out for the duration of the show. Such nice people to be across the carpet from.
Ted Prescott was in 'The Gluck Method' booth just on the other side of the yellow curtain and was a great person to talk to. He was exhibiting a series of dvds that teach kids (and adults) how to draw and paint. It's really very cool - and it gets amazing results - I was amazed at the final pieces on display from kids as young as 7 and 8 years old. I was surprised to learn that his daughter Emma, is a young actress and has appeared on tv and in movies, such as 'Must Love Dogs'. You just never know who's in the booth beside you. :)

Across the carpet from us was the group from Serif, based in Nottingham, England. LOVED listening to them speak. Seriously, I could have listened to them recite the phone book all day and been a happy girl. My grandmother was from England so I love to hear the accent. I wish I was English. :) Super nice people and their Digital Scrapbook Artist software is really genius. They showed me a little tutorial and seriously, it is soo much easier to use than Photoshop and it even comes with artwork elements to use (plus it's half the price of Elements). They make other software as well but they came to Anaheim to show off their digital scrapbooking program.

Diagonally from us across the aisle was the crew from Thomas Mann Studio Flux who were busy during the show teaching people how to saw. Also, some really nice people. He is also a very well known jewelery designer.

Special THANKS!! goes out to Beth Sears and Dayna Ellis for giving me such wonderful pieces to display in my booth. You girls do wonders with BRD!! I really appreciate all your hard work!! - Side note #2 - I'll be posting more work and bios of my girls in the near future.

Overall, it was a great learning experience and though it was a long way to go, I am very happy I went. I've met a ton of really great people, some promising contacts and got away from the cold and snow for a week - now what could be better than that!!??

A big Thank you to Laurie P. at CHA as well, she really took the time to help me out with all of the big and little questions I had and made the whole experience that much smoother for me.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, 50 million times - it's the people in this industry that make this so much fun and so wonderful!! THANK YOU!!!!

Also, stay tuned for a DT call in the coming weeks......

CHA 2009 RECAP part 1

2009-02-01T13:27:00.017-04:00

Be forewarned - LONG POST AHEAD. :)
I guess I'll just start at the beginning - we woke up at 3:45 on thursday, the 22nd to get ready and fly out at 6:00 am. Weather was good here and we took off on time and landed in Montreal 1 hour and 40 minutes later. Customs and security were a breeze and then after being delayed 30 minutes waiting in line to be de-iced, we were off again, arriving at LAX about 1/2 an hour late. By then we were starving so we grabbed our bags and headed to starbucks for a snack then caught the Disneyland Express to the hotel. California time being 4 hours behind us, by 4 in the afternoon, we were both toast so we just relaxed and went to bed early the first night.
Friday morning we woke up to rain and it pretty much rained all that day, so we walked down to the convention center and back in the rain. Set up day was interesting - lots of boxes and forklifts and people scurrying around their space, hanging up product and arranging displays.
It took a little longer than I thought but in the end I was happy with what we could do with the products I had.
Saturday we walked for miles trying to find a Staples so I could get my order forms printed and by the time that was finished we got a bite at the DQ across the street and took the bus home - our feet were too tired to walk the (I'm guessing) 3 miles back to the hotel. It was nice to get an idea of the area that way though. The next time I go, I'd definitely be comfortable driving around in that area so I'll be more likely to rent a car. We soaked our feet in the hot tub that night and tried to get a good nights sleep in preparation for the opening day of the show on Sunday.
I need to say a HUGE THANK YOU to my mother, Wendy, who generously gave up some of her vacation time to come all the way to California and help me out in my booth.

She commented more than once about how nice and friendly all of 'my scrapping friends' are. :)
I was really looking forward to seeing the girls that I had met (and hung out with) at Summer CHA in Chicago as well as meeting all the super nice attendees that stopped by the booth to take a look at what we had to offer. One of the really fun things that surprised me was how the show began - we could hear bagpipes off in the distance and weren't sure if it was over a speaker or real but it gradually got louder and louder and this is what passed right in front of our booth:

I don't know why but hearing bagpipes always brings tears to my eyes, I can't help it. It was just so cool!!!

Some of the first people to stop in were Kerry and Catherine from Scrapbook & Cards Today Magazine -
Two of the sweetest, kindest, supporters I have, truly. Kerry was one of my instructors last year for the Crop for Kids event held here in Saint John and it was so nice to see them again.

Monday night immediately after the show we went over the Marriott next to the convention center to attend the Two Peas Cupcake social.

Thanks again to Kristina and Jeff for hosting this fun event for all of the peas - we truly appreciate it!! Oh, and the raspberry cupcake was sooooo good :)
I finally got to take some pictures with some great friends:

Sarah Hodgkinson and Kimber McGray, who are both considerably taller than I am by the way (they were slouching so as to not make me look as short as I am LOL). Sarah was the ring leader and the brains behind Canada's Scrapbooking Crop for Kids in 07 and has the cutest business cards I've ever seen. Kimber was actually the first person to come by and say hi before the show even started on her way over to the WRMK booth. She is undoubtedly one of the sweetest and funnniest people I've ever met.
One of the people I was most excited to finally meet in person was Stephanie Howell. One of the most brave, sincere, fun, sweet, and unbelievably talented people I've had the pleasure of knowing. Check out her blog if you get a second, lots of inspiration going on over there. Plus her girls are just too cute!!
I first met Emily Pitts last summer in Chicago and I quickly found she is the type of person who you just know in 5 minutes, that you'll still be friends with when you're both very old and grey. Love her to pieces!! Thanks Emily for letting me display some of your work in the booth too!!

I took a prize pack to the cupcake social for Melanie to give away and although I didn't see her win it, I found Dannah Fontela later and got to take her picture. Congrats Dannah!!! Can't wait to see what you do with your goodies.
Ok, so that's all for now. I'll be back in a bit to post more. Hope you're having a beautiful Sunday!!

GOING GREEN AT CHA

2009-01-21T20:49:00.002-04:00

Black River Designs wants to do it’s part in reducing our environmental footprint. Not only is it important to reduce, reuse and recycle, but also to give back to the land that sustains us.
Black River Designs will plant an evergreen tree seedling in association with a local forestry company for every order recieved at the CHA Winter 2009 tradeshow. By placing an order with Black River Designs, you will be contributing to replenishing one of our most essential and vital natural resources. Planting will take place in the late Spring of 2009.

(from the CHA website)
“Going Green” isn’t just for individuals and households, but also for businesses. As organizations we all need to assess the impact we have upon our environment. For those of us who are new to the ‘green’ experience it can be confusing and overwhelming. A good starting point is to understand what “being green” means.

Green, sustainable, socially responsible and eco-friendly can all be used interchangeably. For the most part they all mean the same thing yet there is no one true definition out there. Living green is about living consciously, with awareness of your actions and the impact they have on your ability to provide for the needs of the population in an environmentally and socially responsible manner – for this generation and for generations to come. In practical terms, sustainability involves taking specific actions that have a positive impact on the health of our environment.

Please stop by booth #2616 and say hi!!

THE NEXT STEP

2009-01-19T20:18:00.004-04:00

I'm trying to be as organized as I can for my trip to California for the big show but I keep finding myself in front of the tv. I have been swept up in the excitement my friends and neighbours to the south are currently enveloped in awaiting the presidential inauguration tomorrow. I watched the View during my lunch and then Oprah's show from the Kennedy Center while folding laundry and I couldn't get the smile off of my face. I am so happy!!!
I don't pretend to be an expert in the political ins and outs of my own country, let alone the US, but even I can feel the change that's coming. And, in my opinion (and this is just that by the way, only my opinion) what is positive change for the US is good for Canada too. There's a sense of hope again that I haven't felt before on both sides of the border and I am really looking forward to landing in LA on thursday knowing that the tide has turned for them and we're all on the way up as a result.
So, in the midst of all my packing, checking and double checking my lists and confirming my reservations tomorrow I, like so many others, will be glued to the tv to watch history unfold.

Again, if you're coming to the show, stop by booth 2616 and say hi - and ask me about the gold tag I'll have hanging around my neck - it's one of the special projects I'm working on as well.

Here are some more cards/layouts I'll have on display in my booth:

BOOTH #2616

2009-01-15T21:29:00.003-04:00

One week from now I will be out of the extreme cold we are in now and getting my booth ready for my first CHA Winter tradeshow. For those of you who haven't heard of CHA, it is where thousands of buyers, suppliers, retailers, exhibitors and designers all come together to see the latest and greatest of our fabulous industry. This past July I had the pleasure of attending the CHA Summer show in Chicago and it was one of the best times I've ever had, truly. I got the opportunity to see the show first hand and meet so many of the fabulous people I've only ever met and talked to online over the last 5 years.
I am both excited and nervous but mostly excited. My mother has generously agreed to take some of her vacation time to come and work the booth with me as well.
I do have a few meetings scheduled over the week I will be in Anaheim as well as attending the 2 Peas Social - always a great time and I will be bringing a prize for Mel to give away that night as well.
So, if you're going to the show January 25th-28th, please drop by Booth #2616 and say hi!!
I'll leave you with some of the beautiful layouts that will be displayed in my booth: (I'll be posting some more next week before we fly out)

Hope to see you there!!

GETTING CREATIVE

2009-01-04T21:57:00.011-04:00

For years my best friend, Kelly and I have gone to craft shows and events and always oohed and aah'ed over things but we never ever buy anything - we always look at it and say, 'oh, that's nice... I could make that...' (since we have so much in the way of supplies) but we never ever do. A few months back we decided that since we do have so much stuff to work with and since we both have so many people to buy for at Christmas and we really should be using the supplies we have, we were going to make each other a Christmas gift this year.
A couple of months back when I got my papers in, I asked Kelly if she would do some stuff for me and when she agreed, I took over the supplies to her little knowing that I was going to recieve the best Christmas gift I've ever received: (click on image to see larger view)

She punched with a Martha Stewart maple leaf punch each side of all 30 of my papers also cutting out the name of each one and adhereing them underneath each leaf and fixing them all in a beautiful black shadow box. I couldn't believe it when I opened it Christmas eve that she had done that for me, I just love it!! It will hang in my office, next to my desk so I can look at it while I'm working. I just love it!! She is so talented and thoughtful - my very best friend since we were 5 years old.

As my gift to her, I painted two canvases and did a collage of each of her boys:

It's a tradition we intend on doing every year and I really like the idea of giving something with thought and care. We'll still buy for our birthdays though because we both love to shop. :)

Welcome to 2009!!! I hope it's the best year ever for you all!!

I LOVE TECHNOLOGY!!

2008-12-30T10:37:00.004-04:00

Ok, so I know I'm way behind the times but when asked what I would like for xmas this year by my Dad, I actually had a hard time thinking of something. With the travelling I will be doing in the next few weeks I thought it might be nice to have an ipod. Not the super fancy ipod touch but just an nano would be good for me, I thought, especially since I am in front of my computer so much and listen to my itunes while I'm working.
I have to say HOLY COW!! WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG??!! I love it, absolutely love it!! It's taken me a while to get the cds I do have loaded onto my computer but little by little I've added some of my favourites along with some new stuff thanks to an itunes card I got for my birthday.
I got to thinking about this tiny little pink treasure I have in my hand now and had to laugh at how far technology has come just in my lifetime. My first personal music player was this:
Oh ya, the walkman. Mine was blue and I distinctly remember falling asleep every night to New Kids on the Block and Salt and Peppa music in elementary school and junior high.

Now, at 31, I have evolved to this:
And it just makes me smile. Not a necessity, but I am once again falling asleep at night not to whatever is on tv late at night but my new favourite music:

What was your favourite gift or memory this Christmas?

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

2008-12-25T23:07:00.002-04:00

I hope you are all having a relaxing and joyful Christmas spent with those who mean the most to you.
This is one of my favourite Christmas songs. Enjoy!

ALL THE WAY FROM COLORADO...

2008-12-04T23:39:00.005-04:00

Just wanted to share a fabulous layout my friend, Emily Pitts did with some BRD goodies I sent all the way to Colorado. You can check out her blog here.
I met Emily at CHA in Chicago this past July and she is definitely one of the sweetest, most talented people I know. Thanks Em!!!

THE BEST PART!!

2008-11-27T16:47:00.004-04:00

I've said it before but I'm going to say it again and again and again, one of the BEST parts of all of this is seeing what others do with our products and I just love to see the diversity and creativity of others.
My sweet friend Kathy Thompson has posted a beautiful layout and some AMAZING cards she did with BRD products and I just LOVE LOVE LOVE them!! Go visit her blog and leave her some praise, she is a ROCKSTAR!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all my American friends!! I hope you are all enjoying your day spent with family and special friends.

ONE MONTH FROM TODAY

2008-11-25T20:45:00.005-04:00

Christmas will be over. :(
That makes me sad and a bit anxious thinking about it. I love the preparation for Christmas, thrive on it actually, and I'm always a bit sad after Boxing Day (the 26th) is over. I love the holidays and every year it seems I get the bug to decorate even earlier. I try my hardest though to wait until the American Thanksgiving is over so this sunday will be perfect for cleaning and decorating. Traditionally we, my sisters and I, spend Christmas Day with our Mom (as well as visiting friends) and Boxing Day with our Dad, Stepmother and her family. I love having two days to celebrate and spend time with the ones who are the most important in my life.
And since Thanksgiving comes first (our Canadian one was back in October) and so many of my internet/scrapping friends are American I always make it a point to pause and remind myself, once again, on their holiday, that I am truly thankful for so so so much in my life including those that I've met over the last 5 years in this amazing hobby/craft/profession that is scrapbooking.
I've met some of the most giving, caring, warm people in the world simply because I chose, one saturday afternoon, to walk into a store and fell in love with paper, patterns, embellishments, the process of creating and I can honestly say, I've never been the same. And I am so thankful for that.
I end this post with a layout I did of good friends of mine - I am incredibly blessed and thankful to have some really wonderful friends in this world.

Brrrrrrrrrrr

2008-11-18T20:04:00.003-04:00

Well it seems the mild weather we've been having is officially gone, not to be seen again until, oh, I'd say May. :) But the cold weather gives me an excuse to get some scrapping done so I thought I'd post a few layouts I've done recently with the new products. I'm going to a girls getaway scrappping weekend next week so I need to get organized for that - I always take way too much and this time, I want to go and be as organized and productive as I can. Fingers crossed. :)

Happy Tuesday!!

WHAT'S ON YOUR LIST??

2008-11-17T13:37:00.004-04:00

I've been seeing this list alot lately on many blogs and thought, hey, why not??

So here is my list (the ones you've done or apply to you are bolded). There are quite a few things on this list that I hope and dream to do one day and there are many that I hope I never do.
What's on your list???

1. Started your own blog - finally yes!!
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band ....at school
4. Visited Hawaii - one of my dream trips to come
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland /world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped ............ I will never do this one !
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea (on a lake actually)
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables- just onions

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France- I wish!!!
20. Slept on an overnight train - to Ottawa in grade 11
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelos David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant - at the Montreal airport actually
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Cards, cards, cards

2008-11-15T16:12:00.005-04:00

I thought I'd post some cards made with our new papers and rubons. One of my favourite sets of the rubons has to be the Happy Birthday set - 12 different fonts and sizes to make a multitude of cards for those special people in your life.

Thinking of You - by Beth Sears

Happy Anniversary - by Beth Sears

Just For You - by Beth Sears

Happy Birthday - by Christine Campbell

Happy Birthday - by Christine Campbell

Happy Birthday - by Christine Campbell
Happy Birthday - by Christine Campbell

I'm off to the Santa Claus Parade in the rain, hope you're all having a great weekend!!!

AND THE WINNER IS....

2008-11-14T14:44:00.007-04:00

Copied and pasted from Scrapbook and Cards Today's blog:

And now for the lucky winner of last Friday's Freebie giveaway of the entire collection from Black River Designs....

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2008-11-14 00:30:46 UTC

And lucky commenter #38 is.... Stephanie H!!!

Stephanie H says.... Time stamped: November 7, 2008 at 10:36am.

These are beautiful!!!!!! Pick me! Pick me! tee hee

Congrats Stephanie! Please email Allison at scrapbookandcardstoday@live.com with all your mailing details!

HUGE CONGRATS STEPHANIE H!! Can't wait for you to get your goodies!!

In other news, I finally got some shelving to organize all the paper and rubons that are in my house. I know I'll feel much better once everything has a (semi) permanent home. :)

My good friend Beth Sears has been a busy bee this week working her magic with my products and sent me a few images that will be uploaded to the gallery but I thought I'd post them here as a little sneak peek. Enjoy!!

FREEBIE FRIDAY at SCRAPBOOK & CARDS TODAY BLOG

2008-11-07T10:55:00.004-04:00

Our first giveaway!!
Head on over to Scrapbook & Cards Today's blog for a chance to win my entire first collection!!
That's 30 double sided papers and 8 sets of rubons.

Thanks to Catherine and Kerry for featuring Black River Designs on their blog!!

And just a note - we will begin shipping all the new products next week!!!!

have a great weekend!!

IT'S OFFICIAL

2008-11-05T00:18:00.001-04:00

BLACK RIVER DESIGNS IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS!!

It's been a long road to finally get here - to the point where we are preparing to ship our first products.

I am so incredibly excited, it's hard to really convey that to you.

This began as just a dream - in the beginning I never thought little old me could actually make this happen but in the process of coming up with designs, doing up a business plan, getting loans, a business mentor, working on a website I have learned so so so much.

I've been a graphic designer for 8 1/2 years now and I remember being in art school and having to take a business entrepreneur class as a requirement for graduation in my third year. Back then I thought, oh, why do I have to take this class? I'm never going to work for myself - i just couldn't even picture it then. I thought it was supposed to be for the people in the Clay studio or the Photography students, not me, not a graphic designer who was probably only ever going to work for someone else - someone who could give me stability and health benefits and a steady paycheck. I did learn a great deal at the jobs I've had since I left art college - I've learned production and pre-press and I've improved my computer skills but mostly I've learned that I was always meant to do my own thing, work for myself and hopefully someday I will have a few more employees who will not only work with me but feel as though they are family. If I've learned anything over the last 8 years it's how I want to be treated and how i know I will treat others when they depend on me.

One of the earliest memories I have is colouring in a Snow White colouring book with my Mom and getting so frustrated that I couldn't colour inside the lines as well as she could. I was four. But I knew then that I loved colour and loved to draw and make things look pretty. I was considered 'the artist' of the family all through my childhood and I remember very clearly when someone would see something I drew or painted and ask me if I was going to be an artist when I grew up and I always very quickly said no. You see I have a very practical side in me and back then before I had even heard the words "graphic designer" I knew, or at least I thought I knew, that you couldn't make a living as an artist. Well, I guess I was wrong. And I'm pretty happy about that.

Testing Blog

2008-09-26T15:02:00.001-03:00