My Creative Journey

Top 5 Places to Antique / Flea Market in Louisiana...

2012-01-26T02:02:00.000-06:00

So, I have been thinking about this post for quite a while now... working on it....and never finding the time to finally complete it...but here it is....finally!

I have been wanting to share with you all some great place to antique / flea market in Louisiana...you know places that are well worth the trip...that will cause your wallet to be a little lighter and your truck packed down!!

(this picture was taken a few weeks back...when I took some friends to Denham Springs...and they said they were not going to be buying anything...really? )

So grab a cup of coffee (or your drink of choice)...and start planning your little road trip...Make sure to click on all the little links...for even more information!

So here are my picks....

1. Denham Springs, LA - Hands down this is the best place to shop in Louisiana....great prices, great selection, tons of stores all located on the same strip, everything from 1800 - 1900 antiques to classic vintage goodies! You can't go wrong by taking a day trip here! Most stores open around 10:00 am and are open Tuesday - Sunday...get your calendar out and plan a weekend! If you need a friend to go with you (I want to come!!!!) Click Here to read for more information on Denham Springs Antique Village! P.S. My favorite stores...that I visit as often as I can are...Rusty Rooster, Serendipity in the Village, & Korner Shoppe.

Here is a picture of the Korner Shoppe in Denham Springs...be prepared to be here for hours if you want to see everything in this place!!

2. Breaux Bridge, LA - To be honest I really can't choose between Denham Springs & Breaux Bridge...because I love them both so much, but what I especially love about Breaux Bridge is not the just the antiques (that is just the added bonus!)...it is the entire city! Breaux Bridge is a Louisiana city at it's finest...it defines what southern life is all about! Breaux Bridge is the kind of town...where you can travel back in time...when life was just simpler! I love it...and as often as I can I make visits! My mother in law was born and raised in Breaux Bridge, so when we go to visit family I am usually able to squeeze some shopping in! Breaux Bridge always has something going on...coming up...April 21st, 2012 is Blooming on the Bayou, May 4,5,6th is Breaux Bridge's Crawfish Festival, and the first weekend of October is the City Wide Garage Sale! While you are out shopping you need to stop by the famous Cafe de Amis...which is an internationally recognized zydeco restaurant and coffee shop. Every Saturday morning they have live Zydeco music starting at 7am with breakfast and dancing!

Here is a picture of Cafe De Amis

Here is a picture of the City Wide Garage Sale that they have once a year...first weekend of October!

3. Ponchatoula, LA - Where the city slogan is "America's Antique City"

I have taken many trips to Ponchatoula and it is well worth the drive! I love this quaint town and I just feel like I am stepping back into a simpler time every time I visit there! A few times...I have left early in the morning from Thibodaux and headed to Ponchatoula and then drove to Denham Springs...that is a great day trip...if you have the time!!

My favorite place in Ponchatoula is CJ's Antiques - I have found some great pieces of furniture in this place...take note...you need lots of time in this place!! It is open 7 days a week...and if you get the chance you will probably meet Mr. CJ himself...it is a treat!

(Both of the buildings in this pictures are filled to the top...literally with antiques!!)

There are alot of other stores in downtown Ponchatoula...which are all in walking distant from CJ's antiques.

Ponchatoula always has events going on...check out there chamber of commerce website for more details on up coming events. Just to name a few events coming up...this weekend they are having a city wide inventory clearance at all antique stores on Saturday, Jan 28th, on March 2-4 they are having the Ponchatoula Antique Trade Days, in April they always have the Strawberry Festival, and in June they have a Citywide Yard Sale. Click on the links for more information!

4. Patterson, LA - Ok this place is a little secret...and if you haven't been...get in your car and take a ride because it is worth it!!

Bayou Chic Antiques

612 Hwy 90 West

Patterson, LA

open Tues - Sat

11:00 am - 5:00 pm

vintage plates I found the other day

Vintage stamps...that I found the other day too!

They have lots of furniture...along with great prices!!

5. St. Francisville, LA - This place is not only known for it's antiques but for the beautiful plantation homes. So, why not...do both...little shopping and touring while your at it! Right?

For more info on this quaint little town click here...

St. Francisville has the original Grandmother's Buttons store. If you haven't heard about Grandmother's buttons make sure to click on the link for more details...but basically it is hand made jewelry made from vintage and antique buttons. In 1985 the owner of the company got her start from rummaging through her grandmother's buttons...she thought the buttons would make beautiful earrings...and from there the company was born...and now they sell jewelry in boutiques around the world! The store in St. Francisville is really something to see...especially the Button Museum.

Hope this post helps to guide and inspire you as you plan your next antique / flea market trip in Louisiana!

Hope you find some goodies...

If any of my followers / readers have any other great places that they know of in Louisiana please, please share!!

Happy Antiquing!

Vera

Frame it...or not!

2012-01-15T22:35:00.000-06:00

Hello bloggers!

Just a quick post to hopefully inspire you a little! So one of my latest obsessions (oh I have way too many) is framing....love, love, love vintage frames, old broken frames, really any frame....because with a few distressing techniques or spray paint...you have something completely new and something uniquely yours!

Here are a few things I have been doing around my home...

Here are three open distressed frames...I have hanging in my children's bathroom. I stapled twine to the back of the frame, so I could hang pictures and mini scrap pages of Juliette and Jacques. I used various vintage items for the scrapping, along with some Glitz Design and Melissa Frances products.

Here are some close ups of each frame....

That is Miss Juliette Marie...and the black and white picture is her Papa (side note...my children..call their father..."Papa"...we don't have a "Daddy" in the house...we have the best "Papa" in the house!) he is holding her for the first time! It is moments like that...that cause me to scrapbook!!

Mr. Jacques Paul...my handsome 4 1/2 year old...that makes my heart skip a beat!!

The last frame...is of me and seth...that first picture is of me and seth celebrating our first christmas together (the year it actually snowed in Louisiana for Christmas!)

I love black and white and sepia photos...I also like a combination of open frames without glass or the traditional way...with pictures in them....but this picture is framed in me and Seth entrance to our bedroom...it was one of my engagement pics (which feels like many moons ago!). The decor around it is some sprayed painted planks of wood and a silver vase with sprays to add a little more height!

This frame I purchased in Breaux Bridge during the city wide garage sale...for $20 bucks and it is well over 100 years old! It is one of my best purchases thus far! The frame had no glass when I bought it and I knew I wanted to keep it that way! At first I thought I was going to make it a mirror, but after some thought I scratched that idea and strung twine and clipped photos of me and Seth along with vintage keys and gold leaves (and for Christmas...a little ornament!).

Open frames are just as nice sometimes....no need for the glass...right?

Take the glass out...save it and use it for another project....like this one....

I like to mix open frames with regular framed pictures...

Then there is always a college wall...

If you have lots of frames..but none of them match....remember there is always spray paint...it comes in every color possible!!

An open 16x20 frame on my night stand...I plan on doing something else with it...put for now it will do!

Here is another open frame that I have in my living room...I put it on a plate stand and hung some ornaments from it during the holidays!

This was another open frame that I had bought in...guess??? (ummm, yes Breaux Bridge!!) I put cork board behind the open frame and then scrapped a little layout of Juliette on an old vintage record...and used tacs to hold the layout up!

For the holidays I was inspired to decorate an old vintage ladder...I rapped it with lights, fresh garland, and burlap...then hung a few frames on it! The frames on the ladder are from Habait for Humanity ReStore...I got lots for all less than a dollar! Remember who cares if they appear ugly...there is always spray paint...right?

Then there are vintage windows...oh my the possibilities are unlimited with these!! If you are looking for a large selection of them for a great price...take a ride to denham springs, la...and visit the Rusty Rooster

So Valentine's Day is right around the corner...which is over rated, but it gives me an excuse to make cute things and decorate!!

I decided to decorate my table and used a 4x6 frame as part of the centerpiece!

I have two shelves in my dining room...that I use as my inspiration wall...I change it around all the time and with each holiday or event...I do something different! For Valentine's I wrote "Love" on a little chalkboard...and then put it next to some open frames!

Here is the fireplace in my sun room...I decorated the mantle using planks of wood, old screens (or large frames would do), and then strung lights! It was so simple and I like the way it came out!

Here are some great framing ideas that I got from pinterest....if you don't have a pinterest account...do yourself a favor and get one....leave me a comment and I can send you a friend request if you haven't gotten an invite yet!

For the how to do...click here

Like this...check her blog out...

If you don't want to do the frames yourself...you can buy them from etsy!

Find more great ideas...at this blog...

Like what you see in this photo...click here for more

Hope you are little more inspired in the frame department!!

Now...go create!!

My favorite room...

2012-01-03T01:19:00.000-06:00

I wanted to share with you all my favorite room of my house...mostly because Miss Juliette Marie....makes it truly hers...but second the lighting, color, and great vintage finds really make it home!

First...in regards to paint colors for children's rooms....check out pottery barns kids colors made by Benjamin Moore. They are all beautiful colors and you can purchase them at any Benjamin Moore paint store. I used the color fairest pink in Juliette's room and it was just the right color pink. Nothing to over the top...you know nothing that would give you a "pink overload"!! I am in love with natural light...so the entire wall of windows in her room sold me at first site! I mixed various shades of white distressed pieces of furniture in her room....little decorating tip...everything doesn't have to match exactly...actually it is much nicer on the eye when everything blends rather than matches exactly!

Juliette's antique amoire was purchased in Breaux Bridge, LA.

I like to use a lot of white, cream, ivory colors when decorating....it keeps everything simple, but yet tastefully and doesn't compete with the other decor.

Vintage distressed frame I purchased in Breaux Bridge, LA during there annual city wide garage sale!

A wall collage with an old distressed frame, window, and framed screen....which was also all purchased in Breaux Bridge, LA.

Juliette's Vintage inspired Christmas tree...around the tree I hung mason jars from the ceiling and put tea lights in the jars.

Here is an old frame that I painted, distressed, and then did a few scrapbook techniques on.

The quote is: "A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer it sings because it has a song in it's heart."

The birds are chipboard and I covered it with old dictionary paper then added some luminere paint around the edges.

A little wreath I made using a circle whole punch and various pieces of scrapbook paper.

Handmade ornaments....with clear glass balls the possibilities are unlimited!

Felt flowers...I have a tutorial posted about how to make them....so just scroll down to the previous post and you should see it.

Hope you enjoyed...

Welcome 2012!

2012-01-02T06:12:00.000-06:00

Hello!

In a way I am sad to say goodbye to 2011...it was a year of so many wonderful memories and many blessings, it was one of those years that I really didn't want to come to an end! Just a few highlights...to this amazing year...

Mardi Gras Half Marathon in Feb....which gets me a little motivated to get going again with the running!

Here are some pics of Jacques this year....He had a lot of firsts during this year....He played tee ball, started Pre-K, started piano lessons, started playing soccer, and went to his first Bowl Game for UL.

Easter time...

We celebrated Juliette's 1st birthday in April....which makes me happy and sad at the same! Happy because she is becoming more independent and her personality is really starting to blossom, but so sad that the her first year flew by so fast and I no longer have a little baby girl in the house!

We took the kids on a summer vacation to Florida...it was a spur of the moment kind of thing...it was quite the trip to say the least...Juliette was sick the entire time (and a baby throwing up at the beach doesn't = fun!) and to top that off...it rained the entire weekend. We decided to take a quick trip because Jacques really wanted to see a blueberry farm, so we found one in Florida near the Pensacola area...and it proved to be well worth it! It was such a great experience and I know that is something that we will do for years to come!

In August Seth and I took a trip to Washington, DC....Seth went for work...I went for play....and I felt like the old college kid again...exploring the city with no worries, no kids, no schedule...it was awesome! This is a trip I will never forget for many reasons, but mostly because during this time Seth and I decided to put our first home up for sale, so by the end of august when we got back home...we were purchasing for sale signs!

Putting our first house up for sale proved to be the best decision we ever made! Not only did we sell our house really fast, we sold it for the price we wanted, and the interest rates were at an all time low....so we didn't wait and we placed an offer on a beautiful 75 year old home...and by Oct. 31, 2011 we signed the paperwork for our new home! It was truly only the blessings of God that everything happen so fast and in a way only one could dream...I don't take any of the credit...I just thank God for his blessings in our lives.

After that trip...life got crazy between us putting the house for sale, closing on two houses, packing with a 4 year old and 18 month old, moving in, remodeling, etc....See why I haven't been able to blog or scrapbook!!

But, I must say it was all worth it...because we have fell in love with our home...

The holidays came fast and went fast...probably because we were working so much, but Thanksgiving break Seth and I took a cruise to Mexico with some of our best friends. It was a nice break, but had the trip not been booked so far in advance and paid for....we would have opted out to work on our home...but I know it was something I needed to do!

The holidays were in full swing around my house...I did tour of homes to help raise money for the Refuge Ministry and Uganda orphanage that my sister in law and brother in law will be traveling to in a few days. It was an awesome turn out....I worked (with alot of help of family and friends) around the clock to get my house ready for the event...but I am thankful that I was able to give in some small part. After all that is what Christmas is really all about...and this season I was able to really experience that.

For the few people that read by blog...I promise (well I say that every year...) that I will blog more...but this year I am making the commitment to 365...which doesn't mean that I will be blogging everyday (I know I would break that promise)...but it does mean that I am snapping a picture everyday of something that is going on in my life! So, with that I promise I will be sharing more, scrapping more, creating more, and hopefully writing more because the years really do just go by way to fast!

So, Welcome 2012...

I am ready to tackle another year, but most of all I hope to look back in a year and say I grew more spiritually. More Creative. More Tech savvy...using various forms of social media and blogging. And More disciplined to make all these things happen!

Vera

I will never forget....

2011-09-12T01:04:00.000-05:00

As a child I often remember my parents and grandparents recalling tragic events in there lives....I recall stories of Hurricanes (Betsy and Camille for all the South Louisiana people!), stories of world war II, and Vietnam....but 10 years ago at 19 years old driving in my car to class at LSU....I heard over the radio "the second tower has been hit....."
Now today I am left with the great responsibility to teach my children about this horrific event....an event that not only changed me, but changed America forever. The way we live, travel, and work...is all different today because of 9/11/01...

Tonight my prayers are for the families who lost loves ones, children who have lost there parents all too soon, and for service men and women & there families who have sacrificed there lives for us so that we may be free...free to live, free to worship, free to study, free to speak....Just Free!!!
Freedom is something I never want to take for granted...

Praise God for the men and women who fight for us everyday...God Bless them and God Bless America!

You don't want to miss this....

2011-09-06T02:09:00.000-05:00

Hey guys....

Lawd...I know I often go on a blogging fast or something...huh? Well, you know life gets too busy sometimes...but I really love it blogging!!

Any ways...I have some really exciting news to share with everyone...especially my former scrapbook customers and friends....me and ashley (former owner of Inspire Scrap Boutique)....will be hosting a crop/ crafting weekend in October and we want you there!!

Please go and check out our new blog we have created just for this event...we will make regular post and keep everyone inspired throughout the holiday season!!

The name of the Event is "Holiday Inspiration Vacation"....

Click on the link above and it will take you to the blog!

Thanks! And stay posted because lots, lots more to come!!

A Scrappy Weekend!

2011-02-28T01:32:00.000-06:00

Hey guys!

Just a quick post to share with you guys two layouts I completed this weekend for an up coming class at Inspire...

Layout #1:
"My Lil Strawberry" using the new Sassafras line "Ellie's Tale"....oh my I love that line!!

Layout #2:
"Spring Fever..." using the other new Sassafras line "Sweetly Smitten"

Also...me and Seth went to quite an awesome wedding this weekend...our friends Renee and Spencer got married in New Orleans at the Champagne Palace and it was absolutely beautiful! I took a few pics...and thought I might share with you guys. I love all the little details...I always notice the little things....so here are a few of them....
Congrats to the bride and groom!
Also...they had a photo booth and I spent quite a lot of time in it...can't wait to scrap the cute photos that I got!!

These beautiful flowers...were every where....I even got to take some home!!!

The sign in table....

The candy bar....

Cookies with there engagement picture on it....

These little books were on the tables....

The flower girls purse is made out of fresh flowers!

Me and Seth...making fun of the "Skinny Arm" pose!!

A little Crate Paper Challenge & A Love Inspired weekend!

2011-02-20T22:39:00.000-06:00

Hey bloggers!!

Just wanted to share with you something I just completed! So, if you haven't already gotten the message (from the previous post)....I love a good challenge!! After all it gets me scrappin and helps me to think a little more out the box!

So, jump on over to Crate Papers Blog...they are doing a sketch challenge this week.....Here is the sketch challenge....You can create a layout, project, or card using this sketch...you can also submit your work to Crate Paper if you use 50% or more of Crate Paper products on your layout!

Check out their blog...they have a few samples of what the design team members have done.

Here is what I did.... "Capture"
I named this layout "Capture" because I feel like it is important to capture the everyday moments of my children...and scrap those! It is easy to get caught up scrappin all the major life events....but it is the everyday moments...that we often forget! I don't want to forget the everyday moments...I want to capture them!! I took some pictures of Juliette today...she is just so sweet and I am loving every moment of her being 9.5 mths...such a precious age!! Just thought I had to capture this today....

All of the paper products used are Crate Paper. The stamp set that I used is Ali Edwards Technique Tuesday "Life in Pictures" stamp set. The film strip at the top of the layout...is embossed using tim holtz black soot distressing powder. I used a Martha Stewart circle punch to help decorate the film strip...along with a Jenni Bowlin butterfly sticker and vintage button!

The Ali Edwards stamps read: " Look. See. Life. " and "Look through the lens. capture a moment. tell a story. preserve a memory."

The pictures are taken with my Fuji instax camera.

The handmade flower was made by using various paper circles (distress edges, ink, mist to soften, and curl sides) The center of the flower...is made out of vintage material!

Hope you take the challenge too!

This weekend was the Make-N-Take and Cupcake social at Inspire Scrap Boutique

Me, Taylor, and Ashley each taught a make-n-take....so everyone who signed up went home with 3 make n takes and cupcakes!!

It was great to see old scrap friends and to meet new ones! Glad to have meet the precious gals from Baton Rouge!! And my dear friend Kendra...won the newest instax camera....I am so jealous....that camera is on my wish list!!

Here are a few other pics of all the inspiration at the store...

Hopefully this week is not as crazy as last week was for me...so check back because I'll be posting more challenges that I am working on!!

One more thing....Can't believe this but my little man went to his "Open House" this week for Pre-K at St. Joseph....I really can't believe in Aug. he goes to "Big School" (ummmmmmm tear!!!)

He is so ready and so excited because he gets to hang out with his Mia everyday ("Mia" is what Jacques calls my mom and she works at St. Joseph) Hopefully, they will have enough open spots for Pre-K and Jacques will be able to get in....we shall see!

Here is a picture of him and his cousin Sarah Grace (they are only 3 mths apart and they have been together since birth...and I am so glad they will be able to continue it!)

Jacques, my mom ("Mia" to Jacques), and Sarah Grace

Jacques and Sarah Grace touring the Kindergarten class! They loved it!

Hope you enjoy!

Until next time....

Vera

Challenge # 5 and #6....and Happy Heart Day!

2011-02-14T18:20:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day to my fellow bloggers!! Hope you are able to spend some time with the people you love today!

I wanted to share with you all the rest of the challenges...to complete the week! As mentioned in the previous post....I wanted to post things all week that were "Love Inspired"...(sorry for not posting the last two days...but I was in New Orleans....ran a half marathon with my twin sister Aimee, my friend Amanda Ray, and my cousin Annie!) So I am catching up on the two days that I didn't get to post!

(That is us...post race....Annie, Me, Amanda, & Aimee)

So here is Challange # 5:

Tea candle holder...made to create in multiples (I am still working on creating more!)

Here is how I made this little candle holder...it really was quite simple!! Because I have a 9mth old...we are in the baby food stage!! Yeah, we go through lots of it!! So, I took one of Juliette's baby food jars (after she ate everything in it) and cleaned it out real good! I used some Sassafras stickers....like the ones here for both challenge #5 and challenge #6:

Here is what I created with the empty baby food jar....

All you will need to recreate this look is....some decorative stickers, ribbon, and wire (I wrapped the wire around the baby food jar a bunch of times and then I made a handle!!) You can buy wire that is extremely bendable at Michaels or Hobby Lobby. I think I will make some of these for easter...might put some grass it in and small little jelly beans...who knows!!

Challenge # 6

Challenge #6 - A Little Inspiring Journal - this was extremely easy to make too....I used various little stickers from Sassafras. I bought a little journal from Office Depot (I fell in love with it because it is just small enough to throw in your purse or with all your craft stuff...and it is made out of cork!!)

Hope you enjoyed the Love inspired week!

Challenge #4....Quick, Easy, & Cheap Valentine's

2011-02-12T01:53:00.000-06:00

Hey guys!

So, I wanted to share with you all a very simple little project that I completed today...

So my little boy Jacques goes to Nicholls GTG (Generations Teaching Generations - Preschool)....Monday is Valentine's Day and there class is having a little party....so normally I spend wayyyyy too much time on creating cute little cards, or boxes, or treat bags whenever there is a holiday....etc....you get the point....it takes too long to make 25 hand made personalized Valentine's Day treats! So....this year I had made up my mind that I was going to do a digital card because that would be sooo much faster and plus I had to have them done by tonight because me and my hubby or going out of town this weekend!

Here is what I did and it was so cheap and they came out really cute....and I didn't spend hours on them!!

1. First....pick a picture you love of your little family or that special child in your life....and head down to Walgreens!!

2. Go to the digital print center and select photo cards .... they have lots of valentine ones to chose from....I chose a 4x8 size card....that had two printed Valentine's Day cards on one 4x8 size card....so all I had to do was cut down the middle and volia....I had two mini Valentine Day cards!!

**But the best part about this is Walgreens has a special until 2/12/11 (so get down there!!) that all Valentine cards / prints (4x8 in size) is only .14 cents per print (so yes you get two cards on one print....so it ends up being .07 cents per card!!!) You can't bet that!! While I was there I stocked up on some candy because that was on sale too (yeah...I like those deals!!)

Here are the little class favors that Jacques will be bringing to school!

Here are the supplies I used:
-ribbon, tulle, or string would all work!
-scissors
-clear bags for candy
-hold puncher

Challenge Day #3....Handmade Paper Wreath!

2011-02-10T23:57:00.000-06:00

So here is Challenge Day #3 post....A Handmade Paper Wreath!

Read below for directions...super easy and fun!! Just takes some time to fold all that paper!!

So, if you are reading my blog you probably enjoy blogging like I do....well I don't know if you are as obsessed as I am, but on one of my many late nights of blogging....I found a really cool wreath on Crate Paper's Blog (which by the way is one of my favorite scrapbooking companies) that I really wanted to try....so I gave it a try and really enjoyed making it.....I used girly colors...you know why....so I can put it on Juliette's door or hang in her room!

So if you are wondering how I made this little wreath....here is what you need to do....
1. Find your favorite reality TV show or movie....(you will understand once you begin this process of cutting and folding....and you will thank me!!)

2. Grab a few sheets of your favorite 12x12 pattern papers....and cut strips sizes .75" and 1"
To tell you the exact number of strips would be crazy....because I definitely didn't count when making it....but just know you need a lot....so you will probably use at least 5 to 6 different 12x12 pattern papers.

3. You will need a styrofoam wreath (flat on one side) , hot glue, liquid glue is optional but I used a lot of it, and crepe paper.
Here are some pics from the one on the Crate Paper Blog made by Michelle Lanning.
She did a Christmas inspired one....it is too precious! Her wreath is a little different from mine...but same concept....she used a lot more paper folds than I did and her's is way cuter!!!

4. After make all your cuts...then you will begin folding!! Here is where the movie comes in....
You will fold in half all of your strips...one by one! I put glue on the inside of each fold...to make sure it was nice and secure!

5. After all the folding... begin gluing everything down to the wreath (this is where the hot glue comes in handy!!). I only glued folded pieces around the circle and then around the inside of the circle last! Mix and match all the various pattern papers and sizes...you don't have to put all the .75" strips first and the 1" strips second....really the more random you get...the better it will come out!!

Challenge Day #2...Cards!

2011-02-09T20:39:00.000-06:00

Hey guys!

So here is day 2 of the blog post challenge until the 14th....

Project #2: "Love" Inspired Cards

In both of these cards I used Cosmo Cricket's new line "Circa 1934"....I really love this line and was excited to finally use it!

Hope you enjoy!!

Vera

Challenge yourself this week...

2011-02-08T21:35:00.000-06:00

;'So... I finally had an entire weekend with no birthday parties, no wedding parties, bridal showers, or baby showers....Nothing!!!!! (Yes...I am at that stage of my life where everyone in my life is either getting married, having a baby, or celebrating their child's birthday)

That never happens....between me, Seth and our two little ones....something is always coming up and it never seems that we have a weekend to just chill out!!! Well, we got lucky this weekend....and boy did I love it!! It was the kind of weekend you stay in your PJ's,scrap, and spend too much time blogging and facebooking!! For all you crafty ladies you know....exactly what I am talking about!!

So I spent some time working on "Love" inspired projects for up coming Cupcakes & Make N Take event for Ashley's store. You guys need to sign up if you are free on Friday, Feb. 18...just two hours...short, sweet, and with lots of inspiration!

I also created a few other things...so I will share a little bit....the other stuff you will have to come by Inspire to see...I'll post that after the event!

So I have given myself a challenge for the week....I have to create something everyday until Feb.14th (7 project or layouts...in 7 days!) So want to guess what the challenge theme will be?? Yeah...you got it..."Love"!! So join the challenge and get some stuff done!! I am sure you have something to make that special person in your life or maybe you just need to get some scrappin done...lets see what you make. Take the challenge...and post the stuff to your blog so I can check it out!!

So here is Project #1: A Layout I created using the new Sassafras Line "Paper Crush"....you can find all this fab stuff at Inspire Scrap Boutique!

And one last thing....Jacques wishes you a Happy Valentine's Day too! Check out the pic!! I love it...this was taken when we went to Disney...and my handsome little man stood in line with his cousin Hannah to meet all the princesses!! So he got lots of kisses!! I am using this pic for his valentine's day card to give to all his friends at school...I thought it was fitting!!

Check back tomorrow...I will be posting project # 2!!

Vera

Love is in the air!

2011-02-02T22:55:00.000-06:00

So how do you feel about valentine's day? Well some love it....some hate it!! But either way it gives me an excuse to make a few cute things...right? Well just wanted to share a few things that I have been inspired by lately! Hope you enjoy!!

Hopefully, all the schools are closed tomorrow and everything is iced over....and I can stay in all day and scrap!!! I'm crossing my fingers!!!

Yes those are cupcake tins that Jenni Bowlin has designed for this CHA.....and yes...Ashley will have them in the store!! I mean the possibilities are endless!! Can't wait to get my hands on these!! Lacey Moate these were made for you!!! I know you will be buying these in bulk!!

Love this simple layout by Elizabeth Kartchner .... but really... I love everything this chick does!!

Here is some great photography I have recently discovered and oh so in love with!!

How fab is this one?? Love it..."You were my happy ending"....I will definitely be stealing that for a title on a soon to come layout!!

Have a good one!!
XOXO,
Vera

Check out the new look!

2011-01-27T06:24:00.000-06:00

Well Hello Bloggers!!

It has definitely been a while....I think a little too long...don't you think? Well thanks for stopping by I have changed things up a bit but hopefully I'll give you a little inspiration!
I have so much to share with you guys...especially all the projects and layouts that I have been working on these days!

If you guys haven't been to one of Ashley's crops at Inspire Scrap Boutique...you really need to come on down to the next one....which will be the Feb. 4th weekend

So here are a few things I got down while croppin at the store!

A little Valentine's Day Layout for your viewing pleasure:

So if you are still trying to catch up on Christmas here is one for you:

The title is "Santa is Coming" and I was excited to use my Melissa Frances mini frames...I printed really small pictures to fit into the frames!

I guess it was holiday scrappin this go around....because I did a Mardi Gras layout too!

So a lot of these layouts I created to put in my yearly calendar that I made this year....each month features a different 12x12 layout....in April my little girl turns one (yeah...I know....not already....but yes!!) I think she is just so blessed to have the father that she has. I am so blessed to see my husband with her...it is just too sweet!

Wishing it was summer time right about now....

And...."A Typical Saturday" at my house....kids all around me while I attempt to do something crafty!!

Hope you enjoy!

XOXO

Vera

A Duathlon and a Scrap book class...what a day!

2010-09-25T23:57:00.000-05:00

So...I know...I have waited way to long to post!! But, I have been doing a little bit of creating here and there on top of training for a triathlon (completed that last month) and today I completed a duathlon (a duathlon is a run, bike, run)!! I am so proud of my sister in law Semonne....today she completed her very first race! Semonne has been working really hard training with her best friend Lacey and they rocked at the race today!! It was so much fun and as always...completing one only makes me more motivated to train again and harder!!

Jacques and Seth woke up early and came support us!

Tonight I taught a class at Ashley's new store (Inspire Scrap Boutique)....her store has turned out lovely and if you haven't already been...what are you waiting for....you need to get yourself there now!! I taught an altered home decor project to a wonderful group of ladies! I met some new scrapbooking friends too and I really look forward to scrapping with them again!!

So, this past week my brother's girlfriend, Erika came over for a visit and I created some cards, a bulletin board, and some precious little magnets for one of her new sorority sisters. Erika is a Sigma at Nicholls and there colors are purple and white...so I kept with the same color scheme for all 6 cards. I used lots of Glitz paper (Plum Crazy line) because it is so fitting for Sigma!

Here is the bulletin/magnet board covered with all the cards I made...

Here are the magnets I made...I used the regular magnets that came with the board, but of course I had to alter them a little bit! I cut a piece of paper the size of the magnet, adhered it down with liquid glue, then I took an older pack of rub on letters that I had and turned the "W's" to the side to create the Sigma Greek letter, after I adhered the rub on, I covered the paper with Ranger's Glossy Accents!

A few samples of the cards I created!

Hope you enjoy! Take care and make sure to do some scrapping....and head down to Inspire for constant inspiration and awesome products!!

XOXO,
Vera

What a creative weekend!

2010-08-24T00:50:00.000-05:00

Well I have to say that I don't think I have had a weekend in so long that I was able to do everything I wanted (with a 4 mth. old this really hasn't happen since before she was born!!)....but I did this weekend!!

Yes....me and Ash headed to Breaux Bridge, LA because that is where we find inspiration!! We rented the cheapest hotel room...put up tables and scrapped all weekend...in between antique and flea market shopping!! It was a blast and a little slice of heaven....to scrap at what ever time we wanted and drink as many cokes and eat as much junk food as I wanted!! Before I left for Breaux Bridge...Ashley let me do a little (oh I mean alot!!) of shopping at her store...I think I bought one of everything that has come in!!

This was my pile at the check out counter!

The inspiration was in the air and me and ash gave ourselves tons of challenges and it really helped us to think outside the box...it was great! I have lots of pics to share with you so I hope you enjoy!!

So, here is the class that I will be teaching at Ashley's store on Sept. 25th @ 6 pm...email Ashley if you are interested in signing up inspirescrapboutique@gmail.com .... if you were on my mailing list at Scrapalicious....you will be on hers, so you will be getting an email from the store very soon on all the up coming events at the store!! In case you didn't know Ashley's opens Monday, Sept. 13th!

In this class you will alter an old roof slate...I have managed to get my hands on some awesome slate...an I can't wait for you guys to see them in person! This is a great home decor project and awesome to put up in your home or give to a family or friend as a gift! The quote on the slate is "True Love...is like ghosts, which everybody talks about and few have seen." Of course if you take the class you don't have to use that quote...we will have a quote book at the store with lots of fabulous quotes!!

Hand made flowers that you can learn how to make!!

Here are some layouts that I completed this weekend:

A Golf double page layout that I did of me, jacques, and seth...playing golf on father's day! Title is "Like Father Like Son"

Here is another double page layout that I did of Jacques on the beach in Key West.

Here are some layouts I did of Miss Juliette Marie!! I am trying to not get behind with her, but it is hard to balance scrapbooking two children now!! But, I must say it is soooo much fun to scrapbook a little girl!!

A little handmade flower using some awesome vintage fabric from one of my favorite customers ms. lily!

Ok...so here is a layout that I challenged Ashley to do with me! The challenge was...the layout couldn't be 12x12 in size...so we choose to do a 6x12 layout. We couldn't use paper for layering....only rub ons to create our background! We could use any embellishments, but in moderation! Here is what I made...I used all the colors in Ashley's store...that was my inspiration!

Here is a simple layout I did of me and Juliette at the hospital. It is titled "Our New Life"

Here is another challenge Ashley issued to me over the weekend...no paper, rub ons, buttons, embellishments...around your picture....nothing can touch it!! Wow...you don't realize how hard this is until you try it!! But, I had fun with this challenge!!

Here is an altered project I did for Juliette's bed room...the letter "J"

Hope you enjoy! Be checking back soon...because I will be posting lots of up coming events and classes that will be taking place at Inspire Scrap Boutique!!

XOXO, Vera

My favorite things this sunday....

2010-08-09T00:39:00.000-05:00

1. So I have finally learned how to make these precious handmade flowers....
Check out the tutorials to learn how to do it yourself!

2. Can't wait to try out what I learned and make one like this!! It is prefect in a child's hair, a scrapbook page, a frame, a card....the list goes on and on!

3. I am in love with this halloween costume....I think Juliette would look precious as a little owl!! Pottery barn kids has sooo many cute halloween costumes this year!!

4. So am I the only one....obsessed with the Bachelorette!! Well, I am especially obsessed with Ali and Roberto!! I must say I really don't keep up with reality tv...but I must confess...I have always been addicted to the bachelor / bachelorette!!

5. I love this layout that I found on the American Crafts blog! I love the way various circle punches were used to create a nice layer on this scrapbook page! I often use my circle punches when I am making cards, but I often forget to use my circle punches when making layouts!!

Hope you guys have a good sunday! I love lazy sundays!!

Vera

5 things I love Sunday...

2010-08-02T03:18:00.000-05:00

Hey guys!

So one of my favorite blogs of all time is Miss Elsie Flannigan's personal blog!! I became a fan of hers when she was designing for KI memories and she made an exclusive line called "Love, Elsie". When her products came out in Hobby Lobby...me and Ashley went crazy!! We are still hoarding her products...because she is no longer making scrapbooking products and we were such big fans! So, I visit her blog from time to time and she inspires me so much. One of the things I love so much about her blog is that every Sunday she post "10 things I love Sunday"....I think it is the coolest idea....she always post 10 things that either inspires her, she loves, she is happy about...you get the point...right?

Well, this post is her idea...but it is something I would definitely like to continue! So, this week I will start with 5...but I hope you enjoy!

1. The new CHA release from Crate Paper called "Restoration"....oh my I can't wait to get it in my hands!! (Ashley will be selling it at her store!!)

2. This amazing song....

My husband sang this song today at church and it rocked!!

3. This precious outfit from Target that I bought for Juliette today...don't you love all the cute things you can find there? That place is always dangerous for me...I can always find what I need and lots of extras!!!

4. Getting to scrapbook on a sunday night once both kids are sound alseep...most of the time when sunday rolls around I am so tired that I definitely don't get to do anything creative...but I am trying to manage my time better so that everything is done on sunday and I can actually scrapbook a little!
So here is what I made tonight...just a quick layout to add to juliette's book! The picture is not the clearest...but the title is "Announcing...Juliette Marie"

5. Training for my up coming triathlons!! I have been wanting to do a triathlon for longer than I can remember...and since having Juliette I have decided to make it happen! I am doing a few local triathlon's coming up next month...the Trapon Triathlon in Bayou Black and the CajunMan Triathlon in Lafayette! If you want more information on them check it out or if you think you would like to do something like that...send me an email...I love having people to train with!

Have a good night!

Vera

Jacques' 3rd Birthday!

2010-07-30T01:15:00.000-05:00

Jacques had his 3rd Birthday party this past weekend! I guess it was a success because the day after his party he asked me "Mommy am I having another soccer party today?"

A few months ago I was talking to Jacques and asking him what kind of birthday he would like to have. He began to explain to me what he had in mind...I was actually shocked to know that my child actually had a plan!! He told me that he wanted his birthday party at the EDWhite soccer field and that he wanted all his friends to wear there soccer uniforms to his party! He loves everything about soccer! When I tell him that Mommy played soccer when she was younger...he asks me to show him my cleats....he doesn't understand that I got rid of them 10 years ago! My dad has been teaching and coaching at EDWhite since I was a small child and never would I have thought I would see the day where my child would go with his "Pops" to the EDWhite athletic events! Jacques spends a good bit of time with my parents (his Mia & Pops) and one of his favorite things to do is go to EDWhite with his Pops!! For a three year old...it is just too cool...to him the soccer players are professional!!

So, of course I planned this big day for him at EDWhite. He invited all his little friends, we set up flags and goals, brought tons of balls, even had a soccer cake made...along with soccer sports drinks, the key club volunteered and made snowballs for the kids, and the EDWhite mascot "T-Doug" even showed up!!

I made his birthday invitations and a little soccer banner with his name...just wanted to share it with you guys!

My new blog....

2010-07-28T02:50:00.000-05:00

I love blogging...and I love creating new blogs!! So, I am super excited to finally have a blog just to post my creative work, my children, my crazy adventures, and all the little extras!! I hope you will continue to come back and visit from time to time and I also hope to inspire you in some way.

I want to share with you all the news about Ashley's store too! If you haven't checked out the store's new blog please do so! Inspire Scrap Boutique will be opening the beginning of Sept. so make sure to save the store's blog in your favorites so you can continue to get updates. Any Scrapalicious customer who has received emails from me in the past will soon begin to receive them from Inspire Scrap Boutique! She has so many great things in store for you guys and I can't wait until you see all the wonderful inventory she has been ordering!! I keep telling her I need one of everything!

I also want to share some projects I have completed over the last few weeks. At the beginning of this month, I attended an awesome event in the Lafayette area. Treasured Memories puts on a wonderful scrapbooking event in Rayne each year....it was my first time attending and boy was it a blast....I can't wait to go back!! I was a vendor (Scrapalicious attended its last event as a store) and my awesome friend and employee Taylor was such a big help! We met so many wonderful scrapbookers that we know we will be friends with for a long time to come! I also got to catch up with scrapbook friends that I have met while being in business...as always my girls from Alexandria always bring a smile to my face and I had sooo much fun hanging out with them!! Can't wait to go and teach for them!

Thanks to everyone who participated in our make in takes over the weekend....we got such a great response and I thank you for supporting us!!

One of the mini classes I did at the event was this frame. The frame can be purchased from Michael's for a $1.00...I am sure you have seen them before...down the aisle with all the the wood products! I altered the frame by using lots of modge podge to adhere my vintage ledger & dictionary paper. I inked over the ledger & dictionary paper with Tim Holtz distress ink (vintage photo), used a little Claudine Hellmuth paint (to give the pink color), Lumiere paint for a little extra color and sparkle, and gel medium (made by Liquitex) to give the frame the final touch (the gel medium helped to seal and protect the frame...plus it gave a canvas like feel!!)
Each person in the class embellished their own frame as they wanted and of course I made mine for Juliette's room! The quote I stamped on by using black staz-on (the stamps are Ali Edwards - by Technique Tuesday). The flowers are made out of vintage sewing patterns and I used various cameos from Websters Pages. To give the flowers color I used my Lumiere paint (Ashley will have lots of colors at her store!) and Glimmer Mist. I gathered together some lace and placed a crochet cross and a piece of "Dear Lizzy" chipboard in the center!

This was another make and take I did at the event in Rayne....a little vintage photo stand! I used small wooden sewing spools to create my stand base...the spools are wrapped with Tim Holtz's new tissue tape (you need to get you some of that!!! Oh it is a must!!) I used a small wooden rod (can be found at Michael's) to hold the pieces together and support the back of the frame. I used pieces of Tim Holtz's new paper, some cork paper, cordboard, and a bracket cut from my Big Shot to create the frame.

Here is a layout that I did a long time ago...but I have been wanting to display it, but could never find the place for it or the right stand or frame to put it in! So, here is what I decided...can you guess what kind of stand the layout is being displayed on? It is a towel stand for a bathroom...but I am using it for a scrapbook stand!

Before I go....here is a recent pic of my kiddos for the 4th of July! Jacques just turned 3 and Juliette just made 3 mths!! Juliette was just too happy....right after the picture was taken she went for a little swim (her first swim on the 4th of July!!)

Until next time....Have a good creative day!

Vera