Art...and the freedom to create it

One thing I struggle with on a daily basis is the cleanliness of my art room. I am fortunate enough to have an entire room to create whatever I want...and more often than not I am either creating on the floor in the living room or not creating at all because I can't breathe in my room. That is an absolute travesty. If I am not using the room, I shouldn't have the privilege of having one. Period. So I was discussing with the Hubs last weekend some cost effective options to fix the issues I had. Yes I would love to rebuild my studio all custom and matching and wonderful...however...I am also realistic and know that this is not our "forever" house. So it would be a shame to spend the money, time and effort only to have to say good-bye to it in the coming few years. I wasn't expecting what happened. Hubs took a look at what I was thinking of and said "ok". That was it. And the discussion ended and I thought maybe we would look into some building materials next month. I was fairly pleased with the space I had at that moment because my friend Corinne had come over to spend a few hours helping/telling me what to clean and directing me in my purge. Her favourite thing to say was "Just let it GO Kate!" It was a fabulous time! So I have to admit I was a touch disappointed when I came home the afternoon of said discussion with the Hubs to find my room in ruins. Absolute chaos. With Hubs in the middle of it with his tools beside him telling me to come clear off my desk because it was going bye-bye. I had no time to process what was happening but he obviously wanted to get a move on with the project. LOL These "before" photos are from several months ago. This was the room at it's worst and it had taken on a nasty personality all of its own.

View from the door:
Big shelf/extra desk space. I forgot to snap a pic of the top of this shelf where all my project boxes and albums were kept. Oh my word. Let your imagination run wild.

Peg board and original desk space. Wait a minute...is there even a desk under there?!?

Childrens area.

In the months since this photo I did a few things like getting rid of the 6ft kids table and opting for a desk with drawers. And of course did a bunch of cleaning and purging. But I still had hot spots that were hard to control simply because things were piled on the floor and had no storage. Insert the Hubs and his need to complete projects right now.

Soak in the before photos...and I will post after photos next week. They rock!!!

Here is a little something I created on the floor...LOL. I have been so in love with birds in the last year. This is an 8x8 canvas with some Tim Holtz, Hambly & Elsie Flannigan, ink, metal, bling and a bunch of crackle paint. I love shabby chic home decor!

What does your space look like? Does it make you happy? Do you need some inspiration and encouragement to change it? Leave a comment and send me a link! I'd love to see it! xo

What I want out of Camp Croppin'. A photo experience.

Ok...what can I possibly say about Camp Croppin' that I haven't already said HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE? I've done it all...I've said it all. In a nutshell...it's my favourite event and never disappoints. So let's take a stroll through photo land, shall we? Of all the things I want out of Camp Croppin' this year.

I'll take several of these please. Leaving at 6am on Friday can take it's toll on a gal. Cause you know I didn't sleep a wink the night before and won't be falling into bed again anywhere before 4am! Venti extra hot creme brule latte. But Kate...Christmas is over. Oh, the weather was confusing me for a second there. Make it a Venti triple shot extra hot mocha no whip please.

The second we blow into town we do a spot of shopping. Just as a warm up.

Shopping really does work up an appetite, doesn't it? Peanuts Sports Bar has the best steak sandwich I have ever had. Hands down. This is not a real photo of one...but it's close. Note to self: take a photo of the real sandwich so you can do the deliciousness justice on the blog.

After cleaning our plates at the bar we need to switch gears...scrap mode! Classes! The beauty of new products! Sigh. Prima.
Stampendous...I am in love with your bird cages. Please bring some for us to play with. Thank-you.

I'm imagining many colours of mist...and getting many of them on my shirt. Because it's like a moth to a flame I tell ya.

And my favourite...Bo Bunny. I am looking forward to seeing which of the famous Bo Bunny sweaters will be worn this year. Because I saw some new ones that they embellished themselves with the new trims! Crafty ladies they are.

After hours and hours of gluing myself...to...myself I might need to unwind a bit.

And a couple hours after that...I will have to wind back up!We will scream and cheer, laugh and cry, meet and greet, scrap and craft! Not to mention the serious hangover you get from all of the PRIZES!!! Then we will stagger home and eagerly anticipate next year.
And if you have forgotten how much I love Camp Croppin'...maybe this will refresh your memory.

Need some inspiration before the event? Head over to the Scrapbooker's Paradise blog because they have an amazing new challenge team!!!

Join in on a rockin' good time that also benefits the Alberta Children's Hospital! Check out the Camp Croppin' Website for more information. And I will see YOU at the Make N Take table! xox

Another fabulous use for Glimmer Mist!

Here is what is going on at our house today:

It started out with the Daddy snowman. And he of course needed a face AND accessories. LOL Then it was so nice out they continued with the Mummy snowman. Then I heard Hubs chuckling and my oldest shouted "DAD! She needs a BRA!" Then he ran in and asked if he could have one of mine. Um...no. So I took a chance that blogland could handle some naked snow boobs. LOL

I was busy running up and down the stairs to my art room every time someone thought of something cool to put on the snow people. My last trip up I grabbed...wait for it...that's right...the GLIMMER MIST! I have said it before and I will say it again...I spray EVERYTHING with this stuff! You might remember my popcorn garland of 2009.

The boys got a little rowdy with it {they apparently take after their mama!} so it got taken away before the "snow kids" could get some colour. Aw, come on Dad!
I love all the details...like the older "snow-son" has missing front teeth...er I mean buttons. Matches our 6 year old right now!

This is our snow family today. Enjoying the beautiful weather {while it lasts} and just making some really good memories. Out of normal every day stuff. Because that is the stuff I love to scrapbook! Have a wonderful weekend everyone. Bless others this week with the truly beautiful you! xo