Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Friday, November 09, 2007

Long time no blog...

It's no secret, sometimes I can be the world's worst blogger. My apologies....

This one is for Nicki, and the 7 other lovely gals participating in the altered charm swap at PI. I am usually not a spoiler, but just couldn't resist!

Monday, September 24, 2007

Halloween Banner Fun

Here it is, in all it's spooky glory. Wishing a very Happy (early) Halloween to all!!



My Halloween banner kit is now sold out, I am sorry to disappoint. I received a few e-mails and could only fulfill so many. I would like to try something new, please bear with me. If you are interested in future projects including holiday banners, keep reading. I will be creating a Christmas banner of similar sorts, stay tuned for sneak peaks. It will be made mostly of fabric, fun ribbons..... think Vintage-y. It is sure to delight, loaded with glitter galore and festive embellishments!

Send me your name and e-mail addy and I will try and get a list going. Please know there are no promises even this time, as I have already collected many of the items for the banner. Just know that I will do my best to accommodate.

Thanks so much for your support and interest in my projects and designs.... big hugs!

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Did I mention....

that I truly LOVE this time of year! I especially love to decorate bits here and there for Halloween, oooh such fun!


Yep, that's right, I am busy working on a fun Halloween banner. I have jam packed this one with fun goodies, festive ribbons and shiny letters. For those that asked, my goal is to have the banner kits ready to ship in about week. I am working hard to get them done earlier if possible, if you are like me not only do I love fun holiday decor, but I love to display it asap :)

Back to work for now.....

Cheers!

ps. I did indeed make the wreath in my previous post, and have a few for sale. I never really provided details here, but there's still time to get a kit. You can e-mail me at jillguimont@comcast.net if you are interested. Price will be $33.00--a steal!!! :)

Friday, August 31, 2007

Looking forward to it......

Don't get me wrong, as I truly LOVE summer. Although, for me there is something peaceful about the start of Fall. ...as you can see I am really looking forward to it :)

Thursday, July 26, 2007

been working....

Remember that backyard Oasis I spoke about back in *eeeek* March, well it has certainly been a work in progress. *insert excuse here* Of course, in between a gazillion other life and household happenings we are managing to get it completed all of 4 months later. The stone wall is about complete, here are a few photos from this past weekend. Thankfully my Mom grabbed the camera, which reminds me.... a huge thank you to my Mom, Dad, brother Tyler and his sweet girlfriend Linda. They never fail to pull through for us, even when it means working in 90+ degree weather to help us get this finished. As you can see, even Bella helped when she could.




Disclaimer: I know that flip flops aren't exactly "working" shoes, but my footie is still recovering from surgery back in April and extremely sensitive to closed toed shoes yet. That being said, please do not try this type of work with out proper protective gear and attire ;)

Loads of work yes, but I have to say that I have truly enjoyed just about everyday this past week working right along side hubs, knee deep in mortar. We are now official "do-it-yourselfers." I tell you what, it is hard work, but the time and energy (and sweat) is well worth the accomplishment. I cannot wait to unveil the results. The sod will go in on Saturday morning, and then we will have all next week to get the rest all dialed in. Can you tell I am really looking forward to soaking up the fruits of our labor. I hate to say it, but somehow an event like Bella's 2nd birthday bash (weekend after this) is usually what it will take for us to switch our game into high gear. It's true, we work best under pressure :)

So, just in case you wondered where I'd been or better yet, what I've been up to; well here you have it. Been busy busting my tush outdoors.

That's it for now. Take care friends and sweet dreams.

Until next time. xo

Monday, July 16, 2007

Your Pictured Memories *CHA Peekie*

Hello there :)

Here are two simply fun little projects I made using the new line from Your Pictured Memories. Go---->Now---->Bookmark the site, that way when the new line is up you can be the first to check it out. Keep in mind this is only a small peek at the many papers making their debut at CHA in just a few days. Lot's of fun!!

I just couldn't resit the lovely coffee collection, this mini-book was soooo much fun to create. It's super easy and I have even provided enough photos for you to make your own. I do LOVE my Starbucks (can you tell?!?!) :)





Until next time..... xo

Monday, July 09, 2007

creating LOVE-lies...

Just a little of what I have been up to...

that....

and Bella's birthday invites

and special order for purses :)

and class projects

just another day I've spent knee deep in fabric and paper....

On that note, please tell me there is someone else out there like me? You know who you are. You that begins a project, gets side-tracked and somehow antsy to begin another. Walks away from the first one for an undisclosed (usually short) amount of time, dabbles a little here and there with other creative goodness, and then faithfully comes back to the first unfinished project only to begin the cycle all over again. Anyone, anyone... please tell me you are out there??? and don't tell me this is what they call ADD?? lol ;)

Happy Monday friends.... and as always sweet dreams!

Sunday, June 24, 2007

4th of July Banner **KIT**

eta: my banner is finished--Yay!!

Couple things... The banner is up in my etsy shop, and I decided to stick to a nice round number I am listing them at $45.00 and totally worth it, you'll see!! Check out the offer, good today and tomorrow only....

In the meantime, I thought you might be waiting for a couple photos of my completed banner (see below). It really is lovely and turned out better than I expected! I will fit right in with the holiday spirit on the 4th, won't you join me? :)



You gals are too cute :) I am pleased to know you are anxiously awaiting to see what I have been cookin'.

This fun little lovely has been an idea in the making for quite some time, I am excited to reveal the *almost* end product! I hope you enjoy it also! I know the photo was a bit more than just a peekie, but yes I have designed a festive 4th of July Banner. Seems these pennant style banner are all the rage this season, and since I am quite fond of them myself and have decided to get extra *happy* this 4th.




Some of you know that occasionally I teach classes at my LSS Youngplay Memories. Also the place where the fabulous Kristina Contes will be appearing for some scrappy teaching the weekend after next....soooo excited! Ok, so back to the banner.... I had initially planned to do a class creating this banner, but I ended up using fabric instead of PP (patterned paper). Although no sewing is required, you could surely add more stitches if desired. The kit will come complete with everything you see in the main photo. Please note that as a final touch, I will be stitching around the perimeter of each triangle piece with an eye popping white thread. I have not completed mine yet, (hopefully tomorrow) and I will be posting more photos when I have mine finished. It's SUPER cute, and I am sure you too will love it to pieces!

I have only a small number of kits, and I will be posting a few for sale in my etsy shop tomorrow afternoon at around 4pm PST. Believe me when I say they are a steal at $47.50 a kit. You would not believe the amount of work I have dedicated to make certain that this lovely project is just perfect. A full color set of directions with photos will be included with each kit purchase.


Wishing you a lovely and fun-filled Sunday afternoon. We'll see ya tomorrow :)

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Happy Father's Day.... We LOVE you!!!

Happy Father's day to my honey and the best daddy ever!

We love you...xo

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

and the winner is...

drumroll please............

it's kathleen....yay!!

Please e-mail me your addy to jillguimont@comcast.net

Funny though, I just have to make clear that kathleen's name did not go into the jar 4 times. Heehee! I can just imagine... we all have a little impatience when blogger acts up don't we? lol!

Thanks so much to everyone for playing along, you ladies have some kickin' scrappy talent. Way to go chicks!!

I do wish everyone could be a winner today. Until then, I am happy to have provided some of you with a good "kick in the pants!"

Happy day friends!!!

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Make it Colorful **RAK update**

I just love an RAK, it sure does feel good to give happily!

Let me see, can I tempt you even more? I am offering up some fun little things here, Heidi Swapp tapes, KI stamps (note to self set), MME rub on's, color pencils--stamped with my motto for this RAK, "make it colorful." Ribbon bundle, strips of fabric, note pad and of course my all time favorite little sugary treat--Smarties!

What am I babbling for, here is a full-on peek at the goodies up for grabs...

So come on, you know you want to join the fun!**Because of the holiday, I have decided to draw the winner on Wednesday afternoon PST** :)

Have a lovely holiday weekend friends!

all my best... xo

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

**RAK involved challenge** fun stuff...

I've been thinking, I figure that I average about 10 days (and maybe more) between postings. What a bad blogger I have been. Blogging will usually get the shaft, as there is always something else taking precedence. But.... man oh man, I do miss you gals!! :)

No complaints here, I have been scrapping almost everyday since Friday. Thanks KP!! I finally had a moment to pick up a kit, or two and have some fun. Only after I froze in a moment of overwhelming kit compulsion. Here I was thinking that I hadn't opened a kit in forever, truth be told it was just since January. Since splurging back in February, I thought it was about time I unpack some goodies. Each of the fabulous add-on's were a must have that month. Needless to say, I immersed myself in a colorful frenzy this past weekend and opened up both March's Rock Star and February's Funky Town.

February has to be my favorite month so far, I am so in love with all the colors!

Back to my overwhelming-ness, I had no idea where to begin. Oddly uncharacteristic of me, but true this time. I pay close attention to the message boards and often read "kit addiction confessions," stories of unopened kits piling up, etc., etc., etc... You get the picture.

Without fail, each month I really look forward to the DT gallery at Poppy Ink. So that's where I started my creative process this time. There is some ultra fabulous talent out there, I especially love the way Heather embellishes. Of course, that got me thinking. I never quite bring myself to actually "use" my embellies, and I mean really "use" them up. Why is it that we have a tendency to want to hoard these pretty little lovelies? After all they were made to be seen right?

The following LO's I shamefully scraplifted almost to a "T" This first one is from Heather's March gallery.

this one too...Can you say copy cat... this one here is a lift of the lovely Amber Skolinick. It's a fact, I worry about EVERYTHING. I loved everything about this and the message fit perfectly, thanks Amber!!

Here's my challenge:

Right now, quit saving and hoarding. Unleash your inner creative genius. If you have any unopened kits, pick one and by golly use and abuse your stuff. If you get stuck, try scraplifting from the galleries. Embellish to you hearts content, and then some, and then some more. Upload your work somewhere and post a link to it here in the comments section. On Tuesday afternoon I will randomly draw a name for the fabulous RAK anxiously awaiting a new home! RAK is open to all, not just those with un-opened kits and hoarders alike, anyone can participate!! Excited to see what you bring, have some fun and remember embellish it up!!

So now you know, I had the best time scraplifting a few of the gallery LO's, even just taking bits and pieces.... it was just the jump start I needed to get going again. Thanks PI, you rock!

**RAK is a darling little shirt (also PI inspired). It is a lime green with silver and grey owlies, sz Med. I bought myself one and thought what a great little RAK it would make. Also, I have done some serious spring organizing/cleaning around here, you can be sure that I will include a few fun scrappy items too! Think Heidi Swapp, new KI stamps, ribbon, laces, flowers and even some fabric snippets!

Last but not least, be sure to check out my etsy shop, I finally had a chance to upload some new items. Which I hope to be able to do on a more regular basis. I have lowered my prices altogether. Check out the three standard size totes down marked down to $25 a pop, woot-woot for a bargain! TFL :)

Happy creating and sweet dreams...

smiles,
Jillian

Monday, May 14, 2007

Make a Wish...

To all my dear friends, here's wishing that your Mother's Day was overflowing with love and joy!

To my Mother, the best Mother a girl could ask for. Thank you for loving me, teaching me to love myself and others and showing me the ways of life. You are truly the reason behind who I am today, I love you more than words!


First was Church, then came brunch, and then it was back home where I indulged in a long overdue nap. With my second wind, I opted for some scrappy fun. I spent the second half of Mother's Day being creative and crafty. Had a chance to break open my Jenni Bowlin Kit... especially love the combo of colors this month.

Sweet dreams... xo

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Just Having Fun!

Ah yes, I have been busy....busy in general, some things never change. But there is always time for fun, after all it is rule #1. So, all three of us went out and about to work on completing assignment #3, for my photography class. Here is proof...



So tell me, (aside from the cutie model) don't you just love my fabulous metal chair? Perfect "prop" for photography wouldn't you agree?

Last week my dear friend Corie called me while out running her errands, she had just left her neighborhood and spotted a pile of what looked to be items that a neighbor would be getting rid of. She told me that on her way back home, if he was still out working/cleaning his garage she would ask, that if he was throwing it away, could she have it. She explained to me that it had my name written all over it, she knew with my "craftiness" that I'd be able to give it a new life, paint it pretty, etc..

Much to my delight, she was able to snag this old chair for me, and warned that it was in need of TLC. Later that day I stopped by her house to pick it up, and I was beyond thrilled at just how "me" it truly was. I LOVED it at first sight. It is the most beautifully distressed piece of turquoise metal on earth. Gift's like this are one in a million, thanks Corie! I promise to give it all the TLC in the world, but I think I'll leave it just the way it is.




Saturday, April 21, 2007

Oh Happy Day!!!

Exactly One Year Ago Today....

This Girl...

and This Guy....

Said "I do."

They are Living...

Happy 1 Year Anniversary to us!

My Love for you is more than words can describe.

You are truly a one of a kind, upstanding guy,

and I am blessed to have you in my life.

You are my best friend in the whole world.

I Love you...xo

JP + KP = True Love


Monday, April 09, 2007

Peeps and Cherry Blossoms

Hola Peeps!

So tell me, how was your Easter holiday? Ours was just super! First things first, we attended an awesome service at church yesterday, where we of course celebrated the Resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He is Risen indeed! We then spent the afternoon hunting eggs, eating well and visiting with family at Kevin's Dad's house. They live in Jamestown, CA the most adorable little foothill town. A very happy day!

Ok, so speaking of Peeps, I just can't resist the cuteness about them. You might already know that they make Peep everything these days, (stuffed toys, etc.) and that makes me happy! Especially since I am not a huge fan of their sugary, marshmellowy flavor and squishy spongy texture. Can you say choc-o-holic... ah, yes Miss Bella enjoyed every last morsel of chocolate that we weren't able to "save for later" and only so she wouldn't make herself ill eating every piece in the basket. That's my girl. Yesterday was candid really, I couldn't help but marvel at the way it seemed Bella knew exactly what to do. She could have fooled anyone that this was her first "real" Easter, crazy how kids just know these things isn't it? She hunted eggs like a pro, very efficient nonetheless. And the way she tiptoed around the yard filling up her basket was just altogether very sweet. Wouldn't you agree that the innocence of a child can make any holiday that much lovelier.




I had fun crafting the most darling little Spring project on Saturday. Just in time for the Easter holiday. The "how-to" was featured in the April issue of Better Homes and Gardens. I picked up the flowers at Michael's, they were on sale for a buck. This happy little spring pick-me-up is also perfect as a festive centerpiece for any occasion.

Magazine copy compliments of my Mom ;)



Go on make one yourself, it's good for the soul! xo

Friday, April 06, 2007

Oh Happy Day!!!

Hello to you and Happy Friday!!!

I am headed to a little event in Downtown Tracy called "First Friday." It will fall on the first Friday of each month during Spring-Summer. Downtown merchants stay open a bit later, while live music sets the mood. Think something similar to that of a farmers market set-up. How I got involved... So there is a darling little fashion parlor (think all things hip, chic and sparkly) called Blush. After browsing around her shop one day many months ago, Stacey (the owner) and I were chatting about my handbags....the rest is history. She is a super sweet gal and especially savvy business owner. "First Friday" is something new to Tracy all together, and I am thrilled to say that she invited me to join her. In a nut shell, I show up with all my goods, set up a pretty little table and sell my handbags to my hearts content. She offered a pretty sweet deal not to be passed up!

Here is my latest bag, just finished it last night....

On another note, I know I've been talking about this Shabby Chic altered book I am working on. It's a project I will be teaching at Youngplay on June 1st. It's only a thought right now, but I was going to put maybe 2-3 additional kits together for my etsy shop. No directions, just a pretty little coordinating papercrafting style kit. Included would be the old book, papers, laces/ribbons, fabric trims, flowers, etc. Anyhoo, here is a peekie for you.

Well, I am off to Blush, but I have to admit I am a little frazzled. I am still hobbling around while my bum foot heals. Go ahead and say it, you think I'm nuts!....and I'd have to agree with you today. Really though, KP is staying home with Bella. It was my parents who, so graciously volunteered to set up and help me out tonight. That's right, volunteered, they are just too good to me. Mom & Dad....you guys rock! (and "rock" is a good thing, means you are completely "awesome") And I love you for always wanting the best for me, even today

Speaking of recovering, I am not allowed to remove the bandage until my follow-up appointment next week. I guess I didn't take into account Easter is this coming weekend, bummer....I guess that means no following Bella around with my cam at the Easter egg hunt, I'll have to have to nominate KP to be in charge of that. Also, no pretty shoes for me on Sunday, only this pretty little orthopedic shoe I have to wear!

Finally, I wanted to wish you all a very Happy Easter filled with eggs galore, oodles of candy, Peeps and whatever else you look forward to at this time of year. May you have a blessed holiday with Family and Friends!

Until next time....xo

Monday, April 02, 2007

Polka Dots, Projects and Purses

Hello my sweet lovable friends and family!! This is a quickie post this evening. In the meantime I am actively searching for the time to get back to blogging more often. I really miss it, believe me. It always seems that have so much to say and so little time....anyone else with me here? I haven't even had much time on the computer these days in general, so I apologize in advance to those of you who have blogs that I have been neglecting. Although, back to the computer I shall be for the next 12 weeks. Today was my first day of class with the fabulous Wendy Schulz, and so far so good. A very excited, eager student I am to learn all I can from her wealth of knowledge about the art of photography.

I have been busy working on some new fabulous purses. I even have a third size to the mix. More about all the juicy details next time. But, I will give you just a hint of info....there is good news for you gals, I have lowered my prices especially for etsy. Give me a couple weeks and I should have it all dialed in over there. I have also been working on some class projects for my LSS YoungPlay Memories. Did I mention it is the largest (independently owned) scrapbook store in the world? It's just too fabulous for words, a must visit if you are ever in the Central Valley. Anyhow, these classes I have been working on have given me a great idea. I am thinking of putting together some project kits to sell in my etsy shop. (Like I don't have enough irons in the fire already) I know call me nuts, I deserve it...lol! Sadly, I haven't scrapped much lately just for myself, I was really hoping to get some "me" time in this coming weekend? Let's say, oh after the egg hunt on Saturday and in between family dinner's, etc... on second thought, maybe this weekend wont work after all? Well, soon I hope!

I just have to share with you all the most adorable little dress my aunt Sally sent this past weekend. She lives in Southern Ca. and just loves my sweet little Bella more than words can say, and that makes my heart completely happy. I know that she thinks of us often and never fails to keep all of us in her prayers. She is a loyal reader of my blog and I love that she is so involved in our lives. She is a blessing to our family and I just want the world to know how much I love and treasure her. I look forward to seeing Bella all dolled up in this precious dress, thank you so very much!

And finally, I wanted to let you all know that I am having surgery on my right foot tomorrow morning, wish me luck. Not to worry though, it's minor...at least I hope so! Thankfully KP is taking the day off to be able to baby me if needed, and believe me I am looking forward to that. I have a cyst on the tendon just above my big toe, ewww. Happy to see it go, I'll keep you all posted.

Sweet dreams...