Scrapping 2011

In the past 2 years I honestly have scrap booked only a couple of layouts. It just hasn't been a priority, and I promised myself that I would never let it become a chore. 'cause really, that takes the fun out of it. I do look at the books (and there are quite a few) stuffed full of layouts documenting our family in the first 4 years and wish that I had the same for the past 2. It is so fun to look back through them and reminisce. The kids especially love looking at them. 

I will also honestly say that when Close To My Heart announced their online scrap booking program, Studio J, I was sure I would not be interested. I love the hands on, crafting, cutting and gluing, inking and embellishing part of scraping. It's been a great creative outlet for me, and I don't plan on giving it up. However, I have been trying to get familiar with Studio J so I can help others use it. It really is a great tool, and the more I use it the more I love it. The past few days I've put together a few layouts, from the comfort of my bedroom, with nothing but the computer to get out and put away. I love the simpleness of Studio J and I love the complexity. Anyone can seriously use it, from beginner to pro, from the 'not so crafty but wants to be' to the scrap booking diva. 

There are some great tutorials on You Tube by Amy Ulen that you should definitely check out. I have learned so much by watching them! 

Here are a few layouts I've created in the past couple of days.

If you have any questions or want to learn more, you can email me tracibulkley@hotmail.com and/or visit my website http://tracibulkley.myctmh.com/ 

Happy Scrapping!

Bitten

I've got the Family History bug. :) I've spent the last week researching and trying to learn more about my Grandma Washburn's side of the family. It's a mystery and I'm still digging. As the story goes, my Great Great Grandfather moved west, away from his family, and changed his name. It's fascinating to me, and I want to know why?!?!? (Along with a million other things)

When I was about 15 my mom helped my sisters and I each find a name to take to the temple so we could be baptized for an ancestor. Since then I have thought a lot about the Great Great Grandma that I was baptized for. I know very little about her and though I've tried to find out more....it's like a sealed book. She is someone I can't wait to meet and talk with on the other side. I have so many questions! So here I am 12 years later preparing to go to the temple once more to finish the work of this Grandmother. I am so excited! There is so much work to be done on that side of the family! It makes me even more excited to go to the temple, knowing that I am finally able to link my ancestors eternally. What a huge blessing!