I've been seeing it everywhere. A little pop of spring/summer fun! I'm all about mixing patterns and bright colors, so this is right up my alley! :) Check out these pics...

These are from Target, The Company Store, and JCrew. Soooo super cute! I've managed to get Lilli into some cutie madras shorts, I'm working on getting Bob into some long bermuda ones (sedate brown so as not to scare the poor man), and have my eye on a little beverage bucket I saw this weekend. Might have to throw a party to justify that purchase! ;)

Naturally, anything that I see in out in the "real world" gets translated to my scrappin' addiction. And the search for madras plaid paper began. And ended...rather abruptly unfortunately. I have plaid papers, but no madras...not even plaid in the vibrant hues that are calling my name "Staciiiiiii, use meeeeee!" ;)

So what's a scrap-desperate girl to do? Well, since I wasn't making a late night fabric run (don't laugh...I've done it!), this chick took out those cutie shorts of her daughters! I took a macro pic of them, photoshopped it up a bit for extra oomph, and printed it onto matte photo paper. Yep, I made my own madras plaid paper from Lilli's shorts! LOL :) And you know what? My Madras-Mad Self was quite happy with the result! :)

Check it out...

Supplies: Adhesive (Adhesive Technologies, Provocraft), Buttons (Autumn Leaves), Patterned paper (Dream Street Papers), Pen (Sharpie, Uniball), Rhinestons (Glitz Designs), Ribbon (Cream City Ribbon), Stamps (Fontwerks), Stickers (American Crafts, Autumn Leaves), Misc.: staples

Madras. Yes, its everywhere. Learn to love it and the springy happy feelings it gives you! And of course, scrap with it...however necessary! ;)

Have a smilie-filled day! ...Staci :)

ah, spring. my favorite season (although i guess we don't have actual seasons here in southern california). not only is the weather perfect, but all the flowers are in bloom:

hope you're enjoying your spring, too!

--Caroline

Earth Day. Its been a whole week of festivities at Lilli's school. Trying to bring focus to our world in fun, creative ways for the kids.

One of the projects is a Family Recycled Art Project. We had to create art completely from items that can be recycled. Lilli and I brainstormed and I remembered a super-cute mirror frame I'd seen at Urban Outfitters. That one was made with teeny rolled bits of papers. I thought folding would be easier for almost-7yo fingers so we went with a folded magazine bits wreath.

We got to work. Lilli did so great...really doing her best to get everything lined up when she folded all the paper bits, so careful. She was working solid with me through the first magazine. By the time we hit the second one, she was done. Poor baby fingers worked to the bone. LOL :) So Mom is the one staying up tonight to finish it off.

Turned out pretty cute I think. In a random, handmade kinda way. ;)

Lovin' the little family art projects. Can't wait to do more this summer!

Oh, and I hung it on the door to surprise Lilli in the morning. She'll be excited b/c my little clone was worry-warting about it not being done in time for the 1st grade tour.

  ...Staci :)

After a very long winter, I think we can safely say that spring is finally here! We had a few days last week that were good and warm by afternoon. However, by the kids’ actions, you would have thought it was 95 degrees! My oldest and his friends decided the mud holes in our backyard would be perfect for swimming. Such a boy thing to do. Stripping down to shorts only and jumping into muddy, murky water. Ugh. They seemed to have a ball so what mom is going to take away their fun?! After bathing in the brown stuff, squishing it through their toes, and smearing themselves like warriors, it was time to get the hose treatment to wash it all off. I wonder if they were regretting their actions at that point?? Ahh….probably not! Boys will be boys.

...is turning 7! I can't believe that this little one we prayed for so long to have and honestly gave up on ever having is turning 7 years old! This parenthood gig is a crazy roller coaster! And of course, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world! :)

If you know anything about little girls, then you know they are all about parties. Especially birthday parties. Lilli has been planning her party for ages--where to have it, what kind of cake, who gets invited, and on and on for infinity! :) But I think we have it set now for the most part!

Being a crafty girl, you know I wanted to make the party invites! ;) But making 20+ invites for the kiddos in her class didn't sound like a very logical use of my time b/c I know that they'll be smushed into backpacks and be lucky to make it home. LOL :) But the call to the creative side could only be tempered slightly by practicality. Translate that to: I went digi! :) :)

I know! I was shocked too! I love goofing off in Photoshop but rarely do a full-out digi thing. But I did this week! Wanna see? ;)

Gotta say...it was soooo much fun!! :) :) :) So, while I'm feeling digi-lovey-dovey, anybody have any must-see, must-have digi kits? I'll send ya an air-smooch for a link! ;)

Hope you are having a smilie-filled day! ...Staci :)