I'm Still Here!

Haven't posted on the blog in FOREVER but going to try to be better at it. (Yeh, right!)


So the awesome folks over at www.getpicky.blogspot.com are having a CT call and I submitted for it! If you've never seen Get Picky, go check it out. Great challenges, fun inspiration and some seriously awesome layouts!

Also cleaning my crazy scrap area in anticipation of my crop this Saturday evening. Hoping to spend today playing in there too! If the kiddos let me that is. :)

Facebook Fan Page!

Now you can follow me on Facebook! I practically live on there anyway, so this is a much easier way for me to share all my random finding & organizational tips. The blog will still be here for details & DIYs, but day-to-day will be on Facebook.

Follow Me Here

New Classes Beginning!

Super excited for the new classes starting up at my local Michael's Arts & Crafts in Mesa! As an instructor with SDU, I have the opportunity to share the hobby of scrapbooking with a group of people interested in starting the paper obsession. The classes will begin on Wednesday September 22nd, from 6:30pm-8:30pm and run for 4 weeks in a row. Here's what we cover:

1. Scrapbook Basics (September 22nd 6:30-8:30pm)
In Scrapbook Basics, discover the inspiration that comes from creating scrapbooks. This class will orient all levels of papercrafters to the tools of the trade, photo organization and the elements of scrapbook design. Learn step-by-step how to create focus and unity through a variety of matting techniques, and leave class with a full understanding of the elemental components of scrapbooking.

2. Building Blocks of Design (September 29th 6:30-8:30pm)
A working knowledge of color theory and its relation to designing scrapbook pages is essential to the development of well structured layouts. Combining this understanding with the building blocks (photographs, journaling, titles, enhancements, color, line, letter and shape) and the principles of design structure will assist scrapbookers in the creation of strong layouts that complete a balanced and unified story.

3. The Power of the Pen (October 6th 6:30-8:30pm)
A picture is not always worth a thousand words. It is vital that every scrapbook designer develop an appreciation for the integration of the written word on a scrapbook page. The Power of the Pen will provide students with basic writing techniques and exercises to assist in the development of engaging titles and impact filled journal entries. Additionally, students will begin to understand the influence that hand lettering has on their reader, and how to incorporate their personal script into each design.

4. The Final Touch (October 13th 6:30-8:30pm)
Embellishing scrapbook pages is a true testament in the development of a papercrafter's design process. Page enhancements such as titles, stickers and punch art, allow the designer to create balance, rhythm, movement, contrast and depth with a layout. Design spectacular titles, learn techniques that give new vitality to your collection of stickers, develop knowledge of punch maintenance and the incorporation of punch art design in layout design.   

Each class will have an interactive lecture as well as time at the end to get hands-on with each individual's project/album. I'll be on hand to assist and as we're located in the classroom of the store, shopping is available as well should someone forget anything. The best part is that the classes are on sale!! 40% off the regular price of $45, meaning that all 4 weeks of classes are only $27! Such a great deal. If you'd like more information on registering for the class, contact me by email at KristenCarterPhotography@yahoo.com or by visiting or calling the store at 1505 South Power Road, Mesa - (480) 830-8841.

New Changes...

In the last 3 months, I have changed houses, changed states, re-started my photography business, lost 10 lbs, and started doing what I've always wanted to do: teach scrapbooking! That's right. I gave up teaching tumbling in California, and will now be a scrapbooking instructor at both Hobby Lobby & Michael's stores here in Mesa, AZ! I'll be posting sneak peeks to classes as well as sign-up information on this blog. Hopefully you'll follow along and join in on the fun. And by all means, please remind me to post more often, this is kinda ridiculous! LOL.

"Hands On Fun" at i heart faces this week.

I heart faces runs a weekly photo challenge. I've always admired, never entered. Until today. Usually every entry has to have a face, hence, i heart faces, but this week is all about the hands.
My entry for "Hands On Fun" is my beautiful friend Tanaia, her husband, and son, plus new baby Emma snuggled in the womb. I love this photo and it just tells the story of their family at that moment. So glad I get to be a part of preserving memories for people.


Check out i heart faces for more awesome entries into this fun contest.

New Year, Fresh Start

So here it is January already. Almost February even. It has gone by so quickly, it will be 2011 before we know it. I'm sitting here listening to my kiddos play in the tub and reminiscing of when they were babies. So tiny, so wonderful, and yet so much more work. I'm amazed of that they can do by themselves (with supervision), and so thankful that I am free to do other things now. Don't get me wrong, I loved it when they were so little and cuddly, and needed me for so much. But I think I love it more now, when I can say, 'go play in your room', and I know that they will go run off and play dress-up, make up dances and read books so I can get some housework/scrapwork done. Each year is like a life of its own in that aspect. You're ready for that new start, the new beginning, a blank slate to make this year great. January is new and fresh, filled with hope & promise. By July, the year has lost its cuteness and is just another year, still interesting in its own way, but not as exciting and fresh as January was. But by December, you look back and think, "Wow, where did that time go?", it goes by too fast. My goal (not resolution, I don't do resolutions, too absolute for me), my goal is to slow down, appreciate 2010, appreciate the seasons, the changing months, days, hours, and by appreciating the year, I hope to appreciate my family more as well. Take in the little moments as they happen, stop what I'm doing and see what they're doing. Slow down; less rushing. So on that note, I'm off to go watch the Barbie bubble fight happening in our bathroom right now. Happy 2010!