3 years ago. . .

i married the best friend i've ever had.(yes, i'm one of those people who's head over heels in love with her husband-i'm really blessed and i thank God for him daily :)

so i thought i'd share a few photos from our wedding. 

mr & mrs parks all kiss-y-face :)

my little cousins, i LOVE them so much. chrissy giving me smooches and my

justin who was an adorable ring bearer

 father/daughter dance. this is the first time i've ever danced with my dad

turns out, he wasn't so bad 

throwing my bouquet. which was kind of a dud. it hit the cieling and

landed barely a two feet behind me, so it was a

bad throw, and they wouldn't let me have a do over

my cousin brandon, who caught my garter 

and my husband brandon

posing like they're in a rap video

these two are comedy when they get together

 cutting the cake! it was delicious

out photographer wanted us to smash cake on our faces

there was no way i was ruining my makeup over cake

compromise: a lil cake on our noses :)

sparkling cider toasts! (no champagne cause we don't drink :)

random fact-everytime i see this photo i think

wow my nails looked amazing! lol, seriously it was the first 

time in life that i'd been completely happy with a manicure and it

couldn't have happened for a better occasion

february is a special month for us, we met in February 2004, began dating February 27th, 2005, and got married February 23rd, 2008. so i'm spending my day with the one i love and i hope you do the same


blog ya later :)

Sassafras Sweet Marmalade Cards

 hello crafters,

today i wanted to share a few cards that i made using Sassafras' Sweet Marmalade 6x6 paper pad. I purchased this pad about a year ago, and never used it. i bought it online and then when i saw it in person i was so UN-inspired-i didn't know how to use it, i wasn't sure it was my style, and i was overwhelmed by how busy some of the prints were. so I set it to the side, thinking I'd probably end up giving it away. 

this past weekend i pulled out some kraft cardstock and decided to give the paper pad another try. i wanted to challenge myself to step out of my craft-comfort-zone, and here's what i came up with 

what i like about this card is the detail on the butterfly that i added using ranger's enamel in white, and the half circles that are 'faux stitched' to the card using rub on stitching. the numbered border strip is from k&co's cut and paste collection and i love how the pop of green really complements the browns, oranges, and cream tones on this card.

on this card i used the print that intimidated me, and what i found is that by cutting the paper up, and using it as an embellishment instead of trying to use the full page i wasn't so overwhelmed by it. the flowers are really bold, and the details that i added to this card are what i really love. the faux stitching, the enamel accents on the basic grey chipboard letters, the glossy accents on the hearts. the ruler border strip is again from k&co's cut and paste border strips, those accents really worked well with this paper pack.

this card is smaller than the first two, it's 4 1/4 x 4 1/4 and i love the crossword puzzle sentiment. because of its small size and how busy this paper is i wanted to leave some space on the card where you could see the kraft background so that it wouldn't be so overwhelming to the eye. i love the little doggy. 

i had so much fun making these cards and i hope this inspires you to challenge yourself to use a product you don't feel is your craft style. 

if you have any questions please leave them in the comments!

blog ya later :)

big lots haul plus giveaway!

hi crafters,
shopping at big lots for crafts is like shopping for clothes at a thrift store. things are always changing and sometimes you stumble across something really amazing. that was the case on my latest trip to big lots- i found a bunch of basic grey stuff!





basic grey has been one of my favorite companies for years and so for my february haul giveaway all you have to do is share one of your favorite companies with me and you'll be entered to win this month's prize.

the giveaway ends on February 28th!

thanks for watching
vlog ya later!

youtube tuesdays

hello crafters,
i've decided to add a new feature to my blog. i love youtube, and i spend (probably) way too much time on that site. but it's totally changed/influenced/developed my craft style. also its a great way to reach out and connect with other crafters, since i don't have friends who are into paper crafting, & that's a big plus for me.
wither you're looking for inspiration or entertainment youtube is perfect for staying plugged into what's going on in paper crafting.

so for youtube tuesdays (which will be featured every other tuesday) i'm going to recommend a youtube-er you should be subscribed to.

my first subscription reommendation has to be twopeasinabucket. below is the very first cardmaking video i ever watched. it is the reason i began making cards.






channel features
two peas channel is packed with several different types of videos: tons of free classes on scrapbooking, cardmaking including one of my favorite weekly features the finally friday cardmaking series.  their weekly warehouse walk shows off the latest products and their hot products videos keep you up to date on the hottest products in the industry. it doesn't matter why type of crafting your into: cardmaking, scrapbooking, mini albums and more, you'll find inspiration for it on this channel.

you have to check out. . .
their classes! here are two video series that taught me so many new techniques the thinking inking series taught by jennifer mcguire and the my new & current favorite the from start to finish series by nichol magourik.

hope this helps expand your youtube subscription list
vlog ya later