A preview of my first digital scrapbooking collection!

My first digital kit sneak peak

First came my love for traditional scrapbooking while shopping the isles of a local craft store in early 2007 and then came my love for digital scrapbooking- once I joined a few online scrapbooking communities and discovered the beautiful digital creations of others! And if you know the software, then digital scrapbooking is just as creative as conventional scrapbooking, if not more! I say more, because you can easily manipulate paper and embellishment colors and customize anything to fit your style or whatever look your trying to achieve! I've dabbled in the world of digital for a few years now...more for my career in fashion design, but also for scrapbooking and have recently decided to create my own kit to incorporate into a baby memory book. It's been a slow process, but it has been going much better than I expected, so I'm pleasantly surprised! First I decided on a theme and then created an inspiration board and decided on a color palette;

Images on the inspiration board are from; Bump Smitten and On to Baby

And from there, I started to create my first digital scrapbook collection. I'm far from finished at this point, but very happy with the progress I've made. I'm looking forward to the finish product-a personal goal that will finally be accomplished!

The best part of scrapbooking for me is the tangible elements and how you can add so much texture and dimension to a flat page, but with the nature of digital scrapbooking, this gets a little more complex. But I've found that I love digital scrapbooking kits that are very realistic with a lot of dimension, texture and look as if they are popping right off the page. One of my favorite digital designers is Vinnie Pearce. Her work has a very realistic look to it, so I love working with a lot of her products. Unfortunately I don't scrapbook as often as I'd like (let alone digitally), but I still love to have all the options! I'm also a big fan of hybrid scrapbooking, where traditional meets digital scrapbooking. All the possibilities are awesome, which is why I love this hobby so much!

What are your thoughts on digital scrapbooking?





Weekend in Reveiw Vol.#6- Thanksgiving & my 100th post!

I can't even believe that Thanksgiving has already come and gone! We are now on the heels of December!! The holiday season has rushed upon us yet again! It's so crazy how this time of year always creeps up on us before we know it!

I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving with family and/or friends. I know I sure did! It was quiet and really gave me time to reflect on what matters most in life- family. I came up with the menu this year; from appetizers to dessert and prepared the whole meal myself for the first time (with some guidance from mom of course). It was really fun and felt rewarding to sit at the table on Thursday afternoon, knowing how much hard work and love I put into everything that was there. I must say that the turkey, dressing and everything else came out pretty delicious (for a first timer). Everyone was proud, including me!

I'm also proud to announce that I've FINALLY made it to my 100th post! It's a little sad to say that it's taken me a couple years to make such a benchmark on my blog, but in another way, it's definitely something to celebrate- a sign of great progress (especially within the last couple months). Since taking the Blogging Your Way e-course by Holly Becker of Decor8, I've kept up with my posts much more often and feel that I've come a long way in such a short time! I highly recommend this course to anyone who has a blog and wants to learn new ways to improve it or if your someone who is interested in starting a blog, but haven't taken the plunge just yet! There are so many helpful lessons, filled with invaluable information and resources! So if you are the slightest bit interested, I suggest you check it out! *wink*

Thanks for stopping in and reading my 100th post! I appreciate YOU, the readers who take the time to visit and add feedback which is always welcome! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! xo



Photos taken by; Wahkuna

December Daily 2011 Part 3

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!! I'm popping in today really quick to show you the progress I made on my DD yesterday. I finalized the cover (except for a possible handwritten quote I might add to the bottom) and added a shiny textured "Christmasy" ribbon trim. It looks very festive (like a trim you'd see on a Christmas tree), I like it.

And here are some of my transparent overlays to go before each page. I designed most of them on the computer, except for the chicken wire and green circle overlays from Hambly Studios which came in my DD kit. I created the overlays in all different sizes, to mix it up a little and add variation to my DD.

Here are a few close-ups:

Yesterday my mom and I were both working on our December Daily together. It was really nice to spend quality time together while creating something that we will cherish for years to come. We also did this last year and plan to make a tradition of it! I'll be back later this week to share more photos of the DD progress... 

Right now we're off to finish our shopping for Thanksgiving dinner! I hope you all are enjoying your day so far! xo



Photos taken by: Wahkuna

December Daily 2011 Part 2

December daily is finally under way (for me)! A little late, but it's happening nonetheless! I spent some time yesterday afternoon planning the outside cover of my album, and this is what I came up with. I really like it so far- I'm a very traditional Christmas kind-of girl, so of course it's red & green. As I said in my previous post here, I'm using the December Daily kit by Ali Edwards & Studio Calico and I'm loving it! I'm also using some things from last year's Christmas stash that I still have, after all, that's what scrapbooking is all about right, using up those "scraps"!

The numbers and title in the above pictures are not stuck down yet...I'm still deciding if I want the cover arranged this way, or slightly different. But the general look will remain the same- even if some of the placement changes. The background paper is already adhered to the album, so that part is permanent! BTW, I strongly suggest that if you are doing a December Daily, and you're on Pinterest, check out all the DD inspiration there, because there's A LOT! Good luck with your DD, and I'll be back soon to post more updates with mine. *wink*



Photos taken by: Wahkuna

Weekend in Reveiw Vol.#5- A low-key fall weekend

Our neighbor's front gate (a photo taken during my fall stroll).

Hello and happy Monday to ya! My weekend was pretty low key mostly, but I did get a few things accomplished. Friday was spent cleaning and organizing- I don't know about you, but I always feel more energized when my space is clean (which also helps my creativity and productivity). When everything is a mess, I feel stifled and don't feel like doing much of anything, but now, all is right with my world and the creativity is flowing!

On Saturday I met up with a close cousin for dinner and drinks. It was a much needed break from everything and some good quality time spent together catching up. Sometimes it's nice to just walk away from everything and recharge a little, and this was just what the Dr. ordered!

Mom and I also did most of our shopping for Thanksgiving dinner yesterday, which was fantastic! I'm in charge of the dinner this year, and added a few new items to the menu, so I'm looking forward to it. Unfortunately I didn't get around to working on my DD album...however, I'm hoping to do that sometime this week. The positive thinking is key *wink*.

I hope you enjoyed your weekend. Be back soon! xo

Friendship Card for a Special Person

Supplies Used: Patterned Paper- October Afternoon & Fancy Pants Designs; Distress Ink- Tim Holtz/Ranger ink; Brads- American Crafts; Sentiment Label- Designed by Wahkuna

I know from experience that receiving an unexpected but thoughtful greeting in the mail can make your whole day! I've taken notice of this feeling and I'm trying to spread that same cheer around to more people in my life. This friendship card was created for a special person (who will remain nameless for now). The mix of patterns and colors fit perfectly together and the sentiment expresses exactly how I feel about our friendship. I used the Lawn Party kit by Studio Calico to create this card and my favorite part is the crochet lace ribbon, which adds a homespun touch-not to mention that the aqua color is just GORGEOUS!

I can't wait to mail this to that special someone, and hopefully make their day too! *smile*


Happy Friday everyone- enjoy your weekend!



Photos taken by: Wahkuna

December Daily 2011 Part 1

I can't even believe it's that time of year again, to start working on my December Daily album! I probably should've already started thinking about how I'm going to set up and decorate my album this year, but I haven't! Life always gets away from us and before you know it, you have to think fast! Luckily I took enough initiative to order the December Daily kit by Ali Edwards and Studio Calico before it was sold out- PHEW! I also tweaked the design of my pages from last year and was able to get the file to the printer earlier this week. I picked up the printed pages yesterday (for my mom and I) and now need to focus on the fun part- decorating!! The possibilities are endless and that's what I love most about this album...I'm so excited!

Unlike last year, I plan to complete my December Daily and be proud of the outcome! So I'll be back sometime soon with updates on my progress. Until then, happy crafting my friends!

BTW, are any of you working on a December Daily album too? If so, how do you go about creating your album? Please feel free to share your crafty tips!



Photo taken by: Wahkuna (via camera phone)

New Card: A Baby Boy Is...

Supplies Used: Animal Crackers Jack Collection- Making Memories; Ribbon & Metal Decorative Bobby Pin- Making Memories (Chloe's Closet); Cardstock- Bazzill; Font- CK Ali

It seems this has been the Year of the Babies (at least in my family). We've already had 2 new additions and have 2 more on the way (one who's expected any day now). It's so exciting to see all these new little faces, fingers and toes- they are too cute! I'm happy to have an ever growing family full of amazing people! *smile*

This card (with matching envelope) was made for one of the newest additions- Jaydin (whom I blogged about yesterday). I'm working on his baby memory book which will have a similar theme, but in the meantime- this was his "welcome to the world" greeting!

Tip: To get the sentiment on the journaling tag I first found a quote that I thought was appropriate from Scrapbook.com. Then I copied it- opened a new document in Photoshop and pasted it into the new document. I resized it and printed it out on all purpose printing paper. Once I felt the size was perfect, I taped the journaling tag right over the printed quote and re-printed the document (using this same piece of paper). The quote was printed onto the tag (which was placed directly on top of the original print). After it was printed, I carefully removed the taped journaling tag from the paper (being careful not to tear it) and adhered it to my card.

Enjoy! xo

Photos taken by: Wahkuna

Weekend in Reveiw Vol.#4- Meeting the newest family member + NYC

This past weekend was really nice! I was able to meet the newest little family member (baby Jaydin) who is a little over a month old now and SO adorable! I also made a quick trip to NYC and did a little browsing (while my brother was auditioning). It was such a beautiful night in New York yesterday, you almost didn't need a jacket...

The holiday lights were draped on the tree lined streets and it seems everyone is starting (or possibly finishing) their holiday shopping already! In passing, I heard a few people saying that they've finished their shopping and I can't even fathom that idea, because I haven't even started! Although, there won't be much shopping for me this season, but I will be doing a little something *wink*. Have any of you finished your holiday shopping yet? I often wonder how early people start!?!

I stopped at Paper Presentation (which is one of my favorite stationery stores in NYC) where I picked up a few novelty pieces of decorative paper. While I was there, I also discovered a new stationery line that I'd never heard of before; Bonnie Marcus Collection- Where Fashion Meets Paper. I love her style- where she combines fashion illustration with stationery for all occasions! Check out some of her collections if you haven't already!

And lastly, the view of the Empire State building from 18th st. & 5th ave. was beautiful (in honor of Veterans Day). I hope you all enjoyed your weekend too! xo


Photos taken by: Wahkuna

Handmade Inspiration Board #3: Thanksgiving

It's about that time- to start thinking about Thanksgiving and I can't wait for the day! I love this holiday the most because if focuses on family, thankfulness and AMAZING food! This year I am in charge of the Thanksgiving dinner (it's my first time, so all helpful tips are welcome *wink*), so I thought I would gather some inspiration for the day and build from there. Here is my inspiration folder, I hope you're able to gather some ideas from it as well! xo

Supplies Used; Patterned Paper- Cosmo Cricket and Crate Paper; Cardstock- American Crafts and Bazzill; Transparent Scroll Design- K&Company; Doily Rub-Ons- Hambly Studios; Gem Brad- Making Memories; Paper & Crochet Flowers- Prima Marketing Inc.; Alpha Stickers- Making Memories; Stitched Brad- Basic Grey

Images Used;

Leaf Printed Linens- Martha Stewart 

Thanksgiving Table Setting- Martha Stewart 

Fall Floral Basket- Martha Stewart

Give Thanks (Gobble Gobble)- Better Homes and Gardens 

Thanksgiving Poem- Better Homes and Gardens

(Photos of inspiration board by; Wahkuna)

Comfort Food from the "Old Country"; Cachupa

This soup is part of my Cape Verdean culture (a recipe passed down from my Vozinha). Its also a staple meal in Cape Verde (also known as Cabo Verde to the locals). A very flagrant and hearty stew that is perfect for this time of year, however if it's your first time making it, be sure to allow yourself plenty of prep/cooking time. Maybe try it out one weekend when you have the extra hours to spare...

Ingredients;

1 pkg. Pork Bones or Pigs Feet (you can also substitute smoked turkey bones or ham)

2 cups Dried Corn (also known as yellow samp)
1 cup Dried Red Kidney Beans
1 cup Dried Lima Beans
1 Medium Onion Chopped
2-3 White Potatoes cut in 4 (sweet potatoes optional)

Olive Oil

Spices- Salt, Pepper, Garlic, Paprika (to taste)

Cooking Instructions;

In a large pot, saute meat & chopped onion with

olive oil until golden brown. Fill pot half way with
water. Add salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika to taste.
Bring to a boil. Add corn & beans. Cook on
medium heat slowly until corn & beans are soft.
Add potatoes close to the end to help broth thicken.

Serves; 10-12

Cooking Time; 2.5-3hrs.

I must say, it's very yummy (not because I'm bias or anything *wink*), but if you try this recipe, let me know how it comes out! Good Luck! xo


Photos taken by: Wahkuna

Colors of Autumn

The other day I purchased a fall inspired bouquet (pictured above) and knew I had to capture its beauty some how! So I had the idea to create a fall color palette, inspired by the photo of my flowers and the photo of wine & pumpkins that I took while visiting a winery not too long ago (mentioned here). And to top it all off- today is such a lovely day to dedicate a blog post to the beautiful colors of autumn! Enjoy! xo


Photos taken by: Wahkuna

Weekend in Reveiw Vol.#3- Sleepover at Vozinha's

Lately, I always find myself reminiscing about the "good ole days", when I was young enough- not to have any "real" problems or responsibilities. Of course those days are long gone, however it's nice to think back on them every now and again, to remember where we came from and what made us the people we are today. Some of my fondest childhood memories are the sleepovers I had at my Vozinha & Vovo's house (which means grandmother & grandfather in Cape Verdean creole). Sometimes I would sleepover my grandparent's house alone and other times I would be with my cousins, which was a real treat (considering they all lived an hour from us)! There was always plenty of love, laughs and good food to go around at the sleepovers. Oh how I miss those days!

Now that I am a young woman, I'm still lucky enough to have Vozinha in my life. She's 80 years old and still kicking! Vozinha is quite the feisty one (which is why she has outlived the rest of my grandparents), not to mention she's like super woman! I'm so grateful to still have her in my life. And lets just say that now-a-days when I have a chance to sleepover there, it's so much more special, because it makes me feel like a kid again, like I'm reliving my younger years all over again. This weekend my cousin Lanita and I slept there one night and she brought her new little baby, Audrianna for quality time with Vozinha (her great-grandmother). It was 3 generations having a sleepover- something you don't hear of everyday, and most certainly doesn't happen very often. Here are some images I captured with my phone while we were all together;

Isn't she the cutest baby ever? I mean how can you resist that face! *smile*

As for the rest of my weekend- it was pretty low key. I finished working on a scrapbook/guestbook for the Bat Mitzvah event I posted about here, which I will share with you soon. I hope you all enjoyed your weekend and was able to spend some quality time with family too...

That's it for now, be back soon! xo

Photos taken by; Wahkuna

Personalized Bat Mitzvah Collage

Recently I worked on another personalized Bat Mitzvah collage (for an event coming up in a few weeks) similar to the one posted here. It's a very special keepsake that measures 32x40", made up of personalized photos and memorabilia. Its displayed at the Bat Mitzvah celebration for guests to enjoy and preserved in a large custom made shadow box. The theme for this celebration is different shades of purple with a splash of zebra print. It's always so fun to make these keepsakes, they tell a big story and there's so much to look at, you'll never get bored! Also, this type of collage can be made for ANY occasion! The sky's the limit! xo

A few close-ups...

Photos taken by; Wahkuna

Just for you!

I can't even believe it's already Nov. 1st! Have I mentioned how much I LOVE this time of year?!? I'm pretty sure I have, but I still don't think that's enough! So today I'm here to share another fall inspired card that I created.

I used products from the Mind the Gap kit by Studio Calico, a lace punch, lace trim and ribbon with scallop to create the feminine feel. The colors are ivory, green, orange and brown- perfect harvest inspired colors! The pumpkin in the background was actually picked during my visit to the Westport Rivers vineyard- which I posted about here. And speaking of fall, I think now that we are officially in November, I need to get started on my Thanksgiving inspiration board...so stay tuned, there will be more to come on that! xo

Supplies Used: Cardstock- Bazzill Basics; Patterned Paper- My Mind's Eye, K&Company; Buttons- My Mind's Eye; Lace Trim- TPC Corp.; Rose Trim- Webster Pages; Letter Stickers- Sassafrass; Ribbon- Making Memories; Kraft Envelopes- Pebbles Inc.; Lace Punch; Martha Stewart Crafts; Distress Ink; Ranger/Tim Holtz; Stamps- Other

Photos by; Wahkuna