And baby makes three...

This past weekend, I was wrapping a present I made for my friend Dawn's Baby Shower. T came into my studio and asked what I was doing. Of course, she wanted to help. After explaining that this was a one-woman job, I prompted her to make a gift for Dawn. She flew into her playroom and quietly went to work. Talia met me upstairs with this picture in hand. I couldn't believe my eyes.


She commented, "Look Mommy...it's Dawn, Jon and Dawn's baby in her belly...like I was in your belly!" :0) It's hard to imagine that my "baby" will be turning five in less than a week. It feels like only yesterday that I held her in my arms for the first time.

This Valentine's Day, Let's All Get Together and Make Love

Last year, I was fortunate enough to be hired to make a scrapbook for actor & Tony-nominated Broadway performer, Craig Bierko. I received an email from his mother today, with an attachment written by Craig. With her permission, I am posting it to my blog.

Craig's creative fundraising idea makes so much sense and Pete and I have quickly climbed on board. I hope you all do too.


This Valentine's Day, Let's All Get Together and Make Love
By: Craig Bierko

Like most Americans I have been horrified by the devastation in Haiti - and deeply moved by the waves of humanitarian compassion, a significant portion inspired by celebrities like my friend Alyssa Milano who challenged corporations to match her generous donation of $50,000.

These are difficult times for many people financially and yet many are finding a way to participate by texting ten dollar donations through the Red Cross, Yele and other charities offering immediate, desperately needed aid.

Sadly, according to reports from Haiti, the state of emergency is long from over - and, in the words of a newly arrived humanitarian volunteer, recovery will not be a sprint but a marathon.

Last night I made a donation while watching CNN. A young girl had been trapped between two massive sheets of collapsed cement. She was terrified and the rescue workers kept her spirits high as they labored to free her, which they eventually did. Overcrowded conditions and the general mayhem of disaster complicated her delivery to a hospital and, by the time rescuers finally got her to a doctor the young girl had died.

My heart ached for this child - and it broke for her injured mother who was too weak to be told the news just yet.

I thought of my mother, my nieces, my beautiful girlfriend Meg and our dog Boo. I felt my heart swell to the point of bursting because all of the beautiful ladies in my life were healthy and out of harm's way tonight.

And that's when the ache in my heart became an idea.

Valentine's Day is approaching - a day reserved for couples to celebrate their love for one another by giving flowers, candy, sharing a romantic dinner, exchanging gifts or spending a night in some cozy out of the way hotel.

I am suggesting we dedicate Valentine's Day to those men and women who lost the love of their lives this week - or, right this moment, await news regarding a husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend or child.

I'm not talking about romance - I'm talking about love.

And I'm talking about money. The money you'd spend on the flowers, the candy, the dinner, the cozy out of the way hotel. That money.

Ladies, take your boyfriend or husband by the hand and tell him that instead of roses, candy and dinner, you prefer to celebrate the miracle of love this year by giving - together, as a couple.

Let's unite our hearts - right now, today - and offer a piece of the love in our own lives to those who need it desperately.

Gay, straight, Republican, Democrat, high school sweethearts, elderly and middle-aged couples alike - let's celebrate this Valentine's Day early by making love now.

Ladies, you know that this will be a lot easier if it comes from you, not us. Let your man know you'd like to donate the money you'd spend on indulging romance - and offer it together as a gesture of gratefulness for your good fortune - and in the name of those who suffer alone in misery.

Helping Haiti

I hosted my third Memory Works Class tonight and this time, our class had a bit more meaning. Earlier this week, Haiti was devastated by a catastrophic earthquake. We have all seen the photos and watched the media reports. It has been hard for me to fight back the tears. To imagine your world crumbling around you...the enormous sense of helplessness and vulnerability scares me just thinking about it. How blessed we all are to be safe and comfortable tonight, surrounded by the ones we love.

Earlier today, I decided that I would donate 100% of the money I earned from tonight's class to Americares. I am happy to report that we raised $60 in total. I wish we could do more, but I can rest knowing that somewhere, somehow, even in the smallest way, we helped someone. I encourage all of you to take a minute and donate a few dollars to a reputable organization helping in the relief effort. If you are unable to donate your money, consider saying a prayer or volunteering in your community.

Thanks to Joe, Michele, Allison & Angela for joining me tonight. Their creativity was exciting to witness.




Tonight's class seemed fitting... we designed magnetic calendars and 2010 Planners. As we look ahead, I hope 2010 brings hope and revitalization to the people of Haiti. Hold your loved ones a little tighter tonight. Have a bit more patience with your children. Call your parents and Grandparents. Cherish every second we have...because as we have learned, it all can be over in an instant.

"Lift the Flap" Board Book

I am so excited to share photos of my latest project with you! My girlfriend Dawn is expecting her fist child, a baby boy, in a few weeks. Her baby shower is this Saturday and I wanted to make something special for her son. (I am crossing my fingers she won't see these pics before her shower. I just couldn't resist posting them!)

I came across this board book on Oriental Trading's website and thought it would be perfect. Dawn is a teacher, and I know she understands the importance of books for children. Underneath the tabs, I plan on putting photos of Dawn, and her husband, Jon, along with other people from their family. Enjoy!!!

I designed this book using:

1. (On the cover) "Stick With It" adhesive letters and sugar coating glitter from Doodlebug Design, Inc. Peel and stick these adhesive letters and then remove the top film and add your glitter...lots of fun to do! We sell these at Memory Works, order them from me today!
2. The "Animal Cookies" paper kit from Close to My Heart. (I won this at a crop once and thought the bright colors would be sure to capture the little guy's attention!)

3. Stickers from Sandylion.

4. Stampin' Up's Tidy Alphabet set.

P.S. The blank book from Oriental Trading was only $5.99!!! :0) Gotta love a bargain!


Page 1 &2

I decided to leave a few photo boxes throughout the book, where Dawn could add some of her favorite family photos.

Page 3 & 4


I just LOVE this frog I made! Open his mouth to peek at a favorite photo. He is just so cute! Here is a close up:


Page 5 & 6


Page 7 & 8

And from the frog, came the idea for a catapillar! Taa Daa! Here's a close up of the little bugger:



Page 9 & 10

Now accepting Pre-Orders for Simple Stories: Scrapbooking Made Easy

If you’re interested in purchasing the SIMPLE STORIES “Life Documented” kit by MEMORY WORKS, I am now accepting Pre-Orders! :)


If you are looking to get some quick scrapping done, or always wanted to scrapbook, but didn't know how, Simple Stories may be for you!

WHAT IS Simple Stories?
The concept of Simple Stories is just that: SIMPLE. Take photos, get them in an album, embellish, journal, DONE. Sure, we scrapbookers are creative types, and we love to make more detailed and complicated layouts a lot of the time. But what if you’re super busy or are daunted by boxes of photos "to be scrapped"?

Maybe your solution is Simple Stories. Take your 4×6 photos (no cropping necessary), slip them into divided page protectors (no adhesive needed), slip in some embellishment by way of nicely designed accents made from heavy cardstock, jot down some journaling on a predesigned card, and you’re done. It's that easy!

Check out THIS great post on the Simple Stories blog to look at everything closely.



The response to this new product has been so amazing that I’m halfway afraid it’s going to sell out before I can get it to everyone who wants one.

Hence, PRE-ORDERS :) This way, I will have your payment already in hand by mid-January when the kit becomes available. Standby your e-mail though, because I’ll notify you when to place your actual order!

Here is how it will work:

1. Decide which item(s) you want from the list below and email me your order.
Don't forget to include your shipping address and how you plan on paying:
(Check or Paypal).
2. I will calculate the appropriate tax for your city/county
and email you back with a final total.
4. Then you can send me your payment in the mail or through Paypal.

When Memory Works releases the kit and the items become available (Mid-January estimate), I will e-mail you once more with instructions on how to finalize your order. (Keep an eye out for my email!!!)

Here are the Simple Stories items that will be available in mid-January only through Memory Works:

Simple Stories “Life Documented” kit for $16.99



We R Memory Keepers 12×12 D-Ring leather albums for $30.00
Colors are RED, BLACK, CINNAMON (brown), and KIWI (green)
Note: These albums come with (10) regular (not divided) 12×12 page protectors



We R Memory Keepers 12×12 divided page protector packages:
4×6 horizontal pockets only, 25-pack, for $11.50
4×6 vertical pockets only, 10-pack, for $5.50
12×12 regular (no pockets) page protectors, 25-pack, $10.50
Multi-Pack (various pocket configurations as show below), 10-pack, $5.50
Exclusive Simple Stories “Life Documented” page protector bundle ~ includes complete Multi-Pack PLUS (12) 4×6 horizontal pockets only, for $11.50


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To anticipate some questions you may have about the above products…

Simple Stories “Life Documented” kit by Memory Works:

Exactly what items come in the kit?
~ Please click here for specifics on the exact items you get in this kit.

What is the quality of the cardstock items?
~ I haven’t personally seen the kit, of course, but the Simple Stories blog states that “you’ll love the quality of this super-thick, heavy-weight cardstock!”

Are the cardstock items pre-cut?
~ No, they will come as a 12×12 sheet and you will cut them apart yourself. They are sized to fit perfectly within the pockets of the WRMK divided page protectors.

Will this kit allow me to scrapbook an entire year’s worth of photos or an entire Project 365?
~ This truly depends on how generously or sparingly your use the elements of the kit, and how many photos you include in your project. For example, if you’re doing a “year in review” type of album, the kit does include (12) Monthly Title Cards with a spot for journaling on the back (which would show on the next page in your album). Everything is double-sided, so it does “double duty” in your album. With all the additional elements and patterned paper provided, I would feel comfortable saying you could complete an entire “Year in Review” album with just this one “Life Documented” kit.

But that’s just my own judgement … You do what you feel is right for you. If you feel safer ordering 2 kits right from the get-go, I would do that. If you have extras leftover at the end of your project, whatever it may be, you can certainly use these elements on regular scrapbook page layouts.

We R Memory Keepers pocket page protectors:

Are the pockets on the front, back, or both sides of the page protectors?
The pockets themselves are on the front side of the protector only; the back side of the protector is smooth. Obviously, whatever you put in the pockets, the backside of that will show on the next page of your album (if that makes sense, LOL!). That’s why Simple Stories has everything double-sided, and you get double duty out of all the cardstock elements.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So, as I said above, if you’d like to place a PRE-ORDER for the Simple Stories “Life Documented” kit, or the We R Memory Keepers albums or Page Protectors, e-mail me at jennifer@creativecornerdesigns.com. Please include:

1. Item(s) requested and cost
2. Shipping address
3. Payment method – check, money order, or Paypal

~ I strongly prefer Paypal, and will e-mail a Paypal invoice to you ASAP
~ If paying by check or money order, I’ll e-mail you back with my address

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns :) If you know of anyone who plans to order Simple Stories “Life Documented,” or may be interested in learning more about it, please send them my way! THANKS!!!

P.S. A HUGE THANK YOU to fellow Memory Works Consultant, Erika for generating and sharing this entry that I posted here. Check out Erika's blog... it is awesome! http://www.scrapbookobsession.wordpress.com

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! This year, we rang in the New Year with our friends: Spencer, Allison & Katie. The girls were so excited to be able to stay up late to watch the ball drop. In order to pass some time, I pulled out some craft supplies (construction paper, feathers, pipe cleaners and yarn) and helped the girls design their very own New Years Eve hats. We all loved them so much that we had to design one for everyone that night. The dads were great sports...but Abuelo was the star of the night, sporting his enormous hat! Making and wearing the hats really put us in the mood to be silly and celebrate. It was the perfect way to start2010!

P.S. And yes, I am a New years baby!









5...4...3...2...1...HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Playing Catch Up

Whew! This month was a doozy, as I'm sure it was for most of you. In the midst of it all, I had the chance to get a little creative with some holiday cards & gifts and also, grabbed my camera to snap a few shots of T in all her creative glory. She really is amazing and quite the budding artist. I can't tell you how happy this makes me! :0)
I held my second Memory Works Class in December. We made Holiday treat bags, gift card holders and mini gift cards. Sherry, Maggie & Allison were a blast to work with and I was excited by their creativity and the personal touches they added to their designs. Here, Sherry & Maggie hold up their treat bag toppers that we later attached to clear cello bags that we filled with a variety of holiday candies & treats.

The red and green cards pictured here were designed for T's teachers. I really enjoyed making these cards. I tried to be a little more relaxed when it came to adding the black ink to give the cards a weathered/distressed look. I dragged the edges of the cards across a black ink pad to give it this look. I really liked how the black contrasted with the vibrant green and red. And to add even more contrast, I decided to add some glitter accents. These are hard to see in these photos, but, trust me, they looked amazing in person.


T's teacher encouraged the children to send in Christmas cards for their classmates. Each child deposited their cards into a pretend mailbox located in their classroom. Then, they were sorted and sent home in these adorable reindeer bags the children had made. T was so excited about the cards I made for her friends. Her teacher said she was very proud of them...naturally, that made me feel wonderful. I LOVE the bright winter colors from this paper set from My Mind's Eye Collection, offered through Memory Works. I added lollipops for an extra sweet holiday treat for the kids.
This Christmas, my father-in-law asked that I design a special wall hanging for our relatives in Ecuador. I used a photo taken at the cemetary of T while paying her Abuela a visit. On this day, T asked that I take a picture of her with her Abuela, as she quickly leaned in and wrapped her arms around her headstone. It was a bittersweet moment, for sure. We all miss Abulea very much and this holiday season was particularly tough for our family. But, creating a special gift which focused on the love T and her Abuela shared, made it a little bit easier.


Our family has a bunch of Christmas traditions... lasagna, fresh Christmas trees, annual ornaments, etc. I love the traditions and family togetherness. For me, it is what makes Christmas so magical. This year, I decided to begn a new tradtion for my nephews. I designed this advent calendar for my sister, in hopes that it would bring her sons much joy as they wait for Jesus' birth and the arrival of Christmas.






I placed a Memory Works order for this project right away! I knew that Basic Grey's "Eskimo Kisses" theme set would look fabulous on all the small boxes. I used Tim Holtz's Crackle Paint (Rock Candy) for the first time on the chipboard letters and LOVED how it came out. I have a feeling this product will be one of my new addictions! It was so easy. Just apply it generously with the brush provided and wait for it to dry! As it dries, it creates a crackle finish. I inked over the crackle to enhance it. I also added a little bling to the design by using Zva's Self adhesive crystals on the three dimensional ornament I created.

Lately, T has focused her artistic energy on creating penguins. She loves penguins and has toted a stuffed animal named "Penguina" around with her all month. I am so proud that T has the confidence to try to draw new things. She is starting to break things down piece by piece when she draws. In the first photo, T traced Penguina's feet and then drew the rest of her body parts freehand and colored them in. In the next photo, she took Penguina and outlined her body on the Doodleboard and then added all her features independently. She is so proud of her work and her confidence in her ability is growing. She loves sharing her creations with me.

The Blizzard in NY gave me an excuse to lock myself in my studio and get creative... but, of course, I needed a snow break. T LOVED the snow this year. And, while I was combing through the garage trying to find our ice scrapers for the cars, I passed by T's beach toys and had an "aha moment"...I grabbed a few and told T we could make snow castles. She had a blast!

We spent Christmas Eve with my husband's side of the family and I was asked to bring a dessert that the kids would enjoy. I decided to make snowmen cupcakes. I used chocolate chips (turned upside down) for the eyes and mini chocolate chips for the mouth. I took an orange slice candy and cut it into triangles to make a carrot nose. Everyone loved them...even the grown ups!