Wow, time does fly when you are having fun..lol :)
I didn't realize that 2 weeks have passed since I made an entry. I've had a fun couple of weeks. Just to sum it all up, Steve and I have enjoyed making trips across the street to the river @ Sawyer Park to refresh and cool down in the lovely river there. Last weekend, we took blankets, towels, books and wine and sat at the edge of the river with our feet in the water. Pretty soon, Steve wandered farther and farther out into the river and plunged himself in the water fully. It was pretty funny to watch him splashing around like he was 10 again. LOL! It felt great to spend the day outside. We enjoyed our local county fair last Saturday afternoon and spent a few hours looking at exhibits and the animals....especially the horses :) We were going through the horse barn when the Clydesdale's arrived. The looked proud as the stood there waiting to be unloaded...red and white ribbons braided
so delicately through their lush manes. These horses were
something. I have also started helping out at my LSS, Scrapbooking Outside Of The Box. I have really enjoyed this. I love being surrounded by pretty papers and products for hours on end
and being able to chat with other scrappers.
It has been a great experience!! I love it. For real, this time...lol :)
In conclusion I am sharing a few layouts and a card {Card was removed due to being published in the JANUARY cards issue} I've
created this past week. The first few were created using the August Crop Addict mid-month mini kit. The rich colors and tones to this kit were just lovely and fun to play with!

And....just to get you in the mood for winter and the holiday's I created a couple holiday pages. The second one is using Tinkering Ink's new Yuletide collection of papers and embellishments. Love this line!

Well, I hope you have a great night!!!
OXOXOXO---Tessa Ann Watte`
tessaannwatte@gmail.com

First off.
I really appreciated seeing your words of support regarding my hard decision. It really helped me this week in those moments of feeling lost. It has been hard not setting my alarm each morning and having a regimented schedule each day. That’s really been the hard part. The good part is I’ve had tons and tons of time to create and many projects that I can pay a lot of attention to and my house is organized and as clean as ever..lol!
I was in my LSS, “Scrapbooking Outside Of The Box” this week browsing the isles of gorgeous patterned papers, buttons and embellishments when I was talking the sweet owner, Suzy about my recent decision to leave my bad situation. In joking I mentioned, “Hey, since I am not working I have tons of time and if you ever need someone, I’m your girl.” Well, she was interested and admitted to needing someone to cover at times. So, it looks like I’ll be working there off and on. I am not sure about the specifics, but I am excited to have the opportunity of spending a day or two once in a while surrounded by scrappy goodness. It will be refreshing to not worry about the norm of the job I’ve held most of my working life….making sure that the patient’s insurance will cover their appointment, making sure I’ve billed their insurance correctly, making sure the schedule is correct and filled and the hard part….. Collecting payment. That was always the hardest part of the job for me. When people didn’t pay their bill. Since I was the only one in the office, I was the one who also had to call and ask them to pay their bill. It was funny because I was also the one who had to greet them as they arrived to see the therapist. So. Long story short. I’m looking forward to not having those stresses. As little as they may seem in the realms of the real working world. I know my stresses are small compared.
Back to scrapping, I’ve had a lot of fun having the time to experiment with ideas that I’ve wanted to try . I’ve gotten on a handmade funky frame kick lately and have made a few more layout using them in different styles and ways. I have also played with another idea I’ve wanted to try out using a clear transparency within my design. So, below I’ve shared a few of my “playing” around layouts.

I conclusion, I would again like to thank you for your words of encouragement. It means a lot. I hope you all have a very wonderful weekend and get to spend lots of time with your loved ones in this beautiful Summer season.

Enjoy your weekend
XXOO--Tessa Ann

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Steve and I enjoyed our weekend together. We slept late on Saturday and hit the town to see what was going on. I love how there is always something going on here in Bend. This weekend was the "Tour of Homes." We were able to go in and view many gorgeous homes, homes that I dream of living in one day. 4.5 million dollar homes to be exact. I was in awe as we approached the drive ways to these jaw dropping homes. Each with a gated entrance providing the ultimate security leading to the most beautiful and elaborate home perfectly displayed on the mountain side and panorama views of all 7 snow capped mountains. The interiors opened to the outdoors through 14 foot raised windows. Floor-to-ceiling
aquariums with the most vibrant colored fish and lighting. 1000 bottle wine cellars and their very own theater. As I walked around, I couldn't help, but to stop and touch the nearest railing, closing my eyes imagining that this was my home, my lifestyle. Maybe some day, but it sure felt wonderful to dream. It was so, so inspiring most of all.



I've also recently had a HUGE life lesson. I think one of the biggest ones I've had to learn so far.

Do you know those times when you are presented with such an opportunity you feel like there would be nothing better and you couldn't wait to get started? That was me with my hope and excitement of making a career shift. I never expected this opportunity to turn into such a nightmare. I know I've continued to say I loved my new job, I now realize that I was saying that I loved my new job so much to hopefully make myself believe it. I won't go into explicit details other than saying. It was not a pleasant experience anymore and my self confidence was being greatly altered each day I was there. I have worked hard in the last few years learning to believe in myself and my abilities and day by day "this person" was making me believe in my self less and less. I am not ever one to quit. Heck, I had been with my last employer almost 3 years and the one before that 7 years. I have worked since I have been 17, so I know what having strong work ethics is all about. But, something inside of me was screaming. GET OUT OF THERE!!!! For once in my life I listened to my self and left. It has taken me a week to not feel totally worried and stressed about this decision. I have faith that what I am suppose to do in my life and as a career will present to me one day. I know that I am not wanting to get back into the same career path I've had for the last 1o years of running offices at medical facilities. I feel like I would like to pursue something creative. Something that I am passionate about. Something that makes me feel complete. I am not sure if that means going back to school, getting back into singing opera again or if I should pursue teaching scrapbooking in more venues. Whatever it may be I am going to take my time. In the mean time, I am enjoying tons of time to create, coming up with new class ideas to present and painting my scrap room.



Well, yes, it isn't what I expected to happen. But, I'm glad that I won't endure that place any longer. While I am upset that means losing out on my training, I know I can continue it on my own. I feel like I have the tools to continue what I was working for on my own.



Whew. I guess I needed to get that all out. If you have read this, thanks for your understanding.



XXOO-Tessa Ann

PS! Thanks to Lucy, Emine and Mo for giving me the "Rockin' Girl Blogger" Title!!! You are all the sweetest :)

New *Tinkering Ink*

With CHA right around the corner, I wanted
to pop in and share some sneak peeks of Tinkering Ink's new "Botanical Bliss" line of gorgeous papers. The full releases of the new lines can be found on the Tinkering Ink blog by going to www.tinkeringink.com and clicking on the blog tab. Once again, I love the colors and patterns that Tink Ink has so gloriously combined. When these lovely papers arrived on my doorstep I couldn't wait to play. The pretty salmon pink, combined with a delicate yellow and vibrant teal blue made me inspired to do a layout about all of the things that make me happy. I mean, just looking at these colors were making me happy..lol. So thus the following layout titled, "This makes me happy." This layout came together very quickly, as these papers begged to be layered and as you know........I love to layer {wink}



The second layout, you may recognize
the photo from a previous layout.
When I saw the vibrant array of colors,
I couldn't help but to scrap this picture again.
Just as a recap. The photo is of my sister, Heidi last fall
as she was getting ready to go down a fun colored slide.
I love how the colors of the slide glow off of her skin, creating
a fun saturated look with no photoshop. Completely natural.
You can't get that look too often with out adjustments, so I guess this is one of my favorite shots I've captured. I think I will put this photo to rest for one and all though ;)
The 3rd layout is of Steve and I on a most recent trip to the falls here locally. I really loved the large gerbera daisy patterns of this line, so I had to handcut them, layer them and of course outline them with a nice chocolate colored pen to make the "pop". This page represents our love for our new town of Bend, Oregon. Well, we've been here almost 3 years and it still feels new because we are constantly discovering new and beautiful places that we never knew of before.




Lastly is a oldie photo, but a goodie! Next month, Steve and I will celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary. I still love going through the many books of wedding photos.
They always serve as perfect inspiration
to scrap when needed be. I thought this line also worked very well for
wedding pics.


Well, that's about it for today!
I hope everyone is having a great week so far. I've had a HUGE life lesson this past week and will share more on my next post.

For all of those attending CHA this week, HAVE FUN, wear comfy shoes, take you camera and drink LOTS of water and most of all ENJOY!!!! Have a great show!
XXOO---Tessa Ann Watte`

It's hot....

Yes, that's right. It is officially HOT. Summer is
here and I am melting when I go outside. I am so thankful to have airconditioning in this new house, or I would be one miserable chicky.

S0 as I am sure you have noticed..haha.... I decided to add some tunes to my blog. It may suprise some of you what type of music I like. I always say that I have quite the jekle and hyde personality when it comes to my music choices..haha. I love a little Ella Fitzgerald and then groove with some P-diddy or Gwen Stefani. Pretty much anything that has a great beat!
Being music major, I've come to appreciate
all genres of music. So, hopefully it's okay and
if not, find your "mute" button and apply as needed...haha :)

I'm excited to share with you a fun new
developement in my new pursue of teaching
opportunities. A couple months back, I was
approached by Scrapbook Vacation Clubs to come and teach at their "Luxury" retreat in Daytona Beach, Florida to teach a few Tinkering Ink classes. I am so incredibley excited to come and teach these classes. I have prepared 3 fun filled classes that I hope will be fun for the ones attending.
The previews of my classes will be up on
http://www.scrapbook-oasis.comat/ the end of
this week. Oh, man... I am so flippin' excited!
I will have such a neat opportunity of meeting so many fun people. Some I've even met online. This 3 day retreat is going to be held at a gorgeous resort called,
"THE PLAZA" resort and spa.
I'm arriving a day early to just have a nice relaxing spa day. Ahh... I can
hardly wait! Oooh..and by then, I hope to look good sippin on a mojito by the pool :)


In closing, I would like to share a few layouts I created using Crop Addicts July mid-month mini kit. This kit featured pretty Basic Grey papers and fun embellishements.

I hope everyone is doing well on their side of the world and being super creative! I look forward to hearing from you :)

XXOO----Tessa Ann Watte`

What I've been up to :)

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far. It has been pretty warm here in Bend. We are suppose to reach 96 degrees on the 4th of July.yikes. That's too hot for me. ha! Steve and I were invited to an outdoor event that we are pretty excited to attend. Finding the perfect outfit is on my to-do list for today. The main thing is: It has to be cool, not as in "cool", but as in not too hot..lol :-) It has been a pretty quite and simple past few weeks. I continue to work out with my trainer 3 days a week and just this last week learned that I have lost 3 inches off of my waist. Whoohoo. I continue to build muscle and my metabolism is progressing. Good things. But, he TOTALLY kicks my butt and I get another round here in a few hours..lol :-)
The hardest part has really been the diet. Each morning I have to drink a "medical" food shake. Now, it's not *terrible* but it's definitely not my favorite thing to ingest at 5am. But, I faithfully down that shake each and every morning knowing that the benefits will far out-weight the process of trying to get it down..lol. Combine this with about 8 supplements and I'm ready to hit the gym. But, when I say the diet part is difficult, it is that I have to each 5-6 meals a day. I am used to eating 2 meals. I never ate breakfast before and have learned that was SOOO bad for me. So, it has taken some getting used to, but I am seeing results and my energy levels are much higher. So....I trust the process.

I've been creating a lot lately too. I went through a bit of a "rut" last month, and it feels great to feel inspired again. My friend, Pammy, encouraged me to scrap non-DT related layouts to get out of the rut and to scrap things that are simple, like flowers and such.
So it feels good to be spending more time in my studio giving some love to my supplies that were begging to be played with ;-)

Before I ramble on and on like I normally do, I will simply wish you a wonderful 4th of July. Be safe and most of all.....HAVE FUN!
----XOXO---Tessa Ann Watte`

A Belated Happy Father's Day and some new layouts :-)

I hope everyone is doing well.
For me, I have really enjoyed learning a new job lately. Yes, it's been tough and I've arrived a few mornings with several notes of mistakes, but overall I am loving being part of such a wonderful vision. The passion of the doctor at my job is amazing. He is so dedicated and determined to discover individual health mysteries. I've been constantly amazed by the effects of his treatments and the monumental results he has created with each individual.
For me... I have been seeing the doctor about nutrition and health in conjunction with my training schedule. After a blood test and his research I learned that my thyroid was "clinically" hyper. As some of you may already know, back in April I started a very vigorous training and exercise routine. Maybe to some it wouldn't be considered "vigorous," but working-out 6 days a week was quite a change to my other-wise sedentary lifestyle. Umm... can we say, I've spent too much time on my bum doing the hobby I so love....scrapbooking.
Although, my weight hasn't decreased as much as I would like to to, I have made significant gains with my strength and endurance.
Although, learning that my thyroid and adrenal glands were not functioning like they were supposed to was a little disconcerning.... But, on the flip-side, I was happy and hopeful that the intervention to this was starting now and I could start to rehabilitate my issues. I have to admit that I thought..."Hey I'm only 28 years old, how can this be?!?" I was relieved to know that their was an effective treatment for me to rejuvenate my body. I am happy to begin this treatment and finally feel GOOD. Everyone deserves that, huh?!
So, aside from health and fitness, I've felt inspired to create some pages.
The first page... I took this photo of my dad on Father's day. He really wanted to play a game Crockett with the entire family. As soon as he realized that I was more interested in manning the camera, he became is usual goofy self..............playing the raquet like it was a guitar. LOL!
The second layout is of my dad and I. I guess I should dedicate this post to dads, a it seems like most of my work tonight is just that :) And, lastly........an oldie, but a good memory. I have quite a few older pics of my sis and I. On this particular day I was inspired to scrap this picture of my sister and I. As I started to create this page, I looked at the photo and tried to remember back to that day. Being only 4 at the time, I remember the fun my sis and I had accompanying my parents on many evenings to the beach, to simply watch the sun set. I think I need to break out more of those young-days photos and combine them with my memories.


I hope you all have had a wonderful week!!! Happy Friday and my wishes for the best weekend!
Happy Summer!
---Tessa Ann Watte`

HI! I'm still here......

It has been way to long since I've posted on my blog.

Life and routine has been pretty busy for me over the last few weeks, but an amazing change in life. I have been really focused on my training and also learning a new job. Yes, it is challenging, as is learning anything new, but I am enjoying exploring the *new*. But, throughout my focus and drive with my new life, I have experienced a sort-of creative rut with scrapbooking. After few emails sharing my worries with a great online friend, I was given the insight of just what I needed. "Create something that is just for fun."

And......that is just what it took to get the feeling of creating back in my blood. I am sure with any hobby or craft this is possible to experience. I am just happy that the rut has passed..lol :-)

So tonight, I'll keep this post short and post a fun layout that I created today that was.....just for fun!

Where ever you are..... I hope all is well! ---Tessa Ann :-)

Happy Mother's Day!!!

I want to wish all of our Mom's in the world the most wonderful Mother's day. You deserve this special day to feel appreciated and loved for all that you do for us. Thank you!

A special wish for my Momma, Rosena on this day!

I have been excited to show my Mom this mini-album I created by altering a cigar box by Cosmo Cricket. I printed the title, "What Makes A Mom?" on a transparency and adhered it from underneath to create a sort-of-window to the little album. For the intro page (that you can see peaking through) has her initials were rubbed-on using fancy Autumn Leaves monogram rub ons and DCWV stitch rub ons. The papers cut to a scallop design on the from of the book are by Piggy Tales. I adorned the papers using American Crafts flower rub ons and Heidi Swapp jewels.

The cigar box was originally chipboard color, so I used Fiber Scraps White Tintz to white-wash the entire outer side of the box.

The inside of the album was created simply by cutting 2 pieces of card stock to 6"x12" and folded and attached in an accordion fashion. The very last page is adhered to the box for stability. I'm so excited to give this to my mom tomorrow. I even created my own poem
playing off of the album's title. Oh..... I hope she loves it as much as I do :-)







The next project is a layout inspired by a challenge over on the Junkitz blogz. This challenge was created by Danielle Bogdonovich. She challenged us to create a layout using a shape other than a square. Well, you all know how much I love circles and scallops...so what did I do?!? Combine them together.... I have to admit at first, when I was creating this page, I had NO idea how it would come together. I started with the white circle with half-of-a-page of scallops and went there. But, suprisingly it came together VERY quickly.
The photo in this layout was taken a couple of weeks ago from the top of Tumalo Falls. We decided to hike to the top to see the view from above. Yes, the hike was very steep and we were quite out of breath by the time we reached the top....BUT, the view was so breathtaking and the sound of the water pouring from the top of the rocks was such a powerful, yet beautiful sound. The mist from the fall was refreshing, cool and crisp. I really enjoyed spending this day with you, mom!



The last page shown here is one of the pages that we created during my class on Tuesday night. I had SUCH a blast during this class. All of the participants were interested and seemed to have a wonderful time. I taught 3 pages and 1 card in 2 hours and 50 minutes. YUP....I think that is considered marathon scrapping :) The night before my class I baked cupcakes and put them into the MOST adorable white/black polka dot Chinese food to-go boxes that I found at Michael's. When each student arrived they had these adorable boxes sitting in their spot along with their class kit and instructions. I also gave out prizes throughout the class by having each student write their name on a piece of paper and we drew names for the prizes. I had fun preparing these little give-aways and I loved seeing their faces excitedly opening their little bags of goodness. I look forward to my next class in June.... I will be teaching a 4th of July themed class where we will create a master invite, place settings, gift bags and an altered paint can to toss used fire works. Great for the kiddos :)

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend! It's about 11:30pm here and I'm bright eyed and bushy tailed....haha, ready to create something FUN! I am working on a great mini-book for Right at Home Scrapbooking, a LSS in Massachusetts. It is turning out so pretty and I am excited to show mail it off!



Enjoy the weekend! Happy Mother's Day!!

Ah. Spring is here :)

I hope everyone had a wonderful and sunny weekend :) Steve and I finally bought our flowers and panted them this weekend. He has been very eager to do this and I keep hold back, due to our strange weather lately. But, Spring was in full bloom in Bend this weekend. We reached temps in the mid-70's and I got a bit of a sun burn during our Saturday breakfast at Mc Kay's Cottage where we sat out doors. I love that!!! During the winter, of course the tables are not outdoors, so I love when it's warm and you can enjoy breakfast, coffee and mimosas out doors :)

So, as you can see here I planted Gerbera Daisies and Garden Mums. They are so colorful and delicate. They simply make me happy.

Aside from Spring and planting flowers, I've recently made a life choice for myself. To get healthy and loose the weight that I have put on over the last few years and get in shape. I've tried and tried to motivate myself to do this, but have failed miserably each and every time, only to put the weight I just lost right back on----plus some. So--------- I've hired a personal trainer at a private gym, I am meeting with a nutritionist and I going to finally get myself on track. I dream of being comfortable in a swim suit during the summer, or heck----wearing a short sleeved shirt for that matter. If you know me really well, you would never see me in public with a tank top or short sleeves. I have major issues with the way my arms look, so I by making this choice, I'm excited to finally love my body as a whole. Not try to cover it up in 100 degree weather. Ah, that will be SUCH a dream come true. Okay....this post is turning into a rambling session. So, sorry..lol :)

Okay...........now to a more interesting topic---SCRAPBOOKING, YAY!
I'm excited to share that I've been added to our local scrapbook stores roster of teachers. It is a wonderful shoppe filled to the brim with my most favorite supplies. I actually crave going there. Sad, huh? It's called SCRAPBOOKING OUTSIDE OF THE BOX. If you are ever in Bend, email me and I'll give you directions. This is one store I can honestly say, you would love :)

My first class will be on May 8th. I'm SO flippin excited and a bit nervous. I am teaching a class called, "BIG AND BOLD." How fitting, huh? I am going to use Tinkering Ink's Perfectly Posh and Covenant Garden line for a couple layouts and a card and gift set. I was in the store yesterday and Suzy mentioned that my class was close to being full. That was music to my ears..lol!! In July I will be teaching a fun project based class where we will make 4th of July party invites, place settings, thank you cards and even an altered paint can for the children to toss their used fireworks in.
I've wanted to have more teaching opportunities, so I am really thankful for this!
May 1st, my sketch will be up at www.pencillines.com . I'm really excited to see what the design team has created using my sketch. When I first started scrapbooking, I created quite a few sketches as guidelines, but I kind of fell out of the habit of doing them, so this was fun to do! Hey! Idea! If you are into it and the sketch inspires you---just a bit (wink) I would love to see your take on it! Post your link here if you decide to do it!

So, I leave this REALLY long ramble with wishes to all of you for a wonderful week ahead! Get out and enjoy nature and drink-in some fresh air. It can do wonders for your inspiration. I think so, anyway---LOL!

Be a great day!!!!-----xxoo-Tessa Ann Watte`

Almost good enough to eat!

That is what Steve said last night when I showed him the cupcake party invite and goody bag I made using Junkitz Salsa Celebration Line of papers and embellishments. (whew long line..lol)
Needless to say this creation inspired a trip to the grocery store.....as Steve was craving cupcakes after I teased him with my card.

I also created a mini album this weekend which I am very proud of. Sorry to sound overzealous here, but sometimes you make something and you step back and go..... "That's exactly what I wanted." Now, this isn't a daily or even yearly thing for me, but with this book it was. And...it's perfect because it is a present for my mom. All I will say so far is... (just in case mom reads this...lol) I used a Cosmo Cricket Cigar box to create this album. I'm excited to post pics once I give it to her. I would love to see others try this out :) Oh, and teachers! This would make a fabulous idea for a class project. So, check back soon for that!

This week I was lurking over at 2 peas when I came across a thread with many awesome ideas of organizing clear unmounted stamps. If you are like me you have accumulated quite a few of these pretties as of late.
I've seen many great ideas from other scrappers over the last couple of years, but to be honest.......the assembly seemed too tedious. I'm the type of person who wants results fast..lol. So, I thought I would share with you the idea I borrowed from a Nicole over at 2 peas.


I used a jumbo 3 ring binder to hold all of my clear unmounted stamps. Clear 8.5x11 page protectors and transparency sheets are the key organizational tool for this project. I attempted to show you below what they look like (sorry if isn't as clear as it could be!) But, basically all you do is pull the clear stamps out of their original packaging and re-attach them to you transparency sheet. This way you can fit a lot more stamps on one page. I separated my stamps by manufacture. I hope to get more organized with this as I add more stamps. It's funny that organizing my stamps has made me want MORE..haha :)

Well, that's it for now! I hope everyone has enjoyed their weekend despite the heartbreaking week we experienced world wide. My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the families of VA Tech. I also want to ask you for special thoughts and prayers on behalf of Jennifer Gallacher's son, Joey who is just a young boy. So sad. He was recently given weeks to months to live due to terminal cancer. I can't possibly imagine the heartache and grief this family must be going through. But, I know the power of positive thinking and prayer. So, please keep this family in your thoughts. I thank you kindly.

Have a wonderful week next week.
Be a great day!
Tessa Ann Watte`

I'm still here :-)

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you all have a very nice weekend ahead!

It has been too long since I've updated this blog. I have had such a simple few weeks that I just felt I didn't have much to say...lol

But, I've had fun playing lately working on layouts and even some altered items. The second layout is using Crop Addicts April Mid-Month kit which features Fancy Pants papers and other delish goodies :) I captured this pic of Mozart hanging out in my scrap room. Since we moved, he has adopted this chair to be "his spot". I love seeing him snooze peacefully while I scrap, so I had to scrap it!

The first photo is of an altered "Piggy Tales" mini-clipboard that I purchased at an office supply store. I white-washed the chipboard color using FiberScraps "White" Tintz. I just have to say how cool these inks are. Truly. I've been using them for the last couple of years and I am still hooked. The handy "bingo" dauber-like bottles make application so-so easy. This season Fiber Scraps came out with white and black inks amongst a more vivid green color than their lime color and a nice sky blue color. Love these!

So, as you can see...... I white washed the clipboard and sort-of went crazy decorating it. I tried to be neat with red puffy paint , but of course ended up smudging it all over. So......I just had to "make it work!" (LOL!)

The next 2 layouts are just fun layouts that I felt inspired to create. I just cannot stay way from these colors lately. Lime green, hot pink, teal combined with a touch of red or orange. YUM! Really. I think I have color issues...lol.

I hope you all have a very wonderful weekend!

Tessa