Tombow 100 days

Hey hey hey!

You girls are in the know so you probably already know this, but just in case you don't. Tombow is celebrating 100 years of being in the crafty business. To celebrate they are featuring 100 designers on their blog. And guess who is joining them :) Who's super excited!?! This girl is!!! LOL!!! Ok let me calm down.

Every submission for the “100 Days of Tombow” blogging program will result in a $100.00 product donation to the Council for Arts Education.
Donating $10,000 worth of product total! So cool and exciting to be apart of.

Tombow was so generous to send me three amazing products to create with. 

                                     Look at that amazing packaging, I mean really!?! Gorg.

Here's how I used the products. I started with my Tim Holtz sponge squares the brown Tombow  marker, colored on the sponge, and used it to distress the photo corners to create a softer look and additional visual interest.

I used my cricut and cut that heart out and decided on a coordinating Tombow color pencil to lightly color the heart. And do you see that super cute little girl. I also used the Tombow coloring pencils to color her hair and skin. 

I really love how soft and easy to use these coloring pencils are. I really enjoyed myself and look forward to making more fun projects with these Tombow products. I am headed to my local craft store to pick up some refills to the Tombow adhesive runner because it's AWESOMENESS!!!

And here is the final project.

I combined a little Teresa Collins, Echo Park, and Dear Lizzy. I hope you all enjoy and will visit the Tombow blog to check out all the amazing artist they are featuring. Chat with you soon :)

Backsplash babe'

Summer is in full effect and almost over. Both June and July are gone and August is underway. I can't believe it. Back to school shopping is staring me in the face. For all three kiddos!?!  I should try and take them individually. It could make it less painful. But time is of the essence so that probably won't happen.

Last post I talked about getting my house in order and organizing rooms, and closets, etc. Well I have been up to some good. I am proud to say the coat closet, linen closet, master bedroom closet, underneath the bathroom sink, and the pantry have all been organized and have maintained it's organization for weeks. And my children are doing well with keeping things maintained. For now anyway, lol. While I have more rooms to go I am excited to be getting there. We are on a project roll around here in the White household. Steven has decided instead of a mini vacation this summer, he wants to do some upgrading and redecorating to the house. So since I am always up for a good home improvement project, we are going to have the kitchen backsplash replaced this weekend. Early Friday morning there will be a few good men here to tear down what has been our backsplash for five years. Steven is so very excited. I am too but I am kinda nervous. I guess my nerves are simply because once it's up there is no going back. Either way I can't wait to show you how it all turns out. And I will also have photos of the organized spaces.

In the meantime a couple projects I have worked on...

                                                     Using a mixture of Pebbles Inc & Fancy Pants papers on both these projects. I love these note pockets by Pebbles Inc. So many possibilities my only regret is not buying more.                  

Chat with you in a few days.

P. S I hope you like the new look :)

What's hap'ning

Hey guys,

The last time we chatted I returned to work after almost 5 years at home with the kiddos. Our family was adjusting to having both parents working full time again, and all the insanity that comes with.
Well, as life often does things have changed again :) I am not totally sad about the change. I am glad to be home again. Being able to have lunch with Madison at her new school, help Bailey continue to prepare for Pre-K, and help Jeremiah with science projects.  It's rewarding to be able to stay home and foster what's important in the lives of your children. It's also super taxing, lol. But I am grateful to be able to do it. And Steven is happy to have me back home, and to have to normality return to our home. You are probably wondering what changed, why I am back at home. Well, we live in a small rural town in Tx. When we first purchased our home and moved from California this city had one of the best school districts in the area. In a matter of 3 years that changed. So we had both Madison and Bailey in Private School which was located in East Fort Worth about 20-30 minutes from our home. We are still a one car family, so we would have had to invest in another vehicle (another car note, not a fan), continue tuition for one child (since the Madison got accepted to a school we have had her on the waiting list for 3 years). We would basically be spending what I am making on childcare, tuition, and another vehicle. Just doesn't make sense and we aren't about debt but financial freedom. So that's why and how I ended up back at home.

One of the benefits of being back home and having slight control over your schedule is being able to scrap. Of course what else is there, lol. No really it's nice being able to get a little scrappy time in. And not always having to think about the million other things that the day or week will require.

Aside from scrapping being back home has really brought to my attention how much our home has been neglected. Everything is out of place or just doesn't have a place. Our first 3 years here we did well and things managed to stay in place. But we never really had complete organization. And since Spring is upon us, I have decided to do some Spring cleaning, and organizing. With the help of pinterest I have found an amazing blog. I believe can give the help I need to really organize my home in practical way. So as a new season approaches I am excited about all the things God has ahead. It will be fun.

So you ask what have you scrapped lately. Here goes...

I am currently working on two more layouts I can't wait to share. I have had so much fun. I hope you girls are doing well. I can't wait to blog hop and check out what you've been up to.

I'm back at it

As life would have it things have changed yet again. 

After almost 5 years of being out of corporate America I have returned to work. As you can imagine it is quite the lifestyle adjustment. The kids have adjusted faster than I expected. With Bailey being in school full time now I guess it doesn't affect her the way I thought it would. Or did it?... The first week she didn't really speak to me. She wouldn't hug me or look at me. 

She seems to be well adjusted now... even though she has been whining more than normal. Not sure if that's due to me returning to work, or her just being 4. But hey all in all it's been pretty cool balancing home life, and work life.  

I managed to squeeze in a mini Fall photo shoot. Which I desperately needed in order to really enjoy the Fall and Winter scrapping that is about to take place :) And I haven't done a Fall/Winter shoot of the kids in almost two years. What was once a tradition became an obligation. But this year that all change and it has gone back to normal. I shoot for me again. 

Anywho , here are a few fav's from this weekends shoot. 

This is Jeremiah can you believe it? He is 12 now. One more year and he is a real teenager :( Where did the time go?

 And here are the Princesses, Madison is 6 now, and Bailey is 4. They both go to a small Private School together and are doing great. I can't believe Bailey is 4 she was just about 10 months old when I started this blog.

Ok some of you may not remember this paper but this is some old SEI from about 2 years ago "Monrovia". I was in love with this line. And believe it or not this is a layout I started over a year ago and just put the finishing touches on it.  I have a small stack of layouts I want to finish. So here is a small step toward that goal.
This is Jeremiah at 9, Fall 2010.

I hope everyone is enjoying the season and your ready for Christmas shopping. 

Happy Scrapping girls!

- Taj

Hey bloggers,

I hope everyone is enjoying the beginning of the Fall season so far. Here in Tx we are still experiencing 80+ degree weather, but that's better than 110 degree weather. I will take what I can get. We are hoping for a real Fall, and Winter season this year. We were cheated out of the luxury of the cold weather last year. Which left us with an overwhelming amount of bugs, and other critters.
I am so excited about sweaters, boots, Fall candles, hot chocolate, chilli, and everything related to the season. I am happy to sit in the house more days than not under a warm blanket, in some comfy sweats, scrapping, and scrapping,lol.

This Fall I will be more intentional about taking more images of my children. Last year I failed miserably in that area. It's hard to take as many pictures of your family when your photographing everyone else's.

I have had this picture of Bailey for a while now. I've wanted to scrap it for so long, but it felt like I could never find the right papers and design for it. Finally, My Minds Eye came along :) and created the "Sweetest Thing" collection. Allowing me to finally create a page for this sweet image of my baby girl.
A little history about this photo. It was taken right at the beginning of Fall 2010. This was about the time Bailey started getting really sick throwing up mysteriously. She had been in and out of the ER and doctors offices, test after test, with doctors trying to determine what was causing her to become so sick. With each visit we would be left in the dark, wondering what was making our sweet baby so ill. On this particular day I had planned to take her out and photograph her for Fall. And out of no where she started to fall ill. I pray I never forget what she said to me, "Mom I want to take pictures". I said Bailey it's cold outside and your not feeling well. We will try another day. She insisted "No Mommy I want too". So we pulled the car over and took maybe 10 frames before she became too weak to continue. This is one of the photos I got that day. It's a wonderful reminder of how brave she was, and is.

Thanks for stopping by. Chat with you soon.

Hey Ladies,

It's been three weeks since I last blogged. I said I was going to be blogging consistently but 3 weeks isn't too bad is it? The good news is I have been scrapping. Not as much as I would like but I have completed 2 pages and finished 2 that I started over a year ago. Yes you read that right... I have about 5 or 6 layouts that I started and never finished. I put the foundation of the layout down; paper, images, but no embellies or detail. I figured finishing these pages could be a great way for me to get back into the groove of creating. I was kinda rusty, trying to find my way back to a layout that felt like me. I created one that I was so unhappy with. I plan to take it apart and redo it. The good thing about that layout is I was able to work out some of those quirks, and kinks.

Over the past few weeks I have been trying to get re-adjusted to everything scrap. You know what's new in the industry, changes that have taken place, what new products to buy, and tools to invest in. What better way to do all of this than to visit Scrappers Boutique. I haven't been there in about 5 months, and I haven't placed any online orders in I don't know when.  It was great to see everyone, and all the fun changes made to the store.

This layout was created Nov. of last year. The photo was taken July of last year. The products are a mesh mash of a left over kit from Scarlet Lime, and a Studio Calico kit. The really sad part is the Scarlet Lime kit is so old I am not sure what year I bought it. I think it's 2010, or early 2011 LOL.
I will chat with you ladies soon, I have some new scrap goodies from My Minds Eye, and Teresa Collins that I picked up and I can't wait to get busy with them.

Well, I am headed to bed. Nighty night!!

I am back

Hello Bloggers,

I can't believe November 1st 2011 was my last blog post. So much has happened in that time. It feels like forever since I have scrapped and been involved in the community of art.

I took a break from it all after dealing with the lost of my father in law. Our family really needed to focus on each other and learning to deal with the fact that he is with our Lord now. So, I stopped photography, scrapbooking, and anything else that didn't completely involve every single one of us as a family. I know you ladies understand.  As much as we love this craft, the real reason we do this is to celebrate and document the life we are blessed to be living and when a piece of that is lost then it's time to take a step back and rethink it all.
I can't tell you the struggle it's been. As many of you know, (that have followed me from the beginning) my daughter Madison and Dad were like best friends.  While it's been hard for us all, I believe she struggles the most. There are times when Steven and I will catch her just staring at a photo of the both of them. She sometimes just breaks down and acts out without any warning. We know it's just frustration. We encourage her to express herself and try to explain the way she feels.
Bailey said that he wanted to live with Jesus and not with us anymore. It's so hard to explain death to little kids. It's hard for adults to understand, even more so for children. The one thing that gets us all through is the promises we have from our Heavenly Father, The God of comfort.
Matthew 5:4 and Philippians 1:21, when the Apostle Paul says, "For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

I have missed all of you and your inspiring work. Even more than that I have missed your friendships. The support and connections made from women all over the country and world.
I have kept in touch with a few of you. You have been so kind to check on me and my family via Facebook, and email. Thank you so much for that :) It means the world.

It looks like so much has changed in your lives as well. I have been able to sneak over to a few of your blogs and check you out and I have a lot more blog hopping to do :)

Well gals, I love you all and plan on being a consistent blogger and scrapper again :)
I am also re-entering the world of photography. I have decided to expand my market and focus on Families, Children, as well as High School Seniors again.

Thank you to all of my followers that hung in there with me. You girls rock!

Get Picky Blog Hop "WINNER"

Good Morning,

thank you to all the ladies that played along in the Get Picky blog hop. The DT and GDT really brought the inspiration. I was so inspired I created my first boy layout in months. Interesting enough it really doesn't look very masculine but I still love it :)

Well, I had Jeremiah pick a number to decide on the winner and here is what he came up with.... DRUM ROLL PLEASE.........

#24 Jessica Pascarella of "Kissin Krafts blog". http://kissinkrafts.blogspot.com/
Congrats Jessica so glad you played along with us. Please email (tajwhite25@gmail.com) me your address so I can get your RAK out to you.

I haven't photographed the boy layout yet but when I do I will be back to share. Getting my scrappin mojo back :) Feels good! Okay I am off to do some blog hopping :)

I will leave you with this question and image. What line of paper/kit do you all think would go with this image? I want to scrap it so bad but seem to be drawing a blank on what papers could work. Leave your comments and feedback. I love hearing your opinions.

Blog Hop (Get Picky)

It's celebration time!!! It's been a year since I was the first guest designer for Get Picky. Since then they have filled the year with amazing talent and inspiration from some of my favorite scrappy artist. So let's get to it. Here is sketch #13

And here is my layout

We are so very excited to also announce that Imaginisce have been kind enough to sponsor us with an awesome prize for our very special birthday celebration.

and there are Many more ways to win. Leave a comment on this blog for a chance to win a RAK.
Now it's time to hop on back to the Get Picky blog and leave your final comment. 

Hey Ya'll!!!

Hey friends,

I have been a baaaad blogger :( I sure have missed ya'll. So here's what's been up with the White Family.

Our family is preparing to move within the next 3 months---or so. No one told me when we purchased this house that if we -ever- moved it would take so much effort to pack it ALLL up. Packing a home is NOTHING like packing an apartment. Making myself a packing to do list, and slowing packing things we don't use on a regular basis has been a big help.
I am excited about our move. We are headed to a city called Frisco, Texas. Steven has taken a job out there and has been on the job since August. The drive back and forth is taking a lot out of him. He spends about 4 hours a day in travel time. We all can't wait for that drive time to come to an end. My poor hubby ;(

On a more exciting note! I have been getting my scrap on and it feels sooooo good. I can't wait to share all the fun stuff I have been creating. All the yummy CHA product is rolling into the stores and it's been so exciting to see.

I am having a lot of fun with all the Crate Paper wonderfulness. Here is some Emma's shoppe featuring my Bailey Rae. This photo was taken the week she turned 3. I caught this shot while asking her to smile for me. She turned to me and said "I don't want to smile Mommy, I just wanna be sad". She is very expressive to say the least. I loved this image because it shows such emotion and got me to thinking about how my baby girl was no longer a baby. So this was an emotional day for both her and I.

Well, I am off to say hey to "YOU" my girls. See you on your blogs :-)

Join Us

Hey Ladies, as promised I said I would share when things were ready to rock and roll. Well, that time has come. And White Photographique couldn't be more excited and proud to share all of our hard work with you all. After a 16 month journey, God has brought us to this point. A point of trust and continuous growth and blessings.

Please join us in the celebration of the new Facebook Page, and Website.

AUGUST 1ST we will launch our Senior Spokes Model search. If you are a High School Senior or know a Senior in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and want to be a Spokes Model for White Photographique this will be your chance. Spread the word, tell your friends, and family to LIKE our FACEBOOk page and get ready for our Spokes Model search.

Thank you to all you ladies who have been such an encouragement and blessing to me. I love you and thank you ALL from the bottom of my heart!!

It's been awhile

Good Afternoon Crafty ladies, it's been a while since I've blogged. I promise I have been actually doing something. I have so much on my blog that needs to be updated and changed. I just need to find the time to sit and do it.
But with all the time that has been running from me lately. I did find the time to create a few layouts for the gals over at ColorCreations. I am honored to play along with there sketch and Guest Design for this week. Here is the sketch

and my take

Daisies Blog Hop (April)

Hey ladies, it's been a while. I hope everyone is ready for Reserrection Sunday (Easter). It's not only Easter weekend at my house it's my Baby girl Bailey's Birthday weekend. She will be 3 on Sunday. One of my Daisie layouts this month is about her being one year older, and it only being one year later. I am reflecting on how she has changed.
Here is my kit this month


and a layout
this is my neighbors son Jacob, he's such a cutie pie.


Here is the challenge this month
Pick one of the DT from Scrapbook Dasies that participated in this hop, and lift her
You use the gallery here, or your personal blogs to search for a layout of your choice. You must upload the completed lift along with a picture or a link to the person/layout that they lift onto the FACEBOOK page.

I lifted DT member Seppa. I love her style and thought this layout was just gorgeous. I love the design and the awesome detail.
Here is her original


here is my take

Now it's time to hop on over to Seppa's blog to be wowed even more by her work. See you soon!

MLS Farewell Blog Hop

It's time to say goodbye, my time wiht MLS has been amazing and I will miss all the fun I have had. I am so excited for all the fun I know the new DT will have.
I hope you are joining me from the talented Susan Dupre's blog.

Here is one of my all time favorite MLS projects...
I love the child like whimsy of everything created from MLS. The colors and the photo are meant for each other here. I had so much fun creating this.


And something new...


close up


It's time to hop on over to Tracey Locher's blog to be wowed. Thanks for hopping with this group one last time :)
It's been a pleasure getting to know many of you!! Mwah!!

TCR Blog Hop

Welcome, hopefully you started hopping from the TCR site, and are joining me from the amazing Steph Devlin's blog. My name is Taj and I am a RDA this month for The Color Room and I am having a ball. An




My take...

close up



Here are a few things that you may be interested in knowing about me.


1. I am from.........Jamaica, and have lived in several different cities and states. I am currently Designing for....... shimmerz, My little Shoebox,Scrappers Boutique, Scrapbook Daisies, Sketchy Thursdays, & this month TCR :)

2. I Live with.........My super awesome hubby of almost 6 years and our 3 crazy kiddos. Jeremiah 10, Madison 5 & Bailey almost 3.

3. On my desk right now you will find.......all of what you see on my layout for palette #50 and some extras that didn't make the cut ;)
4. My favourite colours to work with at the moment are........soft pinks, purples, yellow and always red. I don't have favorite color combo's really I just love color in general.
5. What kind of themes do you often scrap? I am a 100% everyday life scrapper. I like to record whatever it is that make my children unique. And yes I mainly scrap just for art sake.
6. Where do you scrap? In my scrap room which is an extra bedroom in our home. It's still being decorated. This is as far as I have gotten. I love it because it's really organzied.


7. What is your scrapping process? I usually start with product, if I am driven to use a set of papers then I am ready to go and can usually find photos to go with that. Sometimes it's the opposite and I have a photo or two I want to scrap and get the story down while it's fresh. I make myself a mini kit of embellies, paints, papers etc that I want to use and get started.
8. My favourite food is........ Ackee and salt fish (also known as cod fish) It's an Island meal. So yummy!!
9. My top 3 favourite tools are....... scissors, big shot, and corner rounder.
10. I get my inspiration from..... everywhere, other scrappers, magazines, clothes, you name it, there is some inspiration to be found.
11. Describe a Technique you used on your project this week........ since this weeks color palette is all blues with hits of grey. I used a piece of raw chipboard,inked the edges, & used a white rub on that would give the chipboard a grey look.


I thank you for hopping along with us this week and taking the time to get to know me better. Please leave your blogs in your comments as well. I would love to get to know you all better as well. And please become a follower so I can keep up with you!
Now it's time to hop on over to the crazy talented Tomoko's blog.

AC Guest Designer

Man oh man, there are certain times in a designers life were you feel so honored to do what you do. And when I received the email from Paige over a month ago it was certainly one of those times. I am so excited to be the weekly Guest Designer for American Crafts Studio blog this week. Here are the projects I created with the amazing "Hello Sunshine" spring line.

Peaceful...


Altered frame...


Friend card...


Backyard Play...


I heart you card...


Brilliant Artist...


Thanks American Crafts for affording me this opportunity. I had a wonderful time. If your up to it you can check out the AC Studio blog here. Here is tons of inspiration there to be seen. See you soon!