JBS Mercatile December Guest: Cheryl Manz Ametewee

i am just a super simple girl that tries to appreciate all the little things in life, from my gorgeous african-born husband of 5 months, nathan, to my crazy ornery 1 year old son of 13 months, london (LB), to the little girl about to join us mid-march, to the colors around me and all the blessings that God has given me in my lifetime. you can usually find me wearing bright funky clothes creating in our studio/living room with my family around me. i am passionate about sharing my emotions and the special moments that happen everyday when we least expect them. i just love my life...and i want that to reflect in my art. * join me on my blog at http://www.cherylmanz.typepad.com/ for weekly challenges that get your mojo flowing and allow you to meet other scrappers from all over the world!*i recently joined the http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/ digital design team as a hyrid scrapper that prints and designs with all the newest digital elements.

these products were so perfect for these photos of my neice that i took last weekend. they just feel both sweet and sassy to me...very much like her. ;) and i love that the boy bingo cards work just as well for a girl...and mixed with a mini pink one from the packaging, it brought the colors of the papers together. my favorite thing about this layout by far, though, is how the staples in the middle of the felt butterflies make the wings pop up and appear to be in flight. :)

i so love these photos of LB in his fabulous new crown from his first trip to burger king (and his induction into the world of american fast food!). he was so excited to be wearing it and very uncharacteristically was even willing to pose for a few shots. he is very much the center of our world, and i think a new baby girl in march is going to be a rude awakening for him.(technique tip: i took the edge of my stazon inkpads to make a line through the title to make it stand out a little better over the paper that was the same color).

i am not, and have never claimed to be, a great photographer, but i do take pictures almost everyday of my family...and this photo of LB showing me that he's 1 just melts my heart. i love that his little face gets so serious when he's concentrating on getting just that one finger in the air, and that he can only make it happen with his hand resting on his forehead.

this unorganized and messy little corner of my art space is where i keep all the things i reach for over and over while i'm scrapping...the antique drawers hold the my favorite lace, stickies and ink and the little cheap recipe holder is where i keep my favorite embellishments at the moment. nothing fancy, but right at my fingertips when i need them. :)

Thanks for the inspiration Cheryl!