Three Years of Home Remodeling Almost Over

That's right, 3 years! We started tearing out the old kitchen three years ago this Thanksgiving. And last weekend we finished the last of the new flooring upstairs. Whew! What an undertaking!

In hindsight, it would have been easier to move. But at least we have a house tailored to suit us -- even if, according to Cottage Living magazine, it's officially a 'cottage'.

Here are some photos of the last bedroom:

And here's a layout of the my scrapspace, for the Save the Children benefit class at nycscraps.com:

Out for publication :)

This is based on one of Hillary's sketches for the class, which somehow for me always seem to turn into great layouts. And lucky for digi scrappers, she'll have new digi templates available at Scrapbookgraphics at the end of the month!

I've been busy scrapping lately, getting ready for the Memory Makers Masters contest. I don't stand a chance of winning, but that's OK. I am getting some layouts done that I've wanted to do for quite awhile, and taking advantage of the extra motivation while I can.

For a little eye candy, here is a photo of Pottery Barn's new upholstery line that appeared in my e-mail inbox today. I especially love that white and yellow chair -- my favorite color, in slightly traditional pattern, but with an updated graphic flavor. Too bad I don't have room for another single piece of furniture. Although I have always wanted to get a slipcover for my living room couch...

New Improved Scrap Space

One evening, looking at the mess that was my loft/scrap space, I realized that I could be using it more effectively. So I rearranged a few things to give me more horizontal area. I still share the space with Karl and the kids and as a home office, but it does seem more open now (although still a little packed in):

Gina: The paint storage is a rotating spice rack. It came complete with spices, but I threw them away. I think I got it at WalMart.

Here is the new scrapbook page work area:

and some decorative storage:

It still remains to be seen if the new arrangement has the desired effect on my creativity....