Putting myself out there

So......
There's this thing..........
Um.......
I love.........
Cosmo Cricket.
I do.
And.....
I have loved them a loooooooong time.
And......
there was this DT call.......
And I was in the top 12.
And I was sent some product to play with.

And I played.

And today?
Today I'll see what's the happs. Who's been chosen.
I don't even know how many will be chosen!

And you know what? I don't normally stick my neck out where other people can see it, so it's a big deal to tell you..... kinda hard to hide it since the 12 were announced on their blog though, lol.

Anyway... I adore their product, and I was really excited to get a box full of Dutch Girl. I immediately decided to make a mini album with it. I was also sent this 6x8 blackboard album, and thought the blackboard made such a nice frame for each page that rather than trim to fit, and then sand, etc., I decided to make the blackboard a photo mat for each page of my album, and trimmed each page a bit smaller.

I have to say.... No matter what happens with this call, I do believe this project is one of my favorite projects I have EVER made. Morgan and I are having a tough time right now... she's challenging, willful, independent, stubborn, and it's the summertime which means she has less structure, etc. It's been really hard to live with her the last couple of months, lol! I decided to make an album about her smiles, because she has so many of them. And every time I put her to bed and wonder if I'm being a good parent, if saying "NO" all day long is going to make her hate me, etc., I'll be able to take out this album and know that she is a happy girl. She lOVES me. And everything is going to be okay. Eventually. lol

My button flowers are layers of chipboard buttons, die cuts, and patterned paper. I am also quite addicted to the Karen Foster floss now, thanks to my friend Nic. I just love the look of the tied bows on the buttons! Anyway, this album will be well-cared for as one of my favorite things, so I'm forever grateful to Cosmo for the challenge... It actually took me a long time to create it, even if it looks simple. Those button flowers are detailed!

I also wanted to share one of the layouts I made using the Dutch Girl line. I just loved this photo of Steve and Morgan at the Sunriver Picnic on the 4th, so immediately printed it out to create a layout.

Anyway, there you have it. I entered. And I want it! Wish me luck today! I'd be over the moon and honored to work with those crazy kids.