My Crafty Space

I'm back!

2012-02-02T12:57:00.003-05:00

Hey crafty friends! Long time no blog post! Life got so busy for me...my mom fell right before Christmas and needed stitches and I was a complete wreck! She's better and now I'm back and trying to get in the groove of things!

I set a resolution to quit drinking soda and I've stuck with it! It has been 33 days since I had a soda and I don't miss it! I feel so much better...I am giving up snacking like I used to late at night and that is going great as well. 2012 is going to be the year that I lose weight and get to feeling better about myself!

I've been crocheting up a storm and have learned how to make wrist warmers, flowers & an infinity scarf. I've put a few of those in my etsy shop and in the next post I'll share pictures and the link to my etsy shop. I just wanted to come on here and finally update my blog.

Hope you all have a crafty weekend! ;)

Big Ass Giveaway!

2011-10-25T07:58:00.003-04:00

Hey crafty friends! Have you signed up for Jenn's new Big Ass Giveaway? If not what are you waiting for? Check it out here on her blog

She is giving away Mark Montano's book...so what are you waiting for? Go sign up! :)

Secret Keepsake Box

2011-10-25T07:00:00.004-04:00

Hi all! Here is a project that I was inspired to create after seeing my friend Juliana's box that she made.

I used some invitation envelopes that I had purchased at Walmart, I also used my new favorite distress ink pad in vintage photo to distress the envelopes. The lace is from my stash, the flat back pearls and the butterfly come from Karlas001 shop on etsy, I can't remember where I got the pink/white roses and the pink tattered rose is from Frogfeathers on etsy. The French script stamp is from Inkadinkado.
I didn't take a photo of the inside of the "box", but after you watch Juliana's video you will see what it looks like.

Thanks for stopping by!

Marion Smith digital kit

2011-09-26T04:37:00.002-04:00

Hi Crafty friends! :) I recently bought Marion Smith's digital kit. Marion is the one who taught me about mini albums. Okay not in person but through youtube.

If you haven't checked it out you should go there right now and see it for yourself! It's reasonably priced and she will be adding new digital images that you can print and add to your little mini album.

Have a crafty day! :)

Happy Fall!

2011-09-23T16:32:00.003-04:00

Hey Crafty friends! I just wanted to wish you all a Happy Fall! :) I am so glad that Summer is finally over! I just loathe the heat...the only good thing about Summer in my opinion is that you get to wear flip flops and capris! :)

Looking for some yummy recipes?

2011-09-22T15:13:00.002-04:00

Hey crafty friends! I know this is my second post of the day! Don't go into shock!! lol

My fabulous sister-in-law & brother have a blog that showcases some awesome recipes! David (my brother) is a chef and a fabulous cook and his wife Cindy is also a fabulous cook! So if you are looking for some yummy recipes to try check out their blog! High Mountain Recipes

Thanks for stopping by! :)

YouTube Layout Hop

2011-09-22T03:36:00.006-04:00

Hi crafty friends! So I'm participating in the YouTube layout hop again this month. The theme is to use your scraps. I found a picture I took of Noah at the beginning of the month when he turned 13 and found some of my scraps and put together this layout. Thanks for stopping by! :)

I used Shimelle Laine's sketch of the week for my layout. Here is what her sketch looks like:

Giveaway!

2011-08-27T09:13:00.003-04:00

Hi all! I know I have gotten bad about blogging...hopefully now that Fall is nearing I'll be blogging once again!

I am having a giveaway on my youtube channel for reaching 250 subscribers! I recently purchased the Webster's Pages box and as soon as I get it I'll post the video with all the details about the giveaway.

I'm also hosting a Halloween mini album swap over on Facebook if you are interested let me know and I'll send you the link to where you can sign up!

Hope you all have a crafty weekend! :)

Comfort Zone

2011-08-04T17:26:00.002-04:00

Hi all! I know I haven't blogged in a while...but it seems like no one seems to be reading my blog lately. Maybe they are like me and don't comment on blogs much. I'm trying to get better about that.

I have some exciting news (well, it's exciting to me)! I am joining in on a YouTube layout hop! It happens this month on the 18th...I'll post more details later. I am also joining in on another type of youtube hop next month. Limor is hosting an Unique Technique hop and I am a little nervous because I haven't really made a tutorial video before but I am certain that I will do fine!

I am stepping outside my comfort zone and am getting more comfortable each time! I remember the first time I made a video to post on YouTube and I was so nervous and felt a little dumb for "talking to myself" but now I feel like an old pro! lol

The next big thing that I would love to do is try out for a design team! I guess I just need to put myself out there and see how it goes!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope everyone has a crafty weekend! :)

What I've been up to

2011-07-19T19:34:00.003-04:00

Hi crafty friends! I wanted to let you all know what I've been working on. I am in Jade's Secret Squirrel Sisterhood Society and am working on my July box for my partner. The theme is Ooh la la Paris. Doing this box I am remembering when we went to Paris back in the 80s when we lived in Germany. I fell in love with the culture, the people and the art!

I am also working on a smash style book. I am having such fun with this project! I joined Heather Mitchell's swap in Sx4 and can't wait to get my partner so that I can create a smash book for her.

Today I learned how to make yo-yo flowers and a few others. They are so easy and fun!

Hope you all have a crafty week! I'll check in later!

I can see the top of my desk!

2011-07-09T00:45:00.002-04:00

Hi crafty friends! :) I finally got my space almost organized! I bought an over the door shoe organizer it has 24 compartments and I have my wild orchid crafts & i am roses flowers in there, along with other stuff. I can actually sit down in my new pink desk chair and craft!

I made a little video of my crafty space (some of it...the rest is still a hot mess). You can see the video on my youtube channel.

I have my new partner for the month of July at the Secret Squirrel Sisterhood Society. I am excited because over the last couple of months I have really gotten to know her and I really enjoy chatting with her.

I hope everyone has a crafty weekend! :)

Happy July 1st!

2011-07-01T20:04:00.002-04:00

Hi all! Happy July 1st and that means there are 176 days until Christmas! You knew I had to tell you since I always start my countdown in July! lol

I've also added my video for June's secret squirrel cigar box hosted by JadedStudios on Facebook. Check out the video here: click me

Hope everyone has a happy 4th of July! :)

In awe

2011-06-20T05:03:00.002-04:00

Have you ever joined a group and absolutely feel inspired by everyone there? That has happened to me! I joined Jade's Secret Squirrel Sisterhood Society (or Sx4) and have fallen in love with the talent there! So much so that I have decided to quit my other groups...as soon as I mail out all my swaps! lol

I am inspired to think outside my comfort zone and I love that! I am inspired every day by a different lady in the group. Everyone has such talent and I am in awe of it. I love that we have forged friendships and I will truly treasure them.

Hope everyone has a crafty day! :) Look for my sewing box video soon! :)

Goings on...

2011-06-11T06:43:00.003-04:00

I want to apologize for not posting on my blog for a while. My mom has been dealing with some medical issues and being stubborn. Since I am the oldest and my mom's medical power of attorney everything falls on my shoulders...so I have been under a bunch of stress. She was recently in the hospital for a couple of days and she has to go back for 8 days to get an antibiotic intravenously, it's a hassle but I know in the end it will only make her better.

I haven't been crafting a lot lately but for the past two months I have taken part in Jade's Secret Squirrel Sisterhood Society (it was called the Secret Squirrel Cigar Box Swap...but we wanted something catchier!). The first theme was Vintage Shabby Chic with pastel colors, the second theme was Fab Fashion Couture of the 1920's with jewel tones as the color theme and this month the theme is Sew Sew Retro with Retro Mod Chic as the color theme. Each month we had a little extra challenge and this month's challenge is to make a pin cushion and I have the perfect idea for the pin cushion I will be making! I just need to decide on the colors of my box and then get started! I will be posting a video and pictures soon.

I have had a lot of fun with this group and amazingly talented ladies! It seems everyone is compatible (give or take a couple of individuals who eventually quit the group).

I hope everyone has a crafty upcoming week! :)

My mojo is back!

2011-05-25T05:20:00.003-04:00

Hi crafty friends! So as most of you know if you follow me on facebook I am in Jade's Secret Squirrel Cigar Box swap again this month. The ladies in the group totally rock and inspire me daily!

My partner hasn't answered a single question and so I've been a little frustrated about what to do for her. So I had my friend Nancy (GoinCriCrazy on youtube) do a little investigating for me!

So I needed to go and buy a new box and I did that this past Saturday...so it sat on my desk untouched until last night. I think inspiration struck because I pulled out my black magic glimmer mist and went to town painting the box...I even spilled a bit of the gm on the box and in spots it's more glimmery and looking lovely! I still need to decorate it...but I now know what I am going to do and I am so happy!

In other news I completely chopped off my hair! It was down to the middle of my back and I got so tired of wearing it up in a ponytail so I decided to just do it! I went into the salon yesterday and told the girl that I loved how her hair looked and could she do that for me...she did and I am loving it! It's so much easier to take care of! :)

Have a crafty day! :)

2011-05-24T18:08:00.001-04:00

Hi all! I don't know about you but I am hooked on pinterest! I love looking at others pins and I love finding new ones to add to my many growing boards. If you haven't tried it out here is the link to look around! Pinterest

Hope everyone has a crafty day! :)

200 Subbie Giveaway

2011-05-16T17:41:00.003-04:00

Hi crafty friends! :)

As soon as I hit 200 subbies on youtube I'll be doing a giveaway! Right now I am at 168, so I'm getting very close! I've got a really neat giveaway and will post a video of it as soon as I get everything for it.

Stay tuned and tell your friends!

Have a crafty day! :)

Altered Clipboard Swap

2011-05-09T18:53:00.003-04:00

Hi all! I'm hosting an altered clipboard swap at live.teach.create on facebook. You can check out the video that shows an example. Click me

Here are the details:

1. Sign up until May 15th...partners will be assigned on May 16th
2. Chat with your partner to find out her likes/dislikes
3. add a little goodie bag filled with trims, lace, buttons, bling, etc. plus a little piece of chocolate never hurt!
4. The clipboards are due in the mail no later than June 15th and please use delivery confirmation
5. Have fun!

I hope you all will join! :)

Another altered cigar box

2011-04-25T04:44:00.003-04:00

Hi all! If you haven't seen the cigar box I made for Jade's Secrete Squirrel Cigar Box Swap here is the link CLICK ME.

Tiffany and I decided to do a personal swap by making an altered cigar box. Here is what I came up with:

In the above picture I glimmer misted 3 tags and I used Patina, Garden Fairy & Tattered Rose and then I stamped each one with my french script stamp by inkadinkado. I purchased the images from etsy.

In the above picture I used Graphic45's Once Upon A Springtime paper. The trim is from Frogfeathers over on esty. I added a pearl to each flower and I also used the new butterfly stick pins from Webster's Pages.

Here is what I did to the front of the box. I used Graphic45's Once Upon A Springtime, the flowers from frogfeathers and the little cherry blossoms are from wild orchid crafts, the pink lace is from frogfeathers and the little tag is from Webster's Pages Ladies & Gents collection. The pearls are Prima say it in pearls & lace.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week! :)

Secret Squirrel Cigar Box Swap

2011-04-10T22:10:00.002-04:00

Hi all! I joined Jade's secret squirrel cigar box swap (try saying that three times fast!) on Facebook. I love the name Jade came up with! She is such a cutie and when I watch her videos I just have to smile because she is one talented crafter! I feel very lucky to be in her swap!

Yesterday (Saturday) my bff Ann & I went to Huntington on a much needed girls day out! We went to Gabriel Brother's and did some clothes shopping and then we headed to Chili's for lunch, after lunch we went to Michael's and I purchased a box there and some other little goodies and only ended up spending around $55 (which is good for me!), next we headed to Hobby Lobby where I purchased the paper for my box and only ended up spending $13 (everything was on sale that I purchased), then we headed to AC Moore and I only spent...wait for it...$3! :)

Today I was in pain from my shopping trip yesterday so I decided to not go to church only to find out that it was canceled due to the lights being out. So I decided to get my craft on! I worked on my box for my swap partner and I am loving how it came out. I still have a few more things I want to add to it and then I'm making a video and then I'll upload it to my youtube channel.

I hope everyone had a crafty weekend! Enjoy the new week! :)

Upcoming swap

2011-03-31T15:27:00.002-04:00

Hi crafty friends! I am thinking of hosting a swap! I had come across a fun swap last year and never had the time to host it due to my mom being so sick. I was thinking that since Easter is in April it would be fun to host an egg carton swap! Here are a couple of examples of one: Paper Pieces of Me and another here: Inspire Co.

If you are interested just let me know and I'll post the details later this evening!

Have a crafty week!

Spring has Sprung!

2011-03-20T14:23:00.003-04:00

Hi all! I am so happy that Spring has finally sprung! I love Winter but I think I had cabin fever! We finally had a lot of snow and I loved it...but it seemed like it went on forever!

As I've blogged before our house is over 100 years old and the only heat is downstairs in the front and middle rooms, so at times I hate the cold. Then again in the Summer there are times when I hate the heat since our bedroom is right below the attic.

I finally bought a new digital camera so I can finally start posting pictures of my projects. I am working on a few right now and plan on taking pictures later this week!

Hope everyone has a crafty week! ;)

2011-03-15T21:29:00.002-04:00

I've been so bad about blogging lately. My desk and crafty area is a mess...it's a wonder I can find anything at all!

Today I actually started to straighten it up and then I got frustrated and decided to play instead! I created an 8x8 shadow box for my mother-in-law using Graphic45s Le Romantique papers, I also used Fly A Kite & Thrift Shop papers from October Afternoon as well as a bunch of flowers from Wild Orchid Craft and a branch from Recollections and 3 pieces of the Maya Road fence (from their garden chipboard collection).

Unfortunately I cannot show you a picture of it because my camera died and I'm trying to find one that I like. I will do a video of it this weekend. I am also planning on making a tag using Graphic45s Curtain Call for Brody's tag book (I still haven't finished it!).

I hope everyone has a crafty rest of the week! Tomorrow I'll be stuck in a training session for work from 8:30 until 4:30...too bad I can't skip it and craft!

Update

2011-03-07T00:52:00.002-05:00

Hi crafty friends! I have been horrible about updating my blog lately. I get so caught up in everyday life that I forget about my blog. I've updated my etsy shop with a lot of fun goodies...still more to come!

Right now my right cheek looks like I'm storing nuts for the winter. I loathe having a tooth ache and this is the first time that my cheek has really been swollen. I also loathe going to the dentist and have been putting it off for too long. So my plan is to find a decent dentist who will put me out of my misery (so to speak)!

I have a few projects that I am working on and am making videos of...when they are finished I'll let you know!

Hope everyone has a crafty week! ;)

Adding more to my Etsy shop!

2011-02-26T23:34:00.002-05:00

Hi crafty friends! I've been busy purchasing fun things for my etsy shop!

I'll have some vintage style seam binding, some baker's twine and some blank carnival style tickets. I'll be adding some shipping tags and some die cuts, plus I'll continue to add vintage book pages (I've got plenty of vintage books from the 20's and 40's).

I am also thinking of adding my button bracelets that I've made. If there is anything else that you'd like to see in my shop just let me know and I'll see about getting it!

Hope everyone has a crafty week! :)

Adding to my Etsy Shop

2011-02-23T23:10:00.002-05:00

Hi all! I've been busy gathering things for my etsy shop. I still have more to add and will update you when they are added.

I hope everyone has a crafty rest of the week! ;)

Captured Faerie in a Bottle

2011-02-20T23:27:00.004-05:00

Hi all! I joined a swap over at a lil scrap of heaven it's a captured faerie in a jar. So I was trying my hand at it before we were assigned partners...and let me tell you I had a blast! I can see me making a lot more! Here are some photos of it. I used Graphic45's Once Upon A Springtime for my faerie, the flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts, the pearl trim and the lace are from my stash as was the bling and the fibers inside the jar. The bead on top I purchased at Wal-Mart in the flower section. The pink boa was purchased at Michael's. I made the stick pin that is behind the daisy.

Thanks for stopping by! Hope everyone has a crafty week! ;)

Junque Journaling

2011-02-17T08:43:00.003-05:00

Hi crafty friends! Do you lose your mojo often? If you are like me...maybe you don't know what to do to get it back...

I was on youtube today (as part of my morning ritual) and seen where one of the people I subscribe to did a video of their junque journal. I was intrigued...I mean I'd seen them before and thought oh that's cool and I want to make one...but never did. I then went to the search and typed in junque journal and discovered Tangie Baxter...now she hasn't posted a video in over a year...but she gave a great tutorial on how to start a junque journal. It was super easy!

Here's how to get started:

#1. select a composition notebook : you can purchase these from practically any place fairly cheap...especially when it's back to school time.

#2. select scrapbooking paper: you can go with a theme or you can just put in papers that you love!

#3. select your ink: you can use any ink pad that you have on hand (I personally am using all of my Tim Holtz distress ink)

#4. select your adhesive: choose which type of adhesive you want to use to glue your pages down. (I'm using my ATG)

#5. start distressing: If you watch Tangie's video she shows you how to crumble your pages so that your junque journal gets that wonderful distress quality to it. (personally I am putting paper down and leaving 4 blank pages in between)

#6. start collecting your ephemera: it can be anything that is important to you!

The most important step? Have fun! Remember it's your creation and you can fix it however you choose!

So far I am loving how my junque journal is coming along! I plan on trying to finish it up today and then I'll post a video of what I have completed!

Have a crafty day!

Loving the results!

2011-02-06T18:01:00.002-05:00

Hi Crafty friends!

I weighed myself today and found out that I've lost 10 pounds! I made a resolution on January 1st to stop drinking soda. I've done really well...losing 10 pounds has motivated me to stick with it! Now that Spring is on it's way I'm also going to start walking again...then when more veggies come in season I'm going to start eating healthier! I've already cut out a lot of junk food.

I find that when I get bored or when I'm reading a book I tend to snack...back in November I stopped buying myself snacks and have found that I no longer want them.

The one good thing about losing weight is I'll be able to start buying new clothes soon! That really excites me! I feel bad for Brian's wallet though! ;)

Happy February 1st!

2011-02-01T13:17:00.002-05:00

Hi crafty friends! I had planned on blogging everyday last month and didn't get around to doing that (life gets in the way sometimes!)...so I am going to make a plan and try to blog everyday in February!

Was it just me or did January seem to last forever? Can you believe in 13 days it will be Valentine's day? I'm excited about it this year! I am planning on working on a Valentine album for Brian...I'm going to fill it with little love notes to him...I had planned on making 14 tags of Valentine's day...and I still might...but I'm still not finished with Brody's 16 tags of his 16th birthday! I'm still collecting all the goodies for the different tag ideas I keep coming up with! He may have more than 16 by the time I am finished!

I am planning to do a blog candy in 25 days (on my birthday the 26th of this month)so stay tuned for the rules!

Have a happy 1st day of February! ;)

Today is the day!

2011-01-28T08:43:00.003-05:00

Today is the day that I am finally in the mood to clean up my crafty space! I am finally ready to purge and fill that tote (that I bought at the beginning of the month) full of unused, unloved and unwanted scrap items! I have been so good lately! I haven't bought any new items that I know I would never use...I did buy a new set of Nestabilities at AC Moore (or ACME as I call it...a girl's gotta have a nick name for favorite stores, right?) for 50% off which means I only paid $15! Plus I also bought a small container full of Prima leaves regularly $5 I got them for $2...so for $17 I bought 2 things I knew I would use! ;) (Gotta love coupons and sales!)

Everyone in my house is sicky and it's sort of driving me mad! All I want to do is stay snuggled under the blankets with my Kindle or a movie...but what I would rather be doing is scrapping.

Hope everyone has a scrappy weekend! :)

Anniversary

2011-01-20T01:22:00.003-05:00

Today is my 14Th anniversary...I can't believe that 14 years ago I fell in love with the most wonderful, supportive (I'm addicted to shopping...in person & on-line), fantastical (that really is a word...just watch Ramona & Beezus if you don't believe me) man in the world!

I am truly blessed to have Brian as my husband! He is an awesome dad, an awesome husband and my best friend! :)

Maya Road Sneak Peek

2011-01-19T07:14:00.002-05:00

Check out the new Maya Road sneak peeks for today! Which one is your favorite? Click here to go to the post. Enter their contest for a chance to win some goodies! ;)

Organizing

2011-01-11T03:20:00.003-05:00

I've decided to not show you all my messy crafty space...it's just too embarrassing! I didn't realize what a mess it's become until I was editing my video. UGGHHH

I did buy a big tote to put my unwanted/unused crafty items in and am going to let Ann get first pick and then I'm going to either give it away to someone who really wants it all or just give it to Goodwill.

I bought 2 little plastic shoe sized totes for .97 cents each (at Wal-Mart) thinking that my overflow of Sizzix dies would fit in there...I really didn't want to spend $18 on their cute storage boxes (the other storage boxes I bought from Sizzix were on sale)...unfortunately they don't all fit and the lids won't go on. Guess I'll have to break down and buy them!

So slowly I'm working on my space...and Brody & Noah will finally have some of my junk out of their room! (I know they will be happy!)

I'm so behind on my videos of Marion's 31 days, 31 videos, 31 goals...but I plan on getting caught up!

Organizing my crafty space

2011-01-08T20:32:00.002-05:00

I am finally getting around to organizing my crafty space and making it how I want it! It has only taken me since last summer to finally get motivated! That is what this new year is all about! (wink)

Today Brian put up my shelf that I bought and I moved an old shelf that I've had ever since Brody was a baby...into my new space. I am getting a big plastic tote to move unwanted (and unloved) goodies into so I can give them to someone who will give them a new home!

I want to feel creative when I sit down at my desk and I really don't want to see any clutter! That is my problem...I pile up my desk and then I don't ever want to clean it off. I am going to make a video of my messy space and then one of the new and improved space. I will finally move things out of my boys bedroom so they can finally have all of their room instead of me hogging a chunk of it.

I may even decide that I am going to host a blog candy...since I haven't done one in a while!

Have a crafty rest of the weekend!

New Year...new me!

2011-01-07T11:43:00.002-05:00

I made a goal...I don't want to say resolution...that 2011 will be the year that I am nicer, I get healthier, I save more than spend and the year that I finally like myself.

How am I doing? I am working on being nicer to others...it's still a struggle! I quit drinking soda and now drink more water and have switched to iced tea. I look in the mirror and find one thing that I like about myself each day. Wednesday I loved the way my hair looked after washing it and having it dry naturally. (Sometimes I love having naturally curly hair!)

You might have noticed that I didn't mention how I'm doing with saving! That is one goal I am really trying to work on! I went shopping at a few places on line...that is the trouble with living in a small town...you have to shop on line because you can't always drive the hour away to the craft stores.

I shopped at Joann.com (they were having an after Christmas sale), I went to Amazing.com (as Brody calls Amazon.com) and bought myself the 7Gypsies artist trading card display (I really need it for organizing my tags!), I went to bluemoonscrapbooking.com because my Tim Holtz tiny attacher broke...the metal rod and red thingy went flying and so did the spring...it wasn't a pretty site! I cried...ok not really but I wanted to! I had to buy another one and since they offer free shipping for orders over $50 I had to make sure I spent enough! I also went to Etsy and bought some Washi-tape that my new blog friend Sasha mentioned loving! I forgot to mention going to Sizzix.com and ordering some dies and embossing folders that were on sale!

I am going to try really hard to not buy any new craft goodies this weekend when I get paid...keep your fingers crossed! ;)

Have a crafty day!

Marion's challenge

2011-01-05T07:35:00.002-05:00

Hi crafty friends! Just a quick post about how I am doing with Marion's 31 days, 31 videos, 31 goals.

I am finally caught up! I just finished recording my day 5 challenge. Like I said in a previous post I hated making videos because I sounded dumb...but now I'm more comfortable making them. I need to learn how to edit and add music or words to my videos...but that will be another challenge I'll have to work on!

I've made a list of what I would like to accomplish this month and I hope I will stick to it. This weekend I am going to post a video of my crafty space (messy) and then one of my crafty space cleaned & organized!

You can watch Days 1-4 on my Youtube channel, I plan on posting pictures of all my creations either tonight or tomorrow.

I am planning on doing a blog candy around the middle of the month so stay tuned for that! :)

I hope everyone has a crafty day! :)

Day 1 and 2 are up

2011-01-04T05:03:00.002-05:00

Hi crafty friends! My first 2 videos of Marion's 31 days, 31 videos, 31 challenges are up...OK the 2nd is uploading as I type this...there was an error last night and it ended up not working so I had to try it again!

Last night I finally took my 7gypsies Library Tray and altered it and then worked on the cards for it. I used Cosmo Cricket's Halfway Cafe (and I've had that paper since the beginning of 2010 or the end of 2009!) and I am really loving this paper! I'm filming the video today. Today I am going to finish altering my steno pad using Cosmo Cricket's Circa 1934 papers and will film the video of that as well!

I am really enjoying Marion's challenge as it is really inspiring me to work on projects that otherwise would just sit there untouched!

I hope everyone has a crafty day! :)

31 days, 31 videos, 31 goals

2011-01-03T15:47:00.003-05:00

Hi crafty friends! I have decided to accept Marion's challenge! I've already made 2 videos of 2 projects I just completed!

I am 2 days behind but I am catching up! I so hate how I sound on video...I say things like "OK" and other annoying things! I guess if I had someone to talk to while I recorded it would be different! Brian said I should make a script of what I want to say and then I might not have a problem...I think I still would though!

My 2 videos are uploading to Youtube as we speak...so when you watch them...pretty please (with sugar on top)be nice (you can laugh to yourselves)!

It's time to straighten my desk...I think that may be one of my challenges that I record next!

Have a crafty day! :)

Day 3

2011-01-03T04:57:00.002-05:00

Hi crafty friends! I am one of those who make resolutions and then forget about them or just end up not fulfilling them. This year is totally different! I vowed that I would give up Dr. Pepper (and all other forms of soda) in order to lose weight and so far I am sticking with it!

Water is pretty bland but...I'll just have to get creative! I love sweet tea and yes I know that it's probably as bad as soda...but occasionally won't hurt right?!

I have a project I just completed to share with everyone...but I am taking my video camera with me to mom's today so I can share it with everyone! So stay tuned!!

Have a crafty day!

I couldn't...

2011-01-01T21:18:00.002-05:00

Hi crafty friends! I couldn't let the 1st day of the new year go without posting something! I plan on blogging and crafting a lot more in 2011 than I did in 2010!

2011 is going to be THE year! Brian asked me what I meant by that and I had to explain it to him...so I thought I would share it with you!

2011 will be THE year that...

1. I do more layouts for my personal scrapbook and the books I started for Brody & Noah

2. I use more out of my stash than buying new stuff and it just sit there unused

3. I finish those unfinished projects that I had good intentions to complete but got bored

4. I blog more and share photos of my projects

5. I work in my art journal every day for 10 minutes

6. I like something about myself...even if it is just something small for that particular day!

I hope everyone has a wonderful start to the New Year! :)

Can you believe...

2010-12-28T04:32:00.003-05:00

Hi crafty friends! Can you believe there are only 3 days left in 2010? The year started out slow...but quickly flew by! I'll be sad to see 2010 go...but am super excited to see 2011 come in! It's going to be a GREAT year! I've been working on my resolutions for 2011 and can't wait to get started! I'll share those with you in another post!

I'm working a little at a time on organizing my crafty space! I think I'm going to be doing a big giveaway soon...as soon as I sort through what I'm going to be gifting away!

I hope everyone has a crafty rest of the week! :)

First time...

2010-12-27T03:35:00.002-05:00

Hi crafty friends! So for the first time ever I sent my photos of Christmas to WalMart's 1-hour photo. I love the fact that I was in my jammies and got to pick and choose...all while taking my time...and didn't have to stand in a line or feel rushed because someone else needed to use the little photo machine.

They also have an option where you can get a collage of your photos and I am planning on doing that for Brody's birthday pictures and Noah's.

I've never before used a service like this and had also heard ladies in the scrappy groups talking about how they send their photos out and have them shipped back for a certain price. I was always leery about places like that because I wouldn't trust that they wouldn't keep a copy of your photos and they end up in cyber space for someone to print. (That may not happen...)I like that fact that I can run right down to WM and pick them up and I don't have to pay for shipping...the whole thing only cost me $5.76! Can't beat that!

Hope everyone has a crafty week! :)

Getting ready for another Christmas!

2010-12-26T07:26:00.004-05:00

Hi crafty friends! I hope everyone had a fabulous time with family and friends yesterday! We celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve. I had two very happy boys!

Here is a picture of Brody with his new Batman shirt & hat and the one thing he asked for Beatles Rock Band...he didn't care about any of the other gifts after he opened this!

Here is a picture of Noah with a few of his Halo things...this kid is obsessed with Halo!

My brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law are headed down this way today so we can celebrate Christmas with them today. I am cooking the dinner (second time my mil has allowed me to do so)and I am pretty excited about it!

Have a great rest of the weekend!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T18:55:00.003-05:00

Hi crafty friends! I wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Changes

2010-12-22T07:55:00.003-05:00

Hi crafty friends! You may have noticed that I've changed the title of my blog! I felt that with the New Year that I needed to revamp a few things. I only wish it were easier to change your YouTube name!

Can you believe that Christmas is Saturday? I am so not ready! I still need to buy a few things and to finish making a few things! I will be finished tomorrow! (I am serious!)

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year! :)

Christmas presents!

2010-12-18T16:36:00.002-05:00

Hi all my crafty friends! I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year! :)

So today while grocery shopping Brian says "hey how much is that cricut that you are wanting?" I told him we'd have to go over to see since I wasn't sure. Turns out they still had quite a few of the Green, Yellow, Blue & Purple Expressions...but I found a cute little black Create that was just asking me to give a home.

I know I've said I wanted the Expression...but when I got to thinking about space and all the cute things I wanted to use to decorate my crafty space I decided to give the Create a new home. Do you know I still haven't departed with my old Cricut which died...I just hate to throw it out...isn't that sad?! The good thing about my new Cricut is that she came with the Don Juan cartridge! So really it was like 2 gifts in one! :)

I also got the Martha Stewart circle cutter that I've had my eye on for quite some time! I'm so excited about that and can't wait to play with it!

Time to clean off my desk and get to creating!

Have a crafty week! :)

Finally!

2010-12-07T20:57:00.004-05:00

Hi all! I just wanted to post a quick little post about what I've finally done! I've finally uploaded a video to YouTube! Yesterday I uploaded one of the little snow storm we had and tonight I've uploaded one of my goodies I got in the Secret Santa swap over on YourPaperPantry.

Hope everyone has a crafty rest of the week! :)

Secret Santa package

2010-12-06T19:37:00.004-05:00

Hi all! Today I received my Secret Santa package from the swap that was hosted on YPP. My Secret Santa filled the box to overflowing! I am so happy with everything that she put in the box! Unfortunately she couldn't get a card to fit in the box so she is mailing it separately...I plan on making a video in the morning of all the goodies that I got!

Speaking of videos...Brian finally uploaded my snow video to my YouTube account this evening! Check it out!

Hope everyone has a crafty week! Remember there are 19 days until Christmas! :)

Snow!

2010-12-05T08:01:00.002-05:00

Hi all! I am so excited! We finally got some snow worth blogging about! Brian made a little video of it and I am thinking of adding it to my youtube!

I quite a few things in store for December...I really need to finish my December Daily and get it how I like it. I'm working on some tags for my crafty friends and this year I am making Christmas dinner (which makes me very excited and nervous)!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday! :)

Happy December 1st!

2010-12-01T08:10:00.003-05:00

Hi all! Happy December 1st!! When I woke up this morning it was snowing! What a wonderful start to December! Sadly it didn't stick to the ground...I am still planning on journaling all about the snow...even if I can't add a picture of it!

I worked on my December daily last night and I've finally decided that I am going to do an 8.5 x 11 album. I'm planning on using different page protectors that I had in my stash. I will do the ATC size and I have one that holds 4.6 photos, and I am thinking I'm also going to use normal page protectors so that I can do a layout or two.

Mostly my Dec. Daily will be for journaling as we put our Christmas tree up Thanksgiving night and we've already decorated the house.

I hope everyone has a very crafty rest of the week! :)

What am I thankful for?

2010-11-24T04:42:00.002-05:00

Hi all my sweet friends! I had a plan to make 5 tags for this month all on what I was thankful for...of course it never happened! So I'm going to post what I'm thankful for!

1.I am thankful for my crafty talent that Heavenly Father has blessed me with.

2. I am thankful for my husband and all the he does for me and for our boys.

3. I am thankful for my boys and what great young men they have turned into.

4. I am thankful for my best friend Ann and all the fun that we have...I am even thankful for the differences we have.

5. I am thankful for my on-line friends and all the support they give me and to each other!

I hope everyone enjoys Thanksgiving tomorrow! If you shop on black Friday I hope you find all the goodies that you are looking for! :) I know I'm going to have a blast on black Friday!

Happy and sad news!

2010-11-18T08:38:00.002-05:00

Hi all my lovely friends! First I want to say that there are 37 days until Christmas! Which means there are only 5 weeks left and then 2010 will be over! How fast this year went...although it did seem like it went slowly in the beginning! Ok now onto my happy news!

Yesterday my Gypsy arrived! I registered it and got my 5 free cartridges synced to it; I also linked all of my existing cartridges to it. I plugged my Cricut in (she hasn't been used since the Summer) only to find out that she won't turn on. I got her in 2007 and now she is no longer! I was bummed! I was all ready to play with my Gypsy and get to creating. So I bet you are asking DM what is the good news? Right? Well, the good news is I will be getting the Expression! I would love to get a pink Expression so that it will match my desk and my crafty space; but I'll settle for a purple one! Wal-Mart will have them for sale on Black Friday for $189...which is an awesome price!

I need to finish up my Embellish It! Swap that Marlene is hosting over on YPP and I also need to get the goodies in the mail for my Secret Santa Sister as well.

Oh there is also more good news! I finally found the cord to my digital camera! It was in my crafty space on the floor by the rest of my cords! After I told Brian that I found it; he of course had to tease me!

I hope everyone has a crafty rest of the week! :)

Gypsy news!

2010-11-13T08:29:00.003-05:00

Hi all! I know I am behind in the whole Gypsy craze! I hemmed and hawed last year about getting one...I wanted a Gypsy and then I didn't and then I did and then I ended up getting a pink netbook! So I have finally ordered my Gypsy! I searched for deals on the Gypsy and found one at Craft-e-Corner where if you bought the Gypsy you also got 5 free cartridges all for $129.84; that is a $419 value! The added bonus? No shipping charge! I also purchased the dvd on the Gypsy so I'm excited about that as well!

I have a lot of Sizzix dies and my poor Cricut has been sitting there neglected and so have my 16 cartridges! I got to thinking the Cricut cost a lot when they first came out...which is when I got mine...and I really should be using it. I decided that I am going to challenge myself to use my Cricut more and to take advantage of all the cute images on the cartridges. I Have 2 new cutting mats that have never been opened and they have collected some dust...isn't that awful?

I'm headed to the mall today with my friend Ann and I'm going to pick out a cute sleeve for my Gypsy...I just can't wait to get it! :)

Hope you all have a crafty weekend!

Holidays are fast approaching!

2010-11-05T07:21:00.003-04:00

Hi all! Can you believe in 20 days Thanksgiving will be here? I've been teasing everyone on FB with a count down to Christmas...I actually looked at the calendar this morning and realized that Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here before we know it!

I discovered Shimelle's blog while on Jenni Bowlin's blog. Shimelle is doing a class called Journal Your Christmas. I always like trying new things and I think this will be an exciting new project! If you are interested you should sign up and take the class with me! I'm going to try and blog about it and show what I have completed each day.

I am also making a mini album about Christmas traditions like making candy, when we put up the tree, etc. I know I'm going to be pretty busy starting Thanksgiving night through December 31st!

I hope everyone has a crafty weekend! :)

Vintage G45 tag

2010-11-02T19:05:00.004-04:00

Hi all! I completed a challenge over on Your Paper Pantry in the group called Trash to Treasure. The challenge for the month of November was to recycle cardboard. I decided to turn a piece into a tag using Graphic45's Steampunk Debutante. At first I didn't really like the tag and was going to trash it and try something else, but I decided to just go for it!

I used Prima Say it in Pearls in black, 7Gypsies industrial gears, G45 Staples flowers, some bling, TH distress ink in brushed corduroy and Inkssentials Matte accents...oh and some fibers that I had. I also used puffy black paint on 2 of the butterflies. I have to say I am really digging this tag! I want to hang it up on my bulletin board! Hope everyone likes it!

Blogging and countdown

2010-11-01T07:32:00.004-04:00

Why does blogging seem like such a task lately? I love reading other blogs and find inspiration from them...but seem to neglect my own.

I know I have said I'm not going to buy things just because they are cute and only buy something if I need it. Well, I have not followed through and boy do I feel horrible about it. I really need to quit buying and start using only what I have on hand, but of course all of the companies that I like don't want that to happen for some reason! So they tempt me and I end up buying more than what I really need or can use. So I've decided that with Black Friday coming up and Christmas that I will try and refrain from buying, so that I can have more money to spend on scrappy goodness and take advantage of the sales!

I already know what Brody wants for Christmas (he's told me 5,000 times!) and that is Beatles Rock Band for the X Box 360. Noah on the other hand hasn't really asked for anything big so I am not sure what to get him. I know I'll be sad when they no longer long for things and just want money!

I am so in the holiday spirit and have been since July! Of course I've been driving my mom crazy by singing Christmas songs already! To put her in the holiday spirit Ann and I went to Wal-Mart and I found her a cute little blue Christmas tree that lights up and some other blue accessories that I knew she would like. We brought it to her on Saturday and she got a tear in her eye! She absolutely loved it and said she was feeling the holiday spirit!

Today Ann and I are planning on making some cookies and this cereal treat where you use corn syrup, coconut, slivered almonds and 2 different kinds of Chex cereal...it is so yummy! That reminds me I need to run out and buy some eggs!

So the countdown is this: 25 days until Black Friday and 54 days until Christmas! My Black Friday album is complete and ready for the pictures of all the places we visit and all of the fun stuff we acquire!

Until next time I hope everyone has a crafty week and gets in the holiday spirit! :)

So many projects!

2010-10-25T04:34:00.002-04:00

Hi all! So I still haven't found the cord to my digital camera! It's in Brian's mess of computer cords and such...so I am going to ask him to look for it so I can finally post some pictures of all my projects!

Ann and I have almost finished our Halloween minis, we are also planning on making a mini album all about our trip on Black Friday so we really need to choose our papers and get busy!

I've recently become addicted to altering vintage glass bottles and have found a lot of good deals on them next door at the Buckeye Vintage/Thrift store...I say thrift store because she does have clothes that people have donated but mostly the stuff she has in her shop is vintage and I love it all!

I had purchased a bunch of vintage thread spools and didn't know what to do with them and I was on youtube and came across some one's video of the thread spool she had altered for Arlene and it finally hit me on what to do with them! Now I am on the look out for more!

I find it funny that when I first started out I was all about 12 x 12 layouts and then I became addicted to mini albums and now I'm addicted to altering anything that I can get my hands on!

I hope everyone has a crafty week and I do hope to have some pictures up this week! ;)

Prima is doing another giveaway!

2010-10-22T13:47:00.005-04:00

Click here for more information on their giveaway!

Finally got all my supplies!

2010-10-12T17:45:00.003-04:00

Hi all! I finally gathered all the supplies I needed for my spooky Halloween mini album. Today at Wal-Mart I found (in the Halloween aisle) 6 skull wraps for cupcakes that came with 12 picks that have skulls and beware of contents on them and 8 skeleton/tombstone picks for cupcakes both were $1.76 and I can't wait to incorporate them into the mini!

I got the call from Scott (at Bluemoonscrapbooking.com) saying that my Hocus Pocus paper by Pink Paislee was on it's way to me! I had to order the embellies from Scrapbook.com and I'm not quite sure when that will get here but I am hoping by Monday.

I am planning on buying the batteries for my digital camera this weekend...and you never know Ann & I might just get the video camera out and make a video of some of our mini making fun!

Oh I almost forgot! I used a #8 shipping tag and my pink ribbon texture plate (by Sizzix) and my pink ribbon die and made a cute tag for my mom's friend Sandy. I inked it up using the worn lipstick distress ink pad by TH, then I sprayed it with viva pink GM and used marshmallow GM on the pink ribbon and then used 2 pink Prima flowers and a pink bling along with a pink tipped stick pin and a pink flower. I'm going to try and take a picture of it before I ship it off.

Hope everyone has a great day! :)

Creating

2010-10-07T02:35:00.002-04:00

Hi all! Have you ever had so many ideas run through your mind that you cannot sleep? That is what is happening to me! Yesterday I played hooky from work and created 6 of the 8 tags that Julie Balzer did on her Prima Ustream. I had such a blast viewing her making those tags and just chatting with other ladies who enjoy the same craft. She is so funny and if you ever have a chance to attend one of her Ustreams I recommend it!

I so need new batteries for my digital camera or to find the charger cord for the digital camera that my brother sent me. I want to show you all how cute these Halloween tags are! They didn't take that long to create either...I think it only took me about 45 minutes and that was gathering supplies, using the heat gun to dry the Glimmer Mist and Color Wash and whatnot.

I hope everyone has a crafty day! :)

2010-09-29T17:02:00.002-04:00

It seems that I have neglected my blog. I've been so busy with life and trying to organize and get rid of stuff. The boys bedroom is almost complete, I still have a bunch of clothes to sort through...why do they have to grow so much? lol It seems like I have to buy Brody new jeans every other week.

I have gotten rid of a lot of unused paper; now to tackle all the unused and unwanted embellishments that I just "had" to have! I've actually been very good lately. I only buy what I know I will use and I haven't just been buying something just because it is the latest and cutest thing out there.

Yes, I have been purchasing a lot of sizzix dies and have quite the collection now, but I do plan on using them. I actually use my big shot more than I use my Cricut. I guess I just don't have the patience to wait for the cricut to cut something out any longer.

I do plan on showing some of the projects that I have completed over the last couple weeks. I made a pink ribbon wreath for my mom, and I just completed one for Halloween.

I hope everyone has a great day! Remember as of today there are 86 days until Christmas!! I am super excited!!

The {Scrap}beach and Kindle news...

2010-09-02T12:31:00.003-04:00

Hi my crafty friends! I'm sorry I've been neglecting my blog for so long. I've got some great news! I've finally made my way back to the "Beach!" I've missed all of my crafty friends but I really needed a break from everything for a while. My mom is a lot better and now I will have time to actually sit down and create and chat with all of my "Beach babes" again!

In other news my Kindle has finally shipped out! I got the confirmation email yesterday and when I checked on the status of the shipment I found out it left Cali early this morning at 2:02 a.m. I'm super excited! I hope "she" has a safe journey in the UPS truck! lol I ordered a pink leather lighted case for "her" to be safe in. I'm thinking of ordering a green leather case to have as a back-up. I don't know that I will need another lighted case as I got that one for when I decide to read late at night while Brian is sleeping.

We are starting school on the 13th of this month. I told the boys that they will have a few more days of vacation and then it's time to hit the books and start learning again. Of course if you know my boys they never stop learning! They are all the time watching Discovery channel shows or the Military channel or the Science channel. I am impressed with their knowledge.

I'm so excited for Fall to be here! I love Fall...I think besides Winter it's my most favorite season! I love seeing all the pretty colors of the leaves and hearing the crunch they make when you walk over them. You get to wear sweaters and just enjoy the cool weather. Plus you have my other favorite holiday in there! Thanksgiving!! What other holiday can you eat a lot of food and it doesn't count towards your diet? (I know it really does...but I like to think it doesn't!)

I hope everyone has a crafty day! I'm going to be having a blog candy soon...I have a lot of paper and other goodies to give away so stay tuned for that!

Compendium of Curiosities

2010-08-24T18:27:00.003-04:00

Hi all! Well, I finally got my copy of TH's Compendium of Curiosities and let me tell you I cannot wait to try out all of the techniques in there! I was sorting through all my TH stuff and I had to buy a big container (the kind you use for beads with the different spots) to put it all in. Of course now I'll know when I need to re-order a lot of it.

I've ordered a lot of his new stamps from Live.Teach.Create as Jenn has some awesome prices! I'll be ordering all of his new sizzix dies and the new texture fades.

I only have about 15 more days and my Kindle will be shipping out...I cannot wait! I hope everyone has a crafty week! :)

Crocheting

2010-08-21T11:55:00.002-04:00

Hi all! So besides scrapbooking I also crochet and sew. Well, I've been working on an afghan for my friend Ann for quite some time. I couldn't decide if I wanted to do a normal afghan or if I wanted to make her a quilt type afghan. Finally I decided to do the quilt type, first off it's so much quicker to make a 10 x 20 square and second I love how you can make certain colors pop. Her favorite color is green so I've decided to do green and brown, but I've also added in other funky colors so that the afghan isn't dull. I can't show any pictures of it right now as I've only got 12 squares crocheted...I still have another 288 to go!

I'm also making dish cloths and hot pads, although right now I'm trying my hand at making a place mat. I'm so glad my mom taught me how to crochet and that I stuck with it!

I hope everyone has a crafty week ahead! :)

Getting another new scrap space!

2010-08-15T22:27:00.002-04:00

The time has finally come to fix the attic up! I'm so excited! We are getting the ladder thingy so that we will have better access to the attic, and I (with the help of my wonderful husband) will be moving my scrap/craft stuff up there. I'm going to fix up a place so that the boys will have their own spots up there as well.

Finally I won't have to worry if I leave a mess on my desk or don't feel like putting my stuff away! We are also going to redecorate our bedroom. I'm hoping I can convince Brian that we need to add a new paint color as well...I don't want to wait to pain our room until Spring...so we will see!

Hope everyone has a crafty week! :)

Busy, busy, busy...

2010-08-12T16:10:00.002-04:00

Summer is such a busy time for me, this year especially since my mom has been sick. She is much better...although she is still having some problems.

Brody and I have been spending a lot of time with Ann and her step-daughter Kylynn before Kylynn leaves for BYU-Idaho on the 23rd of this month. I'm throwing a going away party for her on Saturday. I'm also making her a mini scrapbook to take with her so she can always feel inspired with her favorite scripture verses and uplifting messages from Conference talks.

I am hoping life will slow down so that I can actually get on here and blog more. I am really looking forward to sharing my projects that I've been working on.

Hope everyone has a crafty weekend! (27 days until my Kindle arrives...can you tell I'm anxious? lol)

I can't believe that I'm going to do this!

2010-08-01T20:51:00.002-04:00

I've been so against the Kindle for the longest time. I mean I absolutely love to read and have been reading since I was 4. I was on a 12th grade reading level in the 5th grade, I was reading books like Stephen King, John Saul, James Patterson, etc. I have as many books as I do shoes & purses and that is a lot!

So I was reading Joanna Slan's blog that she cowrites with some other mystery writers. She recently bought an e-reader and I was thinking maybe this won't be so bad. I mean you can have access to thousands of titles and some are even free!

Do I feel like I'm doing something wrong by having an e-reader? Yes & no! I mean that is where technology is taking us and the authors still get compensated for their time.

I hope everyone has a crafty week!

What I'm working on and what I've been doing...

2010-07-31T12:12:00.002-04:00

Hi all! So I'm currently collecting goodies for my 7Gypsies printer tray that I am giving my 2 amazing brothers-in-law for their attic. Danny collects antique pocket watches and radios and David is more into guitars and video games and gardening. They both collect Coca~Cola stuff...but I'm not giving up my Coca~Cola collection..although I may add one of my vintage Coca~Cola cars...still thinking about that!

I'm also working on a vintage style tag book. I'm not sure who I'm making it for...but it's one of those things that you will know who needs it when it's finished.

Ann's step-daughter Kylynn leaves for College on the 23rd of August so we've been going to the movies every Monday night after institute, and if we don't go to the movies then we go grab a bite to eat and then go to Wal-Mart. Although I am thinking this week we are going bowling...we'll see! Since Kylynn works at the movie theater we get in free and get all the free popcorn and drinks that we want! The only thing we have to pay for is the candy. I am making her a wall hanging for her dorm room. I am thinking of using her favorite scripture so that she will always remember to stay true to herself.

I've got some big news! Brian is buying me the new Tim Holtz Vagabond die cutting machine! I am so excited! I told him it could be for our wedding anniversary (which isn't until November) but he said that he didn't want it to be an anniversary gift! He is such a wonderful man! He would have to be to support my crazy scrapbooking habit and all my wild shopping sprees! We're getting ready to go shopping in a few so I am going to wish everyone a wonderful week ahead! :)

Happy crafting!

Awesome Tim Holtz giveaway and sale all at LTC

2010-07-24T12:16:00.002-04:00

Hi all! Jenn over at Live.Teach.Create has an awesome giveaway of Tim Holtz stuff! I'm sad that you don't actually get the man himself...but I can live with more of his goods! :)

Check out the video here to find out what you need to do!

2010-07-22T16:39:00.003-04:00

Hi all! So they are finally tearing the house down next door and boy is it noisy and you can feel the house shake. It's so strange to see the empty lot next door and to actually see the other houses on the street.

Brody left for Youth Conference today and he'll be gone until Saturday afternoon...so Noah and I are spending time hanging out. Although he is playing more with his Aliens v Predator game for the XBox 360 than watching Christmas movies with me!

I just finished making 25 bookmarks for Relief Society on Sunday...it's my Sunday to teach the lesson and it is a good one. I'm using President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk "You Are My Hands." Besides Gordon B. Hinckley he is one of my favorite.

I hope everyone has a crafty weekend!

Clean desk

2010-07-18T11:59:00.003-04:00

There is something about having a clean desk! I don't know if you are like me...but when my desk is clean it's just asking me to make it messy again! lol

I finally got around to putting together the frame kits that Tiffany sent me awhile ago. I'm also working on a layout using the Pastiche collection from Prima. I'm so sad that it's the last sheets of the collection...but I love it and I guess that's all that matters!

Hope everyone has a crafty week! :)

Graphic 45, Tim Holtz & October Afternoon

2010-07-15T18:11:00.005-04:00

I wanted to share a few of the papers I ended up buying from Graphic 45 for David & Danny's Christmas gift. I am making them a wall hanging using the 7Gypsies Artist Printer's Tray. As most of you know I'm not a huge fan of G45 papers...I did buy some from the following lines: TRANSATLANTIQUE, Renaissance Faire and A Proper Gentleman..so basically it was only 4 pieces from those 3 collections, but I am wishing I had bought the collections now as I am in love with those papers! I can't wait for the new chipboard buttons & envies that they are coming out with.

I also bought the Lost & Found collection from Tim Holtz and I am loving the designs of those papers as well! Of course anything by TH is awesome! lol

The other paper that I bought was The Thrift Shop by October Afternoon...I fell in love with their papers when I was a part of Deux Shabby Chic and was partnered with Vangie...she was wanting Report Card by them and I loved the design, so I ended up buying Farm Fresh along with the RC papers.

Can't wait to show you all what I'm working on! I hope everyone has a crafty weekend!

Ramblings

2010-07-12T07:55:00.002-04:00

Hi all! I've neglected my blog for long enough! I've been busy...but it seems like I have been saying that over and over again...although it's true! I've been busy with my mom (so thankful that she is back to normal!), I've been busy with my boys (they are growing like a weed and it seems like I have to buy them new clothes weekly!), and lastly I've finally started tackling my old craft space and purging a lot of unused supplies. Who knew I had this much stuff? We don't even want to talk about single sheets of paper that I've purchased at the lss...or even at AC Moore when they had a huge sale a couple years ago! Yes, I have paper from back then!

I have a few empty containers that I am trying to put projects that I want to complete for gifts...will I get them finished? Good question! I have every intention of completing them...but we all know how good intentions go!

For the longest time I had been "good" and hadn't shopped, and then Brian gave me some money and I "HAD" to shop! What did I buy? Well, I made a purchase on the 26th of June and then 2 more purchases the following week and all with Jenn at Live.Teach.Create! I then went to Sizzix and bought some goodies there and then I went to BluemoonScrapbooking and then last night I went back to LTC and made another purchase.

I just want to say that I know I have a problem and that there really should be a 12-step program for shopaholics (there probably is and I just don't know about it), but I am not going to stress about it! Shopping makes me happy! It's my "therapy!"

I hope everyone has a crafty week! :)

What I've been up to...

2010-07-02T18:46:00.003-04:00

Hi all! I wanted to let you all know that my mom is out of the hospital (she got out on Tuesday). She is doing a bit better and yesterday she actually felt 100% like herself, although this morning she got sick and was in bed.

I wanted to apologize for not posting pics of my creations and for not blogging lately. I have been thinking of all of my "Beach" friends and am glad that I am finally able to spend my spare time with them again.

I just made two big purchases at LiveTeachCreate and one at Sizzix.com. Kathryn is hosting an acrylic album class on her Ustream channel and so I needed to find a die that would make a perfect mini album.

I hope everyone has a scrappy weekend! Have a happy 4th of July as well!

Oh my goodness!

2010-06-18T10:07:00.002-04:00

I just realized that the last time I posted was 16 days ago...how awful! I've been busy with my mom being in the hospital and trying to find out what the heck the doctors are going to do to fix the problems with her intestines, yesterday they transferred her to the nursing/rehab center for 14 days so she can take the antibiotic and get some therapy for her legs. So far everyone is nice...but we will see.

I have altered 3 journals so far, one was for Ann, one for myself and one for my mom. On Ann's I used the Mariposa paper and some paint with a crackle finish, on mine I used the Pastiche papers by Prima and on my mom's I used Cogsmo by Cosmo Cricket. Unfortunately I didn't take a picture of Ann's but I will take one of mine and mom's and get them posted. Maybe Ann will let me take a picture of hers as well.

Right now with my mom in the nursing/rehab center I have 2 weeks off of work so I'm planning on going through my scrap stuff and decide what I keep and what goes, then I can get organized and finally be out of Brody & Noah's room...I know they will be happier!

I'm planning on posting some pics later of the process...so stay tuned!
Have a crafty weekend!

Art

2010-06-02T15:44:00.004-04:00

Noah and I did an art project today and it was a bit messy and lots of fun! We took a sheet of watercolor paper and dropped some purple and green paint and then we used an old credit card and scraped the paint across the surface of the paper. When Noah was satisfied with the color he then added some red, green and blue and then he scraped them to create a really funky design.

The next piece of art work we created we sprayed a paper towel with some water (not a lot but enough to make it damp) and then we dropped different colors on there and we then scrunched the paper towel a little bit and then we put it paint side down onto the watercolor paper and used a brayer to put the paint onto the paper.

We had a really fun time, there was no right way or wrong way to do this. Although he didn't like the fact that I put a little pink on one of the projects (always the boy!) so I had to put more paint on there to cover it up some.

As soon as I remember to get batteries for my camera I'll snap some photos of our art work!

Hope everyone has a crafty week! :D

Do you like blog candy?

2010-05-27T19:00:00.002-04:00

My friend Lori has an awesome Stampin' Up blog candy going on over on her blog! Check it out...by the way she makes awesome cards! Click me

New project/challenge for myself

2010-05-27T15:45:00.002-04:00

Hi all! I've decided to take a break from swaps...I am still doing the ATC swap on the Beach as well as Lyla's flower swap, Steffogal's tag swap and Bona's birdcage swap but that will be all for the month of June.

I've decided to do something for me...something I think will be therapeutic and maybe push me creatively. I was watching hidilley's youtube video yesterday and loved the Art journal she made...so I went to the blog and copied down all the 52 questions for the 52 Q challenge and then I copied down all the 52 challenges for the art journal challenge. I've talked Ann into doing this with me and I hope you all will play along as well!

I hope everyone has a crafty day! :D

So excited!

2010-05-27T04:45:00.003-04:00

As some of you know I've been counting calories and trying to lose weight. I'm not going to say I'm on a "diet" because the first 3 letters of that word are die and who wants that? lol

I've been doing a weight loss class at church with a group of people who are determined to lose weight and learn how to be healthier. The wonderful thing about the group is we all support each other! Last night was the weigh in and I've lost 9 pounds...now I know 9 pounds isn't a lot...but I was happy!

I recently had my blood work done and my doctor decided to check my Vitamin D levels and found out they are very low...I've got to take 30,000 units of Vitamin D for 12 weeks...so 1 pill a day for 12 weeks...not a hard thing to do and I've found that after only 2 weeks I have a little bit more energy and I'm not as tired as I was and I'm not feeling so "blah!"

Little speed bumps get in the way but I just get right back up and don't let them discourage me. I did take a week off and told everyone that it was my "free week!" lol Of course I started right back up the following week...but if you find that you need to take time off, go for it and don't beat yourself up for doing so.

If you are trying to lose weight or just be healthier I wish you the best of luck! :D

I've decided to make everyone in the support group a recipe/tips journal...I'm hoping I haven't taken on a huge task!
....
I hope everyone has a crafty day!

Haul Videos

2010-05-25T04:38:00.003-04:00

**Disclaimer** In the beginning I used to watch haul videos...now I don't.

I don't know about you, but I am so tired of all the haul videos. It seems if "Susie Scrapper" (not a real person) buys some awesome goodies and does a video, then 10 people will follow and buy the same goodies and do almost the same video. Yes, I know they aren't doing the haul video to "brag" but to show us where the "best deals" are. Yeah right! How many times do we need to see the same items? I know I'm not the only one who feels this way.

I wish there was a way to ban the haul videos on YouTube but alas I know there isn't! I would hate to stop following someone just because most of the videos they put out are haul videos...but someone must stop the madness!

Have a crafty day!

Randomness

2010-05-24T04:06:00.006-04:00

Hi all! Sorry I haven't blogged lately and when I did I was complaining. Sometimes you just need to vent! I know this will be hard to believe but, I haven't really shopped for anything scrap-related in a while...although this evening I did place an order with Jenn over at LiveTeachCreate...I am pretty pleased with myself! Of course I've been obsessed with buying Troll Beads!

My mom is back in the hospital so if you don't see me around that is the reason. Please keep her in your thoughts.

I hope everyone has a crafty week! :D

Neglectful

2010-05-18T22:42:00.002-04:00

Hi all! I want to apologize for neglecting my blog lately. I am still in a "funk" of sorts. I've been making myself go and chat at the Beach and I don't know why I have to force myself...because I love all of my Beach "Babes!" The Beach is my getaway from my real life and a place I can go and get inspiration from many talented ladies.

Again we have another kid in the group...I've never belonged to a scrapbook group where children were allowed to join...of course they were always on MSN and most of them were private groups. What I don't understand is why their parents are allowing them to chat in a group where there are grown-ups and who knows what they will be talking about? Oh well...maybe it only bothers me...the way I see it if I wanted to chat with children I would go and chat with Noah or Brody on the computer.

I hope to post pics of my Bitch tags for the "I am a _____________ bitch" tag swap hosted by Kathryn.

Until then I hope you all have a crafty week!

Lena is giving away some awesome goodies!

2010-05-12T15:30:00.002-04:00

Hi all! Sorry I haven't blogged in a while...I've been super busy...I have a lot of swap obligations this month. Anyway here is the reason for my post today:

Lena is giving away some awesome goodies over on her blog make sure you check it out! :D

Have a crafty day!

Losing weight

2010-05-06T04:48:00.003-04:00

As many of you know I started a "diet" (I just hate that word!) last Thursday...we (a group of ladies from the Beach) were all going to start on Monday that way we could pig out over the weekend on all our favorite foods! I actually started on Thursday. I quit drinking Dr. Pepper and started drinking more water, I replaced the DP with iced tea and only use half the sugar that I normally would use. I started counting my calories with the help of SparkPeople and have been attending a weight loss clinic at my church with my BFF Ann.

Last night was the weigh in and I was a little nervous...I told everyone if I had gained I was going to punch them! lol Ended up I had lost 7 pounds! How awesome is that?

I feel so much better...although I still feel like I'm starving...but I know it'll get better when my body is used to eating this many calories. I've been writing in my journal every day, I am walking more, sitting around less and I so cannot wait to go on a shopping trip with my awesome brother-in-law Danny! He is such a boost for anyone who is down in the dumps and looking like a wreck! Gotta love a gay man! :D

Have a crafty Thursday!

Random Chatter

2010-05-05T06:28:00.004-04:00

First off I want to say that I've made some wonderful friendships over on the {Scrap} Beach and I treasure each of the ladies that have befriended me.

You know there are times when I get so tired of all the crap that goes on in a group that I completely stop chatting and take a break. I did that recently...now I'm not saying that to be mean, I'm just saying I get tired of hearing the same complaints or the same "I am only a kid and I don't have that and I want it" all the time. I feel that some people keep begging for someone to send them something. I love to give to others...I get a lot out of doing that...but if you beg for something forget it! It just seems as though a certain person keeps asking for stuff every time we would chat. Now I know I have said I don't have this or I want that...but if I ask someone to get that particular thing I always am willing to either send money or send them something in return.

It is the same with YouTube, I start watching some one's videos and then it seems that instead of them showing a mini album or a scrap page they start doing haul videos. Now I'm only mentioning this because I enjoy looking at others work. I understand that you are excited about what you buy! Someone said "I'm not bragging when I do a haul video, I do it because I want everyone to see where the good deals are!" To me I think you are doing it because you are bragging. OK I know what you are thinking..."Dawn-Marie, you are being a petty bitch" but not really. I feel that some people are just bragging about how much money they spend on a daily basis. I know that I can spend my whole paycheck and Brian doesn't care...heck he gives me money every time I go shopping. I also know that not everyone has that luxury, but I try not to flaunt what I get to buy in every one's face. Although if you ask a couple of the "Beach" babes they will tell you I'm an enabler! lol Other people have the same complaints about haul videos. So if you ask me what I thought of your video and I say I didn't watch it, don't get mad at me...I just don't watch haul videos!

I am a very straightforward person. I have never cared about what others thought of me and I never cared if they liked me or not. I am still that way. I will tell you what I think no matter if it hurts your feelings or not. Later, I may come back and apologize for hurting your feelings. My mom says I spell TACT...RUDE! I believe in being honest...why lie to spare someones feelings? If you want to know what I think of your outfit, your layout or whatever I will tell you...now if you don't want the truth don't ask. My friends know that, my family knows that and I thought it was time for you to know that!

OK now that all this is out of the way...I hope everyone has a crafty day and a happy Cinco de Mayo! :D

What I've been up to

2010-04-29T20:30:00.003-04:00

Hi all! Sorry I haven't blogged in a couple days...I've been a little busy. My mom is still sick and I've been over there a lot. I have also decided to start a diet. I am so sick of my clothes either not fitting me or being a little tight. I've never been this big in my entire life...but I have put on a lot of weight in the last 11 years.

I joined SparkPeople with some ladies from the {Scrap}Beach. It's a free site and it helps you track your exercise routines, your calorie intake, your weight...and you get points for doing so! I'm still not too sure how to navigate it that well..but I'm learning a little at a time.

Tomorrow I am going to plan my meals for the week (before going to the grocery store) so that I know what I plan on eating and I plan on keeping track in my diet journal.

I got some great advice from my doctor today:

1. Drink a gallon of water a day...now don't drink it all at one time...but throughout the day
2. Eat plenty of fruit
3. Eat plenty of green leafy veggies
4. Pray/Meditate
5. Do a good deed
6. Walk for 45 minutes...at a pace you can sing a song without being out of breath
7. Stretch...stretch just like an animal in the wild...slowly without any herky jerky movements

He also said if you crave chocolate eat a small square and put the rest away for another time. If you are like me I'm not sure I have the will power to do that...so I plan on giving the rest of it to Brian!

Slowly wean yourself off of sugar. If you like sweet tea just use half of the amount of sugar you would normally use. Everything in moderation.

Hope everyone has a healthy & crafty Friday! :D

Mixed Media

2010-04-23T22:48:00.003-04:00

Hi all! Lately I've really been getting into mixed media. I am loving how you can use anything to create! I took some strips of masking tape and painted them 5 different colors and then stamped a background image randomly and the word Bliss. I then covered a 12 x 12 sheet of white cardstock with half at the top and the rest at the bottom of the page. I'm not sure what I'll put in the middle, but I am thinking it might be something funky.

I'll be posting pictures tomorrow of this project and some of the awesome goodies I got in the mail the last couple days! My friend Jill sent me an awesome art journal & a bookmark that she made. I can't wait to start playing in the journal! I know I'll be carrying it with me wherever I go!

Have a crafty weekend! :D

I've decided to...

2010-04-20T15:28:00.001-04:00

do Ali Edwards A Week in the Life Of... it starts on Monday! I'm so excited! This will be my first time doing this!

Just wanted to let you all know if you are interested she also has a flickr group on yahoo.

Have a crafty week!

So sorry...

2010-04-19T04:57:00.003-04:00

Hi all! So sorry that I haven't blogged lately. I've been busy working on trying new things and then my mom ended up in the hospital so I've been over there with her. They released her on Saturday without the antibiotic that she needed and now she may end up back in there since she is still sicky and not feeling well.

I will have some pics a little later today of all the new projects that I have been trying. Let me just say if you haven't tried the Claudine Hellmuth sticky back canvas...what have you been waiting for? I LOVE this stuff! So fun!

Hope everyone has a crafty day! :)

Stepping outside my comfort zone

2010-04-13T20:23:00.003-04:00

Hi all! So I am needing to step outside my comfort zone. I am feeling like I am boxed in...I'm not quite sure how to describe what I mean..but I know I am tired of scrappers block and all of the stumbling blocks that come with scrapbooking.

I am loving how Cass is working in an art journal and I am thinking that may be the direction I need to go for a while. I did a couple of the vintage tags and that was a step out of my zone...but I need something more.

Any ideas you have will be a big help!

Have a crafty week!

New project

2010-04-12T09:13:00.002-04:00

Hi all! So yesterday I cut out the inside of a book. I know what you are thinking..."Are you crazy?" Let me tell you, it was really hard for me...as I LOVE books! I bought this one at GoodWill for .50 cents, so I didn't feel that bad.

I mod podged some of the ads from the vintage paper bags all over the front cover, added a huge Tim Holtz grunge lock and key and am planning on adding some lace to it. I also used 2 Tim Holtz grunge hinges for the binding. I covered the inside with some paper by DCWV and plan on adding some Tim Holtz grunge flourishes.

I'm not sure how I'll add the pages...but I have an idea I want to play around with.

I also made some flowers using a technique I found on the {Scrap}Beach. I am loving how they turned out. I used my vintage paper bags again along with my 3 1/2" scallop circle punch. I tried using tissue paper...but let me just say once you glimmer mist the tissue paper you must be extra careful because the tissue paper will tear super easy. I am thinking I may just use book pages for the flowers that I will use on the altered book that I am working on.

I have a bunch of appliance tags, papers and catalogs that belonged to Brian's grandma that I rescued from the garbage that I am planning on using in this project. I can't wait to show you...I may do a video...if I don't sound like an idiot and say "Ok or Um" we will see how that goes!

Hope everyone has a crafty week! :)

Organizing

2010-04-07T04:51:00.002-04:00

Hi all! This is a quick post as I am getting ready for work. I am organizing my craft space! I have my 4 crates stacked on top of each other to create a shelving unit...I am loving the result!

I still need to go through all my other stuff in my old space and decide what I'm purging...but it will be completed soon!

I promised Jill that I will do a video of my finished space and plan on doing that this weekend! Brian still needs to put up my shelves & my peg board. I also need to put up my old Coca~Cola crate to store some of my favorite wood mounted stamps. So much to do!

Have a crafty week! :)

2010-04-05T04:37:00.002-04:00

Hi all! I hope everyone had a beautiful Easter! Brian and I put the fountain together...can't wait until we get all the flowers potted and fixed around it.

Have a wonderful week!

Wow! I'm so blessed!

2010-03-30T10:11:00.003-04:00

Hi all! Cass gave me this award.

Here are the rules for receiving the award:

* Put the logo on your blog or within your post.

* Pass the award onto 12 bloggers.

* Link the nominees within your post.

* Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

* Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

How awesome is that? I have to choose 12 bloggers to forward this to and here is my list:

1. Tara

2. Katie

3. Tiffany

4. DeAnna

5. Jenn

6. Lena

7. Rita

8. Tereese (Friday)

9. Sarah

10. Kathy

11. Jill

12. Crystal

There are a few more ladies that I wanted to include...I get inspiration from so many of the talented ladies on the {Scrap}Beach!

Dollhouse layout

2010-03-28T18:40:00.002-04:00

Hi all! Here is a layout I did using Cosmo Cricket's Earth Love paper, the brown yarn is from my stash as are the buttons. I used a March 2010 Page Map for the idea. I added faux stitching and used green thickers in Rockabye font. I also used a polka dot prima flower with a clear dew drop in the center.

Tag for the March Tag Swap on the Beach

2010-03-28T16:43:00.003-04:00

Hi all! Here is my tag I made for the tag swap hosted by Cara on the Beach. I must have tried to make a tag at least 4 times! I just wasn't feeling it, so I went to my favorite website http://timholtz.com and watched a few demos (I've only seen them like a thousand times)! I wanted to do the alcohol ink background but I only have a few alcohol inks and it didn't come out right. Then I got my order from Lindy's Stamp Gang and I used my French Country Collection Starburst Stains. I then stamped the bird from the Inkadinkado stamp set Patterned Birds & Bugs and the little phrase stamp is by Studio G.

Thanks for looking! I have a couple new 12 x 12 layouts coming this week so stay tuned!

2 more layouts!

2010-03-25T18:37:00.003-04:00

Hi all! When I got home from work today I sat down and made 2 layouts back to back. I am loving my new desk and the fact that my mojo is back! Woo Hoo!

This first layout is of how I used to get my brother & my cousins to stick their tongues out at my mom so she would smack it. They fell for it every time! I used Cosmo Cricket's Girl Friday paper, then used ribbon and buttons from my stash and Prima flowers. I edged the photo mat with Peeled Paint Distress Ink and the journaling spot with Faded jeans.

This layout is of my kindergarten, 8th grade & high school graduations. I used Cosmo Cricket's Girl Friday, I edged the photo mat with Victorian Velvet distress ink, glitter thickers in the Tiara font, the big pink bling is from Michael's, the Primas I put pink bling in the middle of to use as bullet marks.

Thanks for looking! Have a crafty day!

New desk and a layout!

2010-03-24T22:47:00.003-04:00

Hi all! I'm so excited! Fed Ex delivered my desk tonight and it only took Brian 10 minutes to assemble it! Please don't pay attention to the paper on the desk...I was working on a layout...my first in a long time! Here are a couple pics!

The first is the layout I did of my grandma with Brody when he was almost a year old. I used Jack's World by Cosmo Cricket, the buttons are from my collection, I distressed the edges of the graph paper with Wild Honey, the stars are from Scenic Route and so is the arrow. I used Barn Door, Faded Jeans and Peeled Paint distress inks on the stars along with Rock Candy stickles.

Here is my desk...remember I will be doing a video when I get my space all organized!

Hope everyone has a crafty Thursday! :)

I'm so bad!

2010-03-22T06:48:00.002-04:00

Hi all! Many of you who know me know that I am a paper addict! I see pretty paper and have to have it! Do I use the paper? No, I don't! I found some cute October Afternoon paper that I bought last year and completely forgot about. Why am I telling you all this? Friday I ordered 2 paper collections by DCWV; Flower Shower and Butterflies & Blossoms, I also ordered Cosmo Crickets Cogsmo for a mini for my mom...well at 3:30 a.m. I was on the "Beach" chatting with everyone and Crystal just HAD to show me Neapolitan by K & Co and then I had to have PoppySeed as well. So this past weekend I have bought 5 paper lines, will I use the papers that I have ordered...probably not...eventually I will!

I am hoping to get back into making my 12 x 12 layouts, we will see! I hope everyone has a crafty day! I plan on doing another blog candy soon so stay tuned!