Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Open Your Wings and Fly...

I made this card a number of years ago - before I even knew what Stampin' Up! was. Back in the day when I felt simplicity and a clear message was all a card needed and I wasn't concerned with techniques and embellishments and the latest doo-dad. This card is still as powerful to me today as it was when I created it. It is no wonder I have kept it...the message is one I need and love to hear.

It's funny that this is the card that drew me in today. For tomorrow I will be flying once again - this time to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I am trying to look at it as an adventure rather than a burden. I have to say it is difficult to leave home again after having just arrived. With Spring in the air and my beautiful family surrounding me, the last thing I want to do is leave. However, leave I will, and on my trip I will continue to ponder what it means to open my wings and fly...If I could fly anywhere in my life, where would I go? If my wings could be any color or size or shape, what would they look like? I feel that change is coming in my life...I feel as if I am in the cocoon and soon I will be breaking through that shell and emerging into a new life...the unknown...a place I am supposed to be. Maybe you are emerging too - into a new place in your life - or back to an old place where you felt comfortable and at peace. So together we will open our wings and fly...

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Live With Passion!

Everyday I am challenged to remember to live my life with passion. It can be easy to allow ourselves to get into a rut and feel everything but passion in what we do. When we find ourselves in that place we need to ask ourselves, "What do I need to do to bring passion back into my day to day life?" When I see the word "passion" I think "joy," "wonder," "excitement." For some of us passion can be found by taking the time to create something. For others it might mean feeling the earth in our hands as we plant something in the garden. For others, a bungee jump might be in order. Life is too short to remain in a place where we live with stress, anger, sadness, or boredom. Look for it - your passion is waiting for you!!!!

Today's photo is of a small sign I created using a Sizzix frame die with my Big Shot. I also used the adorable Stampin' Up! Birds & Blooms Sizzlit - I LOVE that bird!!!! These signs are a great way to post reminders all over your house - in your kitchen, closet, bedroom, laundry room - it's amazing how powerful words can be when you see them and read them every day!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: You Are Precious And Unique!

Taking the leap of faith required when you want to change your life can be quite challenging. I spoke with a friend today about a change she is wanting to make - the desire to quit her job and go in a new direction - and yet actually doing it is proving to be more challenging than she thought. I can definitely relate! Sometimes I feel like our leaps of faith would be easier for us if we were surrounded by people who tell us how precious and unique we are and encourage us to follow our heart wherever it may take us. Instead it feels at times like we are surrounded by naysayers and negativity. Something that can make us step back from the edge and hesitate to leap.

So today, I will tell you: You are precious and unique. Whatever decisions you make for yourself, I will support you because you know what is best for you and what I want is your happiness.

ps...(this is my second paper flower....the addiction has begun :)

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Follow Your Course Wherever It May Take You

I am finally home...ahhhhhhhhh. There's nothing like the feel of your own sheets, the smell of your own towel, the growth that has appeared so delicately in the yard. It is a blessing to be here.

I have a story of incredible synchronicity to share, although it seems like the story could fill its own book. My first business trip to a hotel that was behind a store that had an awning with a message that said "Create Something Every Day." I made multiple trips to that same hotel and could never get closer to the store than peering in through the windows at night since I worked during the hours it was open. Yesterday I made it through the doors in a strange (or maybe not strange at all) twist of fate - or appearance of synchronicity. I was at an event with my cousin and she wanted to go to her favorite store. I put the address in my gps and told her I would meet her there. And where did that gps lead me...right to the store with the awning! Here I was, months later, in the same place and finally able to know it for the very first time!
I walked inside and met a woman by the flower kits. She overheard my cousin and I talking about how our time spent creating is time that is invaluable to us. The woman shared that she is currently in law school - in her second year - and making paper flowers has become her sacred space in the midst of the pressure and challenge of school. So, how could I resist. I bought a paper flower kit and put together my first paper poppy to share with you :)

What started out as a routine drive, turned into a message from the universe that I am headed in the right direction as I pursue my creative dreams. So follow your course, you never know where it might take you!

If you like the poppy and would like to learn how to make one yourself, you can find a flower kit at www.paper-source.com. Of course, I am not responsible for any addictions you develop as a result of giving it a try :)