This was a gift I put together for our friend Laura. We are going to celebrate her birthday with her and did not want to show up empty-handed! The box on the left will hold 4 cards and 4 envelopes (you could probably squeeze another 1 or 2 in there, but I didn't want to push my luck!). Hope you (and Laura) like it!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Encouragement Goes A Long Way

I have to admit that it felt great this morning to wake up and receive a few encouraging messages regarding my first video! Thank you!!!! The external encouragement and validation boosts my energy and desire to do better. I ran a marathon in DC many years ago and one thing that sticks with me were the random people who were lined up to cheer us on along the way. They didn't know me, but they were rooting for me - giving me that extra energy to keep going. So today I offer you words of encouragement - go for it! Pursue today what will make you smile! I support your efforts!!!!! Thank you for supporting mine!

These are the final 2 cards for tomorrow's Halloween stamp-a-stack. The "boo" card has some sticky strip covered in black glitter. The bats were made with the round label punch. Hope you like them!!!!

Tonight's Lesson From The Craft Room: There's No Time Like The Present!

Surprise!!!! My first video! I got the computer hooked up today and the camera arrived today...so I figured there was no time like the present! Plus, we need a baseline so we can all laugh about how things were at the beginning of my video making :)

There's no time like the present and there's no where to go but up :) Hope you like it! I'll get a full-sized photo of the placemat posted soon.

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Stretch Yourself!

OK - I did it! I got a new computer on Monday and I finally set it up today. I may have a little surprise later today - we'll see... I almost started crying when I made my first misstep in setting things up, but I recovered quickly. I have a feeling there will be quite a few missteps along the way and that's the learning process. I am definitely growing and learning and I have to admit it feels great! A new challenge - stretching myself - it all feels good. I'll post again a bit later...we'll see if I can get the surprise to work...

Today's Lesson From The Room Next To The Craft Room: Cleaning Is Exhausting...But Worth It!

I wonder how long it takes a snake to shed its skin? Somehow, cleaning my office - sorting through each piece of paper, clearing the dust bunnies from behind the computer - it feels a bit like shedding an old skin...and it's exhausting. I had every intention to get into the craft room today to create. However, as the skin started to shed, I found that I needed to stay focused and not get distracted. I am happy to say I have made a lot of progress. I'm also a bit sad that there is still more shedding to be done. I will see what I can do for the next few minutes and then I'll call it a day. Hopefully tomorrow will be another day and the shedding will be complete :)

Here are two more projects that we'll be doing at this weekend's Halloween Stamp-a-Stack! It's hard to see, but the skull has some bling in his smile :) Hope you like them!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Find The Scene That Soothes Your Soul

I take Buddy on a walk in the morning and our route usually takes us to a nearby park where we can look out over the park and see the majestic Rocky Mountains. Whenever the mountains come into view it's as if a wave of calm settles over me and I release any tension or trouble I am carrying with me. The scene humbles me and provides me with perspective on how vast the universe is and how small I am. It is soothing. What scene soothes your soul? Whatever it is, try to visit that place every day - whether in person, or by closing your eyes and imagining that special place. Our soul can always using a bit of soothing during our busy days.

These are two of the projects we will be making at my workshop this weekend! I have had a lot of fun trying to come up with ideas - something not too simple, but not too frustrating - it's always a delicate balance :) The mummy is a box that can hold the candy of your choice - just looking at him makes me smile :) I hope you like the projects!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Rest :)

Michael has not been feeling well for the past week. He is taking a nap right now and it reminds me how important rest is for our bodies and for our well-being. The word "rest" is a bit odd - it seems we use it frequently in our day-to-day life as we try to do all the things we have on our to-do list and realize we can't do it all. We may say to ourselves "I'll do this now and do the REST later." It can be easy to put off the "rest" - and I don't mean the rest of our list - I mean actually stepping back and taking time to rest - to take deep breaths - to realize that having some daily hibernation time is crucial for our well-being. So today, I will take time to rest - I hope you will too :)

I can't seem to get enough of beads with crystal effects! I made this cupcake by using the 2-tag die and cutting the scalloped end to use for the cupcake top (you can use a scallop circle punch too - I just happen to like the extra perforated lines this die gives to the scallops). I cut a piece of paper and ran it through my paper crimper for the cupcake holder. The candle and flame were paper pieced and I added a bit of crystal effects and sprinkled on some dazzling diamonds to "light" the flame. The circles were cut using my Coluzzle. The harlequin texture was added using a texturz plate and the Big Shot. Hope you like it!