The image on the right is a Tenugui calendar from Japan. It inspired me to create the card on the left. It amazes me how something new can come into being based on the inspiration of something that already exists. I am grateful to the person who created the calendar design - the inspiration is priceless!

The card was created by paper piecing. It is hard to see in the photo, but each of the flower petals are individual - they are actually petals I cut from a flower punch that I have - great shortcut! The leaves are a Sizzix die (still loving my Sizzix Big Shot!).

The message is one to remember everyday - everyday, it's time to bloom!!!! :)

I try to check Louise Hay's website (www.louisehay.com/affirmations) everyday for her daily affirmation. Today's affirmation resonated so much with me I wrote it down on a piece of paper and I'm carrying it with me. Hopefully I will make a small plaque today that will display the affirmation - if so, I'll be sure to post it!

The affirmation is: No matter how others behave, I keep peace in my heart.

Hope your heart is filled with peace today!

(card: Always stamp set by SU!, white embossing, designer series paper by SU!)

My cat is sitting on the desk beside the keyboard as I'm typing - hmmm - she just walked away - maybe she doesn't like me writing about her :)

Today I realized what so many artists struggle with daily. Yesterday I really LOVED the card that I made so the pressure felt really intense today - to try to come up with something as good or better than what I did yesterday. I don't feel like I achieved that. And that is what it means to be an artist. To show up to the "canvas" - whatever your canvas is - everyday and create. To let the process happen. I know that what I created yesterday and what I created today will lead me to what I will create tomorrow. It is all a process and every piece I create will move me forward to the next one.

So today I am grateful that I showed up to the canvas once again. That I created something that would not have existed if I hadn't shown up. That I moved myself forward in my process. My wish is that tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow I have the courage to keep showing up! I wish the same for you :)

This card has a lot of meaning for me today. I was upset about a conversation I had with my mom and, when I was able to look at the conversation in a different way, it made me realize how blessed I am to have a wonderful mother who is always supportive of me and always willing to demonstrate kindness to me. I am grateful to be in a position to demonstrate kindness back to her and I called her back to let her know that. This card was created in between the two phone calls today and I believe the inspiration came from that change in my perspective. Enjoy!

The card was made using Versamark and white embossing powder (stamp set: Always by SU!). I also used my cuttlebug swiss dot embossing folder for one of the black panels and paper pierced the borders of all of the layers.

I'm just full of creating tonight! This card was inspired by a color challenge - using pumpkin pie, brilliant blue and garden green - not colors I would normally put together. These challenges are teaching me to go outside my comfort zone and play with combinations that wouldn't naturally occur to me. I love the feeling of stretching myself and moving into uncharted waters. Yes - there are a lot of life lessons that weave themselves into creating a simple card :)

This card combines the idea of stained glass with the technique of using sticky strip tape and glitter! I love it when you can combine 2 random things - when inspiration comes from 2 totally different places - and they come together to create something new! You never know what will happen :) Hope you enjoy it!

Ok, I admit it...I debated for quite some time about whether to purchase the Sizzix Big Shot machine and now I'm hooked!!!! This little purse was made with an XL Sizzix die. The bird is a Stampin' Up! exclusive die as are some of the flowers. I am crazy about my Big Shot!!!!! The 4 little cards and matching envelopes fit neatly into the little purse to make a great gift! Might have to whip up a few purses for Valentine's Day! :) (and yes, that it a crazy big cat post in the background...the cat loves the view out the window from the middle perch :)

I've already started thinking about Valentine's Day and this little gift bag seems perfect for sharing candy with someone you admire! Made with the SU! Top Note Bigz Die, it's a snap to put together! Can't wait to buy the candy to put in it :)

Keeping it simple - that's what this card is about. Stamp a white piece of card stock and then cut it into three equal parts and adhere to a colored card stock card base. In life and in cards, keeping it simple can create great results!

It's Time to Bloom! This card seems quite fitting for the beginning of 2009. The background was made by stamping the Posy background stamp with VersaMark and then using Heat & Stick powder to attach Dazzling Diamonds glitter - LOTS of it!!!! Today, although it is January and Winter, remember, it's time to bloom!!!!

Happy New Year!!!!!! Hope your celebrations were wonderful! I am looking forward to spending 2009 with you and sharing in your creativity!

This is a monogram set that I created for my mom for her birthday. I put together 4 cards and placed them in a folder - also monogrammed. I used the cuttlebug embossing folders in my Big Shot to make the textured background (I'm in love with those embossing folders!). And sneaky me, I printed the monograms out on the computer since I didn't have a sophisticated alphabet stamp set. Enjoy!

Hi! It's been a long time since I wrote in this blog and now, after figuring out how to post again, I'm back just in time to wish everyone a happy new year!!!!!

The figments in my imagination have continued to blossom into reality! I am currently into...okay, "obsessed" might be a better word, creating with paper. I joined Stampin' Up! over a year ago and the paper crafting has been in full swing ever since. Lately I've been enjoying helping others explore their own creativity with card making and paper crafting and my hope is that this site will now be an inspiration for that exploration to continue.

May 2009 be a year of exploring your creativity and recognizing the unique creations living inside of you and making them a reality!

I had forgotten what wisteria looked like or the leap of a squirrel from the fence to a tree
– all faith
His white belly floating through the air
– exposed

I wonder if distances seem longer to postmen
because they make so many stops along the way…

Yes I still exist,
Some days more than others.

No apology necessary re: falling off the earth
After all, if we don't fall off the earth every once in awhile
how do we figure out where we are?

I really enjoy being an entrepreneur.
It has it's ups and downs,
but it sure is a fun ride!

Forgiveness is a wonderful thing
Especially when it only costs two dollars
And comes in the form of a chocolate chip cookie.

You've gotta love it when a librarian says to you,
"There is such a thing as too much information."

But I still walked away with my pile of books
and a smile on my face.