Stamped Tile Trivets

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Give It Time, It Will Grow On You!

I began making these trivets yesterday.  I pulled out a retired SU! stamp set that I thought would look quite beautiful on the trivets and began stamping away.  I made the olive one first.  Once the solid image was stamped I stamped the line art image and thought "ugh - that doesn't look too great."  But then I kept staring at it and it began to grow on me...and it grew on me so much that I decided to stamp 3 more in different bright colors!  Then Michael came home and when he walked by the craft room and saw them he said, "WOW!  Those are great!"  It's funny how my first reaction was "ugh" and his first reaction was "WOW!"  Yet, once I gave it a little time, my "ugh" turned into a "wow!"  I wonder how often that happens in life - where our first reaction to something isn't too great, but if we give it some time, our impression changes.  I used to believe that my first impressions were always right - now I'm a firm believer that with time, some things can grow on you :)

These tiles are 6"x6" and are perfect to use as trivets.  I love how you can use one for smaller dishes, or put all 4 together for larger hot dishes.  These will definitely be a part of my upcoming gift-giving workshop!  I can't wait to make them to give as gifts!  Hope you like them!

Butterfly Mirror

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Change Your Routine

I have gotten into what I consider to be a bad habit.  Every morning I begin my day by feeding Willow and then sitting down at my computer and checking a few websites.  I've decided that not only is sitting in front of the computer a "downer" way to start my day, the other issue is the sites that I check - in particular cnn.com.  I'm not sure what news I think I'm going to miss.  What I do know is that seeing all of those stories about who has died and who has killed and who has gone missing does not set me up for a positive and creative day.  If anything, it drains my energy and makes me depressed.  So today I decided to change my routine.  After feeding Willow I went outside in the snow to fill up the bird feeders and then I sat down on the porch, with Buddy by my side, and watched the magpies swoop and land in the yard to eat the fresh peanuts and seed.  I have to say, this was a much better way to start the day :)  Now it is almost noon and I find that I had the energy to go into the craft room and create this frame - the idea came to me while walking Buddy this morning.  I am now in front of the computer...and am still following through with not checking on the news :)  Hopefully I can hold out for the entire day :)

This frame was so easy to make!  I am experimenting with additional gift-giving ideas for my upcoming gift-giving workshop.  I have a feeling this might make it into the finals :)  I used craft foil and the SU! exclusive Butterfly die in my Big Shot.  I also used SU!'s embossing folders to emboss the foil.  I love how this turned out - I've already hung it in the house!  I hope you like it!!!

Coaster Calendar

 

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Your Mind Continues To Create, Even When You Are Sleeping!

I have finally been catching up on my sleep and sleeping peacefully since I am at home and not jumping on another airplane in the near future.  I'm finding that my dreams have become much more peaceful and fun, as opposed to stressful and troubling.  This morning I almost woke up laughing because in my dream, my mind had created a joke!  That's never happened to me before!  Of course, you will likely not find the joke funny...but I will share it with you anyway since I am really amazed at the ability of the mind to create, even when we are sleeping.  Here goes...What did the kidney bean say to the lentils?  You're a dahl!  (a little vegetarian humor...for those of you who aren't laughing yet, "dahl" is an Indian lentil stew)...are you laughing yet? :)  Somehow my mind put this together in my sleep - who knows what I'm in store for tonight!

Today's project is a cute little coaster calendar that you can set on your desk.  These make great teacher/friend gifts!  This will be one of the options at my upcoming Gift Giving Workshop.  Hope you like it!

Joy Banner - Pennant Die

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Feel The Joy!!!!!

It is sooooo good to be back and blogging!  I slipped away for a few weeks - I had 3 back-to-back work trips and when I got home earlier this week I was fresh out of blogging and creating energy.  Yesterday, though, I went into the craft room to clean...or so I thought.  All of a sudden I was taken over with the urge to create!  It just called to me and I decided to go ahead and allow myself to feel the joy of creating again.  So, one "joy" banner and a few altered clipboards later, I'm back!!!!!!  I hope you can feel the joy of creating in your life today!

This banner was so easy to make!  I used Stampin' Up's exclusive pennant die (which you can purchase on my site at www.m.stampinup.net).  The die is so versatile because it can cut through card stock, felt, fabric, craft metal, vinyl - AMAZING!!!!  I pulled out some glittery felt that I had and it cut through it like butter :)  I also used the scallop circle die and the simply serif alphabet for the letters.  I hope you like it!!!!

Bashful Blue, Old Olive and Rich Razzleberry

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Sometimes You Just Have To Put On Your Cloak Of Positivity!

Have you ever known someone who walks around with a dark cloud over their head?  That person is the first to point out what is wrong with the world, or the day, or whatever is in front of them!  That negativity can have a very powerful pull and if we're not careful, we can get sucked into its vortex!  So put on your cloak of positivity!  Let all that negativity bounce off of you.  It's a good thing I remember to pack that cloak with me wherever I go :)

This card was inspired by a card in an old Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog.  The inspiration card was made with colors that are now retired, so I chose colors that are current that provided the same feel.  I hope you like it!

Snow!

Today's Lesson From Far Away From The Craft Room:  There's A Little Bit Of Magic If You Look For It!

I arrived in London today and just woke up from my catch-up-on-my-sleep-after-my-flight nap and I looked out the window and I counted 12 cottontail rabbits in the field outside my window!  That's a lot of cottontails!  It all seems quite magical.  I've also heard the word "magic" used a number of times today, from people here, in casual conversation - saying things like "wow, that's magic!"  It seems to be a substitute for the word "excellent" - I like it :)  And then there was little bit of magic waiting for me in my email from home - this beautiful picture of the snow as it begins to accumulate in the front yard of the house - it's magic!  Where do you see magic today????

I am going to try to play more with My Digital Studio while I'm on the road - we'll see what I can come up with!  I may try a scrapbook layout - or maybe a calendar - so many choices, not sure what I want to create!  Hope you are having a day of magic!

Holiday Stamp-A-Stack

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Find The Pollyanna In Every Moment!

I always loved to watch the movie Polyanna whenever it came on the television.  Somehow that young girl has the ability to find the silver lining in any moment.  It's not that she is being naive, she just chooses to look for the gift in whatever she is experiencing.  I need her help when it comes time to leave home.  I'm heading out on a trip to London and I always seem to get a bit sad and anxious when the time comes to leave home.  I worry about whether I will be safe and whether I will return to the people, creatures, and place that I love.  There is a snowstorm that will be moving in tonight so I will likely miss our first big snowfall of the season - something I like to be around for since Buddy gets crazy happy in the snow!  So where is the Polyanna?  I will have quiet time on the plane - time where I can contemplate how to build my Stampin' Up! business.  I will have quiet time to watch movies and rest.  I will get to meet new people in a different culture and also visit with a long-time friend in London.  Yes, there is some Pollyanna in every moment - I just have to stop and look!

These are some of the cards we will be making at the November Holiday Stamp-a-Stack workshop.  I'm having a hard time not putting some type of glitter on every single card!  It's just a glittery time of year :)  Hope you like them!

Glitter Birthday Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  The Only Way To Drive Cattle Fast Is Slowly

I turned to the book Don't Squat With Yer Spurs On! by Texas Bix Bender for today's lesson.  This book cracks me up and has some incredibly important messages for life.  I was waiting in line the other day at a craft store and I could feel the woman behind me getting frustrated at having to wait in line.  It seems we  live in a society where the concept of "waiting" has become obsolete - or at least we want it to be obsolete.  We want it all now and waiting is not an option.  Why are we in such a hurry?  What has happened to enjoying the journey and focusing less on the destination.  Today I hope that I can go slow and enjoy the drive :)

This card came together very quickly.  I used the Big Shot and the Simple Alphabet dies to cut the letters.  I used heat and stick powder to adhere the silver glitter.  The greeting is from the Happy Everything stamp set (#115235) - I just got this set and I love how it has a greeting for just about every occasion!  I cut the prongs off of the rhinestone brad and adhered it to the card with a mini glue dot.  Hope you like it!

Video: Stamped Tile Coasters

Stamped Tile Coasters

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Play With Those You Love :)

Today's lesson speaks for itself - when was the last time you took a few minutes to play with those you love?  Your spouse?  Your family?  Your 4-legged family members?  A little play everyday is absolutely essential for your soul :)

These stamped tile coasters are very easy and economical to make.  What a great gift for the holidays!  My technique video will be posted shortly....stay tuned...

Big Shot Pennant Die

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Time Flies When You're Having Fun!!!!

Today my friend came over to make up treats for her son's upcoming birthday party.  Since we had some leftover designer series paper we decided to try out the SU! exclusive pennant die to make a sign for her son's party (which he can keep in his room after the party).  It came out sooooo cute!!!!!!  It was very quick to put together and with a few eyelets and some ribbon it is ready to hang!  By the time we looked at our watches it was time for her to head out and pick up her son from school.  Time really does fly when you're having fun!  What fun did you have today????

Happy Birthday To Me! :)

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Celebrate Being Born!!!!

Today is my birthday and I am so grateful to be here on this planet!!!!!! A big shout out to my mom and dad for having me :) Today's card says it all - "happy everything!" May we all appreciate everything wonderful in our lives!!!!!

Today's card was quick and fun. I used a pencil eraser to make the dots on the bermuda bay cs and coated them with crystal effects. The alien was cut out and colored and covered in crystal effects. Hope you like it!

Stamp Organization

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Take Time To Get Organized!

Sorry I disappeared for a few days - it seems the chaos in my craft room led to a migraine headache yesterday...at least that's what I'm saying caused the migraine :)  I was down for the count yesterday, but am back on my feet today.  I have spent a lot of the day trying to organize the craft room and have begun creating a notebook that will help me keep track of what stamps I have.  When I'm creating I don't have a quick and easy way to remember what images I have except for digging through all of the stamp boxes - so now this notebook will be my new "helper!" I'll give you a peek once I get it done.  I'm amazed at how long it is taking me to make, but I know I'll be a happy stamper once it's complete!  What are you doing to stay organized????

Four Seasons Frame

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Take A Deep Breath And Tell Yourself You Are Amazing!

I am learning a lot about myself as I transition into my new life as an independent contractor.  One thing I'm learning - that I'll share with you - is that I have a strong need for external validation.  I keep searching outside myself for praise and affirmation.  I want to continue to remind myself that what is outside of us we cannot control - we cannot control whether others will like us, or like what we do.  What we can control is what we feel and what we tell ourselves.  We can control how we feel about ourselves and what we do.  So today I am turning my search for validation inside - and, if I do say so myself - I am Amazing :)

Today's project is for my November gift-giving class.  We will be making a frame using the Season of Friendship stamp set.  All supplies are included.  I can't wait to hang this project in my house!!!!  Hope you like it!

Fall Flair Thank You

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Never Miss A Good Chance To Shut Up :)

Today's Lesson comes from a great little book called Don't Squat With Yer Spurs On!: A Cowboy's Guide To Life by Texas Bix Bender. I love this little lesson - one that I wish I could observe more often. It seems that much of what I say on a daily basis could really go unsaid - I could conserve my energy and my words and only speak when it really mattered. I think it would be embarrassing to record everything we say in a day and play it back and listen to it. What would we think? Today I am going to explore the power of silence and recognize that my words are powerful and can be reserved for moments that really require that power. How about you?

Today's card was inspired by the scene outside my window :) Lots of falling leaves here in Colorado! I did a little gold embossing and cut out and popped up a few of the leaves. Hope you like it!

Circle Circus - Birthday Celebrations

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  If It's Important To You, Make It A Priority

It seems my to-do lists are never-ending...and yet, those things that are really important to me don't seem to make it onto the to-do list...or even into my day.  Today I am committed to changing that.  If something is important to me it will now be a priority and I will do it today!!!!  What is important to you?

I had fun with Circle Circus today - I love these fun bubbles!  I colored some of the bubbles in with Melon Mambo and then coated them with Crystal Effects.  I know just the person who will be receiving this card!  Hope you like it!

Halloween Treat Container Video

Hope you enjoy this latest video!  I uploaded it in widescreen so a bit of the video is getting cut off...I'll see what I can do about that to fix it.  In the meantime, feel free to watch it here or on my YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/mwecksler.

Halloween Treat Video Coming Soon!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  The More You Do It, The Easier It Gets!!!!

Today's video came together much more quickly than the first few!  I am finally making progress on my learning curve and I am so happy to report that I had zero frustration with making this video - yeah!!!!  It can be so easy in these days where we have come to expect instant gratification to expect ourselves to be experts in a snap!  I heard a story on NPR last year about the number of snowboarding accidents being incredibly high and the reason for the high numbers was that people thought they could just jump on a snowboard and go down the mountain!  So today's lesson is patience - after all, the more you do it, the easier it gets!  Hope you enjoy the video - I will post it here tomorrow, once it has a chance to upload to YouTube!

Stamped Candle Video

Hi Stampers!  Here is my next video in the Something Else series.  In this video you will learn how to decorate a pillar candle!  These make great gifts.  Enjoy!!!

Step Away For A Moment

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Sometimes You Need to Step Away and Take a Break

I've been working on my next video today and I have to say that I have reached my limit just now...it's time to take a break, step away, and come back again when I'm not frustrated.  I'm just so anxious to get the next video posted!!!!  Hopefully it will be by tonight...it just depends how long of a break I need to adjust my frustrato-meter :)  Hope you are all having a wonderful day!!!!!

Halloween Treat Container

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Take Baby Steps

I sometimes wish I had a teleporter that could "beam me" from here to there in a nanosecond!  Then I realize that teleporting would take away the journey - the slow growth that happens by taking baby steps - one at a time - allowing things to happen as they will.  So tonight I will go to bed reminding myself that by taking baby steps I will move forward in my own time - and that's just perfect! :)

Aren't these treat containers cute????  My cousin made a bunch of them as a thank you for a charity event and I couldn't resist the urge to give it a try!  Inside I put a mini candy bar - it fit perfectly!  You will need designer paper or thin card stock, sticky strip and a crimper.  You can embellish any way you like (I like the look of the eyelet, elastic cord and punched tag).  Hope you like them! :)

Giving Thanks Stamp-a-Stack 2

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Cleaning...Even A Little...Clears Space In Your Mind

I have been feeling really scattered lately.  I'm not sure why.  I have some theories...jetlag, fear of the future, a long to-do list, utter exhaustion.  It could be any of the above or none of them.  What I do know is that I decided to sweep the hard wood floors and that little bit of cleaning cleared space in my mind and calmed me down.  Believe me, I'm not Betty Crocker and I don't wake up in the morning joyous for the opportunity to clean.  And yet, I still get a huge sense of relief and clarity when the space around me is a bit cleaner and a bit less covered in cat hair, dog hair, Michelle hair, and tiny pieces of card stock :)  What little bit of your surroundings could you clean?

These are the final 2 cards for this week's Giving Thanks Stamp-a-Stack.  It seems I have to create 10 cards to be able to choose 5 that I like!  I am quite pleased with this set and hope those who attend will like them too!  I'm considering doing a "by mail" option for the stamp-a-stack.  If this is something you might be interested in, please leave a comment below or email me.  I would love to hear your thoughts/ideas!

Giving Thanks Stamp-a-Stack

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Laugh Until You Almost Pee :)

Sorry for the crudeness of today's lesson - I just couldn't capture the nature of my laughter today without using the explicit reference :)  Today I used oovoo for the first time.  It is a free video chatting application that you can get at www.oovoo.com.  I have to say it was a riot!  I spoke to one of my friends and we discovered that the little downward arrow on top of the video chat image allows you to apply all different types of effects to the video of you speaking.  If you have a chance, I highly recommend you do a video chat with one of your friends and choose the "pinch" effect and see how hard you can laugh!!!!  I dare you to laugh until you almost pee :)  It was the highlight of my day and I truly believe laughter is the best medicine!

Today's cards are for my Giving Thanks Stamp-a-Stack this week.  I used fall colors, inspired by the changing leaves outside and the briskness in the air!  The card on the right (the tree) was inspired by a card by Andrea Walford, another SU demonstrator (thanks Andrea!)  I used a few different stamp sets (Season of Friendship, Upsy Daisy, and One of a Kind) and some brads.  The left hand card is faux stitched and uses The More the Merrier and Thank You Kindly sets.  Hope you like them!  Now go and do some laughing :)

Greetings Earthling

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  There Is A Feeling Of Calm That Comes With Focus

I am sooooo happy to be back in the craft room after my trip to London!  The flights home were long and filled with creative anticipation :)  Today I took Buddy on his morning walk and I was once again struck by my Zen dog :)  He has the ability to sit at the base of a tree, motionless, and watch and wait for the squirrels.  It is such an intense and pure focus.  Sometimes I will walk across the park and sit under a tree and look back at the place where he remains sitting, motionless.  I wish for moments of such intense focus and calm - and those moments are the ones that seem to come in the craft room.  I think that is why I crave spending time in that special room.  Although it can look like chaos, I know that when I am in the act of creating, I am in touch with a feeling of calm and focus that is unlike any other.  Where do you find your focus and your calm?

This card is one of the cards we will be making during my upcoming Giving Thanks Stamp-a-Stack.  These robots are so cute (from SU's Greetings Earthling stamp set)!  The robot was stamped with Staz-On and colored in with markers.  Crystal Effects was applied over the entire robot to give him that special shine.  The designer paper is from the Holiday Lounge collection (I love the futuristic/modern look of this holiday paper!).  Hope you like it!  I plan on being back in the craft room tomorrow and will be sharing more of the stamp-a-stack cards!

My Digital Studio - Second Card!

I should be sleeping...but instead I'm playing with My Digital Studio!  Here is my second card!  This time I added ribbon and stitching.  I'm still trying to figure things out, but at this pace, I'll be making more sophisticated digital projects in no time!  This program is working great for me while I'm on the road.  Since I can't be in the craft room, this program allows me to take the craft room with me...even to London!  Hope you like it!

My Digital Studio - First Card!

This is the first card I have made using SU's new My Digital Studio!  So far I'm having a lot of fun with this digital paper crafting solution!  You can order it beginning tomorrow, October 1st.  Not only can you play around with designing cards, pages and other digital creations, you can also send your creations to be professionally printed!  Hope you like my first attempt - if I can do it, so can you!

Thoughts From London

Today's Lesson From London:  Appreciate The Kindnesses That Are Extended To You

I just arrived in London and had a wonderful driver pick me up at the airport and bring me to the hotel where I am staying in Ripley, Surrey.  I hadn't changed money in Denver or Chicago...or at Heathrow and the driver was kind enough to take me to a bank so that I could change money before bringing me to the hotel.  On the way he gave me a small tour of the area.  I am so appreciative of these kindnesses.  I am always a bit tentative whenever I arrive in another country (although I have been to London a number of times so I feel quite comfortable here).  It is such a relief and an unexpected pleasure to encounter kindness and humor and assistance.  I wonder if he knows how much his gestures of kindness meant to me?  I hope so!

Color In Colorado

I wanted to share some of the beautiful color we saw on a drive into the mountains last week.  Colorado is such a beautiful place this time of year!!!!

White Gel Pen Details

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Life Isn't About Making A Living, It Is About Making A Difference

Today's lesson is one that I often struggle with.  It seems that life's expenses and needs and wants set my course for making a living...when what I really want to be doing is making a difference.  I don't know if I have quite defined the difference I want to make.  I used to think it was about bringing peace to the world in some way, which is why I pursued a career in mediation and conflict resolution.  Now I feel that part of the difference I want to make is in helping people explore their own creativity.  If we recognize that each of us is born a creative being, and if we can exercise that creativity, who knows what we can accomplish!  What is the difference you want to make in the world?  What steps are you taking to make that difference?

Today's card was inspired by the skirt I wore yesterday :)  It is black and gray and has embroidered flowers on it.  I used my white gel pen to create the "stitching" accents.  Hope you like it!

Thoughts From The Road

I'm in Maryland right now and I am soooo missing the craft room!  I have to say that being away from the craft room is like walking through a desert - it feels dry and uncomfortable to me.  When I am away from the craft room I CRAVE art!  I notice art on walls and talk to people about their crafting interests.  I'm not sure what I miss more, the act of creating itself or the sense of peace and the feeling of being in the exact right place when I'm in the craft room.  I am looking forward to receiving My Digital Studio from Stampin' Up! when I get home so that I can load it onto my computer and enjoy the act of creation when I am away from the craft room and unable to take a stash of supplies with me.  Once I start playing with the software, I'll share some of my creations!  Wishing you peace and the feeling of being in the exact right place :)  I'll return home on Saturday night...and you know exactly where I'll be heading!!!! :)

URGR8

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Sometimes It's Nice To Stay Close To Home

I had a few appointments scheduled for today - nothing urgent. After my morning walk with Buddy I was just feeling like it was a good day to stay close to home. I'm not sure where the feeling came from - I just knew to trust it. So now I am breathing deeply and enjoying the craft room and recognizing that sometimes it's just nice to stay close to home :) Hope you have some peaceful home time today too!

When I saw that today's SCS challenge was to use numbers in some way, I immediately starting thinking about license plates that try to spell out words with numbers...and here's what I came up with! The numbers were all die-cut. I die cut the u and r out of card stock and the G, R and 8 out of both chipboard and card stock. The letters were all sponged with their respective colors and I sponged the G and R with black for some added dimension. The background was run through the Big Shot with a texturz plate. I died the very vanilla ribbon by running it across the rich razzleberry ink pad while pressing it tightly against the pad by holding it in place with a sponge (since I didn't want razzleberry fingers :). The ribbon was attached with a clip. I hope you like it!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Just When You Think The Day Is Over A Surprise Greets You At The Door!

We were walking through the backyard gate after taking Buddy for his evening walk and Buddy took off toward the patio. We quickly followed and there, on top of the garden wall where the grapevine grows, was the cutest masked bandit we had ever seen! Foxes and birds are common visitors to the backyard...but there, staring back at us, was the cutest raccoon! Just when you think it's time to let the day slip into night and head to bed, life greets you at the door with a surprise!!!! :) I hope pleasant surprises greet you at the door tonight and every night!

This card was made for the sketch challenge on SCS. I seem to be in a clean and simple stamping mode. I don't think this card needs any explanation - I just hope you like it!!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Seize Today's Outstanding Possibilities!

I walked Buddy this morning and I was acutely aware of all of the STOP signs we passed. I decided that while life is about stopping to take a breath and appreciate what is around you, it is also about seizing (S) the (T) outstanding (O) possibilities (P) that every day brings. Today, when you stop at a STOP sign - ask yourself what possibility you can seize today! :) This card came together very quickly. This seems to be a new favorite size for me - the finished size is 6.5" x 3.25". The Fifth Avenue Floral image was stamped in Versamark and then embossed with white embossing powder. A little dazzling diamonds was added to the flower centers to give them a little sparkle. Hope you like it!!!!

Video: Stamped Tile Magnets

Here is the video for Stamped Tile Magnets! I am still learning about how to maintain video image quality when I load things to YouTube - I'm still on the learning curve! Hope you like the video and the project!!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: There Is Power In Beginnings

I sat down today in the craft room wanting to make my second video. I had no idea what I was going to make, but somehow, by just walking into the craft room to begin, things started to come together. There is power in beginnings. Sometimes you don't know what the middle and end will look like, but by beginning you open up the door to incredibly possibility and power. What will you begin today?

The above photo is of 4 2"x2" tiles that I stamped and made into magnets. And yes, I made it into a VIDEO! I just loaded the video to YouTube and learned that they are doing maintenance on their site right now. As soon as the maintenance is complete, I will imbed the video into this blog so you can watch it! I hope you like it!!!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Find Joy In The Simple Things

Today I had a stamping workshop with a small group of women at my home. As I set everything up, the sun came out and I decided it would be nice to open the french doors from the dining room to the patio and set up stamping space both inside and out. The sound of the fountain, the warmth of the sun, the scampering of the squirrels and a group of women enjoying being creative - these were all simple things that gave me a huge sense of joy today. As the commercial says, "Priceless." What simple things did you find joy in today?

This card brought me joy as well - simple, clean and a very clear message. With just a hint of dazzling diamonds to make it sparkle. I'm thinking this might be my new year's card this year - with a message inside that says "May you find unlimited joy in the simple things this New Year" I hope you like it!!!

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!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Make A Play Date!

Today I went to a class at Melissa's house. She is a fellow SU! demonstrator - I met her on the plane ride on the way back from convention. I had a lot of fun and check out these cute cards she designed for the class! My favorite technique was using Crystal Effects to attach beads to the top of the cupcake on the birthday card! Very easy and what a great result! I'm learning to love Crystal Effects more and more each day :) So the next time you find yourself dragging in energy or creative, make a play date! You'll have fun and learn something new :)

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Sometimes It's Wonderful To Break A Habit!

I have a pretty set routine every morning that goes something like this: get up, shower, give the cat fresh water, check email, walk the dog, feed the birds, water the garden, feed the dog...you get the idea. This morning I was waiting for the roofer to arrive so I wasn't able to follow my usual routine. I got to the check email part and then realized that I needed to wait for the roofer before I could go walk the dog. So, I switched things up and went about doing other chores and I must say, there was something refreshing about changing my habit and trying something different. Kind of reminds me of my camp days when we would have "backwards day" and you got to do everything backwards - walk backwards, put your clothes on backwards, eat dessert first. So today, see if there's a habit you can break - you may just like it!

I have been really anxious to try this faux leather technique and I finally got around to it! I thought the faux leather would look great on a little notebook. The word "notes" was created with rub-ons that I picked up at an office supply store. Of course, the notebook was created using my bind-it-all (I am still loving that machine!). Hope you like it!!!!

Just a quick and simple anniversary card for a friend who is celebrating her 6th wedding anniversary this weekend. I used irridescent ice embossing powder on the number 6. It's amazing what a little paper piercing and scoring can do!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Crafting Is Good Medicine...And So Is Exercise!

My new life has begun! I am finally starting to wind down and come to grips with my new work status - contractor...it has a nice ring to it, don't you think? Michael has a cold, but he has been visiting me in the craft room and I think it's been great medicine! In the craft room his body gets to rest and there's great creative energy - what better medicine is there?! I also went to the gym for the first time in about 2 years yesterday! I was quite reluctant, but finally went and I am so glad I did. My body has that good sore feeling today and that soreness is my reminder of the steps I am beginning to take to take better care of myself. This is an exciting new beginning!

Today's photo is of a card and "bouquet" that I made this morning for my cousin Karen for her birthday. Years ago I gave her a flower pen and she loved it so I thought it was time to make a whole bouquet for her :) I placed them in a paper "vase" made from the new fancy favor die and made a matching embossed card with the Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set. I sponged some Old Olive on the embossed roses to give them some texture. Hope you (and Karen) like it!

Today's Lesson From Oh So Far Away From The Craft Room...well, actually Houston, but it feels really far away: Approach What Lies Ahead With Open Arms

Today is my last day as a full-time employee at my company! In just 3 short hours I will go from being a full-time employee to being a contractor. As I begin this transition into the unknown, I pray that my arms remain wide open as I await what the Universe has in store for me. I know that growth comes from a willingness to move into the unknown - to stretch myself in ways that I haven't stretched myself before. I don't know what this new journey will bring, although I expect I will grow and learn a lot - something I look forward to. Thank you for sharing this journey with me! I'll see you back in the craft room later this week - I can't wait!!!!!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Dance In The Car!

I went to see Julie & Julia with a friend today (great movie!) and on our way there my friend said, "Look at that!" So I turned my head to see the back of the driver next to us - he was bopping around in his car like nobody's business! I have no idea what he was listening to, but whatever it was it had him dancing in his car without a care! When was the last time you danced in your car? If you haven't tried it in awhile, go for it! The driver I saw put me in a great mood just because he allowed anyone who was watching to see him dancing without a care :)

Today's card is for my cousin's - seems like everyone is having their anniversary in September! I used the new Medallion stamp for the background and jazzed up the die cut letters with SU's new champagne paint (it's in the Holiday mini catalog). The silver slide is a piece of hodgepodge hardware. Hope you like it!

I'm playing around with my CD tins again. This time I used silver embossing powder on the outside and created some fun magnets using my Big Shot Daisies die. Hope you like it!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Be Brave and Learn Something New

I remember so many years ago when my dad got his first computer and I sat down to play. I put in a disk and somehow typed in "init" - which, at that time, meant that the computer should initialize the disk. The result? Everything that was on the disk was wiped away! Oops! After that experience I became a bit more brave (believe it or not) since I figured I couldn't do much worse than make everything disappear off of a disk :) So today I started playing around with how I might rearrange and rework my blog. You can't see any of that yet, since I'm playing around on a test blog (since I really don't want to erase everything) and then I will transfer everything over once I'm happy with the way it all looks. There is a TON of information out there about how to customize your blogs. I found a great site called "Blogger Buster" if you're interested in learning how to play with the HTML in your blog template. Go ahead, be brave - there's always something new to learn!

This card was inspired by a card on Stampers' Showcase by Susan Legere (thanks Susan!). She did a beautiful black and gray mirror card like this and I couldn't help but change a few things and make the same card for my cousin's anniversary. I used pale plum and sage shadow card stock and ink and added some perfect plum ink as well. Hope you like it (and if you do, say thank you to Susan!).

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Taking Care Of Yourself Is Always The Right Thing

I spent a lot of time talking to one of my friends today. She is trying to decide what to do with respect to her job and she wants to make sure that she does the right thing. As I shared with her, taking care of yourself is always the right thing. It can be so easy to fall into the trap of wanting to make everyone else happy while ignoring the impact that might have on your own well-being. Today, make yourself a priority - it is the right thing.

Today's limited supply challenge on Splitcoast had to be a birthday card/money card holder with at least 1 butterfly and some close to cocoa or chocolate chip card stock. I folded a piece of card stock to make a "pocket" and the white card can slide in and out of the "pocket." You can even attach a money card to the card. The close to cocoa card stock was embossed with a texturz plate. I included the second photo so you can see how it looks like the butterflies just landed on the card! Hope you like it!

My neighbor asked me to create a card for her since her sister just had her appendix removed. At Convention I received a beautiful swap from Judy Hess and I decided to use her card front as an inspiration for this card (thanks Judy!). I used the Manhattan Flowers stamp set along with some dazzling diamonds. The Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set seems to have a greeting for everything and the scallop oval punch works perfectly with the oval punch. Hope you like it!

This crazy-colored card was my attempt at the emerging colors technique (and yes, those are a lot of colors emerging!). I stamped small flowers in bermuda bay, crushed curry and melon mambo on whisper white and then stamped the upsy daisy image in versamark. I then clear-embossed the upsy daisy image and brayered the piece with rich razzleberry. Once brayered, I wiped off the embossed area. I then added some additional stamping and some additional layers of color and ta-da! It's a crazy card, but I had fun with the technique! Hope you like it!

At 9:30 p.m. last night I got the itch to create! So I went into the craft room and decided to make this "smile" sign. I have to admit that I was thinking about my appointment tomorrow at the dentist's office and I thought that if I brought this sign with me to the appointment it might keep me calm during the visit :) I love going to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned, but when it comes to having dental work done, I'm a bit of a chicken! Now that I have this sign hanging in the house it's going to be hard to take it down and bring it with me to my appointment tomorrow! I may have to head into the craft room to make another one :) The sign was made from chipboard that I covered with card stock. I stamped the sage shadow card stock with the sanded background stamp. I used the 2 tags die with my big shot to make the backgrounds for the letters (I am loving this new die) and I also used the simple alphabet dies to create the letters. Hope you like it! Smile!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: We Have All The Time There Is

In today's lesson from the book Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach, the author talks about how Victorian women prided themselves on their ability to take the time for handicrafts. In today's world we sometimes feel like we just don't have enough time to stop and do work with our hands. As Sarah points out, we have the same amount of time that Victorian women had - and possibly even more since our life expectancies are longer - it is just a matter of how we choose to use the time that we have. Today, ask yourself if how you use your time is nurturing to your heart and soul. If you find yourself answering "no," ask yourself what you might do differently, if even for 15 minutes, to provide your heart and soul the nurturing that it needs.

Today's challenge was to do something vintage. This photo is a vintage photo that I thought would make a great birthday card - with the message "drink again from the fountain of youth." I printed the photo onto card stock and then sponged with varying shades of brown to make it look aged. I popped up the message and highlighted it with summer sun ink. The background was clear embossed using the sanded background stamp. Inside I clear embossed "happy birthday." Hope you like it!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Sometimes It's Nice To Just Have Someone There To Hold Your Hand

So my last day at work as a full-time employee is on Monday and I am SOOOOOO EXCITED!!!! I have been thinking about this change for over a year and I finally had the courage to take the leap :) Of course, the less than exciting part is the crazy expensive COBRA option for medical insurance - yikes!!! So today I called a local insurance company to move my insurance to them and they were too sweet. The assistant stayed on the phone with me the whole time I filled out the on-line application. She really didn't do much, or say much, but just having her there to hold my hand kept me on task and made it a lot more enjoyable than if I was all alone :) Sometimes it's just nice to have someone there to hold your hand :)

I had fun in the craft room today! I decided to try to make a magnet board and here is the result!!! I started with chipboard and adhered two 5x7 galvanized step flashing pieces (picked these up at Home Depot a long time ago) and then covered the whole thing with card stock and paper to cover up the metal. The letters were made with the Simple Alphabet dies and the flower with the daisies die. I added a few eyelets to thread the ribbon. The magnets were simple - just die cut the circles from whisper white and the Night and Day Specialty paper (in the Holiday Mini Catalog). I attached the magnets using Crytal Effects (that stuff is STRONG!). I hope you like it!!!! Now I have to go attach some notes and photos and hang it in the craft room :)

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Don't Let An Opportunity Pass By To Thank Someone You Love!

My mom was here to visit recently and it meant a lot to me that she flew here, from Atlanta, to spend time. She was also very generous while she was here - whether it was helping me clean my closets, buying me a few things to refill my closets (lol :) or taking me out to eat. I really enjoyed the visit! So today I sat down to make a quick card for her to let her know how much I appreciated her visit and her generosity! Who could you say thank you to today?

The card came together quickly using the scallop square die for the big shot. I did some direct-to-paper inking up of the card stock and stamped some circle circus images on the paper to make them more interesting. The greeting was punched with the scallop oval punch. Hope you like it!