Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: When You Are At The End Of Your Rope, Trust There Is A Net And Jump!!!!

It is so nice to be back in the craft room after more planes, trains and automobiles! And yes, I have been feeling lately like I'm at the end of my rope with all of this travel so I am just about ready to jump and to trust that a net will catch me! I know it will be there - the Universe has always provided - all I need is to have faith. I'll let you know if it's a soft landing :)

I kept today's card clean and simple. The background was stamped with the heart image from the More the Merrier. Punched hearts were popped up on dimensionals as were the cut out birds' wings and hearts in the center image. The images were painted in with my aqua painter. Hope you like it.

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Sometimes It's More Fun To NOT Wait For A Rainy Day!

It's that time for SU!'s new in colors...and so I tend to look at last year's outgoing in colors as precious...I mean, what's a girl to do when she can't purchase anymore kiwi kiss or baja breeze card stock?! When I saw this pair of shoes on Bugaloo http://www.bugalookids.com/PhotoGallery.asp?ProductCode=doggy I knew my Baja Breeze needed to be a part of the challenge. And so today's lesson - rather than save the limited supply of baja breeze for a rainy day that may never come - I decided it was more fun to not wait for that rainy day and use it today instead :)

I paper pieced the dog and used a greeting from Best Yet that I cut into smaller pieces. I have what I think is called a perforating wheel that I used to perforate the edges. Hope you like it!

Today's Lesson From Boston and Not The Craft Room: Feed Your Need For Creativity Wherever You Are!

Yes, I'm back on the road again...this time one of the flight attendants recognized me from having been on the Denver to Boston flight a few weeks ago - How pathetic is that?! When flight attendants start recognizing you, you know you've been spending too much time on airplanes!

So tonight I went to dinner and noticed a bookstore right next door so I wandered right to the Graphic Design and Craft Section and started feeding my creative need, as opposed to my stomach! What an amazing amount of creative food there was! I could have sat there for hours devouring all kinds of books and images! I ended up buying one book (I have yet to discover the secret of how to walk into a bookstore and leave empty-handed) - it's called Caffeine for the Creative Mind: 250 Exercises to Wake Up Your Brain. I figured it had to be as good as a Starbuck's Vanilla Latte with a name like that! It is chock full of amazing activities to stimulate your creativity. For example, on p. 225 the challenge is to create a postage stamp design by choosing among a few different scenarios...I particularly liked the scenarios of "Gerbils have overrun the White House" and "Peanut Butter and Jelly was elected National Sandwich!" The stamp can be any shape or size, but must include a denomination. Seems like us stampers could have a lot of fun with a challenge like this...does anyone have a Gerbil stamp????

So even here, in a hotel room far away from the craft room, there are still ways to keep the creative juices flowing! Feed your need for creativity wherever you are! And if you decide to take the postage stamp challenge, please email me your creation at michelle@figmentsofmyimagination.com - maybe I'll post it on this blog! :)

A quick Father's Day card for Michael to send to his dad in time for Father's Day. This Branch Out set is so versatile - I love it!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Some Lessons Are Hard To Learn

It seems I keep repeating certain patterns over and over. Not in my cards (although probably there too), but in my life. I know someone out there once said that you will keep repeating the same patterns as long as there is a lesson that you have yet to learn. So here I am, trying to be as good a student as possible, hoping that this time I will learn my lesson so that I can graduate from this pattern :)

I kept today's card clean and simple. I made the hole for the ribbon using the crop-a-dile and stamped some ruby red card stock with the background dot stamp from the Branch Out stamp set. The layers were sponged around the edges. The hearts were punched using the heart to heart punch. You can't really tell from the photo, but the baja breeze layer and 3 of the hearts are popped up with dimensionals. Hope you like it!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Do What You Want :)

Today I took the day off from work. It was so nice to have a day to do whatever I wanted...and I did my best to not fill the day with all the "oughts" and "shoulds" and "coulds" that seem to always be on my to do list! I even checked out the challenge on SCS and decided not to do the challenge, but rather to do what I was inspired to do, which was to keep working on this series of cards using the Branch Out stamp set. There is something about the pure simplicity of these cards that is really making me smile right now. So today, or tomorrow, or whenever, feel free to do what you want :)

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Do Nothing :)

Today I finally decided to do nothing! It may sound strange, but I really can't remember the last time I actually did nothing. Usually if I'm not working, I'm reading a book or creating or walking the dog...always something. But today...nothing. I took a blanket and laid it down in the backyard and then I sat on it and eventually sprawled out on it and listened to the birds and the thunder that was far away. Buddy decided doing nothing was a great idea and he sprawled out next to me. I had my shoes off and could, at times, feel the grass tickling my toes. It was a wonderful way to spend part of my day. Our time outside ended when the thunder got closer and the rain started to fall...although it might have been fun to have done nothing in the rain too :)

Today's card is part of a series I've been working on. The first card was made yesterday and now I can't seem to stop working with this theme or with this Branch Out stamp set! The possibilities are endless! Hope you enjoy the splash of color on this card. And if you have a few minutes...do nothing :)

I made this card based on my desire to try stamping on designer series paper. I started small since I hadn't done it before and didn't want to mess up a big piece of paper if I didn't like how it turned out :) I tried it and I really like the effect you get stamping on designer paper - I plan to do a lot more of this! After making this card I realized that I could have made it with an image of a boy with the same sentiment and given it to Michael. He has taken such great care of me since I returned home from my crazy travels and I am a firm believer that nice truly does matter!

I'm having fun in the craft room today! These two quick birthday cards are for my sister-in-law and niece. I have gotten too far behind in sending out birthday greetings and gifts so I'm happy to be making progress today.

The brown and sage shadow card was stamped with the baroque background stamp using chocolate chip ink. The pixie pink and white card was stamped with an image from Kindred Spirits in pixie pink. The greeting was stamped with Whisper White craft ink.

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Positive or Negative? It's A Choice.

In art we sometimes notice the positive space and sometimes the negative space. In life it seems that for so many it is much easier to notice the negative space. I have been thinking about making some changes in my life lately. I mentioned this to my neighbor today and I heard in response a list of reasons why that would be the most insane thing to do right now...everything negative.

Where is the neighbor who will bombard me with all of the amazing reasons why now is the perfect time to pursue my dreams and follow the path that is beckoning me? Maybe that's what sites like SCS and this blog are like when it comes to creativity. A place where we can support and encourage one another to do that which we love. Thank you for providing this sense of community!

Today's inspiration challenge on SCS was to make a card inspired by lovely packaging at www.lovelypackage.com. This card was inspired by this packaging: http://lovelypackage.com/kanella-gift-chocolates/. I love the simplicity and elegance of the design. Of course, I had to add a little "glitz!' The card size is 3x3. The Branch Out images (tree and butterflies) were stamped in Going Gray ink and the greeting (Short & Sweet) was stamped using my Stamp-a-ma-jig in Basic Black. I added a bit of 2-way Glue to hold down some Dazzling Diamonds glitter. Hope you like it!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Look Up!

It seems I walk around with my head down a lot. I realize that by doing this, I'm missing at least 1/2 of the world! So today, when I was sitting down for lunch at California Pizza Kitchen, I looked up...and there, on the wall, were some pizza boxes that had been painted by artists. One of them had a lot of eggplants on it and I loved what the artist had done. The artist had left the eggplant images on the box black and white, except for the center section where the artist used color - it was as if the picture came to life in the middle. This is what inspired this card.

So if you find yourself walking around with your head down, look up...you never know what you might see!

These pictures show you how I made the card. I first stamped the image multiple times in basic gray on the front of the card. Then I took a 3"x3" piece of chipboard and adhered it to the inside of the front of the card using removable adhesive. I turned the card back over so that I was looking at the front and I used my embossing stylus to emboss around the square (which was directly underneath the front of the card). I removed the chipboard square from the inside of the card and then began coloring the leaves that were inside the embossed square with watercolor pencils. I used the aqua painter to blend the colors. The gold button is a faux button - I punched a 1/2" circle out of gold card stock and then used another punch to punch the 2 small holes. Hope you like it!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: Creating Cures Jet Lag Blues!!!!!

I knew it! Creating does cure jet lag blues...at least that's my theory and I'm sticking to it! It has been waaaaaay too long since I created. I was on an around-the-world work trip and while I saw so many things, I missed creating a lot! Today was my first day back in the craft room and these distressed flowers are HAPPY!!!! :)

I have a feeling creating can cure a lot more than just jet lag blues - I'm wondering if it can cure almost any type of blues... :)

I sprayed the card stock and paper with a little bit of water and then crumpled them up. I sanded the designer paper. I used pastels to shade the yellow flowers and cut some fringe "petals" with scissors. Hope you enjoy it!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: There's No Place Like Home!!!!!

I finally arrived back home late last night after a very long trip. 2 weeks around-the-world...it is still hard to believe. This picture was taken at the Great Wall in China. It seems fitting to me for this entry - a wall, built to try and protect that which is important - our "home." There is nothing like the feeling of coming back home - hugging Michael, petting Willow, loving on Buddy, seeing how much each of the plants in the garden had grown. I did not make my way into the craft room today - I think my body is trying to rest from all work - whether that work be the work of my day-to-day job or the work of creation. Today was a true day of rest. And tomorrow I depart again - this time for a quick trip to Houston, Texas and I am already anticipating my return and time to sit and create in the craft room. Maybe there's a chance I'll make it in there first thing tomorrow morning before I leave, but I don't want to pressure myself - I need all the relaxing I can get right now!

So tonight, enjoy your home - the place where your heart is - the place where those you love are - the place where you are. It really is the most special place in the world.

Today's Lesson Around The World From The Craft Room: Appreciate Your Freedoms

I am sorry it has been so long since I posted to my blog. I have been on my around the world trip and I traveled from Amsterdam to Beijing, China. An interesting thing happened when I arrived in China...well, many interesting things happened...but the one I want to mention here is that I tried to log on to my blog when I connected to the internet and the blog was blocked. As a matter of fact, any blog I tried to go to was blocked. As was YouTube. It wasn't until this moment that I had even considered that in some places, the freedoms we take for granted do not exist. I mean, what harm could there be in blogs and YouTube? Freedom. Freedom to discuss whatever you want to discuss. Freedom to be exposed to whatever you choose to be exposed to. Something I know I take for granted everyday.

So now I am in Kobe, Japan and my blog and YouTube are accessible once again and I wanted to take a moment to appreciate the freedom that is once again a part of my life.

The photo above was taken when I landed at the airport in Osaka, Japan. As I'm sure you already know, I can't wait to get to the craft room to make a card inspired by this photo!!!!! I will be here until Sunday and I finished my work last night so now I will spend a few days taking in as much as I can!!!! I will be meeting my friends today and am really looking forward to presenting them with the small notebooks I created for them. I'll try to take lots of great photos - especially of origami and handmade papers! I know inspiration will be everywhere as I enjoy my freedom :)

Today's Lesson From A Long Way Away From The Craft Room: Appreciate The Art Around You

Not having the craft room while I'm on the road can be a bit challenging for me. At the same time, it gives me time to get inspired by the art that surrounds me. On my walk yesterday, these flowers literally stunned me with their beauty. The more I look at the flowers, the more colors I see in them. Of course I can't wait to get back to the craft room to make a card inspired by these colors. In the meantime, I will appreciate them and their incredible beauty. What art do you see around you? It's a question that will create a pause in your day and a peaceful moment of reflection...something we can all use :)

Today's Lesson From Quite Far From The Craft Room (somewhere in the Netherlands, 2 trains and a taxi away from Amsterdam): Let The Road Unfold In Front Of You

As I began my trip today...I mean last night (my clock is already confused :), I realized that I have a tendency to keep thinking about the day I will return home. I think ahead when I'm on the plane to what it will be like when I get off the plane (and sometimes that makes me quite nervous). I worry whether I will find my way to the train; whether I will find my colleague at the train station...trying to anticipate what might happen - what will happen. I went for a walk on the grounds of the conference center where I am staying (somewhere 2 train rides and a cab ride away from Amsterdam) and this photo (and the experience of the walk) remind me to let the road unfold in front of me. To just let it happen as it will. To live in the moment I am in. I will continue to try...this is a lesson I need to learn.

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: When Life Gives You Lemonade, Don't Make Sour Lemons

Yes, strange lesson, I know. It seems we usually hear the reverse - when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. However, I find myself needing the reverse advice. I find myself getting into very depressed moods when it comes time to travel. And today, as I prepare to embark on a 2-week work trip, I am trying my best to keep upbeat and positive about the experience and not turn it into sour lemons. The thoughts of leaving home, leaving my family, leaving the garden and craft room behind all seem to pull at my heart strings. And yet, I need to remember, that what I am about to experience is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and for this I need to be grateful and excited! Where am I headed? I leave tonight for Amsterdam and will take a train to a smaller town in the Netherlands to work for a few days. Then, I will leave Amsterdam and travel to Beijing to work for another few day (although I will have the entire weekend to do some exploring) and then I will head to Osaka and Kobe, Japan - also to work and then end the trip in Osaka with a family that my family knows there. They have invited me to stay with them for the weekend and the notebooks above are the gifts I will be bringing with me to give to them.

So, I will focus on the lemonade that life has given me and will do my best to not let my feelings of sadness cloud the amazing opportunity that this trip represents. An opportunity to discover new places, meet new people and literally travel around the world. I will do my best to keep my blog running during this time - most likely with photos of art, craft and sites from where I find myself. And I will look forward to my return to the craft room! Happy Memorial Day Weekend! May we all recognize how blessed we truly are.

Today's Lesson From The Hotel Room...Still Too Far Away From The Craft Room: Identify What You Know To Be True About Yourself

I feel like I've been having a bit of an identity crisis lately. I seem to have forgotten who I am and what I stand for. I have once again gotten lost in the sea of Gold Medallion and 1K status. I seem to be defining myself as a Starwood Preferred Guest and a Hilton Honors VIP. Oh how lost I have become. And I know that finding my way back to who I am is about beginning to identify, once again, what I know to be true about myself. Some of what I know to be true is what this card pictures - that I love my dog; that I love to be outside, and that I do not like heels (even if the girl on the card appears to be walking her dog in them!). I am on a quest to find my way back home - my way back to the person I seem to have lost on my journey into the corporate world these past 2 years. I know that the woman I am - the woman I want to free again - is waiting for me to find her. And I will - one truth at a time.

Today's Lesson From A Hotel Room...Much Too Far Away From The Craft Room: You Never Know Where Wisdom Will Come From

I was on my way to Dubuque, Iowa with a stop in Chicago's O'Hare Airport. I stopped in a small store - I think it was called Ciba Express - to try to pick up something to eat. I went with a cheese sandwich, some waldorf salad and an Honest Ade Orange and Mango drink (I usually go with water, but this called to me...). I used to drink Honest Tea whenever I stopped at Whole Foods and I loved that they always had a quote or saying printed on the inside of the lid. When I removed the plastic lid from my Honest Ade I was disappointed to find no message in the lid. So I began to drink (it's pretty good if you want to try it) and as the level of liquid went down in the bottle, I saw a message starting to appear on the inside of the label - I could see it through the clear plastic of the bottle. And there, looking right at me was the following quote from Gandhi: "Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are all in harmony." You never know where wisdom will come from!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room: It's All A Matter Of Perspective

It happens so often that I now laugh about it. I mention my next work trip to someone who asks me what I do and they say "Wow! That's really exciting! You get to go to some wonderful places!" I have to laugh because I realize that from the outside looking in, it does sound exciting - heading off to Kuala Lumpur and places like Barcelona, Amsterdam, Osaka, London...and yet, as I live the experience it is often exhausting and I also frequently see nothing of the location I am at except for the inside of a hotel, an office building and an airport. So "exciting" is not really the word I would use to describe it. Exciting for me is spending a day in the craft room!!!! But I realize, it is all a matter of perspective. My grandmother used to say "One person's hangnail is another person's amputation." I'm finally understanding what that means. That what seems devastating to one person, seems to be just a bit of a "glitch" to another. It really is a matter of perspective.

I hope I can take some of the energy and excitement from the person who looks at my travel and concludes it is a wonderful adventure and try to make it a bit of an adventure for myself. After all, I am the one living it and the more I continue to think "there's no place like home" when I head out the door on my next trip, the more difficult it becomes to get on those planes and enjoy whatever I might experience on the trip.

This card was made using the black magic technique with a twist of white - I learned the technique on Karen Barber's blog at www.karenbarberstamps.blogspot.com (Thanks Karen!). It's a lot of fun to stamp with white craft ink and then color the stamped images with color pencils. The white gel pen is a great finishing touch - it makes everything pop! Give it a try - you might become addicted :)