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!).