Box of Love

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Keep Trying

Keep trying...at least that's what I'm telling myself.  I wonder at what point I'll get too discouraged to keep trying?  Yet why do I allow myself to get discouraged at all?  I created this glittery boxed set of Valentine's cards for one of Stampin' Up!'s challenges and, since I haven't heard by now, it did not get chosen as a winner :(  Yet, when I sent it out I was all smiles - feeling grateful to Robert Indiana for his inspiring and iconic LOVE sculpture that inspired this whole card set.  So why allow myself to get discouraged at all?  Just because the set doesn't make it to the top of someone else's list doesn't mean I need to get all sad and depressed!  If anything, this is an opportunity to keep trying - to dust myself off and go at it again with as much, if not more, gusto than before!!!!  Just wait 'til you see what I come up with next!!!!  Hope you like it...and if you don't, I refuse to be discouraged :)

Happy New Year...A Little Early :)

A little pre-bedtime stamping for tonight.  I decided to put together something for the sketch challenge on SCS.  Guess I just wasn't ready for bed after going to see The Blind Side - great movie by the way!  I used the flower in Kind & Caring Thoughts to try to imitate fireworks :) Not sure if I imitated fireworks or freezing flowers...either way, the sentiment is still the same - Happy New Year! :) (a little early)!

Circle Circus - Happy Everything!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Begin Again!

Wow - the last time I posted on SCS was in October!  Time sure does fly!  But there's no time like today to Begin Again!  How amazing is that?  Any moment of any day, you can make the decision to begin again and to actually do it! You can begin to eat healthy, right now!  You can begin to treat yourself more kindly, right now!  You can begin to exercise, right now!  What can you begin again today, right now??????

This card was quick and easy.  I used a curved mask and then stamped like crazy with Circle Circus on the bottom of the card.  This card is 3.75" x 3.75" - just perfect to tuck in with a gift that I am sending to a friend!

Stamped Tile Coasters...Again!

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Some Things Are Better Left Private!

Someone sent me a pretty funny video today.  It is an old SNL skit where a company is advertising a toilet for two!  You can sit next to your sweetheart and share your most intimate bathroom moments...YIKES!!!!  I have to say that might be one of my worst nightmares!  I remember going to the clothing store, Loehmann's as a kid with my mom.  That was close to my second worst nightmare since they had communal changing rooms for trying on clothes.  I guess I'm just one of those modest people - I believe some things are better left private :)  In light of the recent news about this celebrity and that, I wonder how much of what we do and say is appropriate for the public and where our boundaries should be.  Seems like today we want to know every little detail about everyone...and I wonder how healthy that really is for all of us.  Something to ponder...

OK - these might be the last tiles I share with you this year...is that a sigh of relief I just heard from you? :)  I have been in tile-making madness the last few days - trying to get some last minute gifts completed for mailing.  These 2 tiles are for my nieces.  The one on the left is for my niece who LOVES to cook and the one on the right is for my older niece.  I may have shared the butterfly story with you in a post a long time ago...anyway, this tile is a reminder to her of how beautiful and unique she is - something the butterfly represents for us.  Hope you like them!!!!

Daisy Die-Cut Cards

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  There's Nothing Like Watching A Dog Romp In The Snow To Put A Smile On Your Face!

It's been amazingly cold here in Denver and today, the freeze finally broke.  I decided to take Buddy to the big dog park - acres and acres of free space to run.  I have to say that I am no longer sure if I take Buddy to this park for him or for me :)  I LOVE watching him run around - bounding through the dried brush; barking at the horses; slip-sliding across the ice in the creek.  It's good for both of our souls :)

One of my customers is putting together these cards to give as teacher gifts.  I love the layered look of the daisy die cut flowers!  This is also the first time we are using build-a-brads and we love them!!!!  It's great to be able to customize the brad and the large size of them is perfect for these flowers!  Hope you like them!!!!

Reindeer Tag

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  The Early Bird Catches The Worm...Or At Least That's What I'm Hoping!

Today I got up early to try to get a jump on my day.  Lots to do in the next 8 hours...we'll see if I get it all done!  I was tempted to stay in bed this morning - it's cold outside and the bed was cozy.  But here I am, at the computer and ready to go!  Sometimes it's nice to get a jump on the day and challenge yourself to see what you can accomplish!

Isn't this tag adorable???  I created him yesterday for my holiday tag class.  His nose is covered in Crystal Effects to make it shiny.  He would be adorable both as a tag and as an ornament!  Hope you like him! :)

Stamped Foil

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Sometimes It Just Takes A Little Extra Nudge

Okay - I admit it.  I did not want to go and work out today.  It was freezing here in Denver today and the last thing I wanted to do was leave the comfort of my warm home.  But, since we had an appointment with the trainer, I felt I needed to go.  Then the prospect of eating at one of my favorite Thai restaurants after working out gave me just the extra nudge I needed :)  So, off I went to workout.  I have to say, I'm glad I did (and the Thai food was yummy too!).  Sometimes you just need to give yourself that little extra nudge - you'll be glad you did!

Today's card builds on yesterday's card.  I added one extra step - I stamped the foil with black staz-on before running it through the Big Shot with a Texturz plate.  It's an interesting look...I might have to play with it some more.  Hope you like it!!!!

Embossed Foil

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Happines Is When What You Think, What You Say, And What You Do Are In Harmony (Gandhi)

Today's card was made by placing some heavy duty aluminum foil in the Petals-A-Plenty textured impressions folder and running it through the Big Shot.  I doubled the heavy duty foil before running it through the Big Shot.  The stamp is a retired SU! stamp that my cousin sent to me (thanks Brenda!).  I added a little elegance with some embellishments from the Pretties Kit.  Hope you like it!

Stamped Coasters

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Use Your Words For A Kind Purpose

I remember a story that was once told to me by a rabbi.  It went something like this:  There was a man who spoke badly about another person in his town.  In reflecting on his gossiping he decided that he wanted to see if there was anything he could do to repair his wrong.  So the man went to the head rabbi in the town and asked what he should do.  The rabbi told him to go and find a feather pillow and to come back once he had the pillow.  The man went and got the pillow and returned to the rabbi.  The rabbi then said, "Do you see that high mountain over there?  Go and climb to the top of that mountain and when you get to the top you need to cut open the pillow and shake all of the feathers out.  Once you have done that, return to me with the empty pillowcase."  The man agreed and went out and climbed the mountain and followed the rabbi's instructions.  He returned to the rabbi with the empty pillow case and the rabbi said, "Now I want you to go and retrieve all of the feathers that you have scattered far and wide.  For when we speak gossip it is as if we have scattered feathers across the land and our ability to repair what we have done is like trying to pick up all of those scattered feathers."  I hope that I can remember this whenever I am tempted to gossip about someone or say harsh words.  I hope I can remember to use my words for a more noble purpose.  I wish the same for you :)

Copper Mirror

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Experiment!

When I was setting up for last night's workshop, I decided to play a little.  A few people were coming to make the butterfly mirror that I posted on my blog a few weeks ago and as I set out the mirror for the class I was inspired to create.  I pulled out the Big Shot and some dies and some copper and went to town!!!!  Here is the creation that resulted from my experimenting!  I love it!!!!  Wish you could see it in person - it has a ton of dimension.  I realized that the copper was probably 9 years old and had been following me around from creative space to creative space waiting to be used.  Yesterday the day came and I'm so happy I decided to experiment a little.  What can you experiment with today?  You might LOVE the results!

Holiday Gift Class - Stamped Coasters and Trivets

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You Never Know What You Can Achieve Until You Try It!

Tonight was the first Gift Giving Workshop.  My favorite part of these workshops is when people who have never come to a class, or have never really explored their creativity, come to the workshop.  They show up and say things like, "I'm not really creative" or "I've never done anything like this before so I'm sure I won't do it well."  I begin to smile inside because I know the transformation I am about to experience!  It happened again tonight - watching someone move from nervous and uncertain to proud and excited!  It's like watching the butterfly burst out of the cocoon!  Yes, these are my favorite workshop moments!  These are some of the coasters and trivets created by tonight's workshop participants!  Just looking at the color and the creative exploration makes me smile :)  You never know what you can achieve until you try it!

Holiday Tags

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  The Tortoise Went At His Own Pace And So Must We

I have been engaged in a mental battle lately.  It's not one that others can see, but it's one I am very acutely aware of.  I feel like I "should" be doing a lot in each day.  I feel like taking it easy and lounging and enjoying is not what I'm "supposed" to be doing.  Maybe my body is trying to tell my mind something - that the tortoise was smart - he went at his own pace - and my body is trying to go at its own pace as well.  I think I'm scared that if I lounge I will not step up the pace again.  That a body at rest will stay at rest - and that scares me.  At the same time, without rest, I can't rejuvenate and listen to the inner voice that seems to be most wise.  I have a feeling this mental battle might continue for a bit...I'm hoping the tortoise wins! :)

This tag and tag container (made from a cd tin) are experiments for my upcoming Holiday Tag workshop.  It's been fun doing a bit of playing in the craft room today...not sure which tags will "win" and get to be on the menu for the workshop...I'll be posting some more the rest of this week and we'll see which turn out to be the finalists!  Hope you like it!!!!

Footsteps on the Moon - Greetings Earthling Stamp Set

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Don't Tell Me The Sky's The Limit When There Are Footsteps On The Moon!

I saw this quote on a t-shirt when I was traveling over Thanksgiving.  I had never seen the quote before and, after a bit of research, came up with "anonymous" as the author.  That "anonymous" sure does come up with a lot of great quotes!  These little aliens from the Greetings Earthling stamp set make the cutest companions for this computer-generated greeting.  Hope you like it!

Memories Sympathy Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Enjoy The Time You Have With Your Loved Ones

I spoke to a friend today and he told me that his dog, Wilson, passed away on Thursday.  Wilson was only 5 years old.  A beautiful golden retriever who developed cancer.  For those of us who have animals that have come into our lives and become a part of our family, the loss of our family member leaves a giant gaping hole in our hearts.  I am sad for my friend and glad at the same time that Wilson chose him to spend his 5 years with.  They made a very special pair!  Today, enjoy the time that you have with your loved ones.  Be grateful for every minute that you get to share your lives together :)

This card was made with an embossing folder.  I stamped the "m" with the Contempo Alphabet set and the definition of the word "memories" came from the Define Your Life set (I use this set ALL the time!).  I hope you like it!!!

Joy Christmas Stamp-a-Stack Card

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  Sometimes We Organize Because We Need To Get Organized...And Sometimes It's Because We Are Avoiding Creating

I notice that sometimes I organize the craft room because it has just gotten totally out of control.  I also realize, however, that at times organizing the craft room is just an excuse for not creating.  I have a few excuses for not creating:  1) I need to organize first or 2) I need to go out and buy some craft supplies (if you saw my craft room you would know that I don't need to go out and buy ANYTHING!).  Sometimes it's just easier to do everything other than sitting down in the craft room and facing that blank card front or that mass of items and embellishments waiting to be cut, scored and adhered into something new.  Why are we so afraid of the act of creation?  What scares us?  I ponder that question a lot and it seems that often my response is that I am afraid of what I will create - I am afraid it won't be (fill in the blank) - you can fill in the blank with "good enough," "pretty enough," "worthy enough," "impressive enough," etc. etc. etc.  The list goes on and on.  Yet if we don't try to create - if we don't go through the process of trying and trying again, how can we expect ourselves to create something beautiful?  You can't hit the home runs unless you are willing to get into that batter's box and give it your best shot.  So the next time you decide you have to organize or head to the craft store...ask yourself if you really NEED to - or if what you really need to do is sit down and create! :)

This card is one of the cards from my Christmas Stamp-a-Stack class.  I have had this class set up for 3 weeks in a row at the house to accommodate snowstorms and illnesses.  I have to say that a part of me is really looking forward to cleaning up after the class tomorrow and finally being able to enjoy the dining room and living room again :)  Now stop reading this and go create something :)

Pennant Die Christmas Tree

Today's Lesson From The Craft Room:  You Never Know Who You Will Touch

I volunteer for the Audio Information Network of Colorado.  It is a reading service for the visually impaired here in Colorado.  I read two different programs and have been reading for a number of years.  I record the programs at home, on my computer, and then send the electronic files in to AINC, where the recording is then magically transformed so that listeners all over the state can tune in.  Last weekend I went to the volunteer appreciation brunch and I was really amazed when one of the speakers indicated that there are over 20,000 listeners across the state!  Sitting here, in the privacy of my home, doing the recordings, it is hard to remember how many people might be touched by the minutes I spend recording.  I have the same thought about this blog - is anyone out there?  Who am I touching?  There are so many blogs that I like to check out on a daily, weekly or every-once-in-awhile basis and I know how inspired and uplifted I feel when I make those rounds.  I hope that something I have posted or written has inspired or uplifted you in some way!  Just knowing you may be out there keeps me going! :)  Whatever it is that you are doing in service of what you love - don't worry if you don't think anyone is watching.  Trust me - someone is out there and you are making a huge difference in the lives of people you may never know!

I saw a tree made from the large pennant die on one of my recent blog tours.  I decided to try making one with the small pennant die and added a bunch of "bling" for ornaments.  Hope you like it!!!!

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!!!!