Sad into Creative: Stepping into Digital Scrapbooking {finally}

It took the death of my old dog Tonsina to push me to the point of jumping in.

Here is my first attempt at Digital Scrapbooking with Stampin' Up! 's My Digital Studio software... I am pretty pleased, for a start.

Another birthday cake (or two)

I love the cake we made for Daughter # 2's second birthday -- and here are a couple of other cakes that we have enjoyed over the past year. This Elmo themed cake was for the third birthday:


I made Elmo punchouts for invitations -- but got way-laid and never sent them out -- so they became Valentine's for DD#2's preschool class:



And this Barbie cake was made for Daughter #1's 6th birthday -- with a Rainbow Fairy theme (note the use of vellum wings). We also made cute fairy dolls with vellum wings that I stamped and embossed for the kids' use:


I am no Lauren Meader when it comes to birthdays (seriously, she ROCKS at doing kids' birthdays...) but we sure had fun. I am getting really good at following through on a theme: for DD #1's party we made fairy dolls, rainbow playdough, and decorated cupcakes using all rainbow colored frosting and sprinkles -- tons of fun!

Finally -- I made this centerpiece for a friend's husband -- he is a great guy, and my friend really went all out with multiple opportunities to celebrate his 50th. I didn't do much stamping for this -- but I did include a bunch of punched scallops for folks to write their wishes on, and affix them to the lollipops:




I have been making more cards, and I promise to post them soon. I have a couple of more I have to make right now -- and a class to prepare for.

I am hosting a fun workshop at my home for local stampers who want to come (on March 15th) -- it is a "Green Stimulus Package" all of my own, celebrating the green holiday of St. Patrick's Day and Easter, and all things green and natural. Let me know if you want to come!

Cheers!

I am back again -- keep me honest!

Hey all -- I have been lousy at this, I know. I really, really should be a better blogger.
About 6 months ago, my computer crashed -- and with my DH out of work, we didn't jump to buy another. He did try to fix it. He went to great lengths, replacing the power supply and all -- but we fear that there was some damage to the CPU or motherboard, and frankly, we were not wanting to put more energy into it.

So -- we are making do with one computer, and surprisingly, I am loving it!

Recently, he and I have both been tapped for some work -- me, amazingly, because I put NOTHING into getting it... these are two sets of folks that I worked with/for about 10 years ago who called me up -- and DH is starting a new career and got an incredible break. Please think good thoughts for DH who is beginning to work in the field of Intellectual Properties with an absolutely brilliant inventor. It is a one month trial position, and with his hard work and your good thoughts and prayers, we are hoping it will be extended beyond that.

Anyway -- on to the card!

I have two baby cards that I just have to get out, and after MUCH ado, I got to assemble them. Since they are going to folks who don't know each other and are in different countries, I felt comfortable making two that were the same.

I am using a retired hostess set from Stampin' Up! Lilykate paper by Basic Grey, and Stampin' Up! cardstock... I love to color with my watercolor pencils, and the vine is a very cool sizzix die-cut using my Big Shot. Love that machine! I also used the sizzlet tag die-cut from Stampin' Up! to cut out the stamped image of the pea. Isn't this fun?! I promise to post more soon...

More time to Stamp? You Betcha!

Well, this is it -- today DH finishes up a contract and is entering the ranks of the unemployed. G-d willing, this will be a one month holiday... and it will include a trip East to see Nana and Boppy... but I am hoping that he will find employment that he enjoys and is satisfying in all respects at the end of it. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers that each of you can offer.

Of course, he is a dedicated Dad, and this time off might even translate into a bit of time for me to get creative -- along with doing some of the projects I hope to get done around here~

Anyway -- something creative to post... let's see:


This little number is my younger daughter's birthday cake from February -- She loves ducks (and all birds) and calls them "mack-mack's" (think Quack-Quack in 2 y.o. talk) Anyway -- we had a rubber ducky themed party, with lollipops decorated with a cute Lizzie Anne Designs rubber ducky -- but dang, I can't find a photo of those!

I am not much of a decorator of cakes, but this sure was fun. And it was healthy -- a carrot cake, with cream cheese frosting...

Off to the dentist and to pick up DH and celebrate the new chapter with a sushi dinner.
Hugs all,
Julie

Sympathy for Myself...

Grrr...
This is the year of sickness.
I was hospitalized in January (while on Vacation) for the flu and pneumonia... and now I seem to get EVERYTHING... the stomach flu last week, then on the heels of it, this sneezy head cold and I am all clammy and yucky. I could even stamp, as my DH is around and willing to take the kids... but it is just too dang exhausting to do anything.

So -- I have an older sympathy card to upload... it was made for a friend to honor her mother's passing -- a lovely British woman who would come to visit each year. My friend is always so generous and kind, and it was such a good feeling to work on a card for her. Just posting it makes me feel better.


Do forgive the photography... I am struggling with an ancient camera and limited light... and I have GOT to get that under control -- still, it is a photo of a card, and for that I am happy.

Hugs,
Julie

The practice of blogging...

I have to admit to being totally addicted to surfing other people's blogs. I love seeing all that they do and I have to say, I wish I could do more, myself. Which I can -- but I sometimes don't.

I seem to be sick a lot -- not enough sleep, two little ones who demand a lot, the elder bringing home sickness from her school, her playdates, wherever... my immune system not totally functioning... sigh.

But I have done some -- and so I am posting some of those things here, while I get other things going... and oh, do I have some things percolating in my head!

Anyway -- here is a cute, and very simple card I did for a friend's son's 3rd birthday:


I love the elephant, and I am so glad I have the SU set -- but I sometimes find that it keeps me from buying other sets I like -- the Lizzie Anne set that Lauren just posted about, included. I just appreciated her blog entry so much, that it sent me right over here to blog myself! Thanks, Lauren ;^)*

I loved making this card -- I gave it with a substantial gift card to a local grocery store, from a group of us... and it was a nice BIG deal! Stamping very simply, it still came out with the right "umph" I think -- and good for a 3 year old, and his family!

I had better get stamping, though -- I only have a few more cards done in the past to show you... and so many NEW sets waiting for ink!

So -- time to send the kids and DH out on an adventure, keep a box of tissue for this lousy cold at hand, and GET INKY!

Hugs, all... after all, you can't get my cold through this computer ;^)*
Julie

Helping Others, and a Win-Win

I am a member of an online community that I just adore -- anyone else know of Splitcoast Stampers? Hehehe -- www.splitcoaststampers.com is an amazing place... and I have to say, I sometimes don't tell my customers about it, because I want to be their ONLY source for stamping info -- TERRIBLE, I know, so I am getting OFF that!

Here is a good reason why: There is a chance to help others with donations to the Red Cross for Flood Relief! Just go here: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/about/nonraffle

The Non-Raffle is a chance for you to donate to a good cause, and potentially win some amazing creations and/or supplies that have been donated by an incredible group of stamping enthusiasts! I hope you will consider donating.

Now, I am very much on the fence: My DH is going to be job hunting! His last day is on Monday... we have known this day was coming for a year, since he is on a contract and HAS to leave the place of employment for 100 days before he can work there again... I am not sure how much faith to have... this economy, not knowing how things will fall with getting interviews and finding that next job... sigh.

We've prepared for this time -- we have a little saved up, and there SHOULD be unemployment (I never believe that until it is approved and the checks start coming) but the COBRA payments are near the amount of our mortgage! GRRRR... How are folks making it these days? Let alone if there is an emergency, like the flooding! Lord, please help us all...

Anyway... I am seeking something hopeful and beautiful to post today, too:



This card was made for Julie Ebersole's class Simply Great Card Design, at My Creative Classroom. I ended up giving it as a wedding card, as I thought it was elegant enough, but not overly "lovey-dovey" as the bride and groom were just more "sensible" and design-oriented ;^)*
Combined with a heartfelt note inside, I think it did the trick. The stamps are Impression Obsession (delft tile) in the corners, and the center stamp is a backgrounder from Cornish Heritage Farms -- don't you love how they went together? I could put crystals on everything... but I seem to be stingy about them... gotta get OVER that!!! I keep telling my DD -- USE the stuff -- don't hoard it! I am going to start being a better example. The card is 6 1/2 inches square, mounted on matt board! Thanks for looking!

Hugs,
Julie

Why I haven't blogged...

How did it get to be July already???! And almost August, at that!~

Sigh.

Here's the deal with the blogging, for anyone who might wanna know...

I got "cute" and created a new email address and all when I made this blog -- but that means that I have to sign out of my regular email and (can you believe...) *concentrate on one thing* when I blog... so it is a deterrent to my actually getting stuff written and posted ;^)*

Poor excuse, I know.

I have been making a few cards -- though honestly, I have been taking a LOT more time for my little girls. My eldest is 5 1/2 and my younger daughter is 2 1/2 -- both are incredibly demanding, and I am still not sleeping through the night as the younger one wakes about once per night on most nights. Grrr...

Very few classes happening -- I am making my minimums as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator -- but there are sooooooo many cool things out there, that I can't limit myself (hehehe...)

Anyone read Joan on Paperlicious? She's been posting about the money she is spending/not spending... it is such an easy hobby to drop the BUCKS on! (grin) I mean, I hate to shop for most things, but art supplies? Come on! They ALWAYS come in my size ;^)*

I figure, if you came here, you probably want to see some cards... let's see what I can find after all these months --

Oh, yeah -- lame excuse for not blogging #37: I am not on top of taking/downloading/editing/watermarking my photos of cards... so you get the unwatermarked kind... sorry. Don't steal 'em, please!
This card was made for the Lizzie Anne Designs Anniversary Sketch challenge. It is my most recent one. I had a good time coloring, but there were things wrong with it -- and I didn't have much time, and it didn't even get a mention. Still, I enjoyed making it. The butterfly was me channeling Lauren Meader ;^)* Hi, Lauren! I love you!!!

I should have way more cards -- I mean, I have been a LUCKY girl -- in addition to buying oodles of stamps, I have won some amazing ones! I was soooooo fortunate to have won Asela's set from Gina K. called Botanical Dreams and Simply Sentiments from Lizzie Anne Designs, too. (Wish it could have been Le Jardin or the Space set, or the Princess set... but ah, well, it was free... anyone want to trade? (grin) Seriously, I am one of the very luckiest folks I know... and I am soooooo grateful for that! I believe you can MAKE your own luck, and that talking about it helps it to grow! Begin today... :^)

Ok, another card... you will have to forgive the lack of recipes... I am playing with lots of types of paper... Prism textured cardstock is something worth trying and usually there is SU paper in there... I am generally using Prismacolor and Gamsol for blending... not spending the money for copics at this point.

Here's one from this inspiration:




You just never know where inspiration is going to hit...

One thing that happened in my personal life is that we had to put down one of our family dogs -- after 13 1/2 years , that was TOUGH. I had been putting off the decision, but she was having a terrible time getting around, and life was no longer fun for her... on Passover, April 19th, she left us. Here is a card inspired by her: (The sentiment was ordered from Impression Obsession, I believe -- I am adoring their sentiments and images!) It is going to be a place for journalling about Josie, as I am in the middle of a scrapbook/tribute page to her. I miss her so much -- we had a novena candle burning for over 60 days for her to light her journey to the "other side"






Soooooo -- now you have at least SOMETHING to look at -- and thanks Keri for gently getting me back over here. I am so inspired by so many GREAT blogs -- it is wayyyyyy tooo easy to sit back and just blog surf instead of creating and blogging myself! Yikes.

Anyway... Thanks to all of you who visit here, and I hope to be blogging more... your comments DO encourage me! Thanks for being in touch... I do love that!
Julie

My Creative Classroom...

On Julie Ebersole's blog she talks about courses that she will be offering on My Creative Classroom.

Wouldn't it be cool to take these courses for free???

Well, here is a contest... and I am getting pretty good at contests ;^)* (Wahoo... I won one at Amuse and another at Gina K. Designs... sheer luck, but I am one of the luckiest people I know. Wanna know a "secret"? Luck gets BETTER the more you talk about it! So chat it up, folks -- we can MAKE our own luck!)

From the MCC website:

As part of our upcoming Grand Opening Celebration My Creative Classroom is hosting a logo contest to help us promote our website. All we ask is that you post our logo and/or the Grand Opening event information on your blog/website or public message board. In return you will be entered into a raffle drawing. 1st place is a $100 gift certificate to My Creative Classroom.Here's what you need to do to qualify:

• 5 tickets/entries=Post our logo with a link on your blog or website
• 2 tickets/entries=Blog about MCC and create a link to our website
• 1ticket/entry=Add MCC to your link list
• 1 ticket/entry=Post about MCC on a public message board (where allowed, please do not post on boards where it is against their TOU.)

You can begin to collect entries at anytime. Links and logos must be active through February 2nd. Winner will be announced on February 2nd.

Have fun, everyone!

A new year - A word - and an explaination

Hi -- it has been a while. Not that I don't like to blog, I do -- but I got into trouble with a "Blogging Obligation" == Let me explain:

I typed to the UHU folks and got a free gluestick -- I only had to write a review. I hated the glue stick, because I really hate gluesticks for most things... not because the gluestick was really bad (it was good enough for my kids...) I just don't like the things. So -- I haven't typed. I didn't want to put that in writing, or was avoiding it, or something. I will write a more "formal" review soon, but there -- it is out, and I can start typing again ;^)*

Now -- for the WORD part. Evidently, folks who follow Ali Edwards have been taking on a little game of sharing their words for the year... this is something that I think many people do: find some word or idea that seems to surface for them, and watch it as it takes form in their lives. Ali does it at the new year, I tend to watch for the change of seasons and do it more often... or to see if there is a natural cycle happening in my life, or the lives of my family. Lots of words pop up, as I began life as a writer...

So -- for the new year, these are two words that are battling it out:

FOCUS:verb
Inflected Form(s): fo·cused also fo·cussed; fo·cus·ing also fo·cus·sing

Some meanings: to cause to be concentrated ; to bring (as light rays) to a focus; concentrate;
to come to a focus; converge; to adjust one's eye or a camera to a particular range; to concentrate attention or effort.

AND a close runner up...

PRESENT: (in all its forms, but especially as an adjective describing a way of being. I also like the idea of a gift that is sitting in front of me -- TODAY _is_ a present! and the idea of Giving or "presenting" something to others...)

Some meanings: now existing or in progress; being in view or at hand ; existing in something mentioned or under consideration; constituting the one actually involved, at hand, or being considered; of, relating to, or constituting a verb tense that is expressive of present time or the time of speaking; attentive; instant; immediate.

If you like this idea, Lisa Strahl's blog has a great post where she and others comment about their words HERE or Stephanie Severin's blog HERE

Happy New Year to you all -- and thank you for being so understanding about my long absence!

Vote for My Card! (check it out...)

My card is on Korin's blog, Inkydoodle -- and it has a chance of winning!
Please visit and vote for me if you like it ;^)*
Tell others who might vote!

The blog artwork contest entries have been posted and voting has begun:

http://inkydoodle.blogspot.com/2007/09/national-stamping-month-artwork-contest.html

Sewing on Cards -- I wanna try this...

I just read the most amazing tutorial on Julia Stainton's blog, Belle Papier {Pretty Paper} , about machine stitching on cards. Wowzers -- Great Work, Gal! Y'all should read it.

Have any of you ever sewn on cards? If anyone is reading this and can offer encouragement, lemme know. I have this small hand-held machine I was gifted, but I don't think I am even going to try it.

I wanna find an inexpensive machine to try and just see how it works. Straight stitching and zig-zag is all a person could ask for in the short term, I think... but I don't wanna pay $150 or more for something that I won't use.

Can anyone offer me some thoughts?

The Scor-Pal Scores BIG -- and I mean it!

Wow. Have you ever met a tool that was so freakin' well-designed that it just blows you away?

For a long time I had been eye-ing one of those scoring boards -- the kind that promise the world... and sort of deliver. They are expensive... they are heavy... they seem to do one thing... they take up a lot of room...

Well, when I saw the Scor-Pal ( go to http://scor-pal.com/) -- I immediately Got It -- I mean, I have been in engineering all my life... and this is one Cool Tool.

Lemme tell you about it:

It is light weight
It is sturdy
You can do MULTIPLE scores WITHOUT MOVING YOUR PAPER
The tool has a great storage place and there is a hidden place for an extra tool to be kept
It is simple to use *elegance is a cornerstone of good design!
It is easy to use with all sizes of paper
No kid can get hurt with this one!

Diana Crick is a Stampin' Up! demo with a background in tool making, it is obvious -- and she has now even "improved" the design by adding a few extra scoring "slots" that will make the tool even MORE useful to me.

Diana is also responsive, interested and interesting -- very open and easy to communicate with -- and wow -- she is even making it easy to upgrade to the new version of the Scor-Pal if you already own one but want the newer version. In short, the designer and producer of this product is a Doll!

So -- WE CAN HELP! Even if you are not someone who makes tons of cards and feels that you have to own one -- having a Scor-Pal as a tool in the Stampin' Up! catalog would be a GREAT thing for demos. First, it is a nicely priced item to sell (think about your return on selling one of these... yes!) and it is Quality all the way -- I LOVE selling a quality item. Also, if people are using the Scor-pal they are using PAPER... think increased paper sales ;^)* Stampin' Up! should definitely consider it. It would sit right along side the Fiskars cutting tool, or the Guillotine cutter that they are selling... mine travels to workshops because it is so light... but I can't show it! Sigh...

So -- type to ds@stampinup.com and let them know that the Scor-Pal, designed by a Stampin' Up! demonstrator should BE IN THE STAMPIN' UP! catalog. After all, the Crop-a-dile is finally in there... this would complete the perfect picture. Tell 'em what you think!

Another Contest Win -- but not for cards -- for Writing!

I am loving the contests, the ones that let me think as well as create. I just know that when I get doing on the challenges that I am going to go to town... hehehe

Well -- Mary Jo was having a contest for 5,000 hits... wahoo! I am hoping to get that many ;^)* She wanted to give something away... but didn't like the term "Blog Candy" -- after all, it is sort of like Kleenex (it has become so popular that you can't tell one from another, a Kleenex by any other name is just a tissue, right?) Anyway, I digress... I couldn't resist the simple challenge and I allowed my brain to play for a few minutes -- and whatdoyaknow? Mary Jo picked one of my suggestions! She is sending me some "Techno-Takeout"! Get this: a subscription to Paper Crafts magazine! I am so excited. I love getting inspiration from all sorts of places, but I seldom splurge to buy the subscriptions (I just find old copies somewhere... garage sales... sigh).

Thank you, Mary Jo! Be sure to check out her blog, Techno Stamper and tell her I sent you!

Cards! Finally!

Well, with the kids heading back into a routine -- Mom can finally (hopefully) get more daytime stamping... these cards were basically conceived in stolen moments. I am trying to work it out to get Wednesdays as "me time" and for stamping. We will see how that goes.

Next week I am leading a card for the Methodist stamping group that I attend -- not that I am a Methodist (Jewish/Quaker is my background) -- but this group of gals has a great monthly meeting, and I am so pleased that they keep it open to others on the Island where I live.

Thanks so much to Susan for finding a "basic sketch" somewhere (when I find out where, I will edit to include that) and then for offering HER ideas on how she would change it! Together I think we found a great design.

I have done two samples using Artfully Asian (Stampin' Up!) -- this one uses the cherry blossom bough, the other is simplified for those who might be "cutting challenged" and it uses the leaf stamp from the set (sorry -- no photo at the moment). I am in love with the whole "out of the box" thing I have seen on Lauren's blog that I wanted to try it on something of mine. I am hoping that the gals in the group (some very beginning stampers) will want to give it a try.

I used the Canvas Background (Stampin' Up!) in versamark on Rose Red cardstock -- and the sentiment and image are stamped in Basic Brown on Ivory. All edges are sponged in Chocolate Chip classic ink -- and I used some of the Rose Red Pallet O' Prints designer paper from Stampin' Up! under the main image. All the brown layers of cardstock are Chocolate Chip. The Prima flower with Making Memories brad is a little lush detail that makes the card work. I like the way it takes front, and yet balances the image... no need to color the little stamped flowers... really, a very simple card. I hope they like making it!

This second card is one that came together in little bits. I just can't help loving the prismacoloring on the Lizzie Anne flowers... I am so excited for their new releases!

This card uses one of my favorite things in my stash: the Basic Grey 6x6 designer paper pads -- this one is from the Phoebe collection. Those little birdies are so dang cute! I am seeing them everywhere in stamps, so I am not surprised that this paper is getting new life. I know I want to use it with a few birdies I have yet to purchase! With the paper... You know -- I finally GOT it~ USE the stuff -- you CAN get more! ;^)* Anyone else who has a tendency to hoard... it is very freeing to gain this attitude.

Side note: I used to have these kitchen towels -- I wanted to "keep them nice" and so I wouldn't use them... but I also wanted to buy a new set (I love having lots of towels around) and I couldn't justify having so many... then I got it! USE them, and when you need more, you will be able to buy MORE! Duh! Something inside of me is coming from a place of Scarcity -- and the world is just not like that. Please don't get me wrong: I am NOT advocating waste or some horrible out-of-wack consumerism -- but hoarding and buying without USING is just weird and not right. 'Nuf said :^)

Back to the card: I was seeing a lot of tent topper cards, and well, I don't like to do things all at the same time... I sort of meander and wander and do things at my own pace. So, this was slow in getting started and quick to come together. It was intended to be my fourth entry for Kimmie's Kard Kontest about a week or more ago... but alack! I had too much going on with my folks in town to get to finish it. I did finish it a few days ago -- but am FINALLY getting to post!

I used Kraft, Choc. Chip and Pretty in Pink and White cardstock, Palette Hybrid ink in Burnt Umber, Prismacolor Pencils and Gamsol, brads from Oriental Trading Co., May Arts Ribbon and SU silver cord. Stamps are Lizzie Anne and Verve Visuals first set of sentiments called "Thoughtful Phrases" that work GREAT with the Word Window punch from Stampin' Up! I am VERY impressed by the Verve Visuals stamps -- though I was skeptical at first (they seemed so small...) and I think that this card managed to finally come together in a way I can live with.

Happy Weekend, all -- I hope that you each get a chance to your heart's delight. Me, too, for that matter!

Creating -- and Enjoying -- but what a push!

I worked all week to set up this time today to stamp. It was _such_ a challenge -- but I did it. I made a card and a half for Kimmie's Kard Kontest -- but with all that went on (my folks are still here -- the kids are coldy and just needing Mama -- I have been really catering to my parents' needs...) I couldn't finish my fourth card for the Kontest. I am sooooo bummed!

My DH was GREAT. He said the nicest thing, "Oh, Honey -- it's OK -- you still have those beautiful cards you made!" Isn't that nice? He was trying so hard not to make me feel like a failure.

Here are the cards that I made -- the last two -- you saw the first -- my sister's birthday card. This one is for the Fall Colour Challenge:


I hope that you can't see the holes that I punched under the scallop that I didn't use -- like everything these days, I have not been able to re-do anything! No Time! I just make lemonade The fun chickens are from Hambo Stamps.

And this one is for the Sketch Challenge:

In this one, I was amazed that the black ink just doesn't want to dry! It is versafine onyx black, and it got smeared once -- then again, and finally I just said, let me fix this by making it consistent, at least. And you know, I kind of like the way it softened the butterfly a bit! It gave it some life... almost a sense of motion! The stamps are all from Stampin' Up!

I hope that you like the cards! I hope that Kimmie will consider them for her Kontest... I am not sure that they got in on time... oh, sigh. Anyone else have that kind of a time with a contest?

Happy Birthday to my Sister

Today is the day that my little sister turns 39. I am feeling so good for her in so many ways -- she has come so far in knowing who she is and in establishing herself... as an adult, it is so much nicer to draw on our rich history together and work things out as they arise... I love her so much, and it is a crazy thing that we are close and yet so different and live so far apart.

Risa and I have a history of "mice" -- in fact, we used to pretend we were mice as young children, and she has a nickname that stuck from one of our games when she was 6 years old -- I call her Herb!

Stamps on this are Penny Black (mouse) and Stampin' Up! for the sentiment. Papers are mostly Stampin' Up! but the scalloped oval is Basic Grey. Ribbon is May Arts and the silver cord is Stampin' Up!

Well, Herb -- this one's for you. I love you! Happy Birthday!

All is well on the Western Front

Or: How to get your strength back when your parents visit ;^)*

My folks are great -- you know, people who really care and love you and want the best for you -- but sometimes it can be really hard when they come for a long visit. They seem to just LOVE to complain about the time difference, the airplane, that I live in the country and that I live on an island, that I have two dogs that shed and kids that mess the place up, that I am not a neatnik, yada-yada-yada. You know how some folks are really helpful when they are around? That is NOT my folks I love 'em, but grandma doesn't do diapers, and grandpa is flat out afraid of being alone with the baby!

Yeah, I know it is not stamping, but it is getting there.

Yesterday I did get to stamp -- and tomorrow I am going to put some final touches on a few cards. I can't seem to find a tiny bit of bling for one of the cards... the other I just have a few things to add... assembly seems hard. Then I will photograph and post, I promise. My mom just looked at the cards and said -- "You spend so long on these cards, how can you just send them out" -- and you know, it made me realize how much I just want to do that! Send them out! I think as I get better at photographing the cards, it will be much easier to send them out.

And -- stamping, was just what I needed to get my strength back. Tomorrow my folks are on a visit to the Olympic Peninsula, and I am going to take that time for me that I can get when my DH is home with the kiddos, too. Ah, I love having family here -- but if I could just get them to be a bit more helpful so I could stamp more!

I have been turning my mom on to scrapbooking -- I gave my folks an album that I did for them for their 40th wedding anniversary (ok, it was 4 years late -- but it is done!) and now mom is getting curious about testing the waters. THAT gives me energy! I am hoping to get my scanner working tomorrow, too -- and then maybe we can scan some of the priceless old photos she is carrying around and damaging in her purse. I did give her a new mini photo album that I picked up via Creative Memories, so I think that they are safer... and we talked about photo handling... but I am not so sure that she "gets" it, yet. I think there is hope, so y'all Hold her in the Light about it, ok?

My father and I have been going around and around about a building project that I would like to start -- one that would gain me a workshop and a car-port for our vehicles (the sap from the trees is just awful and it would be great to protect our cars from all the falling debris where we have to park them...) My dad just is so bad about DOING stuff (he is a THINKER -- he just doesn't have those kind of real-world skills) he is afraid of the thought of building, I think. I, on the other hand, have shared housing with 6 architects over the years, helped my best buddy get into Harvard school of architecture, and LOVE the thought of making a building real. I was the person who contracted out and bought land and got my home put on it -- before I was married -- and I just LOVE the thought of having space to really LIVE and USE! Dad just doesn't get it. Not that he needs to -- I am just programmed to want his approval. Gee, I feel about 5 years old when he is around!

So -- stamping -- when I stamp I am strong. I am in control. I get to pick it. I get to play. I don't have to share. Shouldn't we all have something like that?

Fun Game for you to Try

While blog hopping I found a fun game here, on Lauren's Blog (who got it from Dawn’s Blog)

The object of the game is like Scattegories! You have to think of answers that start with the first letter of your FIRST Name!

I would love for you all to play!

Here I go!

Your Name: Julie

Famous Artist/Band/Musician: Joss Stone

4 letter word: Just

Vehicle: Jeep

TV SHOW: (barely watch any) Jakers!

City/Town: Juneau (I used to live there!)

Boy Name: Jonathan

Girl Name: Jessica

Occupation: Judge

Something you wear: Jangly Bracelets!

Celebrity: Janet Jackson

Food: Jam

Something found in a kitchen: Jello

Reason for Being Late: Jump-starting the car

Cartoon Character: Josie and the Pussycats

Something You Shout: Just Do It!

Now its your turn. Not as easy as you think!

I etsy!

Ok, I am just figuring all of this out -- but I think I have found a way to add my own goods for sale, without doing the ebay thing (not that ebay is bad -- just not the forum for handmade stuff, I think... plus it can be expensive...soooooo)

Have any of you heard of ETSY? Go to Etsy.com and check it out -- it is an online venue for artists to sell HANDMADE items! Very cool, very inexpensive -- free to set up shop.

Here I am -- click on the banner below and you get to my etsy store (and thanks, again, to Kara Jones (MotherHenna on estsy) for creating my banner!

Right now I just have one item listed for sale, but soon there will be more ;^) What a great way to tie it all in together, eh?

If any of you have ever tried etsy -- would you comment and share with all of us? Happy shopping!