Friday, January 31, 2014

Blog Stalking Friday - Creations with Christina

April here again with another blog that I stalk regularly.  I think I might spend too much time on the computer.  Maybe that is why I don't get as much crafting done as I would like - I don't have the time.  I am too busy on the computer finding great crafty inspiration and ideas.

One of the blogs I regularly stalk is Creations with Christina.  She is a Stampin Up demonstrator and she make some really cute cards.  I'm always on the look out for cute cards to make for OWH and I can rely on her blog for inspiration.  She also had a youtube channel and because I am a picture person - I love seeing how she makes her cards right on youtube.

If you're looking for some inspiration - check out her blog.  She features Stampin Up products, but her designs can be adapted to use other companies products if you don't have Stampin Up stuff.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
 Luke 6:38  Give, and it will be given to you.  A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.  For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Thursday, January 30, 2014

You are The Light of My Life

Another cute Unity Stamp of the Week that is older than the flowers in the vase I did earlier this week. Unity has the cutest puns.  And I really appreciate puns for cards.  I'm not a sappy card maker - I like funny.



As you can see I used patterned paper from a 6x6 paper pad by My Minds Eye.  I did some paper piecing for the lamp shade using the same patterned paper.  I did some sewing along the border and then added some pink enamel dots from Basic Grey.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
Deuteronomy 31:6  Be strong and of good courage.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

WOYWW 243 - Clean It Up

It is already the day for WOYWW.  I cannot believe next Wednesday will be February, but I digress.  If you want to see some great desks and art work from around the world go to Stamping Ground and check out Julia's blog.

In the meantime, this is my desk for this week.  I'm cleaning up so that I can do a Room Tour video.  I seriously need to vacuum.



Well, my desk was cleaned off until I decided to get some Mojo and make some cards.  So I cannot complain.  I got 5 cards made and made some stars for another 6 cards.  Yay.

I'm off to visit desks which will allow me to put off making cards for OWH.  I'm such a procrastinator.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
Romans 8:6 - 8  The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.  The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God;  it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.  Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

PL Week 1 or is it Week 2

I finished the week that included January 1, 2014 in it.  I always get confused about which week is which. Anyhoo, I was able to get my act together and finish up week 52 (at least I think it was week 52) and week 1.  There wasn't a lot going on for the next 2 weeks so I'm thinking I might be able to get away with a 2 page spread - 1 for each week, but we'll see.

These are some photos of week 1 since I was trying to confuse you in my above paragraph:





Sorry for the glare.  I need to take my pictures during the day.  But I think you get the idea.  :-)

And a video:



Have a great day and be inspired.

April
John 3:20 - 21  Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.  But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.  

Monday, January 27, 2014

A Time for Watercolor

As is typical, I need to make some cards - yeah - the same cards I talked about in a blog post earlier this week.  I'm a procrastinator - what can I say?

I am a member of the Unity Stamp of the Week club.  So every week I get the cutest little Unity stamps.  The one I got last week or the week before - I forget - is a vase with flowers.  I was going to stamp it on watercolor paper and then use markers and a water brush.  Then I had revelation.  I thought - I can color the stamp with my Stampin Up markers and spritz with water.  Then I can stamp it on the watercolor paper.

Here is the result of the inspiration:



Next time I am going to take my water brush and bring the color in and see how that looks.  You can see the items I used to create this card in the background.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
John 11:25  Jesus said to her I am the resurrection and the Life.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

More Snow in the Forecast

My title has absolutely nothing to do with my card.  I just LOVE snow and winter.  I know that is unusual, but my theory is - you can always find a way to get warmer, but there's only so much you can do to stay cool.  To keep warm you can add layers of clothing, build a fire and add more layers of clothing.  In summer when it is really hot, there are only so many clothes you can take off.  Once you reach the skin - you're done.  And the air conditioner can only keep it so many degrees below the temperature outside.  And snow is way prettier than rain.

I know no one is convinced by my argument and that's okay.  I just thought I would share one of my 'thoughts about life'.  :-)

My card is another one we made at a Stampin Up card club.  Love the colors.  And who can resist flowers.  Not me!


Stampin Up has the cutest flower stamps and the punches that go along with them are awesome.  We have a card class this weekend and I'm so excited.  Our Stampin Up demonstrator is very creative and doesn't just make cards - we are doing a 2 page layout, too.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
1 Peter 5:8-9  Be alert and of sober mind.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers thoughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Friday, January 24, 2014

Blog Stalking - Kerri Bradford

Kerri Bradford is just all around wealth of information on photography and scrapbooking.  She doesn't necessarily know everything about everything, but even better - she knows who does.  It's not what you know, but who you know right?

You can find her blog here.

She has promoted some classes that look very interesting.  I took one of the Big Picture Photo Challenge classes.  And that's all I have to say about that.  But she has an ongoing class called The History Project.  It sounds like it might be a great one to attend.  It requires participation and I found after my holiday photo and journaling classes that I did not follow through on that I am not big on participation.  I will try again, but not right now.  :-)

Anywoo - I highly recommend her site.  She also has some free printables some times.  Great place to get good information about the paper crafting and photography hobbies.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Psalm 127: 1 - 2 If the Lord does not build a house, then those who build it work in vain.  If the Lord does not guard a city, then the watchman stands guard in vain.  It is vain for you to rise early, come home late, and word so hard for your food.  Yes, he can provide for those whom he loves even when thy sleep.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Get Well Soon....

I have many things on my to do list.  I am sure we all do.  But this year I have made myself a promise to send more cards to my friends and family.

I am HORRIBLE about sending cards to people I know.  Most of my cards go to charity.  And that is a good thing, but shouldn't I spend some time on cards for people I know as well?  I think I should.  The thing about donating cards is that I can do it on my own schedule.  Friends and family have things happen which require cards on their schedule.  Am I being selfish?  Absolutely!

So, that is why this year I will send Get Well cards to my sick friends and family.  I will send sympathy cards to those who have lost loved ones.  I will send birthday cards and Easter cards and Halloween cards.  HOLD ON!  I am getting a bit carried away.  LOL  I think I will focus on Get Well and Sympathy.  I will work on Birthday.  Easter and Halloween I can try for next year.  A girl can only do what a girl can do!

Here is a card that I made with my friends using Stampin up stuff:


So pretty.

Now I need to get to making the cards I need to make.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
Proverbs 14:23  There is profit in all hard work.  But endless talk leads only to poverty.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

A New Cricut Machine?

I was minding my own business watching videos on Youtube when I ran across this one:

http://youtu.be/a92AJBg66VE

So, of course I had to go do some research:

http://www.fortmilltimes.com/2014/01/21/3231898/cricut-presents-explore-the-worlds.html

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20140121005656/en/Cricut-Presents-Explore-World%E2%80%99s-Easiest-Design-and-Cut-System

http://www.obsessedwithscrapbooking.com/2014/01/videocricut-explore-provo-craft-new.html

I found this very interesting.  Notice the publication date:

http://svgcuts.com/blog/2013/11/08/cricut-to-revisit-svg-support-cricut-explore-design-space-and-aircut/


I know a lot of people are disillusionsed with Provo Craft and their Cricut machines for one reason or another.  I personally have a Cricut Expression, Cricut Expression 2, Cricut Imagine and a Gypsy.  I also have a Silhouette Cameo.  And the Ecraft die cutting machine, but I digress.  I like all of my machines for different reasons.  I like the Cricut Craft room, too.  I enjoy the Silhouette website and like all of the options for downloading and cutting.  I think each machine has its strengths.  Cricut tends to stick with the cute and I am all about the cute.  Silhouette has a lot of variety and is a little more sophisticated.  I like sophisticated, too.

I'm sure there will be lots of people who will not even consider purchasing this new Explore machine.  I, on the other hand, will be watching HSN and I feel quite confident I will be sucked in by the hype.  How long has it been since we've had a new machine?  Too long!

And just one more thing.  Who made the first die cutting machine that we had to have?  Who still has a stuffed green cricket sitting in their craft room?  I believe it was Provo Craft.  I think I can give them another chance.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
Song of Solomon 2:8 -  He is coming leaping on the mountains skipping on the hills.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

WOYWW 242 - Was Up?

Today is Wednesday and that means that we share pictures of our work desks with the whole world and we get to see work desks from around the world.  Go to Stamping Ground to see what the fuss is all about.

In the mean time, check out the mess that is my work desk.  Probably doesn't look that different than last week.  It is probably because nothing has changed on my desk.  The walls are another matter.  :-)



The picture below is my new peg board with my new to me wire hangers perfect for 12x12 paper pads.


See - I told you not much has changed.  :-)  I need to rememdy that situation.  In the meantime, I am going to go blog hopping - just another excuse not to go down to my craft room.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
1 John 4:13 - 15  This is how we know that we live in him and he in us:  he has given us of his Spirit.  And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.  If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.

Sooooooooo Sloooooowwwwwwww

I had Monday off and I was going to get all kinds of things accomplished.

My To Do List:
Finish 2 weeks of Project Life
Finish my RAK gift
Mail stickers - they're in the mailbox
Put up pegboard - check
Hang paper trays - check
Hang paper racks - check
Make cards for OWH
Go to Sams - check
Go to the eye doctor

I guess I accomplish more than I thought I did.  But I still didn't do nearly as much done as I wanted to.

Here are some pictures of my progress.

First I took down the 12x12 paper trays and replaced them with 8 1/2 x 11 paper trays.  This pegboard is adjacent to the desk that I use for Project Life and card making.  Since I use 8 1/2 x 11 for making cards, I wanted that size paper nearest this desk.


Emily and I hug this peg board today.  Thank you Emily for your help.  I installed my 12 x 12 paper trays and a 12 x 12 wire rack;  as well as, different aparatus to hold my dies as my Vagabond sits on the chest of drawers below the peg board.

This is a close up of how I am storing my dies.  This could change.  :-)

I am going to try and use my Reflections 12 x 12 paper organizers in the wire racks.

Just another view of the peg board above the chest of drawers that Emily and I hung today.

I seriously need to get my room organized so that I can get some crafting done.  :-)

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
Psalm 100:5  The Lord is good.

Monday, January 20, 2014

Happy Birthday Martin Luther King Jr.

Take a moment today to remember Martin Luther King Jr..  He was instrumental in establishing that what our constitution says was upheld.  All men are created equal.  Race, religion, gender - none of these should play a part in how you view your fellow human beings.  How we treat one another is how we should be judged.  Do unto others as you would have done unto you.  If we all lived by that motto - this world would be a much better place.

Happy Birthday Martin Luther King, Jr.  and thank you for being brave enough to stand up for that which you believed in.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
Luke 6:35 - 36  But love your enemies, do good to them and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.  Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.  Be merciful just as your Father is merciful.

Dude!

I went on a alcohol marker coloring spree last year.  I say alcohol markers instead of Copic because I use Copics, Prismacolor and Spectrum Noir.  I like a variety.  Anyhoo, I have several images that I colored last year, but never put on a card.  So as part of my new year's organization I am getting all those colored images on to a card and out to OWH.

Here is one of those images.  I colored several of these little kitties.


When I pulled this out of the box of partially made cards - The card base, background and kitty were already together.  I just had to find some pattern paper to match and add a sentiment.  The sentiment is by Paper Smooches.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
1 Corinthians16:13   Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.

Sunday, January 19, 2014

In Deepest Sympathy

One of the cards I seem to be in need of the most and hate to send the most are sympathy cards.  I hate it when someone dies.  I believe in God and heaven so I don't hate it so much for the person who has passed because I think they have gone on to better place where there are no tears or pain.  I hate it for the people that are left behind who will miss that person who has passed.  It makes me sad to see someone else who is sad.

I moved around when I was a kid.  I did not live in one place for over 2 years until I was 16 years old.  Because of this I don't have 'childhood' friends that I've known since I was in kindergarten.  I didn't get to see my Grandparents or other family very often.  Once a year at best.  I say this to say that I have never lost anyone close to me.  For years my Mom and Dad and brother were my close knit friends and family.  I made friends where I lived, but once I left - we didn't stay in touch.  I think this causes me to deal with death a little differently.  I've not been 'exposed' to the visitation and funeral scene like my husband and his parents.  I like to remember people the way they were, not lying in the casket.  As I get older, I've gotten better.  There was a time that I did not go to a visitation or a funeral.  But as I've gotten older I've realized the visitation is not for the person who has moved on to a higher plane, but it is for those who have lost the loved one.  But it still makes me sad.

Unfortunately, the first of this year has brought 3 deaths (you know they come in 3's).  The son of a co-worker, a former co-worker who just retired in November and a former neighbor who had lived a good long life.  I don't like to go to visitations or funerals, but I do like for those who've lost their loved ones to know that I am thinking about them and am sad about their loss.  So that means that I make sympathy cards.

And sympathy cards are extra hard because you want them to embody the emotion that you are feeling.  You want them to make someone feel better because they know someone cares.  You want them to represent that you appreciated the life of the person who has passed on.  A sympathy card should be beautiful as is the memory of the loved one and comforting to the person who has been left to grieve.  That's a lot of pressure for some paper and ink.

I am being very wordy today.  Let me get to the picture portion of this post.  Here are the sympathy cards that I made:


The stamp is by Avery Elle.  The paper pack is by Little Yellow Bicycle.  It's the one with the poppies in it.  Love that paper pack.  The poppy embossing folder is by Stampin Up.


The sentiment is a stamp by Avery Elle.  The paper pack is by MME.  The embossing folder is from Stampin Up.

I found initial idea here.  Of course my version is a little different and I did some sewing.

I hope these cards bring the recipients a little relief from their sorrow for just a moment.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
Revelation 14:13  Blessed are those who die in the Lord for they rest from their labors.

Saturday, January 18, 2014

About 2 Weeks Too Late

I have been working on cards for OWH and I have been using sketches to get inspired.  This sketch was from about 2 weeks ago (needless to say I didn't make the challenge), but it was so cute I used it anyway.  And I was going to refer you back to the sketch, but now I can't find it.  :-(  I made 10 cards for OWH in varying colors.


I used my American Crafts Banner punch in 2 different sizes.  The paper is from a 6X6 paper pack by Little Yellow Bicycle.  I used the beast (my sewing machine which is awesome) to sew the banners down.  The sentiments are by Avery Elle.  All of this is attached to Neenah Solar White cardstock.

I really like the simplicity of this card.  But it's so stinkin cute.  A good way to use up some of those scraps you have lying around, but cannot bear to throw away.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
Jeremiah 29:13  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Blog Stalking Friday - Finding Nana

I am a blog stalker.  I could spend hours upon hours upon hours going from one blog to another looking for more information about a subject that I am interested in (obsessed with - same thing).  Like they said in the movie National Treasure - I can't remember the exact line, but it avoided the word obsessed.  What is one step past ??????? - passionate.  Can't remember the word where the question marks are, but you get the general picture.

So since I am passionate about Project Life/Pocket Scrapbooking right now, I have done quite a bit of research on the subject via blogs and youtube videos.  You know - reliable resources.  ;-)

One of the many blogs and video producers I've found on the subject that I like is finding nana.  I love the colors she uses, the layering, the embellishments, and all the other things she does like adding paint drops.  If you want some great techniques for Project Life - check out her blog.  And her videos.  You will be glad you did.

Well, that's all from me for now - happy scrapping.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April

 

Thursday, January 16, 2014

My Sewing Beast

A lot of you have asked what kind of sewing machine I have.  Actually, no one has ever asked me that, but I've always wanted to say it.  LOL  So even though no one has asked - I'm gonna tell you about my sewing beast because I want to.  :-)  That's the whole reason for blogging right?  To share.

I use my sewing machine to sew paper more than anything else.  Although I have sewn a bra or two.  You know the bra that you've worn until it fits you perfectly.  And then the seams start coming apart.  ugh.

It can sew just like any other machine, but what makes my machine a beast are the features.  It has a self threading needle.  Yes, self threading.  Once I thread the machine which is very intuitive with easy instructions right on the machine, I push a button and the needle is threaded.  It's awesome!

The next feature are the buttons on the machine that I use to put the needle down, sew, reverse and cut the thread.  Instead of using the foot pedal, I use the 4 buttons on the machine to perform all those tasks.

Here is a picture of my beauty.  I picked her up on day on HSN.  I know, I should never be watching HSN when I'm in the mood to spend money.  But this girl was worth every penny.  :-)


I picked up this variety pack of thread at JoAnn Fabric.  Another good investment.  I am always able to find a coordinating thread for any card I've made.

Just a close up so you can see the brand name.

And a little view of the eye candy.

If you don't sew, there is always time to learn.  You can use it for sewing material, fixing garments you already have, quilting, paper crafting and all kinds of other things.  I'm sure there is a youtube channel that will teach you how to sew.  I was fortunate enough to learn from my mom.  :-)

Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Mark 2:27-28  then he said to them, 'The Sabbath wsa made for man, not man for the Sabbath.  So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath."

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

WOYWW 241 - Change is the Only Constant

It is Wednesday which means it's the day to share your desk and go snoop around other's desks.  If you would like to participate or just nose around go to The Stamping Ground and check it out.  It is great fun and very inspiring.

I've come to the conclusion that I am not happy unless I am changing my room.  I think I am happy with the general layout.  But it's the little things.  I've gotten several pieces for paper storage from my scrapbook store that is going out of business.  :-(  The pieces I've acquired require slat board or peg board.  I have some peg board, but I 'need' more now to accommodate my new paper storage pieces.

Anyhoo here is the room as it exists today:

  

Lots going on at the card/PL desk.  The scrapbooking desk seems to be gathering 'stuff' and dust.  I need to work on that.  I still have an album to finish that was supposed to be a Christmas present.  It may end up being an anniversary present at this rate.  :-)

I will see you in blog land.  Have a great day and be inspired.

April
1 John 4:20  Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.  For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.



Tuesday, January 14, 2014

What's in Your Pocket?

Your pocket scrapbook page that is.  I am here to share the 2 page spread I did for the week of Christmas in 2013.

Left side:

Right side:

Close ups:




I used a 6x6 paper pack from Little Yellow Bicycle, Simple Stories 3x4 cards from a holiday set from last year:

Enamel Dots from Basic Gray in Silver:

In addition I used the staples including a Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher, labels from Snap, sequins and labels from Little Yellow Bicycle.

How are you coming along with your pocket scrapbooking?  Don't put it off - it you're even thinking about it - start doing it.  You will be so glad you did.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Mark 1:  7 - 8  And this was his message:  "After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.  I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

Monday, January 13, 2014

More PL Pages Done.

I feel so good about my Project Life right now.  I have my pages done through the end of last year.  The ones I started in October that is.  But it is a start.  

I have been faithfully putting pictures in the Collect App - awesome - LOVE IT.  It reminds me to put a picture in if I forget.  I don't plan on taking a picture everyday, but if there is something I want to remember - I can store it there.

This is the week we were in Orlando.  The majority of my pictures will be going into the Family Scrapbook album, but these were my PL pictures.

The left side.


The right side.  Remember - I am using Christmas paper and embellies for the whole month of December.


Some close ups.



When I work on a 2 page spread for PL, I like to use paper from the same paper pad and embellies that coordinate with that paper pad.  And of course washi tape, too.  This is the paper pad I used for this 2 page spread.
 And some more 'stuff' I used for the week.

Some of my staples are labels for snap albums.  They come in a variety pack that has colors I use often.  I picked that up from another PLer, cannot remember which one, though.  I believe it was from one of the Garden Girls at Two Peas in a Bucket.  They have some great PL process videos on youtube along with mercytiara.  Go check it out - great stuff.

If you are at all intrigued by Project Life style scrapbooking, you should give it a try.  It is as simple or as elaborate as you want to make it.  And not even necessarily as you want to make it, but as simple or elaborate as you have the time to make it.  I have more time because my children are grown.  Had I started PL when they were little, I would have gone with simple.  Just having the pictures and the little notes of the memories with them is well worth it.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Matthew 5:14  Ye are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hid.

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Pushing Through the Lack of MOJO

Do you ever have one of those days where you just cannot find inspiration.  You go to Pinterest and nothing squeezes those creative juices that are blocked.  You go to your sketches and you try to force the stamp you want to use into the sketch that you want to use and you just cannot bring it together.  Well today was that day for me.  But I was determined that I was going to push through it.  I am very hard headed - just ask my family.  :-)

So I pushed through.  I'm not terribly happy with the result, but I've done worse.

I've recently become a Die Hard Club Member at The Stamps of Life.  I received my first stamp and die set this week.  I actually joined at the end of December so I received my December stamp and die set this week, too.  I actually received my December set after I received my January set.  The December set looked like it had been through a lot on the way to my mailbox.  But it made it unscathed.

So I spent several hours which included updating my Silhouette software to create this card.  I used Stampin Up Melon Mamba for the popcorn bucket.  I know - red is usually the accepted color of a popcorn container, but I was trying to be creative.  LOL


The patterned paper is from a 6x6 paper pad by Amy Tangerine.  I also added a little twine bow from Doodlebug.  All the ink I used was from Stampin Up.  The big piece of popcorn under the sentiment was cut out using my Silhouette.  Some of the kernels were cut out with the Silhouette as well.  Most of the kernals were stamped with the kernals of corn that came with the Stamps of Life set and were cut out using the coordinating dies.

Even though it took me hours to create one card I powered through and didn't give up.  Hopefully tomorrow will be a more creative day.  :-)

Have a great day and be inspired.

April
Isaiah 54:10  "Even if the mountains are removed and the hills displaced, my devotion will not be removed from you, nor will my covenant of friendship be displaced," says the Lord, the one who has compassion on you.

Saturday, January 11, 2014

The Light of My Life

I have a list of cards that I need to create this week for multiple purposes.  Unfortunately I need to make sympathy cards.  You know they say deaths come in threes.  Well, it came in threes for me.  So sad, a friend who just retired in November died from a heart attack, another coworker lost her son in a car accident and our former neighbor who was up in age passed away.  It makes me sad when I have to make sympathy cards, but it seems those are what I make the most of for my personal use.

On a lighter note, I need to make two get well cards for coworkers.  So, while making those I decided to make my RAK cards, too.  And while I was into it, I thought I would make some extras for OWH.

I like to start with a sketch and this time I started with a sketch from Freshly Made Sketches:


Here is the card I came up with:


I used a mini stamp kit sold by Archivers with stamps by Tim Holtz and a 6 x 6 paper pad by Authentique to create the 4.25 x 5.5 inch cards.  It's hard to see but I used a sparkle pen to color the metal portion of the bulb and the wire in the yellow portion of the bulb.

I was able to make several cards including the two get well cards that I needed along with two more cards for my RAK and several cards for OWH.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Luke 6: 37  Do not judge and you will not be judged.  Do not condemn and you will not be condemned.  Forgive and you will be forgiven.

You've Got Mail

I am a big fan of the show 'Friends'.  I think every situation in life can be related back to a Friends episode. I'm beginning to think the same thing about the movie 'You've Got Mail'.

If you haven't seen You've Got Mail - you need to watch it - great chick flick!  Right now my life relates back to You've Got Mail because the store I work for is closing its doors forever.  :-(  Okay - it's not my store like it was in You've Got Mail, but it is still very sad.  When people come into the store and ask when the sale begins or how much are the fixtures - I have flash backs to the movie.

As sad as it is, I am a firm believer in the fact that everything happens for a reason.  I am just hopeful that the reason will be disclosed to me sooner rather than later.  I am an immediate gratification kind of gal after all.

Since the store is closing - everything is for sale.  I don't have any room for big fixtures, so I decided to invest in the paper trays.  I was so excited when I tried one in my pegboard and it worked.


I like having my paper out and visible.  My daughter Emily sorted it into ROYGBIV - go Emily.

I'm getting some metal pegboard soon and I hope to get some more paper trays for that pegboard, too.

Please keep my fellow workers who are also my friends in your thoughts and prayers as they will be looking for new employment once our store has closed its doors.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Ephesians 5:1 - 2  Be imitators of God as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Friday, January 10, 2014

Blog Stalking Friday - Deconstructing Jen

Another blog that I stalk regularly is Deconstructing Jen.  She sends out a sketch on a weekly basis for card making.  I always like to start with a sketch because sometimes (all the time) my creative juices just aren't flowing.  Jen also is on the design team for Taylored Expressions which is one of my favorite stamp and die companies.  She always comes up with the cutest card designs.  And if you know me - you know I'm a CASEr.

Check out her blog and enjoy her creative mojo.

Have a great day and be inspired.

April

James 5:13 -15  Is any one of you in trouble?  He should pray.  Is anyone happy?  Let him sing songs of praise.  Is any one of you sick?  He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.  If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Getting Caught Up with Life - AGAIN :-)

That's Project Life or Pocket Scrapbooking.

I am so happy with my Project Life/Pocket Scrapbooking progress in 2013.  I plan on continuing to stay caught up in 2014 - for the whole year.  I usually end up printing all my pictures the week after they were taken, but it might be the end of the month before I get them all placed in their page protectors with embellishments.  And this seems to be working for me.  Right now I have all my pictures in their album through the end of the year.  That means I accomplished my goal for the third quarter of last year.  Yay me.

Here is a video sharing the process for the first week of December.


Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Matthew 5:16  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

WOYWW 240 - Making Progress


Once again it is Wednesday and that means that we get to take pictures of our work desk, but more importantly we get to view work desks from around the world.  If you haven't experienced WOYWW - you need to go to Julia's Blog and check it out.  You will be glad you did.

My work desk has seen some action this week.  On Sunday I caught up on Project Life.  Now I'm getting serious about my OWH cards.  I created 10 cards last night.  Now I just need to stamp them with a sentiment.

 This is my scrapbooking desk.  I'm working on finishing my Mom and Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary album and my pages from last year's vacation.  A scrapbookers work is never done.

This is my card making/Project Life desk.  Right now I am making cards for OWH.

I have lots of plans for completing projects this year - wish me luck.  :-)

Have a great day and be inspired.

April

Phillipians 4:11  I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Time to Be Merry Challenge at Creative Knockouts

It is Thursday and that means it is time for a new challenge at the  Creative Knockouts Challenge Blog .  This week's theme challenge i...