happiness squared

2012-01-16T15:40:00.000-08:00

I have to say that, even though it was a ton of work to put this space together, I enjoyed every minute. Let me introduce you to my new and improved sewing room.

I re-purposed the crib springs as an inspiration board. Currently it holds a few vintage patterns that I adore. All of the elements were items I had around the house.

I'm looking forward to spending some quality time in this space. I'll definitely let you in on the results. As for the space, I still have a few pieces of furniture to paint and I need to organize all of my fabrics. Once that's done, I'll post the pics.

2012-01-16T15:25:00.000-08:00

In my previous post I mentioned that I was upcycling some burlap coffee bags. This was a project I did before Christmas. And, even though the season has passed, I thought it might inspire some of you to think outside the box when it comes to the materials that you use. For instance, these pillows were created with two Christmas themed napkins from Pottery Barn, some recycled pillow inserts, and the repurposed burlap coffee bags.

I have to say that I love the way they turned out. They added that finishing holiday touch to my great room. So all in all this project cost me $12 to make! Six bucks per pillow - not too shabby!

Up next is a look at my sewing room. It's actually a shared guest room but there is just enough room to sew a few small projects.

2011-12-11T18:36:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love the concept of taking something that would be thrown away and making it into something beautiful. I recently acquired a couple of old, burlap coffee bags and thought they'd make some lovely home decor. Here I copied an idea I found in a magazine. Below shown is a simple idea I found at Pottery Barn. I just cut the burlap and wrapped it around the base of each tree for added texture and a bit of that rustic, country charm. I love the way they turned out. I hope to post another idea soon!

2011-09-05T16:14:00.000-07:00

Hello there! It's finally feeling a bit like fall around here. Fall is my favorite time of year. Why? Oh, where do I begin? I embrace change and I love to see the leaves change color from one day to the next. And I love the thought of cool, crisp sweater weather. The other great thing is that it's garden harvest time. My husband is an excellent gardener and we have a huge bounty this year. Yum!

In honor of the changing season, I thought I'd use Bella Blvd.'s Finally Fall patterned paper and stickers. I fell in love with the colors - so cute! Here's my project:

And here's a little treat box that I made with leftover scraps. Super easy and super cute!

Paper Crafts is giving away a pack of paper and stickers from Bella Blvd. Check out the Paper Crafts blog here

Happy creating!

2011-07-13T06:27:00.000-07:00

This post is brought to you by the letter C. Cosmo Cricket that is! The product line titled Odds & Ends is aptly named and filled with beautiful elements that will leave you inspired to create more! I hope you like the projects, my apologies for the less than perfect photo! Enjoy the journey!

2011-05-15T13:26:00.000-07:00

Recently the Editorial team and Go-to Gals from Paper Crafts magazine had an opportunity to tour Stampin' Up! and create a few fun projects. Stampin' Up! was amazing, as always, and they were kind enough to share some product from their new Spring Mini Catalog with us. The card above uses a set from that catalog. I simply love how organic this stamp set is. It's so me! I had so much fun creating this card.

Check back, I'll be using some of Cosmo Cricket's new line soon!

Enjoy the journey!

2011-05-08T06:30:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to announce that my craft room was one of many lovely rooms featured in Creating Keepsakes new publication, Creative Spaces! What a huge honor! This publication is so amazing - I'm always changing up my craft room and this book has given me some really great ideas for decor and organization.

If you'd like to be one of the first get your hands on a copy here's a link for you...
Creative Spaces Link
Here's the info on a coupon code that you can use to get free shipping! The coupon code is: SPACESBB It’s good for free shipping in the US, expires 5/27/11.

And for a sneak peak...
Sneak Peak of Creative Spaces

Would you like to win a copy? Simply leave a comment and one lucky winner will be chosen to receive a copy courtesy of Creating Keepsakes! This applies for international viewers as well!

And for a little peak into my room that you won't see in the magazine...
Most of the storage in my room has been created from items that I have upcycled. Here's a look at a unique way to hang your product so you can see it - and use it! I reused some shutters and then inserted retail hooks! How cool is this? I definitely use this product more when it's out in the open and it allows me to "shop" my product.

Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to leave a comment :)
Hope you enjoyed your visit!

2011-04-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy working lately that I haven't had an opportunity to post - further still, no time for paper crafting! I did take a few minutes today to create a card in MDS (My Digital Studio) www.stampinup.com. Initially I set out to create an elegant card and then I ran into this little squirrel image and just had to use it! Hope you like it.

2011-02-13T15:47:00.000-08:00

I am loving how easy it is to create digital cards! I recently created this one using Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio program. So easy and so elegant! LOVE!

2011-02-06T17:56:00.000-08:00

Finally, a chance to create and post a few cards! It's been way too long and I'm so happy that I had time to spend in my craft room with all of my favorite inks, stamps, paper, ribbon, buttons, brads...

Here's the result!

2011-01-03T07:28:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to start a new job as an editor for Paper Crafts Magazine! This is such an amazing opportunity to share my passion for crafting and write about the amazing artwork that so many women are willing to share! If you're not familiar with Paper Crafts, here's a link http://www.papercraftsmag.com/. I know you'll love the magazine as much as I do!

2010-12-20T11:37:00.000-08:00

The Christmas holiday is less than one week away, I'd like to say that I'm completely prepared however I'm not. This season has been totally crazy! We finally decorated the tree last night and it finally feels official! Now to get all the shopping and wrapping done. I started designing my holiday cards yesterday afternoon - will I get them out? That's another matter entirely!

I designed these framed pieces a few weeks ago using Graphic 45 papers. I love how adding a bit of glitter and some simple embellishments turned these into art!

I wish each of you all of the best this holiday season and in the coming year!

2010-11-10T12:43:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love everything about Christmas! I decided to create a little art to spread around the house. Here are some photos of one of the pieces I created. I hope you'll enjoy the holiday season as much as I do. My next post will feature some of the art I framed. It's amazing what one can do with all of the amazing art that can be found in the scrapbook world. I'm absolutely in love with the vintage papers done by Graphic 45 - look them up, I'm sure you'll love them as much as I do!

Products used: Holiday paper assortment by My Mind's Eye; Rubons by Stampin' Up!; Glittered chipboard letters by Recollections; Ribbon by Stampin' Up!; Display by 7 Gypsies.

2010-10-27T15:57:00.000-07:00

A Box for Elizabeth...

My eldest sister doesn't know it yet, but this box will soon find its way to her door. I've been meaning to send this to her since her birthday in May! Better late than never! Paper from My Mind's Eye, Stamps from American Crafts. Enjoy!

2010-10-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

A Space to Sew!

Here's a couple pic's of my new sewing area. It is a shared guest room but non-the-less, a little bit of space to sew little things - quilts? not so much... but soon I'll sew some little things that make me happy. I also wanted to share a tip for creating quick, inexpensive art. The art above the desk was made using an inexpensive frame from Ikea and a fabric table napkin. Yes, I framed a napkin! I think it turned out pretty darn cute! I like to look at things for what they could be rather than what they are. I'd like to challenge you to do the same! Enjoy the journey!

2010-10-09T11:32:00.000-07:00

Here's a little thank you card I created using a stamp, pearls and card stock from Stampin' Up!, punch from Martha Stewart and this fun ledger paper (paper+cup) that was given to me by my friend, Andrea. I've also posted a picture of the ledger book in case you want to find one for yourself! Enjoy!

2010-10-08T15:31:00.000-07:00

Recently I had a major change in my life - I left my job of nearly 13 years with Stampin' Up! The most difficult thing has been not seeing all of the amazing people that I worked with. Stampin' Up! truly employs some of the most creative minded, intelligent, and kind people around.

So in an effort to say farewell, I created these cards. The tough part wasn't creating the cards but figuring out what to say to these people that have affected my life so positively over the years! Here's a glimpse at the cards - I have yet to send them out... still searching for the perfect words.

To my friends at Stampin' Up! if you're reading this know how much I appreciate and admire all of you! Thank you for so many fun memories! I miss you all!

2010-10-08T15:23:00.000-07:00

Here's the vintage inspired project I mentioned in my last post. I really enjoyed working with 7 Gypsies products on this! Paris is a place I long to visit - I see myself gathering creative inspiration, eating wonderful food, and bicycling around the streets. Someday... until then here's my Ode to Paris. Hope you like it.

2010-09-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

I started this 7 Gypsies letter tray yesterday afternoon. I was inspired by October Afternoon's beautiful papers and then found various stamps and accessories to adorn each space. I love doing projects like this, each little rectangle space becomes it's own work of art. Stay tuned for a vintage inspired project next.

On another note, this month my creative space is being featured in Creating Keepsakes Magazine (Creatingkeepsakes.com). I love how the photos turned out. If you have a chance to see it, I'd love to know what you think.

I hope you'll visit often as I have plans to increase my posting! Hope to hear from you!

2010-08-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

I am so lucky! I have the best co-workers in the world! The other day my friend, Paula surprised me with these lovely ceramic measuring cups - how cool are these? I love how great they look in my kitchen. It's amazing what a little kindness will do. Thanks, Paula, for the lovely surprise!

2010-08-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

The Sewing Suitcase Reveiled...

So here's the final project. It was a lot of fun to do. I simply measured, cut, and sewed (just a simple hem to make it look more finished) sections of fabric for each side and hot glued the sections into place. Then filled it with fat quarters and vintage sewing finds. I love how it turned out!

2010-08-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

Here's a glimpse at my latest project. I purchased this vintage suitcase a while back at a flea market. I thought that I'd reline the suitcase and outfit it with sewing supplies. I have some more fabric to purchase before I can really get to work, but here's a look at what I'm working with.

2010-08-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

Today is a day I've been looking forward to for a while. My friend Patti is in town from Canada! She's expecting and due in December so I'm attending a baby shower that my co-workers have thrown for her. I thought I'd make a little card to go with the gift using some of Patti's own designs! Even though she's having a boy I couldn't help but add this graphic floral paper to the card. After all, it is blue, right? :) Hope you enjoy. All products sans the glassine envelope and the elastic cord are from Stampin' Up!

Congratulations, Patti!

2010-07-17T15:02:00.000-07:00

Blogger has been giving me fits! I finally found a back door, so to speak to post from. Oddly, if I save a draft and then go into the draft I can post, but I'm still unable to access the new post window - weird. So long story short, given that my workload at work will be slowing down and I can now post, I'll be doing more with my blog. I'm planning a couple of sewing projects, nothing huge, just pillows and other home improvement type stuff. Should be fun! I hope you'll be patient as I get things going. Thanks for visiting!

2010-07-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

Blogger has been giving me some serious issues over the last week! I finally found a way to post - round about, but here it is! It's been a really busy last few weeks so I apologize for the delay in posts!

I spent the afternoon watching the World Cup - so sad the Netherlands lost! I'm sure my Dutch relatives are dissapointed. I heard that people in Holland took to painting their cars orange in support of their team! Problem is, the Dutch Police cars are orange as well. I'm told that the Dutch team will be given a hero's welcome despite their loss. I'm happy to hear it! They definitely deserve it!

On another totally different note, I thought I'd post a photo of the card I made last night (hence the dark photo). Another simple card - I love simple...

Flower, greetings, card stock, ribbon, pearl and ink by Stampin' Up! Die-cut label by My Mind's Eye.

2010-06-16T21:00:00.000-07:00

The other day I received this wonderful gift from a friend at work. I had posted some time back about my love of and collection of notebooks. Annie found this in one of my favorite stores, Emily Jayne. She saw it and purchased it for me! What a wonderful surprise. And I must say it came at the perfect time. So now I'm going to find that perfect gift for someone I know. It's amazing how the little things truly are the big things in life. So do something special for someone you know, and brighted their day as Annie did mine! Thanks again, Annie!

2010-05-31T20:32:00.000-07:00

For this post, I decided to create some very simple cards. I used Stampin' Up!'s Simply Scrappin' to create some 3x3 cards - I just added some simple rubons and dimension. Simple cards to add to a gift bag!

And here's a little card using the Peddaling Past Stamp Set from Stampin' Up! Love this set! I used a die-cut from My Mind's Eye to create the label piece - I just traced the die-cut onto Whisper White card stock. Then added some fun patterned paper from Lily Bean and ribbon from Pebbles.

Bonjour from the Florida Keys!

2010-05-25T17:54:00.000-07:00

My dearest friend, Marsha, brought this beautiful stamp set home for me when she recently visited Key West, Florida. It is almost too beautiful to use, but use it I did! Hope you like the results. Thanks again, Marsha!

The beautiful cake stand was made by my friend Emily - her blog can be accessed in my fav blog list under A Little Sparkle.

Card stock, ink, glitter and glue by Stampin' Up!

2010-05-19T17:42:00.000-07:00

There is something very compelling for me about the quest for finding good things in overcrowded, highly unorganized, hodge-podge, flea markets or antique shops. I'm just waiting for my eyes to rest on the most coveted item in the place! If I love it, I'll usually pick it up, because I HAVE to hold it. If I see the price tag and realize that it is WAY out of my price range, I'll rest my hand on it briefly, just to affirm my love for said object. Weird? Maybe. But I'm so passionate about finding things that make me happy simply by looking at them - I have to acquire them! I always imagine the home they lived in before - their history becomes part of mine.

Recently, I went to Mesquite to visit my parents. No trip to Mesquite is complete without a trip to the local Salvation Army. This trip yielded an apothecary jar for the bargain price of $1, two dictionarys for the bargain price of $1.60 (printed in like 1973), some embroidery fabric, and an old vest pattern. Cool!

The following weekend and with the the bargain bug firmly established, I had to make a trip to Abode's monthly flea market. There I found this old typewriter, a piece of Haeger pottery, an old book, a muffin tin painted a fun yellow color, and an old suitecase. Check out the photos of these fun finds! I cannot wait to display and use some of these items in projects. Stay tuned for more goodness!

It's been way too long - so I've created a way too long post!

2010-05-03T23:16:00.000-07:00

Here's a great way to keep those little bits and pieces displayed so that you'll remember to use them.
For me it's always outa site, outa mind! I found this old yard stick at one of my favorite antique shops, Gingerbread Antiques in Sandy, Utah. I think Charlet may have seen it first, but she was kind enough to let me purchase it. Thanks, Charlet!

As promised a few posts back, here's a glimpse of what's on my nightstand. There are so many fun things in this photo! My dear Mother-in-law found this Emma journal filled with quotes from the book along with drawings of the characters - so charming!

Then I found this book at this darling children's boutique. It's called Believe and I think it's one of those must have quote books!

Also, check out my own version of a Pottery Barn Charging Station. I modified a small desk organizer as a home for my phone, sunglasses and a notebook - how cool is that? The other cool thing is I got the item on sale - I love me a good Pottery Barn Sale!

I also wanted to share my passion for collecting notebooks. Some of them were gifts from friends (who have excellent taste). I don't know why I'm so drawn to them! I have too many to count and I can scarcely bring myself to write in them for fear of tainting them in some way! How crazy is that? These journals are from Eco Jot, Caroline Gardner, Orla Kiely, See Jane Work, Design by Patti, and Cronicle Books. The colors and patterns always get me!

And here's my latest work in progress. I used very simple painters masking paper to create these flowers ($3 at the home store and the paper will run through the Sissix beautifully). I love how delicate they look. Stole this wonderful flower idea from my friend Patti's wedding decor. Just about the most beautiful wedding ever. So that's all for now, sorry for the long delay in posts! I was really missing it!

Bring on the Spring!

2010-04-11T19:09:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd celebrate spring by creating little gifts for my co-workers. I had purchased some tiny notebooks some time ago, and knowing that my co-workers are always looking for inspiration and in need of someplace to jot the inspiraton down, I thought they'd make a great gift! I slipped each of the notebooks and pencils into these card sized cardstock sleeves that I sewed to create the pocket, then simply adorned each pocket with a punched out butterfly (Martha Stewart) and a cute little stamped label (Paper Salon). The cardstock, patterned paper, ribbon, and ink are all from Stampin' Up! I hope my co-workers will appreciate a little gift to celebrate spring!

The Card Box...

2010-04-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

For someone who makes cards for a living, I always seem to be out of cards! I created this card box so that in a pinch I could create something fun, bright, and cheerful! I hope it'll come in handy.

From the Farm Photo Collage

2010-04-06T21:03:00.000-07:00

I've been under-the-weather and have not even stepped foot in my craft room for four days! I didn't want to let too much time pass without posting so I've included a photo collage of the Tibolla Farm in Midvale. I married into a wonderful family and I've always loved roaming the farm and it's just about the best place to take photos! Mark's grandmother is in her 90's and still manages to work on the farm - what a great role model! These photos were taken September of 2009 - hope you like them!

A Glimpse of a New Project!

2010-04-01T01:04:00.000-07:00

Here's a snapshot of some of the products I'm using in my next project. I'm looking forward to showing you the final result!

A Day of lounging, more lounging, and crafting...

2010-03-29T18:29:00.000-07:00

I took today off and enjoyed the warmer weather, movie watching, reading, and just plain old lounging - of course there was a little bit of cleaning and laundry thrown in there for good measure. Sophie, my adorable lab mix is curled up next to me, seemingly bored with my lounging ways - no playing ball or walking the neighborhood today. Sophie couldn't let the day go on without a bit of mischief - she snuck into dad's garden - a definite no-no. And she made off with a couple of shoes and socks - that's what I get for not playing with her today!

I couldn't let the day go by without creating something - so I made this very simple card. Now, back to lounging...

Hearts a plenty...

2010-03-27T18:04:00.000-07:00

I love this photo of Lauren and Ryan - it captures Ryans love of laughter (something I haven't seen much of lately.) Gotta love those teenage years! I love Lauren's smile and how truly happy the two of them look in this photo.

I created this page in My Digital Studio. I love how easy this program is, a page can be created in just minutes and there's no messy desk to clean up afterward!

MDS Card ~ Here for you

2010-03-24T17:39:00.000-07:00

While watching Persuasion this afternoon, I created this card. I'm loving all that can be created with My Digital Studio - I think I need to invest in a few new downloads.

My next project will be to print one of these cards out and then create a hybrid card using embellishments.

Stay tuned...

Quilted Card

2010-03-20T20:52:00.000-07:00

Often I'll make cards and save the scraps, while cleaning my craft room I came upon some bits of patterned paper that I thought would make a great quilt like card. I love sewing my paper crafts - it adds a finishing touch. Hope you like it :)

Sleepless in Salt Lake...

2010-03-19T00:08:00.000-07:00

What do you do when you cannot sleep? Lately I've been retreating to my craft room to while away the hours - I'd much rather be doing something productive rather than tossing and turning!

You'd think after a long day at work the last thing I'd want to do is create something - the minute I rediscovered this paper and stamp set, I knew I had to put them to use!

Paper, ink and stamp from Stampin' Up!

Other supplies from Cosmo Cricket.

Simple Butterfly Note

2010-03-13T18:53:00.000-08:00

Here's a card I made for my sister who has been recovering from hip surgery over the last few days. I thought I'd send her a little note to let her know that we're thinking of her during her recovery. Stamps from American Crafts, paper and ink from Stampin' Up!

Creative Display

2010-03-11T17:36:00.000-08:00

This is a creative way to display all of my various crafting products. I recycled these old shutters from my in-laws home and found some clips that were going to be thrown out by my local grocery store. The store manager offered them up for free and it turns out they clip into a shutter with ease.

So, for the bargain price of, free, I have a wonderful way to size up my collection and so far it's been super helpful! As I filled up the pegs I found so many wonderful products that I'd completely forgotten about.

I like finding unique ways to store my stuff and it's even better when I can get organized for nothing more than some good old creativity and elbow grease!

A Simple Thanks...

2010-03-10T23:17:00.000-08:00

I am fortunate enough to have wonderful neighbors. Every few months one of my neighbors delivers a piping hot loaf of fresh bread to our door - it's always just in time for dinner. And I should say that this bread is so delicious that it could be a meal unto itself! What better way to thank my neighbor than with a home-made gift of my own?

So I created this set of thank you cards. Simple, yet elegant and totally usable. How often do you reach for a thank you card? Here's the latest. Stamps by KI Memories, paper, ink and ribbon by Stampin' Up!

Vintage Goodness...

2010-03-09T23:40:00.000-08:00

Here's a little vintage tag I made today. I think I might do a series of these, frame them and hang them in my office. I think my next challenge will be to create a collage sample using My Digital Studio and then try my hand at printing it directly on a large tag. Could be fun... stay tuned.

Just hanging around...

2010-03-08T19:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a little look at the latest changes to my creative space...

Enjoy the Journey

2010-03-07T12:19:00.000-08:00

I made this card in the wee hours last night or should I say, this morning? Anyway, I love these colors and had scraps left over from the last project so I thought I'd make a quick card. Enjoy!

Easy Card Kit Project

2010-03-06T23:52:00.000-08:00

Today I had a little time to spend in my creative space and I thought I'd put together a little card kit using a stamp set that works with many punches. I love how easy it is to create small embellishments for cards using punches and coordinating stamps. Here's what I came up with.

Another MDS Project

2010-03-04T16:32:00.000-08:00

So I thought I'd try my hand at a very simple page done with MDS. I love my paper projects to have a great deal of texture, but I find that I like MDS projects to be a bit more simple. I loved doing this page, mostly because it includes two people I love very much, my daughter Lauren and her cousin, Madison. Aren't they just beautiful?

My Digital Studio

2010-03-03T19:14:00.000-08:00

Today I thought I'd play with My Digital Studio (MDS) - for those that do not know MDS is Stampin' Up!'s digital project software. It's full of amazing images and very simple to use. I whipped this card up in five minutes - so fast!

On the nightstand

2010-03-02T17:41:00.000-08:00

One thing that I'd really like to be better at is reading. I have the best intentions. My shelves are filled with books I'll read 'someday' - so to encourage me to get through the reading lists, I've decided to add a post everymonth about 'what's on the nightstand' I think that it's fun to find out what people are interested in and what better way than finding out what books they read? So here's what's on my nightstand: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, A beautiful journal given to me by my friend Andrea (thanks Andrea, I love it!), the book Five and Think Big - all of these books are well worth the $ and time. I've told you what's on mine, now tell me what's on yours ;)

Photo Project

2010-02-21T17:57:00.000-08:00

A few posts back I promised a look at my latest project. I was inspired to create this project by a photograph in Elizabeth Kartchner's new book. My husband was kind enough to construct the shelves, I did the painting and filled and arranged the frames. I am so happy to have this completed. I have had the photos sitting in a large pile since the week before my surgery back in September! I collected random frames, and painted them all with a black gloss spray paint. I was thrilled to see the inspiration for this photo arrangement as it saved me the trouble of placing all the photos individually. Just a little moulding and some paint and we have a beautiful photo display in our family room. I think this corner begs for a leather Pottery Barn chair, don't you?

Creative Space

2010-02-21T07:58:00.000-08:00

My creative space is ever evolving. I add, take away, add some more, then rearrange. Sometimes I spend more time rearranging that creating! Here's a glimpse at my creative space. I love spending time in here. Especially when it's clean and the house is quiet. Where do you create? What makes it special?

I especially love my wrapping area. I don't get to use it as often as I'd like, but it's really nice to have everything in one place. There's nothing better than getting a very well thought out gift - right down to the wrapping.

I love mixing old and new in my space. It's also really important to me to have things out, for me the rule - outa site, outa mind totally applies. So if it's out I'll use it. Naturally everything cannot be on display, just the stuff I reach for most often. Every couple of months I'll go through each drawer and container and I'll usually say things like, "oh, that's where that went!" or "I totally forgot that I had this!" It's always a bit like Christmas!

Old and New...

2010-02-20T14:34:00.000-08:00

So today I was cleaning out a few boxes in my creative space and I discoved an old set of reference manuals - the covers of these books were super unattractive, they just begged to be covered, so I set out to do just that. It was so easy and I think it makes for a nice presentation. One of the books contained quotes so I thought I'd make use of that one by pulling the binding off and then I tied the pages together with some cotton string. To cover the books, I used some beautiful paper (Stampin' Up!) designed by my friend, and former co-worker, Patti. I love that I've taken these books that would have gone in the trash and made them into something really great to look at. I will use the loose pages for die-cuts and punches. If you look carefully you can see some of the punched pieces scattered about. I hope this will inspire you to look at old things in new ways. Happy Creating!

The 'R's Have it...

2010-02-20T14:20:00.000-08:00

Over the last 8 years I've collected the R's you see in the photo. It started with some letterpress letters found at a local antique shop and grew from there! These R's have come from far and wide to reside in my craft room. My sweet mom even embroidered the framed R you see in the photo. Too fun!

2010-02-16T17:47:00.000-08:00

Here's a quick project that I did today. I gathered some pictures from Christmas 2008 and placed each of them on tags purchased at a craft store. Then added some interest with stamps (Stampin' Up!) and other accessories. This is part of a larger project that my DH helped me with over the weekend. You'll have to wait a bit to see the project completed! Stay tuned!

Pillows and Patterns

2010-02-16T10:52:00.000-08:00

Pillows, patterns, and flowers to die for! I just watched a segment on a local tv show about making the beautiful flowers on these pillows. I just love them! Hmmmm... I feel a new challenge coming on...

A Charming Challenge...

2010-02-15T17:13:00.000-08:00

I challenged myself this week by stretching out of my comfort zone. I love pretty things, but I also love graphic and clean design. I enjoy creating things that look simple at the onset but after further discovery you realize the project was a bit more involved. So here's my latest creation using the Stampin' Up! Jewelry and the set designed to work with it, Charming. Hope you like it. I will enjoy wearing it :)

A Fancy Challenge. . .

2010-02-09T17:48:00.000-08:00

I finally finished a project that has been eating at me for months, this jewelry board. I recycled an old frame, filled it with cork and batta boom, batta bing, a jewelry board! I embellished it with a fabric flower and a 'vintage' button. The flower was made using the Stampin' Up! flower folds sissix die - so easy and sooo fun!

As for the fancy part, I've included a preview of a fun Valentine in a fabric envelope. I created the envelope using the scallop envelope die. I just adhered the sides with fabric glue. The Love Bandit Stamp Set is one of my favorites so I had to use it on the card. Hope you like it.

The first challenge, complete!

2010-02-07T20:42:00.000-08:00

So here's the result of my first challenge. I knew when I picked up this floral frog that it would find a place in this lovely domed stand (Pottery Barn). And what better use than to hold a little project! I used some beautiful Stampin' Up! stamps. I hope you will be inspired to tackle a few projects of your own. Next up, a fabulous jewelry board. Can't wait to share!

A Good Challenge. . .

2010-02-07T20:17:00.000-08:00

I love to collect things - things that I have every intention of using and never seem to find the time to tackle! Recently I was lucky enough to travel to a little gem of a town, Old Towne Orange in California. A pleasant little community that houses plenty of wonderful antique shops! My friends, Amy and Paula led me to this adorable little floral frog (bottom right). The challenge was to use at least one of the collected items in the photo. I plan to use each item in the shot until all projects are tackled successfully!

I hope you enjoy the result!