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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!