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!

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!

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!