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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!