Simple Stories: Life Documented by Memory Works

I can't wait for this one. I think I am finally going to take the plunge and become a consultant.

Crop out Diabetes

Thanks Sara, of htttp://www.Finkerdoodles.blogspot.com for sharing this ad. Click the title to go on over and check out all the other great stuff she's got going on.

I think I may try to hang out at this one. Wanna play too?

Finkerdoodles: Crop out Diabetes ~ online crop!

Finkerdoodles: Crop out Diabetes ~ online crop!

Hero Arts Fan Club Challenge #4

I want to say thanks to Laurie Hansen for hosting such a fun challenge last month and to everyone who signed up and played along. I enjoy the challenges and especially since it pushes me to use my stamps more.

This weeks challenge ends on Dec. 19th. Just in time for the Holidays. Guess what it's TAGS. Easy right??.. Well come on over and join in on the fun. The prize sponsor is an SU! Demonstrator. Wonder what goodies are in store.

What do you have to do? Well you have to sign up to be a member here and then get busy crafting. You'll find all the details using the link I provided above.

Altered CD Mini-Album

For Christmas this year I was inspired by this video posted by OzSomeNurse


I've modified her design just a little to include a DVD of "A year in pictures". I am sure it will make my Mama and Mother-In-Law really happy. They love to show off their families, especially the "noonies". Only thing left is to finish the DVD and to put the 'finishing' touches on the cases. Here's where I am so far.






(Most of the papers are DCWV, Stamps (Studio G Series 35), Joann's Photo turns/brads, Me & My big idea sticker on cover)

Hero Arts Fan Club

http://www.papercraftplanet.com/group/heroartsfanclub/forum/topics/hero-arts-challenge-3

Well Here goes:

Laurie of Laurie Hansen Designs, owner of the Hero Arts Fan Club group at Papercraft Planet is hosting a fantastic challenge this month that ends on Dec. 1st. All you have to do is create a holiday themed card with mostly Hero Arts stamps the rest is up to you. Then post a link and comment that I sent you and VOILA!! we are both entered in the hat for a $25 gift card to her store and a 50% off coupon and free shipping..

Too good to believe right, Well what are you waiting for hurry on over and Tell her I sent you.

*note, you will have to join the PCP (it's free) in order to post to the group.

Thanks.

Martha Stewart Punches #1

I have so wanted the Loopy Punch set for some time now. I first saw it about 3 months ago and then it disappeared off the shelves. Not uncommon for the special releases so I figured I would just keep looking and waiting and it would soon pop back up.

Well today was the day and I received a special blessing along with them. There was a lady eyeing the punches too and she told me about how "un-crafty" she was and I of course felt like she needed some encouragement, started talking to her and wouldn't you know she gave me a 50% off coupon. Then I found a 2nd coupon for 50% off laying on a shelf in a whole other area of the store. So thanks to good timing and fate, I am now the proud owner of the MS Loopy Punch set.

Now to get crafty with my 1st MS punch. (and go back tomorrow to get the lattice punch set for 30% off)

Stamptoberfest 2009

Come on over and join in on the fun happening at www.twopeasinabucket.com.

Click on the title of this post to go directly to all of the fun, challenges and creative inspiration.

Where is Mojo?

I am in such a creative slump. I can't seem to get any projects finished or start any new ones. UGHH!!

My usual slump busters are not working. I've tried new techniques, cleaned up my space..still nothing. Hope my mojo returns soon. I can't take it anymore.

Look Who's Altering Now

Last Friday, I spent the afternoon having a late lunch and visiting Queen's Ink with Loretta, my newest local stamping buddy. She charged me with learning to alter something. I always thought that altering was a very complicated and tedious art form but Loretta proved me wrong. Her coaster project was just the ticket to introduce creative freedom. I think I may have the altering bug now.

Studio G Collector Challenge #17

Front: DCWV paper, Cuttlebug folder (diamonds), Studio G Stamps (series 36)

Inside: Studio G stamps (series 36)

Studio G Collector Group: This challenge starts today, Sunday, September 13th and ends on Saturday, September 26th with the winner being posted on Sunday the 27th.This week's challenge is called "tear it up" -- incorporate some TORN PAPER in your card which features Studio G stamps.

Challenge Sponsored by Pez-A-Doodle Designs

Come on over and join in on the fun.

Fiskateers are having all the fun this weekend..

Aren't you sad that you may be missing out on all of the fun? Our very own Angela is celebrating her 38th birthday and it's a swinging online crop.

This is one of the reasons I love being a Fiskateer. It's more than just a love of all thing Fiskar's or of message boards. It's a community of love and encouragement. (sometimes a little constructive critic too)

If you haven't joined yet, Now would be a great time.. click here

hey there CANDI MANDI - you've been scrapjacked!

hey there CANDI MANDI - you've been scrapjacked!

I love to visit the ScrapJacked blog. The are a great group of talented artist. The things they create over there really wow me. So many amazing techniques and photos. I think this month I'm going to try a "jack".

Join me anyone??



So here is my "jack"

An official Fiskateer

A few months ago I had never even heard of the Fiskateer's but once I was invited to browse around their site I was amazed at how different each person was and how united around a love of crafting they were. I wanted in. I applied and was accepted (You can too just visit here). I instantly fell in love with the community and have been having fun ever since. After about 2 months I found out the identity of the surprise gift Fiskar's sends to welcome each new member. It didn't spoil the anticipation though. Now fast forward a few more months and Tah-dah! My surprise arrived. I can't believe that Fiskar's would send such a lovely gift just for me.

It's official I'm Fiskateer #5734. What will your number be?

Laurie Hansen Design

Laurie Hansen Design

Laurie is having a fantastic sale. 50% off all Hero Arts stamps + $2 shipping. Pop on by and show her some support and pick up some goodies for your stash.

How has my style changed

Over on http://tracypscrapheap.blogspot.com/ We were asked to show how much our style has evolved from our 1st pages to our current pages. Here are mine. Say cheese is from March (or maybe April) and the bowling is my 1st completed layout (only 10 months ago). I don't think my style, if you can even call it that, has changed very much. The pages are still very simple, not too many embellishments.

""

Now My very 1st page

Cropping for a cause

I'm so geeked about going to crop this weekend. My mojo has been drained almost empty. I think being around some creative and crafty folks will really refresh my juices.
Where is this rejuvenating experience? KateB and Walmart have put together a crop for this weekend June 13th at the Elkridge Fire House. All fees go to support the Children's Miracle Network. What a great way to do something I enjoy and help the lil' ones. So if your mojo is zonked like mine or you have tons to share, there is still time to secure a seat. Check out all the details here.

Now comes the daunting task of planning and packing. I've been to one crop already so I kinda have and idea of what I need to take and what I can leave in the trunk (LOL). For my 1st cropping experience I just carried a large duffel and a tool tote. Simple and functional but heavy. I need to streamline a bit so I've been searching for a tote bag or cart to take my supplies in and ran across a few very well written guides to packing for a crop at Organized Scrapbooks & Memory Workshop & Cropping Corner. So I'm going to look at some storage options with my 50% off coupon. Love a coupon. Hope to find one that is easily stored and will hold the types of supplies I like to work with. We shall see.

My 1st trip to a LSS

Saturday May 30th, I decided I had to go and check out all the buzz surrounding LSS's. I usually am very budget conscious and somewhat frugal so I check for sales and use every store coupon I can get. This week instead of going to my usual spots I took the plunge and headed up to Eldersburg,Maryland to check out Photo Scraps. I've heard about it a few times and the reviews were nice. I visited the blog and liked what I saw, So why not. Right?
Well I was actually very surprised once I got there. It wasn't hard to find at all and the parking was adequate. The sign didn't say Photo Scraps though, it said Scrapbooking & Rubberstamp (or something). Anyway, through the window I could see the Fiskars Punches (Yippee), some papers in white mini-bins, and some other table displays. Once inside my eyes had lots to absorp. There were many products in the store in clearly delineated areas. The front was quite a hodge-podge of goodies and then more specific in the middle and a class area in the back. Like the friendly layout. I was able to wander aimlessly without interruption. I could even spy on the class as I walked past.
I actually took my time and visited ever wall nook and cranny in the store. I really didn't want to miss anything (especially after a 45 min drive). Lots of the things in the store I have seen in the big-box craft stores and some things I had only seen online or in magazines. Lots to Oooh and Ahhh over. My stash is already overflowing with stuff and I don't have an immediate need for anything but I figured I'm going to a LSS I'll set a limit of $25 and if there is anything I think is extraordinary I'll get it. Fair enough. After 3 circles of the store and some sighing from my son, I settled on a few things. Here's a photo:

I picked up some 12x12 acrylic shapes, a rub-on, small Imaginisce notepaper stamp, studio g purple glitter glue, twill ribbon, and a Hero Arts background stamp all for $26. I am very happy with my purchases. Can't wait to use them.

Smells Like Homemade

Smells Like Homemade

Wow what a wonderful site. So much inspiration. Pop on over and check out the awesome cards she has made and maybe enter to win some blog candy.

Re-Visiting my Creative Chaos

Thanks to WookieMouse for hosting a Organizational Challenge over at TwoPeasinabucket. It reminded me that I had this problem. This is week one of the challenge and we are being asked to assess our scrapping process and make a list. If you wanna join in on the challenge you can visit her blog. Just click on her name above. If your a TwoPeas member you can follow the link above to see what has already been posted.

So I've taken an inventory of my scrapping process and it goes a lil' something like this:
1. A photo or embellishment or even a good sketch
2. Pick out some papers
3. Add some texture and the embellishments
4. Put some words to the page, journal the memories.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. What's working for me now:
* I like having my supplies grouped in categories or by function
* I like shallow drawers that are within reach
* I like see through containers or containers where I can take a quick glance and find something

Things I need to fix:

- Storage issues
Stickers/Rub-ons (currently in a zipper binder from the office supply)
a. doesn't fit the long sheets
b. to hard to find the small sheets or individual items
c. Alphas are all mixed in

Clear stamps (currently in a zipper binder from the office supply)
a. like the binder format but need better materials
b. Need a library system so I can find them better

Chipboard- Not stored anywhere, just laying out
a. Need to figure out how to sort and store (shapes, sheets, and letters)

Small Stuff
a. Brads, eyelets, metal items in too many places.

Photos
a. Not being printed regularly
b. No way to keep all digital files in one place (need back up other than too many CDs)
c. Need a way to make "kits" so I can focus on projects

-Room Layout
* Not enough elbow room on the desk
* Not utilizing the floor space, without comprising the utility room function
*Things stored too high or too far across room to scrap quickly

What would I like to see:
Dedicated areas for working on tasks like
a. A tool zone- cutting and embossing station
b. Sewing station
c. "Wet bar" paints, inks, heat embossing etc
d. "Construction zone" for laying out a project and assembling.

New Cuttlebug Embossing Folders

I'm very excited about so many of these designs. I just can't get enough textures for my projects. How about you? Just imagine all of the great things you could create with the stars background, 4th of July, Male cards, school themes. Oh the possibilities. I'll have my eyes open for this August. They are available for pre-order through Integrity Rubberstamps. I have never purchased from them but ....

DOING LIFE

DOING LIFE

Pop on over to Doing Life and check out her beautiful layouts and take some time to congratulate her for reaching 20,000 hits on her blog.

Imagine, Create, Inspire....: Blogaversary Candy - 1 year old

Imagine, Create, Inspire....: Blogaversary Candy - 1 year old


Maria will be celebrating her 1 year blogaversary. Please pop on by and tell her Congrats and while your there check out her flower tutorial its really great.

Happy Easter and celebration blog candy!-edited

Happy Easter and celebration blog candy!-edited

Pop on by you rubber stampers. Not only will you see some really beautiful work but there are some great tips and tricks. You also have an opportunity to win some great blog candy.

Passion For Crafts

Passion For Crafts

Pop on over to Passion for Crafts and see what an awesome gift Debbie is offering. While your there tell her how happy you are that she is celebrating her 1yr 'bloggerversary'.

Like I need another hobby.

I did it. I bought a quilling tool from Michael's for $3.99. I had been eyeballing the tool for about 3 weeks. This week I decided to take the plunge. I haven't opened it yet and still have to cut some papers to practice the technique. But, I definitely didn't need a new toy or hobby. Thankfully this is one I can store in an envelope or ziploc bag.

Crafty Chicks Fall Crop

The Crafty Chicks

This Fall I will be attending my 1st away crop. Now I have never cropped so this should be interesting. I think I will be getting my self a handy tote soon. Hmm. Just need a great 50% coupon and... Anywho I'm looking forward to going and spending some much needed time scramping.

Hope to see you there.

Tax Day is over for me

I can't believe that I waited until the night before to file our taxes. I usually have them done in early February. I just don't know what happened. I do know I'm glad to see this season over.

Score!!!...Joann's die cut sale.

Joann's is having a 3 day sale April 3-5 all die-cutting accessories are 40% off and if you subscribe to emailer then you got a 20% off coupon good on all regular & sale items so 60% off total on dies. I went with a plan to only spend $25 on Sizzix dies (to use in my B-Day Kick) and with my coupons I could clean up.

Well my plan was shot to all heavens. I started in the Sizzix area and I found an Original die "flowers and vines" and a Sizzlits "buttons" not bad for 10 bucks. I also picked up Texturz plates # 2 & 3 for $3 bucks ea. I was happy until, I wandered into the Cuttlebug section. Oh No, budget shot to the heavens. I ended up getting 4 folders I had been eyeing , all thanks to Frndly1, who had me experiment with them prior to my BigKick, and 3 more just because. 2.49 each. Yowzer!! I can't wait to crank out some cards and pages with my new toys. Now where do I store them all. Hmm?

My Mama rode with me and after begging her to get out of the car to go in the "Boring" store with me she disappeared on me. A few minutes of searching and I found her in the beading section. Guess who was glued to the beads, yeah her. She ended up trying to sign up for a beading 101 class and buying some Noir pendant beads, findings and a Getting started book. Uh, Huh, now what will she call craft stores, definitely not boring. I took some time to talk to some of the beaders in the aisle and share my love of scrapbooking and in true Fiska-style. I also learned something new.

Creative Chaos

Lately I have been trying to finish up some UFOs and realized that my Creative Chaos is holding me back. I would probably be able to finish up quite a few projects if I could just find everything more easily. I have re-organized twice already. Once at the end of last year and then again this March but since I've acquired some new goodies, my current system is not working.


You can see in the picture that my space is quite cluttered. It has been org'ed a few times over but the basics you see above are still in use.The green buckets still hold embellishments but most of them are still new in packages. I now have a Sizzix BigKick cluttering up my desk and the bags in the lower right corner have been replaced with a Sterilite 7 drawer cart (the top 4 are shallow drawer and 3 deep ones at the bottom its much wider than any of the others I've seen, picked it up at Walmart). I also have a small area about the size of a doorway that has another desk with two 3 drawer plastic shelves on top. I put 4 of the 3-drawer sterilite containers in the bottom shelves and the top 2 shelves have the drawers that came with the system in them.

Most of my area is functional. The foundation is there to be a great space. It just needs some tweaking. I'm not even going to say I want a gorgeous room I just want it to be easy to get in and create when I have the time and desire to do so. I also sew in my space so I have to make it work for both hobbies. Everything else I'm into is self contained and portable.

The main area's that need help are:
1. Stickers/3D embellishments
2. Clear stamps
3. Paper goods (stacks, pattern paper, and cardstock)
4. Work surface

Let the search for a solution begin.

Stamps-a-lot has awesome blog candy

Thanks to Stampingprincess, for sharing the info over at acmoore.com in the stamping forum. Stamps-a-lot has an awesome opportunity to win 3 separate BoBunny Bundles. I'm still reviewing their site so I'll have to get back to you on that. Check them out.

It sure is great to be 29

My birthday was on Saturday and I have to admit it was the best one yet. On Friday night my BFF of 13 years, Kelli, surprised me by showing up. Seems my husband and son (and everyone else but me) knew she was coming to town. We talked on the telephone for over an hour that afternoon, all while she was driving down the Ohio turnpike. I was none the wiser. It was a fantastic surprise. We spent the night catching up. I just knew that was my present but no it just kept getting better.
Phase #2: Kel's and I spent some time the next morning pampering with a pedicure. MMMmmm, delicious. I sure needed that. but it wasn't over yet, the surprises just kept coming.
Phase #3: My hubby planned a night out for the family for dinner. Cheesecake Factory it was. I had cajun jambalaya pasta and a J.W's Pink Lemonade. Wow, was it delicious.
Phase #4: Final surprise was a huge gift bag that I just couldn't wait to open. What could be inside for me? 2 wonderful cards and a $25 gift card to Michaels from my kids. Thanks boys. A tall slender bag..hmm?? A very nice bottle of Moscato. Last box, A Sizzix BigKick. Just what I had been wanting. Check Please..Just kidding. I can't wait to get a chance to use it tomorrow.

I couldn't have wanted more. This was a great weekend.

4 more days..

I'm way to excited about my birthday.

Love this weather.

If this is any indication of what spring is going to be then I'm ready. Bring it on.

Speaking of things that can't get here fast enough. Well my Birthday is in 12 days and my gift is somewhere in this house. I can't stand it anymore. I'm so excited I just can't stand myself. I have been interrogating my son and still he won't budge. That boy sure can hold a surprise. Ugh! Now this wouldn't be such a big deal if it weren't for the fact that for my birthday they usually just give me a card and allow me to kinda veg out and maybe take me to dinner if I feel up to it. But this year no no they went all out and bought me a present. I'm like a kid on christmas eve staring at the tree.

12 days, Hmm. What can I do to keep my mind off of the surprise? I have a Fiskateers Challenge: "Show your face" for us March Babies. Then there is always the monthly card swap at http://www.acmoore.com also working on the ATCs. If that's not enough I still all of the UFO list to finish. So I guess I better get too it.

"Crown Chef"

Several years ago I played accomplice to my sister, Our mission was to create her husband a gift he wouldn't forget for his birthday. They really get into the spirit of gift giving and love to try to top their efforts from the year before. So when she told me she was trying to find him a new apron, perfect since he is the grill-master in their family. I of course volunteered my sewing skills and she went undercover and "borrowed" a few of his precious and long collected "Crown Royal" bags. These little purple and gold flannel wonders were going to make a lasting impression.


Well, it only took a few weeks to plan and execute and it turned out just fine for my first attempt at an apron and considering the patchwork. Wanna see, Here it is:










He was so surprised and elated. He does wear it proud and gets tons of compliments and request for where he got it. That makes me happy.

Well the original functions just fine but it needs to be improved, so I am charged again with making a "Crown Chef Apron". We shall see how it comes out...

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I'm officially a Blogger!

Today I start a new adventure into the world of Blogging.