tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76184237941113123592024-02-19T11:52:56.011-05:00Snips of Time NewsMy blog that talks about my studio, business, and all things scrapbooking and card making! Come follow along, who knows what we'll be talking about today.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618423794111312359.post-49694524625719566762014-04-23T10:00:00.000-04:002014-04-23T10:00:00.619-04:00Can't believe I haven't showed you this yet!<span style="font-size: large;">I really can't believe I haven't shown you this yet!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;">Check out my logo!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you to Travis Tom for creating it for me! I have beautiful business cards and I even ordered T-shirts with the logo. Show up the Grand Opening and they will be available!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618423794111312359.post-38166219294746352992014-04-22T13:19:00.000-04:002014-04-22T13:19:27.998-04:00And the Wheels on the Bus...I titled this post that because sometimes it feels like we are just spinning our wheels. I'm not complaining, but there is a lot of work that goes into a Grand Opening, not to mention a three day scrapbook event! I"m excited and exhausted all at the same time.So let me let you in on the details!!<br />
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May 3rd is National Scrapbook Day and being a scrapbooker, that makes me happy!! And it makes me want to have a HUGE crop at my place!! So...<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">THREE DAY CROP AT SNIPS OF TIME</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">FRIDAY MAY 2ND: NOON-8PM</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">SATURDAY MAY 3RD: NOON-8PM</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;">SUNDAY MAY 4TH: NOON-8PM</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The crop is $10 a day, includes a table of your own to work on your pages, access to a Cricut Expressions machine and many cartridges, punches, and other tools. There will be soft drinks and other drinks available as well as scrapbook friendly snacks, and a lite casual evening meal. There will be some National Scrapbook Day 2014 goodies. One National Scrapbook Day 2014 shirt will be given away each day!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;">There are only six seats available each day.</span></span></div>
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Please call and reserve your spot today!</div>
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being held at </div>
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404 Shallowford Cir</div>
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Augusta GA 30907</div>
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317-507-1166</div>
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snipsoftime@Yahoo.com</div>
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You can register for one day, two days or all three days.</div>
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There is also the Grand Opening Open House. This is the official event. This is the BIG one!! (LOL that made me think of Sanford and Son...) I would love for anyone and everyone to come to the Open House. You don't have to be a paper crafter, just appreciate creativity. Please come and check out my creative space!! </div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><b>GRAND OPENING OPEN HOUSE</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><b>SATURDAY MAY 10TH</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><b>NOON-8PM</b></span></div>
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<b>held in my studio</b></div>
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<b>404 Shallowford Cir</b></div>
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<b>Augusta GA 30907</b></div>
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<b>This is going to be amazing! It's being catered by my best friend since 7th grade...Nicolle Coleman who is a fantastic cook and baker. Being that it's Mother's Day weekend I'm dedicating the Grand Opening to my parents...all four of them!! I will be displaying some pages and albums about my parents. Please come and share this with me and see some other original artwork and my creative space.</b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618423794111312359.post-11148400253742970722014-04-21T18:22:00.001-04:002014-04-21T18:22:28.209-04:00No Man is an Island<div style="text-align: center;">
No Man Is An Island</div>
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No man is an island,</div>
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Entire of itself,</div>
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Every man is a piece of the continent,</div>
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A part of the main.</div>
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If a clod be washed away by the sea,</div>
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Europe is the less.</div>
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As well as if a promontory were.</div>
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As well as if a manor of thy friend's</div>
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Or of thine own were:</div>
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Any man's death diminishes me,</div>
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Because I am involved in mankind,</div>
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And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; </div>
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It tolls for thee. </div>
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--John Donne</div>
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I know, a pretty strange way to start a scrapbooking blog. But the other night as I was laying down to go to sleep the quote "No man is an island" popped into my head. I thought about it for a little bit and I realized I was thinking about what was happening in my life right now and how it wouldn't be possible without the help of so many people. I realize that my success or failure is ultimately up to me (I'm talking about Snips of Time becoming a profitable business.) But there are so many things that have been made easier because of my connections with other people.</div>
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I also realized that's where my love of scrapbooking and card making comes from...connections with other people. I love making someone I care about that special birthday card (even if it is late once in awhile.) I love scrapbooking other people's photos (and mine too) to show the connections between family members, friends, events.</div>
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So, remember that you are not an island...you are part of such a bigger whole and that's a good thing. You get to decide what you do, where you do it, how you get it done...but in reality you never really have to do it alone. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618423794111312359.post-47706655444491284462014-03-19T03:09:00.000-04:002014-03-19T03:09:47.157-04:00BIG ChangesThis is indeed a time full of big changes and I want to share these BIG changes with you!<div>
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First and BIGGEST is that I'm opening my studio to the public! I have always wanted to teach, share what I already know, what I'm learning, and what I love with others. Taking my studio public will allow me to finally be able to do that. Second (though this is the biggest size wise lol) my studio has finally moved to a dedicated and larger location. Upon acquiring our current home, we realized that we would NEVER use the formal living room/dining room and I instantly saw "studio" stamped all over the space in my mind. Thankfully my husband was all for it. It's about 300 sq ft (hubby says...I don't measure too much past 12x12 myself) and has been renovated with a sink, fantastic lighting, and doors to close it off from the rest of the house (and I can't leave out the full size fridge for the ever important cold drinks and other snacks that creative minds need!)</div>
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I'm over the moon excited because what this all really means is that I'm taking Snips of Time a step further. I'm going from a hobby I sometimes get paid for to full time. I've stepped down from my full time position at CVS (scary!!) and while I haven't left there completely, work a very limited schedule so that the studio can be open regular hours for you to come and crop and learn. The main business of Snips of Time is scrapbook for hire and card making....the teaching and cropping is just the icing on the cake for me!</div>
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Other things are changing with all of this. I plan (and I REALLY mean it this time) to blog regularly. When I say regularly I'm actually going to make myself a schedule and just like with any job, intend to stick to it (or I'll have to write myself up LOL) I plan on having guest bloggers (so if you think you'd like to be a guest blogger, let me know.) And the content of my blog will be changing slightly. I'm planning on doing tutorials and maybe at some point videos as well!</div>
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If you've been following me for any length of time, you know that I'm so very passionate about creativity, scrapbooking, hand made cards and sharing all of this with others. I intend to be passionate about this blog and using it as a way to continue to share all of this with you. With that being said, please don't hesitate to email me snipsoftime@yahoo.com to tell me what you want to see on here or what you DON'T like. I've got a list a mile long of things I want to do with this blog and with YouTube channel and my studio, but your input is invaluable because I really want you to enjoy this. I want you to look forward to seeing my posts and what I'm sharing with you. </div>
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Please share/forward my blog to others you think might enjoy it. Follow me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/SnipsofTime. I often have give-aways on my facebook page :) And never hesitate to contact me directly by email snipsoftime@yahoo.com. I will also have a website up soon, and there will be a calendar of events on it, with class and crop schedules. Don't worry, I'll make sure all the exciting dates will be posted on here too. </div>
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Keep checking back, my big Open House will be coming up soon and I'll post the date and times on here for you so you can attend if you'd like. There will be goodie bags, drawings for prizes and one of my biggest supporters and friend since age 13 will preparing some incredible food to go with it. (She has a business baking speciality cakes, so it should be awesome!!) Hope to hear from you soon!!</div>
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Go be creative!!<br />LeighAnn</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.com0Snips of Time 33.4734978 -82.0105148000000133.0492308 -82.655961800000014 33.8977648 -81.3650678tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618423794111312359.post-70504214650457870492013-03-18T17:58:00.001-04:002013-03-18T17:58:50.975-04:00A New LeafHello Everyone!!<br />
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WOW! I've been back in Augusta almost a full five months and that has brought about some changes. I've decided that Snips of Time really needs to be a serious focus for me, as a business. I've always said this is what I want to do for a living. I want to create and teach others they can create too. So....<em>THAT'S WHAT I'M DOING!!</em><br />
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I still have my "day job," but I am on a leave of absence to help my mother (who has some serious health concerns.) Every cloud has a silver lining (at least in my world) so I'm using some of this time off of my "real job" to explore what I can do to make Snips of Time a success. I'm really excited about it, but at the same time scare. But, scared or not: HERE I GO!!<br />
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I've been pretty busy in the studio. I just finished an order that will go in a fundraiser auction basket, that included 10 thank you cards, a sample mini album and a gift certificate for a mini album. I also just finished 12 Easter cards for a neighbor. I'm also recently finished an amazing project that was for two adopted boys (brothers.) It was a scrapbook for each of them to give them a time line of sorts, a where they came from to where they are today. It was such an honor to be asked to work on their albums. I really believe that this was my most important project yet :)<br />
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My next project is to get those two sweet boys' albums current...their mom and dad are sending more pictures!! I can't wait. I'm still working on the usual birthday and anniversary cards and whatever little projects pop up.<br />
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You can see examples of my work on my facebook page <a href="http://facebook.com/leighann.rebillard">http://facebook.com/leighann.rebillard</a> , please look for my Snips of Time Scrapbooking and Cards page and "like" it. When I hit 100 likes, I'm doing a drawing for a free set of five cards!!<br />
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Feel free to comment on here as well. Maybe if I get enough people commenting I'll do a give away on here as well!<br />
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Have a creative life!!<br />
LeighAnnAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618423794111312359.post-68376436109987172572013-01-08T14:42:00.001-05:002013-01-08T14:42:22.225-05:00Hello 2013Well hello 2013!! At least half of the first month of the new year hasn't gone before I got around to saying hello!! And I do have a lot to tell you!<br />
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Snips of Time, as well as myself, has moved once again...and hopefully for the LAST time. 2012 was a tough year for me personally as I lost my GA dad and my GA mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. That's what prompted my move. I have moved back to my hometown of Augusta GA and have been working on getting my studio put back together down here. My husband is still in IN, finishing some things up there and will be joining me hopefully shortly. I'm living with my mother, right now just being some emotional support as her physical health is still holding on...as I pray it continues to do so.<br />
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Snips of Time didn't take much of a break. In the first two months of me being down here I made over 50 cards and worked on some scrapbooking at well. I've kept my "day" job with CVS and transferred to a store near my home here in Augusta and am the "Engagement Ambassador" for my current store, like I was for my previous store. I am incredibly blessed by walking into another store and feeling like part of the CVS family immediately. <br />
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My studio is a work in progress here, but it works and I'm still making progress on all my projects LOL. <br />
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So, 2013 is here. It will bring happier times and it might bring some sadness too. We'll have to wait and see what it brings. But I will bring a positive attitude and some creativity to the year!!<br />
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I have a ton of "goals" that in reality, I need to sit down and really give some thought to. I'd like to accomplish some things this year...and to do that I really need to have more focus. So, focusing is what I'm going to do.<br />
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Now, off to the studio to work for a bit before I have to go to my day job:)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618423794111312359.post-63424025898604547672012-07-06T19:18:00.003-04:002012-07-06T19:23:37.054-04:00Scrapbooking on a shoe stringSo often I hear people talk about how expensive it is to scrapbook. Like anything, it CAN be, but it doesn't HAVE to be. In reality, there are only a few necessities that you have to spend money on.<br />
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<li>You have to have a way to crop your photos and cut your paper</li>
<li>You have to have a way to adhere your pictures to your pages and in essence build your pages</li>
<li>You have to have some kind of pretty paper</li>
<li>You have to have something to write your journaling with, even it all you journal is names, dates and places</li>
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Lets break these "necessities" down.<br />
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<li>Something to crop your photos and cut your paper</li>
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You can use a pair of scissors for any and all of that. You can buy any multitude of of paper trimmers and the price tag shouldn't necessarily be the deciding factor. I have three pairs of (straight edge) scissors and at least five paper trimmers. Because I scrapbook and make cards a lot, it made sense for me to invest in a trimmer that doesn't dull with frequent use. I bought a Purple Cow combination trimmer that has a rotary trimmer and a guillotine trimmer for around $60. I worked my way up from the very basic trimmers and found myself having to replace the blades too often. Not having to constantly replace blades off set the overall cost of the trimmer very quickly for me. I found the same with scissors. My CutterBee's weren't cheap, but I've had them for probably 10 years.<br />
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Adhesives can be looked at the same way. I was buying tape runners at WalMart (which I still do on occasion) and they are relatively inexpensive. However, when you are using them as much as I do, it seems every time you turn around you need a refill. So, I invested in a Scotch 3M ATG (adhesive transfer gun) and after the initial investment (I think it was about $25) the refills are quite reasonable online. I still use liquid adhesive for some applications and usually use Arlene's Tacky Glue. It's inexpensive, easy to find and made for paper crafts. It adheres really well too, once you let it dry.<br />
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<li>Here's a big one PAPER</li>
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Oh all the pretty papers!! I've learned to discipline myself to buy the DCWV (Die Cuts With a View) paper stacks from JoAnn's when they go on sale for 40%-50% off or when I have a coupon. I only buy paper by the "sheet" when I need something very specific. I also buy my white and black cardstock at WalMart as that seems to be the most cost effective route and I use a lot of both. If I need a lot one color (say for making Christmas cards) I typically go to discountcardstock.com and buy it in bulk. I also "force" myself to use what I already have. I don't take my pictures into Archivers with me to match papers with themes or colors, because I'm sure I already have something that will work in my stash or at the very least I can MAKE work. (It also stretches your creativity if you make yourself use what you have.<br />
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<li>What to write with</li>
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What you write with is important too. If you do all your journaling on the computer you need to make sure the ink you are using is acid free. If you hand write your journaling or do a combination, you still need to make sure whatever you are writing with is acid free. You don't need to have a pen in every color. Yes, it's fun and pretty, but a black acid free pen will still get the job done.<br />
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The point of all of this is that you can spend as much or as little as you want. I have a Cricut Expressions electronic die cutting machine ($300 when they first came out) and more cartridges than I'd like to admit, but I card making and scrapbooking are my PASSION. Rarely a day goes by that I'm not working on some project. <br />
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Basically, before you buy the newest and coolest anything, you have to decide how often you ware going to use it. Just like that pair of shoes that your REALLY like, you have to think about when and how often you are really going to wear them. <br />
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Yes, I have A LOT of scrapbooking stuff. But I've been collecting all of it since 2001. I didn't go out and buy it all in one shot. I bought stuff on clearance, on sale, with gift cards...you get the point.<br />
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Please feel free to comment and/or ask any questions. I would love all my blog posts to be interactive. And as always, you can email me at <a href="mailto:snipsoftime@yahoo.com">snipsoftime@yahoo.com</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.com0Snips of Time39.497487 -86.06295539.4959555 -86.0654225 39.4990185 -86.060487500000008tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618423794111312359.post-75967654681802982902012-04-16T08:39:00.000-04:002012-04-16T08:39:29.095-04:00Monday, MondayOh how I would like to crawl back under the sheets for a few more hours as it's so grey and rainy!! I'll be honest, sunshine is a HUGE motivator for me and well as creative inspiration. I seem to be more creative when I can see the sun!! BUT...the show must go on!<br />
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So, I'm writing this post, and then heading to the studio to get somethings done before it's time to get ready to go to work. What I really wanted to share with you was the first thing I did in the new studio start to finish...<br />
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This was for our dear friend Danielle's new little baby. The picture doesn't really show how the colors pop, but at least you can see it.<br />
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Now off to go be creative...it makes my day brighter!!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618423794111312359.post-49455310575511757092012-04-11T09:39:00.000-04:002012-04-11T09:39:44.550-04:00Find your THING, it will ROCK your WORLD!WOW!! Lots going on and not a lot of time to sit down and blog about it. But I'm trying!! LOL<br />
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The biggest bit of news for Snips of Time is that I've (and therefore the studio) has moved! As is typical of, it was just a move of a few miles...but the studio now has it's own room and since I started working on unpacking it and putting stuff away just Monday, it's coming along nicely. My goal is to be able to be able to work in it come Friday evening at the latest. It's been KILLING me not to be able to create these past few weeks. <br />
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This lack of time (and place) for creativity has really brought me to what I want to blog about today. I have really learned what a huge part of being creative means to my life. There are a lot of people in my life who say things to me like "it's so nice that you scrapbook" or "isn't that sweet that you make your own greeting cards." I can almost hear in their voices "why would you waste your time cutting up bits of paper?!" But here's the deal people...I NEED to do it. There are so many parts of myself (as is really true for everyone) that can't be expressed at work, or in my "day-to-day" life, so to speak. My paper crafting, my "hobby" is what allows me to express what I need to express. My husband will attest to this...without my scrapbooking, or at the very least creating SOMETHING I am not a happy person. <br />
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Here is something that's interesting, just to think about. I suffer from depression and take Prozac for it. Do I think the Prozac helps? Absolutely...I wouldn't take it every day if I didn't. HOWEVER, Prozac alone does not make me feel "good." I had to find my positive thing. When I say that I mean I suppose there are negative things that could make me feel good, IE drugs, alcohol, whatever. But my creativity, or expressing it really is my POSITIVE thing. I have emotional issues without my Prozac, things get very hard for me to do, getting out of bed is a struggle and so on. Without my creativity it's like another world. It's a world I can function in, but I'm not happy in. <br />
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Here's something else to think about and it was something else I had to learn. You can live to make others happy...and don't get me wrong, I'm a pleaser and struggle repeatedly with how it effects me when those I love aren't happy; but what if you CAN'T make them happy, or if they move away, grow up, leave you...whatever?! Then what does that do to your "happiness?" I've learned that your happiness has to come from inside yourself. Not from what society has said you need to be happy, not what your best friend said you should do to be happy, not what I say, your mother says, or even a therapist tells you. If they aren't telling you to find it inside yourself...good luck is all I have to say. There HAS to be something in your life, inside of you, that no one can take away from you, that is not dependant on anyone else, that is about you alone that you can find happiness in. That my friends, is what my creativity is about.<br />
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Am I saying you have to be "creative" to be happy? NO, I'm saying you have to find that something that does it for you. Something that you can look forward to on a bad day, that something you know is always there for YOU. I have been through some tough stuff in my short life people...and my creativity has carried me through. It has managed to give me a sense of accomplishment when I couldn't find it anywhere else. It has allowed me to find like minded friends, make lots of new friends, and even have (albeit small) a second income. <br />
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So go out there and find your thing people. It will rock your world!! I promise!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618423794111312359.post-28312156408182663062012-03-05T09:57:00.000-05:002012-03-05T09:57:18.583-05:00Brave Mothers and Daughters (and Fathers)I've been taking the class Brave Mothers and Daughters from the Brave Girls Club (Melody Ross) and even though Hailey has moved to TX, it's still been fun. We did a lot of it before she left, and she is going to be here soon for Spring Break, so maybe we'll finish it up then. I have now got my WI parents interested in doing the projects with me too, which is going to be a blast...they aren't really "paper crafters" so I can't wait to see what they come up with. I told my stepmom to tell my dad that Mod Podge was just another kind of varnish!! I don't think he'll buy it, but it'll be fun just the same. I don't know when they will get started, but I'm sure once I start sending them stuff I made for them, they will get interested!!<br />
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Here's a picture of Hailey working on the Truth Rocks</div>
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I think the whole clay thing was her favortie part! You can barely see it in the picture, but those are our Truth Rocks in the oven (baking the clay to the glass marbles) and in the center of the cookie sheet if you look you can see the pink "frame." That's for her Treasure Box. I'm hoping to fill it up with more stuff for her in the future!<br />
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I like all the parts of the class, but making the Truth Rocks...actually, not making them, seeing them finished and being able to see those shiny glassy rocks with positive words of love on them, that's what's been my favorite so far!! They look like miniature works of art!! Thanks Melody Ross!! <a href="http://www.bravegirls.com/">http://www.bravegirls.com/</a><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618423794111312359.post-82869129221761512022012-02-25T00:32:00.000-05:002012-02-25T00:32:09.060-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As usual, I haven't been very good about blogging. Life just gets in the way!! Between working full time and attempting to get my act together on completing orders AND not always having Internet access....well the excuses abound! So all excuses aside, let me tell you what I've been doing lately.<br />
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You see the picture to the right. That's the cover to a table top calendar I did for my GA parents for Christmas this past year. Very very simple and inexpensive. I really do hope to get to a point that I'm posting tutorials and possibly videos...but for now, I guess you get what you get. LOL Now on to what I'm doing right now(ish).<br />
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I'm finishing up a calendar order that is way overdue. Sometimes I am a littler over ambitious and forget that I have to sleep and that sometimes my fibromyalgia has different plans for the way I spend my time. I am sooooo close to have this order done though and am excited about the way they are turning out (they are not the same design as the one pictured at the right.) I have three more orders to get done after that. A monthly planner, scrapbook layouts of a friend's vacation, and some name tags. I'm also taking some AMAZING classes.<br />
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About these classes. If I haven't mentioned it here before, if you are a crafter, especially a paper crafter that wants to stretch their wings and get out of there comfort zone now and then or just learn more about a technique you are already using, check out <a href="http://www.mycreativeclassroom.com/">www.mycreativeclassroom.com</a> . All the classes are very reasonably priced and have down loadable PDF files so you can print out the handouts (if you're old school like me or have to go to the library to use the computer or whatever.) I have learned SOOOO much from the classes I've taken from them and they have a ton of different classes and a ton of different instructors. Right now I'm knee deep in an altered book class. Talk about being out of my comfort zone...tearing pages out of a book? writing in a book? using glue on the pages of a book? You get the point. But it's a blast and really gives me permission to just try techniques without it being so intimidating. I am LOVING this class!! I'm also doing "Designing with scraps" because heaven knows I have a few scraps of paper laying around!! AND "the Organized crafter" because God knows I have enough craft stuff to organize in my little bitty apartment/studio!! <br />
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Because I hate to be bored or at the very least idle for more than 5 minutes I'm also doing Brave Mothers and Daughters (check out <a href="http://www.bravegirls.com/">www.bravegirls.com</a> ) with my daughter Hailey. First off, anything Melody Ross does is golden. It just is. She is an amazingly positive person who can show you how to be strong and see the positive in things and REMEMBER to see the positive in things...so important in today's world!! The class is so much fun and even though Hailey and I are now having to do it long distance (she recently moved, like this past Wednesday recently, to TX) it's so much fun and really reminds us each why we love each other. And I even have my WI parents talked in to giving the class a go with me. I think nothing is more important than telling those special family members how important they are to you and why!!<br />
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So, as you can see...I'm up to my nose in Yes paste, mod podge, calendars and photos. Not a lot of sleep happening here, but I'm happy. What cracks me up, with all that I have on my plate right now, I can't help but say "ooohhhh I want to do that too!!" Someday I'll slow down a bit, but not yet. I've learned that while I suffer from depression (which is not to be taken lightly) and sometimes that "beast" (that's what I call it) does its best to paralyze me, I'm happiest when I'm creating. It's a learning process for me...to reach for my brush and mod podge instead of doing self destructive things, but I'm working on it. <br />
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And lastly on a very personal note (feel free to stop reading now if you wish LOL) my husband and I have started couples counseling and while it makes me face some very difficult things I see it as a very positive thing. I'm learning things about myself that I'm doing that are self destructive and working to replace them with positive things (see above paragraph) and we're learning how to communicate more. Our therapist is fantastic and really sees things as they are. It's very helpful to have a non biased person tell us "hey, this is something you need to think about/do." For the first time in our relationship we are without kids living at home (another story) and one point she made in our last session was "go DO something FUN together!!" Don't get me wrong, we do things together, but we've been focused on kids for our entire 12+ yr relationship and now is the first time we only have to think about what to do with ourselves on a Friday night LOL. Of course me being the scrapbooker that I am, I'm sure there will be pages created in the future of the fun stuff we do. But that's for another post.<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.com0Snips of Time 597 W Madison St Franklin IN 4613139.4806055 -86.054986339.2843965 -86.37084329999999 39.676814500000006 -85.7391293tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618423794111312359.post-72603060780934381142012-01-13T06:33:00.001-05:002012-01-13T06:33:43.492-05:00Just a little random happiness<div><p><a href="https://www.evernote.com/shard/s164/sh/41f5ba76-3408-44b5-a31b-35b57456f6d3/8f9002ca2e9cc763f8f5ec05ca0d4818">Random happiness</a><br>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, Franklin39.480606 -86.054985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618423794111312359.post-36611017363529181212012-01-10T18:30:00.001-05:002012-01-10T18:30:06.941-05:00Just a very quick post<div><p>Actually this is more of a "test" than a true post. I want to see how easy/hard it is to post from my phone. I'm trying to get a feel for if this will work for quick posts and what have you. You'll have to be patient with me as I go through some "growing pains" in respect to my blogging. I am working at it, I promise you that!</p>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.com0Franklin, Franklin39.480606 -86.054985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618423794111312359.post-75845777488529254832012-01-06T12:34:00.004-05:002012-01-06T12:59:47.636-05:00Goodbye 2011, HELLO 2012<div><br /><div>Anyone that knows me knows that 2011 was a tough year for me....oh my gosh what an understatement!! So many things changed and changed so quickly in 2011 that it took me a LONG time to get back to where I needed to be. The changes started in January and continued most of the year. Now in 2012 there are still going to be changes, but now they are on my terms and more in line with what I want for my life!! </div><br /><br /><br /><div>What's in store for 2012?</div><br /><br /><div>I AM going to be more diligent about blogging. I'm just going to make myself sit down and do it, whether I get up earlier or go to bed later, write a quick post from my phone....regardless...I WILL WRITE.</div><br /><br /><div>I will be sharing more pictures of Snips of Time projects and maybe even a video now and then. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>Snips of Time is going to be taken to a new level. I haven't decided on the platform yet...at least not completely, but I WILL open an online store this year and I WILL have my handmade items out there for sale!!</div><br /><br /><br /><div>2011 was a painful year for me, and I've decided that 2012 is going to be my year of healing. Part of the healing is making Snips of Time work, because being creative heals me, and being a success in my own eyes will make me stronger. Last year I started Soul Restoration (check out <a href="http://www.bravegirls.com/">http://www.bravegirls.com/</a> to check it out) but failed to finish it due to the events in my life at the time. I am retaking it this year and will complete it!! I am also taking Brave Mothers and Daughters that is also from Brave Girls. I'm doing this with my daughter Hailey. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>I have learned that my creativity sustains me and helps me through all the bad crap life throws this way. I work in retail, 5 days a week....people are UNHAPPY!! I don't want to be one of those people! I don't want to be one of the people walking around with a scowl on my face all the time. I want to be one of the people that are smiling no matter what life throws at them...so I am making a consious EFFORT to bring happiness into my life. I truly believe happiness and joy are choices we make...I'm making the choice to be happy and full of joy!!</div><br /><br /><br /><div>So, do I ask anything of you, my readers? YES!! I DO!! Leave comments, ask questions, challenge me. Of course you're welcome to place orders for the things I make as well (hint, hint!!)</div><br /><br /><div>In this blog in 2012 you'll see my creations, hear what I'm learning from Melody Ross in Soul Restoration and Brave Mothers and Daughters, see what my favorite sites are for getting inspired, and where my heart is in my life. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>I've truly learned that life really is about the little things. Perfect SILLY example...I had to get a new phone as my old one bit the dust. So with the help of Christmas money I was able to "upgrade" a bit. I'm a gadget geek, so having bells and whistles on my phone, while not NECESSARY, brings me a little happiness LOL. Okay, so I have this phone that can access facebook and take pictures and video and I can even watch Netflix on it and read books on it. All really cool right? You know what I got the giddiest about (this is really silly) the $10 phone case I found for it. I had to get a case because I'm a klutz and drop everything all the time. $10 was the cheapest ones they had....and it's PINK and has FLOWERS on it and a PEACE SIGN....it's AWESOME!! See, life is full of little things that can make you happy!!</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2Rsc3KePkPdPujURlx9KeVIR-nU1U__tNn2PFgNhOtz5Tw6VMEa_0fR7dPLHO6GliSWKGHXTwkFSFQsxX_-ROcZewVShDhQbTi_HzHEVg_wsn0rNHgNhiWB-vxs7qRXrwVYN1SK-ra8/s1600/cell+phone+002.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694578723238844370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2Rsc3KePkPdPujURlx9KeVIR-nU1U__tNn2PFgNhOtz5Tw6VMEa_0fR7dPLHO6GliSWKGHXTwkFSFQsxX_-ROcZewVShDhQbTi_HzHEVg_wsn0rNHgNhiWB-vxs7qRXrwVYN1SK-ra8/s320/cell+phone+002.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWu5OC-zTZrVvsoQSmse6aZ7FQYc67JagbiQ29kXCwhF3cctgZmFPW0sgJTHZQGcPraiS07hxFelcSZChPw3us69Z3G5wIjVjetKhEtz1PtLzNLJbladlIiVztJNdIupaN_oSWtrmey6E/s1600/cell+phone+001.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694578719963509730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWu5OC-zTZrVvsoQSmse6aZ7FQYc67JagbiQ29kXCwhF3cctgZmFPW0sgJTHZQGcPraiS07hxFelcSZChPw3us69Z3G5wIjVjetKhEtz1PtLzNLJbladlIiVztJNdIupaN_oSWtrmey6E/s320/cell+phone+001.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Yes, my screen shield is uber dirty...I was actually TALKING on my phone with my son who is in Washington LOL and I need to clean it LOL. So like I said, it can really be the little things :)</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618423794111312359.post-73737288239521504222011-11-24T19:40:00.003-05:002011-11-24T19:55:11.793-05:00Creative thingsI haven't been blogging at all, much less about what I'm doing creatively...well, that's about to change! While watching <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">CraftTV</span> the other day I saw a video about altering a book in a way that uses it as a picture frame. I thought, what a GREAT idea...especially for those people in my life that are avid readers. Here is what I made for my dad for his birthday. The pictures are kind of blurry and I apologize, but didn't realize that until after I mailed the book out and couldn't retake the pics. Now my Dad loves westerns and has probably read every Louis <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">LaMour</span> and Zane Grey book out there. Thanks to my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">stepmom</span> I had a copy of the three of us (from like 1987) where we were dressed up kind of like hillbillies and thought "this would go GREAT in a old western novel. I immediately thought "wouldn't it be great if I could find a Zane Grey novel?! I went to the Goodwill and guess what I found? A Zane Grey novel for $2.49!!! (The books have to be hardcover or the technique doesn't work.) Anyway...I thought PERFECT!!! So this is what I ended up with...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678728673022464578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUL8Y81mO3k_wqqk6VwLnrlScRQLoKsyxFbshJ02NdfAnhbpcW52-cHIOgorpemfdmDZvq7_qoDl3xbv7CuSDTZaefzKPoM4M2BVQ3BK3D4Dj9H-lESrBWHXOlELkegLmlmLDu-E894Zk/s320/cards+%2526+cat+002.jpg" /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><p>Okay, maybe it's not very modest to toot your own horn, but I think it turned out <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">sooooo</span> cool! And my Dad loved it. It wasn't difficult at all. I printed the picture in a size that would fit on the cover, then traced it on the back of the cover. I then cut the hole a 1/4 inch smaller all the way around to give it a border for the picture to be attached to. I inked the edges of the "window" so that you couldn't see the bare <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">book board</span> and to give it kind of an aged looked. Then I taped the picture onto the back of the cover and covered the back of the cover with appropriate paper. He thought it was so cool and even took it to work with him to show his friends! He has actually read the book before but because of the way you do this, none of the book itself is damaged and he plans on reading it again! It was quick, easy and cheap to make! I have some plans for Christmas presents using this technique.</p><br /><p>I hope to be sharing more photos of techniques and even some videos soon. I'm trying to get back into the groove of blogging....it's tough for me sometimes, just to find the time. But I enjoy sharing so I hope I can get back to it.</p><br /><p>God bless and go make something beautiful!!</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618423794111312359.post-58566366400942837172011-11-24T19:06:00.002-05:002011-11-24T19:40:45.021-05:00So much to be thankful forToday's Thanksgiving and I'm sitting in my apartment with my cat...with no turkey and dressing or the "fixings." I spent about an hour this morning (at work) feeling sorry for myself, that it looked like I would be spending Thanksgiving "alone." After my hour long pity party, I put my big girl panties on and started looking at my life (in between the many customers CVS had today LOL) and realized that what in the heck was I feeling sorry for myself for?! No, I wasn't having a traditional Thanksgiving. There was no family waiting at my house for us to eat a meal together (though I shouldn't say that as I think of my Ellie -my cat, as family LOL.) I was working an 8 hour shift on the register at CVS, waiting on many people that were less than gracious towards me and the fact that I was working while they had the day off and were on their way to spend time with family and friends. But you know what? I have SO much to be thankful for...so bare with me as I list all the things I'm blessed with. They may not seem like blessings to everyone, but they do to me.<br /><br /><br /><ul><br /><li>I have a job</li><br /><li>I have a kitty that thinks I'm the world (hey that matters after a bad day at work)</li><br /><li>I have family that loves me even though we don't live close to each other</li><br /><li>I have a husband, that even though we aren't living together right now, loves me and is willing to work on our relationship</li><br /><li>I have amazing friends</li><br /><li>I have a hobby that allows me to make extra money while doing what I love</li><br /><li>I have good health ...allow me to explain that further. I have fibromyalgia which is not the most fun thing in the world to have, but for the most part, it's managed very well and interferes with my daily life only a little. I have asthma that is managed very well as is the case with my allergies. There are a lot of people that are a lot worse off than I am health wise.</li><br /><li>I have an apartment that I absolutely adore and a landlord that is so very understanding and gracious in working out the rent with me when things get tight.</li><br /><li>I have customers that come in to the store and stop to say hi to me specifically, because while we never see each other outside of the store, we have developed a relationship that matters.</li><br /><li>I have good health insurance that allows my health issues to be dealt with, including my depression. </li><br /><li>Going back to my friends, I have friends that allow me to be me, which is amazing to me. I was always the kid that didn't fit in and now I feel like I while I may not be like everyone else, at least most people love me for who I am.</li></ul><br /><p>I could go on and on about everything I'm thankful for. I guess I look at my life and think, "no, it's not perfect....but damn I have it good." Yes, I have financial struggles (who doesn't in this economy) but some how it always seems to work out. I'm amazed everyday at the blessings I have. The computer I'm using right now...my laptop crashed and I was worried as I run my business basically through the Internet...within three days, I had a replacement computer, monitor and was up and running again, thanks to friends and my husband. </p><br /><p>I guess I'm feeling a little "preachy" right now about the way people complain about their lives. We all have hardships. There are days I wake up and the pain makes me want to crawl back into bed, but I push on because I know that if I make myself get up and don't give it, I'll feel better after a hot shower and moving around. Yes, so many people have it much harder than I do, I know that. One of my best friends is dealing with some family issues that I can't even imagine having to live through, another friend passed away recently and her husband must be heart broken (we all miss her.) So when I feel "poor me" I think about all the things that could be worse and all the things that are so amazing. </p><br /><p>A lot has happened in my life in 2011. A lot of really tough things, things I wasn't sure I could survive through. But I did survive and I'm stronger now and know that when the next obstacle comes (as it will) while it'll be difficult, it will not be impossible. </p><br /><p>I don't love my life everyday, but am thankful for it regardless. </p><br /><p>One of the things that made me stop and think about being thankful is I saw my "other" children today. Long story short, I had a friend that had three little ones that I fell in love with. While I'm not friends with her anymore, I still love her babies like they were mine. As I walked up to my place today after work I heard them yell for me (they were at their Papaw's just two doors down from me) and came running to see me. It made me realize that they will always love me and they know I'll always love them. It made my heart swell with happiness and love. Another thing is I have a very strained relationship with my mother, but I called to wish her and my step dad a happy Thanksgiving. She sounded happy to hear from me. That made me feel good. Even though our relationship isn't the best, I know she loves me and I could hear that in her voice today. </p><br /><p>So now that I've babbled about all that, I guess my point is...we all have trials and troubles, but if we look to our blessings we can see what a good life we do have. Life is what we make it, not what it makes us. </p><br /><p>Happy Thanksgiving everyone. And be thankful EVERYDAY, not just on Thanksgiving!!</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618423794111312359.post-58181003319891261692011-02-01T22:54:00.003-05:002011-02-01T23:04:53.134-05:00Working my way toward my goal<div>Well, obviously I'm NOT blogging once a week LOL, though this might get a wee bit easier since Jamie has gotten his own computer and we don't have to "share" so much. It seemed that I always was inspired to "write" when he wanted to get online...or that was a good excuse my mind put up for me :)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I still intend to work on blogging once a week, just need to find my rhythm I guess.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>About living creatively. I'm working on that too. I have gotten better about finding ways to be creative in everything. I have found ways to be creative at work (poor Steve) which means I think the wall in my photo lab looks awesome!! I'm getting better about carving out creative time at home too....it's all a work in progress I'm learning.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The toughest part of the things I'm working toward, is living in the truths my Truthteller gives me (tells me.) The reason I say this is the toughest is I struggle with a lot of self-negativism (is that a word?!!) and just a lot of negative self-talk, which is why I'm working toward living in the truth that my Truthteller gives me! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I think this spins into why I struggle to blog sometimes. I don't want to get on here and be a negative Nancy...I'm really not a negative person, though sometimes I stuggle with how I feel about myself or my own capabilities. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Okay, enough seriousness...check out this cutie-patotie card I made....had to tell a friend I was missing her...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 255px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568937766675347730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaRugU6nzeTXEQzd2wOus2ck0J2DKJ9le7UixHDJIhMggQs3y-JxTkf9iTU9HOvTZqgFb_Dopv3tig2Iz3sRJ-U5QL1pXNAQ1ckrIX5nm4iH-R64lWSNFh2VWpuxlAcB0X2Svc-FiI20/s320/crop+for+sanity+and+pics+001.JPG" /></div><br /><div>Isn't it just the cutiest ever?!! I made it using my cricut Create-a-Critter cartridge and Punnylious stamps from My Pink Stamper. I think she looks so sweet!!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618423794111312359.post-71908518877663093432011-01-19T10:48:00.001-05:002011-01-19T10:49:10.992-05:00Just a testThis is just a test post to see if my blog is coming through on my facebook page:)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618423794111312359.post-21622815921560235392011-01-18T20:43:00.002-05:002011-01-18T20:53:37.775-05:002011It's January 2011 (and the month is over half over already I might add!!) I don't make resolutions per say, but believe in reviewing my life at the end/beginning of each year to see where I am and where I want to be. This new year I have three things I want to accomplish...<br /><br />#1) I want to be creative EVERYDAY! That doesn't mean I have to finish a scrapbook layout every day or even a card, but that I want to use my creativity every day. I'm learning that being creative makes me happy and since I want to be happy every day, it just makes sense that I should be creative every day:) I'm hoping that eventually I just WILL be creative every day, without making the conscious decision...as in "oh, I need to be creative now."<br /><br />#2) I want to blog at least once a week about this creative journey. I want to share what I'm doing, how it's going and the impact it's having in my life.<br /><br />#3) I want to enjoy my life the way my Truthteller (God) has intended me to. I'm taking the class Soul Restoration taught by Melody Ross and even only being in the 2nd week, it's AMAZING!!<br /><br />That's all I'm going to post about right now. Jamie wants the computer and I'm off tomorrow so I will have more time to go into detail about my 3 goals for 2011.<br /><br />God bless and happy crafting!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618423794111312359.post-12374128781341615312010-12-09T15:09:00.004-05:002010-12-09T16:23:24.036-05:00After a long "nap"I have been gone for a bit. Not from everything, but from a few things as I'm trying to get done what needs to be done, and still fit a few "wanting to do" things as well.<br /><br />This post isn't as much about what I'm "crafting" right now as what's in my heart. The Christmas season will do that to you :) My heart is so full that I just wanted to share.<br /><br />Every year (usually about this time of year) I start to think about what's really important to me and what I want share with people about what's important to me. Everyone knows I'm a mad <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">crafter</span> and making things with my hands to share and give to others is important to me. I have always felt that it's giving more than a gift, it's giving a little bit of me.<br /><br />This Christmas I'm buying very little. (In this economy, aren't we all trimming down our spending?!) I'm really trying to make as much as possible and even the small things are filled with lots of love and meaning.<br /><br />As I get older, my "grateful" list is changing. Yes, I'm grateful for the "creature comforts" we all are, but I'm finding I'm even more grateful for the non-tangible things in my life. A perfect example is that I've recently "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">friended</span>" a lot of creative people on my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">FaceBook</span> account. Why? Because I'm so grateful for the inspiration they give me. Reading their <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">FB</span> posts puts me back in touch with my creative spirit when I've wondered away from it and I need that "snap" <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">somedays</span> to get me back to where I'm happiest.<br /><br />Things are changing in our household. Jamie is getting more into his creative side. He's back to playing the guitar, to reading, to working on his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">pinstriping</span>. That encourages me as well and I hope I encourage him :) I'm enjoying the silence more...which is tough with a houseful sometimes, so I find myself waking up in the middle of the night to create. That's not a bad thing, just something that brings me happiness in the very hectic season!! And we're starting to get ready for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bodhi's</span> move to the west coast....so many mixed emotions with that!!<br /><br />I'm slowly but surely getting more organized (though you can't tell that from this post <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span> as it's ALL over the place!) and that feels good. I'm getting better at dedicating time to things and sticking to that. I'm learning that turning the TV off (though I've preached it for years) really does make you more productive. I'm learning that sometimes silence is my muse.<br /><br />Now I must get back to some productive stuff....like finishing card orders and getting some Christmas presents finished!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618423794111312359.post-20409642369055848382010-08-18T11:44:00.003-04:002010-08-18T12:05:21.407-04:00Okay, new addiction...well not really new, but just bigger. I'm totally addicted to all the incredibly creative things my Cricut Expression can do. (And NO I don't get paid by Provo Craft!!)<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDRKPih3sn226er_K7piGuFlnQCTNt5MJ9hTOsBAI40qey7ltYaVgqlXohCSrOfSF9hXHSEe7bkl6TpID-oqyAM-mhl3OzwoyLzm4KqWABYEaNmRbRk5S1AF4Tu9IBChwNg25Z7lLQco/s1600/ashton's+cake+002.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506776502575393794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDRKPih3sn226er_K7piGuFlnQCTNt5MJ9hTOsBAI40qey7ltYaVgqlXohCSrOfSF9hXHSEe7bkl6TpID-oqyAM-mhl3OzwoyLzm4KqWABYEaNmRbRk5S1AF4Tu9IBChwNg25Z7lLQco/s320/ashton's+cake+002.JPG" /></a><br />Here is a birthday cake my daughter Hailey and I are working on for her brother Ashton. He'll turn 18 on the 29th of this month and we've been cutting and gluing and assembling for a while now. It takes a while for a 12 yr old to cut all 20 cake pieces, score them, fold them, and then glue them...especially when her favorite TV shows are on LOL :)</div><div> </div><div>Anyway, Hailey used my Cricut (Tags Bags Boxes and More cartridge) to cut 20 cake pieces and she put each one together. Then I glued the "bottom layer" to the cake board (I bought that at Walmart in a multipack...not very expensive.)</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HxWMbCNHBNf-XVIYyXLP5BIFreqytveuj1Oxfmhik49Vdzpu_YITkjsWck37jEyv6eWLZp0j_PWRFOqbv8E_EBUII6YN75afVhgIVCxiBGrQA5HLXMzY6fnCyQSBKb1TAnJf2E1Qc-4/s1600/ashton's+cake+003.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506776758585230114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HxWMbCNHBNf-XVIYyXLP5BIFreqytveuj1Oxfmhik49Vdzpu_YITkjsWck37jEyv6eWLZp0j_PWRFOqbv8E_EBUII6YN75afVhgIVCxiBGrQA5HLXMzY6fnCyQSBKb1TAnJf2E1Qc-4/s320/ashton's+cake+003.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HxWMbCNHBNf-XVIYyXLP5BIFreqytveuj1Oxfmhik49Vdzpu_YITkjsWck37jEyv6eWLZp0j_PWRFOqbv8E_EBUII6YN75afVhgIVCxiBGrQA5HLXMzY6fnCyQSBKb1TAnJf2E1Qc-4/s1600/ashton's+cake+003.JPG"></a></div><div> </div><div>Then I cut the "frosting" layer for the middle (which I don't think you can even see) and then the frosting from the top. I then decorated it with his name and all that "jazz." I also cut scallops to use as icing around the outside of the cake on both layers, kind of like the icing is dripping out and over. I can't put those on until after we put the goodies in each cake slice or we won't be able to open them. We're putting things in the slices like candy, happy birthday wishes, and gift cards.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br />We will give it to him in an actual cake box, also purchased as Walmart for only $2. I think it's a fun way to give something different birthday gift. Especially right now when none of us have a lot of money, but as a crafter, I have TONS of paper (LOL!!) I know it may not be Ashton's favorite gift for his 18th birthday, but he will know that we love him and were thinking about him. He is also a very talented artist so he'll appreciate the time and effort that went into make it.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618423794111312359.post-59299754263508851442010-08-16T15:22:00.005-04:002010-08-16T15:33:20.835-04:00Some projects I've done<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHXeMj6lFBlETFOZJgN3BQ1RIna8An31XDVzCMlfWYX6mWMKCjOrqm8-ELIW6nH7Ww_IWQJgx5OrdLsg2WI1fsPnnLVbP6lyc7iQ6_tSLgmh0sAJifxtuYqcij0pvOMjuVhY7jy_uU4Y/s1600/misc+pics+today+020.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506091170059111026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHXeMj6lFBlETFOZJgN3BQ1RIna8An31XDVzCMlfWYX6mWMKCjOrqm8-ELIW6nH7Ww_IWQJgx5OrdLsg2WI1fsPnnLVbP6lyc7iQ6_tSLgmh0sAJifxtuYqcij0pvOMjuVhY7jy_uU4Y/s320/misc+pics+today+020.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9YXoWXcRLWwZceOlWN0g1CrQnuKCnt8GY7DpQt62rIGT-6s5P5UCHvkICSo2GtELkIlkHczv1xhp3farvO0Sg-8iUauTpFrDyeGXdi4cO0pOQ8JyAtbc8Kf7vVB4VOBG1ldpS1S7xKY/s1600/misc+pics+today+018.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506090839514038514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9YXoWXcRLWwZceOlWN0g1CrQnuKCnt8GY7DpQt62rIGT-6s5P5UCHvkICSo2GtELkIlkHczv1xhp3farvO0Sg-8iUauTpFrDyeGXdi4cO0pOQ8JyAtbc8Kf7vVB4VOBG1ldpS1S7xKY/s320/misc+pics+today+018.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnoU5Rx_ZBy9LmyE-TMb5PaC8RiZf6tiwezYPrhXHoR-SE465BabuNrg0CILXaS3RqfIziXVRBikBiIYrbruTphnXCRbyWGZ_UYXI7CCKIrAUaH13FSty8TyIJ3l63wyv2bOykeeRzwnM/s1600/clip+board+with+vinyl+003.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506090634294425426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnoU5Rx_ZBy9LmyE-TMb5PaC8RiZf6tiwezYPrhXHoR-SE465BabuNrg0CILXaS3RqfIziXVRBikBiIYrbruTphnXCRbyWGZ_UYXI7CCKIrAUaH13FSty8TyIJ3l63wyv2bOykeeRzwnM/s320/clip+board+with+vinyl+003.JPG" /></a> Here are two cards I made using my Cricut Expression and the Wild Card cartridge. I still like making cards my "old" way, but this is fun too. It gives me more options and I like that.</div><div> </div><div>The clipboard is for a friend of mine and I used vinyl to decorate it (after I painted it pink of course.) I'm going to do a mini scrapbook page about the kitties for her.</div><div> </div><div>My next project is a birthday cake made out of paper for Ashton...pictures to follow. It's a two layer cake (lots of cuts with the Cricut) and hopefully it will turn out really cool. The neat thing is that each "slice of cake" can hold a small gift, so we'll be filling it up with candy and little goodies and some gift cards....it's his 18th birthday. All the cake slices are cut and assembled, now I just need to put them on the cake board and put on all the icing and decorations. </div><div> </div><div>THEN, because I can never be without another project to work on LOL, I am going to do a small window (kind of like the window in my previous post, but smaller) for my grandparents. My grandma is in a nursing home and doesn't have a lot of personal things in her room, so hopefully I can get the window painted tomorrow and then work on the pictures and embellishments so that it's all ready for when we leave on Friday to go up North. We'll get to see them on Sunday. I can't wait. I love giving unusual gifts and especially handmade things!!<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618423794111312359.post-82227586396551722962010-08-10T14:02:00.003-04:002010-08-10T14:12:08.669-04:00I'm so excited!!I've been really tired lately (darn fibromyalgia) so I haven't been doing much except going to work and trying (mostly unsuccessfully) to do things around the house. I've had the creative urge, but by the time I get to my table, there's no energy left. While my card orders are caught up (for the time being) my house is a disaster. BUT I'm not writing this blog to complain. I am excited because change is on the way...<br /><br />I've been thinking of ways to make my life more productive without give up sleep (LOL.) I've kind of broken down the hours in my day...and I'm looking at what I NEED to do, what I WANT to do and what I can throw out. I am not silly enough to think I can/will/want to give up my computer time (at least not all of it) or even all my TV time...but I have a plan. Okay, it's an outline of a plan, but I'm hoping it works. I need a lot of structure and if the plan works I'll have that and can get more done:)<br /><br />What I'm REALLY excited about it all the great videos I found on YouTube today about the Cricut Expressions and things beyond the scrapbook page and cards that I can do with it. I already have one project lined up to do wall out for one of my good friend's little girl. (Using vinyl for wall decorations...you know, words and things like that.) I also have the stamp material so that I can cut my own stamps with my Cricut....WOW!! I saw videos today of using the Cricut to cut a stencil to decorate (with fabric paint) a t-shirt....I could go on and on.<br /><br />I'm feeling really creative and that feels good!! The other excitement is that I'm on vacation next week and not going anywhere!! I can't wait!! I will have quiet days to "get my act together" and get my plan rolling.<br /><br />I'll be posting some pictures soon...maybe even today, of some cards I've been working on and I'll have lots of other things to show you soon!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618423794111312359.post-27537631561130743182010-07-20T00:12:00.002-04:002010-07-20T00:19:49.534-04:00A new project<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYr46m4GuzV1cBfULk5HhTUkWT709tHyPppVuGybm1qmfBSTPj1Dbgd8e2sH9An8DhBJv4SoHQkkBGsvAGlnvL3w1r0D1IlXWZQJY18ZcBhwK6QBH1186WynpqEEi755ru9j_cEPZaBE/s1600/newest+project+001.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 181px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495836882419233250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYr46m4GuzV1cBfULk5HhTUkWT709tHyPppVuGybm1qmfBSTPj1Dbgd8e2sH9An8DhBJv4SoHQkkBGsvAGlnvL3w1r0D1IlXWZQJY18ZcBhwK6QBH1186WynpqEEi755ru9j_cEPZaBE/s320/newest+project+001.JPG" /></a><br /><div>I'm really excited about this project (for a couple of reasons.) I found this window for sale at a yard sale for $5!! I immediately so the potential for a way to display photos (imagine that!) It needs to be cleaned up and then painted. One of the reasons I'm excited is that Dawn (my husband's ex-wife) is going to help me "antique" it. I know that sounds strange, but I've wanted us to have some sort of friendship all a long. We are very different people and I don't expect her to want to be my best friend, but I do want to have a good relationship with her if for no other reason than for Hailey. In fact, we're going to the fair together tomorrow to take Hailey. I'll keep you posted on how this project goes. I'm hoping to learn a lot about how to refurbish things like this. It should be fun!!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7618423794111312359.post-83720510377308093552010-07-20T00:06:00.003-04:002010-07-20T00:12:49.684-04:00I've been busy<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-FsER4STnNDUMS2F-cCh_zVpG5pUVXGTp8owTE872kFSYeWeDD94aaJHk4pKBT6g2oa-apjR18MiUz_YYnGQI3U3m4rVJ6KMAZrSmvsJNZXl4rcwKf_50Ze4eYrITwIPcst-GkUVwsM/s1600/barb's+birthday+card+002.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 218px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495835815869810722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-FsER4STnNDUMS2F-cCh_zVpG5pUVXGTp8owTE872kFSYeWeDD94aaJHk4pKBT6g2oa-apjR18MiUz_YYnGQI3U3m4rVJ6KMAZrSmvsJNZXl4rcwKf_50Ze4eYrITwIPcst-GkUVwsM/s320/barb's+birthday+card+002.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>I've been busy lately (big surprise) and have lots to share...thinking I'll break it down in to more than one post so that I don't appear to go on and on!! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span>!! At least then I won't feel like I'm babbling.</div><div> </div><div>Here is a couple of pictures of a birthday card I did for a friend and coworker. The only reason it's "blog worthy" is that it's my very first gate fold card and I think the Michael Strong stamps on it seem to put the finishing touch on it.</div><div> </div><div>This friend has had a very tough year and I thought an extra special card was in order for her. I hope she likes it!!</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7W9DrPnk3w07cgjfo5R89FaxXMdTr3lnwpgW1jx_dZZnmETTdHPxEBA7X2nYw-XCzFnf8EjDU6ARnJKONcLj3k1R_TMM9b5cZ2hVlYD9abRY9Xqy6yPR8pp1ETJVmr8PPBkuwAUAx_CQ/s1600/barb's+birthday+card+003.JPG"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7W9DrPnk3w07cgjfo5R89FaxXMdTr3lnwpgW1jx_dZZnmETTdHPxEBA7X2nYw-XCzFnf8EjDU6ARnJKONcLj3k1R_TMM9b5cZ2hVlYD9abRY9Xqy6yPR8pp1ETJVmr8PPBkuwAUAx_CQ/s1600/barb's+birthday+card+003.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 245px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495835828937959650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7W9DrPnk3w07cgjfo5R89FaxXMdTr3lnwpgW1jx_dZZnmETTdHPxEBA7X2nYw-XCzFnf8EjDU6ARnJKONcLj3k1R_TMM9b5cZ2hVlYD9abRY9Xqy6yPR8pp1ETJVmr8PPBkuwAUAx_CQ/s320/barb's+birthday+card+003.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10050290666930024238noreply@blogger.com0