The Moral of the story is… ‘Use the Proper Adhesive!’

 

We’ve been gearing for this Woman’s event at our church.  It’s our Ladies Spring Luncheon and I’m super excited for it.  I’ve been busy making all these little goodies for the all the guests so  don’t have much to share today except this lesson that I learned. 

I was about half way through finishing these lil’ jars when I would hear this ever so quite, little ‘pop!  Yes, the paper was beginning to peel off.  Ugh!  So, I switched to a new, and much better for the pink jars.  But, an hour later…. ‘pop!  pop!’  Seriously.  The new and improved adhesive was not working either.  I kept looking at the scripture verse that I stamped out over and over and told myself…. ‘I can do this!  Give me strength Lord!’  LOL Then, I reached for my handy dandy glue dots that I simply cannot craft without and they saved the day.  Now  need to stock up again!   LOL

I thought this was a neat photo just for fun!

This is a big weekend for us.   The ladies Luncheon at the church.  The run/walk event in Newport, the loyalty days parade (Max’s first!)  And, then on Sunday a huge Birthday party for the little man who is not so little any more!  How does that happen?  We’ve never had a party for our kids with a large number of friends.  Figured we get it out of the way before the early teen years start!   

**edited**  How could I have forgotten to mention National Scrapbooking day!  And, I have exciting news and some fun things to share so I will be posting on Saturday with that. 

Until then, Happy National Scrapbooking Day!

Impressed with Impressabilities™

Good Monday Morning!  I wanted to share with you a simple card that I did a while back and share with a cool link with you. 

Although it’s very difficult to tell from the photo, I used an ‘aged’ dictionary page that was blank to create my background.  It was a bit discolored and quite thin.  I ran it through my Wizard using my Fleur De Lis Pattern  Impressabilities™.  I truly wish you could see this card in person.  It created such a subtle but definite pattern that is just perfect for this card. 

You may remember this card below that I also used an Impressabilites on.  This technique of embossing and then inking is much bolder so you can see the design a bit better.

This week at Stamp TV, Gina K has some great tutorials about other things you can do with with your Impressabilities™.   Here is the link I wanted to share with you.

Gina K Designs Impressabilities Video Tutorial

Thanks for stopping by!

Congrats Card

Another quick card to share.  I had a request for some specific cards so I’ve been having fun playing with pink.  I used my favorite color glimmer mist called Marshmellow that I got a while back to spray my flower to turn it from white to a more cream color. 

I saw the sun for a few hours today.  I’m soooo very ready for Spring.  If it could just stop raining long enough on a day I’m home so that I can get out into my yard!

I hope and pray that you have a wonderful day!

MME Lush Spellbinders™ Card

 

Supplies:  Spellbinders S4-233 Labels Nine Die,  S4-242 Big Scalloped Borderabilitites Petite; Pattern Paper – My Mind’s Eye; Stamp – Gina K Desings (Nina Bracket,) Waltzing Mouse; Ink – Ranger Distress Ink; Cardstock – Papertrey Ink

This card was created with one of my new favorite stamp sets by Gina K Designs.  They fit perfectly into the Spellbinders Label Nine die template.  I. am. smitten.  The Lush line by My Mind’s Eye is even better up close and personal. I seriously just want to use each and every piece of it.  You may be seeing a lot of that line in multiple colors in the coming days.  LOL

It’s taking me a little longer to get things in order around here so I was behind on posting today.  I also ended up working today.  Talk about a dream job.  I love subbing.  When I work for our Title One teacher I have the chance to be with all different groups of kids of all different grade levels.  And, I was ‘needed’ in my daughter’s Kindergarten class for an hour or so.  I adore the chance to love on these kids of all ages who are just looking for someone to believe in them.  It doesn’t get much more rewarding than that! 

In reading over my post from yesterday, I just realized another highlight of my trip that  I forgot to mention.  While I was in Phoenix I found out that I got a card picked up by Paper Crafts Magazine.  That’s a first with them for me so I was quite excited and it was especially fun to be with my scrappy buddies who know how much that means to me. 

I have two more things I’m just about bursting at the seams to tell but I must wait just a little longer.  Such a tease I know!

One thing that I can tell you about is this fabulous new magazine called Embellish Magazine. 

Remember I told you about this uber fun gal named Ashley who was my roommate this past week?  She is the creative and inspirational gal who is launched this amazing magazine.  It is truly like no other online magazine that I have ever seen.  Very classy and well put together.  Click here for more information about how you can get see for yourself!

Thanks so much for stopping by and for all the wonderful comments you have left.   Have a fabulous day!

Spellbinders™ Design Retreat

Talk about the most exciting time with a group of fellow crafters you can ever imagine!  These weren't any ol' crafters!  I'm talkin about the 2010 Spellbinder's retreat!  Yup, I just got back from Phoenix (thus the lack of posts except for the quicky I pre-scheduled just before I left!).

(Stacey and her ‘girls’ standing with Maryann from Copic)

I knew from last year that we we're going to be completely spoiled but it was far beyond anything I could have hoped or imagined!

It began the moment we arrived when we realized we were famous (as some of our children thought LOL)because of this enormous, gorgeous white stretch LIMO that picked us up!  Yes indeed!  You will never believe how many girls fit in that thing!  What a ride! 

The excitement continued to grow as I met up with the new team members and then my roommate for the week...Ashley C. Newell!  I knew she'd be super sweet and a lot of fun too (more about her a bit later!)

(my roomie and me!)

I keep wanting to tell you about the highlight of my four days together only...there was so many favorite times, I can't decide which was best!  Stacey is amazing.  She had fun little surprises around ever corner.  In more ways than one, she was expressing her appreciation to us of our dedication to the team.  I can only hope that she also knows how very much we appreciate her and all of her and her husbands hard work!

I knew a year ago that I had become a part of something big.  It is a complete understatement to say that this company is going somewhere.  I knew that.  But, within one our of being there, I wanted to cry with excitement when I really realized the extent of that.

Cathy (our DT coordinator) Kim Hupke also worked so very hard to make this such an amazing time together and it truly was.  Kim was constantly getting an ‘itch’ and then it we new it was time to be showered with more product!!  You wouldn’t not believe how many fabulous cross promotional companies we received product from.  I had to ship a few boxes so this is just a tiny glace of it….

(Pink Paislee, Cosmo Cricket,My Mind’s Eye, Graphic 45, Kaiser Craft, Fancy Pants, Robin’s Nest, World Win, Post-It Notes, Tattered Angels, Scrapbook Adhesives, Xyron, Glue Dots, Creative Impressions, Copic, JustRite, Waltzing Mouse, Gina K Designs, Heartfelt Creations, Flourishes, Sparkle N’ Sprinkle, Nikki Sivils Scrapbooking)  Okay….that’s just the companies off the top of my head.  With two more boxes coming I know I’ll need to update this list!  But a huge thank you to each and everyone of these companies that gave gave us an abundance of product to use as cross promotional supplies.  It’s very much appreciated!

And then there was the food!  Oh my!  Yes,  should definitely be working out right now instead of publishing this post!  LOL 

(yum!!  5 pounds gained just looking at!)

Seriously….talk about spoiled!  Check this one out!

I may not have an inspiring piece of art to share with you today but surely there is some inspiration in these photos alone!  And you better believe that after I get unpacked and things picked up, I’ll be diving into my goodies when everyone is asleep tonight so I’m sure I’ll something divine to share tomorrow.

Here is a photo of Jeff and Stacey.  I love that Jeff took the time to come and share the history of the company and the dream and vision that they have together. They are the owners of Spellbinders and truly this couple are the best, most sincere business owners that I know.  They let us into their lives and they share a piece of themselves with us….no…I’d say a large chunk with us.  It’s not just about being spoiled, it’s about being trusted and believed in.  It’s about the transparency and the genuineness.   Thank you Jeff, Stacey, Kim, Cathy, and all of Spellbinders for all that you do for us designers.  You are awesome!

Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing in my awesome experience with me!  Come back tomorrow for some project inspiration!

Just a quick Hello….

I’ll have much to share next week but for now, it’s just a quick post to say happy weekend and ‘Hello’  (to all my friends and family (and of course my blog readers too!).  ; )  I’m also doing the happy dance because I found out that CARDS magazine wants to publish one of my recent creations as well. Wahoo!! 

Heceta Head Lighthouse Layout

 

Last week I created this layout for my post on the Clip It Up site.  It’s a layout about a special day I had with my daughter.  I went with her on her class field trip to one of the most gorgeous places ever!  It’s just south of us on the Oregon Coast and it’s called Heceta Head Lighthouse.  I’ve always wanted to go there.  I blogged about it a few posts back and shared some of the photos.  The truth is…I ended up with soooo many photos I wasn’t sure quite what to do with them all!  You can read on the Simply Renee blog about my ideas for multiphoto layouts.  I think the most recent post is even doing a give-away. 

Also!  I’ve wanting to blog about this great contest for internationals!!  Check it out!

Spellbinders International Guest Blogger Contest!

We are excited to announce the Spellbinders International Guest Blogger Contest. Spellbinders is looking for one fabulous International Guest Blogger to appear on the Spellbinders Paper Arts Blog during the month of June!  This contest is for Spellbinders Paper Arts enthusiasts currently living outside of the United States.  We will select one International Guest Blogger to create four projects with instructions, for publication on the Spellbinders Paper Arts Blog.

You can read more about it on the blog here.  There’s still time…good luck to all who enter!

I have lots of exciting news coming up in May…ugh! It’s so hard to keep secrets!  LOL  One exciting piece of news is the email I got this morning.  Scrapbook Trends has accepted one of my layouts for their Magazine in the section about grandparents.  It’s a layout that I never got to share yet but it’s a very special one about my great grandparents on their wedding day. 

Thanks for letting me share! 

Have a fabulous day!

Simple Blessings

JustRite’s challenge this week was ‘anything goes’ so I used this gorgeous new stamp from the set called Autumn Blessings that I just recently got.  Hard to tell from the photo but I added my new favorite color of glitter to each flower center as well.  It’s called Latte!   Thanks for letting me share. 

Well, it’s not Thanksgiving and it’s definitely not fall but it sure still doesn’t feel like spring either!  My kids wore their gloves to school this week for the first time this year.  I’m so looking forward to some sun but still giving thanks in all things and for the simple blessings in my life.

One of those lil’ blessings is getting to have my six year old at home with me in the afternoons still.  Before too long, she’ll be off to first grade and full day school!  Today was the first time she figured out how to use the record button on our electric piano.  Oh man!  She went to town!  Seriously, I lost her to that thing for at least an hour.  The sweetest, sweetest thing was when she went and did this crazy silly song and then she would play it back and just giggle and giggle at herself.  Love her to bits.  And I’m truly grateful for these last few days (months) together with just the two of us. 

Blessings on your Thursday!

Happy Easter!

He is Risen!!

Every once and a while (particularly on this weekend!) I wonder to my self what these two women must have thought when they walked up to to an empty tomb. I’m talking about Mary (of Magdala) and Mary (Jesus Mother.) I honestly can’t even begin to relate to the grief they felt of the lose of their good friend and son. The hearts must have felt torn and their world upside down.

I’ve watched as many people in my life have gone through hard times and felt this same way; in total despair. But the great thing about the Easter story is in what happens next. When I read about it, I also can’t even begin to imagine the two woman’s absolute overwhelming happiness when they saw the tomb was empty and then later saw Jesus himself!! Wow! They must have been flooded with an inconceivable amount of hope! That’s why this is my favorite of all celebrations! It’s a time of reflecting on the hope that we have in Jesus, the grace the He extends to us and the love that is unfailing and never ending! That’s a lot to celebrate!

So many times I feel so unworthy of such an eternal gift. Then I am reminded, it’s true! I’m not worthy and yet He still loves me. Because I am not worthy, God sacrificed his son. And because He did, I can have this amazing relationship with my Heavenly Father.

The third thing that I can’t imagine is a life without this faith that I’ve been given. There is nothing like having that kind of peace and I will be forever grateful to my savior.

‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope.’ Rom. 15:13

Happy Easter my friends!!

Before I sign off, tlcmom…you are the winner of my celebration giveaway. Email me your addy.

Here are your random numbers:

27

Timestamp: 2010-04-04 05:55:31 UTC

Blessings on your Sunday!

Celebrate Every day!

 

Supplies:  Spellbinders™ S4-239 Classic Scalloped Borderabilites® Petite, S4-246 Labels Eleven; Cardstock- Bazzill, Prism;  Pattern Paper – Webster’s Pages, Stamp – Papertrey Ink, Ink- Ranger Distress Ink, Pearls – Recollections, Trim – Papertrey Ink

Can you tell I like to celebrate?  I am definitely feeling like there’s always a lot of things I could celebrate.   One thing that I’m quite excited about is the fact that we had a benefactor purchase a new full size keyboard for our church this week.  I had the pleasure of picking it out.  It’s a Yamaha Motif xs8….oooooooohh…..it’s soooooooo nice!!  I am not kidding!  The sound is just crazy amazing, not to mention the many functions and capabilities that it has!  I may have my nose in my manual for a while so if I don’t blog for a few days, you’ll know why! 

I’m also celebrating the start of a new design year with Spellbinders™ today.  I’m so excited to get to know the new team and to find out what’s in store for us this year. 

Yesterday I opened up my email and found one more reason to be jumping for joy!  Memory Makers has decided to use one or possibly more than one of my layouts for their next book they will be putting out.  I was estatic to find out!

It’s so funny that it’s April.  April feels fresh and new to me, like a new beginning.  Maybe because of the message of Easter.   I’m not sure what it is but I will tell you that it does NOT feel like April.  It’s very, very cold here and we are getting snow up in the mountains behind us.  So strange.  No foolin’! 

Although it is April Fools day, I mostly just have a lot to be thankful for and also much to be hopeful about as we approach this blessed Easter weekend!

Have a fabulous Thursday and thanks for stopping by!