Blogging Break

Hi friends, I just wanted to give a heads up to my readers that the blog will be inactive for the next couple months. I just have been so fried these last months, so much is always happening. 

It's so funny, when I began this journey as a craft blogger, I had a little toddler at home and I was home all the time. I had plenty of time while he napped to make a card or two and photograph and write about it. Between him and his 2nd grade & kindie aged brothers, my days revolved around little boys, school pickups, snacks, potty training, etc. What a difference nearly 5 years can make! 

These days I juggle multiple part time jobs, and between that and faith, family, friends, fitness, and all the boys activities, I've just become so so busy. I'm sure you can relate! You may have noticed that my posts have become fewer (and fewer) and further (and further) between. 

I've never been a person who does things by halves. I've decided it's time for me to take a break, reevaluate my priorities. I hope return in April refreshed, excited, and ready to share the latest and greatest in my crafty life. My dear DT at The Cat's Pajamas have said I can come back at that time, I'm so grateful for them! 

I will miss you, as I had no idea what a special community of friends I'd be joining when I started this! I love all my crafty friends! I will still be on Facebook, and helping my sister edit at craftstorageideas.com. 

It's just time I regroup and get the juices flowing again! 

Lots of love, blog friends. 

TCPTUES 282-Sketch Challenge

Hi friends! I do so apologize it's been so long since my last post. Lately in life, I am looking for the "edges" of all my activities. Trying to figure how is best to invest my time and energy. Most days there's no clear cut path. But, as per my last post, I am just trying to "be" in the moment, and not feel guilty about the things that slip by. Or fly by, like Rocket Bun! ;)

BUT, I had so much fun with the sketch that awesome Wendy McGaffey came up with for this TCP Tuesday Challenge! Check it, don't you love that wonky panel? I sure do. :)

Here's the deets for TCP Tuesday Challenge, I sure hope you can play! 

1. Every other Tuesday a new challenge will be posted on the TCP blog as well as on our Splitcoaststampers forum and our Facebook page.
2. If you want to play along you just upload your design using the InLinkz button at the TCP blog. If you want to display your pretties on Splitcoaststampers use keyword TCPTUES282. Only the entries uploaded to the Inlinkz button will be considered for Swanky Stamper at the end of the month.
3. You must have your project posted by the Monday, 12 midnight EDT before the next challenge to be eligible to win the Cat Cash.
4. Cards and projects are not required the use of a Cat’s Pajamas Stamp or CutUps die.
5. On the following TCP Tuesday, the winner will be chosen at random from the previous challenge and will receive a Cat Cash Voucher for $10 or $15 if a TCP product is used.
6. At the end of the month, The Swanky Stamper will be selected from all the weekly entries. The Swanky Stamper will receive some of the stamps from our next release and get to play along with us at our Pajamas Party and Blog Hop. AND… They’ll even get a special spot in the Gallery highlighting the project that won them the gig and a snazzy badge to display on their blog. The Swanky Stamper will be announced the First Monday of the month on Splitcoaststampers, Facebook page and this Blog.
7. The Swanky Stamper will be announced the First Monday of the month on Splitcoaststampers, Facebook page and on the TCP blog.

So, I used what might just be my very fave TCP set EVER, it's called "Soar." Anything with a rocket on it is popular around these parts, plus I LOVE the sentiments. And, since I recently took a class on Copic coloring, I had a lot of fun shading the rocket. :) 

This is a great set for every day use, it was included with a holiday release, hence the snowflakes, but as you can see, it also makes a super cute Valentine! :)

I also used the Heart Trio CutUps, the Heart Swirl CutUps, and the Love Letters stamp set for the sentiments.

I made this for my hubby, I hope he likes it! :) 

Also, I believe this is Cat Packer Kelli's last post as part of our DT. I seriously almost cried when I heard she was leaving us. I will miss you Kelli! :( 

Thanks for stopping by! Sure hope you can join us in the TCP Tuesday Challenge! :)  Be sure and check out what the rest of the Cat Pack has for you to see! 

TCPTUES281 Mixed Media Mini Canvas/My One Little Word

Hi dear blog friends, I sure hope you are enjoying the New Year so far, I know I am. This time of year is such a time of reflection, isn't it? In the past several years, I have had a yearly word that was reflective of some goals I was working on at the time. Some words have been "courage," "accountability," and "balance."

Dear friends, I have worked really hard on myself these last years. I have strived to be better, stronger, happier, fitter, and more loving. I am proud to say that I have come a long way with many many goals. But I still have one **BIG** problem, and that's me getting in my own way. You see, NO ONE out there is harder on me, than, well... me. I am never satisfied with myself, no matter what the accomplishment. And what I am learning is this. I can be my own worst enemy. I need to cut myself some slack. I need to quit striving and start LIVING in the present moment. I need to cut back on commitments and enjoy the moment. In short, I just need to BE. Just be. So, my word for 2015 is "be."

I decided to make a mini mixed media canvas today. I have been really wanting to try some mixed media, I have done a few things, but nothing much, and I am hoping to do more creating for creating sake this year, so I think mixed media may be a very good fit for me to explore my creative process once again. I used acrylic, gelato, stamping, die cutting, punching, and even a couple stickers on this little piece. I even decorated the top! :)

These canvas are teeny, only about 4" square, so that is less intimidating to me than a big one, lol. I am inspired by my dear friend Wendy and her gorgeous mixed media paintings. I included a "40" punched from vintage paper since I just celebrated my 40th birthday. :)

Mine was inspired by the inspiration photos for TCP Tuesday 281. Great photos you picked, Kelli! 

Here are the Deets for the TCP Tuesday Challenge.

1. Every other Tuesday a new challenge will be posted on the TCP blog as well as on our Splitcoaststampers forum and our Facebook page.
2. If you want to play along you just upload your design using the InLinkz button at the TCP blog. If you want to display your pretties on Splitcoaststampers use keyword TCPTUES281. Only the entries uploaded to the Inlinkz button will be considered for Swanky Stamper at the end of the month.
3. You must have your project posted by the Monday, 12 midnight EDT before the next challenge to be eligible to win the Cat Cash.
4. Cards and projects are not required the use of a Cat’s Pajamas Stamp or CutUps die.
5. On the following TCP Tuesday, the winner will be chosen at random from the previous challenge and will receive a Cat Cash Voucher for $10 or $15 if a TCP product is used.
6. At the end of the month, The Swanky Stamper will be selected from all the weekly entries. The Swanky Stamper will receive some of the stamps from our next release and get to play along with us at our Pajamas Party and Blog Hop. AND… They’ll even get a special spot in the Gallery highlighting the project that won them the gig and a snazzy badge to display on their blog. The Swanky Stamper will be announced the First Monday of the month on Splitcoaststampers, Facebook page and this Blog.
7. The Swanky Stamper will be announced the First Monday of the month on Splitcoaststampers, Facebook page and on the TCP blog.

I used the Cloud Border CutUps, the Petal Posies CutUps, and the Nightie Alphabet on my canvas. 

...and I love the way it looks on my wall arrangement in my studio. 

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to check out what my DT buds have in store for you! :) 

Fun cards....

Hi friends, just stopping in today with a few "just because" cards I made. I have been feeling a bit burned out lately and decided that today I needed some real playtime. Time to make what I want and not just make things with a deadline attached to it. :)

I started playing with some neon patterned papers, and some wood pieces. This was the first card I made. A friend made me an amazing necklace and belt for Christmas/birthday. I just wanted to send her a thank you note.

Santa left me some fun neon/kraft tags in my stocking.

I decorated the inside, too.

Then I kept playing and made a birthday card. You can never have too many of those! ;)

Just for fun felt really good today. What have you made just for fun lately? 

Have a great day! :) 

Happy New Year! A great cause in 2015...

Happy New Year! Thanks for stopping by! I wanted to show you this cute card that a friend commissioned from me. And also wanted to direct you to a FANTASTIC cause to kick off the New Year! The Masse Family are kicking off a fundraiser to raise money so they can adopt a little girl from China. You can read more about their 2015$ fundraiser and link up to donate here.

A very Happy New Year! :)