Sharing my craft room

One of my favorite time wasters  things to do is to look at all the things on Pinterest. One of my favorite things to look for/at are craft rooms and all the fun, creative, unique storage and organizing options and designs.

Long before there even WAS a Pinterest, I was doing the same thing in all the scrappy magazines.  I even created a layout about it.  Anyone remember this ad?

  

I already had a mental list of a number of things that were mandatory as you can see from my list.  It's interesting how so many of those things actually stayed consistent over time.  

Here's the whole layout.

I even heard about a contest for a room makeover and decided to try to enter it. And being the crafty soul that I am, I figured that an album would be much better as an entry than a simple essay.  And I'm sure it would have been.  If I'd've finished it and sent it in.

I'm not much of a country fan but I gotta say there may just be something to Garth Brooks' assertion that "sometimes God's greatest gift is unanswered prayers".  If I'd've finished that album it would have been sent in to the contest and I wouldn't have it as one of my favorite mini albums today.  It documents all the things I wanted and then, how I accomplished them.  Much better than having some celeb designer with no real clue about crafting doing it.  Here's a link to the album - My Favorite Room.

 

For one time in my very impatient life, I managed to do prep work.  I still have the folder with my lists, pictures and hand drawn plans.  If you'd like a good giggle, click on the link and you can check 'em out.  Despite this proof that prep work pays off, I still don't do well getting it done.  And the proof that it pays off is that the vast majority of my room is still just like it was originally planned out.  There have been a few adjustments or changes but not a huge amount considering this was done in December 2007.

Here are a few of my favorite spots in my room with commentary.

This is a look into the room, circa 2007, from the French doors.  I was so delighted to be able to include a comfy chair for Mel to sit in.  Little did I know it actually ended up having Harley in it much more than any homo sapien's behind.  You can just see the ribbon turn table that I made and additional ribbon on the pegboard.  The desk is now straight, facing forward.  It was just easier to get around once I moved it.

This looks into the corner.  The top doors are magnet and are pretty well completely covered by now with all kinds of things that make me happy.  And my poor desk has never, no exaggeration, been this clean since.  One of the coolest updates has happened to the desk.  Mel added a drop leaf to the end. This has been a HUGE help when I've got a lot of stuff I want to play with and need more room. Best of all, I can put it down when I don't want it taking up the extra space. The link shows it in white but it's actually a similar color to the desk.  Super win!

Here's an updated view with the drop leaf extended.  You can also see the super cool round, spinning organizer I got from Harbor Freight.  I highly recommend it.  A little bit of a pain to put together but well worth the time and effort once you're done.  You can also see the framed photo of Harley in his chair looking down on me and Davis.

You can also see a few of the small changes that have happened.  I added dowel ribbon storage to the side of the unit near the chair and a super cute new polka dot rug.

My die cut center is soooooooo awesome!  Having a space to keep all my dies in one place with my machine, heaven!  After changing how I do things this past year I decided to change it slightly.  Here's the original, right across from my desk

And now once it was moved to the right side wall.  Much easier and quicker for me.  Plus an added bonus is it's literally right next to my scrap storage, which you can just see peeking out from underneath the printer.  This past year I also finally combined all of my dies together.  I used to keep my Spellbinders separate from all the other companies. But I finally figured out that if I'm searching for something specific, like a flower, that it's a whole lot easier to look in ONE spot than two.  The top shelf has all my shape dies in Crop N Style PSB binders.  Those things are rarer than hen's teeth!  So if you've got some you want to part with let me know!!!  The bottom shelf has my alphabet dies and embossing folders.  You can see that I left my ink pads on the wall but moved my stamps with the unit that moved.  This was for several reasons, the biggest one was that I tend to use my stamp pads more than my stamps so keeping them closer to hand will make grabbing them that much faster and easier.

This little spot has actually changed the most.  I've added a shelf and more baskets, as you can see to the left in the photo above.  One of my favorite things is the wine bottle pen holders.  So much storage taking up so little space and leaving so much space to put plenty under them.  My big perpetual calendar has been retired.  Or more aptly, hidden. Hopefully one day I'll be able to find a spot for it again.

If you'd like to see more pictures from my office, follow this link.  I've got folders breaking down specific things as far as my room and organization go.  

Do you have an album or layout with images from your craft room?  Or favorite pins for rooms or clever storage and organization solutions?  Please share then with me.  I'm always looking for new ways to waste time, rather new inspiration.  :)

Jumping in again....

I knew that blogging would be a challenge for me but I never expected all of the things that would happen to distract me from blogging on a regular basis.  Just a few of the things that have kept me busy since I last blogged (8/13):

- I made a team (10/13) and now bout regularly.  If you haven't come out to see it, you really should.  I'm on the Brawlaz but am working my tail off to be put on a state level team.  www.azrollerderby.com
- our nephew now lives with us.  Mel's mom passed away (11/13) and he was the last rugrat she had guardianship over.
- Bret has started the fire academy.  And since finished it and gone again to refresh before taking the various tests.
- Bret also tested extremely well for the Phoenix Fire Dept and got into the first and second round of interviews with them.
- He also moved out and has an apartment in Tempe with a friend.  A bittersweet event for sure.  But mom and dad hooked him up with all the kitchen gear they'd need.
- I've changed departments and jobs at work and am a million times happier.  And was let go (8/15) which makes me sad.
- we have a 4th dog (1/14).  Though he's so damn small he's more of a rat or a cat but he def has big dog attitude.
- we lost Harley (3/15) and Pablo (8/15) and are down to 2 dogs and a turtle.
- I got surprised with an adorable new car (8/13).  Her name is Rosy and I really dig her.
- And my mom has visited (9/14)and returned to Texas.  And has moved here permanently as of 6/15
- I broke my right ankle (3/15) and had to have surgery.  This one has a plate and 11 pins.  Since the doc put my first (and logo) tat back together perfectly I'm not not giving him a hard time about the missing 12th screw so that it would have matched my left side.

And now I'm looking forward to another big adventure.  Since I'm no longer gainfully employed, and am having a challenging time finding a new position, I want to combine my love for creating with helping people, which I also love to do.  A seed was planted by a friend of mine for a business opportunity and I'm hoping to explore it.  As well as devote some time and energy to my Etsy site.

So I hope you'll follow along, send ideas/suggestions/comments/funny jokes.

Have a lovely day!

A New & Exciting Adventure....

My mama always said (yes, you MUST read that in your best Forrest Gump voice) that when a door closes, a window opens.  As I've lived longer (I may be admitting my age now but I'm not going to say I've grown up or that I've gotten older) I find this to be more and more true.  You just never know when one chapter ends what will happen in the next.

Deciding to stop teaching crafting classes was really hard.  I'd been doing it for so long.  And it was so much a part of "me".  The me I knew, the me that I showed to the world and the me that made up my life.  Letting go of that was hard.  But also kind of freeing.  Now, I had all kinds of new choices to make.  New possibilities to consider.  New ways of creating and sharing to think about.

At RollerCon ( a week long roller derby convention for those of you not into derby) my window didn't just open, it slammed up and announced itself.  I met with Em Dash, co-founder of derbylife, and over really bad loud music and the clanging of slot machines, agreed to become an editor for the site.  

Since getting into crafting some of my other, former interests had fallen by the wayside.  They were still there, they just didn't get much attention or weren't often used.  But to now be able to write.  To talk to people and get their story.  To be able to share that with other people.  I'd forgotten that "writing" voice I used to have.  I'm working at getting back in touch with that part of me.  Percolating ideas and opening sentences.  Thinking about how I want to approach a topic or subject.  Being able to combine a creative outlet with my now, 2 year love affair with roller derby.  The possibilities are wide open.  And I'm so excited to start charging down this less traveled path.

My blog will continue to have my crafty pursuits showcased.  I'll never be able to stop that.  It's as essential as breathing and skating to me.  I'll also try to tell the occasional interesting, humorous or at least funny story about my life and the characters that are in it.  But you'll also be seeing questions and topics I'd like feedback about.  If it pertains to you, please respond.  If it doesn't, I hope it's at least interesting and you learn about something you didn't know about before.  And no matter what, I hope you'll read those things I write for derbylife because they'll be personal.  I don't know how else to approach things.

And for those of you that have listened to my stories, listened to me vent and complain and cry because I wasn't making the progress I wanted to - I PASSED MY ASSESSMENTS LAST NIGHT!!! That means I can start scrimmaging and hitting and PLAYING derby.  It also means I'm 6 weeks closer than I was to getting onto a team.  I'll be expecting all of you to come watch me once I'm on that team and actually bouting in public.

Beat the heat this weekend...

If you'd like something fun to do and get out of the awful heat and humidity here in the Valley of the Sun, consider heading to Prescott.  Northern Arizona Roller Derby is hosting an all day scrimmage to help raise money and donations for the Fallen 19.

Mel will be playing DJ all day long and I've signed up to skate in 3 of the scrimmage bouts.  I hope you'll consider joining us.

Here's the info straight from the event page on Facebook.

• • Sunday, July 21, 2013
  • 

    10:00am until 3:00pm

• Pioneer Park Roller Rink, Prescott, Arizona 86301

• NAZRD will be hosting a memorial scrimmage on 7-21-13 from 10 am to 3 pm. 6 - 30 minute bouts with a lunch break. $10 skate entry plus one item to donate to the families that have lost everything. ALL proceeds go to the United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association. This association is currently helping out Prescott FD because of the overwhelming nature of the situation. All the money given will go directly to the families of the 19 heroes. Please come out and give if you are a fan and play if you are a derby player, man or woman, any league. This is open to all. I would love for the derby community to come together and support the families in our hometown. Thank you all!

At long last a return to my blog.....

I haven't' checked the date for my last post but I know it's been a long time.  Life has a way of getting really crazy, busy and getting in the way of all the things I want to do sometimes.

Here are a few updates from me:
- Am no longer teaching classes anywhere.  That was a pretty hard decision to make since I've been sharing my love of all things crafty for over 11 years.
- I've started working out in the real world again.  And I have to say, I'm delighted about it for so many reasons.  I was able to, literally, propose a dream job and suggest I be the one to do it.  I can't thank Spellbinders and all of the people there enough for going along with my idea.
- Lots of things have changed this past year in my derby league.  They've revamped the training and put in place some great organization.  I'm still working hard to get on a team and have hopes to do so in the near future.
- Bret will be moving back in with Mel & I.  This is a good thing and I'm kinda excited about it.  I like that kid.  He'll be going to school full time so that's pretty cool too.

Since I'm no longer teaching I figure I'll be able to share other crafty stuff here.  One of the things I've done recently is offer to create all of the birthday cards for the office.  It just seems wrong, on so many levels, to have store bought cards from a crafting company.  I also still haunt Pinterest on pretty much a regular basis. I love trying things I've pinned and figure this is a good place to show my inspiration pin and my results.

So here goes:

Original Link

One thing I really liked abut this design, besides the fact that it's totally classic, is that you could really change out the leaf shapes on the original with nearly any other shape or design and it still works.  Really, that's one of the hallmarks of classic/good design.  Since this card was for a man, I used the Nautical Frame & Accents from Spellbinders.  This set is discontinued and kind of hard to find.  I got mine from 7KidsCollegeFund.

June was a busy month for birthdays in the office but I don't want to post all of the cards at once.  :)  So check back in a few days for more.

Until then, have a totally fabu day, support local roller derby and love is love.

October update

I'll be mailing out the class samples for Scrapbook Barn in the morning.  Take a peek at them on the Class Projects tab.  I was totally inspired by a stamp set I picked up while on a trip to Atlanta.  I got to go check out the cutest little shop, The Altered Angel.  I highly recommend stopping in if you're in the area.

Looking forward to having some friends in town for a few days the end of the week.  And hope to be able to see my brother on his next trip thru AZ.  And catching up on all the little things that haven't gotten done since our California trip.

Updates - Classes, life, stuff

It's been way to long since I added anything to my poor little blog.  It's not for lack of stuff going on but more because SO MUCH has been going on.  Just doesn't seem like there's been time to catch my breath or gather my thoughts with it all.  So I hope you'll understand and forgive me.  Sometimes life just gets in the way and won't let loose.

First off, classes.  I made one of the most difficult decisions I've had to deal with in a long time in the last month or so.  I'm taking a break from teaching, at least until after the Winter CHA show.  Because I can't give it up completely - I've been teaching in some capacity for the last 10 years! - I will continue the Copic Color Inspirations classes at Scrapbook Barn.  Creating and kitting for one class is more manageable and hopefully lets some of my creative mojo to work more freely than it has been.  I'm looking forward to creating just for fun for a little bit.

Next, class samples for September's class at Scrapbook Barn.  I've got 3 of the projects completed and the 4th nearly so.  I'll be dropping them in the mail from Georgia, that's the next major thing I'll mention below, today.  Pictures will be posted to the Class Projects tab as usual with the colors used and any interesting technique information we'll be doing on them.

Lastly,  my best friend from high school was recently diagnosed with a form of Leukemia.  I'm in Georgia for a week to help her and her family out.  It's kind of thrown everyone for a loop, me included, so huddling together seems to be the best way to fend off the beasties.

And in the midst of everything, derby still takes up about 4 nights a week.  I can't even begin to say how grateful I am to have that kind of outlet.  Between being able to get my mind off of stuff or being able to go out and work out hard, and perhaps even hit a few bitches, it's been a blessing.  I participated in a Co-Ed Scrimmage Fun Day on the first and had so much fun.  Bret surprised me by showing up for my bout.  Poor kid didn't even blink an eye seeing his mom wearing a thong over her shorts.  To be fair - the bout was Granny Panties vs. Thongs.  I had so much fun!  And I'm happy to say that I mostly played better than the last scrimmage day event I participated in AND I didn't break anything!!  Major win if you ask me.

Join me for Friday night fun!!

If you're looking for something fun to do Friday night, join me up at Tailgaters anytime after 7 pm.  We're hosting a poker tourney to help raise funds to send the Tent City Terrors to upcoming tournaments.  If poker isn't your thing there'll be karaoke.  And plenty of derby silliness.

So much seems to have happened in such a short period of time!!

Since I last blogged, I've officially begun helping out with the Phoenix Derby Brats.  Talk about awesome and inspiring and humbling all at once!!  Skating with 20 somethings was tough enough but now I'm skating with teenagers and pre-teens!!  But I love it.  Those girls keep me on my toes, literally.  And I can't stop trying and working around them.  If you'd like to watch these fierce skaters put August 11 on your calendar. We'll be hosting the Las Cruces team for a rematch on our home turf.  I'll post all the details closer to the date.

I also had to order new skates unexpectedly.  I took my skates in to see about replacing a $2 part.  Or so I thought.  When I had them up on the counter I noticed that the rivets holding the plate to the heel was loose. But worse was that the boot was coming away from the heel.  Needless to say, skating on them could be dangerous.  And since that was the right skate, I'd just as soon not break the other ankle.  3 more weeks til my red with silver striped skates come in.  :)  I'm sure you'll see pics as soon as I have them in hand but until then this is a computer rendering

I've been re-evaluating my classes and working to revamp them.  So far the changes have gotten a positive response so I'm rolling them out to all of my coloring classes.  Each class will now have 4 cards or projects.  With all of the markers, embellishments and items needed to create each card in a separate "box" the boxes will be passed around among class participants.  This has allowed more of a "color at your own pace" style that gives everyone as much time as they need.  This will also allow me to work with each person as needed.  I'd love any feedback regarding these changes.

I've actually been creating layouts lately.  Something I've gotten away from the last few years unintentionally. But thankfully my new Scrapbooking with Sketches class is helping with that.  I'm delighted to have made at least 2 layouts about our renewal ceremony from 2001!  I've got some neat things in the works and planned for this concept.   I hope you'll join me for one of these classes - I'm teaching it at Paper Vineyard and now at Paper & Metal Scrappers.  Each class will send you home with not only completed layouts but also pages to create your own "sketch" book of ideas.  You can see the next set of layouts on the Class Projects tab.

And one thing I'm especially excited about is the upcoming Open House/Meet the Teachers event at Phoenix Scrap Cottage.  You'll find me there from 1-5 this Saturday.  Because the Cottage doesn't publish their address - to ensure privacy for any of the groups that reserve the retreat - please email me to get the address.  You'll be able to see my Fill in the Blanks journal project as well as meet the other teachers & see their projects for upcoming classes.  Stop by and check out the cottage and chat with all of us.

New Class Concept....

Some time ago I blogged about a new kind of class I wanted to do.  Something fun, creative, with a little structure but not to much and most importantly, about ME.  Very few of the pages or projects I do each month are about me.  My stories.  My perspective.  My past.  My future.  So often if I try to do something about me I feel uncomfortable and abandon the project after a few stilted tries.

I've finally found something that's working.  And I want to share it with others.  But the challenge has been getting enough participants in any one area to make it feasible.  Well, sometimes the solution to a problem comes when you're not looking.  I got an email from Bonnie at Phoenix Scrap Cottage asking about teaching there.  After thinking about it for a little while I realized this could be the PERFECT solution for this concept.

I plan on meeting up with Bonnie and working out details and a schedule.  I'll update here once that's all been taken care of.

Hopefully I've peaked your interest in this project.  Here are samples of a few of my pages if you'd like to find out a little more.  You can also sign up for my monthly newsletter to get the latest.  Just relpy here (or email me) with your email addy and I'll get you on the list.  No worries, you can opt out whenever you like.

Have a great weekend!

Happy Birthday to my boy - LOTS of photos

Just want to post in one more place out on the world wide web that today is my boy's birthday.  I'm so proud of him and so happy for where he's at in life.  Here are a few of my favorite pictures of him thru the years.

Rocky Point 2006

Rocky Point 2007

family pic mid to late 90's

8th grade

dirty face & wearing the shirt he painted (yes, I still have this shirt) 1995/1996? 

Having to be just like dad - 1992

Zach's Birthday party - Bret was making sure he could open everything - 1992/1993

Varsity Football 2007

Family Vacation Mazatlan, Mexico 2005/2006

Photo on a project created at pre-school/day care - 1995 ish

Hands down a favorite photo from the wedding - Nov 9, 2001

the skateboarding phase 1998/1999?

Kindergarten 95-96

wrestling Sr year 2008

Dec 2004

Sr Prom April 2008

Happy Birthday!

What a weekend!!

No wonder I needed a nap today!  We've been busy and on the go since Thursday night.  Of course a lot of that is due to having Kaytey here.  And neither of us are used to keeping up with a 4 year old!!  Add to that it was my brilliant idea to do pancakes for dinner Thursday night.  How do I not remember that pancakes take syrup?  And that syrup has sugar, lots of sugar! in it??!  Aunt Krista had to make a pancake just for her.  :)

Friday was filled up with cooking and party prep.  Paste Eaters on Friday night was a blast.  Lots of giggling and even some creativity getting accomplished.  I won the blog comment war however.  Benefit of hosting the party perhaps.

Saturday bright and early I had class at The Occasional
Artist.  If you still haven't gone to check it out you are seriously missing out. Such an amazing little place with so much creativity packed into it.  I'll have the April Copic class samples up in the store on Tuesday.

Saturday evening was all about the fights.  UFC that is.  Mel took care of the seating set ups and I was in charge of food.  Let's just say no one could possibly have left hungry.  A nacho bar, hot dogs, chili, chips & dips galore, veggies and lots more.  I'll be snacking for the next week at least.

A drive to breakfast in the fast car Sunday morning and dropping the rug rat off.  Now that my nap is done I'll be coloring and crafting (Mel has a 2 hour gig this evening).  Look for posts with class samples for Scrapbook Barn & Occasional Artist this evening.  And perhaps samples for a Scrapbooking With.... class out at Paper Vineyard.  I'm really liking them.  I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed creating layouts until I started playing with these samples!

My poor little blog.....

I really and truly never meant to be away from it for so long.  And to come back and find that my last post disappeared is frustrating.  At some point I'll try to recreate it, if for no other reason than I liked the pictures I had in it.  :)

To recap: February was pretty well spent laying on my back, on the couch with my left foot/ankle up in the air. My only entertainment was the iPad & Boogle game and my phone for limited internet access.  Wasn't even interested in watching tv.  This necessitated cancelling or rescheduling all February classes.

With March now here, I'll be back to teaching (only a few classes are rescheduled).  I'll just be a little slower since I'll be using a knee walker and eventually a walking boot.  So I'll ask for your patience in advance.

I'm working on getting my mojo back.  It seems that while I was laying around, my mojo thought it was vacation time and took off.  Being back in my office is helping and I'll be playing around with my markers and pretty papers and seeing what happens.

I'm off to go update the calendar and class projects page.  Take a look and hopefully you'll see something you like and will join me.

WOW!!

I can't believe how long it's been since I've blogged.  I didn't forget about it and even had several posts planned but as often happens, life got busy.

A few highlights from the past month:
- Mel & I celebrated our 20th anniversary on November 9.  Dinner out at On The Border & a movie.  Sadly, I'd recommend waiting for Tower Heist to come out on DVD.  I had high expectations with the cast it had and it was ok, but it didn't live up to my high hopes.  *sigh*

- I passed my skills test in November to move up to the next level in derby.  I'm officially a member of the Smasher Squad.  The best part about that is that I can scrimmage now!!  Who'd ever have thought that I'd be happy to get hit!?  Here's the picture Mel took when I got home and told him I'd made it.









-  AZRD was able to decorate a tree at Phoenix Children's Hospital.  This was especially meaningful for me since a friend of mine takes her daughter there on a regular basis.  And I was so delighted to hear they were able to find it.  Here's a picture of Julie & Brooke next to it.

- I created salt dough ornaments to decorate cookie gifts for the neighbor's this year.  I made one of them for the tree.  Brooke & Julie picked it out immediately!  Look for a post soon about this project!  I'm thinking these would be super fun for a class!

- If you're looking for something to do that doesn't cost a fortune I've got 2 ideas for you.  Come to the next home bout for AZRD on Jan 14 at Castle Sports Club.  Doors open at 6 pm.  Tickets $12 adults/$6 kids at the door or get them early for $10/$5.  Or buy tickets from me for the Coyotes game Feb 28.  Normally $36 each, tickets from me are only $20 each.  Section 205, rows H & I.  I'd love to win free dues for a month by selling the most tickets so please spread the word.

- Between the holiday craziness I'm hard at work on new classes starting in January.  Look for me at The Occasional Artist (formerly The Creative Quest), Scrapbook Barn, Frenzy Stamper, Paper Vineyard & Paper & Metal Scrappers. 

- I will be adding project pictures & info to the Class Projects tab as quickly as I can.  Check out the cards for the Colorful Copic Valentines at The Occasional Artist Jan 14 9 - 10:30 am.

- I've suspended the DIEnomite! class.  I'll be revamping it and expect to make it available in several stores in the Spring.  I'd love to hear any suggestions or ideas for it.

I hope you're having a wonderful holiday season and are all caught up on your shopping and projects.  We'll be creating our cards tonight.  Check off one thing from my To Do list.  :)

50% OFF!!!

If you're looking for my Paper Vineyard Design Team post, please scroll down.

But maybe read about the great deal you can get and help out me and my derby sisters first.  :)

Yep.  You saw that correctly.  

Who doesn't love to get something fabulous for HALF price??  

And support a fabulous group at the same time?!!

 

Get 50% off the AZ State Fair when you buy your tickets online and support Arizona Roller Derby at the same time!!! Just enter "azderby11" at check out.  This deal is available thru Oct 13. If you're buying tickets after the 13th, you won't get the half off but you will still be helping out AZ Roller Derby.

And hey, I made it easy by giving you a live link!!  PLEASE, PLEASE re-post this to your blogs, pages, twitter or anywhere else to get the word out.  And ask your friends to spread the word as well.  You'll have my undying love & devotion and maybe even a signed derby photo if I ever get one.  :D

Deep in the heart of Texas

I've long wanted to participate in design teams but felt it would be a conflict when I was a sales rep.  So I'm very happy to have been able to join the design team at Paper Vineyard recently.  Each week Adriana asks that the DT create with a specific theme and/or product.  Today I'm showcasing the really cool custom chipboard state names offered through Grapevine Designs.  (If you haven't seen the stuff they're doing, you are so totally missing out!!)


When deciding what size/style of project to do, I pulled out a 6x10 album I started a while back.  The pages in it are just for me & just about me.  Some are serious, some are silly.  But this is an album for no one else but myself.  So I thought it was fitting to add a page to it about my thoughts and feelings about my favorite state.

I chose Texas for my state.  When I was thinking about what I wanted to do for my project I was thinking about all the things about Texas that I liked.  And I thought about how those things have impacted me throughout life.

This is a 6 x 8 3/4 piece of chipboard (I actually cut down an old Bisquick box to use.  Reduce.  Reuse. Recycle. at it's best as art materials)  I'll punch holes in the top (the blue side in this case) to add it to the album.  I like the unusual size and orientation - makes it a little more interesting when creating.  I recreated the Texas flag with patterned papers and then added a stitched heart and the lyrical reference to Texas.  The "Texas" is the intricately laser cut chipboard from Grapevine Designs.  I added a little acrylic paint to it and cut down some foam squares to pop it up.  This allows the state name to stand out against the background but not compete with it or be overwhelmed by it.  

I added my thoughts about Texas and how I've incorporated it's lessons into my life on the back.
Be sure to check out the Paper Vineyard blog on Tuesday to see what the other DT members have come up with!!

The Amazing Technicolor Bruise

This happened Monday evening when I wiped out at my 2nd on skates Derby practice.  I think the colors are very pretty.  Wish I could figure out what Copic colors these would be!

My first on skate practice was last Thursday.  And to say I was exhausted is a huge understatement.  I don't think I've ever been so soaking wet outside of the shower or a pool in my life!!  And if my face wasn't at least fire engine red I'd be surprised!

Had 3 good wipe outs that night.  Was actually glad when the first one happened.  It was over and done with and I could stop worrying about it.  The other 2 came when I was trying to execute the rolling back stop.  Nothing like I used to do in my skating heyday.  Hence the multiple falls.  :)  Despite the heat, incredibly sore muscles and difficulty I'm loving it.  Really want to get past thinking about the skating part so I can concentrate on the techniques for the falls and stuff.  Trying to do both at once is too much even for a master multi-tasker like myself.

Tonight will be another practice and I'm actually looking forward to it.  I just want to go skate and get better and participate.  And am still contemplating my derby name.  The one I wanted is taken so it's onto plan B.  Am thinking of using "Scrappy" but not sure I wanted to combine my two hobbies.  Any thoughts?

Here's a layout I did several years ago when I tried to roller skate for exercise.  It's amazing how much of it still applies.  Have a great  day!!

click to enlarge

DERBY!!!!

Ok.  I'm trying not to let myself get to excited or start hyperventilating or anything.  But tonight will be the first time I'll be able to get geared up and skate at derby practice.  Just got word that my RED helmet is in!!  So happy.  I'm off to go pick it up, then some prep for classes this weekend.

Curious about derby??  Go check it out!

What I've been up to.....

It's been a busy last week or so.  I had my best friend from high school's oldest daughter in town for a week.  We did all kinds of stuff - Sea Life, art museum, Botanical Garden and more.

Here's Emily overcoming a major fear and touching a snake at the Botanical Garden  :)

Besides all of that I've been trying to categorize all the different sentiments and word stamps I have.  Talk about a nearly overwhelming task.  But I'm trying to do it a little bit at a time.

I'm using a 6x6 SEI album.  Because I needed it to be more expandable than it comes, I punched holes thru the covers and put book binder rings thru it and the page protectors and stamped pages.  I set up a template on the computer that would fit inside the page protector and did 2 columns of numbers.  Then I listed the name and manufacturer of each stamp set I have.  Oy Vey!  I have A LOT of stamps.  Way more than I figured.

And now it's just a matter of stamping each sentiment, word or phrase in each set onto the pages in the proper section.  I've only stamped 40 sets so far *sigh* and have about a million more to go it feels like.  So that I can easily identify which set a particular sentiment comes from I've written the number next to it that corresponds with the number next to the stamp set on the list.  Each section is for a different category so I can quickly flip to the type of sentiment I need.  And because it's actually stamped I can easily see if the size and style will work for my project.

This should be a great resource once it's done.  Wish I'd thought of it sooner so it would be easier to put together.  But I suppose better late than never right.

I also made a fun smashbook style album for Emily of her trip.  All she's got to do is print out the pictures she wants to use and put them in it.  I had ssssooooooo much fun making it.  No rules.  No overthinking.  No need to keep class possibilities in mind.  And using lots of ephemera from our adventures.  There are to many pages to put it on the blog so I've created an album for it.  Here's the link if you'd like to check it out.  I put notes about some of the unusual items I used on each of the photos.

More class pictures coming soon!