As Christmas crafting draws to a close, it comes with mixed feelings. Christmas is a great time to make things for people to show you are thinking of them. At the same time, I have been making Christmas-related art in some form for a few months now as a part of my business; consequently, I'm a little ready to move on to the new year. Are you making things for your friends and family? The ability to create gives pleasure to both the creator and the recipient. Here are some things I've been ... View the Post
Tis the Season
This time of year is so busy for all of us. My schedule doesn't start to slow until after my son's birthday in January. It's my favorite time of year, though. Living in Michigan brings ample opportunity for sweaters, tea, books, and blankets! One challenge I always have is the time change. It gets dark so early and it feels strange to leave the house in the pitch black of night. It's always tempting to stay home and work (which is fun for me), or play games with the family, or catch a ... View the Post
The Mist Brings Clarity
As a writer, there are certain things that inspire the thoughts that turn into stories. Sometimes the idea is a subtle one, and it develops into something more later on. Sometimes, all it takes is the right color in the sky, the smell of the air, crunchy leaves, or the fog. This was the view from my window one morning. It might look depressing to some, but it was exquisite to me. It was the fog of potential. So many stories could spawn from such a fog. The contrast of the green against the fog ... View the Post
Stampin’ Up Stitched Dies
These are beautiful! Stampin' Up's Stitched Framelit Dies come in ovals, squares, and circles. You get a total of 12! I've created some Christmas tags. I used a deer head file from Silhouette to create the embellishment. I love how it turned out! It's such a quick and easy way to make special and unique tags. I love this classic, preppy look with paper from Warmth and Cheer. It's classy and elegant. Click on the Stampin Up link to order, and check out the video on how to make this tag. ... View the Post
The Flip Book
As a self-professed lover of books, I love the idea of making my own. There is something about creating something for people to open and explore like a great novel. In the paper crafting world, there are various types of books. One form is the flip book. It is made to do as you might think--to flip! I tried my hand at an envelope version and it was so much fun. I see many in my future... I used some paper from a Simon Says Stamp kit and made my own envelopes. Then I decorated it. Here ... View the Post
Have you ever grown up thinking you can't do something and then decide one day to do that very thing? These past ten months or so, that has been the case for me. I have always been a creativity-driven person in various areas, but these recent months I have been challenging myself to do new things. Watercolor painting is one such thing. It is so relaxing! It' hard to describe the process unless you've done it. It helps you to view nature in even more detail. I find myself noticing gradation of ... View the Post