More Jewelry - I'm prospering, I'm learning!

Dear Crafty Friends, Isn't fun to learn something new in our crafty journey? This week, I dabbled in making Pandora-like bracelets. Since the store was out of the bracelet materials, I turned to making a Pandora-like watch, which I ended up liking even better than the bracelets! This one is for a friend who shares a birthday with my Mother. The card in the box says "Friendship is Timeless." Please let me know your thoughts! Thanks for stopping by!

This one is for a friend who is expecting her third child - this time it's a boy!!  I combined blue and pink beads to commemorate the birth.

It's December...looking back, moving forward

Hello Friends, I am writing you today on my Mother's birthday. It's an extra special day as that earlier this month, Mom experienced a health-related scare which was very serious. I tend to then it's during times like these that we really stop and pause to reflect upon what's really important in life. Over on the SOC boards, an online sista asked what would be our keyword for 2013? My word is "Cherish". I want to learn to cherish the moment better and more often. I want to not let things stand in my way by allowing them to be excuses. For instance, I was in two car accidents in 2012 - neither of which were my fault but both, in some ways knocked me off my game. One in particular caused me injuries that were both short- and long-term. Dealing with the insurance companies are a whole other story, talk about being victimized all over again. Anywho, I had to tell myself that although I'm limited, I can still do some things. So, in the eve of having a milestone birthday, I started to work on my own renovation. It's a spiritual emotional, physical and spiritual renovation. The outward transformations include the Big Chop in October and a lifestyle plan to improve my overall health as well lose weight. During this journey, I know I am not where I was and I have yet to get to where I need to be, but the good news, is that I'm on my way! My goal through it all is to share my blessings, to be a blessing and to cherish the blessings that are mine today and be thankful for what is yet to come! Thank you for being here and being a part of this journey!

So Thankful

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I'm so thankful for the spirit of crafting and the wonderful community of creative friends! This is a quick post to share a recent layout I made for Thanksgiving. The bear is my November contribution to the Cricut Exchange swap. The bear is from the Teddy Bears on Parade cartridge.

Jewelry anyone?

One day while shopping in a local retail store, I was admiring a necklace set.  I went as far as taking it to the checkout line but it rang up for a price well over the threshold I was wishing to pay for it and it was at that point that I was convicted to learn how to make jewelry.  I've only been at it since the spring and it's really not my "thing" but at the same time, I enjoy making pieces that coordinate to my outfits and with my new hair do, having a little bling is an added benefit too!


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Big Chop: The Journey of discovering Me!

Well, they say the only thing that stays the same is change...or something like that. I privately struggled with something that I since learned so many other women struggle with - my hair. Not only my hair, but my overall appearance. After having my son, I somehow lost myself. I was trying to be that Super Mom, that Super Wife, that Super Daughter, that Super Worker, that Super Friend, that all-around Super person. In the process, I lost the Super Me. Part of this journey has been my hair. Although I went to a very reputable hair dresser each and every week, after I had my son, my hair changed. At first, my hair dresser was engaged in helping me through these changes but then, as time wore on, she seemingly wasn't interested. It was almost as I was a bother. Again, yes, this is a reputable shop and she is the owner of the shop! Although I was relying on her professional counsel and wisdom, I just don't think she was interested in me. Flat out. End of story. The hair dresser recommended a weave to help "cure" my hair issues that I experienced after giving birth. I protested but eventually consented. Don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with a weave other than it was never really "for me". It was over a 4 year wonderful weave journey (yes, a long time) but finally, my eyes opened. I started noticing the beautiful sistas with the natural hair. I didn't have to look far for inspiration. One of my dearest and longest friends, has absolutely beautiful natural hair to go along with her wonderful personality. I'm telling you, this girl is a part of my heart. Her smile will just warm you on one of those days you're on the battlefield and seemingly losing the war. So, after much introspection, I decided to take the weave off. Whatever was under there was under there and it was mine to deal with. My dear friend introduced me to a wonderfully talented hair care guru and the outward transformation began. You see, the inward transformation had already began to take place but it was time to show my testimony in an outward fashion. This blog entry, while not craft, is also a part of that outward testimony. On October 13, 2012, My "big chop" took place. In some places, my hair was chin length. In other places, I had a whisper of coverage, if that. I was nervous. I was anxious. I was a mess but in my heart of hearts, I knew it was the right thing to do for me. Putting aside my Super Woman Cape, this was by me for me. It's been a month and it's been a journey. A good journey. I'm thankful for the people and the help mates God has placed in my life to help me in the discovery process of me.

What's on your work desk Wednesday?

My crafty friend, AJ, challenged me (and other bloggers) to share what's on your work desk Wednesday. So here are the remmants of the mini album I'm working on.

I know the picture is a little scary but the project is coming along nicely. I'll be sure to share the final results!

American Girl Layout

I challenged myself to a different type of layout. This one features American Girl papers - 9 of them. It is much more colorful and intricate than my usual style.

Happy Graduation!

My oldest niece is graduation from high school!  We're all so excited for her and the opportunities that lay on the horizon.  I wanted to do something special for her but, let's face it, I'm also challenged by the availability of time.  So while wondering the aisles of my local Sam's Club, I found a solution.  There lay a pre-made graduation album.  It was the right color and everything!  So, I "had to " get it.  I took the album home and made a few custom embellishments to add in her teal color and what-bam-thank-you-ma'am, the album is done!!  Congratulations, Sierra!

What's life without a swap?

Nowadays, it seems like I only make time to craft if it is associated with a deadline.  This card is not an exception.  It was created in time for a swap deadline over at SOC. I combined some pretty paper, mixed it up with some stamps to great this floral card.  It was to be a feminine card with a little bling.  I think I rose up to the challenge!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

It's a beautiful March day and our Irish friends are celebrating St. Patrick's Day!
I thought I'd create a layout for the festivities.
I used Designer's Calendar and Paper Doll Dress Up along with Design Studio.  All embellishments came from JoAnn's, including the shamrock shoe string running vertically from end to end.  The paper was from my stash.
What's a layout without me chalking, inking or otherwise embellishing it?
TFL!

Back to Basics

I was surfing on SOC and someone (can't remember who, sorry) had posted a lovely card she made using the Storybook cartridge.  I haven't been using my Cricut that much lately but the card was inspiration enough to rev up Mr. Cricut and see what we could make.  The silver papers are from a wedding paper pack that I bought awhile ago and didn't need (like so many other things).  The blue, yellow and green patterned papers create nice flowered embellishments.  I used my iRoc tool to give the layout a little bling.  The numbers are chalked and pop-dotted off the page for some additional dimension.  I put this in my display area at JoAnn's.  Who knows, maybe I'll come across a newly wed couple this year and gift this to them.  :)  TFL!

It's fun learning something new!

As part of my birthday celebration, I wanted to do something crafty this weekend.  I enrolled in a paper piecing class at my local scrapbook store.  I don't get to this store often because it's about 35 minutes away but I'm so glad I went.  All of the ladies were great and the store owner is so crafty!  She is a big help and her creativity is absolutely amazing!  If you ever are in the area, check out The Crop Shop in Greensburg, PA.

Here's what we made in class.  Very cute, isn't it?

Check out An'Jenic's blog candy!

My crafty SOC Sister, An'Jenic, recently just moved into her new home and got everything organized in 1 day!  Go An'Jenic!!!!  Can I borrow you for my craft room?!?!?  To celebrate, she is giving away some awesome blog candy.  Check her out at http://anjenicgibson.blogspot.com/2012/02/blog-giveaway.html

Valentine Tag Swap

Over on the SOC boards, I hosted a Valentine Tag Swaps.  Everyone contributed to making the swap successful - thank you!  I appreciate everyone's efforts!  The participants showed up and showed out when creating these tags.  I'm amazed by the varieties and creativity of absolutely everyone.
In most cases, everyone will receive one of each of the tags (see notes below).  The pictures just don't do these tags justice, but again, it's just a sneak peak!  lol

Swap participants - if you would like me to include a description as to how you created your tag, please send me a private message on SOC boards!  Thanks!

Yet another personal tag challenge - did I say I'm addicted?!?!
This is part of my "Craft It Forward" project.
I'm going to create these and give it to someone else to use.
I am targeting my Sunday School class to receive these tags.   Our class is mostly senior citizens and me.  lol
This pic is showing the tags "in production."

This are more pics of my craft it forward project.
The tags are coming close to be completed.
The mini tags are from K& Company.
Then I embellished them.  Each tag is different.
Heart charms are held on by ribbon.
The larger shape is none other than a Nestabilities cut which has been embossed.
I will mount the tags onto an embossed white card base.
Inside of the cards will have a scripture (inspiration from Edie - thanks, Edie!)
(see Edie's wonderful tag below)

If you have been remotely following me over at SOC or on FB, then you know my new crafty love is Spellbinder's Nestabilities.  I'm hooked!!!!!!!
This tag was created by Nestabilities and Creative Memories heart punches and a brad from my stash.
The personal challenge with this tag was to create a non-rectangular tag.
It's simplistic but delicate at the same time.  The picture does not show the embossing that well.
Swap participants received this tag from me as well.
So some folks got two tags from me and some got 3.  See notes below.

RJ and I partnered together to where we both made 1/2 of the tags for the swap.  This is my contribution - a non-traditional Valentine's Day Tag.
The mini tags were pre-printed and varied.  The picture below is another variation of this tag design.  I used K&Company paper which I embossed with the Cuttlebug Hearts folder (it doesn't really show up in the picture).  Nestabilities to cut the larger tag shape.  Ribbon, and bling.  I mounted the tag on a kraft base card which I embossed with the swiss dots folder. The card was given to my Sunday School teacher with a cash gift for her dedication, service and support.  Purple is her favorite color.

RJ and I partnered together to where we both made 1/2 of the tags for the swap.  This is my contribution - a non-traditional Valentine's Day Tag.
The mini tags were pre-printed and varied.  The picture above is another variation of this tag design.  I used K&Company paper which I embossed with the Cuttlebug Hearts folder (it doesn't really show up in the picture).  Nestabilities to cut the larger tag shape.  Ribbon, bling, Fiskars heart punch inked with TH ink.

This tag was a part of the swap and included a small gift for each of the swap participants.  My personal challenge on this one is to do something over and above my usual style - which is simplistic.  This tag is my "bling" tag.  It has ribbon, and all types of bling, a flower with a brad, pearls and iRock gems.  The base is TH #8 tag, the background paper is actually a shopping list.  I stamped a flourish and tied a charm with some ribbon and there you go, my over the top tag.  I tried to use what was in my stash so there are variations with different ribbons or different bling.  This is the general idea though.  :)

In the past month, I created over 100 tags!   I guess I got a little tag crazy!  lol
With each tag design, I tried a new technique or attempted to make it different than any of my other tags designs.
This tag was not shared in part of the swap but was sent for some RAK's for crafty friends and some "thinking of you's" for non-crafty friends.  It cost two stamps to mail it so I'm re-thinking "who" will get this.  Probably folks that I can hand it too!  lol  I'm thinking I need to write the cost of postage into my budget.  (jokin' well maybe!)
The base is a TH #8 tag, masked and stamped with TH ink in the background.  I used my Nestabilities and a matching stamp to crete the mini tag which is pop-dotted.  I wrote on it to say "You Make My Heart Sing".   I usually don't write on a tag but I wanted the personalization of it. Flashes of cursive writing class from 2nd grade flashed in my mind!
The hearts are CM and Fiskars punches. The heart clip is from Michaels.  TFL!