Fun and Mental Changes

Twilighty Goody Bag Give Away

2012-01-26T16:14:00.000-07:00

Ok gang... it's finally here. My Twilighty Goody Bag to give away (click on pic to enlarge)!!! This goody bag is LOADED with fun Twilight themed goodies from patterned paper to chipboard designs (an album too!) to bling and buttons!!! There's even FitterTwit Original artwork in there!!! So sorry that this took me so long to post. I've literally been buried in my craft room which is COMPLETELY not like me. I'm talking this was borderline hoarders-disorder-intervention-buried!!! But with a little application of Feng Shui to clear the clutter, and a little marriage proposal from my husband, I spent the last two weeks cleaning house.... EVERYWHERE!!!

So let me get back to the big announcement.... YES! On New Year's 2012, my husband of 15 years proposed. On February 14, 2013 I will be getting remarried and this has inspired me like nothing before because for the first time ever I'm wearing a wedding dress!!! I am so excited, you would think that I was a brand new blushing bride. Needless to say, the crappy eating and missing workouts has flown OUT THE WINDOW as I NEED to look my best to even THINK about shopping for a wedding dress. I'll keep you all posted throughout the year on my progress. Suffice it to say that my colors for the wedding are the ever-Twilighty red, black and white. Kind of fitting for this post now that I think about it.

Anyway, all that eating well and working out gave me a little bit of energy and inspired a little clean up in my craft room and lo and behold HERE is the Twilighty Goody Bag at the very bottom of the crafty pile!!! I can FINALLY offer it to all of you. So all you have to do to enter this give away is leave a comment here with an email where you can be contacted. On February 14th I will announce the winner here on my blog. SO EASY!

Well, that about does it! This give away is a little overdue, but the wait was well worth it because this thing is LOADED!!! Stay tuned to my upcoming posts as I'm going to be playing a little catch up. SOOOO many things have happened and I'm excited to share!!!

So Full of Glee

2011-12-28T03:15:00.002-07:00

Yes, it's been a while. I haven't posted in some time due to some recent changes. Most of you out there know that I left my employment at Paper Vineyard due to some ugliness (and by ugliness I mean not being paid for 6 months... UGH!) and I won't lie, it broke my heart. That place was my playground!!! It is where I went to unleash the crafty monster that lives within and where I went to play with my friends. That job really was the coolest job ever. I always said that working there was my hobby job and "the minute it became more 'jobby' than hobby, I would let it go". Turns out that I really had that backwards since most jobs pay you for your work. Since I wasn't getting paid, it REALLY WAS a hobby job.... and not in a good way. And OH BOY, did it get ugly trying to get the money I was owed! I had to enlist the help of an attorney... YIKEE! Its such a shame since I loved that job so, so much. Too bad that it was such a big thing that ruined it and I had to say good-bye to my beloved playground. Yep, I dealt with some sadness and needed a little Glee.

Well, since I found myself with extra time on my hands, I worked on getting my shukaka together. Honestly, I haven't been crafting near as much as I would have liked (I really think I've had some sort of block), but I HAVE gotten some down time to get my butt back to the gym, put together some meal plans and watch a ton of Glee, the hit show on Fox (thanx to the frickin Kindle Fire). Now I have watched the show in the past, although I wouldn't have called myself a Gleek, but those days are behind me. I am, in fact, a full fledged Gleek and I say that proudly as this show has sort of gotten me out of my rut. Creative juices are flowing (stay tuned for more on that in the new year as you'll find me playing over at Craft Fusion now), I'm hitting the gym with hurricane force and dipping my toes back into real estate.... all with a song in my heart... that finds its way out of my mouth which then makes my dogs run and hide. And I'm all, "shut up, I sing good"! I can tell in their eyes that they're not convinced. WHATEVER!!! I really should look into getting a new karaoke machine....

So anyway, about Glee.... it's now FREE for Amazon Prime members which is why I've been a mad woman filling up on Glee. Sadly though, my trial period is up for my Amazon Prime and I wasn't quite finished watching season two. DANG IT!!! Luckily, I just bought 9 episodes of season three that are sitting there waiting for me on my Kindle Fire (a.k.a. Charlie). It's a good thing that I finally got paid; I'm literally filled with Glee!!!

PS... to all my fellow Twi-tards out there... I AM working on my Twilight goodie give away. I'm thinking we can all use a little Twilighty blog candy for the new year! Don't you think?

Sparking A Fire

2011-12-10T10:35:00.002-07:00

I'M IN LOVE!!! Black Friday was less of an assault mission this year and more of a strategic mission for me as I had my sites on only one thing... the new Kindle Fire.

Recently Amazon released the Kindle Fire and my husband (mostly on his own) thought that it would make a great gift for me. This time he hit the nail on the head. Yes, I'm forfeiting opening gifts this Christmas, but if you've read my posts from Christmases past, you'll see this exact trend. HAHAHAHAHAHA. Not that the new player in the Kindle line up is overly expensive. I picked up this baby for $199... it was all the extras that I also HAD to pick up to go along with it. Because this device streams music, video, newspapers, magazines, books, documents and allows you to browse the web, there were a few items that I don't think I could have lived without. Needless to say, that $199 price tag turned into a $350 price tag REAL quick with the purchase of a noise reducing headset, a folio cover that also allows my Kindle Fire to be propped up when watching movies (click HERE for deets), a skin and a screen protector. Whew..... opening presents on Christmas morning is really over rated... right?!?

So, I've been using this oh-so-easy-to-use device since Black Friday and I'm here to tell you that I give this one a HUGE HIGH FIVE!!! I LOVE the mobility, the screen quality, the ease of use, the versatility and most certainly the awesome cloud (that, BTW, was already filled with items that I've purchased through Amazon in the past!!! That was a nice surprise!!!). I discovered a movie that I purchased from Amazon months back, that had since gotten lost in the millions of files that I have saved on my desktop, just hanging out in the cloud when I was familiarizing myself with the new Fire. There it was, already there just waiting for me to watch, and it just so happened that I was NEEDING to see Twilight In Forks again! hahahahahaha!

Yep, I'm LOVIN this new gadget and with so many entertainment options in the palm of my hand, I don't foresee the fire that has been sparked with the new Kindle extinguishing anytime soon!!!

BTW, this is not a paid advertisement.... although it totally should be! ;)

Twilighty Goodness Coming!!!

2011-12-08T22:11:00.000-07:00

Alright you guys.... I PROMISE.... Twilighty blog candy IS coming!!!! I've just been so bombarded the past few weeks organizing my craft room (and, ok, distracted is also a good word. I've been going to the movies A LOT and have seen Breaking Dawn like four times which is a little creepy-excessive even for me) and getting ready for the upcoming events that I'm planning for the new year that I just haven't quite put together the Twilight goodies that I'll be giving away. But I will put it together and get it posted very soon. I think I might run this blog candy give away through January as sort of a New Years treat.... hmmmm. Ok, so that's it. This was a quick post, I know, but writing this post made me want to pop over to the Harkins website and view Breaking Dawn show times for tomorrow. Uh, I might need a little professional intervention here. LOL! Swing back by tomorrow... I'm posting a little "dilly" on my new Kindle Fire (spoiler: it's a high fiver).

Divine Sleep

2011-11-19T21:03:00.001-07:00

Ok, so let me just start by saying that I'm soooooo sorry for being MIA! I was host to a Twilight: Breaking Dawn release party and it CONSUMED me! I haven't had a full night's sleep in about a week preparing for this event. And let me just tell you that it was worth it!!! The party itself was so super fun. We watched all three of the previous movies while making Twilighty crafts, playing games, winning prizes and eating yummy, yummy goodies. Check out the vampire goodness that my friends Dana and Bailey brought to the party....

Is this awesome treat not perfect!?!!!! And it was oh-so-yummy too!!! I also put together a totally rad raffle bag (made by yours truly) that included a ton of stuff I brought back with me from Forks, WA this past summer (you all remember my trip right? LOL) along with other cooler than cool prizes. That raffle ROCKED! Here's what last night's winner won. Check it out....

And then, of course, there was the theater we rented out for everyone. Not only did we NOT have to wait in any lines, we got a discount on our ticket, didn't have to sit through all the pre-featured-film advertisements, AND the theater treated us like royalty. I just want to send a shout out to Harkins for making this whole experience AWESOME!!! High Fives Harkins, High Fives! Yesterday was definitely a night to remember. And without spoiling anything for anyone.... Breaking Dawn Part 1 was THE BEST Twilight movie yet!!! The performances were amazing, the special effects were incredible and even though I read all the books, I was STILL on the edge of my seat waiting for what was going to happen next.

Oh! I almost forgot to mention the charms pictured at the beginning of this post!!! Who wants some Twilighty blog candy???? Chime in and I will share the deets!!!

Ok gang.. that's it, I'm out. Time for some much needed sleep!!!

DISCOUNT Tickets For Breaking Dawn

2011-11-05T09:21:00.000-07:00

Ok, so a couple of days ago I told you all that I would post the other make n' take for the Twilight release party, well, here it is!!! We are going to be making this SUPER FUN Twi-like notebook along with the Tri-Twi Album (below).

But the BEST part about the whole opening of Twilight Breaking Dawn is that Paper Vineyard has reserved a theater for opening night and DISCOUNT TICKETS are available (very limited)!!! YAY! Here's what is posted on Paper Vineyard's blog this morning:

YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE: Paper Vineyard now has DISCOUNT tickets available for OPENING NIGHT of Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 1 for sale at the store. We have booked our own theater JUST for our Paper Vineyard peeps but there are limited seats still available and these babies are going to go fast. If you are interested in joining us, call the store at 480-656-2058. When they are gone, they are gone. Here are the deets -

Opening night showing: November 18, 2011

Showtime: 8 p.m.

Where: Chandler Fashion Harkins

For those who would like to participate in our release party festivities as well, we have the make n' take samples set up by the customer service counter... be sure to check them out. Seating is limited for the release parties too... I think there may only be 19 spots total available for BOTH parties... so get em while they last!!!

I'm so excited!!! The opening AND release parties....I cannot wait!!! I hope to see you all there! :)

Can't Get Enough

2011-11-03T00:01:00.001-07:00

Paper Vineyard's challenge this week was to use some custom cuts by Grapevine Designs. We were asked to submit a word that Grapevine Designs would then cut out of chipboard in three different fonts for us to use and showcase any way we'd like on any project. Really, is it ANY surprise that I had Grapevine Designs (exclusively at Paper Vineyard) cut out "La Push"???? HAHAHAHAHAHA!

Because I'm STILL working on my vacation album, this was the perfect time to incorporate the elements for this challenge while at the same time fulfill the design team project! LOVE IT! Along with the Grapevine Designs custom cut, I also used Bazzill Cardstock, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist, McGill tab punch, Spellbinders dies and a Creative Impressions rub on. I'm getting closer to this album being complete! One down, 12 more to go! LOL!

Click HERE to see what the rest of the design team created for this one-of-a-kind challenge!!!

I'm Such a Dork!!!

2011-11-02T10:38:00.001-07:00

OMGosh you guys! I am SOOOOO embarrassed!!! This here is this week's submission to Beyond The Burtonesque Dolls that I'm posting SOOOOO late!!! Not because the project wasn't done (it was done over a week ago), but because I DROPPED my camera which loosened the SD card inside and had NO IDEA what was wrong! My computer kept telling me that it couldn't find any of my files. I honestly thought I had lost everything. Imagine my delight when the SIMPLE discovery of my SD card being dislodged brought ALL my pics and videos back when the card was snapped back into place. WOW! Two days of scrambling... but I'm here to share my experience so if it ever happens to you, you will know how to fix it and quick.

So while late, here is my project for Beyond The Burtonesque Dolls bi-weekly challenge. This week's challenge is to create a project inspired by scary kids or scary kid's films. MY project is actually inspired by scary kids and their scary dolls! HAHAHAHHAHA! If you've never seen Living Dead Dolls, then you are in for a treat with this post (click on the link for some scary goodness). I have such an affinity for these dolls. Inspired by traditional kiddie stuff and then morphed into creepy, scary, cute and VERY DEAD DOLLS!!! I LOVE IT! This is totally up my alley and takes me back to when I was young and first watched a young girl's doll come to life and attack her abusive father on The Twilight Zone!!! Come on, I know you all remember that one!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA!

Alright, that is it for my terribly late post. If ever your computer is telling you it cannot read your camera or find any of your files, check the memory card first. And if ever you are looking for the perfect scary dollie for a friend or loved one, check out Living Dead Dolls. And finally, if you are ever looking for a great place for crafty inspiration (with a twist) and fun challenges to join in on, check out Beyond The Burtonesque Dolls. Swing by and check out what the rest of the design team created for you THIS time!!!

IT'S COMING!!!!

2011-11-01T00:01:00.014-07:00

IT'S ALMOST HERE!!! Twilight: Breaking Dawn opens on November 18th and I'm SOOOOO EXCITED!!! And not just because of the movie opening.... I'M HOSTING A RELEASE PARTY!!! Pictured here is one of two of the make n' takes that I created for this event! This particular project also features a FitterTwit Original!!! The apple that is in the center of the flower on the third page of this wonderful Tri-Twi Album was created entirely by ME!!! And it was no small feat... let me tell you!!! Before I get to that, let me show you some close ups.

So here is the first page. Pretty simple page to display..... oh I don't know.... pictures of you and the gang at the premiere??? hehehe!

Here is a close up of the second page. You have the option of four different sentiments on this one: "Bite Me", "Love Bites", "Imprinted" or "Forever Yours"! This page would be perfect for a pic of your date to the premiere. Oooo-la-la!!!

Ok, and here is the last page!!! There is my apple (click on the pic to enlarge). My labor of love, WHEW! This apple is the culmination of MONTHS of learning Photoshop Elements!!! I've been telling everyone for over a year that Copic markers are magic markers in that they blend when you use them. No extra special work or talent needed for this effect to occur.... THAT'S WHAT COPIC MARKERS DO!!! Digital coloring is a VERY different animal all together! Each time I would color, none of the lines would blend. This apple actually took some work. A LOT of work. I FINALLY figured out how to get my strokes to blend and I'm SUPER HAPPY with how this little apple turned out. This apple, along with many other items I created for the upcoming Twilight premiere is going to be up for auction here at Fun And Mental Changes.... stay tuned for that!

OOOO and the cover:

And here is the finished album when closed. This is the very front of the tri-fold. Pretty, huh? I just LOVE that rose paper!!! I will post the first make n' take I created for the release party tomorrow along with all the deets for everyone if you're interested in watching the movie with us in Chandler, AZ. Paper Vineyard secured a private theater for opening day so that we can play the whole day (watching Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse throughout the day) and then finish by watching Breaking Dawn opening night! Did I mention the tickets are discounted as well????? Be sure to swing back by at the end of the week for all the deets on the release party as well as the Twilight Auction that will be happening HERE!!! It's going to be a LOAD of fun!

And The Winning Ghoulie Is...

2011-10-31T21:21:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I have the winner of today HUGE HALLOWEEN give away.

frances joy said...
ahhh i love it!!! i will pray to win this hihi i want this for my ate jwels! dont know how to add a link here but i tried, hope it works!

http://franzesjoi.multiply.com/links/item/1/Fun_and_Mental_Changes_HUGE_Halloween_Give_Away

franzes_joi@hotmail.com

thank you for the chance to win this!! i'm a follower!!

Congratulations frances joy!!! You are the winner of FOUR brand new Tickled Pink Stamps!!! I am sending you the notification email now. Thank you to everyone who played along, I'm hoping next year's Halloween give away will be even "Huger"!!! :) Happy Halloween everyone!

Back To Basics

2011-10-29T22:55:00.001-07:00

**** HUGE HALLOWEEN GIVE AWAY... CLICK HERE!!!!****

Ok... here they are!!! I am just having a BLAST going back to basics with shading and shadows using these wonderfully ADORABLE Stampendous Halloween images. As I told you yesterday, that cute little Count Jack had some friends!!! Pumpkinstein and Mumpkin in the house (I think you might be able to tell which one is which... LOL)!!! Honestly, these cuties make coloring with Copic markers fun and easy. And really, isn't that quote from Stampin Up's Smarty Pants just too perfect for this one?!? The only thing that I want to add to this is a little reminder that when you are blending with Copic markers, remember that the alcohol ink takes a moment to "develop". I think that when people begin coloring, they attempt to blend but don't see the development of the alcohol ink reaction right away, begin to over blend and then are not happy with the results. Take your time when you first start with these wonderfully magic markers! Lay down two or three strokes when blending, stop, then watch what occurs. I PROMISE, the inks will begin to blend... you'll see the reaction... and your projects will just blend like magic. Below is probably THE BEST demonstration I know of to show a time lapse of development. Enjoy. I'll be sure to post another video of actual blending too, so be sure to come back for that.

Don't forget to click the link at the top to enter to win the HUGE HALLOWEEN GIVE AWAY!!! There's still time to win and odds are SOOOOO good (currently 1 in 13 will win!!!).

Beginner's Awesomeness

2011-10-28T19:10:00.001-07:00

**** HUGE HALLOWEEN GIVE AWAY... CLICK HERE!!!!****

Some of THE BEST images to begin coloring with Copic markers are Halloween images!!! So if you've just started on this crazy Copic ride, you've begun at the perfect time!!! THE CUTEST stuff is available this year too!!! Pictured here is Stampendous Count Jack... isn't he ADORABLE!?! And he's perfect for learning basic coloring and shadow placement. With the artist's helpful shadow lines in his little pumpkin face, this one is easy and fun to color as well. Stampendous also has a couple companion images to go with this little cutie... stay tuned for those!!!

REMINDER:

There are only a few days left to enter the HUGE HALLOWEEN GIVE AWAY!!!! Be sure to click the link at the very top of this post to enter... this is one you don't want to miss! There are FOUR Tickled Pink Stamps up for grabs!!!!

I Like Boys Who Sparkle!

2011-10-26T22:23:00.005-07:00

**** HUGE HALLOWEEN GIVE AWAY... CLICK HERE!!!!****

So I'm working on a little technique tutorial while also putting together the Twilight Breaking Dawn Release party at Paper Vineyard... yah, this is getting pretty interesting, wouldn't you say? HAHAHAHAHA! Well, OF COURSE, this was going to end up a Twilight project!!! Honestly, could it REALLY have gone any other way??? Anyway, featured here is TGF's Edward and this little guy is PERFECT for my class on Hair: Finding Highlights Even Loreal Would Love (I was going to add "Cuz We're Worth It" to my class title, but then that seemed like it might be a bit too long, and could possibly get me into trouble). And what about that paper???? I've been having a BALL with that DCWV Immortal Love line. The "Sparkle" sentiment is actually a chipboard piece from this line and then I took two brads, melted some Sparkle Glitter Embossing Powder on them before adding them to the sentiment to bling it up. Not that it wasn't already blingy, the black glitter paper was a fun backdrop for this card.

And that brings me to the card... this one is another tri-fold shutter card. I did one a short time ago with another TGF image and loved it so much, I thought it was worth a revisit. Cards with special folds ALWAYS give a high impact delivery. Maybe we should start using these in peace talks.... that's all I'm sayin. Share the love people!

So that about does it for today. I have more projects to come so stay tuned. And there's only a couple of days left for the HUGE HALLOWEEN GIVE AWAY, so be sure to click on the link at the top to enter. THIS ONE IS AMAZING!!!

*Copics used: W0, W00, W3, C0, C2, C4, C7, R89, R27, R22, E30, E37, E49.
** I don't really like boys who sparkle... I prefer the ones who growl. LOL!**

The BEST Copic Storage

2011-10-24T00:01:00.019-07:00

**** HUGE HALLOWEEN GIVE AWAY... CLICK HERE!!!!****

Ok, so I've done posts in the past about various Copic storage solutions, but I was given THE MOTHER of all storage ideas by my friends Jennie Black and Krista Koenig!!! Let me share with you the construction of the storage box and then I'll finish this off with the BRILLIANT solution my husband came up with.... cuz I married a GENIUS!!!

What you'll need to create the AWESOME storage box pictured here is:
1 Double Deep Art Bin
1 plastic grid for ceiling lighting (found at your local home improvement store)
1 half inch thick wooden square dowel (also found at your local home improvement store)
Dimensional adhesive squares
Wire cutters or sheers
Screws with corresponding drill bit
Drill

So I first cut the ceiling grid down to 19 squares by 19 squares using my wire cutters. You will need two 19 x 19 sections of grid material. The wire cutters went through the plastic material of the grid like butter and I was able to get exactly one and a half 19 x 19 segments cut from one sheet!!! I then cut the half inch dowel rod into four, 2 inch segments (and painted them white... optional). I used a saw for this, but if you don't have a saw, ask your home improvement store if they can cut it down for you. Adhering dimensional squares to two adjacent sides of the dowel is the next step.... yes, the kind of dimensional squares you use in scrapbooking.... make sure that you are placing the dimensional squares where you want the grids to be placed (1 - 1 1/4 inches of space between the two). I secured the dowel into the corner squares of both 19 x 19 grids leaving that 1" to 1 1/4" space. I then used more dimensional adhesive squares to "prop" the grids in place so they couldn't slip down. Because I need a little "play" in the structure so that the pens go in and out easily, these adhesive squares worked PERFECTLY to "cushion" the grids. Finally, and here's where my husband's brilliance comes in..... screws were used to attach the grid structure I created to the container!!!!!

Holes were drilled in the bottom of the case so that the four dowels supporting the grids could be attached with the screws to the Art Bin Box stabilizing the whole thing. Those screws made this storage solution SHEER PERFECTION!!!! It really was the key to making this whole thing work for me.

Now I can pull my pens out EASILY without worrying that my organizing grids will shift. And I don't even mind the saw dust that he left in the bottom, although you might want to blow out the extra dust before tightening those screws down on yours. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this solution for storing my pens and here's why:

I've got the security of a latch-able container (drop your storage container once and you'll appreciate the beauty of being able to latch a container closed). Its also perfect for on-the-go! When not in use, my pens are stored in the horizontal position* (Art Bin handle points up) and when I want to use them, I can either sit the Art Bin flat as shown in the pictures above, or I can turn the bin on it's side because the grid structure holds all my pens in place... for those who like the pen caps facing them when they color, check out the pic below. The other benefit of this storage solution is that ALL my pens can be stored in one container and each pen has its own slot no matter HOW MANY Sketch markers I buy because 19 x 19 = 361. How many Sketch markers are available.... 346? This is particularly helpful when I'm cleaning up after teaching a Copic class. Because each pen has its place, I easily see if one of them is missing.

The final reason I love this storage solution is because the whole thing cost me less than $20 (God bless Joann's coupons). Honestly, need I say more? :) If you need further instructions, I found some good ones HERE and Krista's blog HERE with some additional, helpful hints. Have fun with this one gang!

*While Copic markers can be stored vertically or horizontally, I prefer storing them horizontally.

YES, YES. Let's See!

2011-10-23T00:01:00.005-07:00

**** HUGE HALLOWEEN GIVE AWAY... CLICK HERE!!!!****

So I talked yesterday about the super fun gifts that I've received. Among those gifts was this WONDERFUL mini album that Dana gave me. Well, I did a little personalizing and wanted to show it off. Thank you Dana, you are an INCREDIBLE designer!!!

Ok, first I just want to point out that Dana and I CLEARLY share the same tastes as she picked out the out-of-this-world papers from Authentique's Halloween line. I LOVE this paper!!! I just simply pulled a sheet of Echo Park's Apothecary Emporium paper to cut out the Tim Holtz Rosette and finished the rosette off with a Teresa Collins Haunted Hallows brad. I also attached a piece of grosgrain ribbon and a skull and crossbones charm to the spine. I love adding the little details!!!

The inside is ready for a picture and some journaling. I don't think I want to touch the webbed paper!!! That was a nice design element to use the gauze with the plastic spider ring Dana!!!

So the next page I added the same "Happy Halloween" sentiment that I used for Dana's mini book last year. I think I might just make that my thing every year! HAHAHAHA! I also added an EK Success border punch and Sandy's dancing witch. This is really perfect!!!

Ok, so here's the end. I just simply added the black mat, the sentiment (actually there isn't a sentiment there yet. I cheated and added text to the pic digitally... hehehe) and some bling on the last page. This is a wonderful book and can't wait to personalize it with this year's Halloween party pics!!!

So if you've never seen Dana's crafty prowess and want to sneak a peek, check out her blog HERE. There's more Halloween fun to come!

It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year 2

2011-10-22T00:01:00.002-07:00

**** HUGE HALLOWEEN GIVE AWAY... CLICK HERE!!!!****

The Halloween season has just begun and ALREADY I'm showered with gifts!!! NOW, can you see why I love Halloween so much?!?! And I know some of THE MOST TALENTED people!!! So pictured above are some of the things that I've received so far with a special "Thanx You Guys" for their wonderful gifts

Dana, thanks for the wonderful mini album. It is SO AMAZING!!! I placed it right next to the mini album you gave to me last year... on the shelf with my favorite things!!!

Sandy, thanks for cutting those wonderful dancing Halloween images for me. I LOVED your tutorial on the Zing... I think I'm sold!!!

Cindy, thanks for the OH-SO-CUTE Halloween card! You and those Tim Holtz dies... hahahahaha! I love it!

Barb, thanks for the cookie jar. What an AMAZING gift and ingenious too!!! All the dry ingredients decoratively put together in that wonderful glass jar with the directions attached to the lid. You know I love the handmade stuff!!!

And finally, thanks to my new friend Sandy. I met her just once and she gave me that ADORABLE Halloween jelly bean filled tube with holder. SO CRAFTY!!!

Now, I have to say, I AM missing a wonderful gift I received from Marijo at the Halloween Cricut Swarm. She gave me the CUTEST goodie bag she created with her Cricut, however, it was filled with candy and suspiciously turned up missing. The entire household claims that a ghost took it, so I called out to the "spirits" to return the bag unharmed and no questions would be asked about the missing candy. Let's see if the "spirits" are willing. Luckily though, you can spy Marijo's spooktacular goodie bag HERE.

Clearly with all the generosity around me this time of year, you can see why it's my favorite time of year. High Fives to all the gals who showered me with gifts! Halloween is just the funnest time of year!!! It is definitely a time to celebrate.... but there will be more on that in the coming posts. Stay tuned!!!

What's In A Name?

2011-10-21T22:13:00.004-07:00

**** HUGE HALLOWEEN GIVE AWAY... CLICK HERE!!!!****

What's in a name? Well, a lot actually!!! I mean really... a rose by any other name would not be as freakin awesome as this!!!
I was recently perusing the web for interesting scrapbooking tid bits when I ran across THE COOLEST name for a blog (honestly, I'm considering buying it from her...hahahahaha)! Get ready, the blog is:
EENKSTAIND!!!!

OMG, I love it!!! I won't lie though, her name sort of made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end, but checking out her posts made it worth it! You see, the name Tammy Nichols REALLY rung a super sonic bell, but being from Arizona, I'm a bit drawn (in a big way) to the ocean. I love the sights, sounds and smell of the ocean... I rarely get to see it... so to see her posts of the ocean makes me forget the whole "Nichols" thing and makes me feel warm, fuzzy and like I'm on vacation all over again. You can check out vacation pics HERE. And I'll be honest, the Tammy Nichols I once knew did not live near an ocean.... confidence boost!!!

Well, anyway, she had made the comment that she was blogging to herself, and with a name like EENKSTAIND.... well, that seemed like a crying shame that she didn't have more followers to read her amazing posts. So really, anyone who can come up with a name like that is CERTAIN to produce the goods... wouldn't you say? And now, here I am Blogland, encouraging EVERYONE to give this blogger a shot. I was not disappointed!!! :)

Halloween Book Goodness!!!

2011-10-21T00:01:00.002-07:00

**** HUGE HALLOWEEN GIVE AWAY... CLICK HERE!!!!****

WHAT to do with all those Halloween pics from this year? Wouldn't it be great if you had a table book PERFECT for displaying all those wonderful photos? I'm talking about a book where all you had to do was insert your photos and voila! INSTANT gratification!!! Yep, I've got the book for you. Coming November 5th to Paper Vineyard.... my Halloween mini book featuring Echo Park's Apothecary Emporium AND Grapevine Designs!!!! I also threw in a little HomePro (the beloved Purple monster) AND Glitter Ritz glitter! Check it out:

I LOVE how this one turned out. And before anyone asks... yes, it is a redo of the prize winning album I created for Paper Vineyard's Design team. I just dressed it up a little more and OF COURSE used the Echo Park line. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that paper!!!! So I hope you all will join me. I will also be offering kits. Contact Paper Vineyard for more information: 480-656-2058.

Give Thanks

2011-10-20T05:00:00.003-07:00

**** HUGE HALLOWEEN GIVE AWAY... CLICK HERE!!!!****

Ok, the project for the November Copic Palooza at Paper Vineyard is complete and I gotta say, it was SOOOO fun to make!!! I used quite a few Tim Holtz products and techniques for this super cute tag along with the new Vintage charms that are now available in the store!!!

I am so proud of the Autumn feel to this one (not to mention the "Thanx" sentiment)!!! This tag also features the final Anya in The Greeting Farms' Miss Anya Collection... I mean, come on!!! What an INCREDIBLE stamp set!!! Don't you just love those stamp sets that are versatile and can be used year round??? And, let me add, Miss Anya is REALLY fun to color. So bring your Copics and your basic scrapper's tool kit with you November 30th at 5:30 p.m. to Paper Vineyard for two hours of crafty-Copic fun!!! See you there!!!

*** Copics used for the above sample: E00, E000, E21, E33, E37, E39, E59, YG17, YR14, YR16, YR21.

HUGE Halloween Give Away!!!

2011-10-19T12:32:00.002-07:00

Ok folks.... I promised another Halloween give away! This one's HUGE!!! One of my lucky followers is going to win FOUR (count em 1-2-3-4!!!) Tickled Pink Lil Haunt stamps. Tickled Pink was kind enough to donate these brand new, unmounted rubber stamps and I've been ITCHING to give them away!!! This give away includes the stamp used to make the beauty above (well, not THE stamp... hahahahahha)... Lil Haunts Lolita Vampire Lilith, I LOVE this one! It also includes Lil Haunts Lolita Witch Lylah, Lil Haunts Lad Frankenstein Frankie and Lil Haunts Lolita Ghost Willow. To see all these wonderful images in action, check out Tickled Pink's blog HERE!

So now, how to win these awesome images?!?

1. Be a follower or become a follower.
2. Share this blog post with your peeps either in a Facebook shout out, on a forum or in a blog post.
3. Leave a comment here with a link back to where you linked this blog post and an email address to contact you. That's it!!!

On October 31st, Halloween Night, I will use Random.org to pick a winner and announce that winner on my blog that night before greeting the trick or treating lovelies!!! Please be sure that you've linked this blog post, posted a comment here AND left contact info. I would hate to have to pick another winner for this ghoulishly awesome prize!!! Honestly, I think this might be the coolest Halloween prize I've ever given away!!! It's sure to make a very Happy Halloween for someone!!! Good luck everyone!

We Have A Winner!!!

2011-10-18T08:03:00.003-07:00

But first.... check out the Halloween card that I made for Paper Vineyard's Design Team Challenge!!! This time the DT was asked to use the new paper from the Authentique line with their favorite tool. HA, yah right.... more like TOOLS! I am gadget girl after all. So lets get down to what I REALLY used for this baby!!!

First, I used my new toy, the Zutter DreamKutz to cut my 8.5" x 11" white cardstock in half.... LIKE BUTTER!!! I love it! Then I used my pink ATG to adhere my pieces. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my ATG! Then I used my BELOVED Purple Monster to attach the decorative nailheads and finally I used my Basic Grey rub on tool (discontinued? Really???) to rub on that AMAZING Danelle Johnson image from the Creative Impressions Trickery Impression pack. I can't believe it's been discontinued!!! Finally, I used my Sizzix Big Shot with Spellbinders dies to create the mat shapes. I think that about does it. I think that I used every one of my favorite tool... well, except for my Cinch, my Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher, my Fastener, my laminator, my paper crimper, my I Rock, my score board..... OH WAIT! I did use my Martha Stewart Score Board to score the card. WHEW, I almost missed one!!! Martha Stewart might be evil and tried to kill me, but she does make a MEAN score board. Click HERE to see what the rest of the DT created for this week's challenge!!!

Ok, on to the winner of the Echo Park Apothecary Emporium paper collection. Using Random.org yesterday, the lucky winner picked was:

Lori Barnett said...: of COURSE I WANNA WIN!!!! Are you KIDDING ME???!!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS! It has my name on it ;) You KNOW I adore your projects! Thanks for offering such a wonderful prize. Somebody is gonna be VERY lucky...and I HOPE (fingers & toes crossed) that it's meeeeee! LOL

Congrats Lori!!! Give me a shout out to claim your prize!!! Ok gang... stay tuned because I have ANOTHER give away to post tomorrow and this one you DEFINITELY don't want to miss!!!

The Stupendous Stampendous

2011-10-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

**Click HERE for Halloween Give Away**

Ok... so there should be a law against disrupting Halloween festivities with Christmas projects!!! I had SUCH a hard time coloring this Tweet Top Hat by Stampendous for Paper Vineyard's Design Team challenge!!! I was SUPPOSED to be doing a rather simple technique to make this hat look like felt using Copic Blender #0 (Color the image as usual and then do little "C's" with your blender to make the surface look textured and "felty"... sorry spellcheck, its a word today) but for SOME REASON my brain was shorting out and I just COULD NOT make this one happen. I'm serious... my brain went on strike the minute I told it, "Let's do a Christmas card." But, luckily, one of the many pleasing aspects of coloring with Copic markers is that even something that doesn't turn out the way you intended still looks wonderful and at the very least HAND MADE!!! hahahahaha!

So for this one I used my Purple Monster for the metal corners, Graphic 45 paper for the background and Bazzill paper for the matting. Copics I used were R46, R22, YG17, YG23, C0-C9 and 0. The original stamp image has two cute birds, but I taped over them prior to stamping the image. I didn't want to risk the birds not fitting quite right in my circle. Its always nice when you have an image that is easy to alter like that!

Alright, that is it for today. Be sure to head over to Paper Vineyard's blog and check out what the rest of the design team created with these wonderful, stupendous Stampendous stamps!!!

The Doll's Tribute to Terry Gilliam

2011-10-11T00:01:00.004-07:00

**Click HERE for Halloween Give Away**

This week's challenge over at BEYOND The Burtonesque Dolls is to create a project inspired by the artwork and/or films of Terry Gilliam. Personally, I TOTALLY like this dude's style when it comes to his artwork. It borders on bazaar with quite a steampunk-y edge... THAT I'm so drawn to!!! Now while I ended up going "cutesy" with this card, it was not for lack of want for the bazaar. I had originally picked Smeared Ink's Gear Head but with the holiday weekend and this user's less than stellar computer know-how, the image wasn't able to be downloaded in time for this challenge. So inspired by Terry Gilliam's Steampunk Style, here's my project featuring a GORGEOUS alternative: Tiddly Inks' Owlette. I altered this one a bit as the owl that is supposed to be perched on Owlette's hand would have gotten in the way of that wonderful Tim Holtz sentiment.

Ok folks... that is it! Swing over to Beyond The Burtonesque Dolls to enter this challenge and see what the rest of the dolls created in tribute of the talented Mr. Gilliam!!!

**Copics used, Skin: E00, E000, E11, E21, Hair: E02, E18, E59, Wardrobe: E40, E43, E44, E47, E49, BG71, BG75, BG78, BG000, Misc: W3

Fun With The Girls

2011-10-09T19:54:00.003-07:00

**Click HERE for Halloween Give Away**

Yesterday turned out to be a pretty awesome day at Paper Vineyard's first-ever All Day Copic Coloring event. Not only did I get to hang out with my favorite girl friends, I also got to meet some new ones!!! That's just what Copic markers do... they bring friends together!!!

The day was PACKED with activity beginning right at 9 a.m. with an UBER YUMMY breakfast. Honestly, pancakes with whipped cream and blueberries? Eggs and sausage? Really? At a scrapbook store? YUP!!! The owner Adriana has mad kitchen skillz!!! Then Jennie Black (super star that she is) came all the way from California to hang out with us and teach a class. She is such an incredible lady and a wonderful teacher!!! She did a FABULOUS job teaching us all lighting to effect subject matter and mood. LOVED IT!!! Here are pics of her samples from class.

In the pic on the left, of the boy sitting with his dog, Jennie pointed out that it was colored so that the light was illuminating the heads of both the boy and the dog whereas the boy, his dog and his plane are illuminated in the pic on the right. Crazy how lighting in our projects can play such a BIG role in telling a story... like the one of a boy's bond with the things he loves! Definitely a WONDERFUL class Jennie. :)

And if Jennie's class wasn't enough, we also got to enjoy a ton of FREE make n' takes throughout the day. Of course I got to get in on the act and created this fun card to do as a make n' take:

But then Dana Edwards gave us THIS cooler than cool canvas creation:

Kelly Wann gave us this BEWITCHING creation:

And Krista Koenig gave us this EERILY AMAZING gem!!!

Yep! My friends are SOOOOOO talented!!! It was a blast getting to play with them for an entire day (well, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. anyway).

And I want to send a special "Thanx"out to the nice DPS officer who let me out of a ticket while I was out on my dinner break. A speeding ticket would have been a little bit of a dampener on such an AWESOME day!!! ;)

More Moss Please!

2011-10-05T05:01:00.001-07:00

**Click HERE for Halloween Give Away**

Well you guys.... here's more vacation pics.
Paper Vineyard challenged the DT to use the new Grapevine Designs cutouts exclusive to Paper Vineyard to create a project. We were asked which state we wanted cut out (don't you just love it when you can have custom cuts done?) and I chose Washington. This was kind of perfect timing since Forks, Washington alone has three pages in my vacation album. Now, to tell you the truth, I am not yet scrapping the Washington leg of our vacation, but to fulfill this challenge, I figured it was worth jumping around a bit. And hey, it's one less page I now have to get done.... this one turned out better than I could have imagined!!!

So featured in the pic above is the "Twilighty" forest in Washington. Full on with the mossy trees and the dense fog.... I'm transported to the beloved story that brought me here in the first place. HOW COULD I NOT DEVOTE A PAGE TO IT??? LOL! Anyway, I used American Craft Campy Trails Box Park Forest paper for the background, Grapevine Designs "Washington" as a stencil for my "mossy" title, Tim Holtz Distress paper in Forest Moss (ironically) for my picture mats, grunge paper for the faux leather embellishments on the pictures and HomePro nailheads.... uh, everywhere!!! This layout turned out WONDERFULLY.... way better than I expected!! Be sure to swing by Paper Vineyard's blog and check out what the rest of the design team created!!!

*** A special thank you to my friend Dana for once again, loaning me her Stampin Up Word Window Punch. Turns out it was the perfect tool to create the faux leather handles!***

BEYOND The Burtonesque Dolls

2011-10-04T00:01:00.004-07:00

**Click HERE for Halloween Give Away**

INTRODUCING.....
The new design team: Beyond The Burtonesque Dolls!!! Our first challenge for the "NEW" dolls was to create a project inspired by our favorite Halloween film, book or memory. Mine is The Addams Family. I grew up watching The Addams Family in the afternoons after school. This show surely kick-started my interest in all things macabre and Halloweeny!!!

So my card is quite simple as I didn't want anything to detract from that AWESOME Moxxie paper from the Midnight Dreary line. The stamped image is The Greeting Farm's Wednesday and the sentiment is from Tickled Pink Stamps' Halloween Sentiments. To finish this one off, I added some Cuttlebug bats and sewing machine stitches. This one is creepy, kooky and cute just like The Addams Family.

So what's YOUR inspiration? Head over to Beyond The Burtonesque Dolls and check out what the rest of the design team turned out and to get the deets to participate in our first challenge.... and welcome to BEYOND The Burtonesque Dolls!

Easy Enhancements with PSE9

2011-10-03T00:01:00.008-07:00

**Click HERE for Halloween Give Away**

I was chatting with one of my design teamies the other day about blog pics and she asked me how I make them looks so nice for my blog. I told her my secret was Photoshop Elements 9. She said that she had it but it seemed so hard to use so she would get frustrated and close it. Well, she's sort of right in that when you open up Photoshop there is just SO MUCH TO IT that it was a bit overwhelming for me when I first started. I ended up getting a book to learn how to use it. Now, while I STILL don't really know everything there is to know about PSE9, I did learn a couple of simple tricks to make my pictures look SOOOOO much better!!! So here's the video tutorial on what I do to enhance my pictures for my blog. I hope it helps someone out in blogland! :)

Calling All Crafters

2011-10-02T23:51:00.001-07:00

Alright folks.... as is true of our wonderful community, we all have an opportunity to give to an AWESOME cause. Betty, founder of Simply Betty Stamps and my beloved Burtonesque Dolls is dealing with a pretty unbelievable issue and WE can help! Here's Betty's Story:

My son Christian 17, has had a sore throat for about a month now. The first doctor said it was tonsillitis's. Seven days of Amoxocillin was administered. Two days after the last pill, he was sick again, with a sore throat, and a fever. Back we went to put him on Caphlex... again seven days of antibiotics. On the fourth day he was not improving so we took him back. Ok it's strep now. They kept him on Caphlex but gave him a booster shot. Three full days of starting to get better, he was able to eat again, drink, and talk. He fell sick again on the fourth day, this time they took a culture and sent it to the lab. Monday I got a call that I needed to take Christian in to a specialist, well not just any specialist an Oncologist to go over his culture with me. That appointment was for today Friday, I have of course been stressed the whole time, day after day. When one is not given test results over the phone, one does not worry. When we are asked to come in to discuss the results something is up. The last thing I ever imagined, was to hear the doctor tell me that my 17 year old son has throat cancer. The first question out of my mouth was, "Is my son going to die?" I still can't believe I mustered enough energy to roll those words out of my mouth.

Christian has Stage 1 throat cancer, he will not die from it, but of course they can't ever say to me 100% no he is not going to die. That 99% that he is going to survive it, still puts a mother on edge. My son needs an operation immediately. We have had a series of bad luck, like everyone else due to financial situations. Our brand new Nissan broke down, no problem we will fix it when we fix it. Our house needs minor repairs, again no big deal it will get fixed when it gets fixed. My son needs an operation that will help him get well and be the class clown, kind hearted, silly kid he is... Now there's a problem! We can't just fix it when we fix it and let it sit. He will be going through testing for a week, as he has expressed his "bones" hurting as well. Doctors would like us to move quickly on the operation to prevent any further stages or other unpleasant issues. We live 1 1/2 hours away from the hospital, and you can imagine I do not want to be far from my son. I am not asking for a hand out, or pan handling is that the word? I am willing to offer my products at discounted rates in the hope that it will bring in what is going to be needed in the next week or two while we go through the motions. There are always extra medical bills as the insurance doesn't cover anyone 100%, we have a co-pay but have no idea where to pull it from, we don't have a magic top hat :(. I am not asking again, for a hand me down, just asking that if you ever wanted a Simply Betty Stamp, your purchase would be a blessing at this moment.

Thank you for taking the time to read and cross your fingers my son gets better.

The entire line is now available in both Digi and Clear stamp form, I am sorry I do not have extra discount codes on these as I am trying to bring in what is needed for my son's medical needs. However, I have lowered the prices and hope it is fair what I am asking for these fun cute characters.

Betty

Click HERE for the greatest stamps EVA!

October Copic Palooza

2011-10-02T00:00:00.002-07:00

OOOOO guys, just a quick post for today announcing the Copic Coloring Palooza on October 26th at Paper Vineyard in Chandler, AZ. This time I'm featuring this oh so tempting treat box using The Greeting Farm's Miss Anya Collection. We will also be playing around with the use of Spellbinder's dies in the Big Shot.... see how easy it is to trim around Miss Anya's feet and then put her through the Big Shot so it appears she's coming right off the die WITHOUT having to cut her out! SUPER EASY!!! I will also be introducing everyone to the new Echo Park Apothecary Emporium!!! Just one of my new favorite paper lines!!!

And speaking of the Echo Park Apothecary Emporium.... how about a HALLOWEEN GIVE AWAY!?!?!?

Who wants to win an Apothecary Emporium Collection Kit??? Included in this kit is 12 - 12" x 12" Double-sided papers, 1 - 12" x 12" Elements Sticker sheet and 1- 12" x 12" Alphabet Sticker Sheet! To win this, just tell me you want to win! HA! Leave a comment here and on October 17th I will pick a random winner. Be sure to leave an email where I can contact you. Good luck everyone. Stay tuned for more Halloween fun!

* UPDATE: Class was moved to October 19th!!!

**Copics used for the Copic Coloring Palooza Treat Box: E00, E000, E21, E30, E35, C1, C2, C6, YR12, YR14 and YR16.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2011-10-01T12:51:00.001-07:00

Today is October first and the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So in honor of this very special month and all who are fighting the good fight, I'd like to offer you this FREE Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon Digi. It was created by me and was featured on my Breast Cancer Awareness Candle post (pictured below). I promised that you could get your hands on it for FREE today so here it is. I have also attached a donation button that links directly to FitterTwit Gives, and will keep the button available the entire month of October. While this digi is ABSOLUTELY FREE for the taking, it is my hope that you will give generously and share with others where you got this digi from. Proceeds will be going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation in their efforts to find a cure. But without further ado (and my usual babble):

I hope you put this one to good use and PLEASE come back and post a link to your fabulous creation.

Here is the pic of the candle that I'm donating:

BEAT THAT! I dare you!!! :)

Candle Crazed

2011-09-27T00:12:00.000-07:00

This week, over at Paper Vineyard's blog, the design team is featuring projects in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month that starts in less than a week. My project is a candle featuring my very own FitterTwit Design "Thrive" colored with Copic markers (R81, R83, R85) and blinged out with my beloved American Tag HomePro!!! Swing back by October 1st to find out how to get my digital image "Thrive" for FREE. But, as always happens when I start making candles, one IS NEVER enough....

Let me present the Halloween Copic Candle Class that is slated October 9th at 1:00 p.m over at Paper Vineyard. Click HERE for deets. I can already tell that this one is going to be a fun class.... check out that SUPER CUTE image!!! Can you see why I'm so candle crazed???

So I'm thinking I got the candle madness out of my system.... for now. Be sure to check out what the rest of the design team turned out for this challenge, come back here October 1st for more on the digital image and don't forget to sign up for the Halloween Copic Candle class! This is going to be a VERY special October!!!

Bring On The Glitter!!!

2011-09-25T07:43:00.003-07:00

Did I not post pics of the cards that we were going to make in yesterday's class? Whoops! I just received a message asking to post them.... so here goes. These cards feature Sookwang double-sided tape, Elizabeth Craft Peel Off Stickers, Glitter Ritz, Creative Imaginations H2O and The Purple Monster (American Tag HomePro).

All were very different and REALLY fun to make! I hope they inspire... LOL!

A Special Thanx

2011-09-24T20:27:00.001-07:00

It's been awhile since I've done a blog post, but I just HAD to share today.......

So today I got the privilege of teaching the most WONDERFUL group of ladies. I mean this was one of those classes where the group who gathered made my time teaching feel like a party, so I wanted to take a moment on my blog to thank everyone who attended Glitter Monster today featuring Creative Imaginations H2O, Glitter Ritz glitter and the American Tag HomePro (lovingly known as The Purple Monster) at Paper Vineyard.

Folks, we were so loud with the laughter and fun that another class going on in the store had to completely stop and tell us to tone it down.... they couldn't hear! hehehe... it was JUST THAT GOOD!!! Although, I did have to apologize as we did not intend to be rude in any way, we were just having fun. You all know how it is, I hope. LOL! Thank you Kim, Liz, Martha, Dee, Jean, Margie and Nancie! You ladies are the BEST!

So I had one of my students and friend send me pics of two of her completed projects (we made FIVE. WOW!)....Kim, these cards ROCK!!!

I just don't know what more I can say here other than life is just a lot better with a little glitter and friends (old and new) that shine!!!

Simply Betty Zombie Release!!!

2011-09-13T11:00:00.002-07:00

Ok, so I'm am REALLY in the Halloween spirit... thank you Simply Betty Stamps!!! Today is the release of The Zombie Teens at Simply Betty Stamps and here are the uber fun Halloween cards I made! Be sure to click the link and get you some Zombie Teen goodness!!!

It Has That "New Stamp" Smell!

2011-09-12T23:57:00.004-07:00

Yep... after so long I FINALLY picked a winner for the up-coming Copic Palooza Copic event at Paper Vineyard. Here she is: Miss Anya from The Greeting Farm. The Greeting Farm is soon to be available at Paper Vineyard and little Miss Anya is kicking things off. I won't lie, I'm going to miss Kraftin Kimmie, but I'm SOOOOO EXCITED that The Greeting Farm will be featured!!!

So for my upcoming class you will be learning to color Miss Anya using your Copic Markers with the faint line technique (as shown here), we will also be creating this tri-shutter card using the new Authenique paper that just arrived at Paper Vineyard. Isn't this rose paper HEAVENLY!?!!?

"Cutie" doesn't begin to describe how fun this card is! And BONUS, it fits an A2 size envelope!!! Be sure to reserve your spot September 28th at Paper Vineyard in Chandler, AZ. Below is a suggested list of Copic Markers that I used to create this card. I look forward to seeing you there!!! :)

*** E00, E000, E11, R20, R24, R81, R85, V0000 (optional), E41, E43, E44, E30, E57 and a black .05 Copic Multiliner.

La Push Baby... It's La Push! Part Two

2011-09-06T05:00:00.006-07:00

WARNING: This post is pic heavy!!!

So here I am with part two of my visit to La Push... well, my FIRST visit. You see this place is SO MUCH MORE than the gorgeous, life-force-recharging place that I showed you in yesterday's post. It is actually quite the destination. With a resort, cabin rentals, fishing charters and tribal activities (I missed the evening's drum circle bonfire... DANG IT), this place has plenty to offer to fill up an entire vacation. I intend to return and stay for awhile; one day was just not enough!

Ok, this place blows Starbucks out of the water! The morning necessity for coffee mixed with some Twilight handsome hunk fun equals Jacob's Java. Sure to morph you in ten seconds flat! hahahahaha! WHY isn't this place nation-wide yet???

This one is just a revisit of the beauty I showed you in yesterday's post. Check out that water!!!

The forest seemed to encapsulate La Push. Do you see where the shadow line is? It seemed like that line was EXACTLY the same when we arrived at La Push as when we left. It was like that shadow line was the portal to my own personal fairy tale.

Along with the resort itself, there are MANY cabin rentals available at La Push. Here are a few we drove by...

This is just really, really funny! :)

Gratuitous forest pic... hahahahahaha! You know I had to do it!!!

Ok, that's it for my visit to La Push. Stay tuned for my visit to Forks and the world of Twilight!!!

La Push Baby... It's La Push! Part One

2011-09-05T10:15:00.004-07:00

WARNING: This post is pic heavy!!!
Ok, so here are some of my pics from La Push. This place is... well.... special! It is so much more than what I expected from reading about it or seeing it in Twilight (note... the La Push beach shown in the movie IS NOT in La Push which is a shame because the actual La Push is AMAZING. I did not know this until my visit.). This place NEEDED to be seen and I don't think I ever would have if it wasn't for Stephenie Meyer's Twilight. The minute we arrived I felt very at peace and connected. The air smelled very clean and the water was a jewel-toned blue. The seagulls calling out in the background were the perfect touch to make this experience UNFORGETTABLE!!! I just cannot say enough about how wonderful La Push is. So instead, I will just shut up and show you a few of the MANY INCREDIBLE shots that I got the day I visited my new favorite place in the world.

Do you like how I finished this off? OF COURSE I had to end this with the gratuitous forest shot! It's very "Twilighty" don't you think? hahahahahaha! Anyway, swing by tomorrow for part two of my visit to La Push, WA.

Doing My Part

2011-09-04T11:12:00.001-07:00

Whew... Ok, my vacation came to a screeching halt the day before yesterday so I took some time to unwind, unpack and upload a BUTT-LOAD of photos. And when I say BUTT-LOAD, I mean it. You'll see; I will be posting MANY here over the next week or two. You'll get to see all the fun! My vacation consisted of attending a family member's birthday party in NM, hanging out with a dear friend who abandoned me to move to ID and then attending a wedding for a friend of the family in WA. Well... you didn't expect this Twi-tard to go all the way to WA and NOT visit Forks????? I mean, I HAD to do my part to support this economy, right?!? And boy did I!!! After I loaded myself down with all the Twilight trinkets and key chains that I was going to be giving away to all my fellow Twi-tards when I returned home, I also picked up a few little "happies" for myself.

Along with my own key chain, two tee shirts, bumper sticker, bracelet, charms and decal, I also picked up this VERY UNIQUE rear view mirror ornament. I LOVE this thing!!!

And the final piece de resistance is my new MACHINED METAL Twilight clock!!! My husband who so WONDERFULLY humored my Twilight obsession during this trip to Forks was actually the one to find this gem. I'm so so glad he found it. I wasted NO time putting it up the minute we arrived home!

So those were the fun goodies I got, we also did a tour of Forks seeing the Cullen house (the one from the book), and Bella's house with her truck parked outside of the hardware store. And you know I got pics of the high school and Charlie's police car parked at City Hall. There was even "Twilight Firewood" on the side of the road. But the highlight of the trip was DEFINITELY La Push. I have THE MOST WONDERFUL pictures to share with you. I have to do a little editing (forgot the date stamp was on in my camera), but I will be getting those beauties up as soon as I can. I am hoping to return to La Push to just hang out for a week or so... that would be the most wonderful vacation all by itself! I will go into all of that when I do the La Push post, so check back for that!!!

Alright folks, I'm off to watch Twilight.... AGAIN!

And The Winner Is!!!!

2011-09-01T05:41:00.000-07:00

Ok gang... the big day has arrived. I happen to be on vacation and WHAT AN ORDEAL to get internet access!!! Wi-Fi is getting more and more complicated, I tell ya! SHEESH! But I managed to get somewhere to log in! YAY! And, a quick note about my vacate: you'll DEFINITELY want to stay tuned for the deets on my AWESOME visit to Forks, Washington full on with the uber kewl pics of La Push!!! Yes, this Twi-tard finally got to visit Forks!!!!

Now for the winner of the Nantucket Bagg give away.....

CONGRATULATIONS ABUSYBEE!!!!

You are the winner of the awesome pink Bagg!!! I just kicked you an email. Thank you to those who entered. It was a blast seeing your craft spaces!

I'm now off for the last leg of my travels. Whew... I'm ready for a vacation!

Let The Games Begin!!!

2011-08-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Isn't this SOOOOO fun?!? I AM SO PROUD of this book!!! So proud in fact that I'm doing ANOTHER ONE using the new Echo Park Halloween line for an upcoming Halloween class.... stay tuned for deets on the class to create this AWESOME book!

BUT THIS ONE will be displayed September 1st at Paper Vineyard for our first official Design Team Competition along with completed albums by all the other DT members. This is going to be SO FUN! And you'll want to run down there and vote, because the winning DT member whose project gets the most votes will choose one ballot from the ballot box and ONE LUCKY VOTING CUSTOMER will ALSO win a prize. Yah... you're gonna wanna play! LOL! And since you're going in to play, you might as well vote for ME!!! hahahahhahaha! Voting will run through September.

A Fun Class Right Out of Summer

2011-08-17T19:29:00.000-07:00

So, we're not COMPLETELY in the clear just yet, but summer is ALMOST over!!! I don't know about you, but I'm DREAMING of crisp cool nights again!!! For now it is still hot and sticky and Copics definitely do the trick to take my mind off of it. So I just put together a little Copic Hair Coloring Class to take the edge off for everyone!!!

September 4th at Paper Vineyard, join me for a super fun class where we'll not only learn how to combine colors ("Swatching" is what it's all about baby!!!), but we will also learn how to color hair! This is one that is near and dear to me since hair is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE thing to color!!! If you think about it, natural hair contains sooooooo many different colors, the possibilities are endless for your creativity with hair! And you can see that with my green and yellow and blue and pink heads of hair. That is EXACTLY what we will cover in class. So gather all your Copic markers and join us on September 4th for a really fun day of hair. You will leave class with a COMPLETE catalog of the hair color combinations you see above, but you'll also leave with worksheets of even MORE hair combinations!!! This could get quite hairy!!! I might just have to wear my wig.... ;)

Shock and Surprise

2011-08-13T20:25:00.001-07:00

I'm just SOOOOO amazed that EVERYONE isn't jumping on the bandwagon to win this AWESOME give-away here at Fun And Mental Changes!!! Thinking that there must be some sort of tear in the time/space continuum, I thought I'd re-post this give away again.

Ok, I'm giving away this AWESOME bag in PINK.

The wonderful folks at Nantucket Bagg donated this bag in pink to give away here at Fun And Mental changes, and all you have to do is create a blog post on your blog about your work space/craft space (include a pic), the reason you could use a bag like this, include a shout out for this give away and then link up your post HERE! It's that easy!!! While you're there, check out the video showing EXACTLY how this bag works. It really is the coolest thing ever!!! You have until August 31st to enter!

Now go out there and win this bag!!! :)

I Von To Suck Your Blah....

2011-08-12T08:01:00.004-07:00

I can't believe my Guest Spot on the Tickled Pink Design Team is coming to an end!!! :_( It has been so wonderful playing with all the Pink Ladies and even more fun to play with these WONDERFUL images. Didn't I say that you would want them all!?! Remember, all of these images will be available August 15th. So today is Vampire Lestat. What can I say about this image that the picture above doesn't say for me?!? He is just one cool cat!!! And this one certainly gave me a run for my money with the cool grey Copics! Sooooo fun!

Ok, let's talk Copic saturation... here's the back of Vampire Lestat.

OH! I am super proud of this one. Mostly because I only had a couple of areas of bleed through. The yellow border was probably the majority of it since I did multiple applications to get the intense color I was looking for. And look... only a spec of red!!! If only my Copic students could see me now! HAHAHAHAHA!

Well, that is it for me and the Tickled Pink Stamps Sneak Peeks!!! I hope you enjoyed seeing my projects and I hope you Copic colorers out there got a little something out of these posts. Thanks again to Tickled Pink for asking me to be part of this release... I had a BLAST!!! And as always, I appreciate everyone's kind comments. Don't forget to set a reminder for the August 15th release over at Tickled Pink Stamps and click HERE to see all of the design team's wonderful creations!!!

Hey Ghoulfriend!

2011-08-10T08:01:00.002-07:00

OMGosh! I CANNOT believe how wonderful all the stamps are in this sneak peek over at Tickled Pink Stamps!!! Isn't Halloween THE BEST!?! And right now you are just four day's away from the release to purchase all these great images. I'm just four days away from the end of my guest DT spot with these wonderful ladies and all these wonderful projects *sniff*!

So here you see Mummy Christina in all her glory! I used the sentiment "Hey Ghoulfriend" as a shout out to my friend Dana Edwards for loaning me her word window punch to complete this super fun card!!! Not to mention, seeing her incredible designs is ALWAYS inspiring!!! Thanx Ghoulfriend!!!

Below is the back of the colored Mummy Christina. You can see that this project had the least amount of bleed through. It does my soul good when I finish a project, check the back and see that I haven't wasted my beloved Copic ink!!! I don't know what I'll do when I finish one, check the back and see that it's completely clean! I'll probably do a happy dance..... after wetting myself a little! HAHAHAHAHAHA! I better get me some Depends, cuz I've come pretty close. A good pants-wetting is just around the corner... ANY day now! LOL!

So that does it for today's Tickled Pink sneak peek. Be sure to head over and check out what the Tickled Pink Design Team whipped up for today's peek.... click HERE! You won't be sorry! They are AMAZING!!!

Banana Split

2011-08-09T00:01:00.004-07:00

Okie Doke! This week at Paper Vineyard, we were challenged to create a project inspired by the Banana Split pictured above. Couldn't you just jump through the screen right now and gobble that up??? What I love the most about this banana split is the color palette!!! I never thought I would EVER say that about ANY banana split!!! These colors are just so inspiring!!! So I created:

DON'T YOU JUST LOVE IT!!!???!!! Honestly, I wasn't planning on creating anything as my plate is sort of full for the month, but Bo Bunny arrived at the store and I just couldn't help myself. I was ALLLLLLLL over it! I bought ALL the papers from the Et Cetera line (plus the buttons and trinkets) and then MOST of the papers from the Double Dot Designs!!! These lines are AMAZING!!! There were also goodies from the new Christmas line, but I finally had to stop looking and walk away. OMGosh, these lines ROCK!!! So along with the color palette, the cherry on the banana split also caught my eye. I remembered that I had purchased some cupcake stickers the last time that Els of Elizabeth Craft visited the store and taught some classes. And, of course, with the right Glitter Ritz glitters, this project would EASILY come together to match the colors of that yummy, yummy dessert!!! I ended up using a silver rhinestone brad to pull the whole thing together because I didn't have gold cupcake stickers (and they'll certainly have to wait now cuz I just bought a ton of Bo Bunny!!!), but I think it all looks quite nice together. Whew... this was a GREAT one!!! Click HERE to check out what the rest of Paper Vineyard's design team created. It was definitely a fun challenge!!!

The Wizard's Wizard!

2011-08-08T09:44:00.001-07:00

Yep... It's Wizard Eric of the new Tickled Pink Stamps Lil Haunt 2 line!!! Today I have another sneak peek for the August 15th release! WOO HOO!!! Ok, I have to say that this is one of my favorites!!! He was already colored in my head the moment I laid eyes on him.... REALLY!!! I already knew the paper I was going to use and the entire color scheme before I ever touched a marker! You'll want to click HERE to check out what the Tickled Pink Design Team did with this WONDERFUL WIZARD!!!

So the other day I promised that I'd show the backs of all my colored projects and I WON'T let you down. Before I do though, take another look at the finished project above. Take a gander at the DEEP colors I chose to use (i.e. the red hair and the purple outfit). One would think that blending those deep hues would cause quite a bit of saturation.....

NOT AT ALL, BUT.... you can see from the back of Wizard Eric, I messed up his sleeve when I accidentally colored it purple (Blue Violet to be exact). Remember I told you about the magic of the "bleed". Well, it's that same magic that allowed me to "push" the purple deeper into the paper fiber with the Copic Blender Pen making it appear to be erased on the front when on the back it is VERY purple. Now, because I did that, my paper was pretty heavily saturated in that one area, so when I went over that area again with the red, yellow and orange markers, I got a bit more bleed through than I normally would want. But, as I said the other day, it happens and especially when you're correcting a mistake. Again, that IS the magic of Copic. Being able to "erase" a mistake by pushing it deeper into the paper fiber, as if a wizard made it disappear, well that's just one of the reasons I so love coloring with Copics!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA! Did you like that lead-back to our Wizard Eric??? But seriously, that magic is what I love showing in my Copic classes!

One final note.... if you are coloring with Copic markers and use reds and purples... don't beat yourself up if your bleed through is super heavy at first. Deep colors like to bleed through more so than lighter or paler colors and it's not always because of overly heavy saturation. Some colors just do and it also depends on the paper you're coloring on as well! So play! See how you do! Every time I color, I challenge myself to use those deep colors WITHOUT bleed through. I've come close, but I haven't had a perfectly clean one yet! LOL! ;)

Knowledge Really Is Power

2011-08-07T20:24:00.004-07:00

If you've seen my blog for one second, then you know how much I love to color with Copic markers. I often tell students in my Copic classes that my love for markers comes from childhood deprivation. You see, I HATED coloring as a child. I was always told that we were too poor to afford the "Crayola" crayons; I always went to school with those HORRIBLE JUMBO 8 pack of crayons that were always too waxy to really deposit good color. Coloring gave me anxiety and I always felt out of place when it was time to color and my friends would pull out this MONSTER 64 pack of crayons that "EVEN INCLUDED A SHARPENER". And of course, when my crayons were dulled to flattened perfection, they were so big I couldn't even ask my friends to use their sharpener. My crayons wouldn't fit! How funny that as an adult, I have VIVID memories of grade school and the horror that was coloring. So now, moving WELL beyond the waxy color box, I stumble upon blendable ink markers. And I'm happy to announce that I own 204 Copic Markers, but I still think about that 64 pack of crayons that always eluded me year after year... usually when I'm making a joke about them in my Copic classes.

SO TODAY: I was heading into my local grocery store to pick up some goodies for tonight's dinner and I walked right past the Crayola display. Now what do you supposed was on the top shelf, right at eye level? Yep, you guessed it, the 64 pack of crayons with the built-in sharpener. It struck me as odd that they were only $3.29..... in 2011, the 64 pack of Crayola crayons with the built-in sharpener was only $3.29!!! HOW MUCH COULD THEY HAVE BEEN BACK IN 1979, 1980, 1981? I mean, I was sent to school every day with an extra quarter in my pocket for a carton of milk that I NEVER WOULD BUY because I can't stand milk. For the life of me, I can't remember where all those quarters went, but they NEVER bought milk. Now, if I had known to find out how much crayons were back then and saved that quarter daily, I would have owned those crayons that I cried over in just about two weeks (that's at $3.29 which I HIGHLY DOUBT was the case in 1979)!!!

I don't know why all of that just hit me today. Thinking back on the child who had the means, had the want but didn't know she had the power to have a 64 pack of Crayola crayons WITH sharpener, I'm really sort of stunned. I could have had those crayons any time I wanted, I just didn't know then how to consider my circumstance, take stock of my resources and get my crayons..... it seems there's a life lesson in there somewhere. Knowledge is power people. That is all.

I Want A Boy With Brains

2011-08-06T09:03:00.003-07:00

Hey guys! Welp, here I am with my FIRST official guest designer post for Tickled Pink Stamps and the August releases that are SOOOOOOO up my alley!!! So first up is Zombie Girl Kellita! What an awesome image to color!!! Kellita and all the upcoming images this week will be available at Tickled Pink Stamps on August 15th (the 14 for those of us here in the US) and TRUST ME.... you are going to want them ALL!!!

Now, with this awesome design team spot and coloring these awesome images, I thought I would take this opportunity to share my take on Copic saturation with this Tickled Pink line. Since these images contain some great surface coloring area, I thought these would be perfect to show that you really can deposit a good amount of color WITHOUT wasting your ink with unreal Copic saturation. Heavy saturation is when the alcohol ink of the Copic marker fills up the paper fiber and bleeds through the back (sometimes making the back look like the front!). The "bleed" is actually the magic of Copic markers, but in my opinion, too much bleed equals wasted product. This is something I teach EXTENSIVELY in my Copic Coloring Palooza, but I wanted to share a bit about it on my blog too. So instead of me babbling on about it, let me show you!

The pic above is the back of the Zombie Girl Kellita after I finished coloring her. You can see that there are definitive areas of saturation. The one area that I circled is actually where I just pressed the green marker nib into the paper and watched the color spread. I knew without ever looking that the color was going to be seen very clearly on the back of the paper. Same thing was true with her shorts. I ended up doing a little "scrubbing" (also covered in my Copic Technique class), and with a dark blue, I just KNEW I was going to have some saturation. A little bit of saturation can't be helped sometimes, but I ALWAYS strive for the back of my paper to be CLEAN. As you can tell by the finished card at the top, plenty of color deposited on my project. I achieved the desired blend of color I was after and I didn't waste a ton of ink trying to saturate my paper.

Ok folks! That does it for me with the first sneak peek of the new Tickled Pink line that will release on August 15th. Click HERE to check out what the Pink Ladies turned out! Be sure to stay tuned for my second sneak peek in a couple of days and more on Copic saturation as I'm posting pics of the backs of ALL the colored images I complete with this new line!

Copic Coloring Palooza!!!

2011-08-02T11:46:00.002-07:00

Alright gang.... as many of you already know, I've been holding out creating August's Copic Coloring Palooza for the Kraftin Kimmie shipment that was due at Paper Vineyard MONTHS ago. Welp, it still hasn't arrived so I finally had to break down and create this UBER FUN project with the Kraftin Kimmie images that I already have (and you KNOW I own a bunch)!!!! But, is this "Good-Bye" to Kraftin Kimmie??? Will I have to feature another line of stamps for my Copic Coloring Palooza???

We shall see what the future holds for Kraftin Kimmie and the Copic Coloring Palooza. But for August 14th, may I introduce you to Genevieve. Now for this Copic Coloring Palooza featuring the very steampunky Genevieve, the class will include Copic coloring that saves time and money (of course), a demo of the Big Shot (and those awesome Tim Holtz Gears), wet embossing those gears to look like metal, airbrushing to get that vintage "photographed" look to Genevieve and playing with The Purple Monster.... you all know how I love that thing!!! The class starts at 1:00 p.m. and the cost is $25. All you need to bring are your Copic markers and your basic tool kit that includes: scissors, paper trimmer, adhesive and pop dots. Don't worry if you don't have all the colors I used in the sample pictured above. We will use what you have in class and, don't forget, you also get 10% off everything you purchase the day of the class!!! So if there is a color that you absolutely have to have... well, you can save a little extra! And if you're interested in The Purple Monster, ask for details cuz Paper Vineyard's running an EXTRA SPECIAL special on that one! hahahahaha!

*Copics used for the class sample: BG10, BG13, BG75, E00, E000, E21, E30, E31, E35, E39 and R20

Nose Dive

2011-07-30T11:58:00.003-07:00

So here it is.... my SECOND digital coloring project. Don't ask to see my first! HAHAHAHAHAHA! I just recently got the Wacom Bamboo Craft tablet and pen that came with Photoshop Elements 8 and DOVE into the world of digital coloring. The box arrived with EVERYTHING I needed to get started... well, except I don't have a color printer! :/ Not too big of a deal since I CLEARLY need more practice, but I'm getting there and predict that my next purchase will, in fact, be a color printer! :)

Now for the product review. So the Bamboo craft tablet is WONDERFUL!!! It came with a little tutorial to learn how to use it. It was interactive and pretty simple. The tablet ALSO came with Photoshop Elements 8 which is NOT so easy to use. Reading some reviews on Photoshop I know why. Actually, the Photoshop Elements has MANY of the components of Photoshop (the full professional version) so just a little word of advice.... prepare for a HUGE learning curve. But judging by the beauty above (remember, she's only my second one), it's TOTALLY worth the time investment!!!

Well gang, I'm off to learn a little more about the brushes and how to achieve a better blend. I might just go ahead and look up some color printer reviews while I'm at it! ;) This particular gem is going to get 100 high fives from me. I say BUY, BUY, BUY if you're interested in coloring and have been thinking of giving a digital pen a try... the Wacom Bamboo Craft is GRRRRREAT!

** the image is Tiddly Inks Spooky Birthday. I LOVE this digi!!!!

SWEET!

2011-07-26T08:11:00.005-07:00

***Click HERE for the Fun And Mental Changes give away deets!***
***This post is one of two post for today.... scroll down to see my project for The Burtonesque Dolls, Musical Interlude challenge!***

Paper Vineyard is rolling out the new Grapevine Designs Custom Albums and Kits and this cupcake album was one of the first albums Grapevine Designs featured. As soon as I saw that chipboard "cupcake in the raw" (I mean before any paper got cut or any decorations added to it), what you see here is EXACTLY what I saw! HAHAHAHAHAHA! Don't you love it when design ideas become reality JUST how you pictured them???? There are going to be PLENTY more where this came from..... stay tuned!!!

I Call For A Redo!!!

2011-07-26T05:00:00.004-07:00

*** CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON THE FUN AND MENTAL CHANGES GIVE AWAY***

I was sooooo excited about the new We R Memory Keepers 2011 Halloween line that I couldn't wait to play with it for this Musical Interlude challenge at The Burtonesque Dolls. The challenge is to create a project inspired by one of the songs from A Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack. Be sure to include the lyrics in your project. Of course, my lyrics are from This Is Halloween. I really thought this was SO FUN....well, that WAS until I saw the creations turned in by the other Dolls. Click HERE to see the AWESOME projects and check out the deets to this challenge. You have until August 1st to add your project to win an AMAZING prize, but as for me, I think I might just have to go buy A BUNCH of stamps and redo this one!!! All the Dolls are really just a bunch of ENABLERS! LOL!

So Lame

2011-07-19T10:16:00.003-07:00

So over at Paper Vineyard, the challenge was to create a birthday project and it COULDN'T be a card. I've personally been creating WAY too many cards lately so I was happy to try my hand at something new..... only I didn't. :( Instead, I was busy preparing for last week's Cricut Swarm. Now, while I missed creating a project specifically for our Birthday Non-Card challenge, I figured the cupcake box that I made would fit the bill PERFECTLY for a birthday-themed project. The box also has an insert for a cupcake to fit inside. I made it with my Cricut (cuz of the whole Cricut Swarm bit) and while I ADORE this box, I sort of had a little melt down making it and I decided that this is the last Provo Craft product I will ever buy.... let me share why (read through to find out the cartridge I used for this project)!

Most of you know that I DESPISE Provo Craft. I hate that the Cricut is a one-of-kind product that I loved. Really, it's like I have battered wife syndrome with Provo Craft!!! For as long as I can remember, customer service at Provo Craft has been severely lacking at best, but I put up with HORRIBLE service to enjoy such a wonderful product, always hoping that Provo Craft will treat me better.

BUT THEN.....
Nifty Fifties was produced and all of the image cuts appeared on multiple pages of the handbook. Upon calling Provo Craft (almost immediately after the cartridge release), Provo Craft's customer service said that they had their design team looking into the issue and they would get back to me with a resolution. Of course, NO ONE EVER CALLED BACK. The cartridge continued to be produced incorrectly and still is to this day. Suddenly the product isn't so great.

THEN....
I discovered that Sure Cuts A Lot was shut down (for Cricut users) due to Provo Craft suing them. Now, I don't know HOW they won the lawsuit since Provo Craft has NEVER allowed me to cut the true type fonts on my computer, but they did win and I can no longer use the $100 program that I purchased to enhance my Cricut experience. Let me assure you, this program did not keep me from purchasing Provo Craft products. In fact, it caused me to purchase more. For a Halloween layout to chronicle my Geisha costume escapade, I used SCAL to cut out the title "Geisha". RIGHT AFTER seeing the effect, I RAN out to purchase the Pagoda cartridge realizing that my layout needed the added Asian-inspired images. I can tell you right now that if Toyota ever sues XM radio, I will no longer buy Toyotas.

NOW....
I purchase a cartridge (I will reveal in one sec) with 9 project cuts. That's it... there are a total of 9 cuts with a tenth "bonus" cut that appears to be different inserts for the box project. But total, there are 9 projects. Of those 9 projects, I chose the "ice cream cone" top FIRST to use as a cupcake box only to find that a part of the project.... the cherry on top.... cannot be used on my project. Due to the fact that the designers added slits in the cherry to make it individually 3D, I could not use it for the project it was supposed to be for. Needless to say, this discovery AFTER wasting an entire piece of My Mind's Eye paper, sent me into a full on adult-temper-tantrum. I BROKE AND I'M FINALLY DONE WITH PROVO CRAFT. Out of 9 projects, the FIRST ONE I picked is not complete and after YEARS of cutting with this machine, I STILL have to do practice cuts to be sure my paper isn't wasted and the products are correct?!?! I had to create my own cherry using a circle punch....Nope, I'm done. I will not deal with poor service, greed and now depleting product quality. Time to find me a new electronic cutter and free myself from this seemingly co-dependent relationship!!! That may seem a little dramatic, but I suspect there are more of you Cricuters out there who need to break the cycle of abuse!

But, here it is, I told you I'd reveal the cartridge I used. It's called Sweet Tooth Boxes.... buyer beware! The reason I waited to share the source, is that I REALLY wanted everyone to hear all of this. You see, Provo Craft seems to think that those who have so much invested (yes, I own 78 cartridges, two cutters, one Gypsy, Design Studio and multiple rolls of tacky tape, not to mention a Cuttlebug.... and don't forget the $100 I spent on SCAL specifically to use with my Cricut) that they won't switch. I think they are wrong.... let's see who's right. I will keep everyone posted on my search for a better electronic die cutter.

Funky Potters Final Peek

2011-07-15T00:01:00.001-07:00

Ok gang.... here he is! Harry Potter is the final sneak peek for the Simply Betty Stamps' Funky Potters! Isn't he great!!! This line is awesome and I really had a blast with this week's sneak peek of the line. The Dolls pulled out all the stops and the projects this week at The Burtonesque Dolls has been A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! Click HERE to see it all and be sure to head to Simply Betty Stamps tomorrow for the release of the Funky Potters. I hope you all have as much fun with this set as I did.

Before I run, here's a closer look at Harry.

*** Click HERE for Fun And Mental Changes current blog give away!!!***

No Waiting!

2011-07-14T14:26:00.006-07:00

*** Please scroll down to view Simply Betty Stamps Funky Potters Sneak Peek**** WOO HOO!!! IT CAME TODAY! That means NO WAITING and I can announce the give away today!!! YAY! What you are looking at doesn't seem like much in the pic to the left, but I assure you it is A LOT.... and it could be all yours!!!! The good folks at Nantucket Bagg donated this AWESOME lime green and pink "diddy" to one lucky winner here at Fun And Mental Changes!!! WAIT till you see what this thing is!!! You'll see very quickly that you've been missing it all along.

Ok, so first off, what are we looking at? What you see in the picture is a bag. Well no, not a bag, it's an apron. No, not an apron, it's a tool organizer. No, not a tool organizer, it's a wall organizer. No, not a wall organizer, it's a backpack. No wait... it's ALL OF THEM ROLLED INTO ONE!!!! This AMAZING bag is convertible. In the past, I've talked quite a bit about how important convertible storage is to me for my crafting and this baby really speaks to my Chi! HAHAHAHAHA!

Check out this pic of the Diddy Bag that I found on the internet.

The bag arrived today with a complete instruction sheet to convert this bag from a wall organizer/apron, to a bag with pockets inside, to a bag with pockets on the outside, and from a tote to a backpack or satchel. Here is a video I found online as well: CLICK HERE

Now, HOW can you win this awesome bag? Simply, do up a quick blog post about this give away (being sure to include a link to this post) and include pics in your post of your craft space, work space or any area in need of a bag like this. Then, come back here and post your link to the InLinkz below and leave a comment on this post. This is open to followers of this blog only and you will have until August 31st to enter. The winner will be announced on this blog September 1st. Good luck everyone! I'm looking forward to everyone's submissions.

Sneak Peek Day Five... I HAD To Do It!!!

2011-07-14T00:01:00.002-07:00

As much as I tried to keep with the theme of Harry Potter (cuz I bought all those embellishments and paper you know), I just COULDN'T NOT use the wonderful McGonagall image for a Halloween card!!! I mean, look at her... she's PERFECT!!! I bet you're all sitting on pins and needles waiting for the release on Friday!!! hahahahahahaha! This Funky Potters line is going to fly out the door, I'm sure!!! So one more day till the big release and I'll give you three guesses who we're featuring tomorrow....

Swing by tomorrow for the last sneak peek and be sure to head over to The Burtonesque Dolls, see what the other dolls created with McGonagall and show some love! See you all tomorrow!!!!

Funky Potters Sneak Peek Day Four

2011-07-13T00:01:00.001-07:00

Pansy Parkinson ya'll!!! We're just TWO days away from the release of these AWESOME Funky Potter images and I'm having a BLAST with them!!! But while you're waiting, you might want to see all the other awesome stamps over at Simply Betty Stamps and we'll see you tomorrow with another great Funky Potters sneak peek. Don't forget to swing by The Burtonesque Dolls and see what the rest of the Dolls made with Pansy.... you WON'T be sorry! I promise!!!

Poor Scabbers

2011-07-12T00:00:00.001-07:00

Ok, day three of Simply Betty Stamps' Funky Potters Sneak Peek is RON!!!! I LOVE this image, and today's sneak peek is part of our bi-weekly challenge. So... hopefully you can tell by my project for The Burtonesque Dolls that the challenge this time is Potter in Wonderland featuring Ron Weasley in Wonderland where The Cheshire cat has just eaten his rat, Scabbers. I had so much fun with this challenge! As usual, the story in my head is always so funny as The Cheshire cat takes on a voice like the Cheetos cheetah (which we all know was stolen from American McGee's Cheshire Cat in Alice anyway). And to break out my Graphic 45 Halloween in Wonderland paper and embellishments is ALWAYS added fun as well.

So let's see what you can do! The challenge this time is to create your own Potterish character and place that character in any Burton movie... basically the Potters using the Flue Network and end up in Burtonland! It doesn't have to be Ron either it can be any character, any image that may resemble any Potter of course and put them in Burtonland! Check out what the rest of the Dolls did for this challenge... they are ALL AWESOME!!! Click HERE. And be sure to head over to Simply Betty Stamps and check out all the wonderful stamp lines Simply Betty has to offer. See you all tomorrow for Sneak Peek Day 4!!!!

OOOOOOO SOMETHING'S COMING!

2011-07-11T12:41:00.000-07:00

A little birdie just told me that there is going to be a HUGE, GINORMOUS, UNBELIEVABLE give way coming to Fun And Mental Changes!!! Stay tuned.... next week is going to be EXCITING!!!

***Please scroll down for Simply Betty Stamps' Funky Potter Sneak Peek Day 2! :)

Potter Peek Day Two!

2011-07-11T00:01:00.002-07:00

After submitting Hermione oh-so-late (click HERE to see Hermione), I figured I better get on the ball with Ginny! These awesome Potter images will be released at the end of this week, so stay tuned the whole week to see ALL these uber-kewl images by Simply Betty Stamps. Click HERE to see what the rest of the design team made with Ginny.

Potter Sneak Peek Day One!

2011-07-10T23:37:00.004-07:00

OMGOSH I'M LATE!!! So sorry for the late post everyone! For WHATEVER reason, I thought our sneak peeks for the Simply Betty Stamps Funky Potter line started tomorrow. DANG IT!!! Welp, here it is. My offering featuring Hermione. I was lucky enough to get my hands on these super fun Harry Potter paper and embellishments which were PERFECT for this release (click on the pic to enlarge and see all the groovy details). Check out what the rest of the Dolls created for this fun sneak peek. Click HERE.

Totally RED

2011-07-06T14:51:00.003-07:00

Whoa! So much red! I don't think I've ever done anything quite so, uh, red.... hahahahahaha! But I wanted to use this awesome sentiment by Created With TLC, so I knew I had to just dive into it! LOL! And the perfect image to go with it.... Tickled Pink's 30's Lylah! Lylah is one of my favorites and you can sure see why!

This project also features paper that I received at an all night crop not too long ago. One of the lovely ladies who attended gave away a TON of My Mind's Eye paper. Yah, she just gave it away!!!! I couldn't believe it. This stuff is the good stuff, feels like fabric instead of paper and I got it for FREE!!! Girls Rock! And 30's Lylah rocks! Lylah was one of my first stamps from Tickled Pink, so I thought it was perfect to use as another submission for the Tickled Pink Stamps DT Call. I blinged this one out simply with some tule, some ribbon and pearls... the perfect accent to this wonderfully RED tag! hahahahahaha. The Copics I used were B0000, B16, E00, E000, E11, E25, E37, E81, R20, R22, R27, R29, R89, Y21 and finished it off with a white Sakura Gel Pen.

UPDATE: I got an email asking if I could post a close up..... here goes. :)

COMING SOON!!!

2011-07-05T13:29:00.002-07:00

Ok folks... you know how much I LOVE Make It Crafty digi stamps and I ADORE Tiddly Inks! Well, the two have teamed up for one AWESOME release coming up on July 14th! STEAMPUNK!!! And yes, I know you all know how fond I am of steampunk! So mark your calendars and tune in for what promises to be one incredible release day match up!!! Cick HERE for all the deets!!!

Steampunked

2011-07-02T21:35:00.004-07:00

Ever since Graphic 45 came out with their Steampunk Debutante Line last year, I've been CRAZY for the whole Steampunk theme, and STOCKED up on everything steampunk I could get my hands on.... that includes the AWESOME Victorian Steampunk Lilith from Tickled Pink Stamps you see here! AND NOW I see that there is a DT Call over at Tickled Pink Stamps, so isn't this just the perfect time to pull out all my new favies (and old favies) and give it a go!!!

Seen here are a couple of merged stamps and some word art. The scroll is one of my favorite stamps from Make It Crafty. I actually used this scroll for a candle that I personalized with my sister and her husband's wedding date. To see that project, click HERE. I popped Lilith on top and added some word art. I thought about just making it say "REWARD", but adding the "Wanted Dead or Alive" kind of gave me a chuckle so I went with that.... especially since I added the "Missing You" sentiment. You all know my wicked sick sense of humor! LOL! So, OF COURSE, I used my beloved Copic markers to color this: BG10, BG78, C0, C4, E00, E21, E23, E25, E31, E37, E39, E49, R20, R59, Y000, Y18 and YR14. I also used the Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante Dies and the Chatterbox Easy Brad Maker set to create the metal embellishments at the top (the Epoxy stickers that are included in the set really make these hand made embellishments ROCK!). I also cut out a butterfly from the Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante Time Flies paper and folded up the wings to make it look fluttery. I used one of the gear dies from Graphic 45's Steampunk Debutante line and added a Tim Holtz Idea-ology gear to make it pop. I used a punch from EK Success and Bo Bunny's Gabrielle Flight paper for the backing.... this paper is also VERY PRETTY, much like the Graphic 45 paper!!!! My sentiment is from a generic "dial-a-sentiment" stamp that I got at a garage sale. That thing has come in so handy and I'm told that 7 Gypsies also has a line of "dial-a-sentiment" stamps if you wanna check it out. It's nice to carry 12 sentiments with you anywhere in a single stamp... very Feng Shui for an avid paper crafter!!! :)

Here's the final shot... check out how dimensional this one is.... SOOOO FUN!!!

Ok folks! That's it! Swing by Tickled Pink's blog and check out all the deets for this DT Call!!!

Evil Twin

2011-06-28T00:01:00.002-07:00

*This is my second post of the day, for my inspiration project for Paper Vineyard, please scroll down.*

Ok gang... are you ready for a fun one?!? This time the challenge over at The Burtonesque Dolls is TWINS!!! Flip an image to create TWINS! Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum have NOTHIN on The Burtonesque Dolls BABY!!! Check it out!

So I couldn't help myself! I'm so in love with the Pipper new release over at Simply Betty Stamps, I had to reuse her again for this challenge. I mean, come on.... she NEEDED an evil twin, didn't she?!? hahahahahahaha! It's hard to believe that she's the good one!!! LOL! I just wish this looked as good in the pic as it looks in real life. For some reason I just couldn't get a good shot of this. The row of black roses look perfect paired with that cute skullie. That skullie is actually a button. I removed the shank and filled the eyes with red stickles. SO CUTE!!!! Copics used: E00, E000, E11, BG000, BG01, B41, B45, C0, C2, C5, C7, C9, E33, E39, R21, R22, R29, R59, W0, W3, W5. The paper is from the DCWV Immortal Love collection (of course). Click HERE to see what the rest of the Dolls created to inspire you for this REALLY fun challenge!!!

There's No Place Like Home

2011-06-28T00:00:00.002-07:00

Graphic 45's Magic of Oz arrived at Paper Vineyard last week and this week the design team had a BLAST playing with all the goodies!!! I took a cue from my new blog friend Barb and used a scrapbook layout she completed as inspiration for my project. The simplicity of using up those mini-scraps is just BEYOND brilliant. She is the newest of the MANY talented blog friends I have, so don't be surprised if you see me saying her name A LOT!!! Her talent is out of this world and TOTALLY up my alley [thanx for the card Barb, it is WONDERFUL]!!!

So, of course, I used Copics for this project. LOTS of E40's and R20's and finished up with YG20's... with a little Y18 and Y00 thrown in to make the cat tails and the shiny doorknob. For some reason, my shadowing lightened A LOT on this pic, so I'm going to try and take another pic in better lighting and re-post. Hopefully I can show this a little better. For some reason, I've been sucking with my camera.... what is up with that? Anyway, I am OVER THE MOON for this new Graphic 45 line (you should see all the chipboard tags in this one) and HIGHLY recommend you check it out. Click HERE to see what the rest of the design team created with this uber-kewl line!!! Click HERE to get your hands on the AWESOME Make It Crafty Mushroom House digi!

I'm Not Perfect... OK!?!

2011-06-21T00:00:00.001-07:00

So... over at Paper Vineyard, we were supposed to design a gambling-themed project (or bunco) using Sizzix die and embossing products... no other company's dies/embossing folders were to be used. Nope! Couldn't do it!!! I DID, however, use the Sizzix Big Shot with the Cuttlebug Clockworks embossing folder and Spellbinder's dies. Is it MY fault that the Sizzix Big Shot is compatible with just about every die/embossing folder out there?!? And how unfair is it to ask me to NOT play with all my toys.... REALLY?

When I first sat down to create this challenge project, THIS is what I created:

Now, not to question anyone's powers of observations, but this project is NOWHERE NEAR a gambling/bunco project!!! hahahahahahahaha! I was just so inspired by the new Technique Tuesday Love Makes The World Go Round, that I was moved to use it and went in a totally different direction when I sat down to complete my challenge project. Then, once it was complete, I realized that I was SOOOO off-task that I needed to do another project. NO WAY was I going to be able to follow the rules on this one. You all would never believe that I'm the one who created the challenge in the first place.... hahahahahahahahha! Go figure!

So, for the above projects I used my sewing machine, Sizzix Big Shot, Sizzix Tim Holtz Alterations Gears die, Cuttlebug Clockworks embossing folder, Sizzix Tim Holtz Alterations Mini Paper Rosettes die, EK Success Card Suit punch, Martha Stewart circle cutter, Prima Fairytale flowers, Spellbinders Nestabilities dies, DCWV paper - embellishments - and chipboard letters, Cosmo Cricut paper, Bazzill paper and bling, and finally, Creative Impressions Red Swirl Ribbon.

Click HERE to check out what the rest of the design team created for this super hard challenge.

Prepping The Twilight Release Party!!!

2011-06-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

The upcoming Twilight: Breaking Dawn is scheduled for release on November 18th and I've got a jump on the festivities!!! Well, I sort of HAVE to... that is, if we want to reserve the auditorium!!! All we need is 200 people! NO PROBLEM! hahahahahaha! So, to help out, Paper Vineyard (in Chandler, AZ) has offered to be "Party Central" for the release festivities and to act as the hub for all interested parties to sign up. If interested in joining us for Twilight games, prizes, fun and crafts, and to receive discounted movie tickets for the day of the premier (no waiting in the long lines, we just head to our auditorium), then truck it over to Paper Vineyard and sign up. You MUST sign up by September 1st!!!! Payment will not be required until October, but in order to reserve the auditorium, we need a head count.

Now for MORE fun!!! I created this Twilight-inspired notebook for our party (click on pic to enlarge). I am also planning more uber-cool crafty goodness (I'm team Jacob BTW, but I promise to cater to you "Team Edward" freaks! hahahahhahahaha) to go with all the games and prizes. We will also be running Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse on the store's big screen! I can HARDLY wait! This party is going to ROCK!!! WHY didn't I do this sooner???

BURTON-WEENIES RELEASE DAY

2011-06-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

WOO HOO!!!! We made it!!!! Today is RELEASE DAY for the Burton-weenies over at Simply Betty Stamps!!! But first, let me introduce you to Pipper!

So, this is Pipper.... she is MY FAVORITE in the line. The expression on her face fits about a dozen different sentiments I have and brings to mind about dozen more of my own!!! And yes, I went with pink again today.... I told you I was having a "thing" with pink! HA! But it just seems to work with the Burton-weenies, doesn't it? Head over to The Burtonesque Dolls and see how Pipper inspired the other Dolls and be sure to RUN over to Simply Betty Stamps and pick up ALL the Burton-weenies!!! Thanx for joining us this week and enjoy playing with the Burton-weenies!!!

*** The sentiment is another Create With TLC sentiment... they seem to go so well with these Burton-weenies! LOL!

Release Day Sneak Peek Day 5

2011-06-16T00:00:00.004-07:00

I'm having a "thing" with pink.... WTH!!!???!!! When I first saw the Burton-weenies, I thought these would be the PERFECT images to grunge out and goth up, but what did I do? Yah, I went with pink! My version of the Burton-weenies are hard core, warm and fuzzy! WORD!

This is Harley in all her pink and purple glory!!! Be sure to head over to The Burtonesque Dolls for some REALLY hard core designs from the other Dolls and tune in tomorrow for MY FAVORITE image of the whole line and for RELEASE DAY!!!! WOOT-WOOT!!!

Note: The BEAUTIFUL sentiment is another one from Create With TLC and the skullie is a Creepy Glowbugg creation!!!

Release Day Sneak Peek Day 4!!!

2011-06-15T00:00:00.003-07:00

Another sneak peek for the upcoming release of the Burton-weenies at Simply Betty Stamps!!! Today I got to play with Raven!!! Isn't she just so sweet and sassy!?! Didn't I tell you guys how great these were to color?!? And that Create With TLC sentiment is just so perfect for this peace loving weenie!!! hahahaha!

So, head over to The Burtonesque Dolls blog and see how the rest of the dolls played with Raven! LOL! Also, tune back in tomorrow for more Burton-weenie fun!

Burton-weenies Sneak Peak Day 3!

2011-06-14T00:02:00.010-07:00

Ok, so along with the sneak peek of the new releases (coming this Friday... I can't wait!), TODAY the Dolls are having a little challenge with Ellanor: PUT ME IN A BURTON MOVIE!!! Well, hopefully you can tell that I turned the new Ellanor stamp, from the upcoming Burton-weenies line, into Lydia from Beetle Juice (click on pic to enlarge)!!! But I couldn't just stop there!!! Our guest DT's played a little with Ellanor, so I had to have my fun too! Check it out!

I am DIGGIN this new line!!!! I mean really... aren't these just so hip and cool?!?

Be sure to head over to The Burtonesque Dolls for more inspiration with the new Ellanor Burton-weenie and to get the deets on this challenge!!! And join us tomorrow for more Burton-weenie-sneak-peek fun!

More Gypsy Fun

2011-06-14T00:01:00.003-07:00

So I created this project featuring the new We R Memory Keepers Travel Light line that we are featuring for Paper Vineyard's design team challenge this week (click HERE to see what the rest of our design team created). This project also happens to be June's Gypsy 101 class project (Click HERE for the June class schedule at Paper Vineyard). You will need your UPDATE Gypsy, your UPDATED Cricut and the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge for this class. Also, be sure to bring your basic scrapbooking tool kit with you including red tacky tape so that your gift bag will be secure to hold whatever you want to put in it... because this one is pretty large!

Along with covering basic functionality of your Gypsy in this class, we will also be covering how to make your projects EASIER to cut and how to cut them up to 20% larger. This really does come in handy when you're making gift bags! If you own a Gypsy, this is a class that you're going to want to attend! Hope to see you there!

And whether you own a Gypsy or not, this week's challenge for Paper Vineyard's DT turned out some pretty incredible projects for inspiration, so be sure to check it out and leave some love!

Burton-weenie Release Day 2

2011-06-13T09:34:00.000-07:00

Today is day 2 of the Burton-weenie release for Simply Betty Stamps. I'm kind of slackin today as I didn't create a card to show, but you DON'T want to miss the A-M-A-Z-I-N-G work the rest of the Dolls made!!! I'm serious! This stuff on day two blew me away!!!! So head over to The Burtonesque Dolls and show some love.... you'll be glad you did! They ROCKED day 2. Tune in tomorrow for day 3 of the Burton-weenie release, that one's pretty good too. Psssst... I made a really cute one! LOL! ;)

**As I said yesterday, all of the images from this line will be available for sale at Simply Betty Stamps on Friday, but feel free to check out all the other COOL stuff by clicking HERE.

Another Piercing

2011-06-12T00:01:00.003-07:00

IT IS RELEASE WEEK FOR THE DOLLS and Simply Betty Stamps!!! The Burton-weenies are here and the entire line will be available at Simply Betty Stamps starting Friday! So all this week The Burtonesque Dolls are bringing you sneak peeks.... first in this AWESOME lineup is Jack Jack! Isn't he just so cool!?!

So, yes, Jack Jack has a staple through his head. Scrappers know that attempting to "fix" a mistake USUALLY results in making the problem worse. Long story short, I put a staple through his head and we're calling it "Another Piercing" and LEAVING IT ALONE! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I was so sad to misplace the staple right at the very end; what a bummer to make a mistake like that on such an AMAZING image!!! This dude is so cool and so fun to color. I didn't realize just how great until I saw all the other Dolls' projects and noticed that what I thought was hair could also be interpreted as a HOOD!!! Yep, Jack Jack is actually wearing a hoodie, but I just colored it as hair. It's all about perception people! LOL!

Okie dokie gang... that does it for today's sneak peak of the Burton-weenies Jack Jack. The Dolls will be featuring ALL of the images in this new line this week, so be sure to stay tuned to The Burtonesque Dolls each day to see all the Dolls' creations!!! We'll even have some features from the Simply Betty Design Team!!!

***This guy was so easy to color! The Copics I used to color Jack Jack were E000, E00, E11, C0, C2, C4, C6, C0, B91, B93, B97 and B99.

Ode To Twilight...AGAIN!

2011-06-10T04:25:00.001-07:00

You missed the nail art didn't you?!? It's been awhile my lovelies! Mainly because I had a biting relapse, and I don't mean the brooding vampire kind!!! Luckily I stopped the biting with the help of some TLC and my beloved Nail Aid, now I'm back on track and dippin into the Konad. With Twilight on the mind since the release of the trailer (click HERE for the vampy/wolfy goodness) for Breaking Dawn, well, you know, it's all I can think about! So my nails get a little mani with Twilight in mind!

Base coat is Nail Aid Peeling Nail Therapy, 1 coat of China Glaze Innocence (kinda fitting here), 1 coat of Seche Vite for quick dry, and Konad image plate M64 with Konad Special Polish in black. I finished this off by adding some red bling before sealing the whole thing with another coat of Seche Vite.

So I'm LOVING this mani!!! The pink is creamy and ever so subtle making that red bling pop out on top of the black background. I'm hoping that I get at least a week's worth of wear out of this one.... it's just so GORGEOUS!!! Now I'm off to watch Eclipse and enjoy a latte!

I KNEW IT!!!

2011-06-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, so when I created the CD jacket for the design team the other day (click HERE to check it out), it got me thinking about MY OWN Twilight wedding. Yes, yes, I'm already married.... but how uber kewl would it be to renew vows under the moonlight??? Yah, pretty freakin kewl I'd say!!! So I did a search and LOOKIE WHAT I FOUND!

The pic above was posted on Pam Gibson's blog HERE. So was the collage below. I'm gonna have to email Pam and let her know about the CD jacket.... she could probably use it!

OMG.... this is just so amazing!!! I KNEW a Twilight wedding would be awesome!!! I want one... I wonder if Pam needs a new BFF!!!

Getting A Jump On It!

2011-06-08T10:21:00.001-07:00

OOOOOO.... SUMMER IS HERE! And boy can I feel it! Wouldn't I love to live near a beach right now. So this is what I created for July's Copic Palooza at Paper Vineyard!!! Now while the sentiment on the front of my folio page says, "Soakin Up The Sun", this would make an ADORABLE card that says, "With the proper SPF protection.... of course!" on the inside. You could even throw in a sample packet of sunblock for an extra special card that anyone would appreciate, ESPECIALLY by the time July gets here!!!

So here's a close up. We'll be playing with Glitter Ritz glitter to embellish this little girl's totally awesome and vintage swimsuit. We will also be learning how to "drop in" scenery with our coloring projects (grass and pavement), not to mention that you'll leave class with this super fun completed project... well, this one is going to be one you don't want to miss!!! Here is the list of markers that I used for this project: Dress and Hat: Y23, E31, Hat Flowers: G24, YG03, E04, E27, YR15, YR23, RV10 and RV34, Skin: E00, E000 and E11, Hair: E27, Y23, Eyes: BG01 OR YG03, Ground: Blender 0, Y28, YG03 and G24

It's A Great Day For A White Wedding

2011-06-07T00:01:00.014-07:00

It has been sooooo long since I've designed with the wonderful ladies of Paper Vineyard's design team! Getting back on the designing wagon has suddenly come so easy to me over the past couple of days or so... I've been designing up a storm. Part of the reason for the sudden burst of creativity came from this little gem pictured below! Just a little warning here... this post is VERY pic heavy!!!

Yep! It's the DCWV Immortal Love stack I told you all about the other day (inspired by the Twilight Saga movies). So with Breaking Dawn coming out later this year, the Wedding theme for today's challenge over at Paper Vineyard was SUPER easy. I can clearly imagine what wedding goodies Edward and Bella would put together, what their wedding colors would be, etc. Well, now you can see how this one just sort of made itself! hahahahahahha!

So my creation is the CD jacket for a wedding photo compilation; the template is pictured above. This would make a wonderful keepsake for special guests at any wedding or to attach to the inside back cover of a wedding album. Using the Martha Stewart scoring board, I scored a 7 x 10" paper vertically at the 1" mark and the 6" mark. I then scored horizontally at the 5" mark and trimmed the edges from 1/2 of the sheet, then folded the rest of the score lines to create the CD pocket. I rounded corners using my Corner Chomper and punched a decorative edge along the front using an EK Success edge punch. Prior to adhering my edges with red tacky tape for a strong hold, I glued the liner and the white cover using the Paper Vineyard's new SEI White Elegance wedding line. Then, using my NEW (just bought last Friday on Competitor Coupon Day at Paper Vineyard) Spellbinders Fancy Tags Two I cut out the frame for the cover title and blinged it out with the coordinating Want 2 Scrap pearl accents made to fit this set PERFECTLY!!! Finally, I printed and cut the title on vellum and embellished the CD jacket with red bling and miscellaneous ribbon. Now for some fun....

Each backdrop for this CD jacket is a different page from my new Immortal Love paper stack (there are certainly more pages in the stack, I only photographed a few)... you can just imagine how beautiful this jacket would be as an addition to a mini book... just a thought! LOL!

Ok folks... that does it for today. Be sure to click on the link above for more design inspiration from the rest of the design team and we'll see you next week for more creative fun!

P.S. The first backdrop page is my favorite... which one is yours?

P.P.S. Here's a link for those of you who HAVEN'T seen the new sneak peek trailor of Twilight Breaking Dawn Part I: CLICK HERE

AND

Here's a link for those of you who HAVE seen the new sneak peek trailor of Twilight Breaking Dawn Part I: CLICK HERE

My gift to you... LOL!

Another Copic Class

2011-06-06T00:39:00.001-07:00

UGH! I almost forgot to post this!!! So above is June's Copic Palooza that I'm teaching at Paper Vineyard. I ALWAYS feature Kraftin Kimmie Stamps (fell in love with them last year when I found Charlotte) for my Copic Palooza and this month is ANOTHER adorable character: Angie. The stamp set is included in the cost of the class and includes Angie in her robe holding her beloved coffee mug, two sentiments that say "Thanks a Latte" and " I don't do mornings" and an enlarged image of slippers.... too perfect! So along with coloring this fabulous image, we are also going to be doing paper piecing AND using our Copic markers to customize embellishments. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this one; it's going to be so much fun!!!

Check out Paper Vineyards class schedule (HERE) for details on this class (there are two classes scheduled). Hope to see you there!

*** Copics used:
Skin: E00, E000, E21
Hair, Mug and Eyes: E31, E25, E47, E49
Barette: R22, R59
Shadows: C0, C2, C4

Kissie Kissie

2011-06-03T22:25:00.001-07:00

Ok gang! I don't have much to post today other than I'M TOTALLY DIGGIN MY NEW OCTOPODE FACTORY DIGI!!!!!!!! This little guy is awesome!!! Click HERE to get your hands on him. Also, the Create With TLC sentiment is pretty perfect with this little guy, huh?!?

Now when I originally colored him, I made the center of his eyes green and that WAS just so cute, but with all that eye area looking back at me (haha), I just knew I couldn't just leave it so clean and cute. I had to "creep" this cutie pie up a bit..... VIOLA!!! Here's a close up of those blood shot eyes (click on pic to enlarge):

As always, there's a little story playing in my head as I'm coloring this guy and it makes me chuckle out loud as I'm picturing a hung-over butterfly who dipped into the dead flower garden that was just a little too over-shaded. The flowers are (of course) fermented and we end up with a cross between Betty Ford and the insect version of Pepe Le Pew! I'm just sayin!!!

Immortal Love For Paper Crafting

2011-06-01T00:01:00.004-07:00

Ok, so my title is a bit corny.... I CAN'T THINK... it's going on midnight. But I wanted to show you the vampy goodness I picked up at Joann's the other day along with the super fun card that I made with it. Here's the goods:

But first, let me remind everyone that I was NOT at CHA in January and missed this gown you see here that is made entirely of paper, and not just any paper. This paper is the Twilight-inspired paper called Immortal Love from DCWV that I just now discovered at Joann's... FIVE MONTHS LATER. The dress being shown at January's CHA (yah, you remember... the one that ALL my friends went to and CONTINUE to brag about to this day) along with a decorated room all using the same paper from this line. But I'm not bitter (much), so let me share the link. The pics really are incredible. You can check it all out HERE. Here's a pic of the paper stack itself:

Back to the paper: I'm IN LOVE with this paper. We all know what a TWARD I am and to find this paper line sent my creative juices into overdrive... the juices that had been dormant for the past couple of months. So here's my first project with this "to die for" paper (pardon the pun).

OOOOO this was fun! I used the Martha Stewart (you know, I wrote a post about how she tried to kill me) punch around the page to create the lace-effect border. I used a wonderful FREE sentiment from Create With TLC (please donate so we can continue to get this awesomeness for free) along with a Loralie Designs Corset II stamp that my friend Nancie stamped for me. The AMAZING red glazed-stripe paper is from the DCWV Immortal Love paper stack (Hi, I'm captain redundance. Have I said Immortal Love paper stack enough?). Of course Copics were used to color this (Multiliner, R14, R59, C0, C2, C9 and E59... that's it). A quick note about the Loralie corset stamp: I had to draw by hand the decorations that I saw on the cover of the rubber stamp set. I was a little taken aback by this because of the $15 price point, so I thought I better mention that if you're not comfortable drawing in your designs, you might want to pass on this set. I personally am one of those people who is NOT comfortable with it, but surprised myself with how well I really WAS able to copy the design. Couple that with the pleasure of this paper stack (the Immortal Love paper stack) and you can bet that yesterday afternoon was sheer bliss!!! I am in the mood for a Twilight marathon I think!!! Oh wait! I almost forgot, I finished this off quite simply with some washi tape from TGF and my HomePro (lovingly called my purple monster.... or Charlie) and some nailheads. Whew... I've got some more creating to do with this WONDERFUL paper! I found me some more inspiration----> check out these cards! Actually, I'm fixin to scrapjack! LOL!

**Ok, one more time: Immortal Love paper stack. Good night.

The Chocolate Factory Gets Creepier!

2011-05-31T00:01:00.002-07:00

After more than a month off from design team creations, I get to jump back in with both feet over at The Burtonesque Dolls featuring a project inspired by one of my favorite Tim Burton movies.... Charlie and The Chocolate Factory!!! There is NO denying that Tim Burton's Charlie and The Chocolate Factory is a creepy version of the original film (that's why I love it), but the factory is about to get a little creepier as Strange Skin takes over. Strange Skin is our sponsor for this challenge!

This time you're challenged to take your inspiration from Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, but Monster-ize it! Maybe a new chocolate can be made? Or use colors inspired by the movie and apply it to a Gruesome image making it fun, funky and all Burton! The winner of this challenge will get to pick TWO digis from the Strange Skin online store. Click HERE to enter and to see how the rest of The Dolls used these uber-fun monsterific Strange Skin images in this challenge.

So, I used the Just Bitten image. I had a whole story in my head of how this young girl gets a golden ticket and heads to the factory only to get bitten by a rabid vampire oompa loompa. Since they all look identical, Wonka is surprised that he missed the blood-lust, pale skin and transformations into flying creatures that should have made the culprit stand out among the rest. Even more so, Wonka contemplates the actual size of a vampire demographic that would LOVE a blood-flavored Everlasting Gob Stopper. He briefly ponders the resources required to expand the new flavor only to scrap it and move on while the rest of the oompa loompas sing about a girl who should know better than to be undead.

Anywhooooo.... that seemed like something that would require much more polka dot paper than I had on hand, so I shortened the whole thing to a sentiment that reads, "Realizing something horrific had occurred at the factory the night before, Wonka scrapped the blood-flavored Everlasting Gob Stoppers." Here's a close up of the vampire girl... she was REALLY fun to color!!!

Have fun with this challenge you guys.... I sure did!

Full Circle

2011-05-30T13:06:00.002-07:00

It FINALLY hit me! The other night while hanging out with my crop-girls working on upcoming design team projects, the subject of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight saga (and my love for it) popped up. In the past, it has nagged me that the name "Twilight" was somehow known to me. Distant memories of the color palettes of Twilight, the allure of the paranormal subject, there was just SOMETHING so familiar to me.... like deja vu. "I've been here, seen this, somewhere before."

Yep, it hit me this morning. Those distant memories, and the feeling of deja vu that I've had for YEARS since Twilight's first release, hit me like a ton of bricks this morning. When I was in grade school, there was a series of books that I used to LOVE reading. Because I was an air force brat and moved quite a bit, I only got to enjoy these books for a short time at one of the MANY schools I got to attend as a child (yay for well-stocked libraries for children). I don't know how many there were in total because when we moved from Arizona to Michigan, I never saw them again. I feel like I read at least a dozen of them and remember remembering they were the GREATEST stories that always managed to transport me to another world. These books began my love for reading and being without them killed it until long into my adulthood. The memory of my love affair with reading these books were long forgotten over the years, buried.

I cannot believe that after all these years I am just now remembering these wonderful books... I was absolutely FLOODED this morning. I've just always had a nagging feeling about my excitement for the Stephenie Meyer Twilight series. In fact, the Twilight books and movies ALSO transport me in the same way the original adolescent books had and a part of me wonders if Stephenie herself was a fan of the original Twilight books ("Where Darkness Begins") as well. Anyway, I'm now on a search to find every one of these books that I loved way back when.

And I really need to add that without Amazon (the book pictured is from Amazon's listings, you can go directly there by clicking HERE) I would never have been able to verify the name of this book series as I haven't seen it in years, and until I saw the clock face on the cover of the book, the memory that was trying to surface would have stayed fuzzy. I was searching through the MANY Twilight listings stopping dead in my tracks when I saw that clock face. For some reason, this morning I remembered the book series name MIGHT have been Twilight. Thank you Amazon for being in existence to confirm my suspicions and rekindling (pardon the pun) my excitement for reading. I plan on getting my hands on all of them.... so I should be reading for awhile! How nice would it be if there is a Kindle edition for each of them!!!

STILL LATE.... But I've Got a Winner!!!!

2011-05-10T09:01:00.000-07:00

AND THE WINNER OF 2011'S MY FAVORITE THINGS GIVE AWAY IS....

BRENDA SCHONIG!!!!!!!!!!

Brenda Schonig said...

Oh this looks like a great giveaway. I posted about it on my blog here:http://imsumbunie.blogspot.com/2011/04/blog-candy.html

Congratulations Brenda! Email me at fittertwit@yahoo.com with your mailing info and I will get your prize out to you right away. Thank you to everyone who played along with us! I promise that next year's will be even bigger and better as I'm thinking I need some more favorite things... hahahahahahaha!

Thank You and Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T10:51:00.002-07:00

So, I just got the Paper Vineyard newsletter and read the AMAZING congratulations message from the owner, Adriana for extending my Copic certification last month! Here's a link (click HERE), but OF COURSE I'll quote her here cuz it's just that cool:

"A big congratulations to Danielle who completed her Immediate Copic Instructor certification. This is a new level/process for Copic certification and we are very proud of Danielle for being one of the first to complete this level. Danielle teaches the Copic Coloring Palooza and Copic Tech (Alcohol Ink Anonymous) classes each month."

Adriana, THANK YOU for the awesome shout out in your newsletter!!!! The class was definitely fun and I love being doubly certifiable... uh, I mean "certified"! LOL! Anywho, here's the super fun project that I did for May's Copic Palooza at Paper Vineyard. It features Kraftin Kimmie's Brigitte... a girl enjoying a little relaxation. PERFECT for the month of May and ESPECIALLY today: Mother's Day!!!

Come join me May 18th or May 22nd at Paper Vineyard to create this ADORABLE page in our project album (not to worry if you weren't with us for the cover class, we will be repeating the cover class when the rest of the pages are complete), or you can opt to NOT punch your page and use it for a card or layout... the choice is yours. AND YOU GET THIS AWESOME KRAFTIN KIMMIE STAMP SET TO TAKE HOME FOR FUTURE CREATIONS!!! Don't you just love it?!? Be sure to bring your basic scrapper's tool kit with you to class along with your Copic Markers. Here are the colors I used to create this fun project: B12, B37, BG0000, BG000, BG01, E02, E08, E49, E59, E00, E000, E11, C0, C2, C4, C7, Y23. The duckie was cut out on my Cricut using yellow Bazzill cardstock and colored in using
YR23, YR02, YR07 and Y18. For those "feeling it" the day of the class, we will be "free-form" coloring the little duckie... but it's completely optional!

Ok, that about does it for today. Happy Mother's Day to all the mommies out there. I will be announcing the winner of My Favorite Things Give Away in my next post... stay tuned!!!

Give Away Coming To An End

2011-05-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

Just a quick announcement folks... the My Favorite Things Birthday Give Away is coming to a close here in a couple of days. I will be picking the winner on May 7th, so stay tuned. If you'd like to enter... there's still time, click HERE. Remember that it's open only to my followers, but it's loaded with some of my favorite stuff!!!

Good Luck!!!

Making a Jackrabbit

2011-05-01T10:14:00.007-07:00

So today, I am pondering the word "mistake".   I've personally experienced MANY apologies in my life where the person asking for forgiveness states they made a mistake. Like many (and I would even venture to say all at one time or another), I've searched myself, relying on my own heart for guidance. I think for the most part, swift forgiveness is key to dealing with any transgression. However, where you go beyond that is a completely different thing. Just because you've forgiven someone doesn't mean things should stay the same. Sometimes real forgiveness is the direct result of hard resolutions. So I wanna start here with the word "mistake".

First off.... A mistake is an action that you thought was right but it turned out to be wrong. When someone knowingly hurts another (doing something they already know is wrong or SHOULD have known was wrong because it's soooooo blatantly obvious), they should not be allowed to say they made a mistake. That is not the right word.   That's like saying, "I'm sorry, I made a jackrabbit and hurt you." It's the wrong word and doesn't make sense in the sentence. No, a "jackrabbit" is actually an "on-purpose". I'm stunned looking back over my life and thinking of how many times I've heard, "I made a mistake" when it CLEARLY was not.

Secondly.... WHO ARE THEY? What other relationships do you see around them? Are they strong healthy interdependent relationships or are they unhealthy, codependent relationships? Have they lied before? "Judge a man by his fruit." I'm seeing now, more than ever, how important it is to take our own feelings out of the equation. Our emotions lie to us and skew what is really happening. Our emotions keep us hoping for the best when our brains are trying to get us to tune into reality and who someone really is.

Third.... take out your own trash!!! Don't take the trash of others. There is nothing more pathetic than hearing a non-apologetic apology. "I'm so sorry, I made a mistake and here's how you contributed to me making a mistake." WHAT!?! ANYONE else's mistake is THEIR trash and accepting any part of it yourself is craziness! We ALL have the exact same choices.... do what is right, or do what is wrong: Black and white. For those who think there is a grey area.... stop choosing "wrong" and justifying it with your grey area. Take responsibility for who you are and what you do.

Fourth.... Who gets to call the shots? I imagine that Dr. Phil would say that both parties get to negotiate where to go from here. There is a reason I don't watch Dr. Phil.   Wronging someone purposefully and then saying it was a mistake, when you full-well know it wasn't, really should mean that you lose any right to call any shots. And to start any sentence with, "If you really forgave me..." should really mean ejection from the game. We decide who to forgive. If we are smart, we will forgive EVERYONE and let it go, understanding that it is also our choice where it goes from there. And if WE decided to allow this person to continue hurting us purposefully, then we ourselves are making a jackrabbit. We are knowingly going back for painful seconds... sometimes thirds and fourths. Making the decision to sever unhealthy relationships IS NOT unforgiveness. As a matter of fact, it could be the very vehicle to get us there.

Finally.... LET'S BE REAL! Reality is a funny thing.  Focusing on removing whatever weird haze we are looking through and TRYING to see the reality of the situation is super hard. I personally don't believe that we can do it alone... I believe that sometimes it is a gift from God and a gift we need to ask for, a gift that will allow us to discern a mistake from a jackrabbit.

Purposefully and willfully doing what you know is wrong (what you know will hurt someone else) is not a mistake. To say that you will "try not to make further mistakes" is just empty words. The very least that ANYONE can do is try not to make a mistake. I would think that it is far better to commit to not making jackrabbits... ugly, nasty, diseased jackrabbits!

Give Me A Little Sugar

2011-04-22T10:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, No joke.... I DID NOT realize that I have a sweet tooth!!! I'm 10 days into this 17 Day Diet and the "sugar cleanse" phase of it and I'd poke my own eyes out for some sugar. REALLY??? Me, the person who does the Master Cleanse twice a year, the one who can always pass on cake and ice cream??? I've always known that I have very little will power when it comes to foods like pasta, cheese and bread, but sugar??? I cut processed sugar from my diet years ago. We don't even have traditional granulated sugar in our house... and right now all I can think of is eating the stuff by the spoonful... YUCK!!! Yep, I clearly had a problem with sugar and not directly from the sugar jar.

Luckily, because I DO do the Master Cleanse twice a year, I can pinpoint this UNBELIEVABLE craving for what it is.... it means the 17 Day Diet is working. Our bodies ALWAYS crave whatever poison is being removed from our systems. Our bodies have a nasty characteristic of not wanting change (whether it be healthy or unhealthy) so when we add or remove anything, our bodies are quick to react. Well, right now, I'm craving sugar.

God Bless Truvia!!! So the 17 Day Diet recommends Truvia as a sweetener because it is made of Stevia. The body processes Stevia as if you just ate a green bean or a piece of broccoli making it a wonderful sugar substitute. But I've tried Stevia in the past and was never quite happy with the taste. While Stevia was sweet, it wasn't sweet like sugar and never really did it for me as a sugar replacement. And quite frankly, Stevia in my coffee was just gross. But this Truvia is different! When I first opened the box and smelled it, it smelled like sweet vanilla... YUM! I read the box and discovered that one packet of Truvia was the sweetness of 2 tsp. of sugar so I opened one of the packets, licked my pinkie finger and dipped it into the packet for a taste. YEP.... WINNER!!!!! I ended up licking my pinkie and dipping until the packet was gone. That's all I needed; the craving disappeared. I don't think I've EVER craved an apple or a green bean like that... where I needed a "fix" at any cost! I'm lucky I still have eyes right now!!! It's funny how we never crave the stuff that's good for us. Luckily I was able to "TRICK" myself with this one thanks to Truvia... LOVE IT!!!

Blessings

2011-04-19T05:12:00.001-07:00

So... it has been a TERRIBLE month!!! With the passing of our lab and now my husband having a stroke, I gotta say, I'm exhausted. After all, this IS about ME, right?!? HAHAHAHAHAHA! I'm really only making a joke here because I'm on overload with every other emotion. The reality is, my husband had a real scare and it left me with real feelings of guilt because I've allowed (and in most cases, led the coup) us to fall off our path of healthy living that we worked so hard on over the past two years. We backslid into unhealthy eating and missing workouts. Welp, we just had a wake-up call in one of the biggest ways imaginable. There are only two things more important than our health, God and the health of our spouse. And it's a funny thing that happens when we put our priorities in check, we actually DO take care of ourselves in the process. Enter the 17 Day Diet.... and we are now on day 6.

Health and diet books were at the top of my list for reading material while I hung out with my husband at the hospital and a battery of tests were performed.... good thing my Kindle was in my purse. Sooooo many books to choose from and I picked a winner! The 17 Day Diet was featured on The Dr. Phil Show and The Doctors and a quick review on You Tube from my smart phone (a nurse at the nursing station told me that it was a myth that our cell phones interfered with the medical equipment. I don't know if that's true, but I thought I would share) confirmed my perfect purchase. I was reading my new book in less than minutes.... MAN! I do love my Kindle. Now the 17 Day Diet is actually four 17 day diets rolled into one with each 17 day diet serving a purpose... to get your health back on track the quickest way possible and keeping you on track while living a life of least resistance. TOTALLY makes sense to me!!! The beauty of all of this is it also got me back on track with living organically and enjoying raw food again. Every day for the past 5 days we've enjoyed tons of fresh fruit and vegetables with our eggs, chicken and fish (P.S. I don't eat eggs, chicken and fish raw...hahahahaha). Just yesterday I served up grilled chicken with buffalo sauce and celery for lunch... SOOOOO GOOD!!!! I'm thinking that breaking down a lifestyle change into 17 day increments is pretty brilliant. Just 11 more days to complete the sugar flush and then I can bring in complex carbohydrates for the second 17 day increment.... NICE! Brown rice and rice noodles never sounded so good!!! Today I'm whipping up a batch of my FAVORITE raw dressing, click HERE for deets.

A couple of tips for anyone thinking of giving this one a try.... I cooked up a ton of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and used my Food Saver to freeze it. I then cut up a ton of celery and carrots for snacking and made an ENORMOUS salad with Organic Spring Greens, cabbage, bell peppers, cucumbers and radishes. Learn to love salad. They will make your life so much easier. Finally I boiled a dozen eggs to store in the fridge so there is PLENTY of good food on-hand. It's just so much easier on us to not have to spend so much time in the kitchen right now. Things are just there for the grabbing and preparation times are down to almost nothing. Finally, I used to LOVE the Sommer Size sauces. They were all natural, sugar free and SOOOOO convenient. I'm working on getting my hands on some for next week's meals.... why are they suddenly so hard to find????

Alright, that's it. I was blessed with real motivation to make real changes. I was also blessed with my husband and am so grateful that we even get the chance to "get back on the wagon" so to speak. No more backsliding into unhealthy eating habits, no more taking our health for granted. Sometimes blessings hurt but I'm learning to see them more clearly through the pain. Years ago, I don't think I would have considered a stroke a blessing. Here's to your blessings... may they be a lot less painful.

Goodbye and Hello

2011-04-09T08:22:00.016-07:00

It has been a LONG time since I've suffered a loss that has shattered my heart to pieces, but I recently had to say goodbye to my 13 year old black lab baby. His name was Sunny and he really was the light of my life. We got him at the pound the day AFTER the pound neutered him at 5 weeks old!!! Needless to say, 2 days after we brought him home, the vet bill was already a whopping $900. Turns out that the surgery was quite difficult for him for two reasons: 1) he was way too young for it in the first place and 2) he had contracted valley fever from whatever environment he had come from. These two variables culminated to him breathing vomit during his surgery and developing asphyxiated pneumonia. The little cough that I noted while spending time with him at the pound developed into a VIOLENT cough over the next 48 hours. After two weeks of treatments from the vet, dropping him off at the vet each morning and then taking him home each night with his IV left in his arm and taped up, we finally got past the worst of it. Then we just had to treat the valley fever with medications that topped at $450/month for the first six months of his life with us. Luckily, the cost of the medications he had to take plummeted a short time later and our monthly costs were WAY more tolerable at about $80/month. Our final vet bill was pretty high, but luckily the vet was so moved by our story and so connected to Sunny, having spent so much time with him to get him through the worst of it, she gladly took payments to finally square away our bill. Long story short, for Sunny's whole life we lovingly called him our 6 million dollar baby. Honestly, we did tally up how much we spent on him at some point over the years and had reached (at that time) about $8000 for the $75 pound puppy. That tally would go up though, 8 short years later when the onset of hip dysplacia began. We never concerned ourselves with how much we spent to keep Sunny with us as long as we could. From the moment we met him, he was part of us. At the very beginning, I remember hearing the vet tell us how lucky we were to have such a wonderful boy and that he was pulling through...he was strong. Then, about a year later we found out that the vet didn't think he was going to make it back then. Each day when she'd hand him over to us to care for him through the night she'd say he had a good day and was doing well, that was 100% her hopes (and I suspect), her prayers. We always felt Sunny was worth EVERY penny we ever spent on him and that if we only got him for a couple of days or a couple of years, we would be better for it. We could not have asked for a kinder, sweeter, more gentle addition to our family and I am grateful that God let us borrow him for the 13 years we got him. Losing him has been an unbelievable loss that I'm not getting over easily. But with my "Good-bye", now comes a "Hello" since my husband brought home an A.K.A. certified, purebred 6 week old monster. We've had him going on 3 weeks, and while he is in NO WAY replacing our Sunny, he is DEFINITELY an adorable distraction. Everyone.... meet Kodiak, lovingly called Hey (mainly because at the moment I need to correct him, my brain blocks and I can't remember his name, so "hey" is what always comes out. Now the poor little guy comes to "hey")!

I'm Terribly Late.... I Know.

2011-04-07T11:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, Yes... I'm terribly late... I know! I was supposed to announce on April 1st that I'm having ANOTHER Favorite Things Birthday Give Away. Well, here I am.... 7 days late, I'm here with the announcement. BUT FIRST: Let's check out some of the prize goodies!!!

So pictured above is nail treatments from my ALL-TIME-FAVORITE nail treatment company... Nail Aid. I LOVE their products, I LOVE their company and I LOVE their service. And this year they GENEROUSLY donated another HAUL of their new products available at Walmart (check your local store for availability as I'm finding that not all of them carry it... which is NUTS!). They are just so generous... THAT'S FIVE PRODUCTS!!! Now I've never tried these products... being that they are new, but I personally use MANY of their products and I love them. So be sure to check out their website by clicking the link above. And just so you know which ones are my favorites, I use: Ultra Rapid Growth as a base, Pink Natural Growth Therapy as a rehab after nail biting (I'll go into that more tomorrow), Brush On Wrap/Instant Wrap when I don't have anything else on my nails, Clear Liquid Bandage which is the most FANTASTIC product for anyone growing natural nails (it freakin works!), Cuticle Cure that I try to use daily (failing terribly as of late, but again, I'll go into that more tomorrow) and finally, Peeling Nail Therapy saved me when I removed my fake nails. Did I mention how much I LOVE this company and their products???

And speaking of companies and products I love..... OC Nail Art ALSO graciously donated my FAVORITE Konad Reusable Nail Art Set.... CORALINE!!! I just LOVE the wonderful Halloween images in this set.... and you ALL know how much I love Halloween. I'm thrilled to be able to give this away again in my Favorite Things Birthday Giveaway.

Now there are also more polishes and nail treatments to add, and I'll get them up as soon as I take pics, but I also want to add that I get to also give some crafty goodness in this give away as well. First off, I am giving away a Halloween Cricut cartridge as well as a Martha Stewart Scoreboard (even though she tried to kill me, I still love her stuff and am excited to be able to give it away). I'm hoping that more crafty sponsors step up to participate as I have A LOT of crafty favorites.... as you all know. Ok, that's it for the goodies you can win (so far), now it's time to find out HOW to win it.

All you have to do to enter to win this prize haul is SHARE THE GOOD NEWS!!! Utilizing all your social networks, share a link back to today's post and leave a comment here sharing a link where I can find your shout out along with your name and an email address where I can contact you if you win. There will only be one winner and YOU MUST BE A FOLLOWER through Blogger or Friend Connect to be eligible to win. Be sure to leave your comments on THIS POST every time your share this giveaway with others. The more you share, the greater your chances are to win. This giveaway is open to ALL my followers and will run from today, April 7th to midnight on May 7th, MST. I will announce the winner in the days to follow once the actual winner has been contacted.

Good luck everyone!!! Be sure to check back often as I will be posting more prize haul pics as sponsors donate. I'm shooting for this giveaway to blow last year's out of the water!!!

Uber Fun Background!!!

2011-03-29T00:19:00.000-07:00

OOOOO... Copic Airbrush [drool]! Yep, I can't seem to get enough of it as of late. So when the Make It Colourful design team was challenged to create a new and different background... I broke out my airbrush (what!?! It's new to me!!!)

So the concept for a nice airbrush is to use colors that compliment your design, that way when you spray, it makes the image pop. For example, the browns and reds that I used for this are enhanced by the Y23 Copic airbrushed around the edges. And if slight overspray occurs, the "mist" just adds to the color palette instead of being covered by it. Also, I wouldn't have sprayed a color like blue because slight overspray would REALLY stand out on top of these earthy hues. I hope that makes sense. Here's a list of Copics that I used for this.... E00, E02, E04, E08, E39, E50, E51, E59, Y23, Y26 and W3. Y23 is the color that I used on the apron as well as airbrushing the background with it. I really love how this turned out. I used Make It Crafty's Housewife Ginger digi for this super fun card.

For more EXCELLENT projects featured by the rest of the Make It Colourful Design Team, click HERE!

Copic Airbrush Fun!

2011-03-24T10:48:00.001-07:00

I just ADORE the Copic Airbrush system that I got for my birthday this year! "But it's not your birthday." I KNOW! I scored it back in February and have had a BLAST playing with it ever since... I'm so spoiled!

So the card featured here is a make and take that is scheduled at Paper Vineyard (Chandler, AZ) on April 2nd. Since a Cricut Swarm will be happening that day with the theme "Margaritaville", I decided to run with the lime imagery. I used my Cricut and my Gypsy to create templates and then used the Copic Airbrush to create the lime pattern. After that, I used that TOTALLY ADDICTIVE Glitter Ritz and the burnish technique to create the "ribbon" band and then finished this off with creating a SCRATCH & SNIFF LIME for the top of the card! SOOOO FUN!!! I can't wait to do these with everyone... I just hope I bring enough!

*** You'll notice that the simple addition of the American Tag HomePro nailheads really made this one POP! I LOVE my new-found toy!!! I'm soooo excited to show it during this make and take!!!

Totally Burton

2011-03-22T03:32:00.005-07:00

LOTS coming down the pike for The Burtonesque Dolls so you're definitely going to want to stay tuned!!! But for this week, the challenge is an "anything goes" challenge with a Burtonesque flair and you're probably going to want to play along with us!!! The winner of this challenge wins a guest DT spot, super special button and TWO FREE digis from next week's NEW RELEASE!!! Alright... how about some inspiration?

So, during the last Dolls challenge for Mars Attacks I searched quotes online since I hadn't seen the movie and was at a loss on what to create. Well, I found this AMAZING quote so I saved it, filing it away to use at the perfect time. Yep.... NOW is the perfect time (sheesh, that was quick)!!! This image fits this quote PERFECTLY!!! With a second glance at the wings... one is clearly an angel's wing, but the other??? Fairy maybe? hahahahahaha! I am so thrilled with how this turned out! I'm so gaga for it, in fact, that now I'm kind of nervous about future "anything goes" challenges!!! hahahahhaha! Anyway, I hope you all like it as much as I do. For more from the rest of the Dolls and to enter this challenge (it's a biggie), click HERE!

***Copics used: W0,W3,W5,R59,R46,R29,R27,R22,E59,E50 and BG01.

Worth A Million Bucks

2011-03-15T04:10:00.000-07:00

This week over at Paper Vineyard's design team, I was challenged to make something "lush" using the new My Mind's Eye products that arrived in the store last week, so I went GOLD BABY!!! The gold Starfoam stickers were the perfect touch to make what would have otherwise been a pretty, but basic card, and make it elegant. And the new Tim Holtz Type Charms are out of this world!!! I was really pleased with this one that took me all of ten minutes to complete (gotta love those stickers) but looks like it's worth a million bucks! Now I have to add..... this ended up being what it is because the piece of My Mind's Eye paper that I was using for the design team design ended up taking on a life of it's own so I ended up having to use remnants to make today's project. But it was worth it.... check it out! My VERY FIRST ultra-mini album!!! This thing is like 3" x 3"! I LOVE how it turned out. Now you need to see it in person to really see how UNREAL that paper looks bound to the cover. It feels like fabric! This mini book is now being developed for April's Gypsy class at Paper Vineyard... I can't wait! One more thing to add.... this is about to get REALLY pic heavy and all the pics below were taken with my new LG Ally phone (actually, they look pretty great for being phone pics).

Ok, and here's a close up of that binding. Hopefully you can see just how tightly and PERFECTLY that paper wrapped around the chipboard... almost like fabric. That My Mind's Eye paper ROCKS!

Ok folks! That does it for me today. Be sure to head over to Paper Vineyard's blog and check out what the rest of the design team has to offer.... it really is Worth A Million Bucks!

It's That Time Again!!!!

2011-03-14T13:55:00.002-07:00

Ok gang... I only have a couple of announcements for today. FIRST, I will be selling creations that have been featured on this blog at Paper Vineyard's sidewalk sale on March 26th!!! I'm so excited (and so nervous)! All the cards are priced $2-$4 with cards that include handmade and coordinating envelopes priced at $5. There are also layouts that are priced at $7. Thank you to Lois and Tanya for helping me!!! You guys are the BEST!

And SECOND.... IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN!!!! Time for my Favorite Things Birthday Give Away!!! I notified all the sponsors from last year's with a few new ones (as I've added quite a few new favorite things this year). I'll keep you posted as the sponsors begin to respond... I'm super excited. I can't wait to get this one underway. I'll be including my favorite nail products along with some of my favorite crafty goodness. I'm hoping this year's prize haul will blow last year's out of the water, so stay tuned.

Sad news: I got an immediate "no" from Stampotique (who is based right here in AZ). :( I just want to say that it is my opinion that there is NOTHING as strong as the heart of a giver and I pray that Stampotique is blessed this year so that, come next year, they will be in a position to participate in my Favorite Things Birthday Give Away as I ADORE their Karin image.

The Rosette Whisperer

2011-03-11T11:25:00.007-07:00

So, four days ago I got the Tim Holtz Rosette die and YESTERDAY found the Sizzix Accordion Fold Flower die!!! I am now a MASTER of folding, flipping and attaching those wonderful rosettes!!! Check it out... I made 20 in one hour!

Let me share the secret grasshopper....

I discovered yet ANOTHER use for my oh-so-beloved Tonic Studio Glass Cutting mat. Because the mat is lifted up off the crafting table by rubber feet, it is SOOOOOO easy to prepare the surface (in this case, a glue dot in the center of a flower) that the accordion folded flower will be attached to, place it next to the cutting mat.... actually pushing it up under the lifted cutting mat so the glue dot is right next to the bottom edge of the mat, preparing your rosette ON TOP of the mat, then SLIDING the rosette off the cutting mat onto the waiting glue dot. No lifting or trying to maneuver the rosette!!! Let gravity do all the work! I then finished off the rosettes with another glue dot on top sealing the rosettes in place (see above pic) and finishing them all off with a 5/8" circle! It took me a little while to figure out how to make these easy to assemble, but once I figured it out, I was able to make these in a SNAP!

Note: The Sizzix Accordion Fold Flower die requires that you cut out three sections of the accordion fold pieces per flower and glue the pieces together unlike the Tim Holtz rosette that cuts in one solid piece (for the Sizzix assembly instructions for the flowers pictured above click HERE). When I started assembly of these flowers, I was using Zip Dry glue. That ended up taking WAY more time due to the rapid dry of the glue (having to work too fast led to more mistakes) and how thick the glue formula is. Zig Two Way glue ended up being the most economical for money and time. Dry time WAS needed with the Zig glue, but I found that gluing all my pieces first allowed enough dry time so that when I finished and began with "flipping" of the first flower strip that I originally glued, everything was more than ready to rock. Also, if your rosette is not dry, the rosette "flip" is near impossible without a third hand. Once everything is dry, I found the assembly of these flowers were pretty easy by placing the "flipping" pressure on the glue juncture spots (as they are the stiffest point and will pull the rest of the rosette into the "flip").... I hope that made sense. I hope this post makes it easier for EVERYONE wanting to give these AWESOME flowers a try!!!

Flower Power

2011-03-10T03:08:00.004-07:00

This is what I'm doing at 2 AM!!! I got the Tim Holtz Rosette die two days ago and decided I needed to use it at least once, so I got to work. Well, since I was already cutting the rosette, I decided to pull out my scalloped circle Spellbinders and make another paper flower.... AND since I was making flowers, and one of them was a rosette bringing to mind roses, I decided to make some ribbon roses. I have to say, the one made with the tule-type material turned out a bit better... crisper. But MAN! I cannot get a good shot of it!

The white one definitely photographs better and I'm so freakin tired, I really should just leave it at that... if I knew what was good for me. News flash.... I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOOD FOR ME!!!

So here I am STILL trying to get a good shot of the black rose....[**YAWN**].... I love this rose. Nope, not enough detail. Maybe if I get out of direct light?

Crap! NICE SHADOW!!! Someone put me out of my misery here please. Oh well! Take my word for it that the black one turned out better than the white one. I think it's because the ribbon was thinner, more light-weight. Ok, it's now after 3, time for me to hit the hay... night, night! For those who are just getting up... good morning! :)

Warning: Objects Are Smaller Than They Appear!

2011-03-08T00:01:00.001-07:00

Wow, funny challenge over at The Burtonesque Dolls this week... MARS ATTACKS! Create an original project inspired by the Tim Burton film Mars Attacks featuring the color green. I have to be honest here; as much as I love Tim Burton films, I haven't ever seen this one. I based my project SOLELY on the name. I think that's what I'll do this weekend... rent a movie. I know there's a free rental coupon for Blockbuster floating around this house somewhere. LOL!

So anyway, the image I used is "Soho" from Kenny K and I thought it was cute and PERFECT for this challenge. What I DIDN'T figure on is that the 3 inch size was going to be a challenge to color all by itself! SHEESH!!! If it wasn't for the fact that I had this card in mind to send off to someone, I would have enlarged it a bit to make it easier to color, but I wanted it to be an A2 size to stick in the mail. This one was TOUGH!!! I don't think I've ever used my pens quite so.... uh..... vertically (?) before! HAHAHAHAHAHA!

So lets see what YOU come up with!!! Head over to The Burtonesque Dolls and play along with us!

***Copics Used: E000, E00, E21, E35, E59, G21, G24, G85, N0, N9, R29, Y21 and W3