4 more projects with the SSS June kit…

May 20, 2012 By 5 Comments

I have been on an absolute RAMPAGE of Burn Notice. It is all Melissa’s fault – she’s the one who told me “just try it”. Based on our mutual love of many similar (excellent) foods and her awesomeness in general I gave it a go. She also has told me to try other shows… I’m scared if I try all of them at once you’ll never see me again, as I’ll fall into a pit of most excellent TV.

I have a point.

I ADORE Burn Notice. I can’t believe I’m saying this… but it kicks Alias out of the #1 spy spot that it has held for so long! Anyhow, seasons 1-4 are available on Netflix streaming, season 5 I finally found available somewhere most unexpected: on my TV. Seriously… I rarely actually sit and watch TV. I was baffled to find on-demand had the whole season 5 waiting for me… who would guess that my actual TV has shows on it?! haha. I’m VERY geeked out – now I can catch up and start season 6 in June when it premiers! YAY!

I swear I have a point, I’ll get to it now.

All the streaming TV in my studio = more time creating = more projects to share! Today I’m sharing 4 things I made with my Simon Says Stamp kit before dismantling it/putting the leftover bits into my stash. 3 are cards because, well, I’m busting my butt trying to make better cards. We’ll talk more about how that is going soon:

and a tag…

Cards take me WAY longer than tags, often as long as a layout. Actually if you asked me to make any layout or any card… I could make a layout faster. Also? I find them incredibly hard to make. I’ve always just said “I’m not a card maker” but lately I want to be one. I want to master that skill damnitall and I’m determined. I’ll be doing a whole blog series on my (mis)adventures and what I’m finding works vs doesn’t for me, etc… it’s on the schedule. I am getting better at it and learning some valuable tricks. I may even make a whole class out of it we’ll see…

add it to my always growing to-do list!

Supplies used:


Filed Under: craft kit

5.20 Round-Up!

May 20, 2012 By 5 Comments

It’s been a while since I did a round-up of random things, so let’s go for it!

 

Source: modcloth.com via may on Pinterest

 

First, I hope this dress fits. I just ordered it from modcloth (oh how I adore them!) and I think it’ll make a lovely addition to my summer wardrobe – which is gym clothes or dresses. NO middle ground here!

Let us also remember this:

Source: society6.com via may on Pinterest

 

Also…

 
and…

 

Yesterday I taught classes in Elk Grove at Stamper’s Corner (love that store!) and had a blast. We set up my next class there – November 17 “A very Ranger Christmas” – more details coming soon… and yep. There will be a PDF file/online version available for those who can’t make that course.

 

I am currently balancing one heckuva full load. Above you see a pillowcase idea… I’m trying to work out a bag/pillow/etc. for the girls to take on our upcoming train trip to Colorado. Something I can make – the above image inspires me. If successful, believe me I’ll share a tutorial!

I’m also working on end of school year gift ideas. Elizabeth had the idea to give her teacher flowers. I love this. Now to craft-i-fy it and see what I come up with.

 

I like the idea of pencils… maybe for the Pre-K teachers. For Elizabeth’s I’m thinking more elegant.

I’m also working on finishing up week #2 of my fall “dang I need to name this sucker soon” BPC class. Projects done, today I’m on to videos + handouts.

Speaking of classes – Camp Scrap is around the corner!!!

I am really excited! You are in for such a treat. Not only is a Big Picture Community going to be available… but you simply won’t believe the prizes, special offers, and the huge amount of creative content coming your way. I’m so grateful that so many wonderful companies want to step up and share the love and support. WOW.

If you’re not a camper don’t worry. NEITHER AM I! The whole ‘camp’ concept came about because I was thinking about summer camps, art projects that are fun, etc… and oh we are going to have a good time! If you’re reading this post – you’re all set for camp! It will be taking place right here. Watch for a special post with info coming in about a week!

 My mom got me this “Boss Lady” tote for my birthday. I do love my Blue Q. In fact I’m hoping to pack a traveling scrapbook kit in this (and I will be sharing more about that…) – we’ll see how that goes!

 I think that about covers what is going on in my mind at the moment. I’ll leave you with my “oh yes, yes please” current crafty shopping list of things I am anxious to get + play with:

 

Filed Under: lists, Pinterest

Last chance for Double Take!

May 17, 2012 By 1 Comment

My class with Nic Howard just started – it’s SO much fun and it won’t be run again. So this is your last chance to take the class. Oh and hey guess what? Check out this special offer from BPC!

Link to double take registration/info

Filed Under: Uncategorized

NYC part 1 | Levain & Central Park

May 17, 2012 By 9 Comments

I will be breaking up my time (just a 1/2 day, I packed a lot of walking in though!) into a few posts so I can share more pictures. There is more to come..

I hopped off the Jersey train from Newark (STRONGLY recommend this as a way of getting from Newark/Jersey > NYC) at Penn Station (aka Madison Square Garden) and grabbed a taxi that would take me up to the west side of Central Park, and to my first stop.

Now, my plane had been a bit late, I ended up with a gate-checked bag (BOO), and had to wait in a line to get into a bathroom to freshen up and change clothes after my red eye flight… so instead of starting my morning walking tour of Manhattan at 7am, it was more like 830. BOO! Which meant a lot of stops got cancelled, but I also found quite a few treasures. I will tell you RIGHT NOW that I made a huge judgement error in not realizing I was cruising right through the Garment district and passing up all kinds of vintage focused shops (Tim Holtz told me about a great one… 3 days later! GAH!) and trims and (sigh) buttons. Oh well! NEXT TIME! With only the morning, I didn’t want to spend it at a museum and feel rushed or something so I went for a 4-5mile or so walk.

Let’s start at my first destination where the cab dropped me:

Levain Bakery

You have to know where Levain is, or you’d never notice it. When I walked up and saw that it was so tiny, like 4 people at a time could be inside, and that you have to go down a steep few stairs to get to it… I couldn’t help but smile. I knew if this tiny spot had generated mad love from fabulous NYC resident Kelly Purkey and others – it must be great.

I know they’re famous for… well really everything they’ve got. With about a dozen options available I very nearly asked for one of each. But I refrained from a bread coma and instead got 2 different cookies, and the Valrhona chocolate roll. In other words, I went for the things I most desired!

side note: I brought along a few freezer bags with me on this trip. The two cookies went into one, then into my hotel freezer that afternoon so that when I brought them home to share with Mr. Flaum, they were still day 1 fresh. It worked PERFECTLY!!

Armed with my precious, I walked around the corner to Jacques Torres and grabbed a chocolate chip cookie, then on to Central Park West where I walked a bit before heading into the park…

Oh Central Park in spring - it was SO green, and the morning was cloudy (which I liked) and cool, utterly perfect to stroll. I could have stayed there all day!!

It was the perfect spot to have my Valrhona roll. Let me explain that now actually. See, it’s like a crusty french bread roll… split… and with rich, not really sweet, dark, beautiful, chocolate. Warm and melty… oh. just… OH.

Tearing into it while being in Central Park? Oh… just… wow. The roll itself is perhaps the most favorite thing I’ve ever eaten. You see, I’m a HUGE fan of melting some semi-sweet chocolate onto a piece of warm fresh french bread. It’s a personal concoction that I’ve never seen for sale. SO a roll? Made with even better bread and chocolate and perfect for a light breakfast?

I’m sorry. I could talk about the perfection of that roll + Central Park for the next hour or two. Don’t get me started.

After walking for an hour or so in the park I exited on the 5th ave (East side) to continue my quest of gathering sweet treats only found in Manhattan, and just soaking in the magic and energy that is NYC.

Being that I only had a few short hours, and that this was a layover type visit vs purpose of my vacation, my goals were few and I was VERY happy with what I ended up doing. The only real problem is that I now NEED to return as soon as possible… so much more still to do and see…

Filed Under: food

New love | Brayer

May 16, 2012 By 10 Comments

I never understood the appeal. I guess this was one of those things where I knew what it did, but it just never felt relevant to what I do. While at Ranger U there were some things that while cool, I knew wouldn’t translate to my “real life” crafting. That’s ok. Then there were other things that felt like absolute lightbulb moments.

The brayer was one of them.

Why? Here’s a video introducing what I love about it – and how it works with all my distress stains, inks, mists, etc… note this was a “one take” very informal video… “like” is over used and yikes. anyhow! here you go:

[youtube link]

I can’t wait to explore all of the things I can do with this new little tool. So simple – and it’s stretching my existing stash of color mediums. LOVE that!

Simon Says Stamp carries all three sizes (I believe mine is the small one) here are links:

Filed Under: Uncategorized

A Birthday post.

May 15, 2012 By 56 Comments

Yep, today is my birthday. Will it be epic awesome? Hmm. Not sure. Time will tell! I can tell you I’m determined to have a good time and make the most of having the day with my family. J got it started with a vanilla latte, so it can only be good things from here. I hope.

So what to post? Here’s a list of 10 random things…

1. Desk view right now. I’m prepping for my Stamper’s Corner (Elk Grove, CA) classes this Saturday. Gonna be big creative fun!! Hope to see some friendly faces…

2. Fierce is my word for this new year of my life. As in, I need to be more, get more out of my exercise, push myself more, etc… watch out world. May 33.0 is going to be a force to be reckoned with.

3. Being grateful for all I have. Life isn’t ever perfect, things aren’t always grand… but I choose to focus and hold onto the good. I’m grateful.

4. Stephanie Plum movie (One for the Money) comes out today, Netflix is having it delivered (just for my birthday, I’m sure). Epic fail? Craptastic? Unworthy men playing leads? probably. But it might be fun too.

5. We can’t wait for the Disney-Pixar movie Brave. It looks fantastic (fierce?) and we are excited. Me more than anyone. Cool heroine who rides a horse? I’m all in.

6.  SO many wonderful creative events coming and things happening. I’m finalizing some give-aways and plans for Camp Scrap. WOW. Going to be a great event I think. Can’t wait to share more with you.

7.  There are only 15 days of school left. SERIOUSLY. SERIOUSLY. Make that 7 days of preschool left. Excuse me while I run and scream.

8.  My arms have stains of dylusions ink sprays. Mostly pink. Oh I am loving these. (stay tuned…)

9. I found “Liquitex Basics” molding paste at Michael’s – I’ve never seen this it’s in a tube like paint – and it was on CLEARANCE for $3.50. True story. Off to try it out because dang. what a deal!!

10. Thank you for being you. For reading my blog, being a friend, for just being you. I feel blessed to know so many wonderful people. Truly.

Filed Under: lists
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