Craft With May

Reading through my favorite blogs this morning (oh how I love google reader!) I was really struck with something Stacy Julian had to say:

Let go. Stop making this so hard. Stop worrying about whether you are doing it right or whether you are good enough or whether you have the right stuff you need or whether you can keep up or whatEVER. If your pictures and stuff aren’t organized, do something about it. Stop procrastinating and JUST START telling your stories. Long stories, short stories, stories from this past summer and stories from when you were little. Stop leaving blanks on your pages where you will go back and add journaling. STOP that right now. Start using your own imperfect handwriting and stop thinking it will ruin your page.
My goodness girls there is so much good that happens in and through this amazing hobby. Let’s just decided to let go and let it happen.

 This rings so true to me, and such a good reminder to just do it.

While the room is small, I still like surrounding myself with beautiful things and playful things in my workspace. It reminds me of how I kept my bedroom growing up. Always full of things that I like, and not necessarily things that go together. I find I’m more inspired than in a more clean/simple space. Looking around my room brings up so many memories, and getting my brain to fire and think is a GOOD thing in a studio!

Just got these velvet leaves and strawberries from onehundredwishes (love that place!), and right now I have them hanging as a bunch above my desk. I’ll be using them eventually, but in the meantime they decorate my space.

I was a my little pony girl, and these days I leave most of the play to my own daughters. HOWEVER… I found this little tiny pony named cupcake, and she’s mine. I think grown ups can and should have toys too. Why not? It’s good to stay connected to that inner child. (She’s fun!) I’m pretty sure my sister is jealous I found her too! (she’s hard to find)

A favorite (but broken) bead necklace, my ‘forbidden fruit’ candy tin, and an employee badge from a few years ago. Just a few bits and pieces decorating a tiny shelf.

I have more to share, and I hope to create some projects for you as well. Oh, and give aways. I love the give-aways and there will be more!

So Friday (of course) I took miss E down to the theater to watch High School Musical 3, as promised for the last few months. She’s been OBSESSED with going ever since she saw a trailer a long time ago, and every day for the last month  I’ve heard how we’re going. Gonna have popcorn. soda. chocolate. Oh, and see HSM3.

She had asked daddy for her own $ for ticket, popcorn, soda, etc. so that she didn’t have to use my money. (silly girl!) Of course good daddy that he is he obliged. This is us leaving for the movies.

So, how was it? E danced and smiled and was totally enthralled the whole time. I have to say- I really enjoyed it as well. Of course I enjoyed 1 and 2 as well. It’s no secret I love happy/cheery/Disney-esque stuff so this comes as no surprise. 3 was definitely bigger (costume and dancer wise), and without giving anything away to somebody who hasn’t seen it and wants to I’ll just say I like how they wrapped it all up. Fun music of course, and I was loving the colors and sparkle and costumes.

I have already been informed that I am to “get on computer and buy DVD… please?”, and I’m sure we will when it comes out. I’ll probably keep it in the studio too. You know, to keep it safe…

Photo when desk was in-progress, and envelopes were getting stuffed…

I would really like the stuff I’m giving here to go to crafters in need of a boost to supply stash. Places where they’ll be loved and used. I really cringe when I have to purge the stash, but it does indeed happen, and in addition to sharing with the local school I like to share with you all as well. I feel good that the stuff I give away will go and be used happily somewhere in this world. (yes, I get attached to my supplies!) So here’s what I’ve got:

– envelope from cleaning journaling paper/tag drawer

– box with 4 squeeze punches (used) and other random fun stuff that fit

– envelopes with papers + embellishments (some kit bits and some random)

If you have a preference feel free to state it in your comment. Otherwise, I’ll enter you for any/all of the goodies here. I’ve got more, oh yes. More goodies. But first I want the purged boxes ‘o fun to get new homes!!!

that is how I mention “cleaning the studio” without saying that’s what I’m up to around here. Since I’ve never actually gotten the studio all the way clean and all.  But this time is it! I have more hope because all my previous efforts are showing up and helping. What do I mean? Well there’s good organization and a lot of stuff where it’s supposed to be under the surface clutter. HELPFUL for sure. Anyhow- here’s some photos of my desk which is almost clean.

I really do love the drawers I got from the hardware store years ago. It was like $15 and works SOOO good for my purposes!

These candies are sugar covered jelly-like GOODNESS. Got them from www.onehundredwishes.com and I’m gonna need more soon. love them so much!!!

Brilliance ink = rock star awesome. Love the tiny size because it’s so much easier to store and love the bit of sparkle that the pads have. When I want flat ink I use Ranger, when I want sparkle to it I use these. Coffee Bean is my #1 color.

I have finally put some of my delightful little containers into use ON my desk. SO happy to look at them AND use them for something other than making clutter.

So there it is! My patterned paper crate needs serious clean/purging… but that’s a chore for another day. Today I need to clean the desk that computer normally lives on (note in picture computer is on crafting desk! that won’t do!

I’ve got some mighty fun give-aways this week. First up? I have about four Fiskars Squeeze punches (used), and random other fabulousness that I’m purging and cleaning. Want it? Stay tuned. Post coming shortly…

PS- Rebecca still sick, nobody else sick yet. She’s feeling a bit better though!