Month: March 2013

I’m currently under pressure.

Oh it’s not like this is anything new – let’s just say that you can tell at any given moment where I am at in my deadlines when I’m working on a new workshop by just looking at the cleanliness (or lack thereof) here in my studio.

So… do I have anything fun to share? Sure!! I’m guesting again over on the Simon blog, and I’ve got THREE all new projects featuring the Lucky Charm line up! You can see the post here.

Also big news from Simon – Kelly Purkey has joined up with them AND she’s going to have kits, products, and oh I can’t wait. I’m so very excited for this, and I can’t wait to try out the new goodies!

Here’s a sneaky peek at a current project… It’ll either be a class sample or you may see it here on my blog. Decisions!! I’m back to my “do it” list, and making progress too. My biggest piece of advice whether you are talking life in general or crafting in specific is this:

When you’re overwhelmed. When you have SO MUCH to do you have no idea where/how you’ll fit it all in make a list. Write all that stuff out. Then pick one thing that matters. Do that. Make that happen…. and pick another. Need a break? Switch gears and work somewhere else on something else. I just keep looking at it one small part at a time, and I know that I’ll take back the upper hand in my daily routine soon.

It’s all part of the process, part of the life/creative cycle. I never will get the balance just perfect because the pieces are always changing. That’s ok. I will just ride the wave and do my very best.

I have SO MANY ideas to share here, they’re all listed on paper and I’m staring at that longingly as I type this. NO! I can’t play just yet. A few more things to do on the “today/must list” but with any luck I’ll be back tomorrow with some creative goodness. We’ll see how it goes!

This week at Simon Says Stamp & Show the challenge is “water”. So join in! Visit the blog to see all of the other creations and to enter. This week’s prize (as always) is a $50 voucher to Simon Says Stamp! The winner is randomly drawn – you can enter by posting to your blog, flickr, or other site too. See the blog for entry details and rules as ususal.

First, let me tell you that if you want old book paper, just rub some distress ink + water or distress stain onto the not-so-old paper. OR – get a tea bag, water, and tea stain it! MUCH cheaper than buying vintage book paper!! Another tip: have the paper wet with water when you tear if you want it to have a soft frayed look.

Ok, so what did I make this week? I used my FAVORITE floral stamp (seriously, I can’t get enough) and I colored it with my Faber Castel Gelatos that I’m currently trying to make friends with.

Purple makes me soooo happy. I don’t know it this will be a birthday or mother’s day card – so I’m leaving it sentiment-free for now.

Seriously , I NEVER get tired of coloring this stamp or using it to make cards. I don’t think I ever will! It’s such a great one for coloring because it is mostly outline – giving you lost of spots to color. Here are photos of my process…

Supplies Used:

New stencils from Crafter’s Workshop have been well loved by me over the last few weeks. So much love for them! A few weeks ago I did a piece for Shimelle.com about using stencils (link), and today I’m guest blogging over at Simon Says Stamp sharing more tips, tricks, and this layout too. You can check that out here.

Using my stencils with ink + a foam blending tool has really opened up a lot more options, and I love how I can get subtle and solid color. Such fun! I hope you have a great weekend – I’ll be here crafting up a storm! (deadlines… oh boy…)