My Cre8tive Paradise

If you only do ONE thing today, Please Do THIS.....

2010-12-12T06:31:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but I LOVE every person who joins the Military to serve our country and serves to preserve our freedom and safety in the USA and actually, anywhere in the world.

Please, Please, Please.... take a moment to send a card to our military personnel to demonstrate you care and appreciate every moment of their lives serving our country. Many of them are away from their families and friends during this holiday season.

My dad was a Montford Pointe Marine and I have two brothers that served in the Air Force. Numerous cousins who have or are currently serving in the Army or Navy. And numerous friends and children of friends too.

I am SO proud of our soldiers... I hope you are too! Take a moment to show a soldier how much you care by sending a FREE card to them this holiday season. Why not make it a weekly tradition?

I am ready for some "ME Time"!!!!

2010-10-07T16:27:00.000-07:00

October 23rd is right around the corner and so is the next "ME Time" Event!!!! There is something about the fall that really puts me in the mood for crafting and socializing!!! I've even been on time with my Cricut cut swaps on Scraps of Color!!! My friends KNOW this is a MAJOR accomplishment for me. Now I am a little behind on some other swaps.... But I WILL catch up soon!!!! Hugs to all of my followers!!!

Upcoming "ME Time" Day Crops

2010-09-19T19:44:00.000-07:00

We had a GREAT time yesterday and I thought I'd reserve the facility for the October and November.

The Saturday dates are:

Saturday, October 23rd
Saturday, November 6th

Since it is getting dark earlier now, I've revised the Saturday Crop times - 8:30 - 7:30. The landlord installed a "dusk to dawn" light outside the door and it is really bright out there after dark and I'm sure he wouldn't care if we stayed a little later but I actually liked the early start, early finish time as well.

And if anyone has Thursday, November 6th Veteran's Day as a holiday off from work, I was thinking about a 9 - 5 crop that day as well!

No Frills, $20 per person, payable via PayPal. Seating is limited to 8 to ensure comfort!
Hope to see you there! And a little "ME Time" would be a GREAT opportunity to work on those Christmas and winter holiday cards!

An Affair with Technology

2010-08-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

I own a Gypsy. I purchased it on the second HSN wave right before Thanksgiving. I got the "G", lots of Cricut Rewards, the 2 preloaded carts AND a Solutions cart, a cute little carry tote, fabric sleeve for the "G", wall charger, car charger, linking cables, USB cables, all that stuff on 5 FlexPays. I linked about 10 of my carts, then I started reading all of the horror stories on various message boards about problems with synching, sending "G's" back to PC and decided I needed to make sure it worked. I tried to use it, had to update firmware on all of my bugs - had 2 at the time, then I couldn't synch it and ultimately had to return it to PC. They sent me another "G" and I let it sit after I realized I could load George and it synched on all of my computers without a hitch.

Two of my dearest "bug" buddies - Judy T and Shaune - shamed me at my "Swarm" by how easy they made using the "G" look, with access to ALL of their carts, on an electronic device held in the palm of their hands or on that cool stand Judy T uses. While there I sat, with totes loaded with carts and books, changing carts every time I needed to cut something different and thinking about those 5 Flex Pays for something I wasn't using, that I'd left at home.

Over the next few months, Judy T continued to get on me about not using my "G" and reassuring me that I would LOVE it once I got accustomed to it. So I downloaded, printed the manual, and linked ALL of my carts to my "G", downloaded every update, synched it regularly, even added pictures to it. All of this happened before May 1. And still had not actually created or CUT anything using it.

Until last weekend. We went on family vacation for the first time in three years and I packed my "G". I put it in my travel tote in the front with me. About 30 minutes into the drive to our destination, I pulled it out and began to design with it. I couldn't put it down! I began to dream of all of the cool cuts I needed to create for the projects I needed to and planned to work on while on vacation. DH kept asking "What is that thing?" or "What are you doing?" - because I wasn't asleep while he was driving, my normal routine. And I actually designed all of the cuts I needed, plus more.

Everywhere we went, I carried, and actually USED, my "G". On my way to the beach and actually "sunning" on the beach, I used my "G". I became concerned about blowing sand getting on my "G" so I purchased one of the hard travel cases to store my "G" when I was interrupted from my creating.... And actually became angry when I had to STOP creating on the "G". It was at that moment, I realized I had grown to LOVE my "G" and secretly yearned for MORE time with the "G".... It was very relaxing to spend time with my "G". I was deeply in love...

Then when I actually hooked my "G" up to "Black Beauty" (the Black E I bought Black Friday 2009 and so graciously gave to DD as an excuse for me to purchase my precious Limited Edition Blue E), my love grew even more. I was able to cut out ALL of those great creations just with a tiny tap of the screen, and could go cook dinner, while occasionally glancing at the marvel of all that technology at work, I realized I'd fallen deeply in love with the possibilities presented with great combination of actually using my "Bugs" and my "G" to their fullest potential. Finally.

I realized tonight, I am having a love affair with technology used for papercrafting. And I don't feel an ounce of guilt that I'm having an affair. In my cre8tive paradise or anywhere else in proximity of, or even when thinking about, my "G".

CM and ProvoCraft!

2010-08-01T09:35:00.000-07:00

CM and Provocraft have formed a new partnership where PC will and has created cartridges exclusive to Creative Memories! AND there is a coordinating Paper Product line as well. I am LOVING the NEW Creative Memories.... Not just about cutesy stickers anymore!

Reminisce Accents Handbook at Cricut Website

Cheerful Seasons Handbook at Cricut Website

AND you can order them RIGHT now directly from my website!!! Credit/Debit cards accepted http Secure. Visit my site at www.mycmsite.com/scrapcheryl.

"ME Time" Has its OWN Blog!!

2010-07-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

Want specific information about the happenings at "ME Time"? AND want to ensure your seat???

Well, you can see just what's happening at "ME Time" and pay using PayPal! Visit the Blog at:

http://cheryl-metimestudio.blogspot.com/

GREAT NEWS!

2010-07-28T19:08:00.001-07:00

I just received an email that "ME Time" Studio may be posted in the Raleigh Examiner on July 29th!!! Here's the link so check it out! I'll be disappointed if it isn't!

http://www.examiner.com/x-16705-Raleigh-Scrapbooking-and-Stamping-Examiner

"ME Time" Grand Opening 7/17/2010

2010-07-25T14:39:00.000-07:00

Monique is WORKING that Gypsy and Candy provides a great smile while working on cards.

Shaune and Judy, doing what they do - Judy is taking a break and Shaune, trying to look busy! Love you ladies!

Sonya and Keya dropped by to show a Sista some love during the Grand Opening. Dalene is sharing her marvelous work! I appreciate and love you all, my Sistas from another Mother!

"ME Time" Studio

2010-07-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me and my enthusiasm for scrapbooking and general papercrafting AND the socializing aspect of the two, also knows how I envisioned a place where I could socialize with any and everyone in my general proximity and have a BLAST! I've tried to achieve this at my house and have been pleased BUT the bummer comes when I have to put up and clean up all of the tools, tables, chairs, etc. You know, the clean up AFTER the party. It IS the absolute WORST and has been a huge road block in me hosting events in my home.

Well, a tiny door opened and I pushed my way through. I FOUND a GREAT place to HOST events only 10 minutes from my house!!! And it is absolutely PERFECT. It is a DAYLIGHT basement apartment in a single family home owned by one of my friends. It has a driveway that circles around the front of the house, ending at a sidewalk leading to one of the doors of this daylight basement apartment.

You may be thinking "basement???? Cold, damp, mildewy? And she is excited about that?????" Guess again - the key to this is FULL DAYLIGHT basement. Meaning no different than coming in the front or back door of YOUR OWN HOME! It is very cool, clean and just PERFECT for that studio away from home. If it were not used for MY purpose - as a studio for crafting - it would consist of an eat in kitchen, living room, bedroom, full bath with shower, and a "family room" with a large walkin closet.

For MY purpose, I have converted the living room to the main crafting room; the kitchen remains a kitchen BUT I use the area closest to the "crafting room" as a cutting station and demo area for my dear friend Dalene's Sizzix Eclips. Of course the bathroom is PERFECT as it is and the bedroom is used as an office and computer room where crafters can surf the internet, print pictures on the photo quality printer or the photo printer.

What does it look like? Well, you'll just have to wait a little while until I get my camera in position to upload the pictures!!! Stay tuned - you'll LOVE the "ME Time" Studio just like we do!

Be on the lookout for a few pictures from the Grand Opening of "ME Time" Studio! Thank you to my extra special friends who made the day a GREAT success! Dalene, Judy, Shaune, Monique, Candy, Keya and Sonya - you are the VERY best!

10 Random Things About Me

2010-04-05T17:28:00.000-07:00

I don't have any sisters and thus, am selective about those I let into my inner circle. I am very proud to say I have Sistas ALL OVER the USA and I love them as if we were connected by blood.
I am super sensitive and cry VERY easily even though I don't appear or carry myself that way.
I LOVE, absolutely LOVE hot and spicy food.
I believe I am a reincarnated beach bum.
I am on a quest to WELLNESS and on track to be off ALL blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes pills and shots by 12/31/2010. Since Feb 4th, 2010, I have reduced my insulin by 1/2, reduced my diabetes pills dosage in 1/2, eliminated one blood pressure pill and will probably reduce my cholesterol dosage by 1/2 as soon as my doctor gets my blood tests back.
I believe in Karma, the power of the Universe and Almighty God.
Even though I have a LOT of stuff, I actually hate to shop.
I used to hate salads and now I eat at LEAST 2 salads per day.
I have never been a bread person and actually couldn't care less if I never had another piece of bread or white flour product.
I envision myself as a "closet" body builder by the time I reach another milestone birthday 3 years from now.

Thank You Truthfully98!

2010-04-02T22:07:00.000-07:00

Well Friday, April 2nd was my birthday and it was a GREAT day! I did absolutely NOTHING!!! I didn't even go outside but it was a beautiful warm spring day - clear blue sky and God's glory was evident!

I received many beautiful cards from my Scrappin' Sistas from around the USA and they made my day so much more meaningful. Now what is so special about this is - I am a scrooge when it comes to hand made gifts. Until recently....

I have received some of the most beautifully crafted gifts from some VERY talented ladies and I feel so blessed to be the recipient of their handiworks. I must give a huge shout out of SUPER BIG THANKS to my Cricut MB Birthday Sista Danielle aka Truthfully98. She really hooked me up with a beautiful birthday present in the exact colors to coordinate with my scrap room colors! The beautiful altered mailbox and card are just two goodies that made my day!

2010-04-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a peek inside the mailbox and the card with gift card holder - VERY unique!!!!

2010-04-02T21:56:00.000-07:00

These are the goodies I found inside the mailbox. A cute tag album, acrylic tags, graduation stamps, Pink Smooch Ink, felt flowers, buttons, fibers, bling and extra paper for more tags. She also sent me a gift card to Joanns! Truthfully98, you ain't nothing BUT THE TRUTH!!! Thank you SO much for adding to a great birthday!

CM Simply Beautiful Card Project

2010-03-27T17:43:00.000-07:00

These are some cards I created using the CM Simply Beautiful Card Project released this spring. Those of you that know me, know I am a SLOW scrapper and it takes me even longer to share/post my creations. I modified most of them by adding more CM foam squares or bling. You know me, I am NOT a 2D scrapper!I hope you enjoy the cards.

More Cards from the CM Simply Beautiful Card Project

2010-03-27T17:28:00.000-07:00

Maintaining a Blog

2010-03-06T22:58:00.001-08:00

One day real soon, I'll update my blog! Please be patient! I've got a lot going on.... ALL Good, of course!

Retirement Album - More Pages

2010-01-28T18:15:00.000-08:00

More Pages - Retirement Album

2010-01-28T18:02:00.000-08:00

The completed album (Retired CM 7x7 size) is actually a combination of digital and traditional scrapbooking. The matted "pictures" are actually digital layouts (created in CM's Storybook Digital Scrapbooking software), custom sized to 6x4 and saved as jpeg files. This is a REAL economical method to get the effects of digital scrapbooking without the per sheet cost per page of digital scrapbooking. The 6x4 sized layout saved as jpegs, make is SO easy and economical to print, especially when Walgreen's has their $.09/print with coupon sales!!! AND with 1 hour printing, it is a GREAT project. After they are printed, they are matted, cropped, inked, etc., just as you would any other 4x6 picture. I hope you enjoy looking at this project as much as I enjoyed creating it!!!

Retirement Album

2010-01-28T17:58:00.000-08:00

These are several pages of an album I created for a person who EVERY person in my department at work deem as THE absolute BEST boss we've ever had. He retires tomorrow and he's been the recipient of my handmade cards and probably my greatest fan of my scrapbooking/cardmaking. It is a book of quotes and prayers written by various individuals and contains layouts of my favorite and various papercrafting techniques, mediums and embellishments. Thank you for looking and sorry it has been such a long time since my last post!!!

Oh, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Sista To Sista Challenge

2009-10-24T18:06:00.000-07:00

I was challenged to create a layout of my dear husband, using the letters of his name, describing what I loved about him. I had a LOT of fun with this challenge and it was perfect timing as it came very close to our 25th wedding anniversary... talking about the mood for love!

2009-10-18T18:12:00.000-07:00

Interior of the Boss' Day card.

2009-10-18T18:10:00.000-07:00

Card for Boss' Day 2009. Ingredients - Cricut, Cart Used - Calligraphy Collection DCWV Cardstock; DCWV Indian Summer Patterned Cardstock; DCWV Indian Summer Patterned Paper; Bazzill Brown Cardstock; Distress Stickles; Fiskars Border Punch, VersaMagic Chalk Ink; Recollections Pearls,

2009-10-18T17:47:00.000-07:00

I made this card for my Boss to celebrate Bosses Day. Stayed up until 3 AM 10/16 and he didn't even come to work. Oh well... He's a GREAT guy and no one deserves a break more than he. I'll post several views as there are a lot of things "going on" with this card!

NCMD - Birthday Card for Coworker

2009-10-05T15:06:00.000-07:00

This is a card I created for one of my co-workers for her Birthday. She is responsible for ordering lunch for our Business Council meetings and this month, she decided NOT to order cookies but apples for the dessert. Well, several of the executives asked about cookies LONG BEFORE the meeting started and when lunch was served, were very vocal about NOT getting cookies. So she had to go to the market to purchase cookies and thus was given the nickname "Cookie". Her birthday gift? A Happy Birthday Cookie from Mrs. Field's and this card of course!

Elements Used: Cricut Expression, Design Studio, DCWV Indian Summer Patterned Paper, Prima paper flowers, CM French Vanilla & Brown Cardstock; Kaiser self adhesive pearls in Blush. The card dimensions -12 inches wide, 6 inches tall.

Friend Card

2009-07-16T18:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is something else I created in June. I can't believe I actually stamped, heat embossed, colored w/2 colors of SU! Markers AND cut out the embellishment!!! And the card also has ribbon!!!

Sometimes I actually USE the colorful things I buy!

2009-07-16T18:27:00.000-07:00

And this is one of my creations I completed on June 27th at a Cricut Swarm in Raleigh. I didn't use my Cricut to make it but you know me... I had to create at least ONE thing in 10 hours!!

It's Been Such a Long Time!!!

2009-07-09T21:28:00.000-07:00

One thing about blogs... You really need to keep them updated!!! Even I've gotten tired of looking at those baskets and me & "Precious"! So I promise to post some of my creations THIS WEEKEND! Who knows, maybe even before I log off tonight/this morning!

My Shopping Adventures

2009-06-05T18:09:00.000-07:00

Anyone that knows me, also knows that I LOVE to shop, I LOVE colorful things and that is why I LOVE SCRAPBOOKING, CARDMAKING and papercrafting in general... It gives me an excuse to surround myself in colorful things!

This week on a shopping adventure for one of my friends, these colorful cotton woven baskets caught my eye and then I found out they were 50% off!!!! Needless to say, they have a new home in my scraproom! What will I put them? Hmmm... something else colorful, I'm sure!

My Latest Acquisition!!!!

2009-06-04T13:34:00.000-07:00

I am now the proud momma of a Cricut Create!!! I sold my original baby bug to take advantage of a deal I just could NOT pass up!!! I love it!!!

Mom is So Much Better

2009-05-24T13:59:00.000-07:00

Just a quick shout to share Mom is so much better!!! No more painful shots, blood levels normalized and her appetite is good. The power of prayer and God's healing... What more is there to say???

Sunny Days

2009-05-20T11:35:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the company of my parents is one of my favorite pastimes. Even though my Dad and I have a strange relationship, I respect the journey of his life. I really enjoy my Mom and her funny comments and mannerisms. Don't get me wrong, Sistah can get mean at times but most often, she's very easy to get along with. Today is a good day in their household and it is warm and very sunny outside. Isn't amazing what a little sunshine and warm weather can do for a person? Both of my parents seem to fare much better on warm sunny days, and honestly, so do I!

On the Road Again...

2009-05-16T16:56:00.000-07:00

All of my dear friends who visit me via my blog...

Please continue to pray for my dear Mom. I called her today and I could tell she'd been crying but she put on her "I don't want to worry Cheryl voice" and tried to sound strong. I know better. She admitted she wasn't feeling well and several other events of the previous hours - enough to let me know she needed someone more than my Dad to be with her.

So it looks like I'll be heading back to VA no later than Monday morning. Thank you in advance for all of the prayers!!!

Catching Up

2009-05-15T18:48:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have had me in a pure whirlwind!!! Trips to VA, non-stop care giving, cooking, shopping, running errands and STILL I STAND! God is so good!

So this week, I've gotten back into the groove of my "5 day hassle called work" and eased my way back into my family life. Today is the first day I've REALLY been in my scrap room and I'll tell you... Whew, what a mess - AGAIN!!!! But I'll take my time and get it together.

But I've accomplished some things - put my winter clothes away! All my summer clothes are clean and put away as well. So life is good in that department.

I need to send a SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to my Sista Carollee!!!! She blessed me with some great goodies for my birthday - MS Artic Glitter Set, circular Adhesive Rhinestone Accents, Watercolor Pencils, O'Scrap ribbon, "C" Monogrammed Notecards and Punched/Embossed/Scallop Edged Notecards. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I've been eyeing that glitter set - wanting to give it a try!!!

OH!!! And another SHOUT OUT to my dear, dear friend LRY!!!!!! Happy GRADUATION & Birthday Girl!!!!! Strut, Strut and more Strut!!!

Now back to the unorganized chaos called my scrap room!

Wishing everyone who visits a blessed day!

Peace

2009-05-03T17:54:00.000-07:00

Wow! This week has been BUSY! Mom in ICU, God bringing her through and she's coming home Sunday night after the nurses administer that dreadful shot - Another post... And she'll come home w/complete nursing support - for those injections and physical therapy. Thanks to ALL of my prayer warriors!!

I hope everyone had a great NSD! I certainly did! Shopping throughout VA - Richmond, Colonial Heights and Fredericksburg!! Met up w/some Sistahs - Sharon, Shelley and TP - SHOUT out!!!!

Now let's get to scrapping, get to scrapping! Such a peaceful hobby - can bring a smile to your face even when you're all alone!

Church Up In Here!!!

2009-04-24T19:18:00.001-07:00

I don't know if you're like me but I get inspired by the most simple things!! I am always on some message board and tonight was no different. One of the ladies mentioned the gospel song "His Eye is On the Sparrow" and you know, the spirit just hit me and I am having CHURCH UP IN HERE!!! Check out Lauryn Hill's rendition of the song - she sang it in Sister Act 2.

"For Jesus IS my portion! A Constant friend is HE... Oh His eye is on the sparrow, and I KNOW HE watches ME..... I sing because I am happy... I sing because I am FREE.. His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me!!!!"

Those are some POWERFUL words, my dear friends. Many a day, I wake with that verse and the tune echoing in my head and my heart is immediately lifted! I can do all things...

Another to check out, if you haven't already done so, is "God In Me" by Mary Mary. Now THAT song really makes me shout!!! Eyes closed, head bobbing, toes tapping and hands clapping!!! Church Up in HERE!!!

If you can't stand it - GET OUT! God's grace and mercy is sufficient!

Celebrate!Northern Virginia

2009-04-23T19:55:00.000-07:00

How would you like to attend a Crop with more than 700 people in the same room? And for less than you can imagine for 12 hours of cropping, 4 ft of table space and classes? Well, visit http://www.celebrateevents.com/ and you'll find the locations of several upcoming Celebrate! crops. The Fredericksburg Crop information is as follows:

Northern Virginia- 10/3/09
Fredericksburg Expo Center
2371 Carl D Silver Parkway
Fredericksburg, VA 22401

I'm signed up for this crop and would love to have you join me. If you'd like to sit w/me, add my Consultant Code CHepburn5900 to your registration. I guarantee, if you're sitting near me, there will be LOTS of fun and laughter and maybe a little scrapbooking! Sure hope to see you there!

Weekend ON THE WAY!!!

2009-04-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

You know, I believe I live for the weekend!!! I am excited on Hump Day and much more excited on Thursday. By Friday... Just out of control!!! I just love the weekend. Gives me time to relax, reflect and enjoy the ME part of my week.

I visited MissMisi's Blog today and one of her posts was titled "Why Do...?" And it got me thinking about several "Why Do's" in my life. I don't have as many as she but here goes:

Why do...

some HS teachers DREAD having an adult conversation?
some teachers not know how to disagree in a professional manner?
I stay up after 10 PM when I am sleepy at 8 PM???
I just sit in my junky scrap room when there is SO much to straighten and organize?
my parents complain about how hard it is living in their huge house w/all of that property at 80+ years old?
I expect my parents to change their home simply because they are 80+ years old?
I have a LSS in my bonus room?
continue to shop for MORE scrap items?

Back at Home from "Going Home"

2009-04-19T16:19:00.000-07:00

As an adult, I often feel anxious going "home" to visit my parents. For me, I find it stressful sometimes as a "grown child" with almost "grown" children of my own to go back to a place where I spent much of my life, following orders. It took me a VERY long time to realize and admit that all of my experiences as a child, growing up in that home, were not positive experiences for my development as an adult and I've spent many days and nights replaying episodes in my life that still cause me anguish to this day. I no longer carry anger in my heart for these experiences as I know I am the person I am today as a result of them. And most days, I am pleased with the person I've become. So what about those other days? I love my parents for who they were then and who they are now. I know in my heart that each and every day of my life they loved me and still love me, the very best they could and can, with everything they could and can. And the feeling is mutual! With this knowledge, I am at peace with my childhood and the way I was raised. And I love my parents for who they are and for who they've allowed me to be.

Birthday Gifts_Ms_Dee

2009-04-19T16:17:00.000-07:00

Ms_Dee blessed me with an EK Success Stars & Moon Border punch, a White Signo Gel Pen, black skittles and white skittles!

Another Birthday

2009-04-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

Another Birthday has come and gone. What a wonderful year it has been!! I've traveled a bit, taken pictures of an alligator in a lagoon and turtles eating Cheetos. And I've been blessed by friends, new and old, near and far. I just wanted to take a moment to thank each of you for sharing a part of your lives with me. I treasure each email, each IM, each phone call and every one of your creations you share with me. I am so thankful to be in the midst of positive and creative spirits!!!

SB_TopNote Thank You

2009-04-15T21:58:00.000-07:00

Playing around late one night with the Storybook cart, I created this card accented with Stickles and a bow!

Shout Out to Bout2!!!

2009-04-15T21:54:00.000-07:00

I just had to post this separately because I LOVE my name and Bout2 went above and beyond the call of duty to make this for me. I would never try this for myself and I feel truly blessed to receive it as a gift!

TSREL's Layout

2009-04-15T21:52:00.000-07:00

This layout is SO pretty and I feel blessed that she made one just for my birthday!!! Thank you TSREL!

Birthday Gift_TSREL

2009-04-15T21:51:00.000-07:00

Tsrel blessed me with a Fiskars All a Fleur Embossing border punch, Mrs. Grossman's vellum accents, yellow and blue 1/4 inch ribbon, Beauty & the Beast 3D stickers, plastic stencils, Movie Theatre 3D stickers, "outdoorsy" stickers, and a Sizzix paddle punch. Thank you TSREL!!! And as an added perk, I'm posting her layout seperately 'cause it is so pretty!

Birthday Gift_jan&jaysnana

2009-04-15T21:46:00.000-07:00

Jan&Jaysnana blessed me with a chipboard flower book for me to alter, All Around the Block black DingBrads and clear epoxy square bubble stickers. Thank you Jan&Jaysnana!!!

Birthday Gift_TP

2009-04-15T21:42:00.000-07:00

TP blessed me with an African American Cookbook and a Mold Me, Make Me bookmark! Thank you TP!!!

Birthday Gift_Bout2BugOut

2009-04-15T21:39:00.000-07:00

Bout2 blessed me with Wedding and Romance Vellum Quotes AND a CHERYL name book in my favorite colors!!!! Thank you Bout2!

Birthday Gift_Mommaof3Girls

2009-04-15T21:37:00.000-07:00

"Momma" blessed me with some Martha Stewart dual tipped markers!!!! Thank you Mommaof3!

Birthday Gifts_I2BZ2W8

2009-04-15T21:31:00.000-07:00

I2 blessed me with vellum quotes and phrases for my Faithbook and my Wedding Albums! Thank You, I2!

Birthday Gifts_BlackDiamond

2009-04-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

BlackDiamond blessed me with a cupcake candle, cupcake ribbon, cupcake stamps, herbal tea and 3 snack packs of Peanut M&M's in a TBBM bag! Thank you BlackDiamond!

Smile Notecard - Inside

2009-04-15T21:12:00.000-07:00

This is the inside of the "Smile Notecard". There are faint lines stamped in Versamark and the flourish is stamped with fuscia ink, iridescent embossing powder and heat embossed to finish. Thanks for looking!

Smile Notecards

2009-04-15T21:04:00.000-07:00

This is one of a set of 4 notecards I created as a gift for one of my co-workers! She was really surprised that I'd made something just for her.

Altered Trinket Box

2009-04-15T21:01:00.000-07:00

One of my altered projects, created on a lazy Sunday afternoon!

Hello Card

2009-04-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

This is a cute little card I created for a Swap!

Tri-Fold Thank You (outside)

2009-04-15T20:58:00.000-07:00

Another view of the SB Tri-Fold Thank You card!

SB_Tri-Fold Thank You Card

2009-04-15T20:50:00.000-07:00

This is my first attempt at a Tri-Fold Thank You card. I used the Storybook cartridge - within a few days of me receiving it!!! I have carts I purchased YEARS ago that I still haven't used. I really like the scroll and the pink/black cardstock colors together. Thanks for looking!

A Great Day in NC!

2009-04-11T20:44:00.001-07:00

Well, today started out with me wanting to sleep late but NOT!!! I've been so excited since March 20th or 21st... whichever of those days is the first day of Spring! I LOVE spring - a time of renewal and rebirth, blooming flowers, budding trees, the whole nine!!! Even my spring allergies don't get me down. Those of you that know me personally know I am a CHEERY person and Spring really brings MORE of me OUT!!!

AND today, I attended a SU Color Class and I had a BALL!!!! There are some techniques that don't interest me at all - cutting intricate detailed items are meant to be cut w/die cutting machines NOT by my hands. But I won the Mystery Hostess drawing and received 3 FREE sets of stamps and another little stamp that I was not expecting. I'll add the pictures later.

But now, I've done everything except what I should have done 3 hours ago - MAKE MY EASTER CARDS FOR MY FAMILY! So let me get busy!

2009-04-03T20:08:00.000-07:00

One of my birthday gifts from DH was a wooden box he made for me to store my Stickles. It has two removable shelves and each will hold 50 bottles of Stickles upside down!

It's My Birthday!!!!! YAAAAA!!!!!!!

2009-04-02T17:33:00.000-07:00

Today, April 2nd is my birthday and it has truly been wonderful. I normally do not work on my birthday but this year was different. I received an invitation to attend a meeting that included a workshop that was facilitated by someone I've wanted to encounter ever since I became a professional educator. And it was absolutely wonderful. And THEN, I did what I do best, provided an introductory orientation to a new teacher who is changing careers and will start in the classroom next Friday. Three hours with her passed like 10 minutes and I guess that is the joy in having a passion for your job.

And then there is my family. DH made me a wonderful shelf system to hold all of my bottles of Stickles upside down! DS gave me the most beautiful card - the sentiment made me cry!!! And he knows I want to add Kettlebells to my weight and strength workout, so he gave me a gift card to Sports Authority! DD gave me a turquoise and silver floating necklace, matching earrings and a Quick and Easy Scrapbook magazine. There was something else in the package but she told me it was broken when I told her I heard it jingling - A LOT! So I am sure DH removed it from the package for repair.

AND my scrapbooking friends!!!! WOW!!!! I received some beautiful layouts, cards and gifts. I'll post pictures of all of my gifts this weekend.

You know, I LOVE my birthday because I use it as an opportunity to reflect on all of the blessings I've received in my life, the wonderful people I've encountered in my life and to grow from all of my lifelong experiences. I am so grateful to know God's grace and mercy; His compassion and most importantly, His love. I thank Him for all of my blessings and experiences He's carried me through. I look forward to each day with a new and renewed Spirit and joy that I hope I share with everyone I meet!

2009-04-01T21:20:00.000-07:00

I've had this picture around for 16 years and never did anything with it other than admire the colors. So as a treat to me (and as the result of a MB challenge), I finally decided to use my stash of gorgeous scrapbook paper, paper flowers, inks, and chipboard and create this layout. I hope you enjoy it!

My First Blog!!!!

2009-04-01T21:18:00.000-07:00

Greetings and welcome to my blog! Created because I could never post my pictures on messageboards!!! So I'll give this a try. I hope you enjoy my creations and miscellaneous musings!