A New Year and a New Challenge....

Hi Everyone!

Hope your holidays were great! We had a very nice and quiet Christmas with family.

I have been doing my live shows every Sunday at 4pm, and hanging around the art community on Youtube. I heard about a challenge for January that really peaked my interest and thought it would help me.

Marion Smith, the wonderful designer for Prima, and many others, threw down a challenge for January. To try something new everyday and record a YouTube video about your progress. Well, my mind started reeling. I thought for a while about what I would like to improve, and a few things came to mind.

I want to update this blog more often, and I want to record more videos in 2011. I also want to continue in my art. So I thought about what do I love most about my art? No matter how I thought about it, the answer always came back the same, I love making things for other people, and surprising them with a little love in the mail. So, my challenge this January, is to Pay it forward. I am going to select one person a day from my magic address book, make something for them, a card, a tag, or something I think they will like, throw in some things from my stash, and send it off to them.
Just my way of showing my appreciation for all of the artists I have met. It will also help me get through all of this stash, and get it to the folks who can use it. I will record a video about what I am sending or have created, and I will write a blog post about the person. So I will fulfill all my needs. Write more blog posts, record more videos, create for others, and reduce my stash!

So, if you get an e-mail from me, requesting your mailing address, please send it!

So, I am off to create my calendar, of artsy inspiring folks, and get ready to Pay it forward....

I think I am going to run into a little postage cost... so if you like this idea, and would like to help me pay for postage, I have posted a paypal link in the side bar. I would appreciate any donation, and I promise, it will go only for postage costs.

Thanks Marion, for making me think! And Thanks everyone for your support!
I hope you will check back and read about all my Youtube friends, and those I have met on Ustream.

Happy New Year!

Update, Ustream, Giveaway, 21 Secrets

Ok, so it sounds silly...
I have taken my time updating my blog since my last post, because the last post was about Scotia.

Not a day goes by that she is'nt in my heart.

So this is Thanksgiving week, and I have been busy at work buried in meetings and Budget 2011...I have been creating little projects on Sundays, at my Ustream Show. Today we will be doing a Circle Squash album, a very cool project, that is easy to do with basic supplies that you may have on hand. Here is what you need:

4 12x12 sheets of cardstock
2 chipboard covers cut to fit
4 tags
assorted patterned papers of your choice
strong tape adhesive, like score tape
adhesive to adhere patterned papers- I used my ATG
bone folder
9 inch dinner plate for your template
Scissors
Assorted ribbon and embelishments of your choice.
Pencil/Eraser
I have attached a short video link to show the sample project.



I hope you will join us!

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/laurelfromnj

11/21/10 at 4PM EST

Also, I am nearing 500 subscribers on YouTube, this morning was 462! So exciting! I have begun to put together a pretty fabulous giveaway, as I have a goal of hitting 500 by the end of the year. So far the giveaway has Stamps, A Tim Holtz Texture fade pack, an On the Edge die, trims, flowers, Archival ink jumbo pad, mini misters, flowers, bling, charms and I am adding to it eash week. I am truly amazed by the community and support from everyone for my art. I hope if you are not a subscriber on YouTube to my channel, you will become one, and help me meet my goal!

http://www.youtube.com/user/scotia9338?feature=mhum

Also, there are only 9 days left to participate in 21 Secrets! Sign Up by visiting my good friend Paula's blog and read the details:

http://messymindcreativesoul.blogspot.com

Hope to see you all this afternoon, off to grocery shop for Thanksgiving!

Scotia, I miss you....

I was wondering why I was in a sad mood today, and then it occurred to me that today was the day two years ago I said goodbye to my best friend.

Scotia was my cat, and she was extra special. I think she was a little person caught in a cat's body, sent to look after me, and help me learn about love.


And love she gave. in her own very special way, on her terms. As most cats do, she was fickle. But she loved everything, and everyone. I miss her so very much. I pray that she knows that my having to say good bye was an act of love on her behalf. As I never wanted her to suffer for a minute, as all she ever brought me was joy.

This year, as this day was looming on the calendar, I was fortunate to meet Dayle, who had also lost her dear sweet dog Bebe. I was struck by how selflessly Dayle thought to ease her pain by creating a card drive in Bebe's honor to create hand crafted cards to be distributed via vet's offices, to those that had lost a pet. I made 50 cards for the drive, and intend on doing 50 more. I can say that participating in the drive, helped a little, but today, nothing seems to help. My heart is just broken.

I have postings on this blog regarding the card drive which is ongoing. If you so desire, make a few cards, and follow in Dayle's footsteps to bring a little peace to someone who needs it.

I have provided the links to my blog post from the day I let Scotia go below, as the feelings are still the same.
http://paperandscissorsrock-laurel.blogspot.com/2008/10/furry-angel-in-heaven.html

Scotia, I miss you so much. I was so lucky to have you in my life for so many years. I think of you everyday.You will always be in my heart.


Hug your furry kids today.

Ustream and Classes

Hi Everyone,

After some pressure from my friend Kerri, I have dipped my toe in the water of the Ustream community! I had my first broadcast this past Sunday, and all in all I think it went pretty well. I plan on broadcasting a live show every Sunday at 4PM EST. You can find me on Ustream under LaurelfromNJ.
I find it is similar to the classes I taught, but a larger audience, and a little strange talking to yourself...but fun!

This week, I just received the Compendium of Curiosities book by Tim Holtz. So I think it is appropriate to work my way through the techniques in the book. I hope you will join me!

Also, this week I have a Stampin Up order going in, if you would like a catalog, or to place an order, please e-mail me at ldeviney@comcast.net.

I have discovered a lot of great artists from all types of art through my videos on YouTube. One such artist is named Paula Phillips, who began as a scrapbooker, and stamper and now has incorporated art journaling into her creative life. She is an instructor in an upcoming class called "21 Secrets". Here is what you get for the low price of $59: 21 different artists, teaching different workshops with pdf's and videos. If you sign up for the class via Paula's link, you get a bonus Ustream live private showing for her class. The workshops will be held on a private ning site, that upon payment, and on October 1st, you receive a password to enter. You have until February 1st to complete the workshops at your own pace, and you can sign up until December 1st. They have room for a lot of students, I heard 200 is the number, but you might want to sign up quickly before all the spaces are gone!
Link to Paula's blog for more information and sign ups:
http://www.messymindcreativesoul.blogspot.com/

I signed up yesterday, I figure it is an excellent value, $2.81 a workshop, and I can work at my own pace and learn how to incorporate all kinds of art styles into my creations. You don't need to be an art journaler, the techniques that will be in the course can be used in many mediums.

I am in the process of building an ArtFire store, as I have been asked to sell my coffee filter flowers, and kits to make your own. I am having a few challenges with getting it set up, but I hope to have it running for next week. If you go to ArtFire.com, a great shopping site for handmade items, you can find my store as Scotia Creations.

Thanks for following.

Have a creative week!

Card Drive for Bebe and Reflection

Hello Everyone!

Today I was reviewing some of my YouTube subscriptions, and came across one of my favorite crafters named Bona, whose channel name is LiveLoveScrap. She was asking for donations for a card drive. When I read he details of what type of card drive, I was overcome with emotion.

Dale, a young woman who lives in Hawaii, had a lovely dog named Bebe. Bebe was struck by a car on September 8th, and did not survive. AS Dale was dealing with her grief, the vet she had taken Bebe to, presented her with a special handmade card, which contained a lock of Bebe's hair and had her paw prints stamped on the inside.

Something so simple provided so much comfort at a devastating time. Dale being a stamper and crafter herself, has a goal. She wants to donate 1646 cards, similar in style to the one she received to vets offices near to her home. One for each day Bebe was a part of her life.

Please read more about Dale and Bebe on Dale's blog:

http://creativelychloe.blogspot.com/

and make a few cards in the style she asks for to help her reach her goal.

As many of you know, I had to let my beautiful Scotia go nearly two years ago. As I was reading Dale's story, and her goal, I was overcome with emotion. I know how much I hurt to this day about saying goodbye to Scotia. Often it brings me to tears. That Dale has come up with such a selfless, honorable way to honor her beloved Bebe, really resonated with me. I think her idea is wonderful, to turn such a tragic event into something good for others to help them find comfort in a time of need.

My goal is to make as many cards as I can, to help Dale achieve her goal, and to pay a little love forward from my beautiful Scotia who I miss so very much.

Dale, although we have never met, I just want to let you know what a true inspiration you are. I know your grief is deep, as these beautiful creatures take over a very special place in our hearts. The special place that is reserved for those you keep with you forever, even after they have to leave us. Bebe knows how much you love her, and that you always will. I am sending lots of hugs and support with my cards to you.


If you can make a card, please do, and send it to Dale in Hawaii. If you can donate supplies, please do. Please consult the blog link above for specifications. Dale is giving away some nice goodies for your support on World Cardmaking Day on Oct 2nd as well, because she is just such a good person. Pay it forward and make a card or two, won't you? The information below was on YouTube on Dale's channel- creativelychloe:

Please mail your cards to:
"I heart Bebe" Card Drive
P.O. Box 971283
Waipahu, HI 96797

For more information, please check out my blog at creativelychloe.blogspot.com

Please help me donate 1646 cards in honor of my dog, my Bebe.

The prize basket drawing will be held on October 2, 2010, World Card Making Day.


Here's hoping for a beautiful heaven with a rainbow bridge for Bebe and Scotia. waiting to see us one day.

Thanks so much for following.

Best Regards,

Birthday Gift Gift card slider and Coffee filter flowers

Hi Everyone!

I have two videos for you today, I actually had some time to work on some projects this weekend.

The first video shows a gift card slider I made using some inspiration from Gina- Scrappinology on YouTube. She is a fantastic shopper and very creative lady. She had created a series of pockets from envelopes, so I added the slider part. The gift was for my friend Lisa who is celebrating a birthday tomorrow. Also, celebrating a birthday tomorrow is my childhood friend Elizabeth, and the third birthday on August 30th is my friend Victor Wilhite. I wish you all the very happiest celebration and a fantastic new year. I have always been amazed by the great people in my life, and ironically they all share the same birthday.

The second video is a tutorial to how I made my take on coffee filter flowers. I will list the supplies here:

Cone shaped Coffee filters- The brand I used is Natural Brew. I picked up a set of 300 filters at my local Sam's Club for about $5
Glimmer mist in your color choice
Glossy Accents for your glue
Tim Holtz Alterations die- Tattered Florals
Stylus
Heat Gun
Scissors

It is importan to note that if you wish to color your flowers, spray them with Glimmer Mist and heat set it, before you do the curling of the petals.







I hope you enjoy!

Have a great week!

Online Shopping and great Inspiration from Rachael

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick Sunday Share. I have been spending a lot of time on Ustream, and YouTube, and I have met or seen some incredible artisits from all walks of art. A fantastic artist I was referred to is a gal named Rachael from the UK. I believe it was Arlene who referred me to her YouTube channel. I have been watching Rachael's videos and she is so inspiring. She does everything from Mixed Media, to jewelry, to clay, to mini books. She has a great grungy style and produces great videos.

Here is a link to her YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/RachO113

The wonderful Arlene, also produces great art in all forms. She is very generous in how she shares her tips and her art. Her YouTube Channel is:
http://www.youtube.com/user/mybutterflykisses12

So I am watching all of these videos, and decided to take my own spin on the tag style Rachael creates. I have been having lots of fun. Also, Arlene had mentioned a source for red rubber vintage style stamps from Artistic Outpost. A great company, fast shipping and low prices. Check them out: www.artisticoutpost.com

Also today, I was searching for some bargains, and I stumbled across: www.scrapbooking-warehouse.com and I could not believe the prices. Glimmer Mist for $4.75! Tim Holtz Distress Inks $3.45 and Tim Holtz Texture Fades for $7.88! I did a little research, and the reports of thier service is great. I also placed an order, a sizeable one, and I will let you know how it works out. I am really encouraged.

I have included a video....



Thanks for reading and watching as always,

Big Kick, Big Shot Machine Sandwich Options

Hi Everyone!

Attached are some videos about the Sizzix Big Kick/Big Shot machine and the sandwich layers needed for certain dies. I have also included a link to a document that you can download the information in written form here: https://docs1.google.com/document/edit?id=1QcJnVP4LzdMb-Sbmm1LbkD7nhWtRMU8AAZXBXozuxHA&hl=en#

These videos were made upon request. I apologize for the length, and poor camera work in advance.

Thanks for watching!

300 YT Subbies Giveaway!

Hi Everyone!

Happily I am at 297 subscribers over on YouTube. I just still cannot believe it. In celebration of the 300 mark, and unfortunately since I have not heard back from the winners of my 250 subbie giveaway, I am declaring a do over! 4NikkiMay and Suralear1, my winners from the 250 subbie giveaway, please contact me, I do have prizes for both of you.
The rules are the same as the first time around, to qualify you must be a blog follower, or a YouTube subscriber. Leave a comment on the YouTube video for 300 subbie giveaway for one chance, and on this blog post for a second chance to win. Entries close on 8/15/10.

Tell me what kind of tutorials you would like to see in the future, or how you found my blog or channel, or both!

I just can't thank the artistic community enough for all the generous support. Follow me on Twitter: Laurel DeViney, Friend me on Facebook,or say hi right here. I am so grateful to all of the great people I have met.

Thanks again for watching!






Original giveaway video:

Giveaway Winners!

Hi Everyone!



First let me say how ecstatic and grateful I am to everyone who commented and watched my videos, subscribed to my blog or YouTube channel. I am overwhelmed by the artistic community, and how supportive everyone is. I have made some really great friends and I hope you all continue to follow me on YouTube and right here.



I have selected the winners and the video is terrible of me filming my computer screen, so I will post them here. (I will upload the video to YouTube).



I have sent messages to the winners and as soon as I receive your replies with addresses, I will mail out the goodies.



YouTube winner: 4nikkimay-Nicole

Blog Winner: suralear1- Sharon



After all the commenting, and subscribers, I am up to 282 YouTube subscribers, which just blows my mind and 28 followers on my blog. I love reading your comments, and appreciate all of your feedback.

We are so close to 300 on YouTube, perhaps I will do another giveaway for getting my blog over 50 and YouTube over 300.....

Thanks so very much!

7/25/10-- Giveaway Closed*****YouTube 250+ Subscribers Giveaway!

Hi Everyone!

I hope this weekend found you doing something you love, crafting, spending time with family and loved ones, or relaxing. I wanted to do a quick post to say a heartfelt THANK YOU! to all of my YouTube subscribers and blog followers. This past Wednesday I hit 250 plus subscribers over on YouTube, and I am in awe. To think that 250 plus people are interested in me and my videos...well I am blushing.

As a way to say thank you, I am doing a giveaway, here and over at my YouTube channel Link to follow. I will attempt to upload the video here, but Blogger has been tempermental with video, so I may just link to You Tube. In order to qualify for the giveaway, you have two opportunities to enter. One by being a follower of my blog, and leaving me a comment here, the other by being a subscriber on my YouTube channel and leaving a comment there. I will select a winner from each spot on Sunday night July 25, 2010 by Random Number Generator.

I have received several comments and questions that I will attempt to answer:

My YouTube channel is Scotia9338, no I am not Canadian.(well only a little) My beloved cat of 16 years was named Scotia. It is Gaelic for Irish Woman. I still miss her very much.

My nails are professionally done for about 20 years now. I get the Pink and White acrylics. It's really not about the nails, it's about taking the time to slow down and do something for myself. Pretty hands are a nice by product.

The Amethyst ring on my hand is my engagement ring. Amethysts are my favorite gem.

I am a Stampin Up demonstrator. My website for orders is as follows:

http://laurel.deviney.stampinup.net/

I live in NJ, and I am thrilled that you have taken the time to watch me learn to create cards, videos, improve my stamping, attempt new crafts
and make so many friends.

A special Thank you to Paula Phillips, Journal Artista on YouTube for introducing me to so many fine artists, and new techniques. Another Special Thank you to Rita H Cobbs , and Poetic Dreams for pimping my videos to the world. You guys just Rock!

http://www.youtube.com/user/scotia9338

Link to the video of giveaway goodies.

Thank you so,so much!

Where did May Go?

Wow! Here it is Father's Day, and I have'nt posted since May, shame on me!

Just wanted to post my favorite picture that I have taken of my Dad...is'nt he cute? And say Happy Father's Day to all of the Dad's out there.

I Love you Daddy!

Hope you got to spend some time today with your Dad!

Happy National Scrapbooking Day!

Hello Friends!

I hope you all find something to scrap today. It is a beautiful day outside, and near 80 degrees! I unfortunately have to go to work at around 1pm, so I am posting some pictures of some cards I made for My Pink Stampers National Scrapbooking Day Challenge #1.

Robyn has a great site, you can check it out here: http://www.mypinkstamper.com/

Enjoy!

Time Flies

Hello All,

Wish I could say I have something crafty to share, but I truly have been consumed with my day job! Lots of changes going on, and it is taking all my time. I just checked my last post date, and wow! I have been busy. Sorry to be a sporadic blogger but sometimes life intervenes.

Since things are ever changing at work, a friend of mine and I have started a new venture doing bookkeeping for small businesses in our local area. If things go well we could spread out nationwide via the internet. Check us out:  http://www.justbookkeepers.net/

I am waiting for a Stampin Up! order currently, and can't wait to play with some of the new items. I'll post a few projects once it arrives.

Also, Lisa my neighbor and I have taken the Copic plunge...we decided to buy one set a month and the best prices we have found are here:  http://www.oozak.com/

Fast shipping and great service. They also sell Memento ink pads, best used with Copics. Free shipping for orders over $50.

Not much else to report. I am really craving some crafting time, hopefully this week.

Hope you got some time to create recently!

Happy Weekend!!!!!!!!

Hi Everyone!

Wow! This week has been a doozy at work! And all this snow on the East Coast! Keith told me today that he read that Atlantic City's little airport has recorded more snowfall than Anchorage, Alaska this winter! Yeesh!

I took a little break tonight and actually made something. Blogger has me locked out of posting video but here is a link to my Youtube channel. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zG1e_MUb-24


I want to give credit where it is due.... I made the binding of the book from a tutorial I saw on Follow the Paper Trail, a blog and here is a link to her You Tube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/FollowThePaperTrail

I merged a few ideas for this book. First the covers are actually mini stretch canvas 4 x 5 inches. Fredrix is the brand name. I painted them in Champagne Mist shimmer paint-(SU!), and used my So Swirly wheel(SU!) and Tiber Brown Stazon ink for the cover and page images. Then I used a sponge and blended Dusty Durango, Rich Razzleberry and Crushed Curry Inks across the covers. I added interior covers out of Dusty Durango cardstock cut 4 x 5 and cut a little door in the front cover. I reversed a brad for my catch to keep the paper door closed.

The binding was made using the method that Follow the Paper Trail detailed but this is how easy it is:

Your cardstock should be the width ofyour project by 11 inches long. You need two of these. Score every 1/2 inch. Accorian Fold with the first and last being a valley. Attach the folded strips together in the center. Excluding the first tab, gather two mountain folds at a time in your hand and punch holes on either end. Insert brads on either side. Continue for 10 pockets. You may find you have one extra tab at the end, I just trimmed it off. Attach the binding to your project with strong adhesive. I used Sticky Strip (SU!).

Then pop your pages- mine are 3x 4 1/2 from cardstock, which I spritzed with my homemade Glimmer mist, of Champagne Mist Shimmer paint and rubbing alcohol, and wheeled with So Swirly in Timber Brown Stazon. The pages fit into the pockets, and stay via mild pressure.

I decorated the front of the book with a coordinating butterfly I had in my stash and some Prima Flowers and a Chocolate Chip Cordoroy Brad (SU!).

Pretty fun. Please let me know if you like it by leaving me a comment, here or on Youtube. I am considering putting a kit together along with a color tutorial.

Hope you have a great day!

formspring.me

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/ldeviney

I admit it...I have an addiction to paper , stamps, glue....

Hi from snowy southern NJ!

Who would have thought is a short week we would see in excess of 30 inches of snow?  They say more on Monday, but I have no idea where we will put it!

Being trapped inside due to the weather, has made for some great crafting time. This year I am trying to organize time, money and things better than I have in the past. I thought a good place to start might be to go shopping in my craft room. You know, you get a little itch for something new, and you jump online to order it, or call up your demo, or head over to your local craft store...well not me. I have the best store ever right in my own home, filled with discounts gone by. Unorganized chaos, at the moment, but I keep telling myself, it looks worse before it gets better...

Anyway, as I am organizing ( and shopping ) in my little craft room, I was wondering how many others suffer from my afflication? I hoard the beautiful patterned paper, never cutting it, for someday, I love the darn $1 bin for ribbon, clear stamps, stuff, crap I don't need....
So here I am re-organizing, instead of creating! How do I let it get so out of control?

Here are a few tips to help get myself organized....

1. I am unmounting my Wood Mount  stamps. Frankly, I need the room! The method I am using is to microwave each stamp for five seconds. Then peel off the foam and rubber image together as one piece. I will store them in CD cases, easily obtained at the dollar store or office store. I am not worried about having an image on the back. I am cutting copy paper to fit my CD cases, and stamping the images on the front, and also cutting a 1/4 inch strip for the name. So far, I don't need to apply any adhesive to the back of the foam. They stick quite well. If it should wear out- Club Scrap's Mount It Glue or Aleen's Tacky glue will work just fine.
2. I am saving my change. I have one of those coin counter jars in my scrap room. Everytime I have coins, I throw it in. You would be amazed. I started doing this on January 1st. I have $100 already!

3. I plan my shopping. I watch a lot of YouTube videos telling me all about the new CHA products, or a new technique or tool. I do a lot of research on price and product before I buy. Then when the change jar hits enough for whatever I want, I splurge and buy it. Here is an example, where the research paid off. I have wanted a Scor-Pal for a long time. The best price I could ever find was $49.99. Never a sale. Then I hear about the Martha Stewart Scoring board- retail $19.99, and Michael's carries it. So I saved up the change, and found a 50% off coupon, so now I have a new Martha Scoring Board for $10. Sweet!

4. I made an organizer for my Cricut cartridges and books/overlays. These things were everywhere! I saw a great tutorial on a blog to make one, using a Snapware ribbon storage container. I now have 20 carts and books and overlays stored neatly in one container, and it cost me $7. I also have room for more carts. I think I mentioned this in an older post, and I can't find the blog at the moment- so Thanks Again! for the info!

5. I picked up a turntable storage thingy at Staples for $5! It is great and compact for little things you use all the time, scissors, brads, etc. In the past I have found invitation envelopes which fit A2 size cards for $5 a box.  So, I always check out Staples for the little things.

6. I made my own Clip It Up. Now I am sure it is not as great as the real thing, but it works just fine. I found a standing double sided towel holder at a Linen & Things going out of business sale a while ago. I think I paid $10 for it. It is weighted in the middle. I then used paper clips to hang my embellishments from it. I works really well.

7. You know those $1 photo albums you can get at a local craft store? They are about 4 x 6? I use them to store my sizzlets, and also to store $1 acrylic stamps. The books become very fat and won't close, but I have them up on my ink cabinet that is wall mounted,opened, so it does'nt bother me. 

8. Part of crafting is to enjoy what you make. I was looking for a way to display finished cards, and I have seen many. I use clothes pins and clip them to my curtains in my craft room. This way, I can change them easily, and I get to see my work all the time.

So, a few tips. I would take pictures, however that must wait until the room is clean. When I finish the unmount project, I will shoot a video of my clean space.....

So are you an addict too?  Leave me a comment with your organizational tips, or ways you save!
Happy Crafting!

Rainy Weekend Cards to share....

Hi All,

I managed to get a few cards made this weekend fooling around with some of the Occasions mini products.

Here is a link to the video on YouTube.


Hope you managed to craft this weekend....

Occasions Mini & Sale-a-bration

Hi Everyone!

Today I was happy that my order came in, and I was able to make a card using some new products from Stampin Up! Occasions Mini & Sale-a-Bration catalogs.
Hereis a link to a video I created which shows what I purchased, how to mount the labels on your clear mount stamps, and an example card I made.

Enjoy!

You tube


Have a great week- Stamp a lot!

Happy New Year!

Wow, I guess it is about time I got around to making a post! This has been the busiest holiday season for me, as I have been inundated at my day job.  I also have been sick. Caught an ugly cold right around Christmas, and it is still hanging on, so I come home full of ideas, and I do nothing but crawl into bed.

I also am considering moving my blog to a new service, as blogger no longer supports videos...I used to be able to upload right here, but no more, just a link to my YouTube channel. I will let you all know how this works out, or if you have suggestions of a good, free or low cost service, such as wordpress, typepad etc. maybe you could leave me a comment as to how it has worked out for you.

I have a lot of resolutions this year. Mostly about organizing my life in all aspects. One is to get out of my pocketbook for this hobby, or at least reduce it, and use my stash! I say it all the time, yet I keep the paper because I love it for someday...why? It's a piece of paper, just cut it already! Several of my friends suffer from the same affliction, we just keep on adding to our collection, and very seldom actual use it.I am hoping to change that this year.

I saw these words today at StampTV.com and thought it was a perfect adage to adopt for getting out of my creative box:

"Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic.”

Very well said. It applies in a lot of areas in my life. So this year, I am trying new things, and getting organized, saving money, and losing weight. I also am going to try and reduce my weekly work hours to under 55 per week. That will be hard, but I want to spend time creating, and stamping, not being a work-aholic.

Have you made New Year's resolutions? Share them via a comment and tell me how you intend to keep them.

I also made a discovery over Christmas in my organizational quest. I received a Cricut Expression for Christmas, and can you believe it- I have'nt turned it on yet...yikes. Anyway, my cartridges were everywhere. I have close to twenty now, and I needed to organize them. I had read about the Scrapcaddy which stores cartridges and overlays and books, and the lowest price I could find was $15. So, I found a solution for $8, that I made with some help from this blog:


http://splatpat.blogspot.com/search/label/Cricut%20Cart%20Storage

Shannon is super talented, and I made a version of her Cricut Cart storage for $6 for the Snapware container ( got it 50% off at Joann's Fabric's in the Christmas clearance) and $2 for the plastic canvas at Walmart. My version holds 40 carts on the bottom layer and 20 books & overlays on the top. This allowed me to get rid of all the boxes, and save so much space.

Check it out. It is easy, affordable and a real space saver. I have seen them on Ebay for $30 & up.

I appreciate all the comments regarding blog platforms and resolutions. I hope to be back soon with something I have made. Stampin Up also has a few new catalogs out, and it's Sale-a-Bration time! If you are interested in hosting a workshop, book party etc. please contact me.