January 31 day Challenge.. Featured Artist Series

Hello Blog Followers!

Last year I participated in Marion Smith's 31 day challenge. My contribution was to create a piece of art, and tell you about some of my favorite artists I have met through YouTube. I was very happy with how the series came out, and I would love to provide another series this year.

The economy being what it is, and many people last year were very protective of their privacy, and opted not to send me their address, (perfectly fine:)), this year I need to come up with a different method to tribute and share these talented folks with all of you. I also have a lot of personal projects to get accomplished in January, and work a full time job!

I was thinking, I have the most time on Sundays and look forward to my Ustream show on Sunday Mornings. During the month of January, I will be using my Ustream show on Sundays to create the tribute pieces which will be tags this year. I can use the remainder of the day on Sundays to record my videos and schedule them for upload each day.

If you choose to visit with me on Sundays, you can help with the creation of the art, but you will have to wait to see the videos on YT to determine who the artist of the day is. If I am fortunate to have the artists address, I will mail off the tag, at the end of the month. If I am not able to obtain the address, I will retain the tag as a tribute piece.
So if you get a YT message from me, asking for your address, this is why. I hope to make all tags, but if I am moved in another direction, I will follow.

I hope you will join me for the art creation, and follow the videos. I enjoy your feedback very much.

Happy New year......

Hugs,
Laurel

Happy Holidays!

Hello there my poor neglected blog, and more importantly my neglected blog readers!

It has been an interesting 4th Quarter, to say the least. I am happy to say, I made it through, and I am very grateful for the following things:

1. My Mother's health. She is somewhat stabilized, although she has her bad days.
2. My wonderful supportive friends, and family.
3. The art community on YouTube, Ustream, and everywhere.

Although I have not been able to have as much time to create as I would like, I am ever grateful to those that encourage me. I am hopeful in the new year to undertake some more creative endeavors.

1. Transfer my art room to the office and vice -versa. I am space challenged. I have a lot of materials I can't get to. The office is double the size and will allow me to have sufficient space to create more often.
2. Start selling kits, and my other creations via this blog or Etsy.
3.Be a dedicated DT member for Lindy's Stamp Gang- the best company in the world!
4. USE my stash
5. Perhaps start a ning Community
6. Update my blog, regularly.
7. Get back to making You Tube Videos, I really enjoyed that.
8. Keep up my Sunday Ustream show.
9. Get out the pile of RAK's that I keep meaning to send.
10. Plan another art retreat for next October.

So these are my goals, and I hope to start out on the right foot.

Thank you for all of your support, encouragement, and tolerance!

Happy Holidays to everyone!

Merry, Merry!

You Tube/Ustream Blog Hop Anyone?

Hi Everyone!

This past Sunday on my Ustream show, the topic turned to sharing within the community. I was thinking it might be nice to host a You Tube/Ustream Blog Hop to give those new to the circle, a great overview of people and crafts that many can participate with.

It is a little quick to get together a hop for Halloween, so how about Thanksgiving? Perfect holiday to showcase how grateful we are for our followers.

So here are the rules for participation......

1. You must have a blog.( Don't worry if it hasn't been updated in a while.)
2. You must have a YT channel or Ustream show or both or either.
3. Leave a comment on this blog post that you would like to participate with a way for me to reach you via e-mail. I need this to get you your position in the hop, and provide links etc.
4. Create a project in the theme...Thankful/Grateful etc. It can be anything, journal page, card, mixed media, whatever you like.
5. Have your project ready to go by 11/19/11, and create a blog post. If you have a YT channel you should film a video about the hop as well.
6. Blog hop will begin 11/20/11.
7. Any questions? e-mail me at : ldeviney@comcast.net

Make it fun! Sign up here!

Hugs,

Reflections of Scotia

So dear friends, another year has past making it three years since I had to say good-bye to Scotia. It sounds strange to be mourning a pet for so long, but if you bear in mind, I have no children, and I was lucky to own Scotia for 16 years, maybe you can understand.

She was the best cat you could ever want. Never any trouble, loved me through and through, although she was pressed to show it. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her, and I doubt one ever will. She was truly my best friend. The one who got all my secrets, the one who loved me, even when I did'nt deserve it, the one who made me laugh the hardest, and the one who was with me through so many changes in my life. To this day, and forever I am grateful, that I was so blessed to have her for so many years. Yet, as I write this, the tears are rolling down my face, as I am filled with unending guilt, that I had to make the decision to let her go. The cancer was starting to effect her, and it would have been a selfish decision to prolong her life, for only my gain. That scene from Forrest Gump, when Forrest is at Jenny's grave, and croaks out" I miss you Jenny..." is how I feel today. In her honor, as she loved playing on our porch while we decorated for Halloween, I never decorate before October 10. I can imagine her watching me from her perch on the porch, and have some happy memories.
She was so funny. She loved everything made of Pork, could eat her weight twice a day, and had a low tolerance for dogs. She once shoveled out a pork tenderloin like a canoe. She despised an old boyfriend, who did not treat me very well, and made his life miserable by urinating on his clothes, often.
Occasionaly, she would escape, try and live amoungst the wildlife for a day, and then trot on home, to be greeted by an overflowing bowl, and a worried Mom. She adored Keith,and she let me know he was a good guy, by never messing with his clothes, and giving him tons of purrs.
What can I say? I miss my girl. I guess I always will.
To tell you how funny animals are, many of you know that we now have a tuxedo cat named Geddy. Geddy is a good boy, and he truly saved me from a broken heart after we lost Scotia, but he is very different than her.

For example, Geddy does not give me the time of day, unless his bowl is empty, or Keith is unavailable. Geddy worships Keith , literally. I truly believe animals have a sixth sense to detect pain in their owners, as last night, as I was retiring to sleep, a black and white furry boy came crawling in my bed. For the first time ever, he purred, and cooed, and laid at my feet, laid beside me and batted at my face. It was if he was trying to wipe my tears away. I swear he knew I was sad. Also when I begrudgingly woke up, hesitant to face today as it is the anniversary of my great loss, there he was waiting in the hallway to go brush our teeth. I swear , he knew. And now, as I write this, Geddy is at my feet.

Scotia, you are sorrowfully missed, and not a day goes by that you are not in my thoughts and heart. Rest easy and know that your little soldier in the black and white tuxedo is doing his best to ease my pain. I think he has a life long quest ahead. I miss you so much.

As I said last year, do me a favor and Hug your furry kids today. They really are so selfless, and deserve some extra attention.

Big Hugs,

It's Fall Ya'll!! Lindy Stamp Gang Contest

Hello All!

Just got back from hosting the Art on the Rang(er) Retreat! A wonderful get together! I want to Thank all of the great gals who attended, shared, and supported this event! Big Hugs and Kisses!!!!

Lindy's has a great contest...... Click here: http://lindystampgang.blogspot.com/



I hope to get back creating this week! Thanks for all of your wonderful support!!!!

Hugs,

Art on the Ranger Retreat! 9/30/11-10/4/11

Please click on the page Art on the Rang(er) Retreat on this blog for further info!

Mailing Update....

Hello Everyone!

Just wanted to take a brief minute and update the rolodex swappers.....

All have been received! That I know of, we did wind up with a few not sent in, so that leaves us with a total of 17 swappers including myself.
I had made a mess of the actual swapping, and managed to sort it all out last night, when we returned from Mother's, so now all that is left to do is get them packaged and off to the mail. I hope to do that this weekend.

I do have a lot to accomplish between now and then. Mother is set to return home this Wednesday, and we still have tons of cleaning and organizing, and family training to accomplish before then. I don't think we will make it, but we may get things moving in the right direction.

I expect that the next several weeks will be taken up with family obligations. I wanted to give you a glimpse of the emotional roller coaster we have been on.

We have done a lot of research, many facility tours, (at one stage we were considering assisted living facilities),tons of cleaning, and encouragement, and a lot of prayer and hoping for a positive outcome. The nurses at the hospital and the doctors have been fantastic, and I am left feeling happy for my Mother's progress, exhausted over the insurmountable work load, aggravated with my employer, proud of my local property team, art deprived, and grateful for my Ustream, and online friends, and generally wrung out. I want to acknowledge my wonderful Keith, who is my voice of reason, support, and love. Without him, nothing is possible, and I am so very lucky to have him in my life.
Geddy the wondercat, has also been pretty great too, offering up a snuggle when I need it, even though he can't stand it:).

It is far from over, but I feel like I have my breath back, even for a moment, and I am beyond grateful, and I am hopeful we will get through all of this.

I appreciate everyone's patience for the mail, the lovely cards I have received, and most of all the kind words and help just thinking through each situation as it comes up. I still need it!

I hope to back to my life pretty soon. And when things return to normal, I hope to finish my craft room, and have developed a better relationship with my family. Life always grows in directions you never think it will....

Big Hugs to all,

Challenge #2: Create a shaped card

Hello Everyone,

Today on my Ustream show, we made a shaped card. So my challenge to you, is to do the same. Take an A2 sized card base 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches and turn it into something else, what ever you want! A bird, a baseball mitt, a car, a flowerpot, you name it. The shape you come up with should be recognizable as the object, and it should be a functioning card. It can be any occasion you like. The video below shows the birdhouse cards I made, and an example of a flowerpot card.



You can film a video response and enter via YouTube or you can use the linky tools here to upload a photo of your shaped card. I will choose a few winners next Sunday of some goodies from my stash, most likely stamps, and that sort of thing.

Have fun, and be creative!

Thanks for watching!

Hugs,

Kicked while I'm down

So today was not a good day at my day job.

It was a great day for my Mother, and she used a wheel chair for the first time, managed 3 hours of physical therapy, and made a lot of progress.

Just goes to show you, there is always something to be grateful for, and if the bears at work have decided to descend upon me, at least my Mom sounds encouraged, and even a little happy for the first time in weeks.

I'll take it as one for the good books, especially if it means she is closer to recovery.

My future employment is now in the hands of my team. Considering they have let me down as of late, it is hard to place your trust in them. I know I am a good manager, and have produced fantastic results in the past. It is just a matter of doing it once again. and it is about priorities, and as much as I take my job seriously, my family comes first.

Frankly, if that is'nt good enough, then I don't want to work there anyway. But I find myself stuck in the place that many of us face, I have to work, and I like it there. Quitting on a sound principle isn't the answer, and won't help my bank account.

So, today I was "documented" for the first time in a 20 year career. Mostly for things that are not my direct responsibility, and mostly because it says General Manager next to my name. So it is all my responsibility ultimately.

Sometimes I hate being the boss. Today was one of those days. Through it all, and it was not pleasant, I find myself very grateful for the good day my Mom had.

Pardon the expression, but everyone else can kiss my ass. I know how hard I work, and it has to be good enough, for today anyway. Because today it was Mom's turn for a good day...

Hugs,

Update... 7/27/11

Hello everyone,

As many of you are aware, My Mother was hospitalized last week, and I really want to THANK all of you for your patience kindness and support as we navigate her illness.

I have gotten a lot of questions, so let me try and address them. My Mother is a type 2 diabetic. Last week her sugar bottomed out, and she encountered her legs locking up, and excessive swelling of her lower half. She has experienced very painful neuropathy in her legs for the past 2 years, which has exhausted her, and impeded her ability to walk very well. She requires a lot of assistance. The wonderful doctors and nurses at South Jersey Regional Medical Center, managed to stabilize her, and get her treatment for what was believed to be a blood clot. The clot dissolved, and they changed her medication, and she is making her way back to becoming more active in her life.

Yesterday, Tuesday, after a week in the main hospital, she was transferred to the rehabilitation hospital, and she starts her physical and occupational therapy, which is intensive, to gain back her ability to walk and care for herself.

I am an only child, so the weight of her care has shifted from my Dad, to me. We have been doing our best to keep up with preparing thier condo for receipt of a wheel chair and other medically needed equipment, seeing all the doctors, getting the things she needs, etc. My parents live a 1 hour drive from me, so I have been commuting as well. It is really worth it, but I am becoming very tired, and I am trying to meet the demands of my job as well. A special thank you to everyone over at the hotel, for all you are doing in my absence.

I have received many questions regarding the rolodex swap. I am still waiting for receipt of 3 girls cards, upon receipt I will swap out everything and get it mailed out. I hope to have everyone's cards this week.

I am still working on my art room, literally a box at a time. If I manage to get a box done a day, I am happy. If only I did not have 1000 boxes....

I am trying to remain positive in this impossible situation, get as much rest as I can, and do the best I can for everyone. My art friends have become an invaluable resource, and I have realized, that art and the community is truly my solace.

Keep a good thought, and I hope to be back soon, with My Mom's health restored, and my employment intact, my studio completed, and having had a good nap.

Big Hugs to you all,

7/15/11 Rolodex Swap Update

Hi All!
As of 7/15/11, here is the received:


Mailing Status:

1. Laurel (me:)
2. Julia- Received
3. Darlene-Artedar-Received
4. Michele-AnMiSu-Received
5. Linda-Lindalap- Received
6. Diane- Received
7. Sheri- Received
8. Beth-Received
9. Kerri- Received
10.Lisa-Received
11.Clare- Received
12.Ketsia- Received
13. Carol Blais- Received
14. Sarah
15. Mandy
16. Sandi
17. Martha-Seekingforart
18. Debra-Received
19. Jean Musicscrp- Received

I really appreciate everyone's participation. BTW- Here is my address:

Laurel DeViney
307 Kirklin Ave
Linwood, NJ 08221 USA

I am looking forward to seeing everyone's finished rolodex cards!

Hugs,

1300 Subbies! Giveaway Time!

Hello everyone!

Wow! Who would have thought it? I have crossed another milestone over on YouTube! 1300 plus subscribers! I cannot believe it!

THANK YOU!!!!!

Details for the little giveaway I am hosting can be found below in the video. I will leave the giveaway open until 7/5/11. You can earn up to three entries.... post a comment on my YouTube channel- on the Giveaway video...Scotia9338. You can become a follower on my blog, and post a comment here on this post, and you can follow me on Twitter, and retweet the giveaway details.Please include me in the tweet. LaurelDeViney on Twitter.

1300 Thank you's!!!!



Hugs,

Appreciation and Friendship

Hi Everyone,

I have been thinking a lot lately about friendship, appreciation, humility and a lot of similar topics.

I feel it is very important to appreciate your friends and acquaintances, always remember to be humble and grateful. There are so many wonderful artists in the community, that I have been fortunate to interact with, and some I have met in person. Recently I have been approached to be a mediator, or a shoulder to cry on, by several people. I always do my best to help friends build a bridge, or lend an ear.

As I am thinking about these people, situations and topics, the advice of my dear ole Dad creeps into my mind...

1. What does it cost you to say Thank you? Absolutely nothing, and you gain so much.

2. Don't sweat the small stuff. The older I get, the more I realize how true this is. It just ain't worth it.

3. When irritation comes, breathe in deeply, exhale, and smile. Take a moment and decide if it is worth your energy to get worked up over. Usually not worth it.

4. Everyone loves appreciation, and it is so easy to give, and the most often forgotten.

5. No one likes a know-it-all. There is one in every crowd... it is exhausting to be inundated with a singular opinion, that you may or may not agree with.

6. This is my hubby's best advice: No one ever got in trouble keeping his or her mouth shut. ( enough said, I think)

7. Be Grateful, and humble. Appreciate those around you, your family, friends, your position, everything....there are so many affected by real problems, and injustice.

8. Be Genuine! Most misunderstandings start because of miscommunication. Say what you mean, Mean what you say.

9. Don't forget where you come from. Everyone started somewhere, and had a village around them supporting their experiences and success or failure. Contrary to popular belief, you can go home again. I think it is more important to never leave home by staying grounded, as your life teaches you things through experiences.

10. Talk it out. There are multiple sides to every story. If you encounter mistreatment from a friend, don't clam up, talk it out. Clamming up harbors resentment, and frustration builds. Make sure it is positive conversation. If nothing positive can be gained from talking it over, than I wouldn't. Just let it go...but really let it go. It was probably petty in the first place.


I know we all know these things, but sometimes seeing it acts as a great reminder. Also to the easier said than done bunch.... it really isn't. It is easier to do than reassemble the pieces of friendship following an argument.

I am proud to say, that in my friendship of 24 years with my husband Keith, we have had one argument. It was a dozy. Lots of drama, so much so, we never had another one....and we don't plan on it. One aspect of our partnership is, we don't hold it in, and we don't yell or raise our voices. If either of us has an issue we refer to #10, and we pretty much abide by all of the other suggestions. We both are pretty laid back people, but let's face it, we are from NJ. Known for it's temper tantrums. I can't remember my last one. Healthy debate? Had one last week.

So that is my two cents. If I can ever be a help to any of you, please let me know. I appreciate each and every one of you so much. Thanks for watching my art journey, and reading.

Big Hugs,

Ustream Fun with Friends.....

Hi Everyone!

Today I had a marathon stream over at Ustream, where we completed a mini album from beginning to end. It was inspired by Kathy Orta;s duct tape technique, which is really helpful in making a sturdy binding. We took some help from the store, and used some Michael's Recollections cards and envelopes, as well as the Tim Holtz Crowded Attic Paper Stash. I had made a similar album shown at the beginning of the Ustream class using G45 Magic of Oz papers. Also a lot of fun. I think my favorite project was a triptych I made using the Tim Holtz Cabinet Card die and Mini Cabinet Card die. Added some beautiful papers ala Rach0113 technique of misting and scrunching, ironing and stamping, and a few Tim Holtz images and some beeswax and there you have it!

I can see myself making a lot of these little shines.

Video of the finished projects below:



Thanks so much for reading and watching... I hope you will visit my YouTube channel and catch me on Sundays at 11am EST over on Ustream.

Hugs,

Rolodex Swap Update

Hi All!

Sorry to have not been in touch, life happens!

To give an update on the Rolodex swap. Seems as though a Canadian Postal Strike is giving our participants some trouble with the mail. So, deadline to mail to me is now 7/15/11. Just want to give everyone a chance.

Also, Please make 20 rolos, we have had some add ons.

Mailing Status:

1. Laurel (me:)
2. Julia- Received
3. Darlene-Artedar-Received
4. Michele-AnMiSu-Received
5. Linda-Lindalap- Received
6. Diane- Received
7. Sheri- Received
8. Beth-Received
9. Kerri
10.Lisa-Received
11.Clare- Received
12.Ketsia
13. Carol Blais- Received
14. Sarah
15. Mandy
16. Sandi
17. Martha-Seekingforart
18. Debra-Received
19. Jean Musicscrp- Received

I really appreciate everyone's participation. BTW- Here is my address:

Laurel DeViney
307 Kirklin Ave
Linwood, NJ 08221 USA

I am looking forward to seeing everyone's finished rolodex cards!

Hugs,

Update... Rolodex swap, and me....

Hello Everyone!

You may think I have gotten lost lately, and in a sense I have. It is the start of our season at the hotel, and my day job has taken over! I literally have worked every day this past week, and have six more days to conquer this week.

One of the things I have been doing is playing host to several exchange students from China. We as a company are participating for the first time this year, and getting them settled has been a large task. I have a total of 8 students arriving this past week and next. I had to stop and think about what would a person need to get settled in the US for the first time? Well, it is everything from accommodations, to bank accounts to maps. It takes a lot of effort. It also reaps wonderful rewards. So far 5 students have arrived. I have managed to get them settled into our hotel temporarily, and they will move nearby today. They needed tons of things to meet their basic needs of cooking etc. I have managed to show them the beach, boardwalk, an American yard sale, a nature preserve, and the general area.

Still tons to do this week. I have 3 more arriving this week, and the process repeats itself, along with a trip to Social Security on Thursday. It is amazing to see your own backyard through someone else's eyes, that have never been to America.

So that is where I have been....

I have received the first rolodex swaps. If you are in need of my address, please e-mail me at ldeviney@comcast.net , and I will provide. There has been a lot of discussion about how many to make etc. If you can make 20, that is great. Then I will sort out all of the late folks, and get them swapped out by July 4 weekend.

I have not created anything in a week.. I think I will start out with a card kit to get back into it. Thank you for all of your support and lovely comments for my Wild Orchid Crafts submissions. I was not selected as part of their design team. A few of my good friends were though! Congratulations to Sarah! Way to go!

I will do a show today, just me arting around... not sure where it will lead.

Thanks for all of your patience and support!

Hugs,

Wild Orchid Crafts Design Team Submission.....

Hi Everyone!

Below are some photos of the projects I created using the beautiful flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts...

First up the altered Clock.....




I found this clock made of wrought iron, for 50 cents at a yard sale.

Next my perfume bottle....




I love the pics of the perfume bottle, if only they all turned out that way! The flowers and seam binding are all Wild Orchid Crafts, the charm is a vintage chandelier drop.

I really enjoyed creating both projects! The flowers are beautiful! check out www.wildorchidcrafts.com

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

Fellow Crafter needs our support....

Hi Everyone,

I am hopeful that I can appeal to your sense of charity and support of a fellow scrappy sister who is need of our help.

Annette, who is charmfuldelights , over on YouTube, has come upon hard times in this down economy, with the addition that her husband, who is the family's bread winner has been laid off. She is up against it financially, as many of us have been, and facing an unexpected tax bill.

She is selling a lot of her craft supplies, a camera, books, basically everything she has in her craft room, in order to meet the needs she has financially. Please go over to her YouTube channel, and leave her some encouragement, and if you are interested, send her a message for things available for purchase.



Annette, currently is where many of have been in the past, at the end of her rope, and cannot take yet another thing to make life temporarily hard. I can sympathize, for sure.

I saw that Toni, thetoad78, made a video that asked the community for help, and I offerred my assistance as well. Toni says, if we could donate just a little money collectively, a spare dollar or a pound, certainly it would not be missed, and we could do so much to help someone in true need. I agree. If we can raise just a little bit of funds, to help give Annette piece of mind, then this effort will be a success.



So, I am offerring my blog, and a donate button, and an appeal to you my readers, that I hope you can find it in your heart to find a few spare dollars and press Donate so we can help Annette out.

I will pass on the donations to Annette via Paypal on May 31, 2011.

I truly hope you can find it in your heart to donate some spare change.

Hugs,

Rolodex Swap Sign Ups, groups...Revised!

Hi Everyone!

Busy week for me! I had work, my birthday, Mother's Day to prepare for, there are never enough hours in the day...

Anyway.... I have scoured my e-mail, looked through the comments, and I have come up with the following folks who would like to participate in our little rolodex swap... ( I say little, as a joke..this has gotten a bit large)

The swappers are in no particular order:

1. Laurel (me:)
2. Julia
3. Darlene-Artedar
4. Michele-AnMiSu
5. Linda-Lindalap
6. Diane
7. Sheri
8. Beth
9. Kerri
10.Lisa
11.Clare
12.Ketsia
13. Carol Blais
14. Sarah
15. Mandy
16. Sandi
17. Martha-Seekingforart

Okay..whew! This is a lot of people! I do not know how to do this in groups, as everyone wants a card from each other, so my apologies but it is a lot to do.
I appreciate everyone's interest, and would like to go over the details once again.

Please make 16 Rolodex cards to send to me. If you want one for yourself, make 17 and keep one.
Shape: Telephone and Address Card Sizzix Die - I have this die if you need die-cuts, please send me an e-mail.
Theme: All about you- Interpret how you wish
Info: On one side please include your information. This should include: Your real name, mailing address, facebook, twitter, blog, Youtube channel, Ustream name, Channel
At least one embellishment on each page. No they all do not have to match, just please send work you would like to receive.
Back the cards in medium weight chipboard if possible please.
Hostess gifts are not necessary, but are always appreciated.

If your name does not appear on the list above- I have missed your comment or e-mail. Please e-mail me ldeviney@comcast.net using Rolodex swap as the subject by May 8th! and I will add you. So girls final counts will be announced on Sunday 5/8/11, not to exceed 20, I know this is a lot.- ***SWAP is now closed- Thanks- 5/10/11-ldv

******SUBMISSION DATE EXTENDED*********
They need to be in my hands by June 30th! International girls please allow enough time for my receipt. Self Addressed Envelopes included in your submission are appreciated. International Girls- I must have a valid e-mail address connected to a paypal account submitted with your parcels. I will invoice you return postage once the swap is mailed back out.
Girls in the USA- please include the same amount of postage as it took to get to me inside your envelope. No metered strips please. I will return any unused stamps, so please throw in a few extra.

If you have my mailing address great! If not please e-mail me as detailed above and I will get it to you.

This is going to be fun, have a blast, get creative, and if you run into problems with participation- email me ASAP, as I know life happens.

Thanks so much!

Hugs,

Use what is on your desk challenge... Winners!

Hi Everyone....

Here are the winners!





A special Thank you to my wonderful friends and judges, Dale, Mitzi and Paula.
It was hard to pick, was'nt it girls?

Hugs,

Rolodex card swap details, and sign ups

Hi everyone!

Last week on my Ustream show, discussion was had about goals, and RAKS and such. As their seems to be some new folks in our group, who have yet to share their addresses, so the idea was hatched to do this swap.

Here are the details of the swap, please do not sign up unless you plan to fulfill your spots, submission deadlines etc. This is to bring everyone closer together, not alienate them by a silly flaker...

I will take sign ups here on my blog only... until May 4, 2011. Please leave a comment on this post to include you. I will also need you to send me an e-mail with your contact info as follows: Name, YT name, address, blog info, twitter name etc.
Please e-mail this to: ldeviney@comcast.net

Once I have all sign ups, I will form the groups, and you may sign up for more than one spot if you choose. Best to see what we need first.

International swappers are welcome, please be mindful of due dates, and added postage costs.



* Shape~ Telephone & Address Card (Sizzix Die)
* Theme- All about you- interpret how you wish
* Please be sure include your information. ( You Tube Channel, Blog, Facebook,address etc) on one side of the card. If you do not want others to know your address, please do not sign up.
* At least one embellishment on each page (flower, stick pin, charm, etc.)
* Use medium weight chipboard for mounting.
* I will leave it up to you to create your own letter tabs, this way you will have them all look the same. Also, this will also give you the chance to place the cards in any order you'd like.
* I would love for you to go all out on your page. Use whatever techniques you like, and whatever supplies are your favorites.

* PLEASE be fair to everyone participating. If you're unable to continue the swap, please notify me asap. I would like everyone to have a complete Rolodex.

These need to be in my hands no later than June 15th. This will give you plenty of time to create all cards. I will ship out once I receive all the cards.
Place your pages in a plastic zipper type bag to prevent possible water damage and to protect the pages. Include a SASE with the same amount of postage as it took to mail to me, plus and extra two stamps. If additional stamps aren't needed, I will send them back. PLEASE NO metered strips!!!
Thank you all for participating. Have fun!

If you don't already have my address, email me once you're ready to mail out and I will email you my address.


Let the sign ups begin! If you have questions, please e-mail me!

Here are a few examples I found on the internet:

here, and here.

Hugs,

Use what is on Your Desk Challenge.. Update....#2

Hi Ladies,

Winners to be announced here on Thursday night. I have enlisted the help of a few impartial judges, and I will have their picks by then. Also I have decided to go with 4 winners by dividing the submissions into some categories...so stay tuned!

Thanks for all of your participation, and your patience!

Hugs,

Use what is on Your Desk Challenge.. Update....

Happy Easter Everyone!

Thanks so much for all of the participation for last week's Use that is on your desk challenge. It was a lot of fun. At this moment, I have a total of 13 submissions, that submitted artwork, via video response or photo upload. If you did participate, and did not link to the challenge video on Youtube, or here on my blog, please send me an e-mail to ldeviney@comcast.net with a photograph of your completed artwork. I will accept entries until 4/25/11. at 8pm EST. You can also send me YouTube message over at Scotia9338.

I will collate all the entries and select a few winning pieces and send out some Lindy's this week. In my mind, we are all winners. So is your desk any cleaner? Not yet? take the challenge and clean up! lol.

In today's Ustream class we made some designer zippered bags, inspired by the lovely Lindalap from over on Youtube. Go check out her channel and blog. Here is a link to her YouTube">Linda Lap
Here are a few pictures of my bags....



Created using the Tim Holtz Crowded Attic paper



Created using K & Co Celeste paper Stash


Created using the Tim Holtz Kraft Resist Paper Stash, and Lindy Stamp Gang Rhododendron Red Rose Starburst Stain



Created using Tim Holtz Shabby Chic(?) Paper Stash

Here is the recording here:



Video streaming by Ustream

During our class, a few ideas for challenges arose, and I will be hosting a rolodex swap upcoming. Sign ups will be accepted here on my blog until 5/4/11. I will create a separate blog post for the swap details. I hope you will participate!

Happy Easter Everyone!

Hugs,

Challenge: Use what is on your desk....

Good Morning!

Happy Sunday! I hope you are finding lots of crafting time this weekend.

I was speaking with some girls recently about inspiration, staying motivated, and a topic came up that is something I do a lot: Use what is on your desk. I find it helps me to rethink how I will use my supplies, and get outside my box so to speak.

So here is my challenge to you for this week. At some point this week, prior to cleaning up your desk, make a card or a tag using only the supplies on your desk. If you need a specific stamp or card base or die cut, go grab it, but leave the rest up to chance. Set yourself a time limit, I would say no longer than an hour, and get creative. The challenge is in reworking the supplies in a way you had not thought of.

I have created a video below to show you my creations. Please make a video response to the video on my YouTube channel or snap a picture and upload it to your blog, and use the linky tools below to post it here. I will leave the challenge open for one week, and choose a winner on April 24, 2011 of some Lindy Stamp Gang Products.

So we are working on the honor system...don't raid your stash and put it all on your desk, then do the challenge...lol, let it happen naturally. Now I did not say it had to be completed in one sitting...:)

Enjoy it.. it is very liberating...



Hugs,

Lemon Flower Baroque Mini Kit

Thank you so much! This kit is currently sold out!!!


Hi Everyone!

I am offering another kit! In this kit you will receive the following:

7 Heavy weight chipboard Baroque Die Cuts
3 doilies- 5 inch size
DCWV Lemon Flower Baroque die cuts- Single Sided Glittered, Embossed - 24
DCWV Lemon Flower coordinating Card Stock 20 pieces- 3 glittered (single sided), 6 metallic (double sided), 11 textured cardstock ( double sided ).

One of each patterned papers or cardstock stock die cut in Baroque shape. 44 total sheets of paper!

Stick pin kit- 5 pins and assorted beads in clear, black, green, and pearl
2 small Binding rings, 1 Large
1 Homemade mini closure clasp, with vintage chandelier glass charm
Kraft Cardstock tags- 7 large, 7 medium, 7 small
Flowers- 5 black small iamroses roses, 10 iamroses cherry blossoms, 12 recollections cream or white flowers, and several recollections teardrops in clear.
Bag of Bling- attach with hot glue or glossy accents
Chipboard pieces- 1 small postage frame, 1 large, 2 bookplates from Tim Holtz #8 tag die with centers.
Trims- At least 12 inches of each trim in some cases 18 inches or 1 yard.
11 Ribbons/trims:

Green Bo Bunny Type Bloomers
1/4 green satin
5/8 green with white stiching
5/8 Black Organdy
1/4 Black organdy
Silver trim 1/4 inch
5/8 Yellow Grosgrain
White ruffled with small flowers approx 3/4 inch wide
White striped Satiny- 5/8
White Crochet 1 inch lace
Grey grosgrain with white polka dots

Lots and lots of great coordinating items. Check out the video below:



$30.00 includes Domestic Shipping. International Customers welcome, please e-mail me for added shipping charge.

Thanks for watching!

Hugs,

Lindy Stamp Gang Linky Party!

Do you love Lindy’s Stamp Gang products? Join the party!

Enter your artwork using any LSG products in the Lovin’ Lindy’s Linky Party and you may win a Little Lindy’s Try-Me Kit! There’s a giveaway a day, drawn randomly, for seven days! Just follow these simple rules:

1. Projects must contain at least one Lindy’s Stamp Gang product.

2. Your email is required to qualify for prizes. (Don’t worry, it’s safe, LSG will never sell or give away your information).

3. Your entry photo must be posted somewhere public, like a blog or online photo album (picasa, google, photobucket). Please link to your blog post, not just your blog address.

4.  Enter as many times as you would like.

5. Giveaways will be drawn randomly every day from all entries posted. Winners will be posted on the Lindy’s Stamp Gang blog and will be contacted by email. Prize winners have 7 days to claim their prize.

Are you ready? Just select the grey “Click Here to Enter” button below the thumbnails and follow the steps to join the party!

Can't wait to WIN?

One day only sale!

25% off Starburst Stains, Sprays and Color Shots

April 15 only

Use coupon code TAXDAY on checkout

Shop">http://lindystampgang.com/">Shop at Lindy's Stamp Gang

Lindy Stamp Gang Bunny Hop!

Welcome Everyone!

Happy Spring! The snow has finally stopped, and the daffodils have bloomed here in Southern NJ. Puts me in a spring time mood!



In honor of Spring, and the Lindy Stamp Gang Bunny Hop, and customer Linky Party...(yes, a wonderful contest!) I created an Easter Topiary...

I was inspired by a similar topiary I saw at my local craft store, but I wanted to improve upon it, so of course I turned to my Lindy Stamp Gang Products, in shimmering spring colors....

I purchased the topiary at my local craft store, and went to town embellishing it. I made the eggs using La Doll Air dry clay, and then colored them by painting on my Starburt Stains and Sprays in Yellow Rose of Texas, Cotton Candy Pink, and Tiffany's Blissful Blue. I also painted up some flowers in the same colors. Hot glued them on my topiary, added some crystal bling flower centers, added the ribbon, and voila! Spring hopped into our home.

The eggs are very shimmery in person. I love how easy Lindy Stamp Gang products are to use, and how versatile the colors are.




So you are in the midst of a Bunny Hop! Be sure to check out the Design Team Members blogs to see all of the wonderful Springtime creations they are making...


Oh,before you go...Lindy's is having a Linky Party April 15-22, for all of you! Each day one lucky artist who creates with Lindy Stamp Gang, and uploads will receive a little Lindy's! You can't win if you don't create! Winners will be randomly selected. Create something using your Lindy's Stamp Gang products in honor of Spring, and upload! It could be you who wins!


Thanks for hopping along with us!

Hugs,

Giveaway and Ramblings....Updated with winner!

Hi Everyone,

I am so glad to be home! Conferences are great, but makes me appreciate being home more than ever.

So, I know everyone is asking about the giveaway. Hopefully I can award it today. My printer is out of ink, and the overwhelming response in comments requires me to print out the comments, and number them....I am going to Staples today to get the ink.

Being away for a few days and not crafting, has really got me blocked creatively. Sometimes when I have projects due or I am feeling a bit blocked, I make something for someone else, or something I really like doing. Yesterday, I was off, unexpectedly, and felt a bit blocked, so I put everything to the side and worked on Kathy Orta's paper bag mini album. I had wanted to make another one, and it was a good way to get me creating again...now to finish it.

I also have a few cards I need to finish, and some shopping, and some cleaning....how do we manage to fit it all in?

So I have a question...how do you stay inspired? How do you manage to fit it all in? Crafting, Cleaning, Family,work? It is a delicate balance. Reply to this post with your answer via a comment, and I will choose one and award some Lindy's Stamp Gang Goodness!
I will leave this open until next Saturday April 9.

*** Thanks for all of the wonderful feedback! I received a total of 12 comments so I let Random.org select lucky number 9, and our winner is...Julie D! Great suggestions from everyone. I will be sending you some Lindy's goodies!

Thanks for commenting everyone!

Have a productive, Creative day!

Hugs,

1000 Subscribers....

Hi Everyone,

Late last year, I had a goal of achieving 500 subscribers on YouTube, and with all of your wonderful support, I achieved my goal in no time. Soon after I set a goal to reach 1000, and really thought it would take another year to achieve. I am so overwhelmed and humbled that a mere 3 months later, I have crossed the 1000 subbie mark!

I am so thrilled to share my love of papercrafts with all of you. A lot has changed in the past 6 months for me. I began my Sunday Ustream Show, I have met so many new friends, and got to travel with some of them. I completed the Marion Smith 31 day challenge- (yeah me!), I became a design team member for Lindy Stamp Gang,(another goal of mine), and I basically have come out of my creative shell, and not been so quiet... I sent my artwork to many wonderful designers, including my favorite Tim Holtz, and have received so many warm wishes, via e-mail, and videos...it was a wave of love coming back to me that I never expected. I have really grown artistically.I have all of you to thank. A year ago, I would have been too shy to even try out for a design team, and this year I attempted three!

I currently have a 1000 subscriber giveaway going on at my YouTube channel. I have tried to pack the giveaway with many of my favorite items, and hard to find items, and some personal art, such as my rendition of Kathy Orta's Lost and Found Paper Bag mini. I have achieved my goal of 1000 subbies, (OMG! in one day, of the video going up! Unbelieveable!)and since I am going out of town until 3/31/11 for work, I thought I would sweeten the pot a little.

If I achieve 1500 subbies by the time I return home and close the video, I will award a second and third place place prize. It will be something handmade put together with some items from my stash. I have not sorted out everything I am thinking just yet, but I promise it will be some great items.

I have attached the subbie giveaway video below. To be entered, you must leave a comment on the original video on YouTube, and be a subscriber on YouTube. I would love it if you followed my blog as well.

Thank you all so very much for your support of my creative journey!



Big Hugs,

Tim Coffey Cottage Garden Mini Album Kit

Hi Everyone! ***Please Note: Any kits ordered between 3/25/11-3/30/11 will be shipped after 4/1/11... Traveling for work! Thanks!

I have been thinking about putting a kit together for sale and here is my very first one!

Quantities are limited, and as I mention in the video, embellishments will vary slightly kit by kit.

All kits come with 6 sheets of medium weight chipboard in a 6 x 6 size
12 6 x 6 double sided sheets of Tim Coffey Cottage Garden Papers
lace and flower pack- 10 iamroses.com flowers and 10 skeleton leaves, ribbon and laces as shown in the video
Metal findings pack including home made book closer, corsage pins, memo pins, adage tickets, beads, and vintage chandelier drop, swivel clasps, large binding ring
lots of die cuts and transparencies from the Cottage Garden Collection 20 plus pieces.
6 Border Strips from Cottage Garden
4 seed packet pockets with tags on adhesive

Any questions please e-mail me at ldeviney@comcast.net

Price per kit is $25 including domestic shipping. International orders welcome, shipping at extra charge, please e-mail me for details.

Thanks for watching!

Hugs,

Lindy Stamp Gang Sale!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Lindy's is having a sale.....




Thank you to Cynthialoowho, for the fantastic video.

check it out! "www.lindystampgang.com


Coupon Code is POTOGOLD for 20% off your entire purchase!

Hugs,

Graphic 45 Design Team Submission

Hi Bloggers!

Well, I am putting together my submission for the Graphic 45 Design Team Call. I hope you will indulge me with giving me your feedback on my projects.

Here we go.....





This tag was created as part of my 31 Day Featured Artist Series as a gift for Arlene Cuevas. It is definitely one of my favorite projects. Uses Steampunk Debutante G45 paper collection. Below is the video I made for the challenge and this project.






These wall hangings were created as part of Angieb43's Beauty Swap. Using Steampunk Debutante papers. ( I see a trend here..lol) Here is the video I made regarding this swap.





The cover of my Nestabilities and MFT Dienamics storage book. Also uses Steampunk Debutante.



Domino Necklace created using Steampunk Debutante. Ustream Show was recorded all about creating these necklaces.

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/12514232


Wall Hanging created as part of the 31 Day Challenge Featured Artist Series for Marion Smith. Uses Le Romantique G45 papers. Here is the tribute video:




One of my favorite tags, created using On the Boardwalk Graphic 45 papers. Loved it so much I kept it for me;)



Altered CD created for ArteDar's CD Swap. Uses Graphic 45 On the Boardwalk papers, and molding paste, and Lumiere paints- all my favorites.



Card created for CreativelyChloe (Dayle) as part of the 31 Day Featured artist series, and for a card contest at a local crop.


Scrabble tile necklaces made as gifts for friends, and swap hostesses using Steampunk Debutante,and Le Romantique Graphic 45 papers.



Creations using Le Cirque Graphic 45 papers- Dressform and Fabrege style egg,and Pinwheel, Le Romantique- Fairy bottle, and On the Boardwalk- FlipFlop box.
(photography was difficult, hope you do not mind the videos)

So, this is a sampling of my projects that I have created over the last 45 days or so all using Graphic 45 papers. I find the papers very beautiful, and inspirational. I appreciate the opportunity to enter for a Design Team position.

Hugs,