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: