A few cards.....

Hi Bloggers!

Today I was working on a few cards which I submitted to be considered for the Ink Pad's Design Team. I just love this store. You have to check them out when you visit New York next. Also, I understand that they will begin selling some things online in the near future, so everyone will benefit.

It had been a dream of mine to even go to their store, which I did this past Monday. I was really fortunate to have a few crafty girls with me as well. Artedar, Darlene, Fran-ladyoflosttimes, and Julie imjkmd. It was a great, great day.

We also went to Rock Paper Scissors- a FABULOUS Store in Montclair , NJ. I really loved everything they had there as well.

Here are the websites for each: www.theinkpadnyc.com
www.rockpaperscissorsnj.com

and.. here are my cards:
































































So... fingers and toes crossed! Wish me luck!

Hugs,

The great box swap......

HI Bloggers!

So the cleanup is still underway. Good progress each day. I hope you are following on YT.

Today I was playing with some new stamps, and decorated an old Cricut box. The idea was hatched to host a box swap, similar to the SSSS Cigar Box swap many of us have seen on YT. Here is what we came up with:

1. This will be a partner swap, and secret. I will draw random partners, following sign ups.
2. Two people will have your address, me, and your partner.
3. My box dimensions are 7 1/2 x 4, but you can use something close in size.
4. Decorate your box in a manner your partner would love.
5. Fill your box with handmade craft, or stash only items. Handmade is preferred.
6. I will take sign ups here, please leave me a comment, AND, send me an e-mail to ldeviney@comcast.net. Please include your snail mail address details, blog address, and your e-mail address. I will pass those details on to your Secret Sister.
7. Please have your box in the mail by March 15, 2012. You will mail to your secret sister. Don't worry if it does not arrive by then, please postmark it by then. Once you mail your box, please e-mail me, that you have done so. This way I can keep track, and if someone has to flake, I can make up the position.
8. International participants welcome. Please note, it is quite likely you will receive a partner who is overseas, and postage is more expensive and takes longer. If this does not work for you, perhaps you can swap with us next time.
9. Most importantly, HAVE FUN!! Make a new friend.
10. Sign ups will be until Friday 2/24/12. I will draw partners on Saturday and send out e-mails.

I hope this sounds fun. I look forward to seeing the opening of the boxes, and perhaps hosting this more often.

Hugs,

Update.....the great clean up

Hello Bloggers!

I know... long time no see , right? Life intervenes in a big way sometimes. So I can guess you all are wondering what happened to me and my Featured Artist Series? Well, I had to work. For about 6 days a week for about 5 weeks. No time to do anything but work. The series is not abandoned, but rather on hiatus....

My intention is to pick it up after I complete the most pressing of projects, begun today. The great clean up, and Move the Studio project.

So I was coerced into making a before video... (thanks Dede!) and from the looks of it you would think a certain TV show may be knocking on my door soon, but it really is not THAT bad. Bad yes, but achievable.

So for posterity, I have recorded a Before video...which is here:



I am using the before, as encouragement for the After...
Don't judge! It took a lot of creative hard work to get it this bad!

Stay tuned for updates.

Hugs,

Welcome to the world baby girl.....

Hi Bloggers,

So I have been inundated by work as of late, so please pardon the interruption to our Featured artist series. My intention is to complete a full month's worth, but- life intervenes.

So today I have a different feature to talk about. Today my Assistant over at the hotel, his wife delivered a healthy 8 lb, 8 oz 22 inch baby girl! It is their first child, and Mommy and Baby are doing well. No name for the new darling as yet, but they are settling on a few top choices.

Some of you know about my private life, but many of you don't. I do not have children, was never blessed in that way. So the birth of this little girl seems a little closer to home, and I could not be more ecstatic for Tim and his wife.

So welcome to the world little one. I am so happy for your safe arrival, and your parents could not love you more.

Big Hugs,

Laurel

Featured Artist Series...Day 12.. Joy Fotojoy

Hi Blogggers!

So I had a few days of rest, and work, and I back to share with you my featured artist for Day 12, and yes we are behind 2 days...yeesh!

Day 12's artist is....... Joy!! Fotojoy to you and me, everywhere.

I met Joy through the Ustream gang last year, and I find her to be truly what her name says, a Joy. She is extremely talented, long been a scrapbooker, painter, art journaler and all around crafter. She is a neighbor to another good friend of mine http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifMitzi, and they have been able to get together quite often when their schedules align, for a little shopping and visiting. Most recently, Joy is participating in DarcyW's postcard challenge, and I really have enjoyed the postcards so far. Just amazing work, and such a cool idea.

Here is everywhere to find Joy:

Blog: http://fotojoys.blogspot.com
Ustream: fotojoys artful delights
YouTube:1fotojoy
Twitter:@fotojoy

I almost got to meet Joy at a gathering last May, and unfortunately could not make it. I truly hope to meet her in person in the future. The Ustream crowd encouraged her to start her own show, and I hope her schedule permits her to do some more shows, because the talent she shares is really spectacular!

Here is a tag I made for Joy:


Thanks for sharing Joy!

Big Hugs!

Hi Bloggers!

Today I am bringing you Featured Artist for Day 11. The lovely Linda, known to you as LindaLap over on YouTube.
I first discovered Linda via YouTube last year, when she showed a creative way to make a zippered bag out of a piece of 12 x 12 paper. Ingenious, and cute! I contacted Linda to ask if I could share it on my Ustream show, and we have been following each other, ever since.

I really like a lot of the projects Linda makes. She re-purposes thrift store items, makes cards, participates in a lot of challenges, and has a really great way of sharing her creations via YouTube. I love all of her videos. Linda has a really soothing voice. Her videos are put together really well, with great music, and videography. I am hoping Linda and I could become friends on skype and she could walk me through how she creates her videos, and edits them.

One of the ways I have connected with Linda, and she may not know it, is she followed a gal in an Urge to Purge organization project. Well, great idea! I have a need to move my craft room to a larger room in my house, and she gave me the tools to do it, without spenging a fortune. and to complete it a little at a time. Thanks Linda! Love the stickles box you created.

Here is everywhere to find Linda:
Blog:http://cardsbylinda.blogspot.com
YouTube:LindaLap

Here is a video of a tag I created for Linda.




So keep creating Linda! I love all of your projects, and how you have inspired me.
Hugs,

:

Featured Artist Series- Day 10...Sarah 3dogs2kids

Hello Bloggers! Well here we are back on track for our day 10 Featured Artist Series! See, sometimes things work out! BTW- all tags will be mailed out to the artists following the series at the end of the month. I have a desire for a group photo of all the artwork this year.
So without further ado....Day 10's Featured Artist is: Sarah...3dogs2kids

I met Sarah this past year via her Ustream channel the Green Craft Workshop.
I cannot tell a lie, I first thought it meant "Green" as in going green or enviornmentally responsible? It turns out it is a literal Green colored workshop in Sarah's yard. But, Sarah is also a great repurposer. I have seen her take inspiration from bakery boxes, bottles, beautiful photos of her world around her as well as her family, and wonderful dogs.
Sarah is my favorite "shabby chic" style artist. We share that vintage twist to things that I really like. I also could listen to Sarah talk all day long. Love her Scottish accent. She is quick whit, and shares so many of her projects with all of us, and makes it look so easy. After watching Sarah, I often feel inspired, empowered in a sense that "I can make it too"!
Sarah has a lovely family including 2 dogs called...Chunky and Mitzi. They sound adorable, but that could be the accent.:) Sarah and I have a lot in common, and I thrilled we have become friends. We cardmaker's stick together!
Sarah is a member of the Wild Orchid Crafts Design Team, the Wild Bunch over on YouTube. So you can see her beautiful creations on two channels.

Here is everywhere you can find Sarah:
Blog: http://thehandmadecardblog.wordpress.com
YouTube:3dosand2kids
WOC YT:wildorchidcrafts
Ustream:The Green Craft Workshop
Folksy store:The Blue Shed
Twitter:@SarahJAllan

Love everything you make and share Sarah! Love, the cool words you use... and love to hang out and faff around crafting with you!



Hugs,