Monday, December 30, 2013

Merry Christmas!!

Hi everyone! I know I have been a bit quiet on here lately. As if the Christmas season is not busy enough, we had lots of excitement here as well... And not all good excitement!!
We were in a car accident first... We were driving along the highway while it was snowing... Traffic was slowing down ahead of us, so we did also. All of a sudden... WHAM!!!! A tractor trailor smashed into the back of us!!!!!!!!! We believe that the driver may have fallen asleep... As the roads were not slippery... But who knows! Anyway, that was the beginning of our holiday season. Next, 2 sick kids... Snow storms to cancel out church Christmas concert and Christmas Eve candle light service... Then on Sunday Dec 22, we got another big snow and ice storm... It knocked out our power and telephone!!! It was out all thru Christmas, right thru until Sunday dec 29th!! An entire week with no power!!!
So needless to say, it was a Christmas to remember for sure!  We are well set up and had water, heat and a small generator to run the fridge enough to keep from loosing anything.
But now I am back!! It will take me a bit to get back into the groove... But I'll get there. I need a bit of an attitude adjustment as well,... But that's another story! LOL!
I did want to drop by and wish you all a very merry Christmas!!!! I appreciate your comments and emails so much!  I look forward to a creative filled 2014!!
Later if the week I hope to post some of my favorite projects of 2013 ... So stay tuned!
Until then, Happy creating!

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Glittered Poinsettia Video for Imagine Crafts

Hey! Thanks for stopping by! Today I have a fun video to share with you! I created this project for Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko. I LOVE LOVE LOVE The Goosebumps spray!!!!! In this project I have used it to hold Glitter on the Vertigo Poinsettia's! And frame as well. LOVE!!!

I ADORE how this turned out!!! Pictures never do it justice.... but here it is...

And here's how I did it!!
Here are some closeups...
And last but not least, here are the products that I used...

Supplies:

Bazzill Cardstock (white, green)
vellum
Just Rite Stampers sentiment
Prima bling
Want2Scrap pearls
May Arts Lace
Hot Glue Gun
Xyron Mega Runner
Glitter

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you are enjoying all of the festive Christmas preparations!!!
Until next time...
Happy Creating!!!

Thursday, December 05, 2013

Holiday Planner vido tutorial

Hi everyone! As the Christmas season approaches, we can so easily get caught up in the rush and business of it all. I know ALL about it, let me tell ya!! :)
So today I want to share with you a cute Holiday planner that I created for Spellbinders. I have a full video showing you exactly how to recreate it!! It's a touch long, so grab a Cuppa your fav morning drink (or evening for my friends overseas!!) and join me for a few minutes this morning!

Thanks for stopping by!! Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the season... It's part of the fun... :)

Until Next time..
Happy Creating!!

Thursday, November 28, 2013

I AM A SCRAPBOOKER!!!

I wanted to share something a bit personal with you today... I know some of you seen a post recently on Facebook about me going thru a creative crisis... LOL! Well let me explain...
In the creative world, there are SO many different aspects to explore. And I LOVE to explore them all. However, I am NOT good at them all! I look at some designers and think "Man! Why can't I make cards like that!" or "I want to do jewelry like her!!" I look at pinterest and say "I want that to be my style"... and when I try to do or be these things... it doesn't work. It's not who I am!!! And then I found myself getting down and discouraged. I know this is something we have all done!! And it's no fun.
But then I came to a realization... A big one for me... Something I have always known...
I AM A SCRAPBOOKER!!!
 
I started this creative journey in scrapbooking and it was my passion! I lost that along the way... trying to be something I'm not... trying to be someone I'm not. God has blessed me with a gift. Why am I complaining and wanting the gift he gave to someone else? I feel like a spoiled child on Christmas, wanting what her sister got instead of her own gift!!! When in fact, the gift I was given, is exactly what I wanted!!!
 
Now that's not to say I won't still try other forms of creating! I love it all! But it's ok when those projects don't turn out as good as some peoples do. It's OK!!!!  It's ok for me to go thru Pinterest and deeply admire the projects and styles that belong to other people! It's a good thing! They worked hard on those projects and they deserve to be admired!!! But I am thru being jealous!!!
I am so blessed to have the backing of three amazing companies! They believe in what I do! They love what I do! So I'm going to do my best in what I do! Because I LOVE IT!!! Thank you Spellbinders, Thank you Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko, and Thank you Zva Creative!!!
And THANK YOU to you... for visiting my blog, leaving comments, emailing me... for supporting me in such an amazing way! Even thru my crisis... LOL! I love when you comment "WOW! Thank you for showing me how to do that!! For Inspiring ME!" That's my goal, to inspire YOU! And I can only do that if I am inspired myself!!
So, if you have read this far, thank you. I just felt I needed to get that out there.
I am looking forward to all of the creating that is to come! There will be all kinds of projects to come, but I have a feeling there will also be a lot more scrapbook pages! :) Know why?
 I AM A SCRAPBOOKER!!!
Than you all, You mean so much to me!!!
(((HUGS))
 

December Dreams layout for Spellbinders Ad!

I absolutely LOVE working for a company that USES my work!!! There is nothing like the feeling you get from opening a magazine and SEEING your work in print! You know what I mean!! You wanna walk around the store and say, "SEE THAT? Isn't it awesome? It's mine!!" LOL!
Well, I have not seen this in print yet but it's coming! It is a scrapbook page that I created for Spellbinders and they are using it in a series of Advertisements!!!! It can be found in Scrapbooking and Cards today, Winter issue, Scrapbooking and Beyond winter, and Canadian Scrapbooker winter! I am SO excited!!! Let me show you what to look for!!
 

And ya know what the fun part is? There are complete instructions for this project found on Spellbinders website!!! Check them out here! It also includes a full list of supplies I used!


Thanks for stopping by!!!
Stay tuned for another post coming right up... a bit more personal in nature... but it's all good! :)
Until next time,
Happy Creating!!!


Thursday, November 21, 2013

Spellbinders Platinum Party Blog Hop!!

Hi!! Did you know Spellbinders® is having a
Platinum Party Blog Hop!!!!

It is your chance to visit some of Spellbinders favorite product partners, learn some amazing techniques, and win some great prizes! Simply visit the Spellbinders blog for a chance to win a HUGE grand prize package... featuring products from all six product partners! Each individual brand may also be hosting their own special giveaways... so be sure to check them all out!
 
I also wanted to jump in on the fun to say a BIG
THANK YOU
to the companies who support us designers. You have NO idea how much we appreciate your generosity!! We LOVE to show off your product!
 
 
Today I have created a scrapbook page, with a short walk thru video for you. I don't recreate the entire project, but talk you thru the process, so YOU can learn something fun and hopefully be inspired by it!!
Baby, it's COLD Outside
 
Here is my video! I apologize for the sun shining on the project in places... ;)
 
Supplies:
SPELLBINDERS®
PLATNUM PARTNERS
 
Cross Promotional partners
Other:
Glitter
alpha stickers 
 
Here are a few more pictures of todays project!


 
Thanks so much for stopping by today! And Special Thank You to Spellbinders Platinum Partners!!

Until Next Time,
Happy Creating!!

Friday, November 15, 2013

Blog Party coming up, and a project to share!

Yes!! You see it right!! Spellbinders is having a blog party!!! Be sure to stop by the Spellbinders blog to see all of the rules and details!!!  I will be taking part, so be sure to stop by my blog and see what I've created for you! :)

While I'm here, I want to share a project that I created for Spellbinders as part of my Design Team Term.


While sitting on my scrapbook table, this photo of my daughter got lightly speckled with white paint. While trying to get it off with no success, I decided to go with it! I added some paint speckles to the page… it worked!

I cut strips of paper and adhered them to the page with lots of machine stitching, in 2 stitches, straight and zig zag. I used the entire set of charm dies to create a fun banner. The journaling is computer printed, cut into thick strips and them machine stitched as well.
 
Spellbinders Product used:
GC-001 Grand Calibur
S4-378 Cherry Blossoms (sm and med blossoms)
S4-390 Gold Circles One (#2 and 3)
S4-399 Charmed I’m sure
S6-005 5x7 Elegant Labels 4
S5-142 Homespun (leaves and flower) (DISCONTINUED)
 
Other supplies:
Flourishes: stamps, Taglines 55096
Just Right Stampers: Winter Words
Want2Scrap: Bling: Silver gems, Fancy Tags Two Silver (cut apart)
KaiserCraft: Patterned Papers, (Bubblegum Hill collection, P633 Calipso Punch) (Timeless collection, P655 Dressform, P654 Newsprint, P656 Script) (Prairie Lane collection, P445 Pine Arbor, P444 Spring Acres, P441 Ivy Heights)
Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L; Thick and thin foam squares
Bazill Basics: Cardstock; Milkshake ,  Pretty buttons
Worldwin cardstock; Ivory, Kraft
Bo Bunny: Large Gem (Butterfly Garden ribbon package)
Cosmo Cricket: Tiny Type stickers
Xyron Mega Runner
 Americaina acrylic paint, white (watered down)
Lace (unknown)
Machine stitchine (machine, thread)
The Twinery: Twine
Thanks for stopping by! I really do LOVE all of your comments and visits!!!
until next time,
Happy Creating!!

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

2014 Artist in Residence!!!

Hey everyone! I'm back once again with some SUPER exciting news!!!! I have been chosen to be a part of the Artist in Residence team for Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko!!! I feel like I am dreaming!! Spellbinders, Zva Creative and now this??? My creative world is now perfect!!
Please stop by the Imagine Crafts blog to see the other designers who will be a part of this team with me!!
Special shout out to my amazing Spellbinders team-mates Linda Lucas and Darsie Bruno who will be a part of this team as well! I am honored to be listed amongst such mindblowing talent!!! There are several familiar designers on this list, as well as some that are new to me! I can't WAIT to get to know them and be inspired by THEIR creativity!!
My job with IC/T will be doing video Tutorials for them!! How fun is THAT!?!? So if you are unfamiliar with their product, you won't be for long!! :)
Thanks so much for all of your encouragement and support! I look forward to inspiring you more in the months ahead!
Check out this past video that I did... it features Memento inks... which is from Tsukineko!!

Remember to stop by the IC/T blog to see all of the other amazing designers and to give them a big congrats!!
((HUGS))
Until next time,
Happy Creating!!

Saturday, November 09, 2013

New designing opportunity

Hey all! It has been a while, I know. What a month October was! Sick kids, Canadian Thanksgiving... And I was not feeling well for the entire month... So needless to say, something had to give, and I'm sorry to say it was my poor blog!!
However, I'm here to share some really exciting news!!
I have the opportunity to join the Zva Creative design team!  If you are not familiar with them, you NEED to check them out!  (Link below) They are the manufacturer of some amazing bling, pearls and flowers!!  So in the coming months I will be sharing some projects using their gorgeous goodies!!
Nothing new to share today, as I am sitting at my daughters dance competition as I write this!! My beautiful girl took home a gold medal yesterday for her Lyrical duo... Her and her friend choreographed it themselves, and I could not be more proud of them!! Today, silver medal for the troupes Tap routine, and 2 more dances to go... Long weekend!!


Looking forward to sharing some new projects with you all soon,
Thanks for your patience and support!!
Happy creating!!
www.zvacreative.com

Wednesday, October 09, 2013

Wishing You Well card Featuring Spellbinders NEW Blooms Four

Did you hear??????
Spellbinders has just released a new bunch of Die D-Lites!!! Can I just say how much I ADORE these dies!?!?! I HAD to show one of them to you right away!
 
Aren't they GORGEOUS!!?? Check it out all cut out and assembled! I cut it out of ivory cardstock and inked them with Tsukineko's VersaColor ink in Petal Pink! So pretty!!
 
I also played with some other fun dies, which I will show you in the video, along with a really cool technique using M-Bossabilities Folder, Score Pal's Score board, and curved boarders! See a close-up here...

So now that I've shown you all the details, let me show you the full project! :)
And here's my little video! PLEASE excuse the poor quality today. The sound is not great, and what I was seeing on my ipad is NOT what you are seeing... I was zoomed in, but YOU are seeing my messy table too!! LOL! But, like I said at the beginning, video blogging is unedited! :)
Here we go!

 
 Supplies:
Thanks so much for stopping by and for watching my video!!In case you have been avoiding leaving comments due to the word verification, I am happy to say that I have removed it! :) I am now moderating comments instead.
So comment away!! :)
Until next time,
Happy Creating!!

Monday, October 07, 2013

Stenciling Technique video featuring Spellbinders Die D-Lites

Good morning all!! Along with today's project and tutorial, I also have the winner of our September GIVEAWAY posted at the bottom!!!

Today I have a FULL video tutorial for you!! It is featuring Spellbinders® Die D-Lites™ medallions! I ADORE these dies SOOO much! There are a million things you can do with them!! And pairing them up with fabulous inks from Tsukineko® makes thus SUCH a fun project!
 
IMAGINE CREATE DREAM stenciling card

Last weekend, I taught a couple of workshops at a Crop in Quispamsis! One that I did was FULL of Spellbinders techniques! This video shows you one of the techniques that I taught! It was a hit and everyone loved it!! Check it out!!


This video also features the fabulous Dew Drops MEMENTO inks from Tsukineko! These are PERFECT inks for this technique! And the colors? OMW they are amazing!!! Special thanks to John at Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko for providing the inky goodies for us to work with at our workshop!!

And a closeup shot...


If you have any questions regarding the technique used here, please don't hesitate to ask!!
I hope that you are inspired to try something new today! Make a stencil from your dies!! It doesn't have to be the same one I used, try ANY of your dies!! You will be surprised at what you can do!!

Supplies:
  • Spellbinders
    • Grand Calibur Machine
    • Die D-Lites Medallion One
    • A2 Card Creator Curved Corners A and B
    • Girlie Grunge
    • Birds One Blanks
  • Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko
    • Memento Dew Drops Inks (Pear Tart, Bamboo Leaves, Teal Zeal)
    • Staz On Inks (Variety of colors)
    • Glaz On
    • Ink Blushers
  • Bazill Basics Paper Co:  Cardstock
  • May Arts: Lace
  • Xyron Mega Runner
  • Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L: Foam Squares 
***********************************************************
GIVEAWAY WINNER!!!
 
 
I want to start with a HUGE thank you to everyone who visited my blog thru the month of September!!! I read every comment on my blog and you tube page and appreciate every one of you!!!
So, here is the giveaway that I will be sharing with one lucky blog reader!!
 
And that winner is.....
Maryann Laursen
CONGRATULATIONS!
Thank you for your visits and comments!!
Maryann, you have 7 days to claim your prize!!! Please email me at tinamcdonald(at)xplornet(dot)ca and I will get that out to you!!!
 
 
Thank you all!! Stay tuned, perhaps we will have another giveaway soon!!
Until next time,
Happy Creating!!!



Thursday, September 26, 2013

TODAY: A scrapbook page class

Hey everyone!! Just a quick post today! I have a layout to share with you that I will be teaching this coming Saturday at Scrap and Spa crop in Quispamsis NB!! Let me know if you are interested!!
 
I also did a little video to share the project with you!! Enjoy!
 
Featuring Spellbinders dies, Authentique papers, Unity stamps, Gesso, Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko goosebumps texture spray and so much more!!!
 
Thanks for stopping by! And remember the contest! Every comment in Sept gets you a chance to win!!!
 
Until Next Time,
Happy Creating!!

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Thank You Card Video Tutorial for Spellbinders



Hey! Thanks for stopping by! Today I have a video to share with you that is now featured on Spellbinders Home Page!! It was created FOR Spellbinders, and is a FULL tutorial of my project! I'd love for you to check it out! It is featuring Spellbinders NEW Enhancing Elements! Give it a little look!!
Thanks for stopping by! I have a second video that I'll post soon as well, also done for Spellbinders!
Have a great weekend!!
Happy Creating!!

Friday, September 13, 2013

Elegant THINKING OF YOU card

Good morning! It'd a dark and rainy day here, so it's a fabulous day for creating! But first I have to get my table cleaned... man, what a mess!!
Thanks to all of you who have viewed my video's and left comments or messaged me! It is very much appreciated! I'm doing the video's for you, so I want them to be useful to you!
I also am planning to do some cards and other projects with less dies on them. I need to remember that not everyone has an entire Spellbinders(TM) collection! :) So you will see some projects coming up using less dies and perhaps more techniques! Sounds like fun, eh?
So for today's project, I created an elegant card. I used a pretty general sentiment so that it could be used for almost anything!
 
Get the HOW TO in the video! Includes a fun technique regarding the flower and some Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko Goosebumps!! :)

 

Supplies;
Spellbinders:
Bazill Basics Paper: Cardstock
Canvas Corp: Tissue Stock (tissue paper)
Websters Papers: Patterned Paper
Imagine Crafts/Tsukineko: Goosebumps, Dew Drops Versa Magic Inks (Aegean Blue, Spanish Olive)
Want2Scrap Baby Bling (Lecreme)
Stampin Scrappin: Sentiment Stamp
Xyron Mega Runner
Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L: Foam Tape
Corner Rounder

 
 
Thanks so much for stopping by again!!
Remember!! Every comment you leave thru the month of Sept gets you into the draw for the GIVEAWAY!!! (Shoot, I forgot to post a pic again... Promise... tomorrow...  ;) )
So, until next time,
Happy Creating!!

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Spellbinders Decorative Labels Twenty Eight SUNSHINE card

At last! My video loaded! Now I can share!! :) My problem is not yet fixed, so until it is my posts will be a bit sporadic... but I'll do the best I can! I think I may go back to the old cam-corder for a bit until the WIFI is fixed.

 


So today's video is sharing this little card that I created using the following supplies:

Spellbinders(TM):
Fancy Pants Designs:  PARK BENCH papers and sticker
Bazzill Basics Paper® cardstock
ZVA Creative bling
Decorative Pin by Darsie Bruno
May Arts Ribbon
Xyron Mega Runner
Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L: Foam squares

Enjoy the video! Raw, unedited and real! :) I'd love to have your feedback!

And don't forget about my giveaway!! I'll get a picture posted soon of the goodies!  All comments posted get you a chance to win!!
Until next time!
Happy Creating!!

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

technical issues

And of course... technical issues.
Today's video will be delayed until after I throw this computer out the window...
oh wait, that won't help...
sigh....
WiFi issues... and my video is on my IPad...
Will get it up as soon as possible...
so sorry!
:(

Starting something new!! Video Blogging Intro!!

Hey everyone!!! I know, y'all figure I quit blogging, didn't ya? Well, you're kinda right! LOL! I was having computer issues EVERY time I tried to write up a post... plus it was summertime and so I said forget it! I took the summer off!
So now I'm back, and I'm going to try something new! I really like having posts on my blog regularly! But I really don't care for writing them up! Does that make any sense? So I'm going to try video blogging!! It's not a new idea I know, as I'm sure many people are already doing it! But it's new to me and that's what matters, right?
So here is a silly, tackey, slightly embarrassing video that I made to introduce me and my goal with this!
These video's will be real, non-edited, straight from the camera kinda deal! That's what I'm looking for, simple and to the point! I'll still be having my video tutorials occasionally with good editing and full instructions. These will be just showing a project and giving some info about it! Each clip will have a tip or idea! And of course, there will be TONS of Spellbinders ideas!! :)
So here goes! I really hope you will follow along with me on this new journey! I hope that you will follow my YouTube page and my blog in an effort to be informed each time there is a new episode! :)
Enjoy! ;)
 
So... Episode one will be up later today!

And to encourage you all to be following along, I'm giving away a prize package!!! Yep!!! Here's how you can win!
*Follow my blog and my you-tube page!!
*Share this blog post on your facebook page!
*Leave me a comment for each thing above that you do and you can be entered twice to win!!! Please share with me where you heard about this and who shared it with you!!

So, in my first video later today, I will be showing you the prize that you are eligible to win!!!
I am so excited about this new adventure!! I hope that you will join me!!!
So, until later.....

Happy Creating!!

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Spellbinders Shape It Up Sneak Peek and Giveaway Day 4

Hey everyone! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today to check out Spellbinders ™ Sneak Peek!! I have two projects to share with you today, both featuring  Spellbinders  5x7 Card Creator S6-008 Exquisite Labels Eleven. I’ve also created a video for you with full “how to” of the first project! I hope you enjoy it and are inspired!!


Supply List:
 
 
And here is a video tutorial showing you just how I created this card! Enjoy!

I hope that my video has your creative juices flowing. There are SO many fun things that you can do, combining the New Release dies with some of your old faithful basics! Give it a try! You might be surprised to see what you come up with!!
If you have any issues viewing the video here, it can be viewed here as well...

Here is a second project that I created using the same set…  5x7 Card Creator S6-008 Exquisite Labels Eleven. This time I used them to decorate an adorable Paper Mache gift box!

 
And here is the top view... layered up!
 

For contest rules, click HERE
To enter contest, click HERE

It has been an honor to participate in the Sneak Peek for CHA Summer 2013!! I hope that you will stop by the other designers blogs this week! Today I share the spotlight with the amazingly talented Holly Simoni!! 
Check out her blog here…  And here are the links for the rest of the week... Be sure not to miss a single one!
Day 1
 
Day2
 

Day3

 
Questions? calexander@spellbinders.us No entries will be accepted at this email address.
 
 
 

Monday, June 17, 2013

Just a Little Bit Country: Bo Bunny love

Good morning! Today I'm stopping by to share a layout that I created using Bo Bunny's Prairie Chic collection. I ADORE Bo Bunny products, and this collection is right up my ally!! It actually sparked my creative mojo back into action!! I was having a dry spell, creatively speaking. So I took away any "have to's" and decided to just create for me. It worked!! No assignment, no "should use"... no restrictions. Just pure creativity! It was a breath of fresh air!!
Now I have the mojo to go back to those assignments I have and tackle them with inspiration overflowing!! Looking forward to it!!
So I want to share that scrapbook page with you today...
Just a Little Bit Country
I had so much fun creating this page!! I ADORE the color scheme! It's very me!  It's rustic charm, combined with lace and pearls screams my name!! That's me in a nutshell!! All girlie girl one minute, and chasing kids and baking up a storm the next! Sometimes, all at the same time! LOL! I'm definitely a country girl... I wouldn't survive city life! :)
Here is a closeup of some of the details!

Here are a few tips or ideas to try:
*Create a frame for your photo by nesting 2 Spellbinders Grand sized Nestabilities together. I did that with the Grand Labels here, and love the look!!
*Add cut out elements WITH your die cuts... it adds great depth, dimension and lovely layers!
*When adding banners, try curling the edges up just a touch, and adding foam tape under the ends to add to the depth. It adds texture and "feel" to your page!
*Mix up the mediums!! Did you know that my mixing more than 2 mediums, you are actually creating mixed media? I have paper, lace, pearls, twine, ... all of this = a mixed media layout!!
*Add some twine! Simple, but I LOVE the look, expescially with this style of page!

While I was at the Bo Bunny Prairie Chic collection, I also created this card... very simple but oh so pretty! :)
 
I dressed this card up with some pearls from Want2Scrap, a Die D-Lite from Spellbinders and some premade flowers. It's simple to create, as it is all elements from the patterned paper in the Prairie Chic collection! Isn't that simple?? I added the die cut to add an extra layer... which I love! Layer it up!! :)
 
Thanks so much for stopping by today!!
See you again soon!
Happy Creating!!


Saturday, June 15, 2013

Be YOUtiful Reverse Canvas for Spellbinders Paper Arts

I am thrilled to be able to share with you this reverse canvas that I created for Spellbinders Paper Arts®! It can be found in Spellbinders® Media Mixáge™ Line idea book!!  It uses the new Media Mixáge™  bezels!! This is SUCH a fun new line to play with! Even for paper crafters!!
To create this piece I used a 12x12 stretched canvas. But this time, I turned the canvas around and used the back! This created lots of depth, like a shadow box! SO much fun!!

Thanks for stopping by!!
Until next time...
Happy Creating!!

Wednesday, June 05, 2013

Where have the last 2+ months gone??

Wow, what a spring it’s been around here! Since my last post (yes, over 2 months ago) I have been sick with Bronchitis, my Hubby had a SEVERE case of Pneumonia, We traveled to New Hampshire for my daughter’s dance competition, I was in Truro, Nova Scotia teaching 3 classes for a crop there, Boys had a Karate tournament, Jaz had a weekend of dance shows, Birthdays, our anniversary…oh my word, the list goes on and on!!   It’s been a memorable spring… to say the least!

So, as we all know, when life goes like this, something gets left behind. And once again, my poor blog has been neglected…  Neglected? Yes, but never forgotten!

I know I have a contest to finish up, with the Let’s Get Creative with Dies series!! I will do one more video for you and then do my draw for the grand prize!! J I’ll give us a bit of time to get back into the swing of me actually updating my blog! LOL!

So… what is new since last time I blogged??

Well, I am no longer a member of Spellbinders Design Team! WHAT?? Oh yeah!! That’s right! I was offered a PROMOTION!! I am now a member of the Spellbinders Inspiration Team!! SUCH a huge honor! THANK you to Stacey, Kim, Cathy  and all the others at Spellbinders who believe in me so much!! It is SO humbling…   It still amazes me that I am a part of this amazing company!!  And while I am THRILLED with this promotion to Inspiration team, I am also sad to be leaving the actual Design team. I LOVED being a part of this team!! I guess change scares me a bit… but that is a normal part of life! So, here’s to embracing change!! Whoot!  Also congrats to Lesley Langdon and Windy Robinson who are also promoted of the Inspiration team with me!! So glad to be working with these 2 amazing designers again. And here is the entire team! What a group of incredible talent! Honored… to say the least!! Holly Simoni, Kazan Clark, Julie Overby, Windy Robinson, Lesley Langdon, Moi, AJ Otto and Josie Cirincione.

 
With this change, I will no longer be creating 4 projects per month for Spellbinders. I will now be creating 2 projects… complete with full video tutorials to go with them! SO excited about this change! So you should be seeing lots of video’s coming from me coming up! Hoping to get my studio set up with great lighting for easy video sessions! Big hopes that it all comes together as I’m hoping!

So now that this is my only creative responsibility, I have a couple of opportunities that I am seriously considering applying for. I’m in turmoil… do I take the summer and just enjoy the slower pace? Or do I jump at the opportunity to even APPLY for these AMAZING companies!  Decisions Decisions…  I LOVE the idea of trying something new. One of these opportunities I’ve been waiting for for a while!! I guess all a girl can do is apply and see what comes of it, right? If it’s meant to be, it will be…

What else is new?... I’ve begun a road to regain my health. Healthy eating and physical activity have become my focus. It’s bad when your 7 year old son says “Mom, you need to get active!”… and while it ticked me off and I thought it very rude, I also knew he was right. What kind of example was I setting for my children? What was I feeding them?... It was time for change!! And I’m happy to report that so far I am down almost 15 lbs!! J  No diet… just eating less crap and more nutritious food. And getting active. Feels SO great!!  My goal is 15.8 lbs more and I’m where I want to be!! I’m not looking for it to happen overnight… It took years to put it on. I want it slow and steady… real. So I’m willing to work for it!!  Half way there!!!
 
So that's what's new with me!! :)
Looking forward to doing some creating and being able to share it with you!
I am going to share with you soon one of the classes that I have been teaching! Complete with a Video to guide you thru it!
So, until then!
Stay Healthy!
Happy Creating!
((HUGS))