Project Life ... for Your Life

Today, I want to share a little more about Project Life.

Project Life (NEW to Stampin' Up!!!)
Here's a quick way I can explain it, at this point ---
   --- using a system of divided pages, designer cards and embellishments to showcase your photos in a quick and stylish way.  You can add fun and quirky quotes and/or titles, casual journaling, etc., to help tell your story.  It is a kind of photo diary.  This system was designed by Becky Higgins, who is now partnering with Stampin' Up! to offer products that are exclusive to Stampin' Up! and, thus, coordinating with many of our other products.  Becky designed this system to make the process quicker and super fun at the same time.  This has been around a while, but I'm just now trying it because of our new partnership between Stampin' Up! and Becky Higgins.  It is fun!!!

And now, to continue the buzz about Project Life...

I think this will be a perfect partnership.  Those who scrapbook have probably heard of Becky Higgins and may even have some scrapbook magazines or other publications that feature her talented work.  There are kits/collections of cards and embellishments that you can get which all coordinate to make your pages look fabulous.  You can add as many embellishments as you'd like... or you can keep it quick and simple.

If you're like me, you may have heard of Project Life but have no idea at all what it is... or maybe you've never even heard of it at all.  Basically, Becky Higgins 'invented' it herself, as a way to make scrapbooking quicker and easier.  There are decorative cards, to which you can add some stamping and embellishing (or not) and cards for journaling.  Once you finish one, you pop it into a pocket in your album, add photos and, before you know it, your page is finished.  It sounds like a fun way to catch up on a lot of scrapbooking.

I just got my pre-order products and am already playing with all the various products.  I'll share soon.  Here's what I was able to order right now:  a new corner punch, new coordinating Washi Tape, framelits (designed for journaling, but also great for cards and projects), 2 Photopolymer stamp sets, coordinating cards and accessory packs (including alphabet letters, wood accents and more), 2 journaling pens, and divided pages to use for your new scrapbooking.

Click here to see a video about Project Life. 

I will share more details as I learn about them.  I am super excited about it all.  It's always fun to find out that something new and special is coming our way.  To find out that it involves a way to get more done in a shorter amount of time (and have it look fresh and exciting) makes it even more fun for us to anticipate.

Please note:
Do not think that I am jumping onto this new 'bandwagon' and abandoning all other styles of scrapbooking.  No, not at all.  I want to experience and enjoy a little of each and every style.  There are many ways to scrapbook and each one best meets the needs of a specific story which you are trying to share.  I am working on an upcoming series that will explain more about all the different styles of scrapbooking and I'll share examples for each one.  Be sure you come back to see it all.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Big Day, Big Party, Ending With a Twist

Saturday was a wonderful day.  We helped Olive Jane celebrate her 3rd birthday.  Where did the time go?  With her Very Hungry Caterpillar party theme, we had a wonderful cake and super fun decorations.  Olive Jane charmed everyone, got lots of presents and we all had a great time.  We went to Lincoln first to get Bill's mom and then took her home afterward.

I've been officially without any crutches at all for at least a couple of weeks now, maybe a little longer.  After such a wonderful day and great visit with my MIL, I twisted my knee as I was getting back into the car to come home.  I've spent my time ever since with ice packs and an elevated knee.  Yes, it just had to be the one on which I'd had my surgery.  Geez!!!  I am back on crutches now but, hopefully, not for long.  Putting it up and icing it really does help.

Here are some shots from the party.

Yes, Jen, my DIL made the cake.  She is amazing!!!

... birthday girl, with Aunt Jenn (my daughter)...   page designed by Jenn...

... theme, thanks to Eric Carle...

... all our projects...

... yummy cake...  Note that this photo is in black and white.  For added drama, always try a black and white photo.  There's just something about it that brings out the beautiful features of a child... or anyone:)  I think it also helps to make distractions in the background just kind of go away.  Nice!

... and a sleepy girl at the end of it all...

... and a quick MDS page I made...

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Thank Ewe, Laura and Josh

I just have to share this adorable little card that Laura sent me for Easter.  It's a 3 X 3" card and has its very own lined envelope, closed with a sprig of Washi Tape.  How creative is that?  I would have shared this card sooner, but I was trying to find something.  I have a square frame that would be perfect for framing this card.  I want to keep it and use it to decorate next year at Easter time.  The problem is... I cannot find my frame.  I will share the card now (because I really want you to see it) and will frame it later.  If I stop looking for it, the frame will show itself:)

Isn't this just adorable?  She spritzed it with shimmer, too, and it is even more gorgeous IRL.  She's made use of embossed frames, stamps, a tiny pearl embellishment, and punches to create a beautiful card... a perfect example of combining our products for a gorgeous project.

I've shared with you before how my grandsons like to do creative art projects with me.  I wanted to share with you today what Laura's son, Josh, made and sent to me.  If you have children or grandchildren, I hope you are sharing the joy of creating with them.  You just have to!

I see that Josh loves glitter glue as much as my two grandsons:)  I love his torn paper tree.  Here's a close-up of the treetop.

Thank ewe, Laura and Josh for sharing the joy of creating and sharing with me!

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

More Ribbons, Please

I've been having so much fun playing with ribbon techniques.  How about a sneak peek at my album pages in progress?  These aren't even completely attached yet and there are a lot more pages to come.  I'm really having fun working on this project.  My album will become a useful part of my resources that I know I will keep and use again and again.  I plan to leave a few blank pages in the back, too, so I can add more ideas as I come up with them.

For our May 5 Ribbons Magic class, we'll make an album in which to keep all our techniques, but we'll also have some extra sheets of photos of card examples.  This should help inspire even more ideas when you go to create cards using ribbons.

Here's the album:

I intentionally featured 3 ways to use ribbon on the cover.  I wanted to start out running!

- You can add a pleated strip of ribbon.
- You can tie a sprig of ribbon into a knot, v-cut the ends and attach it as an embellishment.
- You can tie it around an embellishment, such as the rings holding our album together.

I've tied 3 pieces of ribbon around each ring holding our album together.  I've v-cut all the ends.  This is a wonderful way to add a fun embellishment to an album.  Remember, the class will feature ways to use ribbons on cards, scrapbook layouts, AND projects, such as this album.  You could use the pleated ribbon or the knotted sprig embellishment on gift boxes and gift bags, as well as fun scrapbook layouts.  See, we're rolling in ideas already!

Here are the handout sheets everyone will get at the class.  I want each person to go home with lots and lots of ideas!  I'm still working on my class prep for this class, so there may be 1 or 2 more sheets before I'm finished.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Leftovers Layout

As soon as I saw the leftovers from this kit, I already started designing a scrapbook layout (in my head) to create with some of the pieces.  I had extra DSP squares and I had extra circles (already stitched together!) from the banner kit.  I added some extra punched pieces (made from scraps) that I will later use for stamping and/or journaling.  I've left this one simple, until I zoom in on which photos I'll put on it.

Here's my layout:

Design Talk:
I kind of worked backwards on this one.  I usually start with photos, plan my colors, work out my design and then let the creative process carry me along.  This time, I started with the pieces and worked without any photos in mind.

The reason:  
Sometimes, you 'see' a design in your head for a layout, much like a card design inspiration, and you just have to make it.

My plan:  
The bright colors will easily go with lots of photos... OR... I'll print my photos in black and white and they will totally go with the design.  Fun!

My advice:
When you 'see' a design for a layout in your head, go ahead and make it --- so you won't lose the idea.  You can always add to it and/or tweak it later.  You don't want to lose the idea.
OR ---
If you started that inspiration journal I keep advising you to do, you can sketch your design inspiration into your journal and keep your idea there until you're ready to sit down and create it.

With bright, bold colors and fun designs like these, I'll probably use this layout for something like kids playing in the park... or maybe a party theme.  I just know it will be fun.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Creating a SMALL Creative Space... Just for You

This post is for those who long to create and don't feel like they have the space in which to do it.

I haven't always had a dream art studio.  Oh, no.  For me, it all started with a wonderful, little cart.  When I started getting really serious about paper crafting, I didn't have a space at all in which to do it.  Our house was small and, well, pretty full already.  I had to think hard to figure out how to make a space in which I could create.  I started out with just my kitchen table.

I didn't like having the kitchen constantly looking messy, with things out that had nothing to do with a kitchen, so I started planning.  What did I really need?  I needed a good surface onto which I could stamp and I needed a little storage for my small collection of crafting supplies and tools.  (I know.  That has changed... a lot!))  I started carrying a large tray back and forth, so I could stash it in a closet when we needed the kitchen to be a kitchen.  It wasn't very handy, so I continued planning... for finding a better way.

My solution was a rolling, kitchen cart.  I got it from Crate and Barrel and I loved it.  It had a good, solid wood top, with 2 leaves that could fold out for more work space when needed and it had 3 wire basket drawers.  That was it!   It was on wheels, so I could roll it around and/or roll it out of the way, when needed.  I carefully organized those 3 baskets and I sewed a fabric kind of curtain to hang down in the front.  I made it with scraps from a pair of curtains I'd made, so it coordinated with the room where I kept my cart.  I was a happy camper. 

The cart...

 and then...
As I looked around the room, I remembered something Christopher Lowell said on his show I used to watch:  "When you don't have much space in which to work, think vertical."  Great idea!  I could use this tiny bedroom if I utilized the wall space creatively.  I had my husband add shelves across one side of the room... just two long shelves... up high on the wall.  I used wrought iron brackets under the lower shelves that had an opening where I could insert decorative bamboo pieces and use them like dowels, to hang some items.  I hung several bulletin boards on the wall and stapled more of the same coordinating fabric onto them.  It was looking great ... but I started needing a little more room.

So... I had the idea to take out the hanging rod in the tiny closet in the room and add 2 bookcases I already had on hand.  We put in shelves above those.  I got some wonderful little baskets, with wooden handles on each end.  I made cute little tags to decorate and label each basket and hung them from the handles.  The baskets contained stamp sets and odds and ends of stamping products.  I added 2 wire file baskets on wheels, with hanging files (for my CS) and rolled them into the closet in front of the bookcases, when not in use.  We removed the bi-fold closet doors and added curtains I made (more of that coordinating fabric) so I could close them when I wasn't working.  Everything was designed to fit the space I had.  Get the idea?  I had a tiny space, but it was mine.  I made it as nice as I could and I made it work.

I now have the blessing of a bigger home and a very large studio, with lots of storage... BUT... if that had never happened, I still would have been able to enjoy stamping with my little set-up.  Today, there are many products out there that are designed to be a complete work space and storage space for crafters.  Look around and find something that could work for you, but look first in your own home.  You may already have what you need and you don't even realize it.  Re-purpose.  Re-use.  Have fun!

Your turn now.  Enjoy!

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Happy Earth Day!

From the Upper Room Daily Devotional Guide:

Today is Earth Day. Are you planning any special activities today? May we suggest one: Spend a few moments today and look around- really look around- and enjoy this amazing world God has created. We take so many things for granted, but it can be refreshing to look at the world through the eyes of a young child. The cool breeze, the smell of freshly cut grass, the morning dew, the song of a nearby bird. Even the spectacular glow of today's sunrise and sunset. Whether you live in the city or the country, in the suburbs or in midtown, take a few moments to enjoy and thank God for his creation!

 'nuf said:)

Time is Running Out!

Today is a day filled with excitement!  We get free shipping all week and we can shop now for items that will be retiring at the end of May.  Remember, when they're gone... they're gone... forever.  A few are sold out already, so don't miss out by waiting too long to order.  Click the photo below to check it out.

Anyone placing a qualifying order online through my website will receive the same perks from me as those ordering directly from me.  I will keep track.

- Equal dollar credit for shopping at my Prairie Treasures Boutique
- Stampin' Tokens for $50. or more before tax.
- 3 entries into our monthly drawing per individual order.

More About My Ribbons Album

I've had a lot of questions about and interest in my Ribbons Album.  Let's talk a little more about it today.  It's chock full of wonderful pages.  Each page will have an example of a wonderful way to use ribbon... in your cards, projects and/or scrapbook pages.  This way, you'll not forget what you learned and you can enjoy using these techniques again, may times.

 

Let's take a look at the cover of the album.  There are 3 ways I'm using ribbons, just on the cover.  

THE ALBUM --- WHAT IT IS:

- a place to showcase techniques for using ribbons

- a new technique on each page, with examples using actual ribbons

- a way to learn and keep track of all the techniques for using ribbons

- an expandable album, so you can add pages if you come across new techniques

- pretty, fun, and useful way to showcase what you've learned

- Think of it as a reference book -- a ready reference; always on hand.

THE ALBUM --- WHAT IT IS NOT:

- It is NOT a ribbons sampler.

- It is NOT a ribbons storage system.

- It is NOT a scrapbook, although I suppose you could make it into one.

WHERE CAN YOU USE THESE TECHNIQUES?

- Use the ribbon techniques for creating beautiful cards.

- Use the ribbon techniques for creating beautiful projects, gift boxes and gift bags.

- Use the ribbon techniques for creating unique and beautiful scrapbook pages.

Now, let's take a sneak peek at some cards I've made recently.  Each one uses ribbons in a unique and special way.  

 

I love, love, love all the ways I've used ribbons on these cards, but I have a lot more ways to use ribbons, as well.  In starting this project, I soon realized that, if we made just cards or projects at the May 5 class, we wouldn't be able to learn about all the techniques that I want to share with you.  Also, you'd feel like you'd either send the cards to someone special and then never have an example of how to use the ribbons OR, you'd feel like you needed to keep the cards - to remember how to use the ribbons - and then not have the joy of sharing the cards with others.  

I also realized that I'd forgotten some of the special ways I'd used ribbons in the past and had to really work to remember them all.  I realized that I needed a place - one special place - to keep track of all my ribbon techniques, so that I'd have a ready reference on hand whenever I needed it.

So... I came up with the idea that I could show you LOTS of techniques for using ribbons and you could learn and remember all of them, by keeping the technique samples in an album.  In future classes, we'll continue to use ribbons in unique ways, but you'll be able to enjoy sharing those cards and projects with others and always keep track of what you've learned in your technique album.  Make sense?

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Happy Easter!

What a wonderful day.  I love Easter.  The empty cross brings the promise of hope, joy and love.  Celebrate!  

Have a beautiful Easter and a beautiful day!

Things Are Really Hoppin' at Stampin' Up!

This is always an exciting time of year with Stampin' Up!  The retired list comes out on April 21 and some items are already selling out.  Can you believe it?  Even more amazing... April 21- 25:

Please, please, please...
Be sure to check the clearance rack... a lot... because they have some great deals.
Be sure to order anything you'd like that is retiring... right away... before it's gone.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

The Jellybean Prayer

Here's an idea you might like to make up now for your family, for Easter.  My daughter recently asked me to make up jellybean treat bags with this prayer on them.  They're for all the kids at church this Easter Sunday.  It will be included in a bag of goodies for each child.  I can't wait to see their faces when they see what they get in their bags.  I made a LOT of them:)  This is yet one more way I can share my creativity with others.  Projects like this one are what it's all about for me.  I love to create and love it most when I can share it with someone.

FYI, the jellybean colors in each bag of jelly beans that you buy are NOT equal.  The biggest number was red, followed closely by black.  The fewest were pink and then green.  Interesting.  I always thought the red ones and the black ones were the best, anyway:)  I put 2 of each color of jellybean in each treat bag. 

Here's the prayer, if you'd like to use it for your treat bags.

A handful of jellybeans... simple, colorful, and sweet

Reminds us of the reasons Jesus makes our life complete!

Red is for the blood He gave.

Green is for the grass He made.

Black is for the sins we made.

White is for the grace He gave.

Purple is for His hour of sorrow.

Pink is for our new tomorrow.

Yellow is for the sun so bright.

Orange is for the edge of night.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Look What I Bought!

The boys and I were out on some errands yesterday and we stopped at the Wildflour.  They love looking around the Root Cellar (Amazing, isn't it?) and then going to the bakery for a treat.  I had seen 2 darling cups on FB and hoped they still had them.  I was in luck!  They are now in my studio, holding buttons.  They may or may not stay there, because I do like to move things around often, to give a fresh look.  These are just so cute and fun!  I like to include fun and unique items, such as these cups, in my studio decor.  They are useful and help to keep my studio a happy place that will inspire creativity.

Did I mention how much I like buttons?  These are just a few I have right now --- for real.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

One More Beautiful Card from Laura .................... AND ... A Little More About Project Life

I thought I'd be moving on to a new topic in my post today, but I realized that 1 of Laura's cards did not get into my post with her other cards.  This one is way too pretty to leave out.  It has a lot of details - all of which are gorgeous.

See what I mean?  Isn't this gorgeous?  I love it!  Even though the stamp set has retired, I will never retire this card.  Thanks again, Laura.

And now, to continue the buzz about Project Life...

I think this will be a perfect partnership.  Those who scrapbook probably have heard of Becky Higgins and may even have some scrapbook magazines or other publications that feature her talented work.

If you're like me, you may have heard of Project Life but have no idea at all what it is... or maybe you've never even heard of it at all.  Basically, Becky Higgins 'invented' it herself, as a way to make scrapbooking quicker and easier.  There are decorative cards, to which you can add some stamping and embellishing (or not) and cards for journaling.  Once you finish one, you pop it into a pocket in your album, add photos and, before you know it, your page is finished.  It sounds like a fun way to catch up a lot of scrapbooking.

I can't wait to get my hands on these!!!

I will share more details as I learn about them.  I am super excited about it all.  It's always fun to find out that something new and special is coming our way.  To find out that it involves a way to get more done in a shorter amount of time (and have it look fresh and exciting) makes it even more fun for us to anticipate.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.