IT'S ALL ABOUT "ME"

Today I attended a class taught by Amy at Scrapbooks & Etc. Topic - alcohol inks. You either love them or hate them. Me; I love them. It opens up a whole new dimension for making embellishments, adding color to buttons, brads, just about anything glossy! Let your imagination run wild! Amy did an awesome job, although I found out after the class, I made her nervous! Amy, never be nervous with me. I'm learning just as you are! Anyway, tonight was "All about Me." That is, what our layouts were about, not just "Me". My homework before going to this class, was to have a 4X6 photo of myself. Since I am the one always taking pictures, there's not much to choose from. So... I liked Amy's self portrait, so I lifted the idea. Let me tell you...trying to take a picture of yourself using a mirror is NOT, I say NOT easy! After what seemed like a million attempts, I finally got one I liked. So, on to the class. Being my usual self, I again altered the original layouts to fit my need. I incorporated both original layouts into one. Why? I want to frame my "masterpiece" (ha-ha) to put in my studio. So, here it is, complete with a blurb of who I am.

"THINKING AHEAD"

I'm thinking Christmas cards this week. I need to start putting together some ideas of what I want to do. Maybe if I start now, I'll actually get them done and sent out in time for Christmas! LOL.... I am always late! This might mean a trip to Morresville and Stamper's Alley. Hmmm.... maybe a mother/daughter lunch, since I haven't seen her in two weeks. Sounds like a day! Now, to see when she's off work.

"TAKING A STEP BACK AND RETHINKING"

Someone recently REMINDED ME to look at the glass as half full and not half empty. Something that I have always tried to do, but somewhere along the way I lost it. My dear friend, "Thank you."

REMEMBERING

Another year has gone by and the images of 9/11 are still very fresh. I can remember all the TV stations and radios blasting information, very vivid photos, one after the other. I sat there, tears in my eyes, disbelief, this is happening here in the United States? For days I listened and watched for "just one more" to be found alive, woman, man or child. I prayed. Today, I remember and pray for those who were lost, those who still suffer and those who give themselves to protect us. We must make changes and learn from our mistakes to make a safe world for our future. I believe all those who have died would want us to continue forward. God Bless...

THE SPIRIT OF FALL

I dusted off and plugged in the silhouette for another creative day. Together with cutouts and COPIC markers I have ventured into a new mode. I think the Halloween cards, the fact that the days are getting shorter and the trees are ever slightly starting to turn color, has put me into the spirit of fall. I love this time of year. Cooler crisp air, the array of nature's colors and the idea of the holidays just ahead. It's time once again, to put away the summer things, put the quilts back on the beds and decorate my house with the color red! Oh, what a cozy feeling it brings! With all that said, here is what my inspiration led to. Enjoy!

HALLOWEEN 'CARDS FOR HEROES'

Today was a fun day. I spent time with my friends making Halloween cards for "Cards for Heros". For those of you who have not heard of it... cards for all occasions are handmade and sent to Iraq, etc. to our soldiers. Some of them go with messages to them, but most are for them to have something to write home on. We have had an amazing outreach from our local crafters and it's a joy for me to be included!

LOVING THE WEATHER AND MY NEW COPICS

Oh my gosh! I am soooooo enjoying today's weather. Sunny, warm with a nice breeze. No humidity, hurray! I have opened my windows to let the fresh air in and hear the birds chirping. I would love this year round. I started the Thinking Inking videos today. Well, restarted I should say. I did one a couple weeks ago, but being busy with my sister's visit and the convention and life in general, I never did go back to them. So, today, I watched all six videos of weeks 1 and 2. I really like the water marking with distress embossing ink, a mister and stamp. So subtle, but a nice effect. Another first for me this week is COPIC sketch markers. Thank you Amy for enabling, I love these! I first thought, "Oh, just another marker." NO WAY..... these things are vibrant and blend beautifully! No streaks, unless you want them there. I think I will to have them all!!! LOL.... I wish.