CTMH Fall/Winter Idea Book

I can't believe in less than 24 hours everyone can view the new Idea Book online. What's really fun is this has been one exciting book. Usually when consultants go to convention they are pretty hush hush about what's in the new book...not this year. The news that CTMH was going to offer an exclusive Cricut cartridge was the hottest thing out there and still is today! It was featured on Cricut's Hello Thursday and it's been on every blog from My Pink Stamper to Everyday Cricut. I'm sure there have been a few new consultants just because of this cartridge. The You Tube video has had thousands of hits and I'm sure will have more in the days ahead. If you don't have a consultant, I would love to hook you up with this cartridge. I do hope you will take a minute to check out all the other new things that CTMH is introducing especially the new background & texture paper. It's now heavier (which will work nicely with the new Cricut cart), plus it has a design on the tear strip that you can use on your page or cards. What a fabulous idea.

Joy Journal Day 8

It was a long hot week and I'm glad it's finally Friday. Plan to spend a little time crafting in my studio this weekend. Have a couple of ideas floating around in my head and I need to get them down on paper. My friend Christy saw my post about making Cards for Soldiers and she says she has really missed working on them as well, so she's in...going to a weekend crop the end of September and my plan is to just work on cards.

It was a great day at work. Received a couple of atta boys or in my case atta girls. It's always nice to receive recognition for a job well done. Speaking of done...I finished my book last night and now I have some exercises to complete. Stay tuned for further developments.

Kaboodle Doodles - Week 77 Challenge

The Kaboodle Doodles challenge this week is stitching - faux or real and the challenge winner will receive two images from The Crafty Pad.

I used this Berry Sweet Strawberries image from The Crafty Pad. I used my Copics (R83, R85, G82, G99, C1 and C2) and then added a little Liquid Glass to the berry seeds. I decided to add my own stitching and used black embroidery thread. I used paper from CTMH Sweetheart Level 2 paper pack, added some black ribbon and a couple of black buttons with CTMH Waxy Flax. Anybody hungry for strawberry shortcake?

Now it's your turn!

Joy Journal Day 7

I met with a special friend today and she helped reinforce the only attitude I can control is my own. She shared about the pain she felt in losing her father and how she still misses him terribly, but it's not the same as in the beginning. She said there will be songs on the radio or you will read articles or see things that remind you of your dad. I've already experienced that a few times so I knew what she was talking about.

On my way home from work tonight, I stopped at Mickey D's to get a diet coke. While waiting in the drive thru, I was watching the man in the car behind me. He was an older gentleman and his mannerisms reminded me of my dad. When I got to the window to pay, I told them I wanted to pay for his order. I told the cashier to tell the gentleman he reminded me of my daddy and that I was really missing today. As I pulled to the next window, I could see the gentleman hand the cashier his money and then I saw the look on his face. It was priceless.

Yes, my friend there are signs all around and I'm the only one that can change my attitude. This time they were tears of joy instead of pain. Thank you for your encouragement.

Joy Journal Day 6

Not much joy in the beginning of my day...realizing no matter how much I want it, some things are never going to be better. The only thing I can do is change the attitude I have about those things. So, thank you to some very special people for helping me realize that I'm amazing and I deserve to be happy. If it means there are people I don't talk to, then so be it. If it means there are people that I don't hang around with, then so be it. It doesn't have to be forever and I'm praying that it's not. Only time will tell and who knows, maybe MY attitude will change so much that I will look back on this point in time and think...seriously what was the BIG deal. Until then, I'll be taking it one day at a time and spend time doing the things that make me happy...making cards.

My good friend Mary calls her crafting studio her happy place. Maybe I need a name for mine...got any ideas??

Joy Journal Day 5

I decided to head back to the book I'm reading for today's post. List three or four things that you do well. I would be interested to see if you agree with my list.
1. I make fabulous cards.
2. I can make a mean pizza...even though my husband would tell you it's been so long he really can't remember.
3. I am a good listener.
4. I am a good teacher.

Most of the things I'm good at bring me great joy. Especially, making cards. I was thinking just the other day how much I miss making cards for soldiers. I need to set a goal and go for it. The year my friend Christy and I made over 2,000 Christmas cards was amazing. It was so much fun and it felt so good. I don't know if I can set a goal that lofty, but I can set a goal of at least 500. I learned a lot from that first year, so now that I have a goal, I need to get a plan. Guess now would be a good time to get started.

"What I know for sure is that you feel real JOY in direct proportion to how connected you are to living your truth." Oprah

Blog Candy

I was just over at She Stamps by Cheryl and she is offering up some great blog candy especially if you are interested in Copic markers. Here's the list:

* “Coloring Techniques for Card Making” – this wonderful book walks you through coloring with watercolors, colored pencils, and alcohol inks.

* 5 sheets of Classic Crest paper from Neenah in Solar White. This smooth card stock is great to use with markers or pencils.

* 9 Copic Sketch markers in the colors B05, B23, B26, YR61, YR68, V04, V09, G02, G09. This would be a great start for a Copic collection or to fill in if you already are using Copics.

The rules are easy so head on over to play. But wait, that means there's one more person that has a chance to win....

Kaboodle Doodles - Week 76 Challenge

The Kaboodle Doodles challenge this week was to emboss and the challenge winner will receive a $10 voucher to The Paper Shelter.

I used this cute teddy bear with flower from The Paper Shelter and colored with my Copics (R81, RV34, YG11, YG13, E31, E35 and E37). I used paper from CTMH Sophia Level 2 paper pack and used my Swiss Dots Cuddlebug folder to emboss. I distressed the papers with my favorite technique using a glue brush and CTMH Chocolate Reinker. Finished it off with some CTMH Chocolate ribbon and added a couple of knot bows with glue dots.

Now it's your turn!

Joy Journal Day 4

Today was a great day! Had lunch with Mr. Wonderful and his daughter, Alissa. Heard about the fun time she had in Florida over July 4th. Had some good food and some good laughs. Got to see our grandson and spend a little time with him as well. Great way to spend a hot Summer afternoon. Overall, I would have to say that this weekend was a joy! Got to spend time with some special people in my life and do the things I love...snuggle, talk, and craft! Happy...happy...happy!!!

Joy Journal Day 3

Wow...what a week. Thursday was my birthday and I got a HUGE surprise. Three of my scrappin' friends and one of their kiddos was waiting for me when I got home from work and took me to dinner! It was good friends, good food and great fun. I do believe Ashley found out she really didn't care for expresso.

Plus, my CTMH Fall/Winter Idea Books arrived! Looking thru that book was like having a fine dessert. I savored each page! All I can say about that is WOW!!! CTMH out did themselves AGAIN! The book goes live on August 1st so come back and check it out!

Today I'm off to scrap so I better get packing....I have a bit of paper to go thru to see what I want to use up this time!

Joy Journal Day 2

Laughter is the shortest distance between two people. - Victor Borge

What happens when you hear a baby laugh? Don't you usually laugh right along? Especially when they have that cute belly laugh that keeps going and going. Some of my favorite You Tube videos have been of babies laughing. I catch myself laughing along. I play them over and over again because they make me feel so good. How fun would it be if before we started meetings at work, we all watched a video of a baby laughing...I think the out come of the meeting just might be a little brighter. Or maybe we should watch one before AND after the meeting. "Before we get started, I'd like to show this short video clip." I think it would be worth it just to see some of those people that never crack a smile get into a real belly laugh. I know that would make me laugh.

I think before the next meeting I attend, I'll pull up my favorite baby laughing video and see how it goes. It just may be the start of a new trend.

Joy Journal

Whom do you laugh with the most? Let's see...since I'm pretty famous for my laughter, that could be a hard one. I would probably have to go with Mr. Wonderful since I spend the most time with him. How about you...whom do you laugh with the most?

Now, I want YOU to remember a time when you laughed so hard you thought you'd fall over. I have more than one, but the one that I remember the most is when I was playing cards with my dad, mom and Lynn. I was recovering from surgery so I had a pillow handy in case I had to sneeze. Little did I know I would need it for laughing.  My dad kept doing things that made me laugh which caused me great pain. He got tickled and started laughing which caused me to laugh more and...well, you get the picture.  It was a great time and one of the memories I will always cherish. So, if you haven't laughed in awhile, why not try it today!

Kaboodle Doodles - Week 75 Challenge

I am so excited. This is my first post as a design team member for Kaboodle Doodles. This week's challenge is "cut out your image or something else with scissors." The challenge winner this week with get 3 digi images from Stampfairy.

I used Kasi from Stampfairy and sponged her with CTMH Autum Terracotta and Sunflower inks. I colored her nose and ears with Copics (E35 and V0000). I gave her some CTMH Black Waxy Flax whiskers and popped up her paws with foam tape.  I used CTMH Passages Level 2 paper pack for all papers except the computer generated sentiment and sponged everything with CTMH Cocoa ink. To finish off the card, I added a piece of CTMH Color Ready Kraft Borders sponged with Cocoa.

Come join the fun!

A New Beginning

My monthly scrapbook club met on Saturday so I got to hang out with "my girls!" I love these women so much! Everyone needs to have a group of women they can be themselves around. We have a blast each month, cropping, talking, eating, talking, swapping, talking....did I mention talking?? We range in age from 13 to 56 (okay in 4 days I'll be 57). There isn't anything I wouldn't do for these gals and I know I could count on them as well.

I started reading a new book. Now, I'm not a reader, but the title really intrigued me...Life Is Short, Wear Your Party Pants by Loretta LaRoche. One of the first things she mentions is everyone should have a Joy Journal so my journey begins won't you come along for the ride??

Joy for today - I have a wonderful husband that loves me unconditionally and treats me like a queen! He is my soul mate and we have been married for 28 beautiful years! I love you, Mr. Wonderful!