Daisy and the snow

I just love watching her. She loves the snow and just happen to have my cell phone handy when she decided to roll around in it. As you see, she was enjoying herself.

December through my I-Phone

I kept my I-Phone close during the month of December and took pictures to show what happened in my world. I then put together this digital layout. Fun, fun, fun!!!

Canvas Frames = Mini Tabletop Albums

This was a really fun project. I took two 8x10 canvas' and started creating hinged albums for Christmas pictures.

First I painted the edges and inside the back side of the frames.
Second I cut paper to fit each section and adhered it with Modge Podge
These steps are time consuming because everything has to dry.




I took page protectors for 6x6 albums and created mini albums to fit snug into the inner part of the frame. I did have to cut the width down to fit.
I used chipboard to make the album base and then used brads to hold it all together. Used coordinating papers to create pages.

I printed up some Christmas song lyrics and added those and some flowers to create something special.



These attach together with a hinge and you have an instant album that can be left open or stored away on a book shelf. Have fun and creating something wonderful. The possibilities are endless

New Year and New Goals

I have to say that there is so much on my mind. Some things I can share and others that I can't. Change is looming - I am optimistic that it will all be good. One thing I have not done enough of, is creating. I have so much to do and so many great tools to use and I am missing this key component of who I am.
So, watch here and I will show you the cool things I am creating and also review the tools I use. So many times we have things we never use cause we don't know how to or we just don't use them.
My first goal is to get this area I call a craft room in order so that get down to just creating.
I will show some before and after shots of how all this came together and hope to inspire others in their creative space.
That being said, some major health issues still loom and a medicine adjustment can make life hard but as long as I can create and share, then I am a happy girl.
Would love to hear about what you all are working on and what does 2012 hold for you. First thing to do is create an idea journal to keep notes of ideas when they spark. Creating is my word - just keep creating.
Happy New Year and God Bless you all

My Year in Words

Here is a list of the words I used the most during 2011
Says alot,

Week Fifty Two - Gratitude

Saturday December 24th - I am grateful that I can express my love through things that I can create
Sunday December 25th - I am grateful that God sent His son and time to spend with my awesome family
Monday December 26th - I am grateful for miracles. God kept watch over my sweet cousin and she is getting better
Tuesday December 27th - I am grateful for my friend Karen, who blessed me so much today. Thanks Karen.
Wednesday December 28th - I am grateful for my friends - they keep me strong during very hard times.
Thursday December 29th - I am grateful for laughter
Friday December 30th - I am grateful for clarity and hope.
Saturday December 31st - I am grateful for the end of 2011

Week Fifty One - Gratitude

Saturday December 17th - I am grateful for a special gift from our church tonight, it is just tough to realize that we are one of those families. Thank you Summit, it was a blessing to us.
Sunday December 18th - I am grateful for great bargains right before Christmas
Monday December 19th - I am grateful that Christmas cards are done and ready to mail tomorrow
Tuesday December 20th - I am grateful for the power of prayer
Wednesday December 21st - I am grateful for friends who care
Thursday December 22nd - I am grateful for fun times to create and relax
Friday December 23rd - I am grateful for time to stop and breathe

Week Fifty - Gratitude

Saturday December 10th - I am grateful that I have kept up with this gratitude journal
Sunday December 11th - I am grateful for a great afternoon with my friends cropping
Monday December 12th - I am grateful for Jodi's laughter - she just cracked me up today
Tuesday December 13th - I am grateful for crackers when my tummy is upset.
Wednesday December 14th - I am grateful for friends near and far
Thursday December 15th - I am grateful for time to create and getting my hands messy
Friday December 16th - I am grateful for a sweet letter from my IU friend Pam, reminds me that I am doing it right. Thank God for those really special moments.

Week Forty Nine - Gratitude

Saturday December 3rd - Grateful for church tonight - I was inspired and blessed
Sunday December 4th - Grateful for our Christmas tree - it just makes me smile
Monday December 5th - I am grateful fow a quiet afternoon, I went through and created the Christmas card list - looking forward to connecting with all our friends and family
Tuesday December 6th - I am grateful that Emma is doing so much better
Wednesday December 7th - I am grateful for those who protect our country and our freedom. God bless those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor
Thursday December 8th - I am grateful for time with friends as we remember the life of Brian Hurn, my friend Colleen's husband.
Friday December 9th - I am grateful for the small things that make life easier.

Week Forty Eight - Gratitude

Saturday November 26th - I am grateful for a home to live in and family to love
Sunday November 27th - I am grateful that going through Christmas decorations bring back happy memories of holidays past
Monday November 28th - I am grateful for time to decorate our house and celebrate Christmas.
Tuesday November 29th - I am grateful that Emma is healing and doing better. My heart is so heavy for her. She is such a brave girl - I love her.
Wednesday November 30th - Grateful for my best friend Treion who meets adversity with gusto. She relies on God for strength, she is such an inspiration
Thursday December 1st - I am grateful for a fun evening of creating
Friday December 2nd - I am grateful for a silly afternoon giggling with my sister

Week Forty Seven - Gratitude

Saturday November 19th - I am grateful that the fire in Reno is almost contained. God sent snow to douse the flames. Praying for all those involved.
Sunday November 20th - I am grateful for homemade chili and cornbread for dinner on a cold night
Monday November 21st - I am grateful that I have a roof over my head - I pray for those who don't
Tuesday November 22nd - I am grateful for a special gift that came my way today. It lifted my spirits on a painful day
Wednesday November 23rd - I am grateful that money was available to buy groceries for my family. I am feeling blessed that God has provided.
Thursday November 24th - I am grateful for a great day with my family
Friday November 25th - I am grateful for fun day shopping and getting items on sale

My Time at Inspiration Unlimited #3

Saturday morning started off bright and early with a class with Teresa Collins. It was a travel binder and is so much fun. Going to use it for the Grand Canyon. That trip deserves many albums for sure. Love the class, but was tired and body was failing me. Sit back relax and enjoy the fun cause it was the last day of IU and I wanted to take it all in.



Janet and Renee were my tablemates and we had a great time



So blessed for this awesome giveaway from ProvoCraft - Love it. It is actually a cartridge I had wanted so how fun to get it as a gift.


We went outside for a group photo - Dazziling Diva's ROCK!!!
What a great group of ladies.





The next class was with Joey from Bazzill. We made a delightful album and I love it. So much fun. Joey was so fun and so full of energy. I really enjoyed getting to know her. That class even now still makes me smile.





Dave kept busy handing out goodies to each class. He enjoyed being on the prize patrol. Ginger kept him busy. Thanks Ginger for letting him help.



This is my paint can partner - Michelle. I had so much fun with her can. Mine is supposed to be here sometime soon.



The last class was with Layle and we did 2 layouts. They were so cool and loved everything about them, I love the class and had a great time. I am trying to decide what photos to use. I loved having Layle as a teacher again. She is so fun and love her attitude. Thanks Layle.



Through the day my body just fought me. I was so tired and every muscle was so fatiqued. I just sat and worked but was so slow. My hands were so cramped and it made me so mad. I hate what this disease does to my body and hate that some days that I can't keep up. At the end of the day, Dave met me in class and took my stuff up to the room and we went to dinner at the food court. I knew if I walked to the room then I would not be able to go back down. After dinner we were able to go in and sit down in the room for the closing ceremonies. The bonus of husband who was helping out. I know that we got looks and some get an attitude, but hey I would rather stand in line and have no disease then be forced to find a seat before I fall down. That was hard for me because I hate it when others can tell that I am not doing well and that night the pain was more then I could bare. Funny thing is I was more rested on this trip then the year before and my body behaved worse, bad body. I say all this because sometimes things are given to some because of issues in their lives. It isn't that it is unfair it is more that it is a gesture to make their life easier. Pain and disease sometimes can be unbearable and a small gesture means alot. Try to see the whole picture, not just what you are missing in life. Be grateful that you don't have to deal with diseases that cripple your body. Just sayin'


The keynote speaker was Jill Strasburg and wow her story is unbelievable. She inspired me in so many ways. If you don't know about Jill then check out her website http://thestrasburgfamily.blogspot.com/ You will be inspired and hey it is always good to remember we are all special no matter who we are or what we look like.

All in all an awesome event and so glad that I could attend again. Thank you Ginger and Teresa for another awesome year. You both are the best.


Back to the room, time to pack it up and get ready to go home. This is the car all packed up with my treasures and we left. Car doesn't seem to be as full - humm what did I bring with me LOL



We went to this fun restaurant for breakfast. This coffee cake was to die for. So yummy. We actually brought some home



We finished breakfast and got on the road. Another trip done and a great event with my scrapping friends. I had a hard time recouping my strength but it was well worth it. I loved it and can't wait till next year.