OK, It's Official....

... I have Vintage Wallpaper Envy! Seriously! I am seeing so many beautiful things made using gorgeous wallpapers.
Just take a look at some of the lovelies I have found...
Tammy Gilley's Tag Swap Goodness

Charlotte Lyons' Mother's Day Frame

Jennifer Paginelli's favorite things

Memmu's Lonely Bird ATC

Jenny's Tag for Rosanna

And there are sooo many more that I could add. I've seen some fabulous creations on blogs, too! Just click around on the many links over at the side & be inspired! So much eye candy!!!

And to think, I didn't save any of the scraps when we tore the stuff off all the walls in this huge house 5-10 years ago. I could kick myself right in the shinbone!

I had found a couple of rolls in the attic when we were putting in insulation a couple of years ago. I saved them, but they were quite dry-rotted on the outside, but I just knew I could find something salvagable inside. I pulled them down a couple of months ago with the intention of trying to save some of it. Apparently my husband didn't think they were worth saving, though, because when I went to look for them a week or 2 later, all I found were crumbs in the spot where I'd put them. He won't admit to having thrown them away. He just gave me this shrewd little grin & said, gee, honey, I haven't seen them. Now, I know he disposed of them, 'cuz he does that kind of thing often. grrrr! I must find a better hiding sopt for my treasures. Trust me, he's NOT going to live this one down. I've been chiding him about it every chance I get. I figure that if I give him enough grief about it, perhaps he will think twice next time he thinks of getting rid of my treasures! Maybe.

Anyway, the more wonderful little gems I see made with vintage wallpaper, the more worked up I become about it. I simply must have some. But I'll have to wait until fall when school is back in session & I am working again. It really stinks that we aides don't get paid through the summer. Makes it really hard to buy things...err, I mean budget.

So, in the meantime, I will live vicariously through those who are creating beautiful art with it and sharing online. And I will probably be green with envy. But please, don't hold it against me, OK?

Dreaming of an Art Party....

... Lately I've been fantasizing about holding some sort of an art party. It seems my inner critic is trying to run rampant on the idea giving me all kinds of reasons why it wouldn't work. So I am listing the criticisms & my responses to them...

C: I don't even know where to begin. How does one even go about such a thing?
Me: Ask for advice from others who have put something like this together.

C: I am not qualified to teach anyone art. I am still learning myself.
Me: Perhaps I can still encourage others to create even if I have limited experience and knowledge. Or perhaps I don't give myself enough credit & what I do know would be helpful to someone else.


C: I don't know enough "arty people" to invite. I seriously only know 2 other people in my town who might even remotely be interested. I don't have any arty friends. Stamping friends, but not arty friends.
Me: I could possible put out a "feeler" type brochure or flyer around town and see how many people might be interested.

C: I have nowhere to host such a thing and no budget to rent anywhere.
Me: Who knows, the place might open up if I put myself out there & just go for it. Gotta have faith, baby!!!

My ideal would be to form an art group that would meet either monthly or quarterly and possible have different members of the group take turns sharing techniques and ideas at each get together. But I want to include newbies, too. Or maybe I should just start an art journal group and we could get together to work on our journals together.

So, if anyone has any bits of advice or encouragement for me, please leave a comment. I would totally be going out on a limb here with this thing, but it has been in theback of my mind for a long time. I have been telling myself it is just a pipe dream and no one would come anyway. I've finally decided that it is time to stop that horrible way of thinking & take chances.

If Wishes Were Horses....

...beggars would ride. And I would be going toSilver Bella. Just look at all the wonderful classes available. It would be a dream! There's only 7 spots left. Some very blessed individuals will fill those spots for sure. Ahhh... I suppose I shall start a little nest egg and hopefully will be able to save up and go within the next couple of years.

Artist date...

... just me, myself and I. Decided to take the afternoon and treat myself to a date. Went to Bath & Body Works for their huge sale and bought myself some yummy shower gels and lotions and home fragrances. Delightful.

then a trip to Barnes & Noble to peruse through a huge stack of art books and mags while enjoying a lovely Dulce de Leche latte - with whipped cream, of course. Simply divine!



After a couple of inspirational hours, I meandered over to Hobby Lobby, where I stumbled upon quite a few bargains, including some new stamps and papers at 1/2 price!. Oh, what joy!!!


All in all, it was a very wonderful day. I just wish I'd had a few more hours before I had to be home. But, hey. I'll take what I can get, right?

Another item for my wish list...

... These lovely little stamps from Paper Studio. I simply must have them!

Cheap circle stamp....

... otherwise known as a bottle cap!


I didn't have a circle stamp, so I improvised. Just looked around the house 'til I found something that might work. Love how it turned out. And you just can't beat free!!!

Alphabetical Order....

.... I seriously need to organize my blog links! Holy cow, I didn't realize I had accumulated so many! I've noticed I have a few doubles - which could be avaoided altogether if my lists were alphabetized. So, I'm gonna work on that very soon. Like during an episode of insomnia - which seem to come often as of late. A boring chore like that just might make my eyes droopy. Sounds like a good plan to me.

Happy Birthday sweetie...

...yep! Today was Terry's birthday. A rather laid back occasion. He doesn't like the hoopla. Just ordered in sub sadwiches for supper & then went for a nice long walk together - with Sophie, of course! Hope you enjoyed your day, honey! Here's to many more to celebrate together.

Holy pencil crayons, Batman....

...I just found Curly Girl Designs And her art is FAB!!!
I especially love her work entitled "Faith is Believing." Must have artwork Seriously!

Today's Quote...

... yep. I'm on a "post a quote if you can't think of anything brilliant to say for yourself" binge. sometimes all that we need to hear has already been said.

So here's today's favorite.

”Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson


I think I need to read that one every single day. Just to remind myself.

A favorite quote...

"To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of ones self; to leave the world a bit better; whether by a healthy child; a garden patch; or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exaltation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived - this is to have succeeded! - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Beth Moore has a blog!!!

Check it out here!

I simply love Beth Moore. She is so refreshing & always seems to say (or write) just the thing I need to hear. I did one of her in depth studies a couple of years ago on the life of Paul. It was the most amazing Bible study. I learned so much. Really want to do another.

But in the meantime, I love listening to her on Living Proof Ministries. And now she has a blog. I am so happy!

A few crafty links....

... for your enjoyment!

An adorable little craft apron tutorial can be found here.
Even a novice like myself could probably pull this one off. I think I shall try it.

Lovely Fabric Trim boxes. Might have to practice a few times to get these right, but they are so adorable!

And lastly, Beautiful roses made from coffee filters. Complete with a how to video. No one would EVER guess how these were made. They look so real!!!

Gapingvoid's list on How to be creative....

.... Is the best thing I've read in a while. You must go here and read it.

Some of my favorites...

So you want to be more creative, in art, in business, whatever. Here are some tips that have worked for me over the years:

1. Ignore everybody.

2. The idea doesn't have to be big. It just has to change the world.

4. If your biz plan depends on you suddenly being "discovered" by some big shot, your plan will probably fail.

6. Everyone is born creative; everyone is given a box of crayons in kindergarten.

10. The more talented somebody is, the less they need the props.

13. Never compare your inside with somebody else's outside.

19. Sing in your own voice.

22. Nobody cares. Do it for yourself.

24. Don�t worry about finding inspiration. It comes eventually.

25. You have to find your own schtick.

26. Write from the heart.

27. The best way to get approval is not to need it.

30. The hardest part of being creative is getting used to it.

31. Remain frugal.

But you MUST go read the rest. He elaborates each one so eloquently.

My sides stinkin' hurt....

.... from laughing so hysterically at this video!

Oh! My! Gosh!!!! I seriously am having an asthma attack from laughing so hard. Can't breathe.
A little late for Mother's Day, but stil so worth watching - at least twice!

Doesn't seem possible......

...that Taylor should be graduating from 8th grade. But it's true. They always tell you that the years will fly by when you are a parent. I wish I'd realized how true that really is. Wasn't she just in kindergarten a couple of years ago? And now she'll be in high school. It can't be real.


This is Taylor with her BFF Hayley after the ceremony


Patty Epplin made a Powerpoint presentation of the 8th graders which played at graduation set to "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts. Of course everyone laughed & cried & realized that the years are passing ever so quickly. From now on I plan to make the most of every day with her, because tomorrow, it will seem, she'll be graduating from college.

I am so very proud of her and love the person she is becoming. She's tender hearted & loving and just plain fun to hang around with! Love you so much, Tay Bug!

My Wish
By Rascal Flatts
BestAudioCodes.com

Eye Candy...

Where have I been that I have never seen Tara Anderson's work before?
Holy cow! The girl is brilliant! Her use of color is so yummy and she makes wonderful flower conglomerations that are just lovely! She has a blog, too! You MUST check her out. Just looking at her stuff made my day a bit brighter.

My New Favorite Quote...

...found courtesy of Ali's Blog

Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The trouble-makers. The round heads in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules, and they have no respect for the status-quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify, or vilify them. But the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do. ~Jack Kerouac

The ultra-creative Madi....

...created this glue page.


We started doing glue pages as a fun creative project that we can do together. She did this one on her own last night while I was away at movie night with the girls.
Love that Madi has so much fun with Art stuff!

So very cool....

... I have been selected as Featured Artist of the Month for March at www.ebbcreations.com!!! I am so excited!!! I will also be April's Guest Designer at the same site.

e.b.b. is such a great place to hang out! Love the folks who spend time there. And the monthly Bingo is a blast!

Just look

... at this breathtakingly yummy creative space!!! Heather Bailey's
studio is fabulous. I am giddy just looking at it.





And isn't this fabric just delish!!! You can find it & more wonderful patterns here
Isn't it just wonderfully fun to be able to browse online. total bliss.

Letters & Numbers....

... Are one of my favorite passions. Especially vintage ones. I was so excited to find Timeless Treasures. Letters & numbers from Vintage signery are their specialty. Such fun photos of alphabetica & numerica. Yummy! Thier stuff has been used to decorate rooms for PB Teen. Tara Whitney even purchased some letters from them.

Wish I was close enough to visit them. I would be in typography heaven!

I am RED!!!

Color Code is a really cool website that has a personality profile.
Before doing the quiz, I thought 'wouldn't it be cool if my color is red?' After all, that's MY color. It's the color I feel comfortable around. The color I relate to. The color I am drawn to.
And guess what. Apparently there's a reason for that. Red is my personality color. There is nothing on the site to signify what answers will relate to which color.
The description of Reds was so accurate is was uncanny.
Congratulations. You are RED.

REDS are motivated by POWER. They seek productivity and need to look good to others. Simply stated, REDS want their own way. They like to be in the driver's seat and willingly pay the price to be in a leadership role. REDS value whatever gets them ahead in life, whether it be in their careers, school endeavors, or personal life. What REDS value, they get done. They are often workaholics. They will, however, resist doing anything that doesn't interest them.
REDS like to be right. They value approval from others for their intelligence and practical approach to life, and want to be respected for it. REDS are confident, proactive, and visionary; but can also be arrogant, selfish, and insensitive. When others interact with you, as a RED you respond to them best if they are precise, factual, direct, AND show no fear!

Funky Art Stamps...

...by Tiphoni These are so fun!!!

This girl's got a way-cool imagination...

Collaging-Kristen
Playing on Flickr tonight & found some of her work. She even gives an awesome tutorial that rocks!

OK, this stuff is too cute...

... this stuff would make work FUN!!! See Jane Work
These are fun!!! Bob's Your Uncle

This is a fun site...

...to visit. Story A Day Very amusing!

Blog hopping today...

...and I found This Blog through a link from Ali's Blog. Another great one is A Bird In The Hand Fabulous creativity there!
Great quotes on Ali's blog today, too!
I especially love this on...
Anna Quindlen : ...but the biggest mistake I made is the one that most of us make while doing this. I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of the three on them sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages 6, 4, and 1. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in a hurry to get on to the next things: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.
Wow. If that doesn't get you right in the heart, there is seriously something wrong.

Make It Mondays...

...with Lisa Vollrath is online! I'm a little late on finding it, but it's fab! You gotta check it out. This week is making throw away collage. So fun!

Neat new blog...

...Craft Critique. Looking for a review on a new product? Want opinions about that new thing-a-majiggy you've been wanting to buy? That's what this blog is all about.

And they are doing a Feedback giveaway right now. Head on over & check it out!