New Bird Punch

I am not sure whether you have seen but Stampin' Up has come out with some new punches in the Occasions Mini Catalogue. I am very practical about the stamping products that I purchase. That is, they must be versatile so buying this bird was not a typical purchase. However, I really like how it punches out the branch and the wing as well as the bird. You can attach the wing in many different ways as well. Also, the punch is so easy to use. I purchased a pack of kraft cardstock awhile ago but have not used it yet but it worked perfectly for this card. I have never mentioned this before but my friend Natalie and I have monthly challenges that involve using up our supplies. This month, the challenge is to use nothing but scraps on all our projects. For this card, the scrap was the patterned paper used for the bird's wing and under the bird. I believe the whisper white cardstock was scrap as well. The layout was CASED from a card found on the blog, Design with Ink. I really like all of her work. Well, until next time................... Happy Stamping, ~danita~

Heart Pouch

These heart pouches are the cutest and easiest projects to make. I used a lot of my new goodies from the Occasions mini. The DSP paper is called "Sending Love Specialty". It has one side that has glitter on it and the other side does not. But the glitter side is so thick with glitter that it feels like sand paper. I also used the the perfect polka dots embossing folder (love it), Whimsical Words stamp set (SAB), and pretty in pink satin ribbon (handle). To make the heart shaped pouch, I used the petal die and the big shot. I really like how it turned out and will be making many more.

Get Stamping,

~danita~

Heart Card

Well.... it time to work on Valentine's Day cards and this is what I came up with using a little inspiration from Heather Summers. I used the movers and shapers die to cut out the heart window and card. I really like the Sending Love Specialty DSP that is in the Occasions mini catalogue. Other new items are the pretty in pink satin ribbon, Perfect Polka Dots impressions folder, and Whimsical Words stamp set. I used Simply Said to stamp and embosss the red heart that is punched out. Please forgive the photo as I am working with a new camera. On another note, my hard drive is not fixed yet but I have figured out a way to continue posting. I will be posting late tomorrow since I my family are about to leave for a quick trip away. Happy Stamping, ~danita~

The Day My Computer Died......................

It was a very sad day yesterday. My computer froze and when I tried to restart it, it beeped incessantly. I turned it off right away. When my dear hubby arrived home, he said that we need to take it to the store since it is still under warranty. Which is not such an easy task since we live 2.5 hours away from the closest store. I just hope that I have not lost a lot of my pictures. Although, we did back it up about 2 months ago. Anyway, I will try to post pictures of my projects from this computer that I am working on. I really hope it works. Well, I am off to create since that stops me from thinking about the hard drive. Happy Stamping, Danita

Find Your Word

For the past few years I have chosen a word of the year. It is a concept of Ali Edward's that I love. She chose a word to keep in mind all year in order to invite change in her life. You can read about it in her recent post http://aliedwards.typepad.com/_a_/2009/12/one-little-word-2010.html

As you can see from my photo above, words I have chosen are Grow, Encourage, and Nurture. And funny enough, I didn't realize Ali had chosen Nurture last year too. I am still pondering my word but so far the word "Fruitful" comes to mind. I still have a few days to mull it over. I am hoping you too will choose a word for yourself. It's not like a resolution but a statement. Choose a word that is absolutely appealing to you right now, possible something you crave or something you admire. Then once you have your word, make a project to incorporate it into your vision. Even printing it out on some favorite printed paper through the computer, stamping it out and putting it in a frame, glue it on blocks to put on a shelf.... to be reminded through the year about your word. you will be surprised how that word works it's way into your life.

Each year I do a scrapbooking layout that I have in a wooden frame on the wall above my desk. I use my 'word' as the title with the year and add 4 creative resolutions to it. It is there to remind me of the creative goals I set. Some examples over the years are:

-read my camera manual

-hand make all greeting cards

-hand make all christmas gifts

-learn a new art skill

-read books to feed my soul and find inspiration

-write actual letters to encourage friendships

-fully organize my craft space (including painting it! some may remember my red walk in closet/scrap"room")

So challenge yourself this year. Set even 3 creative goals to feed your soul. Creative resolutions are often easier to keep because they nurture our souls and don't demand deep hardships (like committing to go to the gym regularly, lol). I find creative resolutions help restore me and refresh my person. It's easy to get lost in our busy lives and forget to fill our tanks. You may not consider your self a "crafty" person but don't ever underestimate the benefits of learning. It's the process that works the muscles and bears fruit!

Feel free to post your word and/or creative resolutions below in the comments. Happy New Year to all!!!

-tania

alternative papers...

So I may get some flack for cutting up a childrens book but here goes....

I was doing some wrapping and I purchased a never ending roll of paper Costso 2 years ago. It's like a living roll that grows several meters each month under my stairs throughout the year. I decided not to buy NEW wrapping paper until I finish this crazy roll. Hmm... wise decision? While wrapping this year I couldn't help looking arround the room for other things I could use. That's when the old Dr. Suess books called to me. I have a stack of old beat up childrens books I use to make cards with occasionally but by taking out a few pages and glueing them together to make a larger sheet, I found another life for them. Add some SU! ribbon and a home made tag and I think it has a whole new adorable life sitting under the tree!

So! Keep your eye out at thrift stores, garage sales, grandparents "hand me downs", used book shops, or your own home library for books that need a new cuter life! Happy preparations everyone, tania

Teacher's Christmas Gifts

This Christmas, I made 3 teacher's gifts for my children's teachers. I used the Smore box that I made in June but decided to put something different in it. I was going to put hot chocolate, marshmallows, and candy canes in but then I found out that the teachers liked tea so it became a London Fog Box. I put vanilla syrup, Earl Grey tea bags, recipe card for London Fog and one Snickerdoodle cookie in the boxes. The teachers loved them!

What kind of gifts do you give to your children's teachers?

Happy Stamping,

~danita~